I received this ARC from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to Thomas & Mercer, and to Rachel Caine for this opportunity.

Gwen is finally free from the her ex-husband but the internet torment continues. Gwen is trying to start over and have a normal life but her past keeps creeping up on her. She is monitoring the hate mail and trying to decide what is harmless and what is a real threat. Occasional calls from women needing help come her way as well. One call in particular concerns her. This woman really sounds like she's in trouble and needs help. Against her instincts, Gwen takes her family to Wolfhunter to help this women and she ends up in more trouble than she ever imagined in this dark town. Meanwhile, Sam Cade is fighting his own demons and knows that he needs to level with Gwen about his past once in for all.

This was an exciting read. It went in a completely different direction than the first 2 books in the series. I suppose you could consider it a book about Gwen's life after Melvin. She is trying to heal, trying to save her family, and hoping for a normal life.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and I was rather surprised to find that another book had been written as after the events at the end of Killman Creek I assumed that the story had reached its natural conclusion. Not so it seems. A lot of this book deals with Sam's story and his background and there are also a couple more plot lines that Gwen becomes involved in but they don't really further her own story.

This is not my favourite book of the series. I found the first half rather slow and a little repetitive at times but the story and action really kicks up in to high gear in the second half and the ending leaves it open for the next instalment. Bring it on!

First off, this book isn't really needed for the series. I think most things were wrapped up in book 2, Killman Creek. That said, I enjoy Rachel Caine's writing style, and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Gwen and the others in this series.

The third, and final, book in the Stillhouse Lake series. This book has a couple of main stories. One, Gwen is trying to live a normal life with her kids. Unfortunately, there are some people who would like to see her suffer for her husband's crimes. Two, a woman in Wolfhunter contacts Gwen with a story that intrigues her. Gwen travels to Wolfhunter, and soon suspects something is seriously wrong in the small town. Of course, these storylines intersect to make a fast-paced and exciting read.

Readers who enjoyed Stillhouse Lake and Killman Creek are sure to be thrilled with Wolfhunter River. A suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGally and Amazon Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of Wolfhunter River in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she can’t seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isn’t an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.

But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already dead—her own daughter blamed for the murder. Except that’s not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isn’t leaving until she finds out who that was.

But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And it’s poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, it’s so easy for them to hide…

My Review:

I absolutely love, LOVE, the Stillhouse Lake series! I devoured both the first and second books in the series which is going to make this review tricky to write because I had a different experience with Wolfhunter River than with the first two books. I think the best way to go about this is to discuss what I did and didn't like.

What I liked: Gwen is still one of the most badass female characters in a thriller novel that I have ever read. She is smart and strong yet still shows vulnerability which also serves to make her realistic. She is a woman scorned too harshly to allow anyone to mess with her or her kids. Wolfhunter River has that same Gwen, hooray! The other aspect of this book that pulled me in is the heart pounding suspense, but unfortunately it didn't occur until the end of the book, which leads me to what I didn't like...

What I didn't like: The first two books in this series were suspenseful from page one! Wolfhunter River took a long time to build up and didn't really pull me in until about the halfway point. The last 20% of the book was hard to put down, which of course I loved, but I wished for more suspense throughout. I also felt like the plot was a stretch from the previous two novels. It didn't really fit in with what happened before, Gwen just sort of got caught up in someone else's life or death drama... and the action ensued.

So I guess I did like this book, but I didn't love it. I wish it continued more of Gwen's story but instead this was just a continuation of Gwen's character. If there are more in this series, I am undecided about whether or not I will read them. I rated this one 3 out of 5 stars.

Although I didn't find this book as strong as the first two in the series, I can definitely see that this book is needed to bridge the gap between the first two books and the direction the series is going to take in the future.

The beginning was a bit tedious with the talk show aftermath for Gwen, and the drama between Sam and Gwen. However, things picked up in Wolfhunter when people started dying. The last couple of chapters were gripping and tense.

I think there were several loose ends in this book that may be revisited in the future, so I will definitely continue with this series to see what happens with Gwen and Sam.

I didn't think there was any way this series could get any better. I thought that with Melvin out of the picture, that there was little chance the "suspenseful magic" could be recreated and sustained through another book. Boy, was I WRONG! The drama and suspense in this book was every bit as intense and captivating, as it was in the first two. In fact, I think I might even have liked this book the most! I will never doubt Caine's ability to "bring it", again.

This story was PACKED with twists and turns and shocking, jaw-dropping moments. And, although I think that Gwen and her family have been put through enough, I would really love for there to be more books in this series.

