I cannot believe this is the end! This series is one of my favorites!

This one was no exception with lots of action and it was a great conclusion. My Heart Is broken that we lost just an amazing author.

I will definitely recommend this one and the rest of the series.

I have enjoyed all of the Gwen Proctor books, and although Heartbreak Bay wasn't my most favorite of the bunch, I was saddened to learn of the author's passing and that this would be the last one.

Another twisty thriller that ended the series in a good way, and also introduced us to some new narrator POVs along the way.

This seemed like the perfect way to end the series. Or I assume end the series since Rachel Caine passed away. but I loved this series from the start.

It was refreshing to get a new voice in the narative in the form of Kezia because lets face it, they can only use the same characters choices for so long before the book gets predictable.
My only problem with the book was that it did not have me on the edge of my seat guessing like the others. It felt kinda of like I was dawdling to the finish line.

It was worth it but it was certainly not the fast paced read I have come to expect from the series.

Heartbreak Bay is the last book in the Stillhouse Lake series and it ends the series with a bang. For those of you who don't know, Rachel Caine passed this year so we will no longer be getting new books from this talented author. In this series, Gwen Proctor is the wife of a serial killer. She took her two children, changed their names and moved several times, but people still seem to find them. They have been targets from so many people and hate groups, that it is surprising that they are still relatively stable people. The book opens with a mother driving her two young children away, she eventually drives them into the lake and leaves them in the car to die. This starts Gwen and local detective, Kezia Claremont into an investigation that takes some dangerous turns, eventually putting their lives in danger.

This is a series that really needs to be read from the beginning. There is so much going in in the lives of Gwen and her children that it is important to see what brought them to where they are now. The characters in this story are such strong people. Everything they have put up with had helped them become who they are now, but I feel so bad for Lanny and Connor. To have you life changed the way theirs has through no fault of your own is devastating. Sam, Gwen's significant other is also a wonderful character. He originally stalked Gwen sure she had to know what her husband was doing, but as he got to know them, he became one of their strongest supporters. I do not want to give away what happens in this story so suffice it to say, this is a wonderful thriller. There is a lot of action, decisions to be made, bad guys, dead people and a huge puzzle to solve. A book that I finished in one day, as I could not stop until I knew what was going to happen. This story will grab you from the first page and not let go until the end, so make sure you have set aside time to read it or you might be up all night.

I love the books in this series! With any of the books in this series, it is fast-paced and action-packed! Once you start any of the books, you need to finish them. This book was no exception. It was so fun to read!

Let me just take a minute to catch my breath. AMAZING! Would we expect anything else from Rachel Caine? My heart is beating out of my chest. This series is spectacular. A thrill a minute. Don't miss this last book in the series.

Thank you for the opportunity to read the final installment of Rachel Caine’s Stillhouse Lake series.

I really enjoyed RC’s writing. It flows so well and her characters are so relatable.

The relationships between the characters are also well developed. You really feel the connection between all of the different relationships.

As RC neared the end of her life it seems that she was aware that this would be the final installment and she ended the book in a way that was satisfying but was also open ended. There wasn’t a big conclusion. All’s well that ends well. The reader gets to feel that maybe, just maybe Gwen and her family will be safe or at least have a reprieve.

She ended it in a way that left it open for another book but it didn’t necessarily need another book.

I really loved following Gwen, Sam, Lanny, Conner and their unofficial adopted daughter Vee. Oh and can’t forget about Kez, Gwen’s closest friends and ally. Like I said all really likable characters.

The note after the epilogue from Rachel Caine made me sad but I like how she likened herself to going down a path just like Gwen. Really unique way to sort of say goodbye to her fans and also tie in her beloved character.

RIP to the talented rachel Caine.

The stillhouse lake series as a whole is a great thriller series. It's always edge of your seat and face paced and Heartbreak Bay is no different. It was a great book to end the series on and I'm sad that it has to end but even more saddened by the circumstances. The story was a little bit different this time with more Kezia and less of the kids which brought a new set of mysteries from her side which was fun for a different energy to the series. It's a great thriller for anyone who is interested in strong woman saving themselves.

I apologize if this review seems a little jumbled I like to review books as soon as I finish and that authors note just took the wind right out my sails.


My condolences to the family and everyone who knew her, she was a great writer. The authors note at the end will stick with me for a long time.

I was happy that having not read the other books in this series, I was still able to get into the story with ease. There was suspense in the prose and the author kept me on my toes with the police investigation. Beautifully developed characters and a pace that didn't let me down, this was one fun read. Hoping to get to the rest of the books.

Summary:

Gwen Proctor is back again on another case to help Kenzia, her closest friend, solve this horrifying crime. Two young girls are found deceased and strapped into their car seats under water. The mother is nowhere to be found.

