Another fantastic book in this series. Definitely one of my favorite series. In this book we see a bit more into Sam and Kez.

Book Info
Paperback
Expected publication: March 9th 2021 by Thomas & Mercer
Original Title Heartbreak Bay
ISBN1542093678
(ISBN13: 9781542093675)
Edition Language English
Series Stillhouse Lake #5
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
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BOOK BLURB

They’re hunting a killer so silent, so invisible, that his unspeakable crimes are the only proof he exists.

A car submerged in a remote pond. The bodies of two girls strapped into their seats. The mystery of their mother, vanished without a trace, leads Gwen Proctor and Kezia Claremont into dangerous territory.

On the surface, Gwen’s life is good—two children approaching adulthood, a committed partner, and a harrowing past dead and gone. But that past is attracting the attention of someone invisible…and unstoppable. Trouble’s just beginning. So is the body count in this backwoods Tennessee town.

As threats mount and Gwen’s hunted by an enemy who pulls all the strings, Kezia has her back. But working to solve these vicious and unreasonable crimes will expose them both to a killer they can’t for the life of them see coming.

My Thoughts
For new readers the series is best read in the order it was written to get the full scope of how this cast of characters grow into a very worthy group to follow along on their very emotional journey in each book.

From the beginning I wanted to see how well the 3 main characters adapted and overcame the trials they faced once exposed as a serial killers family.

Also wanted to see where and how the family found a way to make a new life for themselves.

So followed along for last four books doing just those things, now in this fifth book am hoping for a positive resolution for everyone I have come to want the best for.

I thought that I was better prepared mentally to read this 5th book, wrong because nothing prior to this story prepared me for what turns out to be a more harrowing tale than expected.

The killer is described as silent and invisible, perfectly apt words for someone who neither the reader nor Gwen, Sam or even Kezia suspect ahead of time.

As events unfold Gwen, Conner, Lanny and Sam are once again tested by trials of fire that are so much more insidious than any that have come before them.

The bonds the 4 have forged are also tested as is the bond between Kezia and Gwen. All of which keep these characters, and the reader on edge, as things unfold.

Emotions are as expected all over the place and in the finale that came too quickly for me was glad to find a resolution I could accept as this is the last book.

Very intense journey with this one!

As others have stated before me Rachel Caine writing talents will be sorely missed.

RIP sweet lady, your own trials are over.

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I am a huge fan of the Stillhouse Lake series and was SO excited to see this available here on netgalley!!
I read it in a day, nearly one setting, and absolutely loved it. This time I did actually guess the ending, which has never happened before, but I wasn't bothered by that - more proud of myself!
Gwen is one of my favorite book characters and this series is what turned me on to thrillers. I loved seeing how far Gwen, Sam & the family have come. I also loved that there was more of Kez in this book!! I will be purchasing a physical copy when it is released for sure. Thank you Netgalley for letting me read it early!

4.5 stars! Sadly this will be the last in this series due to the author passing away, but it was a great conclusion. I have enjoyed all 5 of the Stillhouse Lake series, but you could pick them up as individual books. This specific story kept me interested the whole way throughout. I liked the intertwining stories from Gwen, Kezia, and Sam and appreciate them as characters. It's always nice to see strong females leading stories, especially in the mystery/thriller genre. While some parts of this book were a bit predictable, it did not take away from my enjoyment at all. I highly recommend this book, as well as the rest of the series!

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3796248735?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/2a5e2b25-ed6b-4eb5-b8ac-a952314264c8

This is the fifth book in the Stillhouse Lake series. This time Gwen (who is now a private investigator) and her friend, Kezia (a detective) team up to solve the murders of two little girls who drowned in a small town Tennessee pond. Gwen’s past continues to haunt her present as a new killer puts her life, and that of her family and friends, in danger.
I have really enjoyed this series and was saddened to learn that the author died late last year. This book was engrossing and a page turner like the others in the series. I feel like the author was able to give the reader a decent conclusion for the characters. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy mystery and thrillers.

