Loved this installment of Stillhouse Lake! It was intense, it kept me on the edge of my seat!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Another great book from Rachel Caine. This one, book 5 in the series, is just as good, if not better than the rest. I liked that it featured Kezia more. There is a neverending amount of suspense that kept me turning pages. I am a bit sad that it is the end of this series but I am so glad that there was a satisfying conclusion.

"There's no time in a woman's life that isn't dangerous, and that's just a fact of life."

Another amazing addition to the Stillhouse Lake series.
Excellent writing as always. Personally this book was the best in the series for me.

I highly recommend not only this book, but the complete Stillhouse Lake series.

As a long time fan of Rachel Caine’s work, I was so sad to hear of her passing. So happy I got the opportunity to read her last book. Caine did it again with Heartbreak Bay, an incredible story of how far a mother will go to protect her children. Thriller, mystery, adventure read all in one, would highly recommend this book and all in the stillhouse Lake series

I have really enjoyed the Stillhouse Lake Series by Rachel Caine. The first couple of books kept me on the edge of my seat, and I really connected to the characters. This fifth installment in the series was just as enthralling as the other books for me. Any thriller lover who hasn't read this series is missing out, and I HIGHLY recommended reading them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy.

Initial Thoughts/Expectations

Having read the four previous books in the Stillhouse Lake series, I had high expectations of another intense psychological thriller coming into the 5th installment of Gwen Proctor’s journey for a life of normalcy. Seeing as how we were going to jump right into the story with a gruesome murder and missing person, there was little doubt in my mind that HEARTBREAK BAY was going to live up to its name. We left off knowing that Gwen’s serial killer ex-husband was dead, but I just knew the drama would not be over. I was hopeful that Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Conner would find some peace when the story was through, yet anxious because I knew that journey would be another long and hard-fought battle.

What I Loved

True to the Stillhouse Lake Series, HEARTBREAK BAY was high in the creepy factor, which is honestly half the reason why I love this series so much. Being in the mind of a serial killer is both extremely disturbing and fascinating. While the person(s) behind the recent chaos in Gwen’s life is not revealed until the end, we do get to spend plenty of time learning about their convoluted motives. Knowing exactly what they intended to do and to the extent in which they were willing to go to see Gwen destroyed was bone chilling. There were many graphic and heartbreaking scenes, including one at the end that had me needing to set it down and take a break!

The element of the story that balances out all the gore and psychological torture is the family dynamic. Lanny and Conner are growing up quickly, and I loved seeing how mature and capable they are becoming. In the past they still seemed so young and fragile, but now they are working together as a team to track down case information for their mom. I also liked seeing Sam and Gwen’s bond continue to hold strong. They understand each other so well, but you also see them actively working through their past emotional trauma in every interaction. This book serves as proof that no matter what life throws their family, they will overcome it and move forward in life together.

What I Didn’t Love

The family that is all about safety and communication had a serious lack of communication throughout this story, and it drove me absolutely nuts! To be fair, there was A LOT going on, but I wanted to yell through the pages for them to talk about all the little instances that seemed out of place. In the previous books, Gwen preached about the importance of being hyper vigilant, so it just did not make sense to not disclose what could be pertinent information. Also, true to nature, Gwen just had to try to solve the problem on her own, which is frustrating as a reader. Thankfully, we had some extra girl power, and detective Kezia teamed up with Gwen to serve true justice in the end.

Final Thoughts

HEARTBREAK BAY had suspense and thrilling twists at every turn of the page and I cannot recommend it enough. In traditional Rachel Caine style, even when you think you have it figured out, there are still pieces of the puzzle left to find and fit together. The theme of emotional turmoil and torture runs deep, but the theme of family, love, and hope runs deeper. I will admit that I was hoping for a longer look into their future when it came to the epilogue, but I was left with the sense that the family would be moving into a more stable future.

If you are a fan of the series, I can’t imagine not loving this one too. If you are new to the Stillhouse Lake series, I would highly recommend picking up the first in the series and diving in.

