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Jason Quill

I left the FBI because of a personal relationship that blew up in my face. He was the one and I let him go… pushed him away. I knew my brother—his best friend—had feelings for him, and I couldn’t get in the way of that.

Now, I’m living in a small town and working for a detective agency trying to stop a serial killer before they strike again. I focused everything on my job and let my love life wither in the process.

But the case is a hard one to crack and backup is called. That backup? Matthew Hale, FBI agent, behavioral analyst, and my first ever true love and real heartbreak.

This was about to get very interesting.

Matthew Hale

I loved working for the FBI. It was a childhood dream come true, a job that took me all over the country and helped me make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. I felt fulfilled.

Mostly.

I was still missing something—someone. Jason Quill, a man I expected to stay in my past and who surprised me by showing up in my present after I accept a serial killer case in Blue Creek, New Hampshire. It was just like old times, and just as complicated.

One thing I was certain of: we were going to figure this all out, whatever it took, once and for all.

___________

WHATEVER IT TAKES is the third and final book 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.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2022

106 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Max Walker

45 books1,055 followers

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5 stars
278 (44%)
4 stars
217 (34%)
3 stars
95 (15%)
2 stars
27 (4%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for the kevin (vaguely alive).
969 reviews177 followers
February 22, 2022
DNF at 36%

The author spent so much time coming up with overwrought and nonsensical analogies and metaphors (see highlights), that I think they forgot to write a plot. Or characters.

This was very jumpy as well - both MCs would suddenly start thinking about sex mid conversation, like even mid conversation about a gruesome murder. Not only interrupts the scene, but also ???

This is first person dual POV, and I couldn't tell the MCs apart. Confusing to read, not that it seemed to matter much.

The whole thing keeping these dingdongs apart was that the brother is in love with the other MC? Um. Bro. This isn't an actual barrier, because what good does it do to let the brother keep being in love with that guy when he has 0 chance because he's already with the younger brother???!?! Martyrs for no reason. In fact, they're being actively cruel to the brother then, not telling him he has no chance.

For a second chance romance...it's remarkably boring on that front.

Overall, this was entirely made of horniness and terrible, horrible analogies.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,765 reviews137 followers
January 10, 2023
Stonewall Detective Agency has opened an office in a small town in New Hampshire and finds they are handed a serial killer case right away. If anyone has read the original Stonewall Agency series, you will remember that Jasona and Matt had broken up...well now they find they are back together...at least at work. Will their breakup keep them at odds with one another while trying to find a killer or will they make it back together? Matt and Jason were the perfect people to have finish this case. Their pain and happiness, the way they worked so well together, and how the series ends was just perfect. I have so enjoyed both the Stonewall series and all of the detectives. I have found that anything that Max Walker writes is an awesome experience.
Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews62 followers
February 9, 2022
Second chance Romance, mistery,crime, a really good book! The first book read by this author
634 reviews
May 13, 2022
Just an ok story for me. I had a hard time telling the MCs apart. Not the greatest detective/FBI agent either, focusing more on their horniness, in the middle of an investigation, than the murderer in their small town. There were way too many analogies, some ridiculous, throughout the story. Unsure if I'm in a funk or if I was reading too slowly to enjoy.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,841 reviews38 followers
August 13, 2022
Sad to have the Blue Creek series end. Love small-town romances and have really enjoyed the many Stonewall Investigators finding love.

Jason and Matt’s story is lovely and heartwarming, even though it is set in the midst of serial murders that have taken their inspiration from the Unicorn killer (see the original Stonewall series).

These two loved each other once, they made great romantic partners as well as FBI partners. But Jason left it all behind, afraid of hurting his brother. Instead, he hurt himself and Matt.

When they find themselves working the Pegusas case together, there is no denying that all those feelings they once had are still burning strong. But if they are going to have a shot, they have to come clean with their best friend and brother and find a serial killer.

I loved that these two didn’t fall into any major drama, they fell into step with one another, made peace with their past, and navigated their future together. It was lovely because really, chasing a murderer is drama enough!
14 reviews
March 21, 2023
Ummm this was a mess. I usually enjoy this author’s work, but I can’t defend the choices made here. It read like a first draft.
Generally, I do suspend a lot of disbelief for this particular sub-genre, but there were plot holes, inconsistencies, and just plain nonsensical writing that took me out of the story.
Audio was fine I guess, but I was annoyed with a lot of what was happening, so even Iggy Toma couldn’t save this.
Profile Image for Ray.
1,067 reviews
March 22, 2023
I honestly cannot understand the 5 star reviews. The premise was absurd. An FBI agent comes to town to assist a private detective in solving a serial killer case? Sure.

