An Amazon Charts, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling series.She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a … years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.
Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.
In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?
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The fourth installment in the Stillhouse Lake series is every bit as good as the first three. I love a good story, especially one with thrills and action and a little mystery, all of which Bitter Falls has. But good characters are what really make a book for me, and the Stillhouse Lake series definitely has that. Gwen Proctor—the former subservient and clueless wife of a serial killer—just keeps getting stronger and stronger.
One of my favorite things about Bitter Falls was seeing her son, Connor, developing. By the third book of the series, I knew her daughter was going to be okay because she was more like her mother than her father. But Connor was still young, and there was always the concern that maybe he wouldn’t grow strong or, even worse, that he might turn out to have a little of his father in him.
I enjoy learning how the relationship between Gwen and Sam (the brother of one of Gwen’s killer husband’s victims) grows in each book, and Bitter Falls takes it to new levels. But the villains in this book—wow! To me, cults are one of the creepiest things in the world, and the cult in Bitter Falls—and especially its leader—are truly frightening.
Now if I can just wait till March of 2021 for Heartbreak Bay, book number five in the series. It’s gonna be tough!
I seriously want to cry. I have binge listened to the four book Stillhouse series this past week and now it is over! It has been so exciting, intense, heart-stopping, and emotional that I cannot wait until the next installment comes out next year. Bitter Falls did not fail me. Once again, Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Connor were in the middle of a total FUBAR. One of Gwen’s cases at her new job as a private investigator has gone south and she and Sam are left trying to save their family. Vee from the last book reappears as well and is an important part of the story.
Gwen is on a case to find out what has happened to a missing college student and the repercussions bring danger back to her family. Meanwhile, a local drug dealer and his family are showing her and her family unwanted attention, in part, due to Lannie’s discovery of an injured girl at a teen party at the local lake.
There was a whole lot going on in this book, but thankfully since I was listening to this on audiobook and with great narrators, I had no problem keeping up. I really didn’t think the author could keep this series going strong, but I was so wrong. There were moments in this book that my heart was literally pounding with terror. I am so thankful I discovered this new series and author through my Goodreads friends and am looking hungrily forward to the next book. I gave it five fantastic stars!
A hands-down must read!
Gwen Proctor is finding her way in her new life after killing her ex-husband, a serial killer, in self-defense. Now she hopes that she, her two children and her partner Sam Cade can move on. She is working as a private investigator and has been hired to locate a missing college student who after a night out with friends was never seen again. After three years, the case has gone cold, but the young man’s mother still hopes. Gwen also has some major decisions to make. Her family is still not accepted in Stillhouse Lake, due to her ex-husband, and they receive constant threats. Should they move to another area where they might be able to live in peace? Gwen is a strong woman trying to protect her family, but this recent case may end up causing them more trouble. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH THE AUDIOBOOK AND EBOOK VERSIONS
Wonderful narration with all these characters. Great story intense, emotional, and just keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting. I definitely recommend this book.
Book 4 of the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine is another harrowing episode in the life of Gwen Proctor, her two children, and her boyfriend, Sam. As the ex wife of a serial killer, people can not leave them alone, believing she was complicit in her ex’s crimes. Great series with lots of action. The books are easy reading because you can’t put them down. Start with Book 1 which introduces Gwen and her family.
Gwen and her partner, Sam; and Gwen kids: Connor Lanny (atlanta)
Need to read the very first book of this series
I really enjoy this series. I love the way that it developed and progressed and the direction it has taken. It started out as the survival story of a woman protecting her children against her serial killer husband and his deranged followers and the revengeful survivors of his victims. After she killed the ex hubby, it actually became better when it went in the direction of what life became afterwards and how the family started over.
I can’t wait to read the next installment! I love the way Caine writes and tells a story. Unfortunately, since she has since passed away, it seems like the next installment will be the last. Hopefully, the publisher and Caine’s family can find another author to take up the series and continue Gwen’s journey.
Gwen has a job as a PI in the latest installment of this series. She is hired to find a young man, Remy Landry, who vanished 3 years ago. What Gwen uncovers is a cult, and the stakes are higher than she can imagine.
This book has a lot of tension, not only for the danger m, but also for the mindset of the cult. Cults are a frightening problem, and their brainwashing and subordination is truly scary.
While the ending scenes of the rescue are hard to believe, it was still exciting to read.
