Another great read by Rachel, I enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down until the last page. Looking forward to reading the next one

BOOK REVIEW⚡️BITTER FALLS✨
Thank you to @netgalley and @rachelcainewriter for an advance reader copy of Bitter Falls in exchange for an honest review.
✨
In the 4th installment of the Stillhouse Lake series, Gwen Proctor is trying to move on with her life after her vengeful ex-husband’s followers have kept up his reign of terror. She has settled into a life as a private investigator, and is trying to solve a years old cold case of a missing young man. His parents are devastated, and Gwen knows all too well the pain and anguish of worrying about your child. She is determined to find answers, even if it means going places no one else would dare. As she discovers more clues about this cold case that no one else could crack, she uncovers threats that hit close to home. Can she trust the Belldene family, who has endangered her family, more than once? How far will Gwen go to protect her family?
✨
Another 5⭐️ hit from Rachel Caine! This is an amazing series that I would recommend to everyone who loves thrillers. I read this in less than 24 hours, and I’ll be honest, I was a little sad when it was over. I can’t wait for the 5th book, currently due out in March 2021!

4 Stars - Badass action thriller

Survival is our deepest instinct, and we must fight like hell to protect what or who we love.

If you're after some badass warrior momma energy, and a s*itstorm of action, look no further. Rachel Caine writes her characters so well that I often forgot the four differing perspectives (all family members) are written by one person. The main protagonist, Gwen Proctor, is constantly in a state of escaping her connection to her late husband's dark past, and outsmarting the onslaught of hatred received from strangers. Locking her house, filtering her violent hate mail, having back up plans and never ever letting her guard down. She has quick wits and can think her way out of almost any situation. All the while grappling the complexities of motherhood to two teens with struggles of their own as their lives take on more autonomy and unpredictability, and also savouring the little time she has with her new beloved partner.

The fourth in the Stillhouse Lake series, the story is rich with heartfelt emotion and nail-biting action; which coalesces with complex twists and unexpected turns after Gwen takes on a cold missing person case.. only to find a disturbing secret that now threatens her family. Once again, she must act, and invoke enough trust to risk everything to protect her family.

What I liked: I really liked all the main characters, surprisingly so as some are seemingly unlikeable. But man do they turn it up! Those kids are smart! Loved listening to each characters thoughts as they would puzzle their way out of a situation. Also, differing perspectives allow the reader to relate to different moral grounds which ties in with good reference to modern problems (eg. discussing how the internet "enables and organizes hate very effectively; it lets people believe they're righteous warriors for justice when in reality they're just clicking keys" ). Random mention of Estonia (my birth country and such a small little corner of the world..hah). And of course, last but not least, that I knew I could expect a horde of trouble !

What I struggled with: I think my enjoyment peaked at the first in the series, and I may have just been overexposed to the same dynamic but different enemies by the fourth instalment. I'm also more of a sucker for the psychological over the action thrillers - so keep that in mind. I also can't tell if it's a bit formulaic or if I've just read too many thrillers.. The story is all still very rich and complex, and it probably doesn't help that I read a book on a very similar topic not too long ago, so some of the behaviour that would have surprised me, didn't this time. I also think four perspectives probably suits a slightly shorter story, as having to constantly adjust between contexts and personalities and emotional extremity or lack of can be just that bit taxing.

Regardless, I was supporting Gwen & co. every step of the way and I could feel a solidarity during those hard-hitting decisions and emotions.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Stillhouse Lake series. I have read some of the other books so I was familiar with the characters and back story. If you haven’t read the others I think this could work as a stand alone but it’d be better and less confusing if you knew the history. The other books are very dark and menacing and this one is too. From the beginning I felt the gloom and doom of Gwen’s world. It’s very threatening and a little overwhelming. I’m glad Gwen fights for justice but the situations she has to deal with are almost too much. I get it, that is what makes the story interesting but really with all the horrible stuff that has already happened to her, Sam and her family, it is just too much. The sniping, the shooting, PTSD, the kidnapping by a crazy cult were so so much, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief any more. I found myself feeling depressed as I read it and it paints a horrible picture of humanity. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fascinating read but just like with the fourth book of the Outlander series I can’t read this series anymore. It is too emotionally draining and was dragging me down. That means the author is a great writer and I’ve loved her other series, this one is too depressing for me. 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.

