I read this book with a heavy heart because Rachel Caine is gone and it will be her last story. I will miss her wonderful writing. I have read every one of the Stillhouse books, and this one was as great as the other 4 were.
Sometimes dark, intense, kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the characters.
4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher and author for an ARC of this book.The opinions expressed are my own.

I confess that I started reading this story with a heavy heart, knowing the author sadly lost her battle with cancer and passed away last month... Those who followed her on Twitter might have seen how strong and brave she was while she kept fighting and writing and gave us this last installment to say our goodbyes to Gwen Proctor and the rest. May she rest in peace. 💔

I've been a fan of this series ever since I read the first book back in 2017... The first two books blew me away completely, and while I did think book three and four lacked that je ne sais quoi of the first two, I still highly enjoyed them. And I can now say that Heartbreak Bay is back on the right track and it was without doubt a perfect ending to this series. Poor Gwen and her family have been through a LOT already, but it's time for one last spin before the curtain falls... And what a ride it is! I was literally glued to my seat and couldn't stop reading until I reached that final page and discovered how it would all end. This is another firecracker!

Heartbreak Bay uses multiple POVs to narrate this story, but the main focus always stays on Gwen, Kezia and Sam. Through their eyes, we slowly learn more about the current situation; Kezia's POV more detective related while the other two take a more personal tone. After four books, these characters have become very dear to me, so I was invested from the very beginning... For that same reason, I wouldn't recommend reading these books out of order; you will be missing out on a LOT of character background and it's basically impossible to enjoy the story without having read the previous books. That said, they are excellent reads in the first place (especially the first two), so completely worth spending your time with!

The plot in this final book is another exhilarating one, with lots of suspense, danger, violence and of course another murdering criminal. Things will get up close and personal very soon, and I had a great time following the characters as they try to figure out what is really going on and who is behind the threats as well as the killings. Heartbreak Bay is suspenseful, action-packed and disturbing: it's the perfect thriller choice if you like your stories fast and dangerous.

A completely bittersweet ending to the Stillhouse Lake series. Gwen’s story has the happiest ending I can imagine, especially after the horrors of this last trial. She is safe. Her family is safe. So many monsters slain and relationships salvaged.

But Rachel Caine is gone. While Gwen won her final battle but her author lost. And we lost a great voice. If you haven’t started this series, do it now in her memory.

I received a free copy from Net Galley and the publisher. I am sharing my honest opinion freely.

Knowing that this was the author’s final book before she passed away from an aggressive form of cancer made the reading more intense for me. I have read all of the Stillhouse Lake books and this was the best one because of its fast pace and how much more we learn about Gwen’s character and heart and her friendship with Kezia. The two of them are on the trail of someone who killed two toddlers when they find out that they are actually tracking a serial killer. What a twisted, curving road it was from beginning to end! The children, Lanny and Connor, who played such important part in the previous books, are almost like an afterthought here. Sam is still vitally important to the conclusion, but even he has to take a backseat to the roaring train that is the relationship between Kezia and Gwen, a train that may destroy everything in its path. I really enjoyed the plot, but the violence and its description was a little much for me at times. I must say that I wanted the ending to be different, but I’m not the author, so that isn’t my choice. Suffice it to say that the conclusion was satisfactory, with some things left for a future book if there were to be one. Fans of really intense psychological thrillers will want to read this book, with the lights on, of course.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Really enjoyed this thriller of a book. Even without having read the others in the series, it gave enough background for me to get the gist of what was happening. It had a little bit of a Jigsaw killer (from Saw) vibe to it at the end. I was taken in by the whole story from start to finish. A good, solid read.

Often dark, this well written thriller will keep you guessing. The analysis of the truth behind the smile also resonated. What looks perfect from the outside seldom is. Perhaps channeling a little bit Harlan Coben, this is well written, fast paced and compelling.

This is a heartbreaking review to write because this is one of my favorite series in the world and I know that there will be no more as this author passed away. Very sad. I loved this book and felt the series was redeemed after slightly less great third and fourth books. I recommend this series to EVERYONE and will definitely recommend this fifth book.

Rachel did it again. I am so thankful for this final book in the Stillhouse Lake series. These books were absolute treasures and I will miss Rachel's writing so very much. 5/5. Thank you for this review opportunity!

Thank you to #Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Rachel Caine's excellent new book, "Heartbreak Bay (Stillhouse Lake #5)" in return for a fair and honest review. This is the fifth book in the series that I have read, and I have reviewed a number of them.
I have to admit that sometimes I have to take a break in the course of reading these books, because they can become awfully dark and frightening; that being said, the continuing story of Gwen Proctor and her children - Atlanta and Connor - and her extended family, Sam, Vee, Kezia and Javier is a masterful endeavour of redemption. Although, Gwen has no reason for redemption, having been an innocent victim int the befinning.
This entry in the series finds Gwen and Kezia investigating what might be a crime that hits closest to home for both of them, and then begins to unravel in a truly mind-boggling story of serial murder.
And, of course, there is the usual harassment of the family from their old enemies - including a missive from the grave.
The main antagonist is a severely injured and twisted man who is out to prove that "Gina Royal" is truly guilty of the crimes she was accused of, and will stop at nothing to prove it - until the end.
Not getting into any of the various plot lines, which come together slowly like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, this is one of the most intricate of the series and ultimately one of the most fulfilling.
Highly recommended, but I suggest you start at the beginning with "Stillhouse Lake" to get the true picture.

I have some other Rachel Caine books on my TBR pile and was nervous when I saw that this was the 5th in the series. But, to be honest, even if I was missing things it didn't take away from the story in any way. I loved the dynamic between Keiza and Gwen and know that I need to get the other books in this series so I can have the full backstory as I am sure it is fabulous.

