Gwen Proctor is working as a private investigator. She, her lover Sam Cade and her teenage kids Lanny and Connor are still living in Stillhouse Lake, trying to lead the most normal life they possibly can, after living under the most unusual circumstances.
Unfortunately, they have a powerful enemy, the Belldene family, or "hillbilly mafia", a drug dealing paramilitary brood. They are feuding with Gwen, trying to get her to move out of their territory, she brings the heat on them with all the attention she garners.
Previously married to serial killer Melvin, she was unaware of his crimes but many people still believe she was involved and should be punished.
While battling the local faction, Gwen is investigating the cold case disappearance of Remy Landry, a student who went missing in the Knoxville area three years ago.
The case unwittingly leads back to a cult that ties to Wolfhunter River, that she had previous dealings with.
This action packed thriller ratchets up the suspense level and just never stops. A fast, furious and fun read!
I don't recommend this as a stand alone, too much back story and too many spoilers that way. Do yourself a favor and start this series from the beginning!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the e-ARC via NetGalley.

Loved this 4th book in Rachel Caine's "Stillhouse Lake" series!
The drama and suspense in this book was every bit as captivating and intense as it was in the first three books.
Gwen Proctor struggles to keep her family safe while escaping her past (an ex-husband who was a serial killer). Now a private investigator Gwen is on the case of a missing college student. This quickly has her and her family involved with a cult of religious fanatics.
Fast paced and action packed this novel is an excellent addition to the "Stillhouse Lake" series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded up for great characters and writing.

I have read all the books in the series so far and each has been great. I always worry when I go back into a series that I will have forgotten the general gist of things but with this one it’s impossible.

That’s not to say that this was completely smooth sailing for me. The author does a good job of clueing you into what’s happening in case you haven’t read prior installments but it’s almost too much. I think at this point if you haven’t read the priors you won’t be able to truly appreciate this story so the info dumps become repetitive and slightly tiring.

Anyway, the story was entertaining and I like how the characters have evolved. Is it a bit “more of the same”? Yes and no. There were some crazy moments and some painfully stupid decisions made but it made for such a fun rollercoaster of a ride.

I really enjoyed this one and am curious where it will go from here. I do recommend this but urge you to start from the beginning of the series if you haven’t read them. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for a copy in exchange for a review.

Continuing where the last book in the series left off, Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Connor are still in Stillwater Lake. Trying to move forward with their family and their future, the town won't let them forget their past nor does it seem will the rest of the world.
But young men are disappearing without a trace and Gwen has been hired to find answers. Are they connected, or is it just circumstantial? Gwen's learned never to discount anything.
The stakes are high at home and with her case and Gwen will stop at nothing to keep her family safe.
Bitter Falls is well written with high-stakes action and characters Ms. Caine has weaved beautifully from the first story to this one.

Rachel Caine once again does not disappoint!! I truly thought this series was over with book 3. I didn’t really see it going anywhere else seeing how her husband was killed and all three books revolved around that conflict. So when I saw a fourth book I was thrilled!

I did wonder if I would like a fourth book because again I wasn’t sure where it could go. But this book did not disappoint.

Gwen is hired as an a private investigator to track down this couples son. Little did she know the company tracking down the young man had an ulterior motive. And what she believes will be a relatively simple investigation is quite the opposite. It once again brings her, Sam and her children into the world of danger.

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. You don’t want to put it down you will finish this in one sitting.

I feel like by the time you get the fourth book, movie, etc. in a series, the suspense isn’t quite up to par, and it lacks new content. However, I have never been disappointed in the #stillhouselake series-and this book was no exception. I still found myself wanting to read each day and flipping pages quickly. In fact, I found it more enjoyable than book 3!!