Another excellent book from Rachel Caine. This poor family can never seem to catch a break. The amount of hate and threats they receive makes my skin crawl, and I can totally see it happening in real life. That's what makes is so sad and infuriating. As string as the characters have become over the course of these books, they still have their issues and flaws giving them plenty of room to grow. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book.

Bitter Falls is the 4th book in the Stillhouse Lake series by author Rachel Caine. I am not the best reader to keep up with series but I have kept up with this particular one. I like the character Gwen Proctor. She is a total badass! I love that she will do anything to protect her kids. This was an interesting storyline and I liked that the author stayed true to her characters. I'm not sure what else Gwen and her family can be put through but I'll probably be back for book 5 when it comes out!

Rachel Cain is another author that has quickly become one of my favorites. I enjoyed <i>Bitter Falls</i> a bit more than the last book in this series and feel like I've become invested in the character's lives, like I just have to know how they are going to turn out!

So much of the time, it feels like you are reading the same story but written by a different author with their different styles, but <i>Bitter Falls</i> is nothing like that! It has a very unique storyline compared to others out there right now that kept me very entertained and on the edge of my seat clear to the end!

The narration was on-point for this book! If you are listening to a book, the narrator can either make it or break it, and this cast of narrators (Emily Sutton-Smith, Michael Crouch, Dan John Miller, Lauren Ezzo & Will Ropp) really adds depth to the book! I always love when there is more than one narrator because I feel like when there are several characters in a book that multiple narrators give it more depth and allows you to follow along more closely without trying to figure out which character is speaking at the time!

Overall great success with this book and I can't wait for the next one in the Stillhouse Lake Series!

I’m not sure if this is the last book in the Stillhouse Lake series or not (a few things at the end made me feel it might be), but either way, I think it is the last one I will read.

The depiction of the PTSD all of the Proctors are experiencing is really well done. There’s a scene early on during an active shooter drill at the kids’ schools, and it was particularly heartbreaking seeing Connor’s reaction.

I also thought the cult was depicted well, including the self-proclaimed prophet who lead the group, the way many women were the most stout believers, and the whole setup itself. The action sequences at the end of the book are well done, as usual. There is one explosion that is particularly chilling, knowing what its intended purpose was even if it didn’t achieve it.

If I had realised that the case Gwen is working on in this book was closely connected to the events of the previous one, I might have re-read it beforehand. As it was, being eight months between instalments, I didn’t remember all the ins and outs and so I felt a bit lost. It’s not as connected to Wolfhunter River as Killman Creek is to Stillhouse Lake, but I would recommend having the events of Book 3 fresh in your mind.

I also couldn’t help feeling frustrated with some of the decisions the characters made, particularly running into things without solid plans, and in contradiction to what law enforcement has advised them. I know that without them doing things like this, there is no story, and that it was quite in character for Gwen, but it reached the point where I couldn’t suspend my disbelief anymore.

All this meant that I was never especially keen to pick the book up, and that I wasn’t terribly engaged when I did. Don’t get me wrong, this is a fantastic series, and Stillhouse Lake/Killman Creek as a duology are definitely among my favourite thrillers ever. But as I mentioned at the top of the review, I think I’ve reached my limit with this series.

As I received this for advanced reading, I realized I had not read previous books in the series. Needless to say, I WILL go back and read them all after this thrilling nail biter!
I was engrossed from the first chapter in this story about Gwen Proctor, her background and struggles and how she still works tirelessly to seek justice as a private investigator through so many challenges.
The antagonists in this novel are daring, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
If you love fast paced, twisty, engaging thrillers, I would highly recommend Bitter Falls!! Great, great read!

Cults are creepy and make for good thrillers.....This one did not disappoint.

