CROFTON, Md. - s4story -- Author Michelle Carey is proud to announce her highly anticipated return to the world of storytelling with her latest novel, "Haze." This release marks Carey's first work of fiction since 2023, following a prolific year in 2025 where she focused on empowering the literary community through four nonfiction titles, including two writing reference guides and two motivational books for authors.

"Haze" transports readers to the suffocating landscape of New Metro City, where a mysterious toxic smog has driven air quality indices to hazardous levels, forcing an immediate citywide lockdown. The narrative follows investigative journalist Emma Tolson, who is determined to expose the "rot" beneath the city's surface. After receiving an anonymous tip, Emma uncovers evidence that PureGreenAire, a powerful corporation claiming to be the city's environmental savior, has been systematically falsifying emissions reports while poisoning the community for profit.

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The tension escalates when Emma finds herself trapped during the lockdown with Ethan Rush, a talented designer and the childhood friend of her fiancé, Ryan Ray. As the two navigate the confines of the citywide emergency, Emma must balance her growing connection to Ethan with an investigation that becomes increasingly personal and dangerous.

"I am thrilled to be storytelling again," says Carey. "After a year of helping others find their voice through my reference guides, 'Haze' allowed me to return to my roots as a novelist with a story that reflects modern environmental and corporate anxieties."

Availability and Preorder Information The ebook version of "Haze" will be available for preorder on Amazon starting Thursday, January 22, 2026. The novel is set for full publication and release on March 25, 2026.

Michelle Carey is a versatile author known for her insightful guides on the writing craft and her compelling narrative fiction. Following her dedication to reference and motivational works for writers, she returns to the thriller genre with "Haze." Learn more at www.michellescarey.com or www.sunraimultimedia.com