#WolfhunterRiver #NetGalley

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Before I begin this review, I feel the need to mention that Wolfhunter River is the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series. You cannot just pick up Wolfhunter River and begin the series there. I mean, I guess you could, but you would be lost. Wolfhunter River begins where Killman Creek ends. There is some lapse of time, but the characters and their stories continue on.

It was good to be back in the Proctor world. There were still so many things to discover about Gwen, Lanny, Connor and Sam. I didn't expect there to be so many leftover issues after the last book, but I liked the way the characters had to navigate them and continue to trust in each other. I did get a little feeling of "this again?" at times, but the story didn't feel redundant.

What I really loved about Wolfhunter Creek was what I loved about the previous books in the series. The characters and their issues were so unique and still eye-opening to me. Rachel Caine's writing was outstanding. She knows how to set the tone and pace for an intense ride. I was immediately thrust into the thick of the story. The tension was constant and had me wondering if I was going to need to take breaks and throw a romance novel in them.

I had some mixed feelings when it comes to the story. There was so much going on. Really. So. Much. There were two or more plot lines going on at once, and I couldn't hep but wonder how they would tie together. I was interested in what was going on, but I didn't always know what to focus my attention on. I guess I couldn't always pick up on what mattered most in the story. In a way, that was kind of genius because when things did start twisting and turning and being revealed, I was genuinely surprised. Some things I foresaw, others I wondered what the heck? I don't know how to explain it other than to say the ending was this giant mess that somehow tidied everything up too perfectly. I don't know if that's a complaint or positive.

I guess what it all comes down to for me is whether I enjoyed the book or not. I did enjoy Wolfhunter River. It might not have been my favorite in the series, but it kept me guessing and entertained. I was so enthralled with what was going on that I read it in one day. The ending left me wondering if I would be seeing the Proctor family in the future. I hope so, but if not, Wolfhunter River was a strong way to wrap up a great series.

I have to admit that the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series started slow for me. However, once Gwen and the family arrive in Wolfhunter it’s all on! The author delivers with equal parts action and emotion. Gwen, Sam, Lanny and even Connor are dealing with various personal issues that all stem from the trauma that they’ve suffered.

The antagonist central to this book were interesting and creepy. I did find the story in Wolfhunter interesting.

I’m interested to see if there will be a fourth book. Where do Gwen and Sam go from here? Will her former life inhibit her PI work.

Thank you for the advance reader copy.

I have read and enjoyed many books by Rachel Caine and was looking forward to reading this one. This is the third book in a series. I haven’t read the first two books but I think this works well as a stand alone. If I had read the other books, I may have been able to understand more of the dynamics in the relationships of the main characters. Gwen Procter is the ex-wife of a viscous serial killer. After he was caught, many believed she was not only complicit but also aided him in his crimes. She was formally acquitted but there are still people that believe she’s a monster. This makes it very difficult for she and her kids to live a normal life. Her partner, Sam, helps her with the kids but he, too, has some secrets in his past. Many people in horrible situations contact Gwen asking for advice and she can’t help them all but she is drawn to help a young girl who has been accused of killing her mother. Lots of strange things are happening in this small town and soon, Gwen, Sam and the kids are in danger. It took a long time for me to get into this story and the tone was very dark. The story kind of gloomily plodded along until the last third of the book then it became so action packed, I was on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the book but I seriously thought of abandoning it several times in the first half of the book. So many people are working unfairly against Gwen it was a little depressing but it did offer a new perspective on how people involved in violent crimes continue to be victimized whether they are guilty of a crime or not. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I can't believe this is the last book! I was hooked from the very first book in the series.

Wolfhunter River, by Rachel Caine, is the third installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. Melvin Royal is dead, and Gwen Proctor and her family are trying to live a normal life in Stillhouse Lake again. Just when she thought this was all over, The Lost Angels continues to create hell for her and her family. A documentary is being created about her life as Melvin's wife/helper. To add to the mess, Sam is keeping a secret from her that threatens their relationship. Gwen gets into more trouble when she receives a call from a stranger in Wolfhunter who needs her help. The woman ends up dead a few days later and her daughter becomes the main suspect. Gwen and her family drives to Wolfhunter to help prove her innocence but wind up in danger as they uncover the secrets of the town.

This is probably my second favorite book from the series. When I got my hands on the first book, I was hooked and could not stop reading. There is a lot of action, so there's no dull moment. I'm a bit sad that I've just finished the third and last book of the series. Gwen is definitely a strong woman and it really makes you root for her and her family. I see a lot more character development with her children in this book, and it leads to an emotional scene in the book.

I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series. If you haven't read all the books yet, start with Stillhouse Lake. You will need to read the first two books to understand their lives.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rachel Caine, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Looking forward to a new series soon!

Another intense and disturbing read following the life of Gwen and her kids, as well as her partner Sam.
A phone call from a strange woman who claims to need her help leaves Gwen feeling unsettled and unsure of what to do about it. Not to mention the ambush that happens when Gwen tries to tell her side of the story. Life has gone from tenuously optimistic to death threats, camera crews and increasingly difficult to endure. Sam is realising that his two worlds are colliding not matter how much he wishes they weren't, and he realises he may loose the family he thinks of as his own.
After another strange phone call they decide to set of as a family to investigate and take a break from Stillwater and it's undesirables. Though nothing is what it seems in Wolfhunter River and they may just have been a lot safer of they had stayed at home! Not to be missed adrenaline inducing fast paced race against the walls of the town and it's secrets that are slowly closing in around them. Five incredible stars!

Wolfhunter River, by author Rachel Caine, is the third installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. The story once again features narratives from four characters. For Gwen Proctor, her daughter Lanny, her son Connor, and Sam Cade, the man who lost his sister to Melvin Royal, and once thought Gwen was as responsible as he was, nothing is easy. Not where they are living. Not the fact that they barely have any friends at all outside of Javier, and Kezia Claremont. Not when internet trolls continue to cause trouble.

Even though her ex is now dead, and Gwen has tried to move on with her life, she makes a fundamentally bad choice of going on a talk show in order to clear her name and letting the world see who she really is. It's a bad decision because the show pulls a fast one on Gwen by inviting Miranda Tidewell, whose daughter was Melvin Royal's second victim. Miranda is out for vengeance on Gwen. She has absolutely no hesitation in destroying her life, or putting Gwen's children in harm's way.

Gwen then gets a call from Marlene, a woman in a remote Tennessee town called Wolfhunter. Marlene is afraid of someone, but isn't willing to divulge the reasons for her fears. Marlene asks Gwen to come to Wolfhunter but she fears it's some sort of trap. After all, Gwen and her kids are a prime targets for anyone looking to make a name for themselves, including Marlene. But, after she receives a second call from Marlene's daughter Vee saying her mother is dead, Gwen chooses to travel to Wolfhunter River.

This is the crux of the story really. While Gwen knows she may be stepping into something dangerous, she has no idea of the corruption and the deep danger that seems to seep out of every crack in this town. Gwen's arrival causes a ripple affect that will collect everyone from Gwen, and her Kids, to Sam, along with Sam's friend FBI Agent Mike Lusting, as well as Miranda herself who just can't help herself when it comes to destroying Gwen's life.

My feelings are this is the weakest book of the series so far. Here is my issue with the story. The author pretty much turns Wolfhunter into a hick town by using political statements to make claims that these people have to be white supremacists and therefore they bad people who are responsible for hatred in this country. There's the usual suspects of the corrupt Sheriff and cops to support her point of view along with diabolical kidnappers who steal a black child and then lose her, as well as a group that shelters itself inside a compound filled with guns for some nefarious reasoning.

The book took over 100 pages before it actually got moving in the direction that made any sense, but it wasn't until the final 1/3 that the action was really good. There is also the surprise betrayal of faith by Sam, and no, I'm not going to spoil it. I will just say that I hate people who keep secrets and then expect things to ever be the same again. Yes, there is such things as forgiveness, but Sam's past actions really caused Gwen and her kids a whole lot of difficulties. Can they move on from here? I guess we will see when the fourth installment is released next year.

This book has a very current feel to it. Between trying to avoid the vitriol that is spewed on social media and the documentary that is being made about her, Gwen is still finding it extremely difficult to create a normal life for her family. There are still way too many people that believe she was a willing helper to her husband, a serial killer.

Her mistaken belief that his death would allow things to calm down was mistaken. The woman making the documentary also is looking to drive a wedge between her and Sam.

This is one series you really need to read the books in order. There’s so much backstory it can’t be summarized at the start of this book. This book moves on as Gwen reaches out to help a young girl accused on killing her mother. The town has a weird vibe, a sort of Twilight Zone feel to it.

Once again, we see the story from everyone’s POV which keeps things moving at a fast pace. I will say this book, while good, didn’t draw me in as much as the first two. The plot felt more contrived, more forced. Which isn’t to say I wasn't reading as fast I could to see how it was going to play out. The ending is just one wild ride!

What truly works is how the relationships of the four main characters play out in this book. We learn a lot about Sam. And it’s fascinating to see how each family member reacts to his story.

My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

Third book in the Stillhouse Lake series. In my opinion first one was the best, this one is too chaotic for me. Some connections make no sense, some situations make no sense, too much of everything. I finished it because I like Gwen Proctor, she is smart and very protective. Rachel Caine knows how to write not boring thrillers. Definitely it was fast and easy reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This looked like a great book, but unfortunately it was archived before I could read it and I did not know this was apart of a series. I will pay more attention to that before requesting. Thank you.

Book Review: Wolfhunter River, Stillhouse Lake, Book 3 by Rachel Caine

To fully enjoy this book, I'd suggest the reader do two things:

First: Read the first two in the series, Stillhouse Lake, Book 1 and Killman Creek, Book 2.

Second: Indulge and enjoy the ride! Suspend any basis in reality, save the questions, and succumb to the excellent, descriptive writing of the author.

- Her development of a strong female protagonist - from a shy minivan Mom to a krav maga trained, pistol-packing, sharp-shooting self-assured woman.

- Her own special mix of the thriller, action and psychological drama genres, though a bit less of the latter in this third book, but still with the full gamut of emotions evoked by a family in crisis, particularly with regard to the two children.

- Her traipes into the dark web; her vivid depiction of gun battles and action scenes. The intrigue elicited by an array of unusual characters. It's not a plot that's entirely predictable either, by any stretch.

Over-all, a very creatively written and enjoyable read!

Four and a half stars!

Then, tone it down a notch at the end of the book. Was there one sniper scene too many, and a few dollops of car chases too much? Why would a remote small town mechanic's clerk and part-time tow truck driver who may have witnessed a kidnapping, feel this sudden urgency to place a call to a serial killer's wife?

Four stars. But still, a very compelling read.

With five stars each for Books 1 and 2 - a Must Read Series!

Review based on an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Thomas & Mercer.

Wolfhunter River by Rachel Caine - the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series - is available April 23, 2019!

In the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series, Gwen decides to publicly defend herself and her innocence on television. She soon realizes that her plan has backfired and she finds herself, her kids, and her boyfriend, Sam Cade, in danger once again They are pursued by people who believe that Gwen was an accomplice in her husband's killing spree many years ago. To make matters worse, she receives a phone call that draws her into another dangerous situation that seems impossible to escape.

I have been following this series since the first book came out and was greatly anticipating this book. This one started a little slow for me but quickly turned around once the action started and I could not put it down. While some of the action scenes seem a little far fetched, I didn't mind because they are so exciting to read. I do not think this will be the last book in the series, which is great because I have enjoyed reading about Gwen, Lanny, Connor, and Sam. If you haven't read the Stillhouse Lake series and you like thrillers, this is a great series to try. You can start with the first book titled Stillhouse Lake.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the free advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

WOW! A great installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. This was definitely a book that I couldn't put down! I am wondering now if this is a conculsion....or just the beginning for Gwen Proctor.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I've really enjoyed this whole series...and this book takes a bit of a twist from the first two since a lot has changed(no spoilers - lol)

The family still struggles to deal with perceptions and their need to connect with others. it's action packed with drama that glues them together and tries to tear them apart.

A gripping psychological thriller that will have you devouring pages.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Gwen Proctor and her two kids escaped from her serial killer husband, but she hasn’t been able to outrun his notoriety. There are crazed stalkers out there still trying to make Gwen pay for her husband’s sins. Gwen is desperately fighting for a normal life for her kids. But she can’t ignore a cry for help, and when Marlene Crocket and her daughter call in a panic from Wolfhunter, Gwen reluctantly agrees to help. But by the time she gets there Marlene is dead, and her daughter is accused of her murder. Gwen is confident the daughter did not shoot her mom, and begins investigating who did. At the same time Gwen’s stalkers are making a play to destroy her and her family.


REVIEW
Wolfhunter River is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you devouring the pages. The story moves fast and you’ll need your running shoes to keep up with all the action, as well as the various plot lines. Wolfhunter River is the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series, and the series keeps getting better and better.

Gwen Proctor is an amazingly real, strong and smart character. You can feel her fear, her pain and her anger, as well as her determination, her courage and her strength. My favorite part of the book was despite the stalkers pursuing her, Gwen still finds the fortitude to help someone else in trouble.

Rachel Caine’s writing is engaging. It will definitely make you sit up and take notice. Caine is a NYT, USA Today, and #1 WSJ bestselling author of more than 50 books. Thanks to Netgalley, Rachel Caine and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Thomas & Mercer
Published April 23, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com