With this installment in the series we get to see more from Same and Connor; it's neat to see their perspective of Gwen and what she is capable of. She is definitely one who I would want on my side if faced with danger.

A good read!

Can't tell you how glad I am for enjoying this as much as I did.

Usually, when it comes to these types of series I get burnt out pretty fast. Like stopping the third book I was feeling the strain. The struggle to keep reading due to how much I invested in this series because I'm an autofan of Caine's work.

I've never been led astray by the soothers work before, didn't think it'd be a possibility with this one, but there was a small inkling. However, that has nothing to do with this fourth installment. I gotta say this it was conflictingly great.

Book Review: Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake #4) by Rachel Caine
(Published by Thomas & Mercer)

4.0 Stars

Gwen Proctor, mother to Lanny & Connor. Transformed from a shy minivan-driving suburban mom to a krav maga trained, pistol-packing, sharp-shooting, self-assured woman.

By necessity.

She was formerly known as Gina Royal, wife of Melvin Royal. She accidentally crashed into the garage of her beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood, one moonlit evening. Macabre, hanging body parts of young women were erstwhile hidden from sight. It turned out Melvin was a sick and vicious serial-killer.

She had to escape and save her family. Outrun the serial-killer and his notoriety. Outrun sick internet vigilantes seeking to avenge his crimes.

Her only mission: to create a normal life for her kids.

In the fourth iteration of this action-packed, psychological thriller /family drama, and wholly entertaining series, Gwen and family, along with partner, Sam, encounter a "Waco, Texas" reenactment against a maniacal false prophet and his congregation, along the lost path of David Koresh and The Branch Davidian.

Father Tom has a "good thing" going. A fortress paradise, self-sustained compound, surrounded by resplendent nature in Bitter Falls. A dedicated and loving congregation. Many children. He can do what he wants, however benign, sinister or evil. Away from prying eyes. With no one being the wiser.

That is, until Father Tom decides to kidnap a boy, - who just happens to be one Connor Procter.

And thus has he to deal with the full bore wrath of Gina Procter, Sam, J.B., Javi, Kez, Mike Lustig and pals.

Review based on an Advance Reading Copy from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley.

A continuation of Gwen's story. Once again the former wife of a serial killer is under attack. Her neighbors now know who she is and they don't want her there. While the drug dealing family from next door is threatening her family to leave, Gwen is hired to find a missing college student. The search for him leads back to old friends from Wolfcreek.

I had a little more trouble getting into this story than the last. At parts it was fast moving but then it would suddenly slow down. I believe this was because the story was being told from many points of view. So we experienced the same situation more than once. Knowing a character is worried about another character loses its suspense when you already know what has happened to that character, I wanted to skim through some of those parts. All in all, I wanted to finish, just sometimes had trouble keeping myself in the story.

Rachel Caine has done it again. I’m normally not much of a series reader but I am drawn to this one. Gwen Proctor is a total badass and one of my favorite fictional female protagonists. In this installment she is hired to investigate the cold case of a missing young man. I love how all the returning characters in this series are growing and evolving. I don’t want to spoil too much but just know you’ll be on the edge of your seat reading this.

*Note: This series must be read in order. If you haven't read the first book yet, go, right now, and pick up Stillhouse Lake. You're welcome.

After the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series, which I enjoyed, I wondered if Caine would be able to continue the drama and danger that made the books so captivating now that the protagonist of the series was dead. Within the first sentence, it is clear that while Gwen no longer battles Melvin Royal, she will cross paths with another who is equally evil.

As in previous books, the Proctor family is flawed. Despite the trauma they have endured over recent years, they remain loyal to each and guided by a strong moral compass.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series is due to Caine's ability to pull you into the story in such a way that you feel as if you are actually the character, rather than an observer.

I finished this book just like I ended the others, satisfied that evil was at rest for moment, and anxious for the next part in story. (Write fast Rachel!)

I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

I recieved this book to read through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Recieving this book didn'take up my mind on what I thought of said book.

