Ride the Wreck

Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek #2

by Max Walker

Elijah Roberts:

I’m a grumpy ass drag queen who loves what I do and never wants to stop. Drag gives me an escape, a way to embody the star inside me. A way to be happy.

Imagine how pissed I get when a stalker pushes me to quit drag after an extra spooky message is left on my mirror in red lipstick. Truly, my life couldn’t get any worse.

Enter Ryan Diaz, a smoldering and perma-smiling detective at Stonewall Investigations. He offers to take my case, which isn’t the only thing I want him to take…

What? I’m talking about my number. How else am I going to get him to come over and take my—

Ryan Diaz:

My life followed a simple routine: work, friends, time with dad on his farm, and getting my heart tied up by another smooth-talking guy who promised the world on a plate only to cosplay as Casper the douchy ghost a few days later.

Predictable was fine. Boring, but fine.

Everything changed the night I watched Elijah perform as Blue Divine. From then on, my life became anything but predictable.

Electric. Exhilarating. Exciting.

All because of Elijah Roberts. Finding him was the easy part. Now I needed to keep him safe from his stalker, help bring back his love for drag, and get him to continue spending every night with me until the end of time.

Shouldn’t be too hard… right?
___________

RIDE THE WRECK is book two in the Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek series. It's a full-length and steamy gay romance novel that can be read as a stand-alone.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, M M Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Gay, Suspense

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2021

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and own almost everything that Max Walker has ever put to paper. I loved the original Stonewall Investigations series so when they opened an office in the small New Hampshire town of Blue Creek, I packed up and happily moved along with them. This one was okay, but not my favorite in the series. It was a good story as they all are, and I loved the character of Ryan Diaz, but the lifestyle depicted in this one was one that I just don't have much interest in. I'm not coming down on it...and will defend their right to embrace it... but I just don't understand it. There was a mystery for them to investigate but the drag scenes over ran it. The lifestyle was okay for Elijah. I knew from the start that this was his choice, but Ryan always seemed an unlikely candidate and it seemed that he allowed Elijah to take him into it way to easily. There are plenty of laughs, smiles, heartache, and suspense along the way. Max Walker is one of my favorite authors. He has a real talent for telling a captivating story, with characters that you just want to get to know better. This one is still worthy of 4 stars for the character of Ryan Diaz alone.

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[KP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this book. The premise is great. And, I'm a sucker for a small town romance. But, unfortunately, this didn't really work for me. The characters felt pretty one dimensional - I can get behind a grumpy/sunshine trope but these were exaggerated to an extreme. They felt more like caricatures than characters. And, I didn't really think the villain reveal made much sense. But, honestly the biggest issues for me were the continuity issues. For example, on page 42 Ryan was raised in New Jersey and moved to Blue Creek when he was 16. But, on page 147 Ryan was born and raised in Blue Creek. Also, Ryan's mom died a few years earlier and he tells Elijah of her death twice as if its new information. There are also some timeline issues about when Ryan moved away and back to Blue Creek and when he joined Stonewall Investigations. To some people these continuity issues may not be a big deal, but they kept dropping me out of the story, and I spent far to much time trying to make sense of it in my head than just enjoying the book. Honestly, most of the issues with this book could be solved with a really good editor who can catch these kind of characterization and continuity issues. Not sure if I'm going to give the next book in the series a try; this author may just not be for me.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better. I love the Stonewall Investigations franchise, but I’m always especially drawn to small-town settings, so the Blue Creek spin-off has my heart. Not to mention this is a grumpy/sunshine story where the typical roles are reversed and the ‘bigger’ guy is the sunshiny one, best described as a Golden Retriever, and the Grumpy one is a prickly porcupine. Throw in a mystery stalker who’s escalating quickly and you’ve got a hell of a story. And have we mentioned drag queens?!

I’ve really come to love the mystery romance genre, and that is largely thanks to Max Walker and his merry band of investigators (okay, the Gold brothers too). Ride the Wreck is probably the happiest, most upbeat of them, and I was here for every minute.

Loved watching Ryan trying to get Elijah to see life through his rosy outlook. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to bring Elijah joy. Dress in drag; check. Make him laugh every chance he can; Check. Hunt down a stalker; check. Love him; check.

These two were fantastic together. Loved their banter and humour. And if you haven’t been infected by Ryan’s boundless joy by the end, then you need to read the book again!

[GeishaX]

I was out of this book after just a bit. It definitely wasn't for me. I don't like heteronormative stereoptypes transfered into the m/m world and that was sooo happening here. I also found it confusing that a book with alternating first perseon povs was narrated by one narrator only - even if it is Greg Boudreaux

[Jesus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its okay.

Not the sequel I was hoping for. It had a lot of good ideas and potential. Maybe I just comparing it too much with the first one. There are several missing things about Ryan and Eli past relationships to not be mentioned more in detailed. I know the story is more about Eli but I want to know more about Ryan. The whole stalker revealing wasn't much of a great climax. In addition the whole adding a side crime story kinda doesn't help this story.

[Micha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series, I knew I wanted to read it and it was lovely and heartwarming.
My only criticism is that the plot was a bit too similar to the previous book for my taste. Down to the detective half of the pair getting a case-breaking phone call immediately after having mind-blowing sex on a vacation... But the characters were lovely and genuine and I always love a happily ever after.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't explain why this book got to me. I have been reading & loving Max Walker since his Guardian Series. Each book gets better & better but for me this one was off the charts good. I felt like I knew the 2 MC's personally. It drew me into the story and I found myself saying "one more chapter" until I reached the end. I was offered an ARC for an honest review.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and one dimensional. Dnf at 23%.

[Stephanie Bonsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what they say that opposites attract, well this book totally encapsulates this saying. Elijah Roberts is an eternal pessimist because so many bad things have happened to him in his life and he thinks nothing will ever change. Ryan Diaz is an optimist and sees everything in a positive light. Ryan is also a Detective at Stonewall Investigations in Blue Creek and Elijah needs his help.

After their first meeting at a very eventful drag show in town, both find they are instantly drawn to the other. Elijah turns up at the offices of Stonewall Investigations asking if Ryan can take on his case of an ongoing and worrying stalker. Ryan takes on the case, but only if Elijah agrees to put him in drag so that he can go undercover at the club. As Elijah changes Ryan into a stunning Queen, the pull between them becomes stronger and their relationship begins. As Ryan looks further at the evidence the stalker has left behind, everything leads to one shocking conclusion and showdown.

This book is another wonderful read from Max Walker and has murder, an out of control stalker, suspense, drama, shocks, steam and lots of action. Ryan and Elijah are both wonderful characters and I was so happy they finally got their HEA. Although this story runs alongside the hunt for the Unicorn copy cat killer, it's mostly the story of Elijah and Ryan and their growing relationship, which is totally ok as it leaves the door wide open for the next book! I give this a 5 star rating and would totally recommend reading it, especially if you are a Max Walker fan. I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! 💜

I was given an ARC of this beauty and I loved every moment of the ride! Max Walker had me on the edge of my seat and second guessing myself, until one big clue stood out and I ran with it. What clue, you ask? Oh, it was a small and cute...sike! Haha. You'll have to read it. I loved seeing past characters and though I wanted to see them just a bit more, I understood why they didn't have a big presence. But, I liked it because the story focused mainly on the situation between Elijah and Ryan. The story has moments of angst, but isn't overwhelming, if that isn't your thing. It's the right amount.

I'm all for, #TeamEliyan! 🥰

Those two couldn't have been more perfect for each other. There is plenty of laughs, smiles, heartache, suspense and WTF's. And, the sexy times are always yummy. You'll fall in love with them both. Their life-stories may be different, but I felt that worked well for them. The similarities are just as great, too. Gosh, I can't wait for more and I'll tell you..I hope one of the side characters gets a story! They need one. I hope they do.

Grab, Ride The Wreck. It'll take you on one hell of a ride, that you won't want to get off! 🤴🏽🌈🤴🏼

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Divine (aka Elijah Roberts) is having a bad night. The music glitched during her drag act, a persistent stalker has left a threatening lipstick message on her mirror, and she breaks a heel in front of the cutest guy ever. Ryan Diaz is a PI for the new Stonewall Investigations office in Blue Creek, New Hampshire and when his eyes meet those of the distressed Cinderella known as Blue Divine, he feels the spark of attraction. When Elijah hires him to find his stalker, he finds an exhausted and sensitive person behind all the glam and glitter and he feels a fierce protectiveness for him.

I was uncertain I’d like this but I really did! This had a nice balance of fun and seriousness with great chemistry. Elijah / Blue Divine is a beautifully complex character and Ryan was utterly decent. I loved how he volunteered to be in drag to motivate Elijah not to give up the role he was born to play. The mystery / investigation was interesting and I love how Ryan and Elijah puzzled it out rather than stumbling across the culprit. 🎧 Popular US voice actor Greg Boudreaux gave another great narrative performance and he subtly changed his voice so I knew exactly when each character was speaking.

[Aussy Futch · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so bad I wanted to give it a 0, but that’s not possible, so I give it a 1.


I already knew to adjust my expectations heading into this book because I’m aware this author’s work is… questionable. But oh my god this book was so remarkably corny and tacky. The sheer number of similes was overwhelming. There was a simile in literally every other sentence, just a sign of an underdeveloped writing style. The characters were so static the entire way through. The sub-plot of the stalker situation was so oddly paced and it was never fully fleshed out. I felt like I was reading the screenplay of a movie on Tubi. Also the DRAG RACE REFERENCES WERE OFF THE CHAIN CORNY. Oh my god like they just never stopped! Elijah’s characterization was just so stereotypical girlypop sugar-gay and it was hard to see past. Unfortunately, I jumped the gun by purchasing all of the Stonewall Investigations and Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek books at once having been intrigued by the premise, this is only the second book I’ve read (after Love Me Again) by this author and I’m not so sure it’s gonna be easy getting through the rest of them.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah has a stalker problem. Add that onto his life of negative happenings and he is falling apart. He decides to leave drag as the stalker threatens him if he don't. Ryan is a detective but more than that he is a positive outlook kinda guy. He meets Elijah after his performance, a threat on his mirror and a murder mimicking the "Unicorn" killer. Giving up he seeks help from Elijah and the Stonewall detectives take on the job of finding this new murderer that the dub, the "Pegasus." Attraction, fear, murder, stalkers, negative and positive attitudes lead the readers on a journey of blooming love and fear as the stalker looms ever closer. Will Ryan and Elijah get their HEA dressed in their queen outfits or will their hopes go up in smoke? Excellent story as always from our Stonewall family and this author. Well worth reading.

[Darrel Oglesby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, adventure,love, lust and drag queens what more could one as for in a book. The latest installment of the Blue Creek chapter of the Stonewall Investigation series brings us sassy drag queens and a creepy stalker. Ryan is an absolute glowing ray of sunshine always looking for the positive with a smile on his face and sheer goodness radiating out of him. Elijah is the grumpy and jaded Queen who has had enough of life’s bullshit. After a chance meeting, an increasingly aggressive stalker, and a killer on the loose bring these two together the sparks begin to fly. Opposites attract resulting in steamy hot sex that’ll leave you in need of a cold shower. An intrigue mystery and a HEA, well written, captivating story, lovable characters, and a promise of more to come……what a wonderful addition to this series of books 5+ stars, I can’t wait for the next one.

[Brie_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryan’s part of the whole team exploring the Unicorn copycat case when they find a new body at a drag show and Ryan meets Blue Divine, the queen with a stalker. Ryan promises to help and begs Blue to never stop performing. A friendship emerges as Ryan learns more about the world of drag and about how far Eli’s stalker is willing to go.

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Drag Queens, amazing contouring, and great names

2) An intense stalker (what’s with the pig heads?) and a killer on the loose and

3) How safe and cared for Ryan makes Elijah feel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #romanticsuspense #mystery #fiction #stonewallinvestigationseries #stonewallinvestigationsbluecreek #maxwalker #ridethewreck @maxwalkerwrites

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rollicking mystery romance from Max Walker.

I really have enjoyed the Stonewall Investigation books so far, so I gladly accepted an ARC of this one to review. Max has produced another rollicking mystery/romance. I enjoyed this as much as the previous Stonewall books. There is so much natural chemistry between Ryan and Elijah, both trying not to fall in love due to past relationship issues causing them to be cautious. Luckily this does not last long, It really takes you back to that feeling of true love found. The mystery element was well written, loved how Elijah rescued Ry, totally unexpected.The ending was a little on the cheesy side, but Max obviously goes all out in his stories. Despite the content, an easy to read, uplifting kind of story. Enjoyed.

[mrs sarah frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Stonewall Investigations Blue Creek series is Ryan an Upbeat positive detective and grumpy drag Queen Blue Devine (Elijah)

If you like sassy drag Queens, suspense, drama, stalker, murder, lots of action and steamy hot sex then grab this book.

After the stalker messages gets scarier Elijah hires Ryan to find who is stalking him.

I thought I knew who the stalker was but hey Max is so clever with his writing that this story really makes it a ‘who done it’

I loved the epilogue and the new drag family

Excited for who is next in this great series. Highly recommend this 5 star rating book.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing to see what can shine when someone lobes & respects you and you feel it to your core !

Elijah is a drag queen and has a stalker. It has doused her shinning Queen performance. Detective Ryan goes to the bar with his crew to bond and relax. What happens is Ryan is mesmerized and running towards Blue Divine like its his last breathe. The plot has two mysteries within and a healing sauce for the sole. This is a great book for anyone with negative perspective to find some light and balance. Elijah is a warrior and coming on top as Queen. MM Romance. More book reviews please check it out @my2centsbooklover!