- Amber

Once again Rachel Caine’s writing is brilliant. Gwen is in an all out battle to keep her family safe. Her friend and police detective, Kezia is also fighting this battle with her. We really get to see how Gwen’s family has grown and the discoveries that she makes about herself. There are a lot of twists and turns, angst and very emotional moments. This book definitely has all the feels. After reading a very touching and brave author’s note I went on Facebook and discovered that Rachel Caine passed away on November 1st. I have such a heavy heart. She will be greatly missed by all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

A fantastic finale to one of the best #thrillerseries out there. While the novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers will miss out on the significance of crucial character arcs in story as these novels are highly character driven. The narrative offers yet another twisted and cunning antagonist that only the likes of Rachel Caine could dream up. The plot moves fast and is a roller coaster ride of twists, turns, and all out craziness. Loved it.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #HeartbreakBay which was read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#rachelcaine #suspensenovels #readthisnotthat #readreviewrepeat #bookstagram #bookblog #booktweets #bookish #goodreads

A great sadness exists knowing this is the last of the Stillhouse Lake series. Rachel Caine was an excellent writer and this book was no exception. Filled with suspense, this book kept me up turning pages and avoiding work. As always, I loved the characters and how they continue to grow and change throughout the series. An excellent series I have recommended to many friends and family.

Loved this! Thrilling mystery! I was so sorry to hear of the author’s death. I’ll have to read more of her books!

Man, I enjoyed this book. This whole series, actually. It’s incredibly sad that this will be the last(?) with the authors passing. I love the strong female characters & the strong bonds - family & friends. Plus, it’s just an overall great thriller with some seriously messed up wackos. Makes me think of the wacky Q crowd. 😐

Love this series, loved this author and was so so sad to learn of her recent passing.
For a quick, suspenseful, thrill ride I can always count on Rachel Caine and this series. Seriously. I finished it in a day. I usually do! Gwen is great and I love how we are brought into her family. Kez is wonderful too. Love the teamwork, the small town feelings and the hunt each time. For fans of mysteries, thrillers, quick reads that keep you guessing - solid and great series. RIP Rachel.

Heartbreak Bay
Stillhouse Lake, Book 5

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Digital Book
Source: Netgalley
Stars: 4

The Characters:

Gwen:
Sam:
Laney, Conner, Kezia

The Story:

This has been so bittersweet. I flipped the last page on this book in the wee hours of October 31st/November 1st and when I woke up I saw the news that Ms Caine was no longer with us. I learned she was sick shortly after starting this book and even then I couldn’t imagine this was the end. That this would be Gwen’s last tale. I would like to thank Ms Caine for the words, for the stories, for transporting me out of my world when I needed to escape.

Now with all that said let's talk about Heartbreak Bay. Excellent writing as always. Gwen is up to her ears in mystery along with Kezia. Two innocents dead, a missing mother and the resurgence of attacks on her family. This all comes together with a dramatic conclusion and a smarter than the average bear villain that will keep you guessing the entire book.

Lanny and Conner impress me in this book. Yes they still do stupid kid stuff but they also are super mature and there willingness to not just stand by when their family needs help is admirable. Sam’s inclusion in the family warms my heart. Every time Conner calls him dad it makes my heart smile.

So overall, this was a wonderful addition to the series. I have no complaints about a book, which is quite rare.

The Random Thoughts:

What a great book full of action. Not even one dull moment. Rachel Caine did it again and the series about Gwen it’s getting better and better. I can’t wait for another book. Keep writing Rachel!

I received a digital copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have been a huge fan of the Gwen Proctor series, so I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book! Like the other books in the series, the focus was on a new "case" which ultimately boiled down to Gwen and her family's past life. Rachel Caine does such a great job of developing her characters that it's such a pleasure/relief to see recurring characters come back. The plot of this book was fantastic -- I truly enjoyed every single page!

Having read the latest Rachel Caine offering, Heartbreak Bay, I have completed the entire Stillhouse Lake Series as it currently exists. The previous four I rated 4 or 5 stars and H.B is certainly of that caliber. While I'm not a big proponent of the star rating system, I do think the consistency of rating does say something about the quality of the writing and author's abilities. To my mind, Rachel Caine is a consistent, "steady Eddie" author who always manages to deliver an entertaining thriller well-worth the time spent.

Early in the series, I recall thinking there were some elements that raised my eyebrow. For instance, that Gwen (Gina) was put on trial as a accomplice to her ex-husband's crimes, that there wasn't evidence to exclude her involvement. Or that sentiment among the general public would be so deep-seated and long-held that even after she was found not guilty, she and her children were plagued on message boards, in their neighborhood and schools. At first, I thought maybe a bridge too far. However, the last couple of years has reduced my skepticism and brought the reality home.

One of the hallmarks in this and the entire series are the strong characters, especially the females. From Gwen, to Kezia, Lanny and even Vera. Each in control of their own destiny and empowered to make things happen. None of them afraid of their own power or lacking the ability to learn in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. This book was a very vivid example focusing on Gwen and Kez.

