This is another fantastic addition to a must read series. The author weaves a suspenseful tale that makes this story hard to put down. It’s a guessing game with twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. If you have not started this series you are missing out so make sure it’s on your reading list.

Wow... Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine is one of those books that takes hold of you and doesn’t let go until the bitter end. The Stillhouse Lake series is one of my absolute favorites and this book does not disappoint. There were chapters that I was flying through just to read what happens next. And that ending... speechless!!!! ❤️ Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys psychological and crime thrillers!!!

I have read all the books in the Stillhouse Lake series and this one didn't disappoint I loved the 5th book as much as the 1st. This story is fast paced and full of twists. Gwen and Kez are at their best solving this mystery. These are strong smart female lead characters. I thought it was a great read.

The Stillhouse Lake Series is hands down my favorite serious I’ve ever read. All books can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY suggest you read them in order to learn about the characters, their back story and why each plot/scenario is the way it is.

Two weeks ago the author, Rachel, announced that she has cancer and talked about how severe it is. When I read this, I shed tears for one of my favorite authors and prayed. I cannot imagine how hard this time is for Rachel and her family but I continuously pray that it is filled with reminiscing memories and lots of family and love.

With that being said, Heartbreak Bay could be her last novel of the Still house Series that she writes. If that is the case, it was a perfecting ending to The Proctor’s story. Even though I would have loved to see Gwen and Sam get married!

Heartbreak Bay was filled with excitement as Gwen and Kez take on a serial killer who cannot be found. A ghost? It really did seem that way. But Gwen always finds her threats and will stop at nothing to keep her friends and her family safe. I hope this is not the end of the road for Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor but if it, I will always hold a special place in my heart for these characters as they have been my favorite to read.

To Rachel, thank you for this amazing series and your creative writing that has always kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I wish you nothing but peace, acceptance, healing and love.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! For everyone that follows me on GR, you'll know that I've been a huge fan of the Stillhouse Lake series since the first book and this was no different. It was a stay up until 3:30 am to finish it kind of book. It's incredibly dark and was pretty much non-stop suspense that I wavered so hard on whether to round my 4.5 up or down. This latest installment centers on one seemingly simple question - would you rather die or kill someone you love? I love Gwen and want to give her the benefit of the doubt but she really needs to stop going to places with names like Death Mountain or Suicide Ridge.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth book in the Stillhouse Lake series and another superb addition to the series. I'll say upfront that while each of these books will standalone, you're missing a great reading experience and a lot of character development if you skip any of the books. My advice: Read in order!

This story opens with Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor living an almost normal life in their new home a little distance away from Stillhouse Lake. It appears the vigilantes have finally focused their attentions elsewhere and life is good again . . . until its not. A phone call in the wee hours from Det. Kezia Claremont pulls now P.I. Gwen out of the warm bed she shares with Sam into the ominous dark night. She meets Kez on a seldom traveled road beside a murky pond near Stillhouse where a submerged vehicle is pulled out of the water. Two young sisters are in the backseat still strapped in their child seats. No one else is around. Both Kez and Gwen are horrified and heartbroken at the unspeakable crime. Where is their mother? Was she kidnapped? The answers to these questions lead Kez and Gwen into a deadly investigation that goes from bad to worse, stirring a hornet's nest that draws the crazies back out of the woodwork. Gwen's life is in chaos yet again. An invisible killer is playing a game of "Would you rather . . . " with them and the endgame is their lives.

Heartbreak Bay is a character driven story that unravels at a deadly pace. As events spiral out of control, it becomes clear that Kez and Gwen are being played by a cruel killer. Caine excels at setting a tone of malice that carries throughout with imminent danger always lurking around the next corner. I swear I could hear my heart bound as this story played out. I especially loved learning more about Kez in this one as readers get a look at what makes her tick. She and Gwen put their lives on the line to protect loved ones and their heart, grit, and drive is a force to be reckoned with. This story is action-packed from cover to cover with an explosive block-buster ending that might be a bit unbelievable IF it was anyone else. But in this case, the author has clearly done her research and also previously established these characters as super heroes with a strong sense of right and wrong. Heartbreak Bay is a raw, emotional, high octane suspense thriller that I highly recommend to everyone. Especially fans of this highly addictive series!

