Rachel Caine
Heartbreak Bay
I have read every book in Rachel Caines Stillhouse Lake series. I have enjoyed them immensely.
I was a bit apprehensive to read it initially as I did and still do not know when in the publication process Ms. Caine so sadly passed. I have read posthumous work and have felt conflicted. I hoped they would not do something detrimental to the storyline, like kill off a character to end the series.

It is after reading the title, I guess that the entire book was written by Rachel herself prior to her death. This is important to me as a reader for several reasons which I will not go into here, suffice to say, I thought the publishers have so far handled her death with the care she deserves. Onto the book.
RIP Roxanne Longstreet Conrad

I feel readers will read this entire series either as a favorite as I do, or they may have tepid responses. I think that due to its quiet nature. The most interesting things about Heartbreak Bay are the discussions centering around victimology.

How do we become perpetrators vs. how we perpetrate?

Some of the interesting topics discussed are what happens after a crime is committed? What are the ramifications of being involved with a person who commits a crime? IS the main character naïve, complicitous, in denial about who the people are her are?
Will she ever stop being the victim?

Its interesting from a psychological standpoint and a sociological standpoint.
Some of the themes from the book I find engaging are:
Family
Struggling to overcome obstacles.
Secrets taking physical form.
Cults
Kick-ass Female or Female getting her ass kicked?

I call this kind of book:
Matriarchal triad domestic thriller
Where the main character is the protagonist, female.
Everything revolves around her,
A co-triad partner.
And an issue of hers to resolve with that person.

I like these books!!!
I love to see a character battle herself. That's what it's all about. Her overcoming!! And does she ever!
Ra Ra, Give me more!

5 Stars

Rachel Caine has written many series and I’ve read most of them if not all. I love her writing style and even though each series is plagued by darkness, there is also light. This series, I think, is her darkest yet. This is the fifth and last book in the series due to the authors tragic passing from a rare cancer. It works well as a stand alone but is better if you’ve read the previous books to get the back story. I had a hard time with this series because of its darkness but now that I know of the authors illness, I understand. I really liked this book and how it wrapped up the series pretty well. I would have liked more books with these characters but am happy with this as a conclusion. Gwen and her family just can’t seem to get a break from all the people who believe she was complicit in her ex-husband’s serial killings. They have finally found peace in a new town when the stalkers, once again, begin their smear campaign. Gwen’s best friend and detective Kez is tasked with solving some brutal murders including one involving twin toddlers. Gwens stalker and Kez’s murders may be connected and they work together to find the perpetrator who is constantly threatening their loved ones. I liked this book and it works as a coda for Ms. Caine’s work. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

After a total of 4 previous novels from Rachel Caine, Heartbreak Bay is the last installment of the Still House Lake series and I am sad to see it end. It is also devastating to know that the author died late last year due to cancer. Seeing the characters come alive once again for the final installment is a treat and you definitely won't be disappointed. The ghost of Melvin still lingers unfortunately but this time perhaps there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Heart wrenching emotion from page one.
Wow this is the first time I have almost had to put a book down after the prelude. The emotion hit me really hard. This is the first book I have read by this author and can definitely be read as a standalone as I didn't realize it was the series finale until I went to leave my review. It was even more heartbreaking to learn that it was the Authors final book due to her passing a few months ago. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and checking out her back list. Her writing is gripping and hard hitting. A definite must read for crime and thriller readers.

I’m one of those people who reads the entire book, and when I say entire, I mean The. Entire. Book. I love perusing the opening reviews (I always get a kick when I see another author I like endorsing a book), I always check out the list of works the author has already published (just in case I’ve already read something by them, OR, I’ve read something by them before and didn’t realize it), and my heart will sometimes melt a little when reading a really sweet dedication. And I don’t stop once I’ve finished the book: I like to read through any Book Club question/suggestions, and then I have to read through the Acknowledgements. It’s always interesting for me to see who the author wants to thank for helping them find the time, the words, even the inspiration to finish their books.

Unfortunately, it was in the Acknowledgements where I just found out some really devastating news about the author of this next book. You see, Rachel Caine, a very prolific writer, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Although she’s going through treatments and doesn’t seem like the type to give up, we all know cancer is an ugly disease, one that doesn’t discriminate. When I read this, I was honestly sad for a number of days and had trouble getting her out of my mind. I’ve been reading her books for the last 10 years or so, and they’ve been a gift. Now I hope she is given the gift of winning this ugly battle, and I hope she knows that all of her fans, including me, are cheering her on and sending lots of love.

Gwen has worked hard at reinventing her life—going from being the meek and timid housewife to a man who turned out (unknowingly to her) to be a serial killer. Now that her ex-husband is dead, you would think Gwen and her kids would finally be safe. Unfortunately, there are rock idols, movie stars, and—yep—serial killer groupies. And these groupies think Gwen either helped her husband on his killing sprees, or she turned him in, or both. In any case, there are plenty of freaks out there who would love to spend some time with Gwen, dead or alive. This is the 5th book in the Stillwater Lake series by Caine, and although a bit creepy and gory at times, the complicated character of Gwen is written in such a way that it’s not all that difficult to see things from her eyes. I’ve read a lot of Caine’s books, and this one is right up there.

