I knew as soon as I saw this book available for review on Netgalley I needed it. I loooove this series so much. Shortly after approval, I saw the author’s post regarding her health issues and was heartbroken.
I wanted to read this book in one sitting, but I wanted to draw it out and make it last and truly give it the attention and appreciation it and she both deserve. It truly was a struggle as I did not want to put it down.
As always, Gwen’s story sucks you in and makes you feel every range of emotion as she does. You feel her strength, her fear, her doubts, but most importantly her love for her children and Sam.
You can see just how strong of a woman Gwen is and how she will go to any lengths to protect her family.
I will say, this book started out on a very hard note. It was heart wrenching and soul crushing and made you want to cry. That event sets a series of other events into motion and everything falls into place like dominoes.
As always, the author keeps you guessing til the end and engrossed in the story start to finish. I never find myself bored or feeling like anything is drawn out.
She truly is an amazing author. Whether this is the end of Gwen’s story or not, I feel as if she has did her justice through these stories. She’s expertly told her story and made her relatable and an example of a mom who will go to any lengths for her children.
I hope this isn’t the end for Gwen, not just because I love the series, but because I want to wish Caine a very heartfelt and sincere wish that she gets better and can kick ass and take names like Gwen would do.

This was a good follow up to the other books in Still House Lake series, although the first one is still my favorite. These characters and psychological forming of this story is phenomenal! I canny get enough and I never know while flipping pages what I may find. They are meticulously puzzling and I’m here for it!!!

If this is to be the last in the series (and I fervently hope not) then what a story to end on. From the moment I picked this up I was desperate to find out exactly how the pieces fit together, and hoping against hope that things would not be too bleak for Gwen.
The story begins with a mother driving her two baby girls into a lake. We don’t know why, and we don’t know what happens to her after. What we quickly learn is that this is, in some way, linked to Gwen.
Gwen and Sam are starting the book in a relatively happy place. He officially adopts the kids, they’re settling into their new home and they seem to be moving forward after the events of the last few years. But for some reason the internet trolls are back out. Someone is determined that Gwen will pay for her past and engineers some increasingly dangerous scenarios in order to force her to confess to what they believe.
The pace of this is quite relentless once the pieces start shifting into place. It takes a little while for the various scenarios to start drawing together, but once they do it really is a white-knuckle ride.
With danger at seemingly every corner, not everyone makes this. On more than one occasion I feared reading on just in case someone I’d grown to like as a character was cut down. I was kicking myself at not fully appreciating one or two key moments at the time, but I was so desperate to find out how things would end that I could overlook this slight feeling of manipulation. For a series featuring a serial killer we’ve become used to some graphic violence, but this really forced me to confront some quite unpalatable moments. The need to question ourselves and our decisions runs throughout, and I was pleased that some of our characters acted with the integrity I expected of them in spite of monumental pressure.
I’m so excited to have been given the chance to review this prior to its publication, and grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity. I’m sincerely hoping Rachel Caine will succeed in her personal battle and be able to offer more stories about these characters as I don’t feel quite ready to give up on them yet.

Heartbreak Bay is the 4th book in the series, and it does not disappoint! Often books loose their edge after sticking to the same story background for more than a couple of installations, but Caine has kept the edgy anticipation that she does so well. I really liked how this time Kezia got much more story time, introducing her as a solid character and maybe setting up for a spin off series. A great read, can’t wait for the next one,

One of Rachel Caine's best in this series. Really exciting and great twists. Although I figured out who it was early on, it did not diminish the gripping narrative. It was upsetting and violent, so this is not a novel for the faint of heart.

This is the first Rachel Caine book I've read but certainly won't not my last! Gwen has a backstory and it's a fascinating one, one that makes me want to go back and ready this series from the beginning. Even though I missed out on the others, this book works really well as a stand alone novel. This book is exciting, suspenseful, and at times gory, with likeable characters. I recommend it to anyone who like this genre.

Sadly, the author is currently battling cancer, so if we get another book in this series, it will likely be a while. She's a talented writer and I am so excited to have discovered her via NetGalley.

