Great series. I always enjoy this author's stories. Lots of action and suspense. Would recommend this book and series.

Heartbreak Bay
Stillhouse Lake
by Rachel Caine
This book gave me a dreary vibe from page one. Something ominous was going to happen any minute, every minute, I just felt it. That's the mindset Caine easily put me in. I was terrified for the PI, the cop, for the babies strapped in the back of the car, for everyone that was investigated or interviewed. This monster, this mastermind, was pure evil and was pulling strings that was causing serious damage. Both of the main families were terrified but despite that, these touch as nail gals were determined to catch this monster or die trying. Which they each almost did!
This was a study in suspense! Although I did figure out who it was before the end I didn't figure out why. I was a bit disappointed in the end, there were sections I thought was overboard. I also didn't understand exactly the "why" so much to really make it fit well. I certainly enjoyed it! It was a tense read! Certainly recommend!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read the book!

This is the fifth (and now final, with the author's death) book in the Stillhouse Lake series. The first book in the series - also called Stillhouse Lake - had me scratching my head, wondering if I'd read it or any other in this series, as it sounded familiar. As is fairly usual in my case, the answer is no.

Fortunately, it isn't necessary to have read the genesis of the series in order to understand this one. Even if Ms Caine had not given some quick backstory disguised as the main character's musings while looking at the photos on the walls in her office, it would have worked just as well as a standalone thriller/mystery. I do think, however, if this books sounds interesting that reading the books in order would be beneficial, for all the little things readers might notice in each book along the way that the author may (judiciously) not mention in the later books, and to witness the growth of the characters as they move through the events of each book.

Warning, content-wise: if you're easily put off by violence, or descriptions of violence in general, and specifically violence toward children, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, if you're fine with violence and you like strong female characters, you might want to give it a go.

Heartbreak Bay is a multi-point of view, present tense book., and Gwen, the primary character, is now a private investigator. When Detective Kezia Claremont calls her to come to the scene of a submerged car, she can't help but go. When the car is extracted, there are two kids, strapped in and drowned, but no sign of the mother, who was driving. This investigation by itself would be enough for a book (or more), and although I picked out the villain when they showed up in the book, this did not detract from an engaging case that tried everyone involved - as it generally is when it involves kids.

There's a subplot involving an internet rando troll, trying to make Gwen pay for what the troll thinks she did - namely, helping her ex-husband in his serial killing ways. This subplot is ok as a device, but there's enough stress and pressure in the primary case without it. I didn't find this as engaging as the primary case, and that may just have to do with things external to the book (like living through the past five years, as I type this, and the sheer tsunami of nonsense online) than it does with he book itself. It does fit pretty well into the larger scope of the book, so I won't ding it in rating it.

Overall, I found Heartbreak Bay lived up to both the thriller and mystery genres, with fairly tight plotting, good writing, and characters worth writing about.

A solid 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded to a 5 for its good qualities and no major issues.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the review copy.

I love Rachel Caine's writing and will miss being able to read her stories for the first time. She was exceptionally skilled at writing fast-paced thrillers. I enjoyed this series for its individual cases told in each installment. I wish that the ongoing story of Gwen's ex-husband and the trolls that stalked her throughout had stopped earlier in the series. This felt like a good place for the series to stop. I'm not sure if Rachel intended on carrying on with these characters but in the end, she did them justice.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth and final book in the Stillhouse Lake series by the talented author Rachel Caine. Each book in this series could be read as a standalone. However, if reading as a series, they should be read in order. If you are a fan of suspenseful thrillers, do yourself a favor and read these books.

"Would you rather . . . " 

Heartbreak Bay is a gripping thriller about a serial killer who is playing a sick and twisted game of choices. Beginning this story, we see Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor trying to live a normal life away from Stillhouse Lake. But as you can expect, their lives don’t stay normal for long. They soon begin hunting a killer who threatens to take everything from Gwen. Will Gwen, Sam and Kezia be able to stop him before it’s too late?!