**First of all, let me say that I am absolutely heartbroken about the passing of Rachel Caine. This series has been amazing, and I’ve loved every single book. I cherished being able to read one more Stillhouse Lake book, and one more Rachel Caine novel. Cancer is awful, and it definitely took this brilliant author far too soon. Rachel, you will be missed, but your words are an amazing legacy, and your characters will live on in the hearts of your fans.**

This is another heart-pounding addition to the Stillhouse Lake series, and it’s so great to see the return of Gwen!

“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.”

I loved this, absolutely loved this. Fans of the series, this is a no-brainer. You MUST read it.

For anyone that has been sleeping on Stillhouse Lake, you have until this book comes out in March to do yourself a favor and catch up!

This is a five star thrill ride, and a must read for fans of suspense.

*Huge thanks to NetGalley, the brilliant and late Rachel Caine, and the publisher for the chance to review this eARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*

What can I say....another home run for Rachel Caine. Heartbreak Bay is number 5 in the Stillhouse Lake series, and every bit as good as the first four. Gwen is still fighting and running, and is as strong as ever. I done know what lies ahead for the series, but I wish Rachel Caine much peace.

I love this author and this series will always be a favorite or mine. I will miss her books! I would read the books in the series in order

I usually try to start a series at the beginning, but despite being intrigued by this one, I'd yet to pick up book 1 when I had the chance to read the ARC of book 5 Not having read the first 4 books in the Stillwater Lake series (yet) did not keep me from enjoying this installment. The narrative bounces between Gwen Proctor, her partner Sam Cade, and police detective Kezia. Claremont .Kezia is called out to a grim predawn scene: a sedan submerged in a lake with the bodies of twin baby girls still strapped into their car seats. She asks her friend, PI Gwen Proctor to come out to the scene and to help her on some background for the case. As they begin to investigate, Gwen and her family are targeted by trolls and vandals who don't believe she wasn't complicit in the crimes of her serial killer first husband, and it soon becomes apparent that the case is linked, that someone who thinks Gwen is guilty wants to punish her. There were a few moments in the book that I did not find plausible, but I am willing to 'suspend disbelief' because, overall, the book is well-written, the plot is well-crafted and fast-paced, and the characters have depth and engage your sympathies. I look forward to going back to the start of this series and am sad that it will be the last; my condolences to Rachel Caine's family and friends. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC..

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Caine and Thomas & Mercer for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I felt honoured to be able to read the last book in one of my favorite series and the last book that Caine worked on. The world isn't the same without this woman's beautiful words. This was just like all the other Stillhouse Lake novels; amazing. I flew through it and really enjoyed all the different aspects of Gwen trying to protect her kids while allowing them to grow up. I found this one a bit darker at the end, but I really enjoyed that and the twisted killer. I am going to miss some of my favorite characters and I am so glad that I could connect with them one last time!

This has been a great series and this book was a great addition. . It is a great mystery with strong characters and the suspense is continued throughout the book. I was very sorry to hear of the author’s passing.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A good mystery that kept me reading and guessing until the very end. I didn't read the other books in this series, this book did fine as a stand alone, but this one made me want to read the rest. It was a bit crazy and unbelievable at times, but what good mystery/thriller isn't? I would definitely recommend.

Heartbreak Bay is book 5 in the Stillhouse Lake series from Rachel Caine.

"Two little girls are found drowned in a car submerged in a lake. The mother vanishes and as Gwen and Kezia investigate, they discover the mother has many, many secrets. Gwen thinks that she has finally found a place to keep her family safe - a place they can settle and find some sense of normalcy. But the horror of being Melvin Royal's former wife keeps the trolls finding ways to make her life and that of her kids miserable. And now there's someone that wants to pull Gwen out and hold her accountable for things she hasn't done. She may have to commit the ultimate sacrifice to save her family."

The book begins with a mother drowning her children by rolling the car into a lake. This actually threw me a bit, because the real-life case happened close by and the mother was in the news recently as a potential parolee. So I was expecting the book to go a different direction.
Early on the book feels like it's just a repeat of previous books. Actually dragged a bit for me. Once you see who the real bad guy is the book has much better pace and a much better story. I would like to have seen more development of this killer. Pretty terrifying when you see the results of his actions.
Fans of the previous books will enjoy this one.
Caine mentioned in the author notes that she was fighting cancer as she wrote this and sadly she lost her battle and died recently. Glad that she was willing to share so many great stories with us.

Rest in Peace Rachel Caine

Classic Gains! Lots of action, suspense, and emotion. Loved it!

Moving away from Still house Lake was supposed to be the new start that Gwen and her family needed. But when a new tri?l appears in her life, she and Sam are blindsided. Together they work to keep the kids safe while battling this unseen foe. But sometimes you have to put not just your love, but your trust in someone and go it alone.

Fabulously told but an expert in suspense, this one will keep you guessing until the end!

This is going to be such a hard review to write, especially now knowing this was the very last book that Rachel wrote before she passed. I have loved this author since the very beginning and I am so sad that the world lost such an amazing person and author. It is with bittersweet sadness that I write this review and hope to do the book, series, and this author justice.

This was an amazing addition to the series. This family has been through so much and more than anything, they deserve some happiness and peace. And when I read this, I didn't know (for sure) that this would be the last book in the series but with that in mind now, this really did end in a good place. A strong place, just like the characters that dominate it.

This was such a good mystery. Such a good story about family life, love, forgiveness, growing, and everything else that comes from family strength. I adored it and am so sad to see it is over but so thankful that Rachel wrote this series because it truly is remarkable and unlike anything else out there. It has all the emotions, all the mystery and suspense one could ask for.

It is with a heavy but happy heart that I say goodbye to these characters and this series. It truly all came together so wonderfully.