Cover Image: Killman Creek

Killman Creek

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Nail biting, edge of your seat stuff. Really! Everyone who loves a well crafted thriller, this book is for you!

I read this book in one obsessive sitting. Ignoring all around me, needing to know how things will turn out. I have to say, this is one of the few books that really grabbed me and would not let go.

I have not really read any of Rachel Caine's other books as she mostly writes urban fantasy, but I have to say I'm very impressed. I want to read the other books in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

Gripping, intense & unputdownable!

This was an absolutely fabulous follow up to Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine!

This wasn’t my first reading experience with this author as I have read all of her Weather Warden Series. So when I seen that she had a thriller genre book out I quickly grabbed this one from NetGalley. I just knew that I had to read this book and oh my goodness I forgot how much I love this authors writing style. Although at the time I didn’t realize that it was a sequel so I purchased myself a copy of Stillhouse Lake right away but unfortunately didn’t read it right away. Well I absolutely don’t know what I was waiting for because these two books were absolutely gripping edge-of-your-seat thrill rides!

KILLMAN CREEK (Stillhouse Lake #2) by RACHEL CAINE is a dark, thrilling, and action-packed thriller that was quite the nerve-wracking and adrenaline-inducing read. This book was highly suspenseful and had my heart-pounding every step of the way. The tension was top-notch and didn’t let go once.

RACHEL CAINE has this quality of writing that I find so entertaining and appealing. She has this ability to totally immerse me into the plot, narrative of the story and into the care and well-being of all the characters involved. Whether that be that I’m rooting for them or that I’m hoping that justice will be served.

Although this story would work as a stand-alone, I think it would be that much more entertaining and enjoyable if you were to read Stillhouse Lake first. I never read series out of order though as I am definitely a reader that needs to have the background info from the previous books and the characters to fully enjoy the story.

I am so looking forward to receiving the third book in this series, Wolfhunter River and once I do there is no way it’s going to be sitting on my shelf for any length of time.

Cautionary Warning: There is some graphic scenes that might be a little disturbing to some readers.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rachel Caine and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read a free, electronic ARC of this novel in exchange for a review.

Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Sinister, eerie, appealing and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Intriguing, suspenseful, scary and fitting.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, appealing, gripping, emotive and suspenseful. Love Rachel Caine’s writing style!
Plot: Thought-provoking, nerve-wracking, intense, suspenseful, action-packed, gripping, fast-paced, held my attention fully and highly entertaining.
Ending: Very pleasing and satisfying. Even though there wasn’t a cliffhanger per se there was definitely something that happened in the end that has me eagerly waiting to read, Wolfhunter River.
Overall: I was thoroughly entertained with the non-stop action right from the very beginning and could not put this book down. Would highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
Gwen had thought that she and her kids were safe. But this Melvin’s escape from prison and his chilling note to her. Gwen knows that no one will ever be safe again as long as Melvin is still breathing. Let the hunt begin.

Killman Creek picks up were Stillhouse Lake left off (you need to read Stillhouse Lake first. That is a must). Ms. Caine’s second installment in this series was great! We know from book one that Gwen is one tough cookie, but in Killman Creek we learn to what lengths she will go to protect her kids.

I am very excited that there will be a third installment in this series. I hope that by the end Gwen and her family will find a little bit of peace.


Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Was this review helpful?

This was an excellent installment in the Stillhouse Lake series.

This book started out with a little repetition. For example the MCs, Gwen and Sam, tell us about how they are attracted to each other, but there are roadblocks to their relationship multiple times. I was starting to get frustrated by this and was doing a bit of eye-rolling, then it stopped and story started to get even better.

The story is a bit dark, dealing with a serial killer who is stalking his ex-wife and kids with the desire to do them all harm. Of course, there are other bad guys and a mom trying to keep her kids safe at all costs. There is quite a bit of action throughout and I definitely wanted to keep reading without stopping. Once the story got rolling it didn't stop.

I'm happy to say that this book did not end in a cliffhanger. It had an action packed ending that wrapped things up without feeling like a neat little bow. I still want to read the third book in the series, Wolfhunter River, but because the series is so good, not because I need to to find out what happens next. I much prefer series that work this way.

