I wavered so hard on whether to round my 4.5 up or down, that I might end up changing it by the end of the review. But once again, Rachel Caine has written a book that I really, really enjoyed; with some minor bumps in the road that didn't interfere too hard with having a great time.

All the books in the Stillhouse Lake series stand alone, but it's worth reading the whole series for context - and because, if this sounds like something you'd enjoy, there's not many series out there that are as well-considered and entertaining. The research is sound, the writing is good, and the tone manages to straddle the very narrow line between horrifying and life-affirming. This book also pulled up out of what was almost becoming a wallow in the last book; this time, the connection to Gwen's past felt much more organic, and there's a definite sense of moving forward from it.

There can be a tendancy for Rachel Caine's protagonists to make just terrible decisions in the name of protecting or saving the people they love. There's a bit of that here, as well as a reveal that fizzled. The book is strong enough to work without the big drama of a surprise revelation, but it felt like I was supposed to be more surprised; at the same time, it was telegraphed pretty clearly.

Overall though, this is a step up from the slight dip of the last book - I'm really looking forward to more in this series. Thanks too, to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy.

Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine is told from various points of view, which didn't distract from the story or my reading. The story is packed with action and has some good twists. The characters are solid. Even though this is book 5 in the Stillhouse Lake series, I did not feel that I missed too much by not reading the previous books. I felt the story was written well.

#HeartbreakBay #NetGalley

Saving space to return for review bc I acc accidentally put a different one here. So sorry!! I promise to return ASAP and edit it.

Rachel Caine's Heartbreak Bay is the latest addition to a series that has had me totally hooked since the first one. I have loved reading how her characters have grown from story to story. Wish I could given it 10 gold stars.

I was stunned and excited when I noticed Heartbreak Bay, the fifth book in the Stillhouse Lake series in the Read Now section of NetGalley. Although I already had several books lined up to read, I signed up for this one pronto as I am a recent convert to this series and Rachel Caine's books in particular, and couldn’t wait for this next installment.

For those who haven’t read any of these books, they are about Gwen Proctor FKA Gina Royal, unsuspecting wife of serial killer Melvin Royal. She has had a hard road proving she knew nothing of her ex-husband’s proclivities, and the first four books are full of her unpleasant experiences navigating the world taking care of herself and children. Please don’t mistake this very simplistic synopsis as dull as this series is nowhere near that; it is one of the best suspense-thriller series I have ever read. Gwen is a badass, and she never lets you down.

This fifth book did not disappoint and was full of mystery, intrigue, and spine-chilling suspense. I read through it so fast because it was so, so good, and then I was devastated because it was over. Rachel Caine is simply the queen of suspense. This one is narrated through multiple viewpoints, Gwen’s the main one, but her friend, Detective Kezia Claremont’s is second in importance. While this book was excellent, I am left almost bereft after reading the author’s note at the end. I won’t say any more; if you are a fan, you must read it yourself. I gave this book five fantastical stars, and dearly hope to read book six. Thank you so much, NetGalley and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this book. It was an honor.

It was a very twisted story.. it started off slow and I recommend that you read the other books in the series first. The reason is you will have a better understanding of history of the characters.

An absolute heart stopping thriller! This mystery is even more dark and dangerous that anything gwen has come across.