Another ripper of a book in the series. I find myself getting sucked into these books immediately and then I cannot put them down. Heartbreak Bay was no exception. I really feel for Gwen and her family, they’ve had a tough time. And it definitely gets tougher in this one. Gripping, dark and compelling, it’s another great addition to the series. That author’s note at the end damn near broke my heart too.

Another brilliant addition to the “Stillhouse Lake” series!

When Kezia Claremont finds the bodies of two children strapped in a car submerged in a pond, her heart breaks, especially when it is discovered that their mother is nowhere to be found. Though the police are investigating, Kezia knows she needs the help of her best friend and Private Detective, Gwen Proctor. Little does Kezia know that investigating the case causes all kinds of trouble.

Of course, Gwen is no stranger to trouble. Being the former wife of serial killer Melvin Royal, Gwen, her partner Sam, and their kids Lanny and Connor, know exactly what it’s like to be harassed and stalked by a mad man.

Will having each other’s back be enough to save Kezia and Gwen from someone who’d like to destroy them?

“Heartbreak Bay” is a well written, character driven mystery / suspense that kept me on my toes, glued to the storyline, hoping against hope that my girl Gwen made it through yet another day.

A Huge thank you to the author, Rachel Caine for writing such an incredible series and for continuing to bring it. If this is on your tbr, let me just say that the author’s note at the end of this book is a must read and outlines Ms. Caine’s current health battle. I’m sending you positive vibes Rachel Caine! Thank you for bringing Gwen Proctor, Lanny, Connor and Sam Cade to life. This series has been one of my favorites these last few years and I am so grateful to you for sharing it with all of us.

For those of you who haven’t read this series and who love mystery/suspense. I ask you to please read this series and to share your thoughts on it with the world as it truly is amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 9.26.20.

Gwen Proctor already defeated one monster in her quest to protect her children. But what happens when other monsters are still out there hunting? I loved Stillhouse Lake, liked Killman Creek, really enjoyed Wolfhunter River and Bitter Falls, and couldn't wait to get my hands on Heartbreak Bay to find out how the story ultimately plays out.

I really liked the approach that this book took of alternating chapters from the perspectives of Gwen, Sam, and finally Kezia. It was really interesting to hear what the other characters have been feeling about the whole situation and to get an opportunity to learn a little more about them and get in their heads.

I enjoyed this one a little less than the last addition and thought it moved a lot slower and repeated a lot of the same themes from the earlier books. But I did enjoy it and thought it was a wild ride. I can't wait to read the next chapter in the Proctor family's story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was refreshing compared to book #4 in my opinion. This book takes on a different tone with Gwen focusing on keeping her family safe but with far more caution than in the previous books. They've finally settled into a life that they're content with and are prepared to fight for it. I loved the suspense of deducing the killer's identity, and I was able to guess it!

We follow the plot in Rachel's patented multi-perspective manner, but we finally get to be in Kezia's head! The consistent switching of perspective furthered the suspense without being too scattered. I will say that it was nice not having the kids' perspectives in this one, just because some of their choices didn't seem realistic

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and I have to say... If this is the last book of the series, I will be totally satisfied. That being said, I don't think we're quite done with Gwen yet. It seems like the books pair up nicely, so a 6th book may be the finale for the Proctor clan. Wishing all the best to Rachel as she battles cancer. <3

Another amazing book by Rachel Caine. This is the latest book in the Stillhouse Lake series and as usual it didn’t disappoint. I started out the series by listening to the audiobooks which btw are fabulous (the voice actor is great), when I worked for a biotech company as a traveling clinical researcher. Since then, I have moved to Hawaii where I no longer have a long drive so I actually read this last book. If you are a fan of a good thriller, do yourself a favor and read the entire Stillhouse Lake series. You’ll thank me for it.