Gwen becomes immersed in a cold case of a missing man. She is determined to find him and sets out to get answers. However, In true Gwen style, she is placed in dangerous situations while her enemies are literally knocking at her door. This plot was fast paced and kept my interest throughout the whole book. Although everything was resolved in the last few pages, it did feel rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Another highly recommended book by @rachelcainewriter !! Thank you to @netgalley , for providing me with a copy for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
#bookstagram #books #fiction #suspense #readersofinstagram

Se penso a quanto mi ero goduta il primo e il secondo romanzo di questa serie, quanto li avevo trovati appassionanti, non riesco a credere che sia la stessa scrittrice: noioso, ripetitivo, pieno di infodump, con un interesse amoroso fra i più noiosi mai visti in letteratura e personaggi che fanno giulivi le scelte più assurde possibili.
E' stato il mio ultimo approccio con Gwen Proctor, poco ma sicuro.

Bitter Falls is the first Rachel Caine novel I’ve read. I went into it with no expectations and really enjoyed the book! ⁣
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A few highlights:⁣
* CULTS (if you’ve met me, you know this is my favourite thing to read about)⁣
* Strong women, kicking a$$ and saving the day ⁣
* Likeable characters (in a thriller!)⁣
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In spite of her traumatic past, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward with her life. She’s continuing her work as a PI and helping her family feel safe and secure again.⁣
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She takes on the cold case of a disappearance of a young man. Seems simple at first. But as Gwen digs deeper into the case, she makes enemies of powerful people, discovers a sinister cult and draws her family into a dangerous web. ⁣
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This is book four in the Stillhouse Lake series, but I did not feel lost as a new reader. Caine gives you enough information to get invested in the story, but not so much that you don’t want to run out and read the rest of the books to get fully up-to-speed on what’s happened to the Proctors. ⁣
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I recommend this book for readers who like psychological thrillers and a series with character growth and likeable characters. And of course, CULTS. ⁣
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Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.⁣
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Another great read by Rachel, I enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down until the last page. Looking forward to reading the next one

BOOK REVIEW⚡️BITTER FALLS✨
Thank you to @netgalley and @rachelcainewriter for an advance reader copy of Bitter Falls in exchange for an honest review.
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In the 4th installment of the Stillhouse Lake series, Gwen Proctor is trying to move on with her life after her vengeful ex-husband’s followers have kept up his reign of terror. She has settled into a life as a private investigator, and is trying to solve a years old cold case of a missing young man. His parents are devastated, and Gwen knows all too well the pain and anguish of worrying about your child. She is determined to find answers, even if it means going places no one else would dare. As she discovers more clues about this cold case that no one else could crack, she uncovers threats that hit close to home. Can she trust the Belldene family, who has endangered her family, more than once? How far will Gwen go to protect her family?
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Another 5⭐️ hit from Rachel Caine! This is an amazing series that I would recommend to everyone who loves thrillers. I read this in less than 24 hours, and I’ll be honest, I was a little sad when it was over. I can’t wait for the 5th book, currently due out in March 2021!

4 Stars - Badass action thriller

Survival is our deepest instinct, and we must fight like hell to protect what or who we love.

If you're after some badass warrior momma energy, and a s*itstorm of action, look no further. Rachel Caine writes her characters so well that I often forgot the four differing perspectives (all family members) are written by one person. The main protagonist, Gwen Proctor, is constantly in a state of escaping her connection to her late husband's dark past, and outsmarting the onslaught of hatred received from strangers. Locking her house, filtering her violent hate mail, having back up plans and never ever letting her guard down. She has quick wits and can think her way out of almost any situation. All the while grappling the complexities of motherhood to two teens with struggles of their own as their lives take on more autonomy and unpredictability, and also savouring the little time she has with her new beloved partner.

The fourth in the Stillhouse Lake series, the story is rich with heartfelt emotion and nail-biting action; which coalesces with complex twists and unexpected turns after Gwen takes on a cold missing person case.. only to find a disturbing secret that now threatens her family. Once again, she must act, and invoke enough trust to risk everything to protect her family.