In the midst of this mystery, Gwen finds that someone is stalking her every move. Gwen has to fight again to protect her family another time.

My Thoughts:

I was provided a free advanced reader’s copy of Heartbreak Bay from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It was bittersweet to read the final book in the Stillhouse Lake series and follow Gwen Proctor’s final case. I spent so much time reading the five books in the series, and I absolutely loved them. I recommend these books constantly to friends and followers of my blog.

The Stillhouse Lake series was my favorite series I’ve ever read. All of the books are so fast paced and suspenseful.

Sadly Rachel Caine passed away on November 1, 2020 at the age of 58 after battling cancer. I was so sad to learn of the loss of this amazing author. Rachel Caine leaves us with many great books, but my favorite books from Caine was the Stillhouse Lake series. Rachel Caine will live on through her amazing artistry in her books.

Because we lost Rachel Caine this year, this is probably the last Stillhouse Lake book. And if so, it ended perfectly.

Book #5, and sadly the last book in the Stillhouse Lake series and finds Gwen and Sam trying to create a “normal” life for Gwen's children, Lanny and Connor. Unfortunately, their lives don't stay normal for long, and they soon become the targets of a serial killer. The story moves along slowly at first, but then Caine starts to pull all the plot threads together. There is a lot of suspense leading up to the end and at the end Gwen becomes an even stronger woman, a successful PI and moves on from Melvyn's horrific legacy.
I was saddened to hear of Ms Caine's passing late last year and thank her, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Stillhouse Lake series. Rachel Caine is able to not only write a good edge of your seat thriller, but she also makes you invested in the characters she writes.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth and final book in the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine. Gwen Proctor and friends are back to solve more gruesome crimes. In this book, Gwen and Kezia work together to catch a serial killer.

While Heartbreak Bay is an exciting book, it does start more slowly than the previous books in this series. This story is told using multiple points of view – Gwen, Kezia, and Sam. Gwen is still the primary character, but it was nice to get more of Kezia in this book. The characters continue to be easy to root for and likable. The story is once again grim and twisted. While this isn’t my favorite book in the series, it was an excellent read. For readers who enjoy dark and suspenseful thrillers, I highly recommend this series. Definitely read them in order though.

The Stillhouse Lake series has been captivating and suspenseful. The author, Rachel Caine, passed away in November of 2020, so this is her last book. This has been one of my favorite series in recent years, and this final book was an emotional read. I had the pleasure meeting Rachel (Roxanne Longstreet Conrad) at a library event a few years ago. It was a delight to meet her and hear her talk about this series and other books she had written.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We all face our struggles and demons in our lives, and Rachel Caine's intense storytelling reveals two nearly impossible challenges: first, one that Gwen Proctor (aka: Gina Royal) has been facing since Book 1, and second, one the author's own true story mountain that she must climb by herself. Both are troubling and yet also inspiring. Sometimes strength and determination overcomes the impossible, while other times it's only almost enough.

This fifth of the Stillhouse Lake series is clearly the best, definitely 4.5 Stars! Perhaps, this installment is the most believable and yet devastating too. The sharp character focus and unpredictable twists add suspenseful tension that make you want to read every page to the end. Strong dialogues and descriptive dialogues bring both plotline and storyline to life.

I found this final series book stronger because it reveals a deep and more meaningful part of Gwen's personality and soul, showing a more amazing woman than previous books. Perhaps much of Rachel Caine's true heart and person is shown here in the courage and full-measured effort told of the indomitable spirit of Gwen Proctor: mother, lover, and friend.

Audible's narration was essential to my reading enjoyment by adding just the right voices and personalities that enlarged each character's uniqueness.

Well done!

Wishing only the best to our beloved friend and author, Rachel Caine. You've created an example we all admire.

Fabulous read and once again the characters shone.

Cracking conclusion to this series although very sad about the death of Rachel herself, with a poignant footnote from her about her illness at the end of the book.

5/5

Rachel Caine was such a fantastic author whose work covered many genres. The Stillhouse Lake series is one I was not sure i would get into as I had only read her young afult books, but my gosh what a dark and twisty mind she had for adult crime thrillers. Intense, heart pounding and I could not put it down. Truly loved this book, it took me a long time to read as I have lost my reading mojo a bit but each time I put it down I could not wait to pick it back up again.

Heartbreak Bay is the final book in this series and sadly also the last book Rachel Caine wrote before passing away last year, I have followed this series from the start and have always impatiently waited for the next book out. As always, the book did not disappoint. The internet trolls are as relentless as always and the problems for Gwen and her family don't die down. Amazing series, highly recommended!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author.
I will not read this novel at this point since it is part of a series.
I will read all previous before giving feedback
Thank you

I've read all the Stillhouse Lake books. I felt like the first was the best, but they were all good. Sadly, the author has passed away, but this was a great ending to the series.