Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas and Mercer and Rachel Caine for this ARC. This book was a definite psychological thriller. I actually had to stop reading it three different times because it scared me, and I was scared to pick it back up. But I’m glad I did. My one piece of advice and reading this book do not read it at night. I read a lot of psychological thrillers so Kudos to the author for scaring the crap out of me!

What a great way to start off the new year! Wowza this book was so good, I honestly felt like I held my breathe from the beginning to the end the tension was so palpitate!

I don't want to give anything so i will say you need to read this series NOW!! Y'all are the lucky ones that can go right from Stillhouse Lake to this one without pause!

This had 4 narrators Emily Sutton-Smith, Lauren Ezzo, Will Ropp, and Dan John Miller each brought their character to life superbly and really conveyed the emotion and tension in this book!.

I highly recommend this series!!

Melvin Royal has escaped prison and he's got one thing on his mind: getting to his ex-wife, the woman who he still believes is his, his to control, his to torment. His to kill. Gwen is sick of being hunted, of moving around, moving her kids around, it's time for the hunter to become the hunted. Gwen is determined to track down Melvin and those aiding him before he gets to her. However, the people assisting Melvin are more dangerous and part of something far larger than she imagined, it seems like they may all be pawns in a larger game.

If you read because you want to chill out with your latest book and relax, then I wouldn't bother picking up Killman Creek. It's not something you sit back and relax with. It's the kind of book you clutch a little to hard as you stare, barely blinking, at the pages dying to know what the hell is going to happen next. It's not ideal for chilling out. I loved it. Caine has created a tense and at times gut wrenching read that is truly addictive.

Stillhouse Lake did a fantastic job of setting the characters and the story up, in this book Caine utilises this to unleash the hell that is Melvin Royal on Gwen and her family. It was intense and creepy as, even from afar, he manages to play mind games on every member of the family. We get to see how it affects them all in different ways as we get this story from not just Gwen's POV but from Lanny, Connor and Sam as well. This all combines to give us an emotional book, there were times when I wanted to cry right along with them as the odds stack up and there seems to be no way out.

I continue to love this series, Rachel Caine has offered a thriller that isn't just dry and dusty police procedure, but an intense experience of ups and downs. The terror of not knowing who your friends are and who you can trust. So if you like your thrillers with an edge and you aren't looking to relax, I highly recommend you pick this one up.

I had trepidation before going into this book. I'd liked but not loved the previous novel 'Stillhouse Lake', but was intrigued enough to know more. I'm glad I did. This was a great dramatic thriller with some excellent characters and plot.

This follows almost directly from where Stillhouse Lake finished. Gwen Proctor, ex-wife of serial killer Melvin Royal, is trying desperately to keep her children safe while playing the hunter and the hunted to Mel and his followers games. With the help of Sam, neighbour, sometimes lover and brother of one of Mel's last victim, she's determined to get one step ahead of the race and kill or be killed in the attempt to track Mel down.

This felt a lot more polished than its predecessor. The characters are more refined and intelligent. Gwen, far from playing the victim or merely trying to hide her children from harm, takes front seat and centre stage here. She's proactive, self assured and just so much better than before. The character development is excellent. Sam is also a strong lead. He's pragmatic, yet suffers internally with what happened to his sister and his guilt I've whether he can trust Gwen or not. It was also a masterstroke to have chapters from his POV. One of my faults with Stillhouse Lake were that is was all from Gwen's perspective, and often her internal monologue got a little grating. To have another view point kept the story fresher.

That said, I was less enamoured with Lanny and Connor's storyline. I often found myself skipping chunks of their story arc so I can return to the faster paced action involving Sam and Gwen. Unfortunately I just found them both slightly irritating and gullible. I got annoyed at their lack of trust in their mother, and the easy way Connor is manipulated- although I can understand why he is. Melvin's looming presence over all the Proctor family is still abundantly clear, and keeping him largely out of the storyline other than through phone calls and texts keeps him as an enigma.