Beyond the ridiculous case and lackluster mystery, the characters weren’t well developed and their romance was very blah.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,241 reviews23 followers
January 20, 2022
A great second chance romance by Max Walker. What I did like about it is that there's no gnashing of teeth or wailing. Matthew and Jason are made for one another, and demonstrate this from when they once again meet, there's a no angst zone here which was quite refreshing.There's murder, suspense and surprises along the way. The case doesn't pan out as they anticipate, and the killer is a huge surprise. Last book in the Blue Creek series. I'm interested to see where Stonewall Investigations goes next.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,337 reviews
February 11, 2022
DNF once again although the premise and back story sounded great, the story itself didn’t hold my interest. This author is not for me.
Profile Image for Erin.
35 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2024
Let me start by saying I just found this author and have been enjoying all the novels. However. This one feels rushed, confused and overall like it was written by an entire different person. I kept getting the two main characters confused. I hated the trope. And it’s constant whining about not being together because of one of the characters brother. Who also was annoying. Generally. Like I said. I really enjoy the author. But sometimes you get a dud. And this was it. I wanted more to the Serial Killer story and less whining about them getting together. I found myself skimming. A lot. So much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gigi~Reader.
57 reviews
June 2, 2025
i knew exactly who the killer was the moment i met him. i knew that there were 2 the moment they said one was sloppy and one was clean. this pissed me off cause i knew exactly who it was the whole time. especially when they found the ice coffee like HOW STUPID DO YOU HAVE TO BE. but after all this will i continue to read the second book of the series? yes i fear i will.
Profile Image for Jai Oni.
1,615 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Stephanie Bonsall.
149 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2022
This is a second chance romance book with fantastic characters, smoldering scenes, mystery, action, an ending that probably no one saw coming and a great end to the Stonewall, Blue Creek series.

Jason Quill is ex FBI and a Stonewall Detective, living in the small town of Blue Creek. He loves his job and his only regret is leaving his true love Matthew Hale behind when he realised his brothers true feelings for the man. The Stonewall Detectives based in Blue Creek are struggling to find a serial killer they've named the Pegasus and who is a copycat of the notorious Unicorn killer. Matthew Hale is an FBI agent specialising in analising behaviour and has been brought in to help the Stonewall detectives in Blue Creek. Needless to say, Jason is stunned when he realises that Matthew is the one brought in to help solve the case.
Almost immediately the pair are aware that the chemistry and love between them is still there, the only problem is that Matthew doesn't realise why Jason called it off all those years ago. As their feelings grow into the inevitable, the hunt for the killer intensifies and culminates in an ending I did not see coming!

This book is a fabulous ending to the Blue Creek series and is delivered in true Max Walker style, with lots of twists and turns along the way and some fabulous characters who I have grown to love. I can definitely recommend this series as well as all of the other Stonewall Detective books he has written. I was kindly given an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,614 reviews
June 23, 2024
A copycat killer (labelled Pegasus) is rocking the town of Blue Creek, New Hampshire and Stonewall Investigations has mobilised PIs who have dealt with the Unicorn killer cases because the MOs are similar. Former FBI Agent Jason Quill now works as a Stonewall investigator in Blue Creek and the last person he expects to see in town is FBI Agent Matthew Hale, his former lover. Jason backed away from Matt when Jason’s brother expressed interest in Matt, his best friend. They’ll need Matt’s profiling expertise because the Pegasus is evolving with each kill and they appear to be targeting a different demographic to the original Unicorn cases. Matt and Jason soon fall into an easy professional partnership, but both men find themselves wanting more.

