Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Moonlight On The Water
SERIES: Polaris Myteries #4
AUTHOR: Crystal D Budy
PUBLISHER: Wicked Dreamer Press
LENGTH: 296 Pages
RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2025
BLURB:
The end is in sight… but winning is rarely free.
Max Talbot and Mike Carter have hung up their sleuthing hats. In the aftermath of Willow Haven’s dirty laundry being dragged into the public eye, they’ve decided to leave the detective work to the professionals. They’re focusing on trying to be a normal couple, which includes figuring out what they should do for their first Valentine’s Day together, as well as struggling with their problem siblings: Joey, Violet, and, apparently, Kip.
But when Scott Carter is accused of drug possession and put on administrative leave from the police department, Max and Carter jump in headfirst to prove his innocence and figure out who is trying to frame him. Their investigation sends them down many roads, and all of them seem to lead to the Appalachian Order.
When they get an offer of help from an unlikely ally, they’re unsure whether they should accept. No matter what they decide, their lives will be forever changed. But the wrong decision could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to build.
Moonlight on the Water is the fourth and final book in the Polaris Mysteries series. The series is best read in order as there is an overarching plot throughout the series.
REVIEW:
In the aftermath of Max posting his mom’s video online – the fallout with the Appalachian Order is coming to a head with lives and careers in the firing line. Details are needed to take the cult down. Max and Mike can go and do things the regulation-driven authorities can’t – but at what cost. Who is an ally, or enemy is yet to be seen.
Moonlight On The Water is the fourth and last in the Polaris Mysteries series. Love the cover – I’d buy this book for the cover alone, and what’s between them is pretty damned good, too. In this story, everything has been building towards this conclusion. I was treated to sleuthing, some beautiful relationship bonding, bad-guy push back, and an exciting conclusion.
The story is told in the third person from Max’s sole viewpoint. Worldbuilding has evolved over the books. However, most of the tale develops through the bar, farm, and places Max and Mike shouldn’t have been but went anyway.
I am a fan of Max and Mike and adore how Max’s naughty side has rubbed off on Mike. They also venture into light D/s, which Max encourages as it’s something he needs from Mike. They have become true partners. However, the dynamic between Max and Kip absolutely floored me in a good way.
The blurb mentions an unlikely ally in the extended cast. I liked the way this went, and it also left the door open for a little spin-off story. Given some of the characters from other areas and departments, I think there is room for more spin-offs. Whether this happens or not, is obviously up to the author – but, plllleeeeaaaasseeee xxxxx. Regardless – if inspiration hits, this author can write something superb, and it would be lovely to see some crossovers.
I was treated to good guys, bad guys, not quite sure which way guys, valentines, disguises, mineshafts, weapons, poker, arson, and kidnapping, all wrapped up in a superbly flowing narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed.
RATING: 
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