This is Rachel Caine's fourth entry in the Stillhouse Lake series and while I enjoyed the first two books of this series, the last two book have been formulaic, lather, rinse and repeat versions of insane perilous situations these idiotic characters continue to put themselves in with their stupid choices. Readers deserve better than the same regurgitated story line, phrases, etc but you won't find that here.

Gwen Proctor is portrayed as the fierce, protective mama trying to outrun the shadows of her late ex-husband's harrowing crimes. I am so tired of the inner monologues about how there is not a single person in Any Town, Any State, USA that will ever let her forget she is/was Melvin Royal's wife, that she must have had something to do with his horrific crimes (despite being found innocent), that the entire world will hold that against her from now until the day she dies, and how the sicko patrol hunts her down 24-7-365 and will likely continue to do so in the afterlife too. In this installment, however, she's also taken on the role of world's biggest hypocrite when she rails against the jr high/high school having an active shooter drill (a very sad reality) when she's been holding her own drills with her children, hidden gun lockers, bugout bags, panic alarms, safe rooms, etc for years.

The kids (Lanny, I'm looking at you, girl) continue to be moody, defiant teenagers who owe Sam, the Norton police department, and every reader a thousand apologies for their constantly stupid, reckless decisions which ALWAYS result in them being put into dangerous situations. Then again, when they have Gwen Proctor as their role model, what do I expect? For one of them to listen? For one of them to, I don't know, run for help if they manage to escape a perilous situation instead of lurking around the premises until they get caught and dragged away in the back of a white, windowless van? Seriously, any time the Norton PD sees one of these vans in their town they should automatically head out to the Proctor place full lights blazing because someone in that family is about to be tased and/or knocked on the head, and one of the kids will be kidnapped. On second thought, the Norton PD can just stay put because only Gwen Proctor has the knowledge and skills necessary to get her kids back and solve whatever contrived mystery Ms. Caine has hanging around in the background as a plot.

I'm saying goodbye to the Proctor family and Stillhouse Lake. Ms. Caine should have done the same after Book 2...

I love this series, and really enjoyed this book. I love the strength in Gwen Proctor, and how she faces the hard challenges in her life. I felt so bad for the people in the cult, and applauded the actions of some of the members in the final battle.

This book follows along in the vein of the other three: people still hate Gwen for what her ex did, she's still trying to protect her family from the crazies, and crazy things are about to go down. This time, it involves a cult, a remote compound, missing young men, and a bunch of other implausible but fun-to-read things.

This series by Rachel Caine has been a favorite of mine. I never know where she is going to take the story and it always is so surprising.

Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine is the fourth installment of the thrilling Stillhouse Lake series. The first book in the series, Stillhouse Lake, introduced readers to Gwen Proctor who had gone into hiding with her two children after it was found that her husband was a serial killer. The trio had been on the run for several years not only trying to make sure that her husband who had gone to prison wouldn’t know of their whereabouts but also the vigilantes that thought Gwen was an accomplice to the killings instead of an innocent housewife.

After years of being on the run and hiding Gwen and her children were tired of constantly being on the move and decide to finally settle at a home at Stillhouse Lake. This series continues their story from book to book and is best read from the beginning to get the full story on the dangers the family has faced and to get to know all the characters well. Each book of the series has picked up right after the previous had left off and continued the story of the family as they face the new dangers.

I have been following this series from the beginning myself having been a fan of other books by Rachel Caine and have absolutely loved this series from the start. I have loved the way it digs deep into what happens to the family of a convicted killer bringing in the internet and media and their intrusion into their lives. The characters are likable and the story is one that has kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat.

And with each new book of the series I have loved that the author has gone a little different in style and taken the story in new directions to keep readers on our toes. This to me has made it not feel like we are just re-reading the first book over and over and kept everything fresh and new each time so as to not become the way some series can that end up feeling stale. As usual I can’t wait to see what the author has in store next!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Thrilling and captivating as always. Gwen is such a strong, caring and badass mama bear and I admire her deeply.

Wow, what a book! This was book 4 in the Gwen Proctor series, and what a ride! I really loved it. I had no idea what to expect, and was on the edge of my seat making sure that my beloved characters made it out okay. I really, really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4, and I can't wait for book 5!!

As always the Stillhouse Lake books are a wild ride. I always know Gwen and her family are going into something crazy. The main thing I like about these books isn't the action, its the characters. They are real, raw, and have great development. The actual plot, while entertaining, can be a bit over the top. I still enjoy them, but they definitely require suspension of belief. Overall, I really enjoyed this addition, and can't wait for the next one.

This is the 4th book in the Stillhouse lake series. I couldn’t wait to read it. I enjoyed the characters in the previous books and this story didn’t disappoint. It was a real page turner, highly recommend, .

An Intense Thriller – Gwen & Co. Back for More!

I’m a big fan of Rachel Caine, and she does not disappoint with her lasted installment in the Stillhouse Lake thriller series. Each of these books can be read as a standalone, but for the best experience from recurring characters and references to past events, you may consider reading the series in order (I’m typically a sticker for “in order” so I have ALL the backstory – but it’s not necessary if you’re good jumping right in).

Our heroine, Gwen, is back again in this 4th book in the series. A well-plotted and highly detailed thriller, this story grabs you from the first page – fast-paced and action packed! We find Gwen working as a PI, raising her kids with her boyfriend, and trying to move on from a dark past. The past won’t let go though, and Gwen is soon embroiled in the terrifying world of cults, secrets, and lies. I could keep throwing out adjectives, but really, it would just be more of the same – this is a top-notch thriller that twists it’s way around the dark side of humanity. You’ll come out the other side emotionally drained, but also awestruck at the resilience our beloved characters and eager to read (or re-read) the rest of the series.