What I liked: I really liked all the main characters, surprisingly so as some are seemingly unlikeable. But man do they turn it up! Those kids are smart! Loved listening to each characters thoughts as they would puzzle their way out of a situation. Also, differing perspectives allow the reader to relate to different moral grounds which ties in with good reference to modern problems (eg. discussing how the internet "enables and organizes hate very effectively; it lets people believe they're righteous warriors for justice when in reality they're just clicking keys" ). Random mention of Estonia (my birth country and such a small little corner of the world..hah). And of course, last but not least, that I knew I could expect a horde of trouble !

What I struggled with: I think my enjoyment peaked at the first in the series, and I may have just been overexposed to the same dynamic but different enemies by the fourth instalment. I'm also more of a sucker for the psychological over the action thrillers - so keep that in mind. I also can't tell if it's a bit formulaic or if I've just read too many thrillers.. The story is all still very rich and complex, and it probably doesn't help that I read a book on a very similar topic not too long ago, so some of the behaviour that would have surprised me, didn't this time. I also think four perspectives probably suits a slightly shorter story, as having to constantly adjust between contexts and personalities and emotional extremity or lack of can be just that bit taxing.

Regardless, I was supporting Gwen & co. every step of the way and I could feel a solidarity during those hard-hitting decisions and emotions.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Stillhouse Lake series. I have read some of the other books so I was familiar with the characters and back story. If you haven’t read the others I think this could work as a stand alone but it’d be better and less confusing if you knew the history. The other books are very dark and menacing and this one is too. From the beginning I felt the gloom and doom of Gwen’s world. It’s very threatening and a little overwhelming. I’m glad Gwen fights for justice but the situations she has to deal with are almost too much. I get it, that is what makes the story interesting but really with all the horrible stuff that has already happened to her, Sam and her family, it is just too much. The sniping, the shooting, PTSD, the kidnapping by a crazy cult were so so much, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief any more. I found myself feeling depressed as I read it and it paints a horrible picture of humanity. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fascinating read but just like with the fourth book of the Outlander series I can’t read this series anymore. It is too emotionally draining and was dragging me down. That means the author is a great writer and I’ve loved her other series, this one is too depressing for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another excellent book from Rachel Caine. This poor family can never seem to catch a break. The amount of hate and threats they receive makes my skin crawl, and I can totally see it happening in real life. That's what makes is so sad and infuriating. As string as the characters have become over the course of these books, they still have their issues and flaws giving them plenty of room to grow. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book.

Bitter Falls is the 4th book in the Stillhouse Lake series by author Rachel Caine. I am not the best reader to keep up with series but I have kept up with this particular one. I like the character Gwen Proctor. She is a total badass! I love that she will do anything to protect her kids. This was an interesting storyline and I liked that the author stayed true to her characters. I'm not sure what else Gwen and her family can be put through but I'll probably be back for book 5 when it comes out!

Rachel Cain is another author that has quickly become one of my favorites. I enjoyed <i>Bitter Falls</i> a bit more than the last book in this series and feel like I've become invested in the character's lives, like I just have to know how they are going to turn out!

So much of the time, it feels like you are reading the same story but written by a different author with their different styles, but <i>Bitter Falls</i> is nothing like that! It has a very unique storyline compared to others out there right now that kept me very entertained and on the edge of my seat clear to the end!

The narration was on-point for this book! If you are listening to a book, the narrator can either make it or break it, and this cast of narrators (Emily Sutton-Smith, Michael Crouch, Dan John Miller, Lauren Ezzo & Will Ropp) really adds depth to the book! I always love when there is more than one narrator because I feel like when there are several characters in a book that multiple narrators give it more depth and allows you to follow along more closely without trying to figure out which character is speaking at the time!

Overall great success with this book and I can't wait for the next one in the Stillhouse Lake Series!

I’m not sure if this is the last book in the Stillhouse Lake series or not (a few things at the end made me feel it might be), but either way, I think it is the last one I will read.

The depiction of the PTSD all of the Proctors are experiencing is really well done. There’s a scene early on during an active shooter drill at the kids’ schools, and it was particularly heartbreaking seeing Connor’s reaction.

