Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Sunrise In A Storm
SERIES: Polaris Mysteries #2 of 4
AUTHOR: Crystal D Budy
PUBLISHER: Wicked Dreamer Press
LENGTH: 262 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 21, 2024
BLURB:
The answers they’re looking for will change everything.
Max Talbot has been the mayor’s alternatively pampered and abused son, a homeless addict hustling people for money, and the husband of a domineering lawyer. The one thing he’s never been is happy. That’s all he wants: a normal, happy life where he can annoy Mike Carter and be an upstanding citizen.
Maybe not so much on that last part. He’s kind of a mess. But he’s trying, okay?
As much as Carter wants to help his big brother, Scott, keep investigating the mountain cult that may be behind local corruption and disappearances, he’s still reeling from the news that the investigator he hired to locate his little brother, Joey, was found murdered in Brook Valley.
When an old acquaintance shows up begging Max and Carter to help him track down his boyfriend, who went missing in the same area, it seems like the perfect opportunity to also look into the PI’s death. But as they poke around, it becomes clear nothing is as it seems, and they may be putting everyone they know in danger if they don’t let this go.
Unfortunately, letting go has never been Max’s strong point.
Sunrise in a Storm is the second book in the Polaris Mysteries series. The series is best read in order as there is an overarching plot throughout the series.
REVIEW:
Moving on from book one, Max and Mike romantically keep the other at arms-length – albeit a struggle. However, when Max smells a mystery, he can’t help but try to solve it. Knowing Max’s penchant for finding trouble, Mike accompanies Max on his sleuthing adventures, which ends up with the two even closer than before and playing parent to a young man who needs protection.
Sunrise in a Storm is the second book in the Polaris Mysteries series. Each book has a case that our amateur sleuths need to solve, but the series has an overreaching arc. Book three is coming out later in the year, and book four early next year. I have fast become a fan of these books. Max is a man of many layers. He is a snarky individual who puts on a front to hide the hurts and trials of his former years.
In contrast, Mike is the stabilizing influence who seems to have a sixth sense regarding Max’s misadventures. Mike also has familial issues regarding his younger brother, who has been missing for some time. This adventure, like the previous one – I very much enjoyed.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Max and Mike. Worldbuilding includes an old flame, a seedy bar, jealousy, and the infamous Appalachian Order, which has its grubby mitts into some nasty pies.
Behind the scenes, a lot is going on. Mike’s older brother is conducting an off-the-book police investigation into the AO cult, introducing new characters to proceedings. Shout out here to Kip, who was a mixed bag of hormonal emotions alongside fear – he was a pleasure to read. Mike comes over as the caring supporter of anyone who needs it while shouldering his own worries. However, Max takes up the lion’s share of his time. It was super to see Max providing a shoulder for Mike, too. They’re fast becoming a true partnership.
Max, though, is the star of the show. He has deep bone-aching hurt and needs. Yet, he puts on a brave, snarky, matter-of-fact exterior that occasionally cracks, exposing his inner feelings. He is a splendid character to read. Also, Max can’t help looking into a mystery, which he proves more than capable of handling. Although the man is more inclined to ask forgiveness rather than permission before letting his strong will guide him to places, he shouldn’t go – at least not without backup.
I loved that every aspect of this story moved forward. Progress was made personally, emotionally, and investigatory. The mystery of Mike’s brother, Joey, advances. Also, Mike and Max are now on the radar of the AO, with things becoming dangerous and on the brink of blowing wide apart.
It was nicely done.
RATING: 
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