I really enjoyed the suspenseful Pegasus cases and I loved watching Matt and Jason get a second chance at love—there was no game-playing, no big misunderstanding, just great chemistry. I also appreciated them puzzling out the killer’s identity rather than just relying on luck or the killer’s impatience. 🎧 Popular voice actor Iggy Toma is a favourite of mine and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance! Fingers crossed for more in this series or more Stonewall spin-offs 🥰🤞
Profile Image for Brie_reads.
1,176 reviews28 followers
April 8, 2024
A sweet and fluffy end to the Stonewall Investigations that brings the Unicorn copycat known as Pegasus to an end. Matt and Jason reunite to work the case and old fires rekindle. A second chance romance with a sweet ending,

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Wraps up the series with a great flourish but keeps it sweet and new by introducing Matt the FBI agent and Jason the new PI

2) Old history for the characters and between the red wings and the unicorn horn, reminiscent of both the Unicorn and the Third Angel killings and

3) A great HEA

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #fiction #romanticsuspense #mystery #maxwalker #stonewallinvestigationseries #stonewallinvestigationsbluecreek #stonewallinvestigationsmiami #stonewallinvestigationsnewyork #whateverittakes @maxwalkerwrites
Profile Image for Samantha Holly.
331 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2025
There are a lot of inconsistencies in this book, which I could ignore, but what I can't is how easy it was to decipher whom the Copycat Killer was. The clues were obvious, and really, if you had an agent & a detective that couldn't see what was in front of them, then they had no business in said field.

Besides this, there's some missing parts to the story, in my opinion. Firstly, why wasn't the Harry thing addressed? Was his declaration a miscommunication or a misunderstanding that caused the MCs to split initially? Also, what happened in the final chapter? The ending is too rushed & then the epilogue is 5 years later. What the ever loving hell?

This has great potential but needs more. I was looking forward to reading this book out of the other 2 books in this series, but unfortunately, this story left me disappointed.
1,547 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2022
I think I already raved about how much I love Max Walker’s books. I have read every single one of them and none of them has left me less than completely happy! I love his mix of mystery, action, steaminess, and great banter!
This is the last book in the Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek series, and what a great finale it is! I won’t write anything about the mystery and actual plot of the book in order not to give anything away. I’ll just say, from the romance POV, that this was a great second chances story, with Stonewall’s PI Jason having to work with his former FBI partner, and lover, Matthew, who also happens to be Jason’s brother best friend.
Lovely characters, lots of action, and surprising revelations, everything I love in a book!
Profile Image for Darrel Oglesby.
116 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2022
What’s worse than still being in love with your ex? Having him be your brothers best friend. Oh, and having to partner with him to take down a serial killer. Jason has a good life, a home in the picturesque town of Blue Creek, and a job as a detective at Stonewall Investigations yet he still yearns for Matt the one that he pushed away. Matthew is the FBI agent that has been sent to Blue Creek to aid in the escalating Pegasus killer murders, but being partners with Jason gives his weapon a constant need to discharge.
Hot and steamy mixed with mystery and suspense in a way that only Max Walker can do it, I have loved each and every Stonewall Investigations books and this one was no exception.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2022
This was a great ending to this series. Jason and Matthew are strong characters who work perfectly together despite their personal life in tatters. Harry plays a pivotal role in their lives as he is Jason's brother and he stands between Jason and Matthew. The serial killer "Pegasus" is picking up his killing spree and no one feels safe in the small town. Matthew is sent from the FBI to help out in the investigation and once again Jason and he are on a case together. There is major suspense, danger, angst, lust, frustration, misplaced loyalty and lots of love. A surprising ending and a great HEA greets the reader at the end. An Excellent read and an excellent series as we would expect from this author.
1,220 reviews45 followers
April 20, 2024
Story of Matthew and Jason

This is a brother’s best friend/Second chance mystery romance featuring Matthew and Jason.

Jason is a private detective with Stonewall and Matthew works with the FBI. They are working together on trying to solve the serial killer case.

There is lots of pining and rebuilding their relationship as they work to try and find the serial killer.

I won’t tell you anything else about this as I don’t want to spoil it but I will say READ IT, it’s gripping and suspenseful, so well written. I’m really loving working my way through Max Walker’s catalogue.

The narration performed by Iggy Toma was perfect as always, Iggy can do no wrong.

One of my fav quote:

“I never want to let you go.”
“Then don’t”
Profile Image for Levi Rivas Pratt.
191 reviews
December 29, 2025
Whatever It Takes raises the stakes in Blue Creek by pushing both the investigation and the emotional arcs into uncomfortable, necessary territory. The case forces hard choices and moral gray areas, echoing the characters’ willingness to risk stability for truth and the people they love. Walker sharpens the balance between procedural tension and relationship growth, letting trust, loyalty, and sacrifice evolve under sustained pressure. It’s a powerful, cohesive installment that proves this series thrives when mystery and intimacy are allowed to collide. This series follows a familiar rhythm if you have read the original Stonewall Investigation series, but I find that gives the story arc a steady spine rather than dulling the tension.
Profile Image for Avid.
140 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2022
I love a good mystery. Blue Creek has a serial killer. This killer started out as a copycat to the Unicorn Killer until he changed his MO. In trying to figure out who this is, Stonewall Investigations has called a meeting of all the key players players including the sudden arrival of FBI's Behavioral Analyst, Matt Hale. Jason Quill, one of the lead investigators, was shocked to see his old partner and former lover. When Jason found out his brother was in love with Matt, he left the FBI. He moved to Maine to distance himself from Matt. Can they work together to solve this mystery? How long can they deny the love they have for each other?
Profile Image for Ann.
740 reviews
January 31, 2022
Whatever it Takes (book 3)
By Max Walker
Main Characters: Jason, Matthew, and Harry
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
Matthew is an FBI agent and Jason was FBI but has since moved to a small town Blue Creek, New Hampshire working with Stonewall Investigations. Jason and Matthew had a relationship going while they both worked for the FBI but when Jason's older brother (Harry) and Matthew's best friend revealed something Jason just up and left Matthew and the FBI behind. This story is set 6 years into the present. when they meet again. Max Walker writes great m/m romances.
Profile Image for Cara.
582 reviews24 followers
April 20, 2025
Story: 3.5 stars
Audiobook: 4 stars. Narrated by Iggy Toma

This one is better than the previous one, although the mystery is not such a mystery, because it is quite obvious, at least it has no flaws in terms of character development or plot.

Jason leaves the FBI and moves to town to work at the detective agency. Years later a serial killer's copycat turns up and his ex-partner and ex-lover, Matt shows up in town to investigate the case. Matt and Jason start working together to catch the killer but the feelings and attraction are still there.

I find the reason for Jason leaving Matt very flimsy, especially how everything is resolved later on.
3,010 reviews46 followers
January 20, 2022
Whatever It Takes is a wonderful addition to the Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek series.
This second chance romance will capture your heart.
Matthew and Jason are made for one another and now have the opportunity to right the wrongs from the past. All while searching for a serial killer.
The mystery certainly kept me guessing throughout the story. I loved the connection and chemistry between Matthew and Jason.
Hot and sexy, combined with mystery and suspense in a way that only Max Walker can do it!
There's a reason he is an auto read for me!
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
450 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2022
Book 3 in the Stonewall Investigations Blue Creek series, we have Jason Quill Stonewall Investigator and Matthew Hale FBI behaviour analyst.

When Jason gets sent some help from the FBI to catch The Pegasus he didn’t expect it to be his lost love Matthew. The chemistry these two have prove they’re just meant to be.

This is a great second chance read with brilliant characters, plenty of twist and turns and brings this series to an end in only true Max Walker style. I would highly recommend and all of the Stonewall Investigation series.

I’m excited for where Max Walker takes us next!
Profile Image for Aussy Futch.
5 reviews
April 16, 2025
This was a DNF for me at 36%…. Another review said something to the effect of “this author spent so much time writing analogies that they forgot to write the plot” and I literally could not say it any better. I STRUGGLED to get through the first two books in this series and I just can’t with this one. Even the smut is corny and tacky. I had pre-purchased 7 total books from this author excited to read them all based on the blurbs, but I will be returning those I haven’t opened yet and selling those I did open. :’)

Max Walker please head back to the drawing board.
Profile Image for Jennifer Reilley.
1,143 reviews29 followers
January 20, 2022
This is the final book in the Blue Creek series. It’s a great second chance romance with no angst.

Sparks fly when Matthew and Jason come together for another assignment. Find the Pegasus killer and rekindle what they lost many years ago

The book has murder and suspense with a killer I never guessed. Max has written a great series I have thoroughly enjoyed. Check out the series if you have not yet.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
January 21, 2022
Jason left Matthew and his life years before because he thought he was doing the right thing. As he lives his life in the small Connecticut town of Blue Creek, a serial killer brings the one man he can't forget back into his life. You can feel the spark between the two men and as they work together to catch the killer in the small town, their romance ignites again and this time, they both fight for it. A good read!
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,400 reviews22 followers
January 22, 2022
This is a great second chance romance. Jason and Matthew are meant to be together, and it’s obvious from the moment they meet again. It’s so obvious that they’ve always know it as well! Despite it being a second chance for them, there isn’t much angst at all. Some suspense and mystery, mixed in with lots of delicious steaminess, light-hearted humour, and all the feels. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I definitely recommend giving it a go!
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