This is book 5 in the Stillhouse Lake series. It could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend
reading these in order as there are relationships which develop through the books, and some of the extreme caution that Gwen and family exhibit are justified by their history.

This was a fast paced book told mainly from the point of view of Gwen, Sam and Kezia. I enjoyed the strong friendship that has developed between Gwen and Kezia. The family is living near Knoxville now and and getting used to their new home. Kezia calls Gwen help at a particularly horrid crime scene. Two little girls are found drowned in a car, with the mother nowhere to be found.

In the course of investigating, Gwen unwittingly draws the attention of someone who recognizes her from her old life. He begins a campaign of harassment against her and her family. She is a race to catch this person before they destroy what matters most, her family.

Very quick and well written book which comes to a bit of an unexpected conclusion. I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published in March. If you like suspense it is well worth your time.

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.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is the first of this series that I have read. It is gritty and dark with two female leads, the one a police officer, moves through the story in character. The other lead, an emotionally damaged private investigater, while declaring truth within her family relationships often acts independently and exposes them to dangerous situations. The story is well written.
#HeartbreakBay#NetGalley
Reviewed by I Love to Read (Retired Librarian)

I received a copy of this in exchange for a review from NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the two independent and strong female leads in Kez and Gwen and how awesome the inclusion of Gwen’s children was. This was a great thriller that has me guessing until the end.

This is another fantastic addition to a must read series. The author weaves a suspenseful tale that makes this story hard to put down. It’s a guessing game with twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. If you have not started this series you are missing out so make sure it’s on your reading list.

Wow... Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine is one of those books that takes hold of you and doesn’t let go until the bitter end. The Stillhouse Lake series is one of my absolute favorites and this book does not disappoint. There were chapters that I was flying through just to read what happens next. And that ending... speechless!!!! ❤️ Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys psychological and crime thrillers!!!

I have read all the books in the Stillhouse Lake series and this one didn't disappoint I loved the 5th book as much as the 1st. This story is fast paced and full of twists. Gwen and Kez are at their best solving this mystery. These are strong smart female lead characters. I thought it was a great read.

The Stillhouse Lake Series is hands down my favorite serious I’ve ever read. All books can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY suggest you read them in order to learn about the characters, their back story and why each plot/scenario is the way it is.

Two weeks ago the author, Rachel, announced that she has cancer and talked about how severe it is. When I read this, I shed tears for one of my favorite authors and prayed. I cannot imagine how hard this time is for Rachel and her family but I continuously pray that it is filled with reminiscing memories and lots of family and love.

With that being said, Heartbreak Bay could be her last novel of the Still house Series that she writes. If that is the case, it was a perfecting ending to The Proctor’s story. Even though I would have loved to see Gwen and Sam get married!

Heartbreak Bay was filled with excitement as Gwen and Kez take on a serial killer who cannot be found. A ghost? It really did seem that way. But Gwen always finds her threats and will stop at nothing to keep her friends and her family safe. I hope this is not the end of the road for Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor but if it, I will always hold a special place in my heart for these characters as they have been my favorite to read.

To Rachel, thank you for this amazing series and your creative writing that has always kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I wish you nothing but peace, acceptance, healing and love.

I couldn’t put this book down. I have read all the Rachel Caine Stillhouse Lake books and this one was my favorite. It kept me up reading into the night. Gwen Proctor is a great female lead.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! For everyone that follows me on GR, you'll know that I've been a huge fan of the Stillhouse Lake series since the first book and this was no different. It was a stay up until 3:30 am to finish it kind of book. It's incredibly dark and was pretty much non-stop suspense that I wavered so hard on whether to round my 4.5 up or down. This latest installment centers on one seemingly simple question - would you rather die or kill someone you love? I love Gwen and want to give her the benefit of the doubt but she really needs to stop going to places with names like Death Mountain or Suicide Ridge.

Heartbreak Bay is the fifth book in the Stillhouse Lake series and another superb addition to the series. I'll say upfront that while each of these books will standalone, you're missing a great reading experience and a lot of character development if you skip any of the books. My advice: Read in order!