I was given access to the eARC of this book thanks to the author, Rachel Caine, the publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Heartbreak Bay is the 5th book in Rachel Caine’s Stillhouse Lake series, and the last given that Caine passed away in 2020 from cancer. I only discovered the series in 2020 and sped through the books on offer eagerly awaiting Heartbreak Bay’s release when I heard of Caine’s passing. This book, in true-to-Caine style was a wild and twisty ride. Word of warning, this series is not for the faint of heart (think Karin Slaughter and Mo Hayder). The subject matter is often disturbing, and the scenes are unsettling, confronting, brutal and violent. I also would not recommend reading this book as a ‘standalone’ or ‘out of sequence’ as there is a lot of water under this Stillhouse Lake bridge, and you will want to know, if not need to know, the background before jumping into this storm. Of course, you could, and still enjoy this one, but don’t.

Gwen Proctor is a beautifully written and complex protagonist, who is finally beginning to get both her and her family’s lives back on track following the brutal events of the four previous novels. Gwen and Sam are forever outrunning the ever-present shadow of Gwen’s dead husband, notorious serial killer Melvin Royal. Heartbreak Bay begins with Detective Kezia Claremont, Gwen’s friend, who starts investigating a disturbing case that she finds difficult to shake. Two baby girls are found dead, strapped into their car seats, submerged in water. Gwen, Kezia and Sam will all have to face shadows from their past, and answer to a faceless threat that wants to punish them for past decisions and actions.

I finished the book with a deep sense of sadness, but also relief that Rachel Caine knew that she was fighting a fight that might not have a happy ending but worked on trying to give Gwen and Sam and those they love one. Caine’s Author’s Note at the end was lovely and moving and offered closure.

Rest in Peace Rachel Caine and thank you for creating a series that kept your readers hooked until the end.

Publication Date: 09 March 2021

4 Stars

What a strange and awful sensation to get to the end of another cracking book in this series, only to read that author's note. And that was all before I found out that her premonition in that note (that this might be the last in the series) had sadly come true. Rachel Caine's memory shall be a blessing.

I've been a fan of this series since it started, and I've followed along eagerly with each new installment. I'm sad this will be the last Stillhouse Lake book, as this series was truly one of the darkest thrillers I've ever read. I love it, and like I said, I'm sad it'll be over.

The strong female relationships shine in this book once again, and even take centre stage towards the end of the book. I appreciated the throwbacks to the original two books in the series, as books three and four took a bit of a turn towards somethingI've been a fan of this series since it started, and I've followed along eagerly with each new installment. I'm sad this will be the last Stillhouse Lake book, as this series was truly one of the darkest thrillers I've ever read. I love it, and like I said, I'm sad it'll be over.

The strong female relationships shine in this book once again, and even take centre stage towards the end of the book. I appreciated the throwbacks to the original two books in the series, as books three and four took a bit of a turn towards something different, and it was great to see the series return to its roots.

Rachel Caine will be deeply missed, but I thank her for delivering a great finale to one of my favourite thriller series! different, and it was great to see the series return to its roots.

Rachel Caine will be deeply missed, but I thank her for delivering a great finale to one of my favourite thriller series!

I've loved every second of this series, and this book was no exception. Gwen is the ultimate Mama Bear, and her need to protect her kids is palpable. She is put in one unimaginable situation after another, and she never disappoints. It's sad to know that the author died before this book could even be released to what will no doubt be high praise

Although the start of this one was a little boring it picked up pretty quickly and became a fast and suspenseful read. The plot comes together to create an edge of your seat thriller. About a bigger picture going on in the overall series. I would say that you could probably read this as a stand alone but it is much better to read it as a series. This book about choices is one that you will not forget. Not only does it have a note from the author but sadly the author passed away in 2020 after losing her batter with cancer. Her stories will live on every time we read them. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten.

Whilst reading the first half of Heartbreak Bay, it felt nice to having the familiarity of these characters back again after what felt like so long since I read the last one and I was already looking forward to the next book in the series. Halfway through the book I found out that Rachel Caine had sadly passed away in 2020. I read the rest of the book knowing that this would be the end of our journey with Gwen and her family and I think that made me enjoy it even more.

I have loved every book in the Stillhouse Lake series and this one, with another great plot, was no exception. I love the characters and although we usually get POVs from Lanny and Connor, I liked that this time round we got a POV from Kezia instead which gave us two strong female leads. If you enjoy thrillers, then this is a series that I highly recommend.

