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Stillhouse Lake #1
Die Angst schläft nie
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2017)Der Nr. 1 Hit aus den USA der internationalen Bestsellerautorin Rachel Caine.
Wie oft musst du weglaufen, damit dich deine Vergangenheit nicht mehr einholen kann?
Von einer Sekunde zur nächsten liegt Gina Royals Leben in Scherben: Ihr Mann wird als Serienmörder überführt, und eine Welle von Hass und Morddrohungen schlägt auch ihr entgegen. Zusammen mit ihrem Sohn und ihrer Tochter flieht sie aus Kansas, wechselt mehrmals die Identität. Als sie zu dritt ein kleines Haus am Stillhouse Lake in Tennessee beziehen, ist die schüchterne Gina Vergangenheit. Jetzt ist sie die knallharte Gwen, zu allem bereit, wenn es um die Sicherheit ihrer kleinen Familie geht. Zum ersten Mal wagt sie durchzuatmen, fasst sogar zu ihrem neuen Nachbarn Vertrauen.
Da wird in dem See die Leiche einer jungen Frau gefunden. Ihre Folterungen tragen die blutige Handschrift ihres Ex-Mannes, der doch im Gefängnis sitzt. Plötzlich beginnt alles von vorn …
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
29113 people are currently reading
185920 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
217 books19.3k followersRachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 14,451 reviews
July 18, 2017
In the morning, there's another girl floating dead in the lake.
Easily one of the better mystery/thrillers I've read this year. After disappointments from old favourites with Since We Fell and newly-hyped thrillers like Final Girls, I managed to find a really creepy, suspenseful story from an author who has always been a bit hit and miss for me.
The book starts with a very dramatic and gruesomely exciting opening chapter. I've grown to appreciate slow build novels, but thrillers that pull out a vicious hook in the very first chapter still have a special place in my heart. From the very beginning, I knew I had to find out what would happen. And it only got nastier.
Gina Royal's perfect suburban life is turned upside down when her husband's dark, sadistic secrets are revealed. Now she is Gwen Proctor, on the run, doing anything she can to protect her two children from the online trolls who promise a sick revenge. Paranoia and lots of moving around have kept them all safe so far, but Gwen longs to find something more permanent; a place her children can have some stability and make real friends. She hopes that place will be Stillhouse Lake.
If you aren't already creeped out by the name "Stillhouse Lake" and the promise of this isolated community, you soon will be. Just as things seem to be looking up, the body of a young woman is found floating in the lake. And worse - the details of her death bear a striking resemblance to the methods deployed by Gwen's ex-husband.
It is a very compelling, easy-to-get-lost-in pageturner. It reminds us of the dangers present in a world with the Internet and the info-sharing it allows. For a brief moment, I wondered if a large group of people would really go to such disgusting lengths, exposing the addresses of children who are as much victims as those their father murdered - but then I realized, of course they would. Just recently, I was told about a subtweet in which someone I don't know and have never spoken to said they wanted to drown me in bleach. Drown me in bleach. And all I did was write book reviews they don't agree with.
Of course people would behave like the trolls in this book. It's a no-brainer.
So it reminds us of all this - of the threat posed by the Internet, of the lengths sick people will go to - but it also reminds us of something else: that nothing in this world can compete with a mother protecting her babies. And that touched me.
It's a thrilling book, full of atmosphere, and the sense that no one can be trusted. It finished with a fantastically terrifying ending that sets us up for what looks to be a dark and exciting sequel. I will definitely be reading it.
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July 6, 2019
Reread with For Love Of A Book
There were some things that I didn't totally like in the book, but for the most part it was really good!
**Mild Spoilers**
It's been a few years now and Gina is now Gwen and she is living in Stillhouse Lake, TN <-- I live in TN =) Gwen is living in a cabin on the lake with her two kids, Atlanta and Connor. They changed their names too. Actually, they have been different people a few times with a few different moves. But this time, Gwen is hoping they can actually have a home and stay there.
Gwen has a mysterious hacker that she pays to keep out the evil people and he lets her know when they are on her trail so she can move again. It's pretty bad. Her husband was a serial killer that tortured and killed many women. RIGHT THERE IN THEIR GARAGE. I find it really odd that Gwen never asked to go into the remade garage. You could only get in through a door on the side of the house after her husband Mel had it redone. He just said it was his workshop. Seriously, you never go to check this out. But then again we wouldn't have a book.
Unfortunately for Gwen and the kids the police don't believe her either. I can't say that I blame them but it gets really bad for them. Gwen goes to jail for a bit and her mom watches the kids and tries to keep them hidden. When Gwen gets out, she gets the kids and they are on the run. The reason they have to run is because all of the haters that believe she was in on it are threatening her and the kids. I mean these people are saying some horrific things they want to do to Gwen and the kids. I mean the kids too? It's just unreal and sadistic. Even if you think she had something to do with it you don't mess with the kids!
Everything is finally going good at the lake house. The kids are making friends after a rocky start. Gwen does online work so they have money. They meet a friend neighbor, Sam, who helps them fix up the house. Gwen takes shooting practice at the local range and made a friend there. It's all looking up until . . .
letters start to arrive from her husband in jail. A dead woman is found in the lake, killed the same way her husband killed his women. Gwen can't win for losing. She pays a visit to Mel in jail and threatens him. Of course that doesn't help and Gwen is taken in for questioning about the body. Everyone finds out who her and the kids are and they get people trying to kill them.
Then the kids get kidnapped by a psycho fan of her husband. Lets just leave it at that.
Gwen does get the kids back with the help of a friend and a cop. Then the wonderful news at the end and I'm not going to tell you what it is, but it isn't good. But I think Gwen will be able to handle it.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Gina never asked about the garage.
That thought would keep her awake every night for years after, pulsing hot against her eyelids. I should have asked. Should have known. But she'd never asked, she didn't know, and in the end, that was what destroyed her.
There were some things that I didn't totally like in the book, but for the most part it was really good!
**Mild Spoilers**
It's been a few years now and Gina is now Gwen and she is living in Stillhouse Lake, TN <-- I live in TN =) Gwen is living in a cabin on the lake with her two kids, Atlanta and Connor. They changed their names too. Actually, they have been different people a few times with a few different moves. But this time, Gwen is hoping they can actually have a home and stay there.
Gwen has a mysterious hacker that she pays to keep out the evil people and he lets her know when they are on her trail so she can move again. It's pretty bad. Her husband was a serial killer that tortured and killed many women. RIGHT THERE IN THEIR GARAGE. I find it really odd that Gwen never asked to go into the remade garage. You could only get in through a door on the side of the house after her husband Mel had it redone. He just said it was his workshop. Seriously, you never go to check this out. But then again we wouldn't have a book.
Unfortunately for Gwen and the kids the police don't believe her either. I can't say that I blame them but it gets really bad for them. Gwen goes to jail for a bit and her mom watches the kids and tries to keep them hidden. When Gwen gets out, she gets the kids and they are on the run. The reason they have to run is because all of the haters that believe she was in on it are threatening her and the kids. I mean these people are saying some horrific things they want to do to Gwen and the kids. I mean the kids too? It's just unreal and sadistic. Even if you think she had something to do with it you don't mess with the kids!
Everything is finally going good at the lake house. The kids are making friends after a rocky start. Gwen does online work so they have money. They meet a friend neighbor, Sam, who helps them fix up the house. Gwen takes shooting practice at the local range and made a friend there. It's all looking up until . . .
letters start to arrive from her husband in jail. A dead woman is found in the lake, killed the same way her husband killed his women. Gwen can't win for losing. She pays a visit to Mel in jail and threatens him. Of course that doesn't help and Gwen is taken in for questioning about the body. Everyone finds out who her and the kids are and they get people trying to kill them.
Then the kids get kidnapped by a psycho fan of her husband. Lets just leave it at that.
Gwen does get the kids back with the help of a friend and a cop. Then the wonderful news at the end and I'm not going to tell you what it is, but it isn't good. But I think Gwen will be able to handle it.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
January 24, 2018
My reviews can also be found at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I’ve been trying to stay away from reading any new series until I finish the ones I’ve already started. However, I’ve been seeing “Stillhouse Lake” pop up everywhere lately, and after reading the description and a few reviews, I had to admit, I was intrigued. I decided I had to read it... and I’m really glad I did.
Normally, Gina Royal is home at three in the afternoon, but her husband, Mel, has called and asked her to pick up the children as he has a work emergency. He was sorry to have disturbed her routine. He was kind that way, the “best, most charming man”. A great father to seven-year-old, Brady and ten-year-old, Lily.
“Normal life. Comfortable life. Not perfect, of course. Nobody had a perfect marriage, did they? But Gina was satisfied, at least most of the time.”
She’s looking forward to watching a movie with Mel and the kids that evening. Family time is one of Mel’s favorite things. His other favorite thing is spending time in his workshop, working on his projects. Gina never asks what he’s working on.
When Gina gets back with the children, the street is filled with police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. She sees that her bushes are flattened, as well as her mailbox. Then she sees the SUV embedded halfway into the garage—Mel’s workshop.
Now Gina’s life is about to come crashing down around her.
When she gives her name to the police their attitude towards her becomes aggressive. She thinks they must have her mixed up with someone else. She is read her rights and she feels like she’s in a nightmare….this can’t be happening. Then the police officer shows her the garage…and what Mel was really doing in his workshop….and she starts to scream.
Four years later…..
New Names, new state, new home, and a new life. They are definitely not in Kansas anymore.
Gina Royal no longer exists…she’s now Gwen Proctor. And there are a LOT of differences between the two. Where Gina was weak and submissive, Gwen is strong and dominant.
Gwen wants to set down some roots, give the kids a sense of stability and safety. She wants to leave Gina and everything else behind…The accident. The arrests. The trials. THE EVENT. However, there are people who just won’t let that happen. People who believe that she really was “ Melvin’s Little Helper ”.
“ The Sicko Patrol ” is what they call Gwen’s daily internet searches. She needs to keep an eye on what’s being said about her and her children, in case the trolls aren’t just blowing off steam. She forces herself to read just how much people hate her and the vile things they say.
“On and on and on. I leave Reddit, go to Twitter, find more threats, more hate, more vitriol—just in concise, 140-character bites.”
But some are more dangerous than others….
“The ones who are more interested in us, in Melvin Royal’s missing family…those are the ones who are dangerous.”
All she wants to do is survive and keep her kids safe. She runs crisis drills. They have an escape plan. They have an alarm set at all times, and Gwen is armed to the teeth!
Melvin is in jail but why does Gwen feel like things aren’t done?
And then the police come knocking…
“Something very bad has just begun”
Well, this was quite a read! I’m surprised at how quickly I flew through this novel. I devoured it in just two days. There is some violence; I did have to skim a few parts, but not enough to spoil the book for me.
“Stillhouse Lake” is an intense and action-packed thriller. A dark and twisted story of betrayal and murder. The ending had me rushing to find book two of the series as I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next.
A killer read!
I’ve been trying to stay away from reading any new series until I finish the ones I’ve already started. However, I’ve been seeing “Stillhouse Lake” pop up everywhere lately, and after reading the description and a few reviews, I had to admit, I was intrigued. I decided I had to read it... and I’m really glad I did.
Normally, Gina Royal is home at three in the afternoon, but her husband, Mel, has called and asked her to pick up the children as he has a work emergency. He was sorry to have disturbed her routine. He was kind that way, the “best, most charming man”. A great father to seven-year-old, Brady and ten-year-old, Lily.
“Normal life. Comfortable life. Not perfect, of course. Nobody had a perfect marriage, did they? But Gina was satisfied, at least most of the time.”
She’s looking forward to watching a movie with Mel and the kids that evening. Family time is one of Mel’s favorite things. His other favorite thing is spending time in his workshop, working on his projects. Gina never asks what he’s working on.
When Gina gets back with the children, the street is filled with police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. She sees that her bushes are flattened, as well as her mailbox. Then she sees the SUV embedded halfway into the garage—Mel’s workshop.
Now Gina’s life is about to come crashing down around her.
When she gives her name to the police their attitude towards her becomes aggressive. She thinks they must have her mixed up with someone else. She is read her rights and she feels like she’s in a nightmare….this can’t be happening. Then the police officer shows her the garage…and what Mel was really doing in his workshop….and she starts to scream.
Four years later…..
New Names, new state, new home, and a new life. They are definitely not in Kansas anymore.
Gina Royal no longer exists…she’s now Gwen Proctor. And there are a LOT of differences between the two. Where Gina was weak and submissive, Gwen is strong and dominant.
Gwen wants to set down some roots, give the kids a sense of stability and safety. She wants to leave Gina and everything else behind…The accident. The arrests. The trials. THE EVENT. However, there are people who just won’t let that happen. People who believe that she really was “ Melvin’s Little Helper ”.
“ The Sicko Patrol ” is what they call Gwen’s daily internet searches. She needs to keep an eye on what’s being said about her and her children, in case the trolls aren’t just blowing off steam. She forces herself to read just how much people hate her and the vile things they say.
“On and on and on. I leave Reddit, go to Twitter, find more threats, more hate, more vitriol—just in concise, 140-character bites.”
But some are more dangerous than others….
“The ones who are more interested in us, in Melvin Royal’s missing family…those are the ones who are dangerous.”
All she wants to do is survive and keep her kids safe. She runs crisis drills. They have an escape plan. They have an alarm set at all times, and Gwen is armed to the teeth!
Melvin is in jail but why does Gwen feel like things aren’t done?
And then the police come knocking…
“Something very bad has just begun”
Well, this was quite a read! I’m surprised at how quickly I flew through this novel. I devoured it in just two days. There is some violence; I did have to skim a few parts, but not enough to spoil the book for me.
“Stillhouse Lake” is an intense and action-packed thriller. A dark and twisted story of betrayal and murder. The ending had me rushing to find book two of the series as I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next.
A killer read!
May 1, 2019
Creepy and chock full of tension!
Stillhouse Lake is a riveting psychological thriller about a woman on the run from her past who must confront her worst nightmare when she is targeted in a murder scheme.
Let’s just say that Gina Royal is not the best at choosing men. After discovering what her husband was doing behind closed doors, she moves with her children to rural Stillhouse Lake, Tennessee and adopts a new identity. But her past soon begins to catch up with her and she must fight the darkest of demons to protect her children.
Stillhouse Lake is gripping right from the start. Gwen is a compelling protagonist and narrator. I was able to feel the tension early on and as the book progresses, the suspense amps up. I was in knots by the end. There is also a good level of creepiness and an intriguing mystery. Gwen’s past also makes for a fascinating storyline.
I am late to the game, but so glad I finally read it. I was avoiding adding any more series to my tbr, but this book kept popping up on my Goodreads feed with rave reviews and the more I read about, the more intrigued I became. Stillhouse Lake is what a psychological thriller should be: suspenseful, mysterious, and eerie. I am so glad finally read it--because now I can say that I am addicted to this series. I am ready for book 2!
Stillhouse Lake is a riveting psychological thriller about a woman on the run from her past who must confront her worst nightmare when she is targeted in a murder scheme.
Let’s just say that Gina Royal is not the best at choosing men. After discovering what her husband was doing behind closed doors, she moves with her children to rural Stillhouse Lake, Tennessee and adopts a new identity. But her past soon begins to catch up with her and she must fight the darkest of demons to protect her children.
Stillhouse Lake is gripping right from the start. Gwen is a compelling protagonist and narrator. I was able to feel the tension early on and as the book progresses, the suspense amps up. I was in knots by the end. There is also a good level of creepiness and an intriguing mystery. Gwen’s past also makes for a fascinating storyline.
I am late to the game, but so glad I finally read it. I was avoiding adding any more series to my tbr, but this book kept popping up on my Goodreads feed with rave reviews and the more I read about, the more intrigued I became. Stillhouse Lake is what a psychological thriller should be: suspenseful, mysterious, and eerie. I am so glad finally read it--because now I can say that I am addicted to this series. I am ready for book 2!
September 12, 2017
This was exciting from beginning to end! I love this spin on the typical serial killer thriller; here, we see the focus on the family the monster left behind. My nerves constantly ramped up as the tension grew; this was compulsive reading at its finest and I'm so glad I was able to snag this with my Kindle Unlimited membership. I was a bit surprised to see so many typos and formatting issues though; I don't read enough finished ebook copies to know if maybe this is normal? Anyway, it wasn't enough to deter me from devouring the book and I am eagerly anticipating book 2 in December!
June 12, 2017
This is probably one of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a while. It had me questioning myself at every twist and turn. I was literally on the edge of my seat during the last three-quarters of the book. I could even feel the paranoia of the main character. Totally messed with my mind!!
July 23, 2017
I am sorry guys but this did nothing for me I DNF at 40% the premise started out fast paced easily read but for me just nothing was going on the beginning was a good start but by the time Gwen had moved to Stillwater Lake it slowed somewhat which bored me there was too much explanation & not enough movement. The characters were likeable but flawed.
It was a shame really as I had high hopes for this series again I am in the minority but so be it I always say how it is at least I am honest in my assessment of this book.
It was a shame really as I had high hopes for this series again I am in the minority but so be it I always say how it is at least I am honest in my assessment of this book.
January 2, 2018
Stillhouse Lake is a great book. I mean, stay-up-until-2:00-a.m.-to-finish-it great. I read the whole thing in just a few hours, and my heart was pounding pretty fast for a while afterward!
"I'm glad I've escaped a hell I had hardly even recognized when I was burning in it. Glad that I've pulled the kids out, too."
Gina Royal had your typical, everyday life. Her marriage to her husband Mel had its ups and downs, but for the most part, they were happy, and she felt comfortable raising their two children, Lily and Brady, together. They were the family she had always wanted.
One day, a seemingly innocent car accident totally derails Gina's life, as it reveals that her husband has been a serial killer for a number of years. He used his garage workshop to commit the murders and store the bodies, and Gina had no idea. Mel always said that he had some expensive tools in his workshop, so he kept it locked. How could she have missed the signs, spent all of this time thinking her life with her husband was normal?
When Mel went on trial for the murders, Gina found herself in the public eye as well, and on trial. It didn't matter how many times she swore her innocence and her ignorance of Mel's crimes, there were many in the press, in the neighborhood, across the world, and even within her own family, who believed she had a hand in the murders. Mel's supporters on the internet criticized, bullied, shamed, and threatened her in droves, enough that she had to take the kids and run, creating new identities and starting all over again—several times.
Now Gina is Gwen Proctor, and her kids are Atlanta (Lanny) and Connor. In a remote town called Stillhouse Lake, they finally feel comfortable after so many years of fleeing when people started asking too many questions or Mel's minions found them. The kids are weary of giving up their lives in the blink of an eye, of having no friends, having to set and reset the house alarm, and of watching their mother driven to the brink of violence and fear in an effort to keep them safe. All three of them start to think about fixing up their house, making friends, building a life again.
And then the body of a young woman is found in the lake near their house, and the similarities to Mel's crimes are eerie. Gwen's first instinct is to flee, but how can she do that to her kids again? Should she finally let her guard down and let someone know the truth about who they are, or is there someone who already knows it? Who is behind this murder? Does she still need to fear Mel, even though she's left no trail?
One thing is for certain: she is no longer a victim. If it comes to defending her children or herself, she will fight to save them. No matter what that takes.
This was one hell of a thrill ride! Rachel Caine reels you in on the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read the last word. Gwen is one badass mom, although I, too, wondered if she really was as innocent as she claimed she was. But having read other books in which characters have to run away when their identity is exposed, I felt as if Stillhouse Lake was one of the strongest in depicting how that split-second decision affects the children involved, those who've never had a say in what happened to them.
As I've remarked before, my general MO when reading thrillers is to trust no one. I really was wondering how Caine would resolve everything, and while I felt like I had to stretch my disbelief a bit, it didn't frustrate me that much. Caine is an amazing storyteller—there aren't a lot of books that would keep me reading late into the night, desperately needing to see how the book ended!
If you're a thriller fan, you'll want to grab this one—I know I'm ready for Book #2!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
November 13, 2019
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine is a 2017 Thomas & Mercer publication.
Super intense thrill ride!
Gina Proctor is a nice, quiet person, married with two kids, living a perfectly normal, perfectly mundane life- until a fluke car accident outs her husband as a serial killing monster. Now Gina has transformed herself into Gwen Proctor- a confident single mother who hangs out at the shooting range in her free time.
Gwen relocates her family to Stillhouse Lake, where she finally allows herself, and her children, to let their guard down in small ways. Yet, the internet trolls, convinced Gwen was complicit in her husband’s crimes, are still a constant threat.
But then the letters start arriving, shattering her tiny moment of peace. Hating the prospect of forcing her family to start over somewhere else, yet again, Gwen is afraid she may have no choice when Stillhouse Lake becomes fraught with suspicion and danger…
Well, I’m only a few years late to this show-
I saw so many glowing reviews for this book from my Goodreads friends and knew I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about. It took me a while to squeeze this one it, but boy am I glad I did! I must say that all the high praise is well-deserved.
The author grabbed my attention immediately with a shocking revelation that no one could have been prepared for. From that point on the momentum stays steady and the tension becomes even more taut, which had me turning pages at the speed of light.
The prospect of living under the radar, on the run, gives everything one says or does an entirely new levity. I was knocked sideways by the twists, which truly ratchets up the suspense. Overall, this is a well thought out thriller, very atmospheric and creepy. I can’t wait to read the follow up book now!
4 stars
Super intense thrill ride!
Gina Proctor is a nice, quiet person, married with two kids, living a perfectly normal, perfectly mundane life- until a fluke car accident outs her husband as a serial killing monster. Now Gina has transformed herself into Gwen Proctor- a confident single mother who hangs out at the shooting range in her free time.
Gwen relocates her family to Stillhouse Lake, where she finally allows herself, and her children, to let their guard down in small ways. Yet, the internet trolls, convinced Gwen was complicit in her husband’s crimes, are still a constant threat.
But then the letters start arriving, shattering her tiny moment of peace. Hating the prospect of forcing her family to start over somewhere else, yet again, Gwen is afraid she may have no choice when Stillhouse Lake becomes fraught with suspicion and danger…
Well, I’m only a few years late to this show-
I saw so many glowing reviews for this book from my Goodreads friends and knew I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about. It took me a while to squeeze this one it, but boy am I glad I did! I must say that all the high praise is well-deserved.
The author grabbed my attention immediately with a shocking revelation that no one could have been prepared for. From that point on the momentum stays steady and the tension becomes even more taut, which had me turning pages at the speed of light.
The prospect of living under the radar, on the run, gives everything one says or does an entirely new levity. I was knocked sideways by the twists, which truly ratchets up the suspense. Overall, this is a well thought out thriller, very atmospheric and creepy. I can’t wait to read the follow up book now!
4 stars
September 18, 2018
4.5, PSA: if your partner has a “secret room” burn it TO THE GROUND stars!!!
Full review featured on my blog Recipe and a Read!!!
Gina Royal is a good wife. She is an exceptional mother. She takes care of house and home like a juggernaut – doing what society, and her husband has told her is her most important job, to the detriment of her own well-being. She loves her children with everything she has, and while her marriage has its hiccups and that proverbial “spark” may be gone, Mel is a good father, a good husband and a good man – right?
And that’s when she had one single, awful realization. It’s not a doll. And against all her best intentions, she began to scream and couldn’t stop.
When a drunk driver crashes his car into the Royal’s garage – no one, especially Gina Royal has any idea that in doing so Pandora’s box is about to be opened and all of her husbands monstrous acts of murder and torture are about to be set free for all the public to see, condemn and judge. After being tried and acquitted as an accomplice to her husband’s murders Gina (now Gwen Proctor) and her children have been on the run from internet trolls and her husbands long shadow in attempt to return to a life that resembles normal.
But I’ve kept them safe from the wolves, at least: the most basic and important job of a parent, to keep her offspring from being eaten by predators. Even the ones I can’t see.
Finally, after a trial and immense struggles Gwen and her family have found the lovely lakeside town of Stillhouse to settle. She’s purchased a house and she finally feels she may have found a home here. Then, a body turns up right outside their back door – the signature the same as her now incarcerated husband and Gwen’s carefully constructed secrecy comes crashing down.
This read had me utterly gripped from start to finish. When I read the first line of the book “I should’ve checked the garage.” I was honestly, immediately turned off. I found myself incredulous as to how someone could let an entire section of their house be prohibited to them. However, this is where Caine’s incredible skill shines. She develops this story and it’s character with a level of detail that left me in awe. As I’ve mentioned before, a lot of thrillers rely on entertaining versus likable characters and I’m pleased to say Stillhouse Lake falls in the latter category.
Ultimately this ends up being rounded down because I was left a bit disappointed by the development into the final twist(s) and the motives behind who ended up committing the final crimes. While Caine did a phenomenal job developing the base of the story and it’s characters the ending felt a bit haphazard to me. However, overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be picking up the second installment ASAP!
I read this as a Traveling Friends read and it’s an excellent one to discuss with others, there are lots of areas for speculation and red herrings flying every which way!
Full review featured on my blog Recipe and a Read!!!
Gina Royal is a good wife. She is an exceptional mother. She takes care of house and home like a juggernaut – doing what society, and her husband has told her is her most important job, to the detriment of her own well-being. She loves her children with everything she has, and while her marriage has its hiccups and that proverbial “spark” may be gone, Mel is a good father, a good husband and a good man – right?
And that’s when she had one single, awful realization. It’s not a doll. And against all her best intentions, she began to scream and couldn’t stop.
When a drunk driver crashes his car into the Royal’s garage – no one, especially Gina Royal has any idea that in doing so Pandora’s box is about to be opened and all of her husbands monstrous acts of murder and torture are about to be set free for all the public to see, condemn and judge. After being tried and acquitted as an accomplice to her husband’s murders Gina (now Gwen Proctor) and her children have been on the run from internet trolls and her husbands long shadow in attempt to return to a life that resembles normal.
But I’ve kept them safe from the wolves, at least: the most basic and important job of a parent, to keep her offspring from being eaten by predators. Even the ones I can’t see.
Finally, after a trial and immense struggles Gwen and her family have found the lovely lakeside town of Stillhouse to settle. She’s purchased a house and she finally feels she may have found a home here. Then, a body turns up right outside their back door – the signature the same as her now incarcerated husband and Gwen’s carefully constructed secrecy comes crashing down.
This read had me utterly gripped from start to finish. When I read the first line of the book “I should’ve checked the garage.” I was honestly, immediately turned off. I found myself incredulous as to how someone could let an entire section of their house be prohibited to them. However, this is where Caine’s incredible skill shines. She develops this story and it’s character with a level of detail that left me in awe. As I’ve mentioned before, a lot of thrillers rely on entertaining versus likable characters and I’m pleased to say Stillhouse Lake falls in the latter category.
Ultimately this ends up being rounded down because I was left a bit disappointed by the development into the final twist(s) and the motives behind who ended up committing the final crimes. While Caine did a phenomenal job developing the base of the story and it’s characters the ending felt a bit haphazard to me. However, overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be picking up the second installment ASAP!
I read this as a Traveling Friends read and it’s an excellent one to discuss with others, there are lots of areas for speculation and red herrings flying every which way!
February 24, 2022
a pretty classic case of ‘its not you, its me.’
i really wanted to enjoy this - i think exploring the trauma of the family of a serial killer is so unique - but this book just reconfirmed my preferences for quick pacing and short chapters when it comes to mystery/thrillers. the 25+ page chapters in this are just too long and made the story feel like it was dragging. i definitely need that ‘page turner’ quality when it comes to the genre, and this sadly did not have that for me personally.
things do pick up towards the end but, by then, it was a little too late. i also found the big reveal to be underwhelming. not sure if it was the reveal itself or just because i had slowly lost interest as the story progressed. either way, im not sure i feel compelled enough to continue the series.
that being said, i can see how this is a popular book among readers. its very pop-mystery/thriller. it feels relevant and the writing is accessible. i just wish i had personally enjoyed the story more.
↠ 2.5 stars
i really wanted to enjoy this - i think exploring the trauma of the family of a serial killer is so unique - but this book just reconfirmed my preferences for quick pacing and short chapters when it comes to mystery/thrillers. the 25+ page chapters in this are just too long and made the story feel like it was dragging. i definitely need that ‘page turner’ quality when it comes to the genre, and this sadly did not have that for me personally.
things do pick up towards the end but, by then, it was a little too late. i also found the big reveal to be underwhelming. not sure if it was the reveal itself or just because i had slowly lost interest as the story progressed. either way, im not sure i feel compelled enough to continue the series.
that being said, i can see how this is a popular book among readers. its very pop-mystery/thriller. it feels relevant and the writing is accessible. i just wish i had personally enjoyed the story more.
↠ 2.5 stars
January 15, 2018
5 Stars!
Chilling, Thrilling and Wholly Satisfying.
Imagine waking up one day to find out that you don’t know the man you are married to. Worse yet, that he is a monster. And what’s even more horrifying? That you will never be safe after what he has done. This is the story of “Stillhouse Lake” - and boy is it one helluva ride.
On the day that Gina Royal comes home to find that a car has smashed into the garage, her life literally comes crashing down before her. Turns out her husband Melvin Royal, has been using the garage as a private workshop, to mutilate and murder women. He is a psychopath and a serial killer. And Gina had no idea. He claimed to use the garage as a woodshop and would produce a bench or a table every once in a while. He kept it dead bolted, but she never thought much of it. Silly Gina. Melvin Royal went to trial for his crimes and is now incarcerated - which he blames on his wife and he wants revenge.
After years on the run, living under various aliases, Gina is a new woman. She is now Gwen Proctor and her children are now known as Lanny and Connor, living in “Stillhouse Lake”, where they keep to themselves. Gwen is now a fierce woman who has become a sharp-shooter and has had their home outfitted with a panic room and a security system. Every day Gina Royal gets death threats via the internet and has people trying to find her. It’s a game of Eney Meeny Miny Moe and “Gwen” tries to stay one step ahead.
Then a murder happens in Stillhouse Lake and it is similar to the type of murders that Melvin Royal did. Though no one knows who they are, Gwen is worried. It’s only a matter of time. Slowly things begin to unravel for Gwen, Lanny and Connor as life takes a terrifying turn yet again.
“Stillhouse Lake” scared the heck out of me and I have a feeling that it’ll have you on the edge of your seat as well. Rachel Caine nailed it and I can’t wait to check out the sequel.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.15.17.
Chilling, Thrilling and Wholly Satisfying.
Imagine waking up one day to find out that you don’t know the man you are married to. Worse yet, that he is a monster. And what’s even more horrifying? That you will never be safe after what he has done. This is the story of “Stillhouse Lake” - and boy is it one helluva ride.
On the day that Gina Royal comes home to find that a car has smashed into the garage, her life literally comes crashing down before her. Turns out her husband Melvin Royal, has been using the garage as a private workshop, to mutilate and murder women. He is a psychopath and a serial killer. And Gina had no idea. He claimed to use the garage as a woodshop and would produce a bench or a table every once in a while. He kept it dead bolted, but she never thought much of it. Silly Gina. Melvin Royal went to trial for his crimes and is now incarcerated - which he blames on his wife and he wants revenge.
After years on the run, living under various aliases, Gina is a new woman. She is now Gwen Proctor and her children are now known as Lanny and Connor, living in “Stillhouse Lake”, where they keep to themselves. Gwen is now a fierce woman who has become a sharp-shooter and has had their home outfitted with a panic room and a security system. Every day Gina Royal gets death threats via the internet and has people trying to find her. It’s a game of Eney Meeny Miny Moe and “Gwen” tries to stay one step ahead.
Then a murder happens in Stillhouse Lake and it is similar to the type of murders that Melvin Royal did. Though no one knows who they are, Gwen is worried. It’s only a matter of time. Slowly things begin to unravel for Gwen, Lanny and Connor as life takes a terrifying turn yet again.
“Stillhouse Lake” scared the heck out of me and I have a feeling that it’ll have you on the edge of your seat as well. Rachel Caine nailed it and I can’t wait to check out the sequel.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.15.17.
December 15, 2022
One sentence review: Bogus af
SYNOPSIS
Gina Royal, now Gwen Proctor, has spent four years hiding out from legions of dedicated haters after her husband Melvin's crimes were brought to life. She finally feels at home in Stillhouse Lake, but is it too good to be true?
MY OPINION
Quick facts: 1) I've had this book on my TBR for a hot min. 2) Woman finds out she's married to a serial killer is one of my fave tropes. 3) I am aware that Rachel Caine has since passed due a rare type of cancer, and I apologize if my salty reviews seems heartless and in bad taste. My sympathies go out to Rachel's family, friends, and loved ones. My review is strictly about this book, and is not a commentary on Rachel as a person.
I went into this book knowing that it would be a popcorn thriller and that yeetage of disbelief is required. However, the yeetage requirements were simply too high. At first, the pace was pacing and I appreciated that the author didn't dilly-dally with turgid prose. The family dynamics and Gwen's mental state are set up quickly and clearly. But then... it all crumbled like feta cheese. So why didn't I DNF? In short, I was past the point of no return when I realized that nothing – not even a cosign by Beyonce – could save this book from 1-star territory.
My first issue: it was relentlessly repetitive. I thought nobody could repeat themselves like Liv is Stay Awake, but Gwen said hold my mfn conceal and carry permit! She doesn't miss a chance to tell us how her life has been changed because of Melvin, how Melvin was just putting on an act, and how her kids couldn't lead normal lives because of Melvin's atrocities. WE GET IT!!!! You don't need to spell it out to us. Nobody expects your life to be regular degular when your husband was running a chop shop out of his garage. Not every interaction needs to be compared and contrasted with your Ted Bundy ass ex. Let's move on.
Then around 40% ish we get a download of their summer akin to your grandma emailing you about her exciting week of Bridge and bird watching. The whole "someone used your ex-husband's disposal method to dump a girl that was also very much your ex-husband's type" event is forgotten for a solid 50+ pages. You'd think as the world's most paranoid woman, this whole ting would set you on edge. Perhaps you'd like to find out who tf did this? But no, instead we get to read about Gwen & Sam's HGTV summer reno special that culminates in a sweaty ass kiss. Cool cool cool...
But the source of my dismay with this book is Gwen. Logic? Never heard of that. She had three diff alarm codes for her and her kids but didn't have a security camera??? You can't be dead ass? WHY ARE SECURITY CAMERAS ALWAYS LEFT OUT???? Well she finally did, when she decided to let random cabin man/resident handyman Sam watch her kids for 12 hours while she travels states to spit on a plastic partition separating herself and Melvin. Great use of your time.
Next, Gwen decides to spill the beans to Sam about who she is. Yes, you read that right. The woman who has underground railroad-ed her kids around for four years in fear of being sussed out by an unrealistic number of internet trolls decides to sing like a canary to a man she's known as long as a fart in the wind. At this point, I chucked the book at my unsuspecting husband in anger.
Literal Darwinism behaviour. You're out here paying for fraudulent IDs with Bitcoin and teaching yourself SWAT breach patterns but yet you fess up to some solivagent who's allegedly writing a book???? FOR WHAT?????? But what did I expect from a lady who eats someone's homecooked meal and then randomly asks "who iz you?" and when he goes "well who iz YOU??" she replies "that's none of your business." ????? WHAT???
Anyways. Everything unfolded in true Scooby Doo quality, but at that point I was just happy to be done. This book was trashola. Another popcorn thriller that goes for too much while failing to manage the basics (how did Gwen pay taxes? Doesn't an online business seem counterintuitive to staying under the radar? What kind of budgeting app did Gwen use to only spend 100k in 4 years?). I can't believe there's six books in this series. Well, actually, the way Gwen behaves so mindlessly and irrationally, I guess she does need six books to figure out how to walk and chew gum at the same time. Too harsh? No worries, I punched my one-way ticket to hell years ago.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: I liked the premise
Cons: don't make me repeat myself
SYNOPSIS
Gina Royal, now Gwen Proctor, has spent four years hiding out from legions of dedicated haters after her husband Melvin's crimes were brought to life. She finally feels at home in Stillhouse Lake, but is it too good to be true?
MY OPINION
Quick facts: 1) I've had this book on my TBR for a hot min. 2) Woman finds out she's married to a serial killer is one of my fave tropes. 3) I am aware that Rachel Caine has since passed due a rare type of cancer, and I apologize if my salty reviews seems heartless and in bad taste. My sympathies go out to Rachel's family, friends, and loved ones. My review is strictly about this book, and is not a commentary on Rachel as a person.
I went into this book knowing that it would be a popcorn thriller and that yeetage of disbelief is required. However, the yeetage requirements were simply too high. At first, the pace was pacing and I appreciated that the author didn't dilly-dally with turgid prose. The family dynamics and Gwen's mental state are set up quickly and clearly. But then... it all crumbled like feta cheese. So why didn't I DNF? In short, I was past the point of no return when I realized that nothing – not even a cosign by Beyonce – could save this book from 1-star territory.
My first issue: it was relentlessly repetitive. I thought nobody could repeat themselves like Liv is Stay Awake, but Gwen said hold my mfn conceal and carry permit! She doesn't miss a chance to tell us how her life has been changed because of Melvin, how Melvin was just putting on an act, and how her kids couldn't lead normal lives because of Melvin's atrocities. WE GET IT!!!! You don't need to spell it out to us. Nobody expects your life to be regular degular when your husband was running a chop shop out of his garage. Not every interaction needs to be compared and contrasted with your Ted Bundy ass ex. Let's move on.
Then around 40% ish we get a download of their summer akin to your grandma emailing you about her exciting week of Bridge and bird watching. The whole "someone used your ex-husband's disposal method to dump a girl that was also very much your ex-husband's type" event is forgotten for a solid 50+ pages. You'd think as the world's most paranoid woman, this whole ting would set you on edge. Perhaps you'd like to find out who tf did this? But no, instead we get to read about Gwen & Sam's HGTV summer reno special that culminates in a sweaty ass kiss. Cool cool cool...
But the source of my dismay with this book is Gwen. Logic? Never heard of that. She had three diff alarm codes for her and her kids but didn't have a security camera??? You can't be dead ass? WHY ARE SECURITY CAMERAS ALWAYS LEFT OUT???? Well she finally did, when she decided to let random cabin man/resident handyman Sam watch her kids for 12 hours while she travels states to spit on a plastic partition separating herself and Melvin. Great use of your time.
Next, Gwen decides to spill the beans to Sam about who she is. Yes, you read that right. The woman who has underground railroad-ed her kids around for four years in fear of being sussed out by an unrealistic number of internet trolls decides to sing like a canary to a man she's known as long as a fart in the wind. At this point, I chucked the book at my unsuspecting husband in anger.
Literal Darwinism behaviour. You're out here paying for fraudulent IDs with Bitcoin and teaching yourself SWAT breach patterns but yet you fess up to some solivagent who's allegedly writing a book???? FOR WHAT?????? But what did I expect from a lady who eats someone's homecooked meal and then randomly asks "who iz you?" and when he goes "well who iz YOU??" she replies "that's none of your business." ????? WHAT???
Anyways. Everything unfolded in true Scooby Doo quality, but at that point I was just happy to be done. This book was trashola. Another popcorn thriller that goes for too much while failing to manage the basics (how did Gwen pay taxes? Doesn't an online business seem counterintuitive to staying under the radar? What kind of budgeting app did Gwen use to only spend 100k in 4 years?). I can't believe there's six books in this series. Well, actually, the way Gwen behaves so mindlessly and irrationally, I guess she does need six books to figure out how to walk and chew gum at the same time. Too harsh? No worries, I punched my one-way ticket to hell years ago.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: I liked the premise
Cons: don't make me repeat myself
March 13, 2018
Update: 13/3/18. This is currently on offer: 0.99p in the UK, $0.99 in the US (I think) - and $2.99 in Canada. It's the same price for Killman Creek, too!
Loved. This. Book.
Damn. This ends with cliffhanger that I didn't see coming, though I probably should have. I feel like doing a reread, already. The story is told in the first and third person perspectives - though, the third person is for the prologue, then it switches to (Gina/Gwen's) first person perspective.
Gina Royal, thinks she's got a pretty normal/average life; until one day, that image is shattered, after she goes to pick up her kids, Brady and Lily, from school. She would normally be home at three in the afternoon, but her husband, Mel, had an emergency at work, so she ended up doing the school run. On her way back home, though, she notices her street has been cordoned off: There are three patrol cars behind a barricade with their lights flashing and an ambulance and fire truck, further down the street - and to make matters worse, there's a maroon coloured SUV parked halfway into her garage, courtesy of a drunk driver, who crashed into it - whilst trying his hand at valet parking. Her husbands workshop. A Patrol Officer approaches her vehicle and she introduces herself and tells him its her house, which makes the Officer reach for his firearm. A Detective (Salazar) is called over and she's ordered to get out of the vehicle, is promptly cuffed, asked some questions, before being led into the garage; where she gets to see firsthand, her husbands extracurricular activities. His handiwork. She screams.
Years later, she's using the assumed name, Gwen Procter, which is the fourth, false identity she's used - and her son and daughter are now named: Connor and Atlanta (Lanny for short). Her new home is at Stillhouse Lake, which was once an expensive gated community. Because of her husbands' crimes, and after being acquitted of having any involvement in his little hobby; she's had to move from place to place, change her name a few times, as not everyone believes she's innocent (how could she not know?) so she gets trolled, receives death threats and is in constant fear for her own and her children's lives. She gets help with new identities and places to stay that are safe, from one of the people who trolled/went after her - and his? name is Absalom. Anyway, they are not friends and she pays him for his services. She checks what's being said about her on different forums, on a daily basis, which she calls: Sick Patrol. Assessing the threat level, and making sure no one knows who or where they are - is her primary objective. She's proficient with firearms, too.
Unfortunately, it's not long before a body is found floating on the lake, which has similarities to her husbands handiwork; making her the prime suspect.
In summation: I liked the main character, Gwen (Gina), she has a strong personality. Because of her history, she doesn't know who she can trust; especially her own judgment. Come to think of it, I didn't know who she could trust, either.Her son keeps forgetting things (which can put them in danger) and her daughter has developed an attitude problem, so she has that to deal with, too.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel, Killman Creek, sometime.
Loved. This. Book.
Damn. This ends with cliffhanger that I didn't see coming, though I probably should have. I feel like doing a reread, already. The story is told in the first and third person perspectives - though, the third person is for the prologue, then it switches to (Gina/Gwen's) first person perspective.
Gina Royal, thinks she's got a pretty normal/average life; until one day, that image is shattered, after she goes to pick up her kids, Brady and Lily, from school. She would normally be home at three in the afternoon, but her husband, Mel, had an emergency at work, so she ended up doing the school run. On her way back home, though, she notices her street has been cordoned off: There are three patrol cars behind a barricade with their lights flashing and an ambulance and fire truck, further down the street - and to make matters worse, there's a maroon coloured SUV parked halfway into her garage, courtesy of a drunk driver, who crashed into it - whilst trying his hand at valet parking. Her husbands workshop. A Patrol Officer approaches her vehicle and she introduces herself and tells him its her house, which makes the Officer reach for his firearm. A Detective (Salazar) is called over and she's ordered to get out of the vehicle, is promptly cuffed, asked some questions, before being led into the garage; where she gets to see firsthand, her husbands extracurricular activities. His handiwork. She screams.
Years later, she's using the assumed name, Gwen Procter, which is the fourth, false identity she's used - and her son and daughter are now named: Connor and Atlanta (Lanny for short). Her new home is at Stillhouse Lake, which was once an expensive gated community. Because of her husbands' crimes, and after being acquitted of having any involvement in his little hobby; she's had to move from place to place, change her name a few times, as not everyone believes she's innocent (how could she not know?) so she gets trolled, receives death threats and is in constant fear for her own and her children's lives. She gets help with new identities and places to stay that are safe, from one of the people who trolled/went after her - and his? name is Absalom. Anyway, they are not friends and she pays him for his services. She checks what's being said about her on different forums, on a daily basis, which she calls: Sick Patrol. Assessing the threat level, and making sure no one knows who or where they are - is her primary objective. She's proficient with firearms, too.
Unfortunately, it's not long before a body is found floating on the lake, which has similarities to her husbands handiwork; making her the prime suspect.
In summation: I liked the main character, Gwen (Gina), she has a strong personality. Because of her history, she doesn't know who she can trust; especially her own judgment. Come to think of it, I didn't know who she could trust, either.Her son keeps forgetting things (which can put them in danger) and her daughter has developed an attitude problem, so she has that to deal with, too.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel, Killman Creek, sometime.
December 30, 2017
What a fascinating premise! A story told from the perspective of a serial killer’s wife. Told after he is discovered, she and her family have had to go into hiding, changing their identities. Dealing with the trolls who want to punish them for her husband’s crimes. And she still struggles with how she never knew.
This is so well done. There’s a great level of suspense and tension throughout the book. A real creepiness factor. It’s really rare for me to read a mystery that literally gives me chills.
I really liked Gwen/Gina. She’s got just the right level of paranoia. But she’s also smart and has seen the damage that constant running has done to her kids. Her kids are typical teenagers, with mood swings and attitudes, but with that added layer of having been put through hell.
So, I guessed the bad guy correctly early on. But I’ve learned that a book can still be a great read whether you have the villain figured out or not. And there were several twists and turns in this book that I didn’t see coming.
I was happy to see there’s going to be a second book and will definitely read it.
January 7, 2018
A breakneck pace and lots of serial killer chills!
I'm not a huge fan of serial killer reads, but with so many great reviews I purchased this one and read it straight through leaving all my other reads languishing until I finished!
Gina Royal is a shy housewife with two children she dotes on. She was living a normal life( so she thought) until one day she was confronted with her husbands "other" life and is forced to change her name and power up in order to protect her kids and herself!
I really liked how the book is told from Gina's point of view instead of some serial killer. She becomes strong and capable and leaves her shy/helpless self behind. Husband Mel is in prison, but he hasn't forgotten them...
This is book one in the fast paced, page turning series. It is edge of your seat with a fair amount of ghastly images (I needed to skim over these entirely), but the book focuses more on the family escaping and not on the crimes of the husband. Highly recommend for serial killer/ intense thriller fans! Fairly predictable ending doesn't stop me from reading book two!
June 8, 2017
The. Absolute. Worst.
This was God awful. It's like the author of this book picked some hot topics of late (internet trolls, gun rights, Reddit, Bitcoin, hacking, etc.)and put them together like a mad lib. The writing is the worst I have ever read. It's CONSTANT telling instead of showing, with the protagonist recapping her feelings and conclusions at length ad nauseum every other chapter. It felt like someone's first effort at creative writing.
I got this for free via Prime First and I'm still kinda angry that I wasted several hours of reading time on this.
I just lost my faith in humanity, all the good reviews of this book.
This was God awful. It's like the author of this book picked some hot topics of late (internet trolls, gun rights, Reddit, Bitcoin, hacking, etc.)and put them together like a mad lib. The writing is the worst I have ever read. It's CONSTANT telling instead of showing, with the protagonist recapping her feelings and conclusions at length ad nauseum every other chapter. It felt like someone's first effort at creative writing.
I got this for free via Prime First and I'm still kinda angry that I wasted several hours of reading time on this.
I just lost my faith in humanity, all the good reviews of this book.
January 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Imagine coming home with your kids one day and finding your garage smashed in by a drunk driver. Then even worse, finding out that your husband has been using that garage as a little chop 'em up shop.
Complete with dead body.
That's what happens to Gina Royal. The bad thing is? She lived with this dude and had two children by him and never knew that he was one of the most prolific serial killers around.
Gina is also arrested and tried as his accomplice, because just how could she not know?
Gina was big time naïve.
Now she has taken her two children and changed their identity's and ran.
Because their lives are threatened daily by internet trolls...both the kind that glorify what her crazy ass husband did and the ones who think that she should be punished.
She ends up as Gwen Proctor in small town Tennessee. They have a little house by the lake and the neighbors don't bother them. (they don't know who they are)
Then a body turns up. In the lake. Killed just like dear old hubby liked to do it.
Okay, so I'm going to admit that when I first started reading this book I didn't like Gwen or the kids. I thought Gwen may have been riding the nutso fence herself and was about to fall off. Then after a bit I actually started cheering for her. She ends up being one of those women that you better not mess with. Heck yeah. The kids? They just are kids. They all get on my nerves.
Also, the whole trolls chasing them for months and years. I'm sure that people are going to feel that really is not too believable. They obviously haven't had a true internet jackass come after them. I have. I've had my family picked apart and made fun of by a group of trolls on the interwebs. Then just the other day I get a message on here from a person with a cute cat avatar as their profile pic. They had a private profile but they actually messaged me and told me that they were "intrigued" by me and wanted to know where I work.
So I can see it.
Now I'm going to push the other book I was going to read out of the way and start the next one of these.
Imagine coming home with your kids one day and finding your garage smashed in by a drunk driver. Then even worse, finding out that your husband has been using that garage as a little chop 'em up shop.
Complete with dead body.
That's what happens to Gina Royal. The bad thing is? She lived with this dude and had two children by him and never knew that he was one of the most prolific serial killers around.
Gina is also arrested and tried as his accomplice, because just how could she not know?
Gina was big time naïve.
Now she has taken her two children and changed their identity's and ran.
Because their lives are threatened daily by internet trolls...both the kind that glorify what her crazy ass husband did and the ones who think that she should be punished.
She ends up as Gwen Proctor in small town Tennessee. They have a little house by the lake and the neighbors don't bother them. (they don't know who they are)
Then a body turns up. In the lake. Killed just like dear old hubby liked to do it.
Okay, so I'm going to admit that when I first started reading this book I didn't like Gwen or the kids. I thought Gwen may have been riding the nutso fence herself and was about to fall off. Then after a bit I actually started cheering for her. She ends up being one of those women that you better not mess with. Heck yeah. The kids? They just are kids. They all get on my nerves.
Also, the whole trolls chasing them for months and years. I'm sure that people are going to feel that really is not too believable. They obviously haven't had a true internet jackass come after them. I have. I've had my family picked apart and made fun of by a group of trolls on the interwebs. Then just the other day I get a message on here from a person with a cute cat avatar as their profile pic. They had a private profile but they actually messaged me and told me that they were "intrigued" by me and wanted to know where I work.
So I can see it.
Now I'm going to push the other book I was going to read out of the way and start the next one of these.
July 4, 2022
“Mel infected me like a virus, and I have an unhealthy surety deep down that I’ll never get completely well again.”This book was unexpectedly good — gripping, tense and wonderfully suspenseful. I don’t usually read many thrillers, but books like this are enough to redeem that genre for me. The audiobook hours flew by, and I loved it.
“Gwen Proctor is the fourth identity I’ve had since leaving Wichita. Gina Royal lies dead in the past; I’m not that woman anymore. In fact, I can hardly recognize her now, that weak creature who’d submitted, pretended, smoothed over every ripple of trouble that rose.”
Gina’s comfortable suburban life gets turned upside down in a horrifying turn of events when she discovers one day that her husband Mel is a sadistic serial killer. Tried as an accomplice and then acquitted, she’s on the run from psychos that still believe she used to be the monster’s “little helper”, trying to protect her children from harm. Four years later, she’s living as Gwen Proctor, a tough woman without any illusions, always in the state of perpetual alert. But as she comes to Stillhouse Lake, she finds a place where she feels she may be able to at least temporarily settle down. That is, until a couple of dead women surface - literally - and everything points at Gwen.
“In the morning, there’s another girl floating dead in the lake.”
But it’s not the murders that are the focus of this story. Instead it’s a justified paranoia of Gwen that anxiously keeps you on the edge and reminds you constantly how absolutely insane her life has become because of taint by association and a bunch of people blinded by hatred and revenge, aided by easy internet anonymity. The hatred that does not spare anyone, even children. The hatred that blindly and obsessively demands blood.
Gwen Proctor’s narrative voice was delightful. She’s tough, smart and disillusioned — and I really wanted her to succeed, to force the world to give her and her children something most of us take for granted: safety and presumption of innocence. She is afraid to trust anyone. She’s been fighting so hard and has been strung so tightly you know she’s *this* close to snapping.
“Gina’s long dead, and I don’t mourn her. I feel so distant that I wouldn’t recognize the old me if I passed her on the street. I’m glad I’ve escaped a hell I had hardly even recognized when I was burning in it. Glad that I’ve pulled the kids out, too.”
But have you really escaped, Gwen? And will you ever? With that ending, the answer is yet to come.
4 stars.
——————
Recommended by: Dennis
October 9, 2018
3.5 stars.
Chilling. Mysterious. Dark. Suspenseful. Eerie. Engrossing.
Gwen Proctor hasn’t always been Gwen Proctor. She used to be Gina Royal. Gina Royal was a quiet stay at home mother of two beautiful children who came home one day to find out her husband of nine years was a serial killer. Years later, she is living miles away in a house on the edge of Stillhouse Lake, she and her children having taken on new identities. One day, a body mirroring the victims of Gwen’s ex-husband is found floating in the water in front of Gwen’s house. Could her ex-husband who is locked away in prison be behind this gruesome murder?
Much of this novel had me on edge. The intensity of the prologue had me highly intrigued and curious. The characters were real, the atmosphere was vivid, the suspense was engrossing. The story kept me captivated and curious throughout, however, the gripping intensity did come and go. Toward the end, I found some of the story ventured into unrealistic territory, but I still really enjoyed it.
Thank you to my lovely GR friend Susanne, whose raving review prompted me to pick this suspenseful book up! This was Book #1 in the Stillhouse Lake series. I am excited to see what Book #2 has in store! This was a Traveling Friends read that we all really enjoyed.
Stillhouse Lake is available now!
Chilling. Mysterious. Dark. Suspenseful. Eerie. Engrossing.
Gwen Proctor hasn’t always been Gwen Proctor. She used to be Gina Royal. Gina Royal was a quiet stay at home mother of two beautiful children who came home one day to find out her husband of nine years was a serial killer. Years later, she is living miles away in a house on the edge of Stillhouse Lake, she and her children having taken on new identities. One day, a body mirroring the victims of Gwen’s ex-husband is found floating in the water in front of Gwen’s house. Could her ex-husband who is locked away in prison be behind this gruesome murder?
Much of this novel had me on edge. The intensity of the prologue had me highly intrigued and curious. The characters were real, the atmosphere was vivid, the suspense was engrossing. The story kept me captivated and curious throughout, however, the gripping intensity did come and go. Toward the end, I found some of the story ventured into unrealistic territory, but I still really enjoyed it.
Thank you to my lovely GR friend Susanne, whose raving review prompted me to pick this suspenseful book up! This was Book #1 in the Stillhouse Lake series. I am excited to see what Book #2 has in store! This was a Traveling Friends read that we all really enjoyed.
Stillhouse Lake is available now!
February 20, 2018
Two warnings before you begin this taut thriller: It ends on a cliffhanger (book two is available and there is a third book not yet out), and there is a degree of graphic detail about women who are tortured before they are killed.
Gina Royal thinks she’s living a wonderful, suburban life with a loving husband and two great kids. Then she comes home one day to a street clogged with police cars and ambulances. A car accident has revealed that her husband’s hobby in the garage—one she never inquired about—was gruesome—he’s a serial killer.
The public thinks she was his helper. So while he’s sentenced to actual prison, Gina is on the run from public opinion which is not always confined to horrific online messages. Gina transforms herself into Gwen and for the next four years she and her kids are in hiding with new identities, never knowing who they can trust. When more bodies start showing up, the police think this is proof that Gina/Gwen was in fact in on her husband’s grotesque and unimaginably cruel activities. For her safety and the safety of her children, Gwen needs to figure out who she can trust—and who has betrayed her in the remote area where she’s been hiding out, Stillhouse Lake.
I enjoyed this fast-paced novel and am looking forward to the next two books in the series.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
Gina Royal thinks she’s living a wonderful, suburban life with a loving husband and two great kids. Then she comes home one day to a street clogged with police cars and ambulances. A car accident has revealed that her husband’s hobby in the garage—one she never inquired about—was gruesome—he’s a serial killer.
The public thinks she was his helper. So while he’s sentenced to actual prison, Gina is on the run from public opinion which is not always confined to horrific online messages. Gina transforms herself into Gwen and for the next four years she and her kids are in hiding with new identities, never knowing who they can trust. When more bodies start showing up, the police think this is proof that Gina/Gwen was in fact in on her husband’s grotesque and unimaginably cruel activities. For her safety and the safety of her children, Gwen needs to figure out who she can trust—and who has betrayed her in the remote area where she’s been hiding out, Stillhouse Lake.
I enjoyed this fast-paced novel and am looking forward to the next two books in the series.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
December 2, 2017
I finally finished this book. It's been on my currently reading shelf for a month, and I think I read four other books in the time it took me to read this short thriller, but it's finally done. Okay, thoughts-- if it wasn't for the final forty pages I think I would've given this book 2 stars. I can see why this book is popular, and would not sway anyone away from reading it, but there was just so many small things in this story that just kept distracting me as I read it, so many details that I felt were meant to create a more immersive world but just took me out of my rhythm, and it's not that long of a book to begin with so when I read details I expect them to be important later on but a lot of the time (not all, there were some important ones) they never reappeared.
As I said the final 40-50 pages made this book for me. The constant "who is after me" thrill kept me going, and though the antagonists didn't strike me as deep or well fleshed out, they served well and mirrored Gina/Gwen's past with her husband, creating an interesting cyclical feel to it all.
I might finish this series, I might not, I'm not entirely sure yet. If I do I think I might just audiobook it.
As I said the final 40-50 pages made this book for me. The constant "who is after me" thrill kept me going, and though the antagonists didn't strike me as deep or well fleshed out, they served well and mirrored Gina/Gwen's past with her husband, creating an interesting cyclical feel to it all.
I might finish this series, I might not, I'm not entirely sure yet. If I do I think I might just audiobook it.
October 17, 2018
4 Stars for Stillhouse Lake
Gina never asked about the garage.
That thought would keep her awake every night for years after. I should have asked. Should have known. But she's never asked, she didn't know, and in the end, that was what destroyed her.
And so the story begins.....
I was in the mood for an engrossing thriller and this turned out to be exactly that, making it one of the best thrillers I've read this year!
Though she starts off weak Gina/Gwen quickly becomes a likable character. She takes her weaknesses and faces them head-on, becoming not only strong but pretty bad-ass.
I'm not afraid of Mel anymore.
I'm going to kill him. One way or the other, it ends the way it began so long ago: with the two of us.
The Royals.
Yes, the story ends in a cliffhanger but for once it felt necessary. Gwen vs. Mel deserves to be a story all its own.
Gina never asked about the garage.
That thought would keep her awake every night for years after. I should have asked. Should have known. But she's never asked, she didn't know, and in the end, that was what destroyed her.
And so the story begins.....
I was in the mood for an engrossing thriller and this turned out to be exactly that, making it one of the best thrillers I've read this year!
Though she starts off weak Gina/Gwen quickly becomes a likable character. She takes her weaknesses and faces them head-on, becoming not only strong but pretty bad-ass.
I'm not afraid of Mel anymore.
I'm going to kill him. One way or the other, it ends the way it began so long ago: with the two of us.
The Royals.
Yes, the story ends in a cliffhanger but for once it felt necessary. Gwen vs. Mel deserves to be a story all its own.
July 25, 2019
Review to come post Reading Rush!
April 5, 2022
I find it hard to believe that I am coming to this series so late, especially considering many friends whose reviews I totally trust have been saying for ages how good it is. Anyway here I am at last and gosh was this first book good!
In Stillhouse Lake we meet Gina Royal, experience with her the disaster which ruins her life and then see her pick herself up and become a new woman, literally. She changes her name to Gwen Proctor, renames her children Atlanta and Connor and the three of them go on the run, trying to escape the horror which still pursues them every day.
This is an excellent psychological thriller. The stress level is high from the first chapter to the final page, and the action is fast paced and scary. I sat on the edge of my chair as Gwen started to try and make friends. Everyone needs someone to help them from time to time but how do you know who to trust?
The ending is dramatic and contains quite a few surprises and one huge shock which sets the scene for book 2. I loved every minute of it and, when I have got my breath back, I will be looking to see what happens next.
In Stillhouse Lake we meet Gina Royal, experience with her the disaster which ruins her life and then see her pick herself up and become a new woman, literally. She changes her name to Gwen Proctor, renames her children Atlanta and Connor and the three of them go on the run, trying to escape the horror which still pursues them every day.
This is an excellent psychological thriller. The stress level is high from the first chapter to the final page, and the action is fast paced and scary. I sat on the edge of my chair as Gwen started to try and make friends. Everyone needs someone to help them from time to time but how do you know who to trust?
The ending is dramatic and contains quite a few surprises and one huge shock which sets the scene for book 2. I loved every minute of it and, when I have got my breath back, I will be looking to see what happens next.
May 18, 2019
Gwen gets through each day one minute at a time. She cannot plan for the future. She must, at all times, live by the following rules:
Never let your guard down
Trust no one
Prepare to flee with your children at any given moment
While I went into this one blind, I was somehow expecting a real thriller, which IMHO was not. But it was definitely an entertaining, suspenseful ‘listen.’
Of course I also didn’t know it would end on a slight cliffhanger. It isn’t exactly necessary to read the next in this series, but I think for most readers, there will be “Okay, so now what?” dangling questions at the end. Of course, I want those answers ;)
As per usual, I am sparse and vague on details, but I enjoyed how all the characters were suspicious of each other, as it created quite a bit of tension.
Off to listen to book two!
August 28, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
This novel puts a different twist on the usual serial killer thriller. This time the killer is behind bars and the star is his ex-wife.
For the duration of their marriage, Gina Royal had no idea her seemingly perfect husband, Melvin, was stringing women up in their garage and doing things with the skin (*Hannibal Lecter voice*) until a drunk driver rams into their house and reveals his last victim.
Years later, Melvin is on death row and Gina, along with her two children, are on the run because of determined internet trolls. Which, maybe when this first came out didn't make a lot of sense to me, but now such a large portion of the global population are fucking insane, that yeah, this tracks.
“I’m not on the run from the law. Just from the lawless.”
In letting go the ridiculous parts, this was a thumbs up book for me.
Gwen’s dedication to the safety of her children – so much so that it often made her do crazy things – was turned up to the perfect temperature. Her struggle with fight or flight was too real. You want to protect your kids, but is it really protecting them if they never have the semblance of a normal life? Can you run forever? What happens if you stay and fight, but lose? Who can you trust when everyone hates you?
But, also, if I had to hear "MY CHILDREENNN!!!!!" from Gwen one more time I might have barfed.
The atmosphere, the setting and tension were A+. Though I did find it a little slow for the first 40%, once you get passed that there is no return to calm again. To paraphrase Smashmouth, the shit starts coming and it don't stop coming.
Gwen’s character development went exactly the way you wanted it to. You know by the end that she’s definitely not a victim any longer.
“…everyone runs from the monster. Everyone except the monster slayer…”
Bonus: it ends in my favourite way possible…a cliffhanger!
It’s suspense right up to the very last sentence.
Very much liked this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
book source: Thomas Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for a review
This novel puts a different twist on the usual serial killer thriller. This time the killer is behind bars and the star is his ex-wife.
For the duration of their marriage, Gina Royal had no idea her seemingly perfect husband, Melvin, was stringing women up in their garage and doing things with the skin (*Hannibal Lecter voice*) until a drunk driver rams into their house and reveals his last victim.
Years later, Melvin is on death row and Gina, along with her two children, are on the run because of determined internet trolls. Which, maybe when this first came out didn't make a lot of sense to me, but now such a large portion of the global population are fucking insane, that yeah, this tracks.
“I’m not on the run from the law. Just from the lawless.”
In letting go the ridiculous parts, this was a thumbs up book for me.
Gwen’s dedication to the safety of her children – so much so that it often made her do crazy things – was turned up to the perfect temperature. Her struggle with fight or flight was too real. You want to protect your kids, but is it really protecting them if they never have the semblance of a normal life? Can you run forever? What happens if you stay and fight, but lose? Who can you trust when everyone hates you?
But, also, if I had to hear "MY CHILDREENNN!!!!!" from Gwen one more time I might have barfed.
The atmosphere, the setting and tension were A+. Though I did find it a little slow for the first 40%, once you get passed that there is no return to calm again. To paraphrase Smashmouth, the shit starts coming and it don't stop coming.
Gwen’s character development went exactly the way you wanted it to. You know by the end that she’s definitely not a victim any longer.
“…everyone runs from the monster. Everyone except the monster slayer…”
Bonus: it ends in my favourite way possible…a cliffhanger!
It’s suspense right up to the very last sentence.
Very much liked this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
book source: Thomas Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for a review
October 31, 2017
Five extremely intense stars!!!
Cannot even imagine being married to a serial killer.... how could you not question your judgment from that point on? How could you ever trust anybody else again? How could you ever feel safe?
The author did an absolutely amazing job of putting you in Gina/Gwen‘s head for the duration of this book.... I felt just as paranoid and on edge as Gina/Gwen did.... this book was extremely hard to put down, I just needed to know what was going to happen to this family next..... Love how relentless Gina/Gwen was in protecting her children (can’t even imagine being put in this situation)... I spent the entire book trusting and distrusting right along with Gina/Gwen, and I was very surprised as to who the bad person ended up being.... and then that ending! Can’t wait for the next book in this series....
Definitely one of the more intense books I’ve read this year! Definitely recommend to anybody who is a fan of this genre!
narration: was stellar Emily Sutton-Smith did a fabulous job of voicing Gina/Gwen💛
Cannot even imagine being married to a serial killer.... how could you not question your judgment from that point on? How could you ever trust anybody else again? How could you ever feel safe?
The author did an absolutely amazing job of putting you in Gina/Gwen‘s head for the duration of this book.... I felt just as paranoid and on edge as Gina/Gwen did.... this book was extremely hard to put down, I just needed to know what was going to happen to this family next..... Love how relentless Gina/Gwen was in protecting her children (can’t even imagine being put in this situation)... I spent the entire book trusting and distrusting right along with Gina/Gwen, and I was very surprised as to who the bad person ended up being.... and then that ending! Can’t wait for the next book in this series....
Definitely one of the more intense books I’ve read this year! Definitely recommend to anybody who is a fan of this genre!
narration: was stellar Emily Sutton-Smith did a fabulous job of voicing Gina/Gwen💛
June 9, 2017
Psychological thriller.
Started with accident, drunk driver destroyed the garage of serial killer Melvin Royal. Did gruesome killings there. Fooled his wife and kids for years, now they are on the run from people that didn't believe the fact they didn't know what he was doing in that garage. Changing names, schools. Wife Gina always prepared to move if they are discovered. This unstable emotional state taking a toll on all of them. Parts gets little boring, but keep reading. Has a very surprising ending, have to read the second book to find out how they are going to face the new challenge.
3.5 stars.
Started with accident, drunk driver destroyed the garage of serial killer Melvin Royal. Did gruesome killings there. Fooled his wife and kids for years, now they are on the run from people that didn't believe the fact they didn't know what he was doing in that garage. Changing names, schools. Wife Gina always prepared to move if they are discovered. This unstable emotional state taking a toll on all of them. Parts gets little boring, but keep reading. Has a very surprising ending, have to read the second book to find out how they are going to face the new challenge.
3.5 stars.
April 3, 2025
A fast-paced and intense psychological thriller. Pulls you right in and doesn't let go. Who can be trusted? Is there anywhere that is safe?
I loved how strong and fierce Gwen was. She can definitely hold her own. Others are often destroyed by all that she has gone through. Had me thinking about what life is like for those left behind after a crime -- both the perpetrator's and the victim's families.
The ending sets you up perfectly for book two in the series. Can't wait to read it!
I loved how strong and fierce Gwen was. She can definitely hold her own. Others are often destroyed by all that she has gone through. Had me thinking about what life is like for those left behind after a crime -- both the perpetrator's and the victim's families.
The ending sets you up perfectly for book two in the series. Can't wait to read it!
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