The plot itself, as mentioned, is well paced and entertaining throughout. There are plenty of twists, some which took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed the ending. Again, as with Stillhouse Lake, the use of technology in crime and blackmail was unique and very well done, taking things even further than they were previously. The whole novel had a sort of 'Black Mirror' feel to it, especially the episode 'Shut Up and Dance' where people are blackmailed via anonymous hackers into doing various misdemeanours.

One of the best thrillers I've read in a while.

Killman Creek was the perfect addition to Stillhouse Lake. The only time I put this book down was when I NEEDED to in order to keep my sanity in check. It was disturbing and gripping all at the same time. I love it at every turn, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I don't read about serial killers very often, but when I do, this is what I'm looking for. I can't wait for the next book to come out and I'm super excited to see where Rachel takes the characters.

Killman Creek is the second novel in the Stillwater Lake series, and it did not disappoint. The end of Stillwater Lake left readers with a major cliffhanger. Gwen's estranged ex-husband, notorious serial killer Melvin, has escaped from prison. Revenge is his ultimate goal, and he has Gwen and his children in his sights. Gwen and her comrade Sam immediately begin a furtive escape with the children in tow. However, it becomes very obvious that the problem is far more sinister than even Melvin. There is a dark and ominous presence that is alive and well, and it is up to Gwen and Sam to locate the evil and eliminate it, before it encompasses them all. Gwen and Sam embark on a mission to find Melvin and his cohorts. This leads them to an underground circle of evil and carnage, where murder and death are glorified. Gwen and Sam also struggle with their trust of one another. Can Sam really be entrusted to keep Gwen and her children safe? Was Gwen simply an innocent bystander of Melvin's, or could she secretly have been an accomplice? The answers will all be revealed in a final showdown at Killman Creek.

Wow, this book was awesome! I thought Stillwater Lake was pretty amazing, but Killman Creek had me hooked from page one. I found myself questioning Gwen's intentions more than once during the novel. The idea of a secret enclave of murder and mayhem existing on the internet was also pretty chilling. I flew through this book in a couple of days. I will warn readers that the final scenes at Killman Creek were not for the faint of heart. The culmination of the novel was rather graphic, so if you find it difficult to read about violence or torture, you may need to skip over those scenes. For readers that love a suspenseful and chilling tale, this book is not to be missed.

I loved the first book in the series Stillhouse Lake, so I went into this one with really high expectations....but I am sad to say that I was disappointed. I felt that the writer opened up too many threads and could not do justice to all of them. Though Melvin Royal was in prison, he was a sinister, threatening presence throughout the first book. In this one, he came across as a rather weak character. Absalom also did not live up to the hype. Still, I am looking forward to the next book.

Gwen Proctor will do whatever it takes to keep Melvin Royal he ex-husband and serial killer away from her children. Melvin's escape from prison has forced Gwen to make the decision to run once again or stand her ground. With the help of Sam Cade she decides to hunt down Melvin and put an end to his sick games but Melvin has other plans for his family.

Killman Creek is the action packed second novel in the Stillhouse Lake series. This one picks up right where Stillhouse Lake left off with the escape of Melvin Royal. This is a fantastic series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this second novel the author transitions POV's between Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Connor so we get more insight into Sam and the kid’s emotional states. This is one of the best series I have read in quite a while and I can't wait for the third novel to release this fall.

I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Killman Creek is the second book of the Stillhouse Lake series. In the first book, Gwen Proctor and her children Lanny and Connor have changed their original names and are trying to live below the radar after their husband and father, Melvin Royal is convicted as a serial killer. At the end of book one, we find Melvin has escaped prison and is gunning for Gwen and Gwen must decide whether to keep running or continue to build a life for her and her family. She decides to stay and face Melvin head-on so he can't intimidate and control her any longer. With the help of her neighbour, Sam Cade, Gwen goes on the hunt for Melvin. But all is not what it seems..
The first book builds your empathy and support for Gwen and her children as they try to live a somewhat normal life as the unwitting family of a serial killer. They are tried and convicted by the public and in the media and mercilessly on the dark web. In this book, Gwen and the children fight to regain their right to a normal life and the story is told from the POV of several characters. The author uses this as a tool to develop the path of angst, doubt and finally conviction of each of the four main characters in the book and evokes a connection between the reader and the character separate from the storyline. An obsessive, emotional, wonderful psychological thriller, full of twists and turns. Book One should be read first to appreciate the complete story. I understand there is a third book coming, and I don't know what else can be added to the story so I am really looking forward to what the author will bring!