This story opens with Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor living an almost normal life in their new home a little distance away from Stillhouse Lake. It appears the vigilantes have finally focused their attentions elsewhere and life is good again . . . until its not. A phone call in the wee hours from Det. Kezia Claremont pulls now P.I. Gwen out of the warm bed she shares with Sam into the ominous dark night. She meets Kez on a seldom traveled road beside a murky pond near Stillhouse where a submerged vehicle is pulled out of the water. Two young sisters are in the backseat still strapped in their child seats. No one else is around. Both Kez and Gwen are horrified and heartbroken at the unspeakable crime. Where is their mother? Was she kidnapped? The answers to these questions lead Kez and Gwen into a deadly investigation that goes from bad to worse, stirring a hornet's nest that draws the crazies back out of the woodwork. Gwen's life is in chaos yet again. An invisible killer is playing a game of "Would you rather . . . " with them and the endgame is their lives.

Heartbreak Bay is a character driven story that unravels at a deadly pace. As events spiral out of control, it becomes clear that Kez and Gwen are being played by a cruel killer. Caine excels at setting a tone of malice that carries throughout with imminent danger always lurking around the next corner. I swear I could hear my heart bound as this story played out. I especially loved learning more about Kez in this one as readers get a look at what makes her tick. She and Gwen put their lives on the line to protect loved ones and their heart, grit, and drive is a force to be reckoned with. This story is action-packed from cover to cover with an explosive block-buster ending that might be a bit unbelievable IF it was anyone else. But in this case, the author has clearly done her research and also previously established these characters as super heroes with a strong sense of right and wrong. Heartbreak Bay is a raw, emotional, high octane suspense thriller that I highly recommend to everyone. Especially fans of this highly addictive series!

Another ripper of a book in the series. I find myself getting sucked into these books immediately and then I cannot put them down. Heartbreak Bay was no exception. I really feel for Gwen and her family, they’ve had a tough time. And it definitely gets tougher in this one. Gripping, dark and compelling, it’s another great addition to the series. That author’s note at the end damn near broke my heart too.

Another brilliant addition to the “Stillhouse Lake” series!

When Kezia Claremont finds the bodies of two children strapped in a car submerged in a pond, her heart breaks, especially when it is discovered that their mother is nowhere to be found. Though the police are investigating, Kezia knows she needs the help of her best friend and Private Detective, Gwen Proctor. Little does Kezia know that investigating the case causes all kinds of trouble.

Of course, Gwen is no stranger to trouble. Being the former wife of serial killer Melvin Royal, Gwen, her partner Sam, and their kids Lanny and Connor, know exactly what it’s like to be harassed and stalked by a mad man.

Will having each other’s back be enough to save Kezia and Gwen from someone who’d like to destroy them?

“Heartbreak Bay” is a well written, character driven mystery / suspense that kept me on my toes, glued to the storyline, hoping against hope that my girl Gwen made it through yet another day.

A Huge thank you to the author, Rachel Caine for writing such an incredible series and for continuing to bring it. If this is on your tbr, let me just say that the author’s note at the end of this book is a must read and outlines Ms. Caine’s current health battle. I’m sending you positive vibes Rachel Caine! Thank you for bringing Gwen Proctor, Lanny, Connor and Sam Cade to life. This series has been one of my favorites these last few years and I am so grateful to you for sharing it with all of us.

For those of you who haven’t read this series and who love mystery/suspense. I ask you to please read this series and to share your thoughts on it with the world as it truly is amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 9.26.20.

Gwen Proctor already defeated one monster in her quest to protect her children. But what happens when other monsters are still out there hunting? I loved Stillhouse Lake, liked Killman Creek, really enjoyed Wolfhunter River and Bitter Falls, and couldn't wait to get my hands on Heartbreak Bay to find out how the story ultimately plays out.

I really liked the approach that this book took of alternating chapters from the perspectives of Gwen, Sam, and finally Kezia. It was really interesting to hear what the other characters have been feeling about the whole situation and to get an opportunity to learn a little more about them and get in their heads.

I enjoyed this one a little less than the last addition and thought it moved a lot slower and repeated a lot of the same themes from the earlier books. But I did enjoy it and thought it was a wild ride. I can't wait to read the next chapter in the Proctor family's story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.