RIP Rachel Caine and thank you.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Another thriller in the Stillhouse Lake Series, you are immediately submerged in an atrocious tragedy. And somehow, it is linked to Gwen Procter. She just wants to live with Sam and her kids in peace, but the dark world where sickos reside will not leave them alone. Gwen is haunted by another letter from her dead serial killer husband. Even from the grave, he won’t let her be. What turns out to be bait to lure her into a game of choices, her cop buddy Kezia is by her side as they face the evil head-on.
This is a wild ride for what is most likely the last tale we’ll have from Rachel Caine. You will not be disappointed by the action and the harrowing situations the women find themselves. My only disappointment, and has been with the series, is the foul language. Otherwise, an excellent thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heartbreak Bay is Rachel Caine’s 5th book in the Stillhouse Lake series ... and also her last book which is very sad to know. Prayers for her family and friends.

Though a sad mystery. This story has you guessing right from the beginning. Kicking off with a woman driving who winds up driving her car into a pond and drowning two children who are in the back seat. There’s a internet person wanting to make her life miserable and also her children and family. He will not rest until Gwen pays for what he thinks she did. Rachel Caine always rolls out a story slowly and full of twists. Told in multiple points of view, this time around it’s just Gwen, Sam, and Kezia. The thing that makes this all real feeling is the amount of hatred between people. We often question ourselves and our decisions, and I was glad to see that a few of the characters remained in control of themselves despite mounting pressures surrounding them. The book is very graphic with violence and descriptions so heads up to those that don't care to read about these things.

Don’t miss the author’s note in this one! Thriller fans will definitely enjoy the whole series.

The Stillhouse Lake series is pretty consistent in its ability to suck you in. There’s always a degree of tension and unease that I don’t really feel from most thrillers. The author does a great job conveying their sense of being watched and hunted.

Though I’m a little tired of Melvin being used as a plot point, I think it’s done in such a way that it’s less and less each time and each book the narrator gets closer to leaving him behind. It’s a gradual thing and I get that that makes it more sense than to just push him to the side and be done.

From Wikipedia -"Rachel Caine <b>was</b> the pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad, who was an American writer of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, and horror novels. " Unfortunately, Ms. Caine passed away on November 1, 2020. "

This is the second time (for me) that an author of a long-running series has passed away while in the middle of the series. Sadly we will never know now if Gina/Gwen will have finally escaped the notoriety that has dogged her ever since the world finds out that her late husband was a serial murderer.

In this book, problems with Gwen's past crops up once again, and it seems that these problems will include Kezia this time. I found that reading this book from both Gwen and Kenzia point of view was interesting. Also, learning more about Kenzia and her personal life was fascinating.

All in all, this was an excellent book that leaves you somewhat lacking at the end. I also felt a tad frustrated that the antagonists were using the same tropes that were used at the beginning of this series. However, I think that many things would have been cleared up had we not lost Ms. Caine.

Remember - if you have Kindle Unlimited, you may read this series through KU.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.

Gwen was unknowingly married to a serial killer. There are people out there who believe she knew and possibly participated in the murders. Now the trolls are back, leaving posters everywhere. There is one particular group that has been after Gwen for years. Gwen is working as a PI and her current case attracts the attention of a deranged stalker who is convinced he needs to bring her to justice. This is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. It is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Heartbreak Bay is Rachel Caine’s last book, last book of the Stillhouse Lake series and the last book she wrote for us. There’s a very heartwarming Author’s Note at the end of this that had me in tears as I read, I urge you all to read that as well once this book is released. Gwen and her family don’t seem to have the best of luck these days, after moving away from Stillhouse Lake and trying to start anew, trouble finds them once again.
Gwen’s friend and a detective, Kezia asks for her help in a case that tragically involved two murdered babies. Someone drove a car into the lake with the children strapped inside. For Kezia this becomes a deeply personal case and Gwen, as a mother, feels like it’s personal too, so she readily agrees to help Kez in whatever way she can.

Though a heartbreaking mystery is not all Gwen has on her plate. There’s a new internet troll on the rise who is determined to make her life miserable and that of her children and family. He will not rest until Gwen pays for what she supposedly did. i.e. helping Melvin murder all those young women.