Great read! Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC for an honest review.

This is a great author and I believe you can read her books as a stand alone but think it’s best to read them in a series. My favorite series from her! Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy to read.

A fan of mysteries, I picked up a copy of Stillhouse Lake and was instantly sucked into the world of the fearless Gwen Proctor, a woman whose world is turned upside-down after a car hits her garage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband was a serial killer and his latest victim was hanging from the rafters. The book took off like a shot and I have been engrossed in this series, as well as a few of her other writings, since.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth, and last, in her Stillhouse Lake series and it is over-the-top creepy. Gwen is still fighting for her family and their right to peace and a normal life. The fact her now-deceased ex-husband, Melvin, has a rabid cult following puts Gwen and her family on constant alert for trolls and psychopaths. Small town living doesn't help either. It's not an idyllic childhood for her children, Lanny and Conner. And her relationship with her partner, Sam Cade, carries some massive baggage. But despite the need for safety words, multiple gun safes, and escape drills, Gwen is able to keep them all together in a home built on love and resilience.

Heartbreak Bay begins when Gwen's best friend, Detective Kezia Claremont, arrives at the scene of a horrible double murder. Two little girls. This one guts her to the core, as she is pregnant for the first time. She shares her findings with Gwen, asking for her help researching their missing mother. But while bringing her onto the case is beneficial, it also opens up Gwen's painful past; again exposing her and her family to the media circus and serious troll activity that revolves around her ex-husband.

Somehow her kids have survived the last four books and have matured into sensible, resilient teenagers. Lanny, still the hotheaded one, is possibly falling for her friend, Vee. Vee is definitely falling for her. Connor, who has gone through the most horror, mostly related to his father, is growing more fearless and practical. Sam remains, and will always remain, that guy I wish had my back. Gwen is still kickass as ever. And Kez, while always tough, now has even more reason to stick with Gwen and fight till the end.

The first half builds the story, throws some red herrings, reminds us how disturbing Melvin's cult following is, reminds us again how tough this family is, then...the murderer is a total psychopath who is very creative. The last half of the book is freaky and would make a good book in and of itself.

At the end of Rachel Caine's latest novel in the Stillhouse Lake series is an author's note that brought me to tears. She was battling cancer and wasn't sure if Heartbreak Bay was her last novel. After writing over 50 novels about everything from sci-fi to young adult to outer space to mystery to vampires to even a great magical library, Rachel Caine passed away on November 1, 2020. Heartbreak Bay, which will be published in 2021, was her last book. She will be so greatly missed.

I thought that Gwen’s story was done after the tragic stories in Bitter Falls, but once again, she is forced to face even more terror for her family in Heartbreak Bay. This time, though, she is entwined with Kezia, whom we really have only gotten to know as a side story. Here, she gets to take center stage and it is gripping tale filled with all of the suspense Rachel Caine is known for. From the starting chapter up to the final scene, the reader is held captive. I’m sorry that this will be the last we see of Gwen and her family. Rachel Caine gave us a strong heroine to root for. Condolences to her family on her recent passing. She will live on through her writing.

I have missed Gwen, Sam and their family. Their past has come to haunt them again... but really it's their continuous present and inevitable future. I feel so hard for this family. In this continuation, we also get to learn more about Kez and now we have two very strong female leads with their amazing supporting men and I truly love all their dynamics.

I figured some things out fairly early on. Sometimes it's disappointing to find out you were right but other times, like here, it gave me that *head nod, smirk, mm-hmmm* moment while still feeling this intense ANGER at what was happening on behalf of all the characters being tortured. Feel me? And I felt a LOT of things while reading this one.

It's really hard for me to review this as it has elicited a lot of emotions. I truly fell in love with these characters... all of them... and this was a roller coaster of a read. So I'll just leave it as the below.

I've loved this series since the very first book - it is most definitely one of my favorite thriller series and I'm saddened to hear of the author's passing. I highly recommend this series and will definitely be looking into her backlist. If you love a good thriller series where the very first book has the main character losing control of her car so it crashes into her own garage where a girl her serial killer husband is keeping captive is unintentionally found.... surprising the hell out of her and her kids.... well..... yeah, you're gonna need to read these. I truly wish there were more.

In the Author's notes, Caine states, "If this is the last of Gwen's story, then I hope you feel it was worthwhile. I do." I do, too... RIP Rachel Caine - you will be greatly missed. ❤