NOTE: A special thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Heartbreak Bay, the fifth book in Rachel Caine's Stillhouse Lake series, finds Gwen, Sam, and the kids in a good place. Gwen, ever the realistic, waits for the other shoe to drop. When it drops, it drops hard. They are being stalked and threatened online and in real life. Helped by Kezia, Gwen wants to stop the latest threat once and for all.

I have anxiously waited for Heartbreak Bay. When it came time to read it, I kept putting it off because I knew it would be the final book in the series since Caine passed away. However, when I started reading this book, as with the others in the series, I could not put it down.

Caine's writing style and the characters she built make reading this series an absolute pleasure. The novel's ending wraps everything up and does not leave you questioning.

As with all of the installments in this series, each could be read as a stand-alone novel. I would not suggest doing so because you would miss Caine's expert character building. You would miss seeing the family break free from Melvin's hold on them to become a cohesive unit able to rely on each other.

This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.

Review: Heartbreak Bay (Stillhouse Lake #5) by Rachel Caine
They’re hunting a killer so silent, so invisible, that his unspeakable crimes are the only proof he exists.

A car submerged in a remote pond. The bodies of two girls strapped into their seats. The mystery of their mother, vanished without a trace, leads Gwen Proctor and Kezia Claremont into dangerous territory.

On the surface, Gwen’s life is good—two children approaching adulthood, a committed partner, and a harrowing past dead and gone. But that past is attracting the attention of someone invisible…and unstoppable. Trouble’s just beginning. So is the body count in this backwoods Tennessee town.

As threats mount and Gwen’s hunted by an enemy who pulls all the strings, Kezia has her back. But working to solve these vicious and unreasonable crimes will expose them both to a killer they can’t for the life of them see coming.

Review

This is such a hard review to write, so I will keep it brief. I have just finished reading this book. I was absolutely stunned and saddened by the Author’s note at the end and the news about her health. I stopped and said a quiet prayer for her to pull through. Unfortunately, a quick look at Goodreads brought me the sad news of her demise back in November, 2020. I had no idea. A blogger friend had mentioned that the series is ending but not why. Rest in Peace Rachel Caine and thank you for the wonderful books. I have never had a series end because of an author’s death. Its truly sad and heartbreaking. May God grant your loved ones peace and comfort.

I enjoyed this story just like the other 4 in the books. Gina/Gwen now feels like someone that I know and I adore her family. It has been interesting to see the characters develop with the series progress. Once again, danger is knocking on their door. As much as Gina tries to outrun her past, it never seems to let her go.

Fast-paced, action-packed and highly entertaining, this is one not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, please do read this series.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.

Who else was super emotional reading this final installment of Stillhouse Lake? I had such a hard time bringing myself to start it knowing it was going to be the last. THAT AUTHOR'S NOTE!

We lost such a talent with the death of Rachel Caine. I'm sad we won't get to live in her worlds anymore, and I'm sad this is the end of Gwen and the kids.

This was definitely the darkest book in the series, starting with the discovery of the drowned bodies of two babies in the backseat of a submerged car. Detective Kezia Claremont, recently pregnant herself, instantly gets emotionally involved. How did these children end up in the lake and who can she make pay for it?

Gwen Proctor has once again settled in a new town, as her former identity has once again left her and her family exposed. When she receives another letter from her dead ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, she knows she needs to track down the source. She's paid for his actions too many times.

When her recent letter and Kezia's case start to follow the same leads, they know they need to work together to protect their families and protect each other.

This book isn't for the faint of heart as it's definitely quite graphic.

This book is a fantastic addition to the already fantastic series! I've gotten away from reading thrillers at the moment but this book sucked me right back in. I'm sad that this will be the final book in the series (I'm assuming) but it was a great book to see the series out.

In Heartbreak Bay , the fifth installment in the Stillhouse Lake series, Gwen is helping Kezia find the missing mom of two girls, who were dead in a car found in a submerged pond. Determined to find the killer and the missing mom these two won't stop unless someone stops them first.

A fast moving suspenseful thriller read , it's the last book by Rachel Caine . I’m sorry to see this series come to an end, but it was a fitting conclusion to an impressive series. The author will be dearly missed

I would like to thank Thomas Mercer & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I have loved this series from beginning to end. Gwen always does whatever it takes to keep her kids and friends safe. I wish there were more series like this.

I’m so sad to hear of the passing of Rachel Caine. She gave the world a gift when she wasn’t feeling her best.

This book was a fantastic read for the continuation of this series! A must read it had me flipping pages until it was done!