#BitterFalls #RachelCaine
Thankfully this was a much better story than Wolfhunter River. Even though the bulk of the story was still about Gwen and her family in trouble again, I thought it was a more in depth story. Plus Bitter Falls went into the back stories of other characters a lot better. Does it matter where they move to next or what they do next since they are always being hunted by someone? This had an action packed ending with a small surprise. Wow, couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Stillhouse Lake series is fantastic. This phycological thriller keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire read. I have read all the books in this series and each was great and different, yet still leaving you wanting more. I have a hard time putting these books down. This book once again has Gwen, Sam, Lanny and, Connor on another hair raising, life-threatening adventure. Talk about cats with 9 lives this family has them in spades. I would recommend you start with book one and work your way through the series. But if that doesn’t seem possible I could see this book being read as a stand-alone, you just would get so much more out of it if you read the whole series.
Rachel Caine never fails to deliver. Hope there are more in this series.
Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine is the forth book in the Stillhouse Lake Series.
I loved getting multiple points of views from Gwen, Sam, Lanny, and Connor through out the book. It really made the story come to life.
I couldn’t put the book down. I would highly recommend this series to anyone that likes suspense thrillers.
I cannot wait for Heartbreak Bay to be released on March 9, 2021.
This book seemed too much like the last book. Some new experiences and adventures need to be added to the unique characters in this series. Also there was a lot of repetition from the first three books. I have not read them one after another, but most readers remember the basic information to go with a new book.
An Intense Thriller – Gwen & Co. Back for More!
I’m a big fan of Rachel Caine, and she does not disappoint with her lasted installment in the Stillhouse Lake thriller series. Each of these books can be read as a standalone, but for the best experience from recurring characters and references to past events, you may consider reading the series in order (I’m typically a sticker for “in order” so I have ALL the backstory – but it’s not necessary if you’re good jumping right in).
Our heroine, Gwen, is back again in this 4th book in the series. A well-plotted and highly detailed thriller, this story grabs you from the first page – fast-paced and action packed! We find Gwen working as a PI, raising her kids with her boyfriend, and trying to move on from a dark past. The past won’t let go though, and Gwen is soon embroiled in the terrifying world of cults, secrets, and lies. I could keep throwing out adjectives, but really, it would just be more of the same – this is a top-notch thriller that twists it’s way around the dark side of humanity. You’ll come out the other side emotionally drained, but also awestruck at the resilience our beloved characters and eager to read (or re-read) the rest of the series.
This is a well-written first-person perspective book, with the viewpoints of our four main characters alternating by chapter. I found this style very easy to follow. Be ready for a marathon reading session!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy of this book, for which I’m voluntarily providing an honest review.
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Always finish. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but never consider the DNF.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.
Gwen Proctor is back in this series and if things seem quiet now, it is far from it. It seems her current case will bring back all the fears that led her up to this point. Fear for her partner, Sam and her children, Lanny and Connor.
Once again Rachel Caine brings suspense and mystery into her book and this one again is a page turner. Never read any Stillhouse Lake books. Start today. You wont regret it. Cant wait for Book #5 to come out in 2021. #KindleUnlimited #fivestars
Another winner in the Still House Lake series!
Gwen is a private investigator with two children and her partner Sam. The family is trying to deal with having a serial killer in the family. A case of a young man disappearing in Tennessee provides an interesting opportunity to find out what happened for the family of the young man. A cult and prominent family from the area make things highly dangerous not just for Gwen but also her family. A good psychologial thriller.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
I’m so exhausted and relieved that the Proctor family has escaped their latest close calls of fatal separation. Rachel Caine has drawn me to each family member as the story plays out from each ones point of view. The past will not die and Book 4, Bitter Falls puts them in jeopardy
and on the run again. Tension builds with each twist creating pure fear of what’s next and Bitter Falls becomes the best suspenseful thriller, a great goodread!
The Stillhouse Lake Series is a must read for suspenseful thrilling action seekers to get completely drawn into the Proctor family’s life, always fearful, tension filled, always on alert.
Creepy, fast-paced, and action-packed!
Bitter Falls is an eerie, enthralling thriller that takes us back to Stillhouse Lake and into the lives of Gwen Proctor and her family who are still struggling to have a normal life away from the past and those who want them gone but who now also find themselves embroiled in the gritty, manipulative world of cults and the disturbing ideology that underlies their extremism, radicalism, and violence.
The prose is sinister and tight. The characters are resilient, scarred, and determined. And the plot told from multiple points of view and utilizing short chapters is a menacing tale of control, power, deception, lies, secrets, intimidation, coercion, hatred, zealotry, and murder.
Overall, Bitter Falls is an intricate, timely, twisty tale by Caine that highlights the scheming, selfish, evil side of human nature and is another gripping novel in the Stillhouse Lake series.