I have been waiting for this book for awhile. While I enjoyed it I was a bit disappointed in it. It just seemed to focused on the cult feel like the last book. The series seems like it's going off track of where the original one started. I am hoping the next one gets better, and back to the same feel as the previous books. I still enjoyed it overall though.

Thank you for this copy! I loved book 1 and am so happy to say that this book is AS GOOD AS it! I liked 2 and 3 but something about 1 I had loved more. I loved the fasted paced story and the alternating POVs. Such a good book that I had a hard time putting it down!

Rachel Caine can weave a thrilling story. I have to admit I liked the story more when it focused more on the cult aspect than the constant wife/family of a serial killer drama. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read and review.

I was up until about 4AM finishing Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine. It was so good. The characterization was wonderful, and the worldbuilding amazing. Initially, I had concerns about spinning the first few books into a series. I wasn't if sure Ms. Caine could continue spinning the darkness and intensity while still maintaining plausibility, but she did it. If anything, the story was a little less dark than its predecessors. And the growth of the characters is delightful. No stagnation here. I have a few minor quibbles but a 4 star book for sure.

At the end of "Wolfhunter River" Gwen started a new job and I had hesitations about that. I wasn't sure how it would work in the context of the series and characters to date. It actually seemed like a good place to end the series. When I heard it would continue, I had mixed feelings. I have loved the series and the stories but I had doubts about continuing it. How would Caine maintain the darkness and intensity? Could she sustain them and still make the stories plausible? To be honest, I had a few moments where I doubted the plausibility as I read. I had to wonder how likely it was that her husband's fans and enemies would still be after her and threatening her kids. Internet trolls can be vicious but are they that persistent? I honestly don't know but I've read enough gross comments online that I can't discount it even as I doubt it.

"Bitter Falls" actually repeats a lot of what happened in "Wolfhunter River" - religious cult, missing student (much older this time, though), attacks on Gwen and her family, townspeople turning on her, etc. If you read these two back to back, you may feel as if you are reading the same book over again. It felt a bit repetitious at times. I also don't see why the character of Vee had to be brought back. She didn't add much to the story and her role could have been left out while still allowing events to happen

And yet....

The book was utterly enthralling. I started it at work but didn't get my teeth into it until after work and then I was up until 4AM. I couldn't put it down. There was so much happening, emotionally, plot-wise, and action-wise. The pace was fast, there were twists, and despite the repetition, some neatly done character development. Caine's characters do not stagnate. All of them, well the major ones - Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Connor - have changed and grown over the series. I've gone from loving Sam, if not completely trusting him, to hating him to loving him and rooting for him. Lanny is reckless but also a teen; she's irritating and occasionally stupid but feels real. Connor, oh he's been through so much. I feel for him. And Gwen. Initially I doubted her, wasn't sure about her. She's prickly, stubborn, and hard-edged. But over the series, I've come to like her. One thing I like is that she can, eventually, admit when she's wrong. And in "Bitter Falls" she realizes she has to give up on a dream that's no longer right for her and her family. That's hard, gut-wrenching, but she does it.

The mystery mostly kept me guessing and had a couple of twists. The suspense, oooh. At one point, I had to put my Kindle down because I was afraid to read what happened next. I was truly worried. I couldn't resist for long and dived back in. And that's Caine's gift. She draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. You can't stop for long without feeling the urge to continue. She lures you in and doesn't let you go until the end. Her stories are compelling, and "Bitter Falls" is no exception.

Some favorite quotes:

For the first time in my life I have to depend not on myself alone, but on the goodwill of friends I've made along the way. People I respect and love. And giving up control is the hardest thing I've done in a long time.

The internet enables and organizes hate very effectively; it lets people believe they're righteous warriors for justice when in reality they're just clicking keys.

*************
My review of book 1, Stillhouse Lake
My review of book 2, Killman Creek
My review of book 3, Wolfhunter River

This is my FOURTH read in this series. I absolutely love the characters. I am so invested in Gwen, Sam, Lannie, and Connor.

I felt like the third book in the series was a bit weak, and I am happy to report that Bitter Falls is back to what I feel the series deserves.

I am so glad that there is an option for a fifth book. I can't wait!