Like all Rachel Caine mysteries this one doles out the clues and story in bits and pieces. There’s multiple points of view, this time around it’s just Gwen, Sam, and Kezia telling the story. We get focus on the mystery at large and also the struggles Gwen and her family constantly go through having had a serial killer in their family. Things somehow wind up being tied back to Melvin, in this series. He had followers and haters and all of them hate Gwen and her family.

What makes this book so real to me is seeing this absolute hatred complete strangers have for this family that they don’t even know. How many times has something like this made it into the news somehow, if not in the same extent? When we hear about serial killers who were married, how many times do you think that the spouse and children had to have known what their loved one was doing? Do you ever think they were complicit in the actions too? It’s hard to say the right answer and we don’t always know what the right answer is. I feel like though society treats Gwen and her family horribly, I can see why they think what they do and Gwen understands this too, though she wishes it were different.

This is definitely a series that will have you see society and social media in a new light. We’ve known from the start of this series that Gwen is innocent and she has made friendships throughout this series, she has become stronger than she once was. She’s definitely a hero no matter what the trolls and haters say, and they’re the ones who made her one too in some ways.

The mystery itself was done very well! Though I will admit, I suspected our whodunit right away! As soon as they made it onto the page I was like “THEY* DID IT!!!” *Naturally, I am not mentioning gender here to avoid spoilers. Despite picking up on the killer so easily, I will admit to still being surprised throughout the story. The multiple perspectives is also something to look at here because each character sees other people differently and that makes a huge difference in ways I can’t really describe.

This story wasn’t without heartbreak, hence the title I suppose, as well. There was a lot of heartbreak in some ways. Things ended nicely to a point you can believe this is where Rachel intended to end the series, but still leave room for more had things turned out differently. It was a weird touch of irony that Heartbreak Bay was Rachel’s last book for us, but like everything she’s written, it’s a read worth waiting for! Heartbreak Bay was yet another thrilling addition to the bone-chilling mystery series by the late, great, forever loved, Rachel Caine!


Overall Rating 5/5 stars


Heartbreak Bay releases March 9, 2020

First off, I wish the titles or the covers of these books were different. Nothing about this screams serial killer books and yet that's what they are.

Gwen was the wife of a serial killer who found out when the police did what he had been doing. She ran and hid from the world with her kids under assumed names because so many Internet strangers were out to get them just because of who her ex/their father was. Now she is working as a private investigator and helping her police officer friend, Kezia on a pretty horrific case - two babies are found in the backseat of a car in a remote pond. The mother is nowhere to be found - did she kill them or did someone else? As Gwen helps investigate, once again someone is following and threatening her family - and everything will end in a terrible showdown.

I remember reading the first book and I seem to have somehow missed all the ones in between! But I followed along easily. Thriller fans will enjoy this whole series - though this seems like it may be the end - and if it is, it is a good wrap up. Though I didn't like how the end of the book basically turns into a Jigsaw movie, I still enjoyed the story overall and was glad to see Gwen again.

Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine, published by Thomas & Mercer, is book five in the Stillhouse Lake Series. This is my first book by this new to me author and I was right from the start into the story.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Gwen and her family is living their second life. Their first one is better kept und lock, but when her past shows up, all of the family memebers are in danger.
And then there's her friend, Kezia, a police officer with her own case she has to work on
HB is a fast paced, nailbiting, high on drama, psychological thriller who made me read it, cover to cover in one sitting. Unputdownable from start till the last page I was in suspense.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.

This was a great, potentially last book in this series (as the author recently passed away). Once again Gwen Proctor and her family is being haunted by a crazy vigilant who doesn't believe that she didn't know about the actions of her serial killer former husband, but this time its even more personal. A madman is killing killers and a woman is missing after her two little girls are found drowned in the backseat of a car. As Gwen works the case from the P.I. angle and her friend Kez works it as a cop, circumstances appear different than they first seemed and the final showdown is going to put our heroines in grave danger if they want to protect their families.

The Stillhouse Lake series have gotten better with each consecutive book, in my opinion, and this one we really get to see everyone has grown. If it is the last one in this series, I am satisfied with how it was wrapped up and will enjoy re-reading the whole series one day.