[Sharon Cote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux, who did a great job playing both MCs. This is #2 in the series, and it was just okay to me. First of all, it was basically insta-love, which I don't really like. I think that almost has to happen, because there is a mystery/crime to be solved by the detective agency, so the beginning of the book is setting that up, as opposed to setting up the relationship (imo.) Secondly, one of the MCs is a twink, which is not favorite. Setting is a small town in New Hampshire. One MC also said the title at least 5 times .... we get it, that's why it is named that, but it seems like a weird expression to me - meaning "see it through to the end" or "ride out the storm".

[Levi Rivas Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ride the Wreck expands the Blue Creek arc with a sharper, more emotionally charged investigation that refuses to stay neatly contained. The case digs deeper into personal history and community fractures, mirroring the characters’ struggle to rebuild trust while still carrying old wounds. Walker balances momentum with intimate emotions, letting hard truths and quiet resilience do the heavy lifting rather than melodrama despite being centered around a community of drag performers. It’s a confident, compelling continuation that strengthens Blue Creek’s identity within the Stonewall Investigations universe while clearly leaving room for what comes next.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ride The Wreck
By Max Walker
Main Characters: Elijah and Ryan
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars

Ryan is a PI and Elijah is a drag queen. This was a good story but I had a hard time understanding who was talking with the different genders. I have read 8 or more books by Max and I love them, so just because I didn't always understand the drag stuff in no way detracts from the story. I look forward to more stories by this author.

[Laurene · Rating 4 out of 5]

like Max Walker's writing, been reading him for a while now-this one didn't disappoint! The drag subplot as well as the mystery were fun and full of clues-making the story a fun sexy read. I only had one issue with the main character Ryan-sometimes he made basic safety mistakes FOR a detective (but I'll go with he was in love so he wasn't thinking straight!) Running off alone-without backup from his Agency? Got caught which added to the plot but....I enjoyed it anyway~ thanks Max for taking us on the trip to Blue Creek.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked what Elijah introduced Ryan to. Ryan was such an easygoing character, so him trying something new and getting infectiously excited about it with Elijah made sense. I wanted to see more about that and less of Elijah's constant pessimism. I may have to look up books with characters in that atea.

This book kept repeating scenes in the earlier chapters so you could see them from both main character's viewpoints. It is an interesting idea, but it messed with my sense of the timeline.

It was hella annoying they did absolutely nothing with the reason Zane came to town.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

elijah and Ryan's story beautiful intense and had me intrigued from one page to the next I was hooked and didn't want it to end 


I fell more in love with elijah and Ryan with every word I was also on the edge of my seat at times and always looking forward to what was going to happen next 


ride the wreck was just what I needed and had everything I love in a book looking forward to more of this series 

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I hated watching Elijah give up drag, I loved how Ryan was determined to bring back his love of performing. Ryan is so accepting and sweet, absolutely adoring every part of Elijah. His positive outlook works wonders paired with Elijah, helping to build up his confidence and re-spark his passion for life. Ryan and Elijah have a sizzlingly sweet romance, mixed in with murder, stalkers, and suspense. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposite attract in this grumpy/sunshine Stonewall Blue Creek story.
I loved this opposite attract story, in the always entertaining Stonewall Universe. Elijah is a grumpy drag queen with a serious stalker problem and Ryan is the sunny, always positive detective who takes on his case after being star-struck the first time he saw Elijah as Blue Divine on stage.
The book is full of banter, steam and action and is an absolute joy to read!

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in Stonewall Investigation series and it was great.

Elijah and Ryan meet when Elijah is being stalked and Ryan takes on the case. He is grumpy and negative to Ryan’s Cherry and optimism. However, they just click.

There is also a serial killer on the look but that storyline took a back seat.

Theses find love and happiness despite fear and past, and Elijah life being on the line.

This was a good addition to the series. Look forward to the next book

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine Shadowed

Grumpy drag queen Blue Divine is struck by PI Ryan's brilliant gaze and literally falls for him, in the middle of a performance and exits backstage to horror. Ryan consoles wigless Elijah's shocked tears and counters the declaration he's quitting by offering himself for a makeover. Opposites collide and they negotiate a path through their different approaches to life.

[DANNETTE HUGGINS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story.

These two were fun to read about. Though I don't remember Elijah being a drag queen in the first book. I understand about books being able to be read as a solo but I felt that more interest could have been put in the first book to make the second book more of an incentive to read. Now I'm not really interested if there a third book because nothing stood out to me in this one to creat an interest in the next book.