If you haven't read this series and enjoy action thrillers I would recommend giving it a try. You need to start with Stillhouse Lake, as this one is a continuation of that story. I'm sure you could read it as a standalone and enjoy it, but you would be missing a lot of backstory. Besides, Stillhouse Lake is worth a read on its own.

Was this review helpful?

If the first book of the series was like the TV-show The Fall, then this second book is like all the other Cane’s books, just minus the paranormal and fantastical beasts. In this book the good characters are really good and bad characters are really awful and unfortunately the bad characters are able change the good character’s way of thinking and to make them doubt everything they have known so far.

It was pretty chilling to read, how easy it could be to ruin somebody’s life in this technical world we live in, if you have enough money and connections. True, it is just a book, just a fiction, but so many fictions have become true at one point and we do live in a world, where everything is possible, if you know what programs to use and how to use them.

And once again, it was really thrilling and captivating story!

Was this review helpful?

As a new reader of Rachel Caine, I had no expectations for this book but boy! was I wrong!

Killman Creek is #1 in a new thriller series. It is largely domestic thriller in my opinion. Characters were very relatable and this made it an easy read to devour. The pacing was so fast paced! I loved it! Book #2 is already out so get started!

Was this review helpful?

<u><b><i>Killman Creek</i></b></u>
<u><b><i>Stillhouse Lake, Book 2</i></b></u>

<b><i>I Picked Up This Book Because:</i></b> Continue the series.

<b><i>The Characters:</i></b>

<b>Gwen Procter formerly Gina Royal</b>
<b>Sam Cade:</b>
<i>Lanny/Lily, Connor/Brady, Mike Lustig, Melvin Royal, Javier, Kezia </i>

<b><i>The Story:</i></b>

Gwen Procter and Same Cade take us on one hell of a man hunt. Their only objective, find and kill escaped serial killer Melvin Royal. The police have failed to find him and Gwen needs him gone for her family to be safe.

When I say everything happened in this book, I mean EVERYTHING happened in this book. Multiple kidnappings, a car chase in treacherous icy weather and several other federal offenses. I was on the hook of it all. I will admit it took me waaayyyy too long to read this book. A combination of not working my part time job (where I spend a great deal of time reading), laziness and my yearly rewatch of a certain long running, Seattle based, medical drama being some of my reasons for not cranking out the pages. My other major reason is this book is seriously creepy sometimes and it’s not the kind of thing I can read then go to sleep on.

Often I compared the first book to a LifeTime movie and the second book is no different. If you are looking for a crazy suspense/thriller this is your book.

<b><i>The Random Thoughts:</i></b>

<spoiler>The implication that Melvin Royal is not actually dead is killing me. Ms Cain I hope you are 110% better so you can write me this next book! Sometimes I have to force myself to remember authors are people and not machines and I can’t just make them write on demand</spoiler>

<b><i>The Score Card:</i></b>

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/6yPWHQj.png" width="400" height="100" alt="description"/>

<b>3.5 Stars</b>

Was this review helpful?

Like the first book in the series, Killman Creek grabs you by the hand and just pulls you along. Rachel Caine is incredible at writing novels that just keep your heart racing the whole time and are almost impossible to put down. I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first, Stillhouse Lake. I have no idea where the third book will lead, but will happily pick it up when it comes out.

Was this review helpful?

I read the first book of this series and loved it. I was thrilled to see there was more to the story. When I started reading this one, it was like details I had forgotten that I was reminded of. I couldn't put this one down. I would definitely recommend this book!! Thank you so much for the download!

Was this review helpful?

So, this sequel is more than what I expected. Stillhouse Lake is such a gripping read and thus I can’t help but assumed that this one will be the same. Gladly, I wasn’t left disappointed. Killman Creek is as gripping and more. Rachel Caine yet again weaved another intense story about Gwen and her family. Aside from Gwen, we also get some perspective from her two kids, Lanny and Connor, and as well as Sam. It gives a glimpse of how the kids look at things and how they are coping with all that they’ve been through. I feel invested with the characters and I feel a lot of emotions in reading their parts. Killman Creek certainly made up for the disappointing cliffhanger of the first book. This is something I expected a sequel should be. It is action-packed and even not short of heart-pounding suspense. The surprising twists and turns ensure that the reader will keep turning the pages. The ending is satisfying and I was surprised to know that there will be a third book that’s at work. I can’t help but wonder how things will go for the Royals on the next installment. This series is amazing and it revived my love for Rachel Caine. Killman Creek is a strong follow-up and is definitely recommended for those who enjoy a fast-paced thriller.

