An Amazon Charts and USA Today bestseller.Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. … home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.
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I thought the story was entertaining enough although some of the dialogue was repetitive and some story holes were a challenge to overcome.
Fun light reading.
Did not want to put the book down. Want to continue the series.
This is another book that you can’t put down. I read it in one day.
Everyone I have recommended it to has been pleased with this book.
Again the twist at the end is exceptional.
Will definitely read this author again.
At first, I couldn’t decide if I like the protagonist, but as the book went on, I found myself rooting for her and her family. Now I find I want to read more and get to know the characters better.
Just had to keep reading!! Great characters
Just finished this book and WOW! What a ride.
First, let me start by saying, I almost didn’t finish, but that’s because I was listening to the audio and it’s not the best. The narrator’s reading is staccato and choppy and that makes the audio narration very hard to enjoy.
But don’t let the take away from the story. I suggest reading it, but if you must listen, be patient, it gets better.
Second, I have to address the reviews that say “Major cliffhanger”. I’m sorry but this is far from a ‘major’ cliffhanger. Yes, there’s a cliffhanger, however, it’s far from major. It’s one of those, ‘there’s a second book’ cliffhanger. You can easily read and enjoy this book to the end without feeling like you didn’t get a full story.
This story is chilling, intense, and at times horrific. As a mother, as a wife, I can empathize with Gina Royal’s character because my life is so normal. My husband is so normal. The difference is, my guy is very non-secretive, and honestly, I would never leave myself open to being controlled, even a little, by a man. While I understand the author wrote it to look manipulative and it wasn’t even tight control, it was enough to make me itch. I can’t imagine being in the shoes of Gwen Proctor, I can’t wrap my head around what she’d been through. Knowing she’d lived with this monster, shared a bed, shared a life with this horrible person, I feel like this knowledge would do things to me I’m not sure I could come back from. Not to mention the internet trolls. It makes me sick to think that our society has come to torturing people long distance, but unfortunately, it’s too true.
It’s so incredible when you think about it, but this story could happen in real life. I could sympathize with any mother in these shoes. Gwen is harsh and paranoid but who could blame her. The kids are realistic and almost annoying at times, which is sooo like kids in real life. The plot is solid and crazy and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I don’t remember once thinking, that would never happen. Real life is full of Melvin’s and so I had no trouble believing this story.
I was riveted from the start. A page turner for sure. I can’t wait to finish the series I’m on book 2.
It was great!! kept me on my toes and always guessing. loved it!
I enjoyed the book. While it was reasonably predictable there were enough twists and turns to keep me engaged.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns on this book. I found the storyline original, and the book fast-paced. It was a fun way to spend my time. I plan to continue reading the series.
AMÀZING BOOK!! you’ll stay up all night, not able to put it down.
Three and a half to four for this one. I liked the premise, one I don’t think is explored much. Many of us are fascinated by serial killers, their methods, their victims, how they finally get caught. But about who remains, namely, a blameless set of family members? Here are the characters of this story, a mom and her two young children. Gwen is constantly on the move, ready at a moment’s notice to leave town, get new identities for herself and her children. And why? Because so many people assume (wrongly) that she was complicit in her husband’s crimes, and in the age of the internet, no one is safe from discovery, and hate spews from all corners of the web. She will do anything to keep her kids safe, including possibly giving them a serious case of PTSD, as she is on alert 24/7 and trusts no one.
Danger eventually does find them, in forms that she never could have anticipated. And if you plan to read this book, plan to read the next one, too, as it ends in an irresistible cliffhanger.
This book is terrible…so far-fetched and unrealistic. Cannot believe it received so many good reviews!
I can only say WOW! Totally unpredictable, kept me up a few nights! Breathtaking tempo and original story. As soon as I was done reading this, I downloaded the next book in the series so I could continue reading seamlessly!
Great! A strong woman overcomes a disciple of her brutal ex-husband who is in prison or is he?? The safety of her children is always front and center in her life.
A different type of mystery; a gripping page turner.
It was a little bit over the edge
Starts out slow but turns into a page turner
Really enjoyed this book. I like the author’s style.
I enjoyed this book very much. Far-fetched? Yes, but maybe that is what made it so interesting.