Great sequel, definitely a must have if you read the first book. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out

Glad that we got some more character development, story was fast paced and interesting. New POVs were a great addition

Killman Creek is a first rate psychological thriller that starts off a little slowly, but then the action just takes off! I had to put the book down about 3/4 of the way through to attend to family matters and just could not get it out of my mind. I found myself talking to others about the book and wondering where it might go. The ending definitely did not disappoint, and I want to read more by Rachel Caine.

I have been looking forward to reading Killman Creek ever since I finished Stillhouse Lake, the 1st book in this series. This book does not disappoint! It is filled with action, suspense, and enough twists to keep you glued to each page! Highly recommend!

You must read Stillhouse Lake before reading this book or you will be totally lost.

This book is much like the first in the way that it keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. I am always surprised at each turn. While I hope to never have to deal with a serial killer, the way their minds work is nothing like I have ever encountered. Very manipulating!

I enjoyed how this book was told from the viewpoint of 4 pivotal characters - Gwen, Lanny, Connor and Sam. Now if there had been a viewpoint of Melvin (the serial killer) that would have been even more eerie! But since this is more about what the family endures it is appropriate to have it from these 4 voices.

There are times I wanted to yell at the characters for doing something stupid - it is like watching the horror movie and the characters doing something you know aren't good decisions! But that aside, the mistakes they make help round out the storyline and really drag you into caring about what happens next and that all will be ok.

My understanding is that there will be a 3rd book and I'm wondering what could possibly happen next as this book wrapped a lot of things up nicely. I have my suspicions but can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

This is the second book in Rachel Caine's Stillhouse Lake series.

Gwen and her kids are in hiding from Gwen's serial killer ex-husband, Melvin. Melvin has escaped from prison and his family is no longer safe. Gwen takes the offensive and goes after Melvin. Sam, the brother of one of Melvin's victims, goes with Gwen on her hunt for Melvin. Meanwhile, the kids stay with a friend, who has a well fortified home.

This story was told from multiple points of view. Gwen's point of view was the primary story, but it was nice to see the kids' (Lanny and Connor) and Sam's viewpoints. The trust between family and friends was tested, so multiple viewpoints worked for this story.

Gwen was a strong character. She was tired of living in fear and wanted to protect her family. Unfortunately, she had some people working against her, which complicated matters. The kids each had their own issues, though they were minor to the story.

For me, this book started off slow and I had a hard time getting into it. It does get better, and the ending was full of suspense and excitement.

I have not yet read the first book in this series (Stillhouse Lake). It's on my Kindle, but I read them out of order. Anyway, I still enjoyed this one without having read the first one.

I enjoyed the first book but don’t think a sequel was necessary. It wasn’t very engaging and I didn’t enjoy the changing point of view. I don’t think it added much to the sorry.

This book takes up the story shortly after the events that happened in Stillhouse Lake. Gwen has reinvented herself but the shadow of her murderous ex husband Melvin Royal looms over her. As he has recently escaped prison Gwen knows that she and her two children will definitely be targeted by him so she's a woman on a mission, one that involves hunting and killing Melvin Royal !
This book features multiple points of view so if you choose to buy it as an audio book it's worth pointing out . That having been said I really liked that it enabled the reader to gain a much closer understanding of how the various characters felt and indeed the added insights really fleshed things out. Gwen is allied with Sam for much of this story but those who have previously helped Melvin are still out there and this story takes a turn I really didn't see coming. Its important to remember that Sam is the brother of Melvins last victim and like so many others he struggles to believe that Gwen really never knew what her husband got up to.
Gwen shines so bright throughout this book and she is most definitely not the put upon submissive housewife that she used to be. Gwen is at heart a saviour, a woman who will go the extra mile to protect others and as this story ends there is a resolution but I hear talk of a third book so I am really curious as to how the author will add to this.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Rachel Caine returns following Stillhouse Lake with the highly anticipated follow-up, KILLMAN CREEK — a woman, is trying to save herself and her children from her monster sadistic ex-husband serial killer, Melvin Royal.