This series is told from multiple narratives, and this time it is the voice of Gwen, Sam and Kezia we hear. Gwen has come quite far through this series, and Ms. Caine has developed an extraordinarily strong female. Though still haunted by her former serial killer husband; however, the connection is fading, and the stage seems set for Gwen to finally move on.

Regrettably, Rachel Caine passed away November 2020. I have loved reading her books for many years. My fandom started with The Morganville Vampires series and now I am sad to read the final book in Stillhouse Lake, of which the author's note broke my heart. I will close with the final printed words of a terrific and entertaining author “Choose kindness.”

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. ❤️️

This final book in the Stillhouse Lake series has Gwen, Sam and the kids located in Knoxville and trying to lead a more normal life. The kids are in school; Sam is back teaching piloting and preparing to become a commercial pilot again. Gwen is working as a private investigator.

But the enemies who forced the family to move haven't gone away. An old wanted poster that spotlights Gwen and her kids is circulating again. Gwen receives another letter from her deceased ex-husband Melvin Royal that really upsets her. Sam gets a phone call from a newspaper trying to confirm details in an obituary for Gwen that someone called in.

Meanwhile back in Sillhouse Lake, Kezia is called to the scene when a car is discovered in a pond with two small children strapped in car seats and drowned. The mother is missing and it isn't known if she's a kidnapping victim or is she deliberately murdered her children. Kez is especially engaged in finding answers because she has recently found out that she is pregnant. When the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sweeps in to take over the case, Kez asks Gwen to help her with her own investigation of the crime. It quickly becomes apparent that the missing mother was keeping secrets of her own with a string of name changes and suspicious deaths behind her.

This story is told from three viewpoints; Gwen, Sam, and Kez all narrate their parts of the story. The story is filled with tension and has a really, really creepy villain. Fans of psychological thrillers won't want to miss this one.

Gwen Procter is haunted by her past but hoping their new home will be their last move, she's fed up with running, so are her children and partner, Sam. When her friend, NPD Detective Kezia Claremont calls her, asking if she could come to a crime scene she immediately drives through the night to join her. The location is remote and the crime absolutely heartbreakingly traumatic but nothing they see can prepare them for how much worse it gets and how quickly.

As it becomes clear her past has once again begun to tear away at her family's safety and stability Gwen realises she has to put a stop to everything once and for all. The only problem with that is it may leave her with no future to look forward to or experience if she takes even one wrong step.

This is the fifth book in the Stillhouse Lake series and although I haven't read the previous four I still thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to begin at the beginning very soon. Gwen and her family are strong and vulnerable in equal measure; they have a shared past which, even in a fictional universe, would fell most people or at least render them incapable of rational action. In their case however the overwhelming message of family, love and trust  shines through and with the tragic passing of Rachel Caine toward the end of last year it is a message to remember and embrace.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I recommend this, especially to those already invested in this series.

Very suspsenful! This is the first book I've read in this series. Quite graphic at some points and not sure about the gun training for teenagers theme .. The push and pull in this novel had me tearing through the pages. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

The passing of Rachel Caine is a great loss to the literary world. I’m grateful she was able to give us this one last installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. It felt like closure for everyone. I liked catching up with everyone and seeing their adjustments and struggles. Just when you think that they’re finally escaping the long arm of Melvin Royal, he’s back from the grave to torment them all again. If that’s not enough, we’ve got Kezia & Gwen’s heartbreakingly tragic case to solve as well.

I’d listened to all the other books so it was different reading this time. I will have to buy the audiobook when it comes out for that one last experience. ❤️

This book was not for me I guess. It was ok but not the heart stopping drama I like to read. I have read other books by this author and they were great books. This book will not stop me from reading any other books from this author.

This was one of the best in the series. I loved it, and it included all the original key characters. A new villain with a twist. It saddens me that we have lost a wonderful lady and author by losing Rachel to cancer. She left a great legacy to her readers.

This fifth installment of Stillhouse Lake centers around Gwen and her family moving on to a new chapter. Stillhouse Lake is in their rear view mirror, and again they are trying to make a new life under the radar. I loved that Kezia had a bigger role in this installment. She was such a badass. And the bad guy in this one was extremely unique. It’s not what I was expecting at all.

Everything is about choices in this novel. We all have a choice, and a lot of times the choices we are given are not the ones we want. We make the best choice we can anyway. We are human. We are imperfect.

This will probably be the last we read from Gwen and her family, as Rachel Caine passed away only a couple of months ago. Her acknowledgements absolutely broke my heart. Rest In Peace, dear Rachel. It was worthwhile to me also.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3698681799

Heartbreak Bay has been my favorite of this series. I have loved getting to know Gwen, Sam, Kezia, Javier, Lanny, Conner and Vee. I am sad this is the end of the series though at peace with the ending. Best series I have read in a long time. I highly recommend Heartbreak Bay though you will enjoy it more if you read the first 5 books. The intensity and suspense will make it hard for you to put down.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book all opinions are my own.

This is one of the best books in this series - and that's saying a lot because all of them are excellent.
The crime(s) in this book are chilling and yet so believable under Caine's writing.
I knew [going into this book that Caine had passed away and so this would be the final book in the series. (hide spoiler)]
Gwen has grown so much since the first book; it felt so good to see her at her most settled with Sam and her kids...that life could be normal and then also the reality that the past is always something that must be dealt with.
Oh - the end - bawling! I remember thinking - Heartbreak Bay is the perfect title for this book. it captures the essence of the storyline of the book and also the sadness that [there are No More Books That Caine Will Write. (that sounds so terrible. I know her family is more grieved at the hugs they will no longer get, the holidays without her, etc.) (hide spoiler)]

I hadn’t read any other of the books in this series, but I was easily able to pick up the storyline. I now want to go back and read more! First time reading this author, but it won’t be my last! Good read!

Excellent! I love this series. If you are checking out this review, I hope you've read the whole series. If not, go get Stillhouse Lake and begin.
This is the last book of the series, sadly. It continues to tell the story of Gwen's life, after the death of her serial killer ex husband who won't let go, even after death.
I dreaded finishing this book, knowing it was the last in the series, as Rachel Caine lost her battle with cancer. Blessings.

I love Rachel cain she is one of my favourite authors. I have read most of her books.
I really love this series. This one had me on the edge of my seat. I even shouted at the characters too!
I will have to reread the series again from the start.

This has been one of my favorite series since the first book. Gwen is such a strong woman and an extremely likable character. This last installment might be the best IMO. I love reading about her fierce love for the people in her life and the lengths she will go to keep them safe.

I'm heartbroken at the news of Rachel Caine's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.

This is the last book in the series as the author lost her battle with cancer last November. A car is submerged in a pond with 2 little girls in the backseat. The mother has vanished but Gwen and Kezia will search for her. There are 3 POV‘s & we learn a lot more about Kezia. Full of action, suspense and good twists. I highly recommend this series and I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer Publishers and NetGalley for a free copy for a honest review.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth in the Stillhouse Lake series. This is not a good series to read out of order. Caine doesn’t waste a lot of words on Gwen’s background story, and it’s important. Plus, an important part of the series is watching Gwen grow from victim to a self realized, vital woman.
Gwen and Sam have moved to Knoxville and things seem to be going well. But as Gwen observes, Melvin is like a zombie and keeps springing back to life. Everyone in the family is getting notes. Meanwhile, her dear friend Kez is investigating the horrible death of two youngsters, found drowned in the back of a submerged car. Their mother is missing and it’s unknown if she’s the perpetrator or another victim.
Told in alternating POVs by Gwen, Sam and Kez, the story moves along at a good clip. All three characters are fully formed. I loved how motherhood features so prominently in this book. Caine also totally gets teenagers - their need to fit in, at the same time to grow and become independent from their parents.
This is a totally unbelievable story, but I still enjoyed it. It’s fast paced with multiple twists and turns and lots of moral dilemmas. Everyone is faced with choices and the understanding that all choices have consequences.
This will be the final book in the series because of the death of the author from cancer.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.