I’m a big fan of this series and enjoyed this one a lot . Caine has a way of building suspense while creating believe able characters you tend to root for .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Absolutely love this series. Found these books from a FB add and was not disappointed in them in any way. I love when an author can keep my interested in the story from the beginning and I can't wait to get back to the book. I definitely had it with this one. She just captures the characters so well. Heartbreak Bay didn't disappoint. Recently found out that this author is going through some personal struggles and bought the rest of the books in her catalog. I felt on a personal level that it was the only way I could feel helpful. She is definitely in my thoughts.

Once again, Rachel has me sitting on the edge of my seat to the very last page. To the very last sentence. She never fails to give me a book that is impossible to put down. I feel like a pre-teen again trying to get as far as I can well through the night until I'm forced to shut the lights and nudged to turn off my phone. Heartbreak Bay is so full of moral dilemma, you start questioning your own by the end. Her character development is incredible and every book when I think I know the characters well enough, she just keeps adding to them to make them feel even more like you know them personally. Every new villain is given so much depth well into the early chapters. I hope Rachel's personal journey turns out well with a happy ending for herself and loved ones. Thank you so much for a series I'll never forget!

#HeartbreakBay #NetGalley

Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with ARC.

This is the first book to me by Rachel Caine
and i have kept hearing about Stillhouse Lake series but don't have the chance to read it.

I really enjoyed it and i will try to read the other books in these series

I love the Stillhouse Lake series, and this latest instalment didn't disappoint! Gwen Proctor is a wonderfully feisty character, determined to defend her loved ones to the death when another fanatic threatens them.

Gwen and her family have settled in a new home, although we get brief glimpses of the lake where it all started. It seems life is becoming normal for them, until odd things start happening. There's a lot of emotion, as well as tension, throughout the book and the story keeps you gripped until the end.

The different points of view show the sheer determination of Gwen and Kezia, their dedication to their loved ones and each other, their internal struggles to overcome their pasts so they can have a future. Each book in the series is an emotional journey, this one even more so than the others. A fantastic read I highly recommend.

Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy. This series keeps going strong! Another great read. I couldn’t put it down. I love that the characters continue to develop and never get tired. The subplot about the twins was a good twist. I enjoyed getting to know Kezia more. I read the author’s end note and am so sorry to hear she is going through that. Sending positive thoughts her way!

Wow!
Suspenseful and dark!
What a roller coaster ride of thriller, mystery and intrigue.
I HIGHLY recommend you pick up all the books in the Stillhouse Lake series.
With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed Heartbreak Bay which is #5 in the series. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. There is so much going on within the story....some things so demented and sickening you just cringe.
Rachel Caine always delivers a must read and she does it once again in Heartbreak Bay♥️
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and author, Rachel Caine, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another fabulous book by Rachel Caine. This series pulled me out of a reading slump I was having quite some time ago and I look forward to find out what Gwen, Sam and the kids are up to in each book. I really loved this book because it wasn’t just about Gwen fighting her past (although she did that too) but it has her friends involved in the story which I really enjoyed. I know that after reading the afterword by Rachel Caine and hearing about what she is going through that this may be the last book in this series and if it is, I felt that they all had a good ending. However I will miss them all. And I will continue to pray for Rachel Caine.

This was really good--definitely the best installment in the series since Killman Creek. On the one hand, you hate that poor Gwen is continuously targeted by one psycho after the other, but on the other, the best stories are the ones where she is actually the one being targeted (as opposed to the last two, where she sorta stumbled into the situations for reasons that didn't always make a lot of sense). The sense of tension this time, just like with the first two books, is strongly felt, and you are left with a bit of an edge-of-your-seat feeling. I also really enjoyed that we got Kezia's point of view--watching her work the case in parallel with Gwen was a great way to move us through the story, with a well-paced reveal. If this does turn out to be the last Gwen Proctor story, we're definitely ending on a satisfying high note.