Was this review helpful?

Second books are always a challenge. But this one still kept the same feel as the first only in a different way if that makes sense. More at stake and maybe more insight on the other characters make it more rounded out. Oh I had this sinking feeling all along while reading. I like the suspense element here. I can't believe there's still another book though. Gah I feel for Gwen and the kids so they deserve a HEA.

Was this review helpful?

Very well written, and I love this storyline. This second installment wasn’t quite as good as the first, but it was still enjoyable. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read it. Definitely fast paced, dark and twisted, and of course majorly focusing on relationships and how far you can truly trust someone.

I’m sad the third book has been pushed to March 2019, but I’m still looking forward to reading it!

Was this review helpful?

This is the sequel to “Stillhouse Lake,” and it does not disappoint. Melvin Royal is still on the loose, and Gwen Proctor is set on finding him and killing him. However, she doesn’t count on him getting to her kids, especially the manner in which he does so. Gwen’s lonely and sheltered existence goes from bad to worse. With nothing left to lose, she is resigned to fight to the death—her, own that is. An excellent, edge of the seat thriller and a must for anyone who read “Stillhouse Lake.”

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Caine does it again with Killman Creek! Well paced, twisty, turny thriller that kept me up late at night because I couldn't stop reading!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

Was this review helpful?

This is the second Killman Creek book by Rachel Caine. This one was just as addicting as the first one. I really hope that she continues this series.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars!

After reading Stillhouse Lake I knew I had to read book two, Killman Creek, as soon as possible. I am so thankful to have won a giveaway hosted by Janel (Keeper of Pages) who runs Criminally Good Book Club on Bookstagram as well as to have received a digital copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed reading Stillhouse Lake but I found myself loving Killman Creek even more! I would suggest reading the series in order so you have the full back story and get to know the characters better. I loved that this book was told from multiple points of view, especially because we got to hear more from Sam, Lanny, and Connor. The character development was well done and I felt more invested in the story because of this.

Gwen was on the run and constantly trying to keep her family hidden in book one. Instead of playing the victim, we found a totally different Gwen in book two. She went into mama bear/protective mode and proved that she would do anything possible to take down her ex-husband and anyone else that was a threat to her family. I personally loved this change of character.

I did not want to put Killman Creek down. It was intense and full of emotion, and my heart was racing throughout. I needed to know what was going to happen to Gwen and her kids. The book was well paced and had many twists throughout. I highly recommend the Stillhouse Lake series to all thriller lovers. I have no idea what to expect, but I can’t wait to see what Rachel Caine writes for this series next!

Thanks again to the lovely ladies over at Criminally Good Book Club for the hard copy of Killman Creek!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Rachel Caine for the opportunity to read Killman Creek. It was my pleasure to write an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love this series! I’m not sure what more can be done with it, but I’m happy to find out. I like the alternating POV used in this book, it was different, but easy to follow. Don’t read this book first, start at Stillwater Lake.

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I read the first and had to read this one. Highly recommend it. I actually think this one is better than the first. Sooo good!

Was this review helpful?

This book... I certainly didn't think that the sequel would be able to compare to the first book in this series. I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time and I read it in 2 days! I truly hope that there will be more in this series and from the author because I was gripped from the very beginning!

Was this review helpful?

This was a fresh perspective on the follow up from Stillhouse Lake (which I LOVED). This didn't seem as fast pace and gripping as the first book but still very enthralling overall.. The different POV threw me off a bit with the kids kind of making me mad. I get it they are sad and need their dad and their dad is a killer yada yada but they seemed a bit whiny to me and a tad melodramatic. But they are children so that could be a bit realistic.. I did love this book and I love Gwen and her bad-a ways and the heart of armor she has to want to do anything and everything to protect her children. To love them so hard. But some of those moments were just a bit cheesy? Other than that I was rooting for Gwen, Lanny, Connor and Sam. I felt Gwen's fight and spirit and being torn on her decision making. I am all about the strength and power of women and she was definitely a hero and survivor! I loved this series and was sad it ended!

Was this review helpful?