"I am twelve days out from rescuing my children from a murderer. I am exhausted, sore, and plagued with headaches. I am heartsick and tired and anxious and most of all —most of all —I am angry. I need to be angry. Being angry will keep us all alive."

This time around we hear from multiple POV: Gwen, Lanny, Sam, and Connor. The fallout of everything that has occurred and to come from each perspective.

Lance Graham is dead. A partner was a killer. Her husband had turned a cop into a murderer. He had abducted her children.

Connor nor Lanny will talk about it. They have been traumatized. There is psychological damage. She is unsure how it will play out in the future. She will get them the care they need. She has to make them whole again.

Melvin Royal wants to keep them guessing. He has escaped. Melvin is free to stalk and kill more women. He will murder again. He will want to go out in a grandstanding manner. The FBI is after him as well as the police. No one is safe. Especially his family.

He is coming for her. He always has a plan.

Gina has a new identity. The woman who was known as Gina Royal, wife of the horrible serial killer is gone. She is now Gwen. She is not taking any more crap this time. She is not the weak same person.

Her kids are brave and had been forced to face the ugly truths about their dad. She has to find someone she can trust to look after her kids and keep them safe. Her mom is not a fighter.

She turns to Javier Esparza and Kezia Claremont to guard her kids. Javier is a retired marine and runs a gun range. Kezia is a police officer - tough, smart, and capable. She has to trust them.

Gwen and Sam must find him. They both have baggage. She is the ex-wife of a serial killer, under threat from Melvin's groupies, his allies, and the internet vigilantes. His followers.

Sam is the brother of her ex-husband's victim (his last victim), she found strung up in her garage. Tortured and murdered for sadistic pleasure.

Even though Sam had stalked her in the first book, he knows she is not guilty. They must work together. They have one common goal. To take down Melvin Royal.

Gwen Proctor is ready for him. She has left the weak Gina behind. It comes down to Mr. and Mrs. Royal.

As Sam and Gwen are on the run putting themselves in the middle of danger, the kids are worried they may never see their mother again.

The day all their lives changed. Their dad became a monster. He had taken a piece of their lives and made it part of something awful.

The intensity heats up in this installment. Mel is one sick and sadistic serial killer. The constant impending danger. No one is safe from this monster until someone stops him.

They are survivors.

This riveting series must be turned into a film or at least Amazon Video series. Even though this book was not quite as exciting as the first, it was a superb followup.

Now we have to wait until Oct 2, 2018— for the third (3 of 3) Stillhouse Lake Series Wolfhunter River. As I mentioned in my first review, this series reminds me of Joe Carroll in The Following.

Loved the ending, the covers, and the soundtrack selections by the author. If you adore good well-written crime thrillers, this series is for you!

A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased the audiobook narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith, Lauren Ezzo, Will Ropp, and Dan John Miller for a suspenseful and chilling performance.

JDCMustReadBooks

Wow. All the stars! I didn't think it was possible to top Stillhouse Lake, as it's often tough to top, or even match, the first in a series with a sequel. Killman Creek is the exception, I loved it even more than Stillhouse Lake! The multiple narrators did throw me at first, since it was only told from Gwen's perspective in the first book, but I quickly got over it. Plus, I'm a fan of multiple POVs. Caine made me feel a variety of emotions; there were so many times I wanted to scream at my book for one particular character's multiple poor decisions. I saw that there is going to be a third installment?! I can't even imagine where the story could go from here, but obviously I'll read it!

This is the second book in a series, and you'll want to read the first book (Stillhouse Lake) before you read this one. I loved Stillhouse Lake, and this follow up did not disappoint. There were points in the book where I felt so physically stressed out as relationships fell apart. I became invested in these characters in the first book in the series, and that connection remained in this book. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series is going to progress after the way this one ends.