This is a well-written first-person perspective book, with the viewpoints of our four main characters alternating by chapter. I found this style very easy to follow. Be ready for a marathon reading session!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy of this book, for which I’m voluntarily providing an honest review.

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Always finish. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but never consider the DNF.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.

Description

She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare. In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children. Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home. In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?

My Review
When I first started reading Bitter Falls I did not realize it was part of a series. However, I was able to follow the storyline without any problem. This ARC was provided in exchange for my honest opinion, and boy was I surprised. I literally started the book and did not put it down until the very end.

The novel wrapped me up from the beginning and did not let go until the very end. I wanted to find out all I could about all of the characters. Each one had their unique characteristic that made me like them or dislike them from the beginning. Father Tom was portrayed so well I actually thought he was vile by the end. Sam’s resilience was phenomenal. I definitely like “harmony” and how she comes to the rescue.

Overall, the novel was well written with amazing well-crafted characters. This is a must read if you enjoy suspenseful stories that grab you from the very beginning and have you holding your breath throughout the story. Highly recommend this book.

Gwen Proctor isn’t someone who gives up. But, with the Belldene family’s vendetta against her, her partner Sam and her kids turning deadly moving away from Stillhouse Lake is becoming far more appealing. The home that was once a sanctuary has now become a prison. In the meantime, Gwen has been given a cold case, a teen who has been missing for 3 year. But, the more she digs the more disappearances she finds as well as the realisation that this case may be far more sinister than she could imagine. And, much closer to home.

How does each book in this series just keep getting better? I was convinced Wolfhunter River the previous book in the series was my favourite. Then I picked up Bitter Falls, and I now have a new favourite. This really was edge of your seat, heart rending stuff. Not only do you have the thriller aspect to invest in, but the personal struggles of Gwen and co and when these two factor intersect, it’s impossible to put down.

What I liked about this book, which was more impactful in this book then it has been in previous instalments of the series is that we get the POV of Connor and Lanny, Gwen’s teenage children. I liked this for a few reasons, one, quite simply; I like Connor and Lanny. They’re good kids who have been through a lot and I enjoyed seeing their perspective. Two, seeing their perspective really showed you the effect their lifestyle has had on them. Although we are told this a lot, especially through Gwen, their mother, seeing the effects “in person” from their POV had a much deeper impact. It brought them to life and made them more like characters in their own rights, rather than just another avenue to utilise to destroy Gwen.

The investigation into the missing teen, the thriller aspect of this book, was also fascinating. The more that was discovered the more complex and more horrifying the mystery became. It all culminated into an action packed and tense climax to the book. I was eating it up, this book hits on so many levels, it’s exciting, heart wrenching, there’s the personal stake you have in the characters and the horror at the situation in general. Combined, it completely enthralled me.

Another excellent book in this series! If you want a psychological thriller that has a little romance, family drama and merrily tap dances on your heartstrings, then you need to give this a try.

Love this series. The first two books are without a doubt the best. Bitter falls still packs a thrilling punch with a lot of action!

I was aware of the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine and its popularity amongst readers who enjoy a good crime thriller/mystery. So when I saw that book 4 was up for grabs on NetGalley, I grabbed it even though I haven't read the first three books yet. However, judging by how much I enjoyed this book, I can now appreciate why this series is so popular! Let's just say I am now onto the bandwagon and will not waste anymore time catching up on the story of Gwen Proctor.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Thomas and Mercer and the author for the e-Arc of the book.

Gwen is a private investigator with two children and her partner Sam. The family is trying to deal with having a serial killer in the family. A case of a young man disappearing in Tennessee provides an interesting opportunity to find out what happened for the family of the young man. A cult and prominent family from the area make things highly dangerous not just for Gwen but also her family. A good psychological thriller.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I will be posting a full review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

This may be the 4th book in this series but Rachel Caine has done an excellent job of making each new book feel as if you were just continuing the previous one. No confusion or trying to figure out what happened between one book and the next. They flow together and that is a serious writing skill. The back story still flows easily while the characters have grown older and let's hope, a little wiser. As an investigator, Gwen's history influences her judgement, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad, but always pushing the mystery forward. The "bad guys" in this book are a family group too. Their connection to the town and each other complicate the investigating process and bring the tension to a peak when Gwen must protect her own family. A great new chapter in the Stillhouse Lake series. I can't wait for the next one!

I have been a fan of this series since the first book. I think the character development keeps getting better with each new installment. I have watched Gwen Proctor grow through the pages from the first book to this new installment and I absolutely love her transformation.

In this story, Gwen is investigating a missing persons case. What started out a simple case soon takes a turn revealing a complex web of lies and deceit. Gwen soon finds herself entangled in the crazy web.

As I have already mentioned, the character development is stellar. Once again Rachel Caine does a fabulous job in the crafting of each of the characters. It’s not just the MCs who are well developed but also the support characters. For instance, I loved seeing the different sides of the Belldene crime family.

The previous book had too much action for my liking. Luckily, this one had the perfect balance. I was captivated by the mystery and enjoyed putting together the puzzle pieces. There were bullets flying but this time, I was completely lost in all the drama and couldn’t take my eyes off the pages.

This was undoubtedly a fast-paced, riveting read. I look forward to the next book already.

I am a really big fan of this series and of Rachel Caine in general. This book had more action than the other books in the series, and worrying and wondering if everyone was going to make it through kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, this was a great read and I would recommend to those who like reading books with a strong female lead!

Book 4 in the series and it was very close to my favorite. So so good! This book is the perfect amount of suspense mixed with the twists that make you not want to put it down. I sure hope there is a book 5. Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book.