Man, that author's note at the end hits hard.

Let me start by noting that while this installment was really good (as expected), it's not my favourite in the series - BUT, I believe it is a fitting end to Gwen's saga, and my review and rating instead reflect my feelings toward this series as a whole.

The Stillhouse Lake series is really, really good. I wish I could be more eloquent in my praise, but really. The characters are engaging and deeply nuanced and the action is realistic and raw, even in moments when the plots might have become a tiny bit far-fetched (but who cares, right?).

But above all, Caine's writing is exceptional, and I don't use that word lightly. I know this is probably a bit prejudicial, but you just don't expect writing in this particular genre to be this good. It's 5-star writing all the through the series. What makes it even more mindboggling is the fact that Caine wrote exceptionally well across quite a number of genres, and I urge people who enjoyed this series to broaden their horizons and have a look at Caine's other books as well. You might be taken out of your comfort zone a bit if the Stillhouse Lake series is your usual kind of thing, but you'll never be disappointed by the quality of the writing.

I thank my lucky stars for that day I stumbled across Stillhouse Lake and got sucked into this world.

I’ve enjoyed every installment of Rachel Caine’s Stillhouse Lake series, and Heartbreak Bay is no exception. While I do miss the general atmosphere of the books set in Stillhouse Lake, I also enjoyed seeing the growth in Gwen and Sam and their kids. This was a fast paced thriller with a satisfying ending. I recommend reading this series in order, and they are all worth reading.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rachel Caine
Heartbreak Bay (Stillhouse Lake Book 5)
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

HEARTBREAK BAY is a heartbreaking story and fifth book in this series. However it can be read as a stand alone with no problem. The suspenseful plotline will have you guessing right up to the very end. Really interesting and engrossing plot. It really was a great read and fast paced. ! I was drawn In from the beginning and my interest kept throughout. I could not put this book down. All of the scenes were perfectly described. It was easy to feel as if you were right there in the middle of all of it. I cried as I read this book knowing this was this authors last book. I just want to say Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!

*******Disclosure*******
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
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As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#NetGalley

I hadn't planned to read this novel, as I wasn't all that keen on Gwen's new career. However, after reading the blurb and hearing about Rachel's illness, I figured this would be her last book. As I expected, she left us with an incredible thriller that I'm so happy I read. It hearkens so much back to the first novel, where I first became so enthralled with this story that I had to get out of bed and pace while I read. Rachel was such a master at this game of novel writing and she'll be sorely missed.

I listened to this in audio and maybe I am emotional because I know she is gone... but it's superb. Really enjoyed this last installment of StillHouse.

Loved this 5th 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 four books.
The bodies of two little girls, strapped into their seats, are found in a car submerged in a remote pond. Their mother who has mysteriously vanished lead Private Investigator Gwen Proctor and Detective Kezia Claremont down a dangerous path.
As vicious crimes mount in this backwoods Tennessee town it soon becomes apparent the killer has something to do with Gwen's harrowing past. Gwen and Kezia work together to put an end to this nightmare!
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.

Heartbreak Bay caught my attention from the beginnning till the end, it´s written with such fluency of words that makes the reader feel the angst and the urgency of the characters as the story develops. There are so many twists and turns and so many twisted minds that the end is a blessing! This is the first book I´ve read by Rachel Caine and I´ll be trying to get to learn more about her stories as I really liked her writing style. Hopefully she will overcome her eye problems and will be able to keep on writting, she will be in my prayers.

The final rollercoaster chapter in a 5 book series.

Writing this review is hard to do as this fantastic author passed away last year.
Through this series we have lived the lives of Gwen and her family, they have been through so much, yet they come back stronger and more together as the series progresses. As friend Kezia begins investigating a very difficult police case, Gwen starts to assist her, but soon realises there could be more to this case that initially appears.

Reading this was bitter sweet as I really wanted to know where Gwen’s life was headed, but knew this would be the final chapter.

It certainly doesn’t disappoint. As ever the book twists and turns, the family face much danger, but stand side by side through all the problems.
The characters are developed well, bringing another character Kezia, more into the forefront of this story.

To Rachel Caine, thank you, for writing a fantastic series of books, it’s incredibly sad that you are not here to see the praise this new book will receive. To Rachel’s family and friends, my condolences are with you at such a difficult time.

Thank you to Netgallery, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

So, so good...but I'm just sitting here crying because Rachel Caine passed away several months ago and I knew this would be the last book in the series before I started it, so I took my time reading it. Such a fantastic writer and remarkable woman.

It's a fabulous series, and one I highly recommend reading. And even though it's the last one in the series and was written with Rachel Caine not knowing if it would be the last, it's written in a way that ties things up really nicely for Gwen, Sam, and the kids. I'm so glad that I read this one-I honestly almost didn't because I was afraid that there would be no closure but if I hadn't, I would have missed out on a fabulous thriller.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the DRC, All opinions are my own.