I also thought the cult was depicted well, including the self-proclaimed prophet who lead the group, the way many women were the most stout believers, and the whole setup itself. The action sequences at the end of the book are well done, as usual. There is one explosion that is particularly chilling, knowing what its intended purpose was even if it didn’t achieve it.

If I had realised that the case Gwen is working on in this book was closely connected to the events of the previous one, I might have re-read it beforehand. As it was, being eight months between instalments, I didn’t remember all the ins and outs and so I felt a bit lost. It’s not as connected to Wolfhunter River as Killman Creek is to Stillhouse Lake, but I would recommend having the events of Book 3 fresh in your mind.

I also couldn’t help feeling frustrated with some of the decisions the characters made, particularly running into things without solid plans, and in contradiction to what law enforcement has advised them. I know that without them doing things like this, there is no story, and that it was quite in character for Gwen, but it reached the point where I couldn’t suspend my disbelief anymore.

All this meant that I was never especially keen to pick the book up, and that I wasn’t terribly engaged when I did. Don’t get me wrong, this is a fantastic series, and Stillhouse Lake/Killman Creek as a duology are definitely among my favourite thrillers ever. But as I mentioned at the top of the review, I think I’ve reached my limit with this series.

As I received this for advanced reading, I realized I had not read previous books in the series. Needless to say, I WILL go back and read them all after this thrilling nail biter!
I was engrossed from the first chapter in this story about Gwen Proctor, her background and struggles and how she still works tirelessly to seek justice as a private investigator through so many challenges.
The antagonists in this novel are daring, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
If you love fast paced, twisty, engaging thrillers, I would highly recommend Bitter Falls!! Great, great read!

Cults are creepy and make for good thrillers.....This one did not disappoint.

With this installment in the series we get to see more from Same and Connor; it's neat to see their perspective of Gwen and what she is capable of. She is definitely one who I would want on my side if faced with danger.

A good read!

Can't tell you how glad I am for enjoying this as much as I did.

Usually, when it comes to these types of series I get burnt out pretty fast. Like stopping the third book I was feeling the strain. The struggle to keep reading due to how much I invested in this series because I'm an autofan of Caine's work.

I've never been led astray by the soothers work before, didn't think it'd be a possibility with this one, but there was a small inkling. However, that has nothing to do with this fourth installment. I gotta say this it was conflictingly great.

Book Review: Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake #4) by Rachel Caine
(Published by Thomas & Mercer)

4.0 Stars

Gwen Proctor, mother to Lanny & Connor. Transformed from a shy minivan-driving suburban mom to a krav maga trained, pistol-packing, sharp-shooting, self-assured woman.

By necessity.

She was formerly known as Gina Royal, wife of Melvin Royal. She accidentally crashed into the garage of her beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood, one moonlit evening. Macabre, hanging body parts of young women were erstwhile hidden from sight. It turned out Melvin was a sick and vicious serial-killer.

She had to escape and save her family. Outrun the serial-killer and his notoriety. Outrun sick internet vigilantes seeking to avenge his crimes.

Her only mission: to create a normal life for her kids.

In the fourth iteration of this action-packed, psychological thriller /family drama, and wholly entertaining series, Gwen and family, along with partner, Sam, encounter a "Waco, Texas" reenactment against a maniacal false prophet and his congregation, along the lost path of David Koresh and The Branch Davidian.

Father Tom has a "good thing" going. A fortress paradise, self-sustained compound, surrounded by resplendent nature in Bitter Falls. A dedicated and loving congregation. Many children. He can do what he wants, however benign, sinister or evil. Away from prying eyes. With no one being the wiser.

That is, until Father Tom decides to kidnap a boy, - who just happens to be one Connor Procter.

And thus has he to deal with the full bore wrath of Gina Procter, Sam, J.B., Javi, Kez, Mike Lustig and pals.

Review based on an Advance Reading Copy from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley.