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Stillhouse Lake #2
Con Lạch Chết Chóc
Gwen Proctor đã chiến thắng trong trận chiến giành lại mạng sống cho các con mình từ tay kẻ sát nhân hàng loạt cùng băng đảng tâm thần của hắn. Thế nhưng mọi chuyện còn chưa kết thúc. Chưa thể khi hắn nay lại trốn thoát khỏi ngục tù. Chưa thể khi bỗng một ngày, cô nhận được dòng tin nhắn kinh hoàng…
Giờ ở chỗ nào cô cũng không an toàn đâu.
Con quỷ dữ những tưởng đã bị giam giữ, kiềm tỏa sau song sắt nhà tù mãi mãi lại trốn thoát, và người đầu tiên hắn khao khát săn lùng chính là cô. Trong cuộc chơi man rợ này, Gwen phải làm đủ mọi cách để bảo toàn tính mạng cho mình và những người thân yêu khỏi nanh vuốt của quỷ dữ. Trong đó, không ngoại trừ việc chính cô sẽ trở thành thợ săn.
Tiếp nối câu chuyện trong Ác mộng ven hồ, phần thứ hai Con lạch chết chóc kể về chuỗi ngày đầy sóng gió của Gwen Proctor trên con đường đi tìm ánh sáng nơi cuối đường hầm. Cùng với cuốn thứ ba mang tên Dòng sông hắc ám, series trinh thám ăn khách Stillhouse đã tạo nên một câu chuyện kịch tính, gay cấn đến tận trang cuối cùng!
Giờ ở chỗ nào cô cũng không an toàn đâu.
Con quỷ dữ những tưởng đã bị giam giữ, kiềm tỏa sau song sắt nhà tù mãi mãi lại trốn thoát, và người đầu tiên hắn khao khát săn lùng chính là cô. Trong cuộc chơi man rợ này, Gwen phải làm đủ mọi cách để bảo toàn tính mạng cho mình và những người thân yêu khỏi nanh vuốt của quỷ dữ. Trong đó, không ngoại trừ việc chính cô sẽ trở thành thợ săn.
Tiếp nối câu chuyện trong Ác mộng ven hồ, phần thứ hai Con lạch chết chóc kể về chuỗi ngày đầy sóng gió của Gwen Proctor trên con đường đi tìm ánh sáng nơi cuối đường hầm. Cùng với cuốn thứ ba mang tên Dòng sông hắc ám, series trinh thám ăn khách Stillhouse đã tạo nên một câu chuyện kịch tính, gay cấn đến tận trang cuối cùng!
464 pages, Unknown Binding
First published December 12, 2017
14210 people are currently reading
28181 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
215 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 5,248 reviews
December 12, 2017
Melvin Royal stalks me in the brief darkness when I close my eyes. Blink, and he's on the street. Blink, and he's walking up the stairs of the motel to the second floor's open walkway. Blink, and he's outside the door. Listening.
Going into Killman Creek - the sequel to Stillhouse Lake - I wasn't that excited about it. I really enjoyed the first book but I figured, given how things were left at the end, this sequel would be a standard game of cat and mouse until eventually the bad guy was caught and everyone lived happily ever after. Blah blah.
I did not expect it to get so nasty. I did not imagine how dark this book would become. In many ways, it's a horrible book; full of moments that made me feel furious and sad and helpless. Needless to say, I couldn't put it down.
Killman Creek differs from the first in that it is more action-packed, more full of pulse-pounding moments of terror, and there are four perspectives. I'm not usually a fan of multiple perspectives, especially more than two, but it worked well here. Seeing Gwen through the eyes of Sam, Lanny and Connor, feeling their doubt over her trustworthiness, was a big part of this book. Having gotten a glimpse into the minds of these characters, I'm even more eager to see this series expanded into more books.
I felt for Gwen deeply. After the finale events of Stillhouse Lake, she is desperate to protect her kids whatever the cost. Her drive, her pain, and her venom are believable as she hunts down a monster. I was equal parts upset, terrified and furious as she is once again falsely implicated in her husband's disgusting crimes. If it grated on you in the first book, believe me when I say-- it's a whole new level here.
It's a very discomfiting book overall. Caine takes us into the horrible corners of the dark net, into a world of child pornography, torture and snuff films. She shows the lengths Internet trolls will go to, and the depths of their cruelty. It's a true Internet/digital thriller and it is as fascinating as it is scary.
For me, this is very much a "thriller", as opposed to a "mystery". There is very little crime-solving and very few surprises, but it is extremely gripping and emotive from start to finish. The ending wraps everything up well, but there are some vague hints at the possibility of more. I hope there will be.
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February 17, 2018
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
This is the second book in the “Stillhouse Lake” series by Rachel Caine. I really enjoyed the first novel. However, it did end with a cliffhanger which normally would have driven me up the wall. Thankfully I had this book ready to go.
Although this could be read as a stand-alone book, I really think it would be much more enjoyable if you read the first novel too. Having the background of the story and the characters would definitely add to the enjoyment.
We catch up with Gwen who has been on edge since receiving a terrifying text:
“You’re not safe anywhere now.”
She must keep her children safe. She thinks she has people around her that she can trust, but if the past has taught her anything…it’s that she needs to be very careful about who she trusts. Everyone has secrets. Even her children, Lanny and Connor, seem to be hiding something.
What aren’t they telling her?
In the back of her mind, Gwen always knew Mel’s reign of terror wasn’t over. But she’s ready for him this time. She’s not meek and subservient Gina anymore. Gina would have been afraid of Melvin hunting for her… but Gwen?
Gwen isn’t going to hide anymore. Let him come. She’s not going down without a fight.
“The woman who’d been known as Gina Royal, wife of an especially horrible serial killer, is gone, another corpse Melvin left behind him. She’s better off dead. I am Gwen now. Gwen isn’t taking any more shit.”
***********
In the first novel, the story was told from Gwen’s point of view. However, this book has many pov's. This worked out well for me and I especially liked hearing from Lanny and Connor. I think the author did a great job of portraying how conflicted they were.
Most thrillers would probably be boring if everything was entirely believable, but there were a few things that I thought were a bit over the top. However, I was completely engrossed in the story, flipping pages as fast as I could. As with book one, there are some pretty violent and graphic scenes…but again I was able to skim over them without missing much of the plot.
“Killman Creek” was a heart-pounding, dark and intense read. Book one in the series was intense but I felt like this one took it up about twenty notches. This is the kind of book that leaves you drained and exhausted after you’re done reading….but still satisfied.
I just wish I had the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This is the second book in the “Stillhouse Lake” series by Rachel Caine. I really enjoyed the first novel. However, it did end with a cliffhanger which normally would have driven me up the wall. Thankfully I had this book ready to go.
Although this could be read as a stand-alone book, I really think it would be much more enjoyable if you read the first novel too. Having the background of the story and the characters would definitely add to the enjoyment.
We catch up with Gwen who has been on edge since receiving a terrifying text:
“You’re not safe anywhere now.”
She must keep her children safe. She thinks she has people around her that she can trust, but if the past has taught her anything…it’s that she needs to be very careful about who she trusts. Everyone has secrets. Even her children, Lanny and Connor, seem to be hiding something.
What aren’t they telling her?
In the back of her mind, Gwen always knew Mel’s reign of terror wasn’t over. But she’s ready for him this time. She’s not meek and subservient Gina anymore. Gina would have been afraid of Melvin hunting for her… but Gwen?
Gwen isn’t going to hide anymore. Let him come. She’s not going down without a fight.
“The woman who’d been known as Gina Royal, wife of an especially horrible serial killer, is gone, another corpse Melvin left behind him. She’s better off dead. I am Gwen now. Gwen isn’t taking any more shit.”
***********
In the first novel, the story was told from Gwen’s point of view. However, this book has many pov's. This worked out well for me and I especially liked hearing from Lanny and Connor. I think the author did a great job of portraying how conflicted they were.
Most thrillers would probably be boring if everything was entirely believable, but there were a few things that I thought were a bit over the top. However, I was completely engrossed in the story, flipping pages as fast as I could. As with book one, there are some pretty violent and graphic scenes…but again I was able to skim over them without missing much of the plot.
“Killman Creek” was a heart-pounding, dark and intense read. Book one in the series was intense but I felt like this one took it up about twenty notches. This is the kind of book that leaves you drained and exhausted after you’re done reading….but still satisfied.
I just wish I had the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
May 9, 2019
Twisted and Disturbing!
Killman Creek is the second installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. I would highly recommend reading SL before reading this book!
To avoid spoilers, I have not included a plot summary.
I enjoyed Killman Creek, but I didn’t like it as much as Stillhouse Lake. Part of the reason why is the narrative structure of Killman Creek. Stillhouse Lake is told from Gwen’s point of view, whereas in Killman Creek the reader hears from Gwen, Connor (Gwen’s son), Lanny (Gwen’s daughter), and Sam Cade (Gwen’s partner in her hunt for Melvin). While there is a purpose to having these multiple POV’s, they weren’t as strong or intriguing as Gwen’s voice. They work to move the plot forward and to develop the other characters who play a pivotal role in this series, but I found myself getting annoyed with Connor and Lanny’s chapters, eagerly flipping the pages to get back to Gwen’s chapters. I am in the minority with my feelings about the structure, as many readers loved the change of style.
Killman Creek still holds the same high level of tension as book one. The last 30% is especially suspenseful and amped up the tension to a higher level of intensity. There are some disturbing graphic scenes towards the end that I haven’t quite recovered from reading. Overall, this is a solid addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Proctor family.
Killman Creek is the second installment in the Stillhouse Lake series. I would highly recommend reading SL before reading this book!
To avoid spoilers, I have not included a plot summary.
I enjoyed Killman Creek, but I didn’t like it as much as Stillhouse Lake. Part of the reason why is the narrative structure of Killman Creek. Stillhouse Lake is told from Gwen’s point of view, whereas in Killman Creek the reader hears from Gwen, Connor (Gwen’s son), Lanny (Gwen’s daughter), and Sam Cade (Gwen’s partner in her hunt for Melvin). While there is a purpose to having these multiple POV’s, they weren’t as strong or intriguing as Gwen’s voice. They work to move the plot forward and to develop the other characters who play a pivotal role in this series, but I found myself getting annoyed with Connor and Lanny’s chapters, eagerly flipping the pages to get back to Gwen’s chapters. I am in the minority with my feelings about the structure, as many readers loved the change of style.
Killman Creek still holds the same high level of tension as book one. The last 30% is especially suspenseful and amped up the tension to a higher level of intensity. There are some disturbing graphic scenes towards the end that I haven’t quite recovered from reading. Overall, this is a solid addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Proctor family.
June 13, 2018
Another solid installment in the series. I’ll admit I was wary to pick this one up at first; I thought Stillhouse Lake worked well as a stand alone novel and was concerned that the “chasing the bad guy while also on the run” plot would wear thin. However, Killman Creek was everything I wanted it to be (for the most part). Instead of trying to turn this into a twisty mystery, it took the straightforward thriller approach. There are very few surprises here, but that doesn’t do anything to diminish the heart pounding nature of the story. My heart went out to Gwen; I truly felt for her as she hit rock bottom and I found myself a bit salty that everyone she knows and loves dropped her (again) so fast when damaging “evidence” surfaces. I found the ending satisfying, especially the final chapter that occurs one month after the big showdown. Really looking forward to the next book and interested to see where it goes!
January 4, 2020
Killman Creek by Rachel Caine is a 2017 Thomas & Mercer publication.
This book is the follow up novel to Stillhouse Lake. I’m not going to mince words here- I strongly advise you to read this series in order- you will be glad you did!
To keep spoilers at a minimum, for those who have not yet read “Stillhouse Lake”, I will keep this short… and rather vague. But, my experience with the book should be evident all the same-
From start to finish this book is an intense, heart stropping thrill ride. Each of the four main characters adds their own first- person narrative as stunning, shocking, and grueling events unfold. Not only are new and fragile threads of trust tried, but seemingly unbreakable bonds are broken, as dark forces work to divide and conquer.
As with the first book, the atmosphere is dark and creepy, but this second book is a little more emotional and the pacing is relentless. Thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I was also able to add the audio for this book, which added another layer of enjoyment to the story. I breezed through this one in two days! Good stuff! Can’t wait to see how the series will progress from here.
4 stars
This book is the follow up novel to Stillhouse Lake. I’m not going to mince words here- I strongly advise you to read this series in order- you will be glad you did!
To keep spoilers at a minimum, for those who have not yet read “Stillhouse Lake”, I will keep this short… and rather vague. But, my experience with the book should be evident all the same-
From start to finish this book is an intense, heart stropping thrill ride. Each of the four main characters adds their own first- person narrative as stunning, shocking, and grueling events unfold. Not only are new and fragile threads of trust tried, but seemingly unbreakable bonds are broken, as dark forces work to divide and conquer.
As with the first book, the atmosphere is dark and creepy, but this second book is a little more emotional and the pacing is relentless. Thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I was also able to add the audio for this book, which added another layer of enjoyment to the story. I breezed through this one in two days! Good stuff! Can’t wait to see how the series will progress from here.
4 stars
January 18, 2018
4.5 KILLER STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Wow! What a follow up to Stillhouse Lake..... i’d strongly encourage you to read the first book before you read this, simply because you might be a little lost and the first book is fabulous as well!
In this book you not only get Gwen’s perspective but also the perspective of her children Lanny and Connor...... once again Gwen is a fierce mama bear ready to do anything it takes to protect her children..... but what is the effect on the children? All this running and hiding and secrecy? My heart really broke for the kids, I think Gwen was doing all she could, but what a hard childhood this would be....Lanny just wanted to be a normal teenager and reconnect with her BFF.... Connor was struggling to wrap his head around the fact that the dad he remembered was a serial killer..... all this going on while the family is being hunted down by some pretty crazy people!
The book took you on a crazy journey with plenty of twists and turns I did not see coming..... there also were some pretty tense and uncomfortable moments that had me on the edge of my seat...
Your question might be then why did you round your 4.5 down rather than up? The only reason is I found there to be a little too much going on at times... and some things were a little hard for me to believe (and I am usually not bothered by this at all)..... perhaps some of this is my naïveté and my desire for there to be more good in the world than bad..... I guess for me a girl who likes to read about crazy, there are just way too many nuts in this book! Or maybe I needed the perspective from one of the crazies? I just don’t know! But that was my only problem, and it was minor and it was personal, so it may not affect you at all.....
I’d recommend this to all thriller lovers, especially if you have read the first book!
PS: the ending was perfection!😍
🎧🎧🎧 you can find my review on the audio narration as well as all the other reviews from my partner in crime and me on our new blog...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
What would it be like to find out you were married to a serial killer? Or even more frightening.... What would it be like to find out you are the child of a serial killer?
In this book you not only get Gwen’s perspective but also the perspective of her children Lanny and Connor...... once again Gwen is a fierce mama bear ready to do anything it takes to protect her children..... but what is the effect on the children? All this running and hiding and secrecy? My heart really broke for the kids, I think Gwen was doing all she could, but what a hard childhood this would be....Lanny just wanted to be a normal teenager and reconnect with her BFF.... Connor was struggling to wrap his head around the fact that the dad he remembered was a serial killer..... all this going on while the family is being hunted down by some pretty crazy people!
The book took you on a crazy journey with plenty of twists and turns I did not see coming..... there also were some pretty tense and uncomfortable moments that had me on the edge of my seat...
Your question might be then why did you round your 4.5 down rather than up? The only reason is I found there to be a little too much going on at times... and some things were a little hard for me to believe (and I am usually not bothered by this at all)..... perhaps some of this is my naïveté and my desire for there to be more good in the world than bad..... I guess for me a girl who likes to read about crazy, there are just way too many nuts in this book! Or maybe I needed the perspective from one of the crazies? I just don’t know! But that was my only problem, and it was minor and it was personal, so it may not affect you at all.....
I’d recommend this to all thriller lovers, especially if you have read the first book!
PS: the ending was perfection!😍
🎧🎧🎧 you can find my review on the audio narration as well as all the other reviews from my partner in crime and me on our new blog...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
January 18, 2018
I'm at 4.5, maybe 4.75 stars here, but I'll round up.
After delivering a heart-pounding, stay-up-real-late-to-finish-it thriller with Stillhouse Lake (which was one of the best books I read last year), Rachel Caine returns with Killman Creek , another adrenaline-boosted installment in this series. Once again, she delivers quite a punch!
“For years I clung to a terrible fiction of a marriage—a life in which Melvin Royal controlled every aspect of my reality, and I failed to realize or fear it. Gina Royal, the old me, the vulnerable me…she and the kids were Melvin’s camouflage for his secret, terrible life. On my side of the wall, I had only known that it all seemed so normal. But it never was, and now that I’ve left Gina Royal behind I clearly see that. I’m not Gina anymore. Gina was tentative and worried and weak. Gina would be afraid that Melvin would come hunting for her. Gwen Proctor is ready for him. I know in my heart that it all comes down to us. Mr. and Mrs. Royal. In the end, it always has.”
Gina Royal seemed to be living the perfect suburban life—loving (although slightly controlling) husband, two beautiful children. Then one day that illusion shattered when she and the world realized Melvin was a brutal murderer, and he perpetrated his crimes in their garage. After being arrested as his possible accomplice and facing the scrutiny of those who wondered how she could be so oblivious, Gina took the kids and fled, changing their names and hiding where she hoped those who believed she was responsible for her husband’s imprisonment and promised to make her pay couldn’t find her. Gina became Gwen Proctor, a kickass, take-no-prisoners, fiercely protective mother.
But even when they thought they found security in idyllic Stillhouse Lake, that illusion was again shattered. And although she wants to flee with her kids again, when she learns that Melvin has escaped from prison, she knows that he will stop at nothing to find her and the kids. She cannot—she will not—let him get to them, but she’s more than willing to use herself as bait if she has to.
Melvin isn’t willing to end Gwen’s anxiety anytime soon, however. Aided by a shadowy group of hackers and thugs, Melvin won’t be happy until he destroys Gwen and everything she holds dear, especially her already-shaky relationship with their children. There comes a point when even Gwen can no longer completely believe she didn’t play a part in Melvin’s crimes, leaving her completely isolated and vulnerable.
“You never understand how vulnerable you are in this age of social media until something breaks against you, and then…then it’s too late. You can shut down Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; you can change your phone number and your e-mail. Move to new places. But for dedicated tormentors, that isn’t a barrier. It’s a challenge.”
Is there anyone left for Gwen to depend on, or should she just surrender to Melvin’s manipulations, if it means saving her children? Will that even satisfy him? And as far as the kids are concerned, do they know whom they can trust? Will their decisions lead them into the trouble their mother warned them about, or will they realize a different truth about her, too?
Killman Creek is an excellent follow-up novel, nearly as strong as its predecessor. In this book, Caine shifts narration between Gwen, her kids, and Sam Cade, the mysterious man the family has called friend even though his motivations are questionable.
Caine is one terrific writer. She can balance razor-sharp action, nail-biting suspense, and moments of actual emotion, as she explores what hell Melvin hath wrought, and its effect on everyone involved in the story. There are times that you don’t know what is going to happen, or whom you should trust, and there are times you want to scream at the characters for making stupid blunders.
I’ll admit I would have been happier had the book been narrated just by Gwen and Sam, but I understood the perspectives the kids brought to the story, and the deepening of the narrative by doing so. As annoying as some of their actions were, they seemed true-to-life, especially for kids in the middle of such a maelstrom.
While you can read this book without reading Stillhouse Lake , why would you? Start at the beginning and then read this book. You’ll savor two taut thrillers in the hands of a badass writer. I can’t wait for what comes next!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
After delivering a heart-pounding, stay-up-real-late-to-finish-it thriller with Stillhouse Lake (which was one of the best books I read last year), Rachel Caine returns with Killman Creek , another adrenaline-boosted installment in this series. Once again, she delivers quite a punch!
“For years I clung to a terrible fiction of a marriage—a life in which Melvin Royal controlled every aspect of my reality, and I failed to realize or fear it. Gina Royal, the old me, the vulnerable me…she and the kids were Melvin’s camouflage for his secret, terrible life. On my side of the wall, I had only known that it all seemed so normal. But it never was, and now that I’ve left Gina Royal behind I clearly see that. I’m not Gina anymore. Gina was tentative and worried and weak. Gina would be afraid that Melvin would come hunting for her. Gwen Proctor is ready for him. I know in my heart that it all comes down to us. Mr. and Mrs. Royal. In the end, it always has.”
Gina Royal seemed to be living the perfect suburban life—loving (although slightly controlling) husband, two beautiful children. Then one day that illusion shattered when she and the world realized Melvin was a brutal murderer, and he perpetrated his crimes in their garage. After being arrested as his possible accomplice and facing the scrutiny of those who wondered how she could be so oblivious, Gina took the kids and fled, changing their names and hiding where she hoped those who believed she was responsible for her husband’s imprisonment and promised to make her pay couldn’t find her. Gina became Gwen Proctor, a kickass, take-no-prisoners, fiercely protective mother.
But even when they thought they found security in idyllic Stillhouse Lake, that illusion was again shattered. And although she wants to flee with her kids again, when she learns that Melvin has escaped from prison, she knows that he will stop at nothing to find her and the kids. She cannot—she will not—let him get to them, but she’s more than willing to use herself as bait if she has to.
Melvin isn’t willing to end Gwen’s anxiety anytime soon, however. Aided by a shadowy group of hackers and thugs, Melvin won’t be happy until he destroys Gwen and everything she holds dear, especially her already-shaky relationship with their children. There comes a point when even Gwen can no longer completely believe she didn’t play a part in Melvin’s crimes, leaving her completely isolated and vulnerable.
“You never understand how vulnerable you are in this age of social media until something breaks against you, and then…then it’s too late. You can shut down Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; you can change your phone number and your e-mail. Move to new places. But for dedicated tormentors, that isn’t a barrier. It’s a challenge.”
Is there anyone left for Gwen to depend on, or should she just surrender to Melvin’s manipulations, if it means saving her children? Will that even satisfy him? And as far as the kids are concerned, do they know whom they can trust? Will their decisions lead them into the trouble their mother warned them about, or will they realize a different truth about her, too?
Killman Creek is an excellent follow-up novel, nearly as strong as its predecessor. In this book, Caine shifts narration between Gwen, her kids, and Sam Cade, the mysterious man the family has called friend even though his motivations are questionable.
Caine is one terrific writer. She can balance razor-sharp action, nail-biting suspense, and moments of actual emotion, as she explores what hell Melvin hath wrought, and its effect on everyone involved in the story. There are times that you don’t know what is going to happen, or whom you should trust, and there are times you want to scream at the characters for making stupid blunders.
I’ll admit I would have been happier had the book been narrated just by Gwen and Sam, but I understood the perspectives the kids brought to the story, and the deepening of the narrative by doing so. As annoying as some of their actions were, they seemed true-to-life, especially for kids in the middle of such a maelstrom.
While you can read this book without reading Stillhouse Lake , why would you? Start at the beginning and then read this book. You’ll savor two taut thrillers in the hands of a badass writer. I can’t wait for what comes next!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
January 27, 2018
4.75 Nerve-Wracking Riveting Stars* (rounded up).
In “Killman Creek” the sequel to “Stillhouse Lake” Gwen Proctor and her two kids, Lanny, Connor and Sam Cade are back. They survived that harrowing ordeal, barely. Unfortunately, for them, it’s not over. But we knew it wouldn’t be, right? And this time, everything has been thrown at Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor. So much so that it is tearing them apart, picking them apart even. Using everything possible to wear them down. Gwen needs to fight with everything she has if she is going to survive this one and fight she will.
All I can say is hold on to your freakin hats my friends. "Killman Creek" took me on a path that had my nerves rubbed raw, my stomach torn apart and my fists and teeth clenched. Sometimes all at the same exact time. I was beside myself, exasperated, scared half to death and hoping against hope. How it turned out? Well, I’m sworn to secrecy.
If you haven’t read “Stillhouse Lake” yet, I must ask why? And if you have, and haven't yet read "Killman Creek" what on earth is stopping you?” Go have at it, will ya? I’ll be waiting anxiously for your review because these suspense novels are absolute must-reads. Thank you and goodnight.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.26.18.
In “Killman Creek” the sequel to “Stillhouse Lake” Gwen Proctor and her two kids, Lanny, Connor and Sam Cade are back. They survived that harrowing ordeal, barely. Unfortunately, for them, it’s not over. But we knew it wouldn’t be, right? And this time, everything has been thrown at Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor. So much so that it is tearing them apart, picking them apart even. Using everything possible to wear them down. Gwen needs to fight with everything she has if she is going to survive this one and fight she will.
All I can say is hold on to your freakin hats my friends. "Killman Creek" took me on a path that had my nerves rubbed raw, my stomach torn apart and my fists and teeth clenched. Sometimes all at the same exact time. I was beside myself, exasperated, scared half to death and hoping against hope. How it turned out? Well, I’m sworn to secrecy.
If you haven’t read “Stillhouse Lake” yet, I must ask why? And if you have, and haven't yet read "Killman Creek" what on earth is stopping you?” Go have at it, will ya? I’ll be waiting anxiously for your review because these suspense novels are absolute must-reads. Thank you and goodnight.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.26.18.
June 23, 2018
This has the same format, as another book, I read, recently: multiple first-person perspectives. Now we have: Gwen, Lanny, Connor and Sam's narratives; as opposed to just Gwen's POV - which makes it more interesting. We don't have Melvins' perspective, though. Probably because, it would kill the suspense aspect of the story. I guess.
The sequel starts on the twelve night (Gwen's perspective) after the events of book one. Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor are in a motel room - when she receives a courtesy text from Absalom, which reads: "YOU'RE NOT SAFE ANYWHERE NOW."
As for Melvin, she thought he'd stay safely locked up, until his execution, but due to certain events - that is no longer the case. He's on the loose and he wants to play.
He likes to taunt her; toy with her, every so often. He makes it abundantly clear, as to what he wants to do - to her. She makes it abundantly clear, that there's no need for him to come to her: she's coming for him. The hunter has become the hunted. It's a case of who is going to get to who first. With the FBI and the Police in every state, adjoining Kansas, hunting him down, he needs to keep a low profile.
And so it begins. As she can't take Lanny and Connor with her and Sam, on their venture, she needs to find a safe haven for them, before setting off. Somewhere safe, from her ex, with someone she trusts, implicitly. Lanny wants to stay and fight. Connor wants to read. They don't want to split-up and leave their mother, but understand the ramifications if they don't. Eventually.
Sam gets a call from his FBI buddy (Mike Lustig) - about the possible location of someone affiliated with Absalom, which leads them to Markerville (a dilapidated town that doesn't exist anymore), Tennesse - looking for Arden Miller. And who is Absalom? An individual? Or is Absalom a collective of master hackers? Anyway, this is where it starts to get crazier and crazier.
Gwen has her work cut-out for her in the sequel; especially when Sam, Lanny and Connor, see something, which makes them question if they really know who Gwen is. It's something that has her questioning herself, too. And she soon finds herself in a very lonely place. Who can be trusted?
In conclusion: I enjoyed the sequel as much as the first book in the series. Maybe, more, at times. The characters' had me seething, with their bad decision-making, sense of reasoning, thought-processing, gambits, and betrayal. There's also an unlikely ally, which adds an intriguing twist to the story. I wouldn't say this ends on a cliffhanger, as such. At least, not like book one, but I think one of the characters' made a fundamental mistake - at the end - possible missed opportunity. As to what that is, I have no idea. But I believe it's something, significant. I'll have to wait until 29th March (2019) for Wolfhunter River to be released - to find out.
At the end of the book, the author provides the soundtrack that inspired her, whilst writing the sequel:
● "Eminence Front," The Who.
● "Sledge Hammer," Peter Gabriel.
● "Poker Face," Lady Gaga.
● "Staring At The Sun," TV On The Radio.
● "Games Without Frontiers," Peter Gabriel.
● "Hate The Taste," Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
● "Box Full O' Honey," Duran Duran.
● "Red Rain," Peter Gabriel.
● "Time Of The Season," The Ben Taylor Band.
● "Mama," Genesis.
● "Welcome To The Circus," Skittish.
● "Beneath Mt. Sinai," The Stone Foxes.
● "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get," The Dramatics.
● "Human," Rag 'N' Bone Man.
● "Believer," Imagine Dragons.
● "Jockey Full Of Bourbon," Joe Bonamassa.
Side note: I would've added:
● "Welcome To The Jungle," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Looks That Kill," Motley Crue.
● "Knock 'Em Dead Kid," Motley Crue.
● "Back Off Bitch," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Home Sweet Home," Motley Crue.
● "I Wanna Rock," Twisted Sister.
● "Not Now John," Pink Floyd.
● "Big Dumb Sex," Soundgarden.
● "Ride The Lightning," Metallica.
● "Fade To Black," Metallica.
● "Patience," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Permanent Vacation," Aerosmith.
● "Nothing Else Matters," Metallica.
● "Shoot To Thrill," AC/DC.
● "Here I Go Again," Whitesnake.
● "Hellraiser," Ozzy Osborne.
● "I'm Not In Love," 10 CC.
● "From Out Of Nowhere," Faith No More.
● "Fire Your Guns," AC/DC.
● "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," U2.
● "We Will Rock You," Queen.
● "Schools Out," Alice Cooper.
● "Fucking Hostile," Pantera.
● "Paranoid," Ozzy Osborne/Black Sabbath.
● "Powerslave," Iron Maiden.
● "Run To The Hills," Iron Maiden.
● "You're The Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised," Warrant.
● "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)," Aerosmith.
● "Rag Doll," Aerosmith.
● "You Give Love A Bad Name," Bon Jovi.
● "Stupid Girl," Garbage.
● "Shout At The Devil," Motley Crue.
● "Who Are You," The Who.
● "Seasons In The Abyss," Slayer.
● "Won't Get Fooled Again," The Who.
● "The Seeker," The Who.
● "I Can See For Miles," The Who.
● "Train Of Consequences," Megadeth.
● "For Whom The Bell Tolls," Metallica.
● "The Heat Is On," Glenn Frey.
● "Tubular Bells," Mike Oldfield.
● "That's The Way I Like It," KC & The Sunshine Band.
● "Knockin' On Heavens Door," Eric Clapton.
● "Live And Let Die," Paul & Linda McCartney.
● "Mean Man," Wasp.
● "Forever Free," Wasp.
● "Don't You Want Somebody To Love," Jefferson Airplane/Wasp.
● "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," Bachman Turner Overdrive.
● "One Way Or Another," Blondie.
● "Money That's What I Want," Flying Lizards.
● "You Spin Me Right Round," Dead Or Alive.
● "I Like The Way You Move," Body Rockers.
● "I Love It Loud," Kiss.
● "Stayin' Alive," The Bee Gees.
● "Nobody's Fool," Cinderella.
● "Got My Mind Set On You," George Harrison.
● "Temptation," Cradle Of Filth.
● "Pyromania," Def Leppard.
● "Monkey Magic," Soko.
● "Another Brick In The Wall," Pink Floyd/Korn
● "The Final Countdown," Europe.
● "Tainted Love," Gloria Jones/Soft Cell/Marilyn Manson.
● "Blackout In The Red Room," Love-Hate.
● "Shout," Tears For Fears.
● "Nights In White Satin," The Moody Blues.
● "Bad To The Bone," ZZ Top.
I may add to the playlist. If I think of something else.
The sequel starts on the twelve night (Gwen's perspective) after the events of book one. Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor are in a motel room - when she receives a courtesy text from Absalom, which reads: "YOU'RE NOT SAFE ANYWHERE NOW."
As for Melvin, she thought he'd stay safely locked up, until his execution, but due to certain events - that is no longer the case. He's on the loose and he wants to play.
He likes to taunt her; toy with her, every so often. He makes it abundantly clear, as to what he wants to do - to her. She makes it abundantly clear, that there's no need for him to come to her: she's coming for him. The hunter has become the hunted. It's a case of who is going to get to who first. With the FBI and the Police in every state, adjoining Kansas, hunting him down, he needs to keep a low profile.
And so it begins. As she can't take Lanny and Connor with her and Sam, on their venture, she needs to find a safe haven for them, before setting off. Somewhere safe, from her ex, with someone she trusts, implicitly. Lanny wants to stay and fight. Connor wants to read. They don't want to split-up and leave their mother, but understand the ramifications if they don't. Eventually.
Sam gets a call from his FBI buddy (Mike Lustig) - about the possible location of someone affiliated with Absalom, which leads them to Markerville (a dilapidated town that doesn't exist anymore), Tennesse - looking for Arden Miller. And who is Absalom? An individual? Or is Absalom a collective of master hackers? Anyway, this is where it starts to get crazier and crazier.
Gwen has her work cut-out for her in the sequel; especially when Sam, Lanny and Connor, see something, which makes them question if they really know who Gwen is. It's something that has her questioning herself, too. And she soon finds herself in a very lonely place. Who can be trusted?
In conclusion: I enjoyed the sequel as much as the first book in the series. Maybe, more, at times. The characters' had me seething, with their bad decision-making, sense of reasoning, thought-processing, gambits, and betrayal. There's also an unlikely ally, which adds an intriguing twist to the story. I wouldn't say this ends on a cliffhanger, as such. At least, not like book one, but I think one of the characters' made a fundamental mistake - at the end - possible missed opportunity. As to what that is, I have no idea. But I believe it's something, significant. I'll have to wait until 29th March (2019) for Wolfhunter River to be released - to find out.
At the end of the book, the author provides the soundtrack that inspired her, whilst writing the sequel:
● "Eminence Front," The Who.
● "Sledge Hammer," Peter Gabriel.
● "Poker Face," Lady Gaga.
● "Staring At The Sun," TV On The Radio.
● "Games Without Frontiers," Peter Gabriel.
● "Hate The Taste," Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
● "Box Full O' Honey," Duran Duran.
● "Red Rain," Peter Gabriel.
● "Time Of The Season," The Ben Taylor Band.
● "Mama," Genesis.
● "Welcome To The Circus," Skittish.
● "Beneath Mt. Sinai," The Stone Foxes.
● "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get," The Dramatics.
● "Human," Rag 'N' Bone Man.
● "Believer," Imagine Dragons.
● "Jockey Full Of Bourbon," Joe Bonamassa.
Side note: I would've added:
● "Welcome To The Jungle," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Looks That Kill," Motley Crue.
● "Knock 'Em Dead Kid," Motley Crue.
● "Back Off Bitch," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Home Sweet Home," Motley Crue.
● "I Wanna Rock," Twisted Sister.
● "Not Now John," Pink Floyd.
● "Big Dumb Sex," Soundgarden.
● "Ride The Lightning," Metallica.
● "Fade To Black," Metallica.
● "Patience," Guns *N* Roses.
● "Permanent Vacation," Aerosmith.
● "Nothing Else Matters," Metallica.
● "Shoot To Thrill," AC/DC.
● "Here I Go Again," Whitesnake.
● "Hellraiser," Ozzy Osborne.
● "I'm Not In Love," 10 CC.
● "From Out Of Nowhere," Faith No More.
● "Fire Your Guns," AC/DC.
● "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," U2.
● "We Will Rock You," Queen.
● "Schools Out," Alice Cooper.
● "Fucking Hostile," Pantera.
● "Paranoid," Ozzy Osborne/Black Sabbath.
● "Powerslave," Iron Maiden.
● "Run To The Hills," Iron Maiden.
● "You're The Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised," Warrant.
● "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)," Aerosmith.
● "Rag Doll," Aerosmith.
● "You Give Love A Bad Name," Bon Jovi.
● "Stupid Girl," Garbage.
● "Shout At The Devil," Motley Crue.
● "Who Are You," The Who.
● "Seasons In The Abyss," Slayer.
● "Won't Get Fooled Again," The Who.
● "The Seeker," The Who.
● "I Can See For Miles," The Who.
● "Train Of Consequences," Megadeth.
● "For Whom The Bell Tolls," Metallica.
● "The Heat Is On," Glenn Frey.
● "Tubular Bells," Mike Oldfield.
● "That's The Way I Like It," KC & The Sunshine Band.
● "Knockin' On Heavens Door," Eric Clapton.
● "Live And Let Die," Paul & Linda McCartney.
● "Mean Man," Wasp.
● "Forever Free," Wasp.
● "Don't You Want Somebody To Love," Jefferson Airplane/Wasp.
● "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," Bachman Turner Overdrive.
● "One Way Or Another," Blondie.
● "Money That's What I Want," Flying Lizards.
● "You Spin Me Right Round," Dead Or Alive.
● "I Like The Way You Move," Body Rockers.
● "I Love It Loud," Kiss.
● "Stayin' Alive," The Bee Gees.
● "Nobody's Fool," Cinderella.
● "Got My Mind Set On You," George Harrison.
● "Temptation," Cradle Of Filth.
● "Pyromania," Def Leppard.
● "Monkey Magic," Soko.
● "Another Brick In The Wall," Pink Floyd/Korn
● "The Final Countdown," Europe.
● "Tainted Love," Gloria Jones/Soft Cell/Marilyn Manson.
● "Blackout In The Red Room," Love-Hate.
● "Shout," Tears For Fears.
● "Nights In White Satin," The Moody Blues.
● "Bad To The Bone," ZZ Top.
I may add to the playlist. If I think of something else.
May 3, 2019
A continuation of the Stillhouse Lake series. In this book Melvin has escaped from prison and is coming after his family. It's different from the first book in that each chapter is seen from the different point of view of four characters, which gives an interesting look into each of their mindsets. Gwen, who will do anything to protect her children, Sam, who isn't sure what to believe when confronted with conflicting evidence, Lanny, on the cusp of womanhood and Connor, who is being used as a pawn in his fathers sick game. All in all a real page turner as the race is on to catch Melvin before he gets to them.
January 9, 2019
4.5, what a freakin' follow up stars!!!
Full review featured on my blog Recipe & a Read!
Woah, woah, woah ya'll, this is not at all what I expected from book 2 of the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine! So first on the docket for this book: you 100% have to read the first book in this series. The second installment will not function as a stand alone and you will be generally lost and also miss out on a lot of top notch character development if you don't read the first novel. Book two doesn't start out with the same gripping intensity but what it lacks in first line appeal it absolutely makes up for in slow, ever building suspense that leads to an insane series of events that blew me away.
But the past never leaves us. It’s in every breath, every cell, every second. I know that now.
Killman Creek��takes place just 12 days after the finale of Stillhouse Lake. The finale of the first novel left me feeling a bit less than enthusiastic as it felt unrealistic to me. However, a lot of those loose ends are tied up in this novel. With Melvin on the loose and doing what he does best - terrorizing and hunting his ex-wife Gina Royal (now Gwen Proctor) - Gwen feels she has nothing left to lose. She drops of her kids Lanny and Connor with two of the very few people she trusts, and decides to use herself as bait to lure Melvin out and finish him. Whether that be by handing him over to the police, or killing him, herself, as the reader we aren't totally sure.
First step in the hunt for the elusive serial killer Melvin Royal is to figure out more about her betrayer, Absalom. As we dig further into the story, we learn that Absalom isn't just a he or a she but more likely, a them. An entire network of hackers out to tear down Gwen and seek some misguided vigilante justice. Sam and Gwen set out on an incredibly intense game of cat and mouse, hoping to put an end to a sick game Gwen has been running from for years. The only question is - can Gwen escape someone with a mind like Melvin Royal?
Melvin Royal stalks me in the brief darkness when I close my eyes. Blink, and he's on the street. Blink, and he's walking up the stairs of the motel to the second floor's open walkway. Blink, and he's outside the door. Listening.
One of the things I love the most about Caine's writing and this story in particular is that she's a master at character development. When you read as many thrillers as I have they get a little formulaic and a lot of the times rely on suspense or thrill instead of actually developing the plot or the story. Caine doesn't fall victim to any of this throughout this series. In Killman Creek we are gifted with not just Gwen's POV but Connor, Lanny and Sam's as well. This adds on to already stellar character development and I really enjoyed that this aspect was added here. Connors role in this novel was especially riveting for me, which took me by surprise.
The woman who’d been known as Gina Royal, wife of an especially horrible serial killer, is gone, another corpse Melvin left behind him. She’s better off dead. I am Gwen now. Gwen isn’t taking any more shit.
In the end, the start of this novel was really slow for me. I kept putting it down in favor of some other books and feeling more like I had to finish it instead of wanting to finish it. However, that totally could've been my mood and state of mind over being the quality of the read. However, once this baby got moving it absolutely did not stop and it was a wild ride with twists I absolutely did not see coming. It's a real art for a thriller writer to take a genre that is generally so formulaic and create real, surprising and jaw dropping twists that I don't think many readers would see coming. If you've read Stillhouse Lake and not read Killman Creek I highly suggest picking it up - if you haven't read this series, I also still suggest picking up the first installment. Gwen Proctor is a Grade-A bad ass and I adore her.
Full review featured on my blog Recipe & a Read!
Woah, woah, woah ya'll, this is not at all what I expected from book 2 of the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine! So first on the docket for this book: you 100% have to read the first book in this series. The second installment will not function as a stand alone and you will be generally lost and also miss out on a lot of top notch character development if you don't read the first novel. Book two doesn't start out with the same gripping intensity but what it lacks in first line appeal it absolutely makes up for in slow, ever building suspense that leads to an insane series of events that blew me away.
But the past never leaves us. It’s in every breath, every cell, every second. I know that now.
Killman Creek��takes place just 12 days after the finale of Stillhouse Lake. The finale of the first novel left me feeling a bit less than enthusiastic as it felt unrealistic to me. However, a lot of those loose ends are tied up in this novel. With Melvin on the loose and doing what he does best - terrorizing and hunting his ex-wife Gina Royal (now Gwen Proctor) - Gwen feels she has nothing left to lose. She drops of her kids Lanny and Connor with two of the very few people she trusts, and decides to use herself as bait to lure Melvin out and finish him. Whether that be by handing him over to the police, or killing him, herself, as the reader we aren't totally sure.
First step in the hunt for the elusive serial killer Melvin Royal is to figure out more about her betrayer, Absalom. As we dig further into the story, we learn that Absalom isn't just a he or a she but more likely, a them. An entire network of hackers out to tear down Gwen and seek some misguided vigilante justice. Sam and Gwen set out on an incredibly intense game of cat and mouse, hoping to put an end to a sick game Gwen has been running from for years. The only question is - can Gwen escape someone with a mind like Melvin Royal?
Melvin Royal stalks me in the brief darkness when I close my eyes. Blink, and he's on the street. Blink, and he's walking up the stairs of the motel to the second floor's open walkway. Blink, and he's outside the door. Listening.
One of the things I love the most about Caine's writing and this story in particular is that she's a master at character development. When you read as many thrillers as I have they get a little formulaic and a lot of the times rely on suspense or thrill instead of actually developing the plot or the story. Caine doesn't fall victim to any of this throughout this series. In Killman Creek we are gifted with not just Gwen's POV but Connor, Lanny and Sam's as well. This adds on to already stellar character development and I really enjoyed that this aspect was added here. Connors role in this novel was especially riveting for me, which took me by surprise.
The woman who’d been known as Gina Royal, wife of an especially horrible serial killer, is gone, another corpse Melvin left behind him. She’s better off dead. I am Gwen now. Gwen isn’t taking any more shit.
In the end, the start of this novel was really slow for me. I kept putting it down in favor of some other books and feeling more like I had to finish it instead of wanting to finish it. However, that totally could've been my mood and state of mind over being the quality of the read. However, once this baby got moving it absolutely did not stop and it was a wild ride with twists I absolutely did not see coming. It's a real art for a thriller writer to take a genre that is generally so formulaic and create real, surprising and jaw dropping twists that I don't think many readers would see coming. If you've read Stillhouse Lake and not read Killman Creek I highly suggest picking it up - if you haven't read this series, I also still suggest picking up the first installment. Gwen Proctor is a Grade-A bad ass and I adore her.
June 2, 2019
Exciting follow-up to “Stillhouse Lake!”
This was a fast paced listen and I loved all the different narrators.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first as it seemed to be a tad more “thrilling.”
There is one more book in this series. From what I can glean from reviews, it continues to be about the same storyline featuring the same cast of characters.
One could definitely stop with this read and feel you received a decent ending to all the madness, but if you loved Gwen’s brutal confidence and her need to right all the wrongs, grab book three. I think I will take my own advice ;)
October 2, 2018
Gripping, intense & unputdownable!
This was an absolutely fabulous follow up to Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine!
This wasn’t my first reading experience with this author as I have read all of her Weather Warden Series. So when I seen that she had a thriller genre book out I quickly grabbed this one from NetGalley. I just knew that I had to read this book and oh my goodness I forgot how much I love this authors writing style. Although at the time I didn’t realize that it was a sequel so I purchased myself a copy of Stillhouse Lake right away but unfortunately didn’t read it right away. Well I absolutely don’t know what I was waiting for because these two books were absolutely gripping edge-of-your-seat thrill rides!
KILLMAN CREEK (Stillhouse Lake #2) by RACHEL CAINE is a dark, thrilling, and action-packed thriller that was quite the nerve-wracking and adrenaline-inducing read. This book was highly suspenseful and had my heart-pounding every step of the way. The tension was top-notch and didn’t let go once.
RACHEL CAINE has this quality of writing that I find so entertaining and appealing. She has this ability to totally immerse me into the plot, narrative of the story and into the care and well-being of all the characters involved. Whether that be that I’m rooting for them or that I’m hoping that justice will be served.
Although this story would work as a stand-alone, I think it would be that much more entertaining and enjoyable if you were to read Stillhouse Lake first. I never read series out of order though as I am definitely a reader that needs to have the background info from the previous books and the characters to fully enjoy the story.
I am so looking forward to receiving the third book in this series, Wolfhunter River and once I do there is no way it’s going to be sitting on my shelf for any length of time.
Cautionary Warning: There is some graphic scenes that might be a little disturbing to some readers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rachel Caine and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read a free, electronic ARC of this novel in exchange for a review.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Sinister, eerie, appealing and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Intriguing, suspenseful, scary and fitting.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, appealing, gripping, emotive and suspenseful. Love Rachel Caine’s writing style!
Plot: Thought-provoking, nerve-wracking, intense, suspenseful, action-packed, gripping, fast-paced, held my attention fully and highly entertaining.
Ending: Very pleasing and satisfying. Even though there wasn’t a cliffhanger per se there was definitely something that happened in the end that has me eagerly waiting to read, Wolfhunter River.
Overall: I was thoroughly entertained with the non-stop action right from the very beginning and could not put this book down. Would highly recommend!
This was an absolutely fabulous follow up to Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine!
This wasn’t my first reading experience with this author as I have read all of her Weather Warden Series. So when I seen that she had a thriller genre book out I quickly grabbed this one from NetGalley. I just knew that I had to read this book and oh my goodness I forgot how much I love this authors writing style. Although at the time I didn’t realize that it was a sequel so I purchased myself a copy of Stillhouse Lake right away but unfortunately didn’t read it right away. Well I absolutely don’t know what I was waiting for because these two books were absolutely gripping edge-of-your-seat thrill rides!
KILLMAN CREEK (Stillhouse Lake #2) by RACHEL CAINE is a dark, thrilling, and action-packed thriller that was quite the nerve-wracking and adrenaline-inducing read. This book was highly suspenseful and had my heart-pounding every step of the way. The tension was top-notch and didn’t let go once.
RACHEL CAINE has this quality of writing that I find so entertaining and appealing. She has this ability to totally immerse me into the plot, narrative of the story and into the care and well-being of all the characters involved. Whether that be that I’m rooting for them or that I’m hoping that justice will be served.
Although this story would work as a stand-alone, I think it would be that much more entertaining and enjoyable if you were to read Stillhouse Lake first. I never read series out of order though as I am definitely a reader that needs to have the background info from the previous books and the characters to fully enjoy the story.
I am so looking forward to receiving the third book in this series, Wolfhunter River and once I do there is no way it’s going to be sitting on my shelf for any length of time.
Cautionary Warning: There is some graphic scenes that might be a little disturbing to some readers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rachel Caine and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read a free, electronic ARC of this novel in exchange for a review.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Sinister, eerie, appealing and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Intriguing, suspenseful, scary and fitting.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, appealing, gripping, emotive and suspenseful. Love Rachel Caine’s writing style!
Plot: Thought-provoking, nerve-wracking, intense, suspenseful, action-packed, gripping, fast-paced, held my attention fully and highly entertaining.
Ending: Very pleasing and satisfying. Even though there wasn’t a cliffhanger per se there was definitely something that happened in the end that has me eagerly waiting to read, Wolfhunter River.
Overall: I was thoroughly entertained with the non-stop action right from the very beginning and could not put this book down. Would highly recommend!
January 15, 2018
Poor Gwen, she just survived some crazy stuff from book one of this series and then there is the fact that she was married to a big old serial killer (and had no clue.) She just wants a calm life with her kids...and she knows that both of them are all kinds of mentally jacked up. But does she get that break? Nope. She is gonna have to don the cape again so that she and her kids will have even a chance of a normal life.
***sorta spoilery if you haven't read the first one**
Gwen's ex (the crazy serial killer) has escaped prison. Gwen knows it is just a matter of time before hubby dear makes an appearance at her door. Because he thinks Gwen is still the meek little church mouse that was married to him.
He is in for a big old surprise, because Gwen is not waiting for him. She is hunting him.
I flipping loved these books! I think this one is my favorite of the two but they still both qualify in the "it was goooood" category. I'd have handed out the full five stars on this one except for one thing that bugged me.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
***sorta spoilery if you haven't read the first one**
Gwen's ex (the crazy serial killer) has escaped prison. Gwen knows it is just a matter of time before hubby dear makes an appearance at her door. Because he thinks Gwen is still the meek little church mouse that was married to him.
He is in for a big old surprise, because Gwen is not waiting for him. She is hunting him.
I flipping loved these books! I think this one is my favorite of the two but they still both qualify in the "it was goooood" category. I'd have handed out the full five stars on this one except for one thing that bugged me.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
February 14, 2018
I'm not going to review this one because of fear of spoilers and I can't talk about this one without spoiling the first one! I loved the first one Stillhouse Lake #1 and not so much this one.
I'm in the minority as most liked this one more!! Perhaps this one was too dark for me or too graphic, but I think it was just predictable and not very believable for me. I do love the character of Gwen and I did like how it ended....no spoilers though!
I'm in the minority as most liked this one more!! Perhaps this one was too dark for me or too graphic, but I think it was just predictable and not very believable for me. I do love the character of Gwen and I did like how it ended....no spoilers though!
April 8, 2019
3.5 psychopathic stars for the continuation of the War of the Royals in Killman Creek.
I was really looking forward to Killman Creek . I thoroughly enjoyed Stillhouse Lake and welcomed a 2nd story between the Royals. I might be in the minority but after reading Killman Creek, I have to admit that I enjoyed Stillhouse Lake more.
I really like Gwen as a character and while this sequel was satisfying, it also fell just a little flat for me compared to its predecessor. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't want to give spoilers but the "evidence" that raised suspicion around Gwen's innocence just bothered me. I mean come on - everyone was just so quick to believe it - even her own children! My heart broke for her and her children. They were so conflicted. Admittedly, having a dad like Melvin Royal could screw up any child.
I definitely enjoyed Melvin Royals ability to continue to be so sinister! He is truly a psychopath and makes for quite a satisfying villain/serial killer for readers. I was proud of Gina not cowering in the face of him coming for her. The mind games in this book were seriously twisted.
I was satisfied with the ending and overall I enjoyed the book. I just really liked Stillhouse Lake better.
I was really looking forward to Killman Creek . I thoroughly enjoyed Stillhouse Lake and welcomed a 2nd story between the Royals. I might be in the minority but after reading Killman Creek, I have to admit that I enjoyed Stillhouse Lake more.
I really like Gwen as a character and while this sequel was satisfying, it also fell just a little flat for me compared to its predecessor. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't want to give spoilers but the "evidence" that raised suspicion around Gwen's innocence just bothered me. I mean come on - everyone was just so quick to believe it - even her own children! My heart broke for her and her children. They were so conflicted. Admittedly, having a dad like Melvin Royal could screw up any child.
I definitely enjoyed Melvin Royals ability to continue to be so sinister! He is truly a psychopath and makes for quite a satisfying villain/serial killer for readers. I was proud of Gina not cowering in the face of him coming for her. The mind games in this book were seriously twisted.
I was satisfied with the ending and overall I enjoyed the book. I just really liked Stillhouse Lake better.
August 28, 2019
Ugg, a bunch of dicks in this book!! I loved the audible narrators in the book!! I decided to listen instead of reading my kindle. I think I will do the same for the next book! 😉
Buddy read with For Love Of A Book!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Buddy read with For Love Of A Book!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
December 18, 2017
EXCERPT: ...she's someone's daughter.
She's standing on the balls of her feet, straining to keep her balance, because if she relaxes at all, the noose bites into her neck. It's deliberate and cruel and finely calculated, just like the tools hung on pegboard, arrayed in order on the walls. On the wooden workbench, toolboxes stand open to display wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers . . . all color-coded, aligned in precise rows in the drawers.
Precise in his barbarity.
There are two other people in the room. One man adjusts lighting, ignoring the girl and her horrible struggle. Another one adjusts the focus on a video camera on a tripod. Both look completely normal, and it's horrifying to see that this is just work to them. Just another day.
THE BLURB: Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.
MY THOUGHTS: My first encounter with author Rachel Caine and the second book in her Stillhouse Lake series, Killman Creek, just blew me away. And I haven't read the first in the series. But I will.
Action packed, stunning, horrifying, thought provoking, compelling and so damned real! I feel battered and shattered.
I couldn’t understand why I had never before come across this author. Looking her up, she is a prolific writer, but this is a new genre for her. I hope it is one she will continue with.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Killman Creek by Rachel Caine for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She's standing on the balls of her feet, straining to keep her balance, because if she relaxes at all, the noose bites into her neck. It's deliberate and cruel and finely calculated, just like the tools hung on pegboard, arrayed in order on the walls. On the wooden workbench, toolboxes stand open to display wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers . . . all color-coded, aligned in precise rows in the drawers.
Precise in his barbarity.
There are two other people in the room. One man adjusts lighting, ignoring the girl and her horrible struggle. Another one adjusts the focus on a video camera on a tripod. Both look completely normal, and it's horrifying to see that this is just work to them. Just another day.
THE BLURB: Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.
MY THOUGHTS: My first encounter with author Rachel Caine and the second book in her Stillhouse Lake series, Killman Creek, just blew me away. And I haven't read the first in the series. But I will.
Action packed, stunning, horrifying, thought provoking, compelling and so damned real! I feel battered and shattered.
I couldn’t understand why I had never before come across this author. Looking her up, she is a prolific writer, but this is a new genre for her. I hope it is one she will continue with.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Killman Creek by Rachel Caine for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 25, 2017
Killman Creek by Rachel Caine is the second book in the Stillhouse Lake series. The first book in the series, Stillhouse Lake, introduced readers to Gwen Proctor who had gone into hiding with her two children after it was found that her husband was a serial killer. The trio had been on the run for several years not only trying to make sure that her husband who had gone to prison wouldn't know of their whereabouts but also the vigilantes that thought Gwen was an accomplice to the killings instead of an innocent housewife.
Now in Killman Creek the story picks up shortly after the ending of the first book with Gwen trying to decide how to proceed now with her husband having escaped from prison. Gwen is tired of running and hiding and wants to put down roots in Stillhouse Lake with her kids but first she needs to find her ex, Melvin Royal, and make sure he never hurts anyone again. With the help of her friend, Sam Cade, the brother of one of Melvin's victims, Gwen decides to turn the tables and go on the hunt for Melvin and his network of psychotic accomplices.
After finishing the first book of this series I was completely in love with Gwen, her children and their story. Focusing on the family left behind of a captured serial killer the author did a wonderful job making it feel realistic with the way they had been tried in the media and online and lived in fear that someone out there would go after them for revenge or vigilante justice. I was curious if the intensity of the story would carry over into the second book and I'm happy to say that it certainly did.
This second book is done a bit differently from the first in the fact that now the family is being split apart so the story also does so with the point of view changing between the characters. Not only does Gwen have a voice and viewpoint but so do her children and the man they had come to rely on in the first book, Sam Cade. This gave a wonderful depth to the story and allowed the author to expand the action. The twists and turns that I came to expect from the first book were still there and never failed to keep the pages turning. This definitely is a series I'd recommend to the thriller fans out there and I do hope the author continues the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Now in Killman Creek the story picks up shortly after the ending of the first book with Gwen trying to decide how to proceed now with her husband having escaped from prison. Gwen is tired of running and hiding and wants to put down roots in Stillhouse Lake with her kids but first she needs to find her ex, Melvin Royal, and make sure he never hurts anyone again. With the help of her friend, Sam Cade, the brother of one of Melvin's victims, Gwen decides to turn the tables and go on the hunt for Melvin and his network of psychotic accomplices.
After finishing the first book of this series I was completely in love with Gwen, her children and their story. Focusing on the family left behind of a captured serial killer the author did a wonderful job making it feel realistic with the way they had been tried in the media and online and lived in fear that someone out there would go after them for revenge or vigilante justice. I was curious if the intensity of the story would carry over into the second book and I'm happy to say that it certainly did.
This second book is done a bit differently from the first in the fact that now the family is being split apart so the story also does so with the point of view changing between the characters. Not only does Gwen have a voice and viewpoint but so do her children and the man they had come to rely on in the first book, Sam Cade. This gave a wonderful depth to the story and allowed the author to expand the action. The twists and turns that I came to expect from the first book were still there and never failed to keep the pages turning. This definitely is a series I'd recommend to the thriller fans out there and I do hope the author continues the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
April 23, 2022
“But the past never leaves us. It’s in every breath, every cell, every second. I know that now.”I called the first book in this series, Stillhouse Lake, “gripping, tense and wonderfully suspenseful”. Well, this one manages to turn up the suspense, tension and the feeling of dreadful unease all the way to eleven.
Gwen Proctor tried to leave her past as Gina Royal, a wife to a sadistic serial killer Melvin — but now he escaped from prison and has his sights set on her and her children while a shadow web of hackers and blackmailers - “Absalom” - is helping him while at the same time relentlessly targeting Gwen. All while even those who are supposed to be on Gwen’s side and who she’s ready to die for are doubting her and turning against her.
“I’m forged hard out of pieces, like a bar of solid steel. There’s nothing soft left. I’m too broken to be broken anymore.”
I loved Gwen in the first book - tough, justifyingly paranoid, no-nonsense woman whose resilience is very impressive. Her narrative voice was a pleasure to immerse myself in - and it remains such here as well, even more so when the stakes are increased even further. But what tampered my enjoyment this time was the inclusion of three more perspectives - her friend Sam Cane and her children, grumpy teenager Lanny and the dumbest most annoying preteen Connor whose chapters made me want to send him to bed without dinner, repeatedly. Meant to give us the view into how horror affects the lives of everyone involved, even if indirectly, these interruptions to Gwen’s narrative diluted the effect for me, unpleasantly punctuating it with “who cares?” and “why can’t you see your actions are moronic?!” moments.
“Absalom has made me into the worst kind of enemy: one with nothing to lose, and nothing left to fear.”
The entire feel of the book is a bit different than in the first one. There the tension and unease came from the juxtaposition of what should be domesticity with the increasingly justified paranoia of Gwen’s survival. Here it is more of a conventional thriller with action and fights and conspiracies, and it has quite a few genuinely unsettling situations. It did strain my suspension of disbelief a bit in the end, but it was exciting enough for me to forgive it for that.
“Nightmares aren’t frightening once you wake up. Memories are.”
It’s a book with a very dark mood and quite nasty and gruesome things happening. Honestly, however, I preferred the tone of the first book with more uneasiness and wrongness and dreadful anticipation as opposed to more straightforward action style of this installment with Gwen’s narrative voice diluted by additional three perspectives (seriously, Connor should be grounded for the rest of his adolescence). Ultimately it affected me less and will be less memorable than the first one, but it is still a fun read that kept me quite entertained on my drive to work. And I appreciate that despite the existence of yet another sequel, this one wraps up the main story neatly and really feels complete.
3.5 stars.
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My review of the first book in the series, Stillhouse Lake, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Also posted on my blog.
October 8, 2019
might give this series another chance
December 13, 2017
Warning: this review will obviously contain spoilers for the first book, because this is the sequel. What are you doing here? Go read the first one. Geez.
Action-packed but emotional, this is basically the sequel I was expecting after reading the first one. I liked the first book a little more, maybe because I felt more connected to the characters because they were all together. In this story, Gwen is separate from her children... this time, willingly. When she was in prison fighting to prove her innocence in connection to her husband's crimes, she had no choice. This time, she's made her own choice... she's sick of being prey. She wants to be the hunter. Her husband is on the run after escaping prison. She wants to bring him to justice... though that might not mean prison. He escaped once, he can do it again. Infamous, he has followers and helpers all over the country. She's sick of running, tired of uprooting her children and being a constant source of disappointment. They will only feel safe when Melvin, sadistic serial killer and her ex-husband, is gone.
She leaves her two kids with two friends of the family, both strong individuals willing to help. Though it's important that they stay inside and remain unseen to stay safe, they quickly go stir-crazy. They're both still young, and their lives are endlessly complicated.
With help from Sam, who is almost as determined to find Melvin as Gwen is, having lost his sister to this monster, can Gwen find Melvin before he finds their children or her? At times pulse-pounding and nerve-racking, this is a quick and enjoyable read. Though it has no blurb yet, there will be some kind of follow-up. Count me in! I'm giving this one a 3.5 rounded up to a 4, mostly because I didn't feel quite as emotionally connected to it as the first. Still a solid story.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Action-packed but emotional, this is basically the sequel I was expecting after reading the first one. I liked the first book a little more, maybe because I felt more connected to the characters because they were all together. In this story, Gwen is separate from her children... this time, willingly. When she was in prison fighting to prove her innocence in connection to her husband's crimes, she had no choice. This time, she's made her own choice... she's sick of being prey. She wants to be the hunter. Her husband is on the run after escaping prison. She wants to bring him to justice... though that might not mean prison. He escaped once, he can do it again. Infamous, he has followers and helpers all over the country. She's sick of running, tired of uprooting her children and being a constant source of disappointment. They will only feel safe when Melvin, sadistic serial killer and her ex-husband, is gone.
She leaves her two kids with two friends of the family, both strong individuals willing to help. Though it's important that they stay inside and remain unseen to stay safe, they quickly go stir-crazy. They're both still young, and their lives are endlessly complicated.
With help from Sam, who is almost as determined to find Melvin as Gwen is, having lost his sister to this monster, can Gwen find Melvin before he finds their children or her? At times pulse-pounding and nerve-racking, this is a quick and enjoyable read. Though it has no blurb yet, there will be some kind of follow-up. Count me in! I'm giving this one a 3.5 rounded up to a 4, mostly because I didn't feel quite as emotionally connected to it as the first. Still a solid story.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
April 4, 2019
One of the (many) benefits of netgalley is forcing you to keep up with a series. I loved Stillhouse Lake, but never got around to reading Killman Creek. Being approved for Wolfhunter River, I knew I needed to finally read this.
The second in the series starts off with Gwen, Sam and the kids on the run from Melvin and his apostles. But then Gwen decides to put herself out there as bait, attempting to draw Melvin out.
I liked that this book gave us everyone’s perspective, especially the kids. Book one explored what it’s like to be the wife of a serial killer. This time, we hear what it’s like when the killer is your father. When you don’t know whom to believe so you don’t reach out to anyone. All the characters are well defined. We hear their inner most thoughts. Of course, I wanted to throttle both kids, thinking they knew it all.
I love the writing here. “He’s got those lightless, merciless eyes that all cops seem to share, the ones that are constantly taking in everything and giving back nothing. For all his awkwardly folksy manner, he’s a shark.” She paints a picture that comes across crystal clear.
This book is a tension filled, wild ride. Twist after twist I didn’t see coming. Not necessarily believable, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining.
I’m totally psyched to go straight into book three.
November 13, 2017
Calling all those readers who love thrillers, tense drama, family love, and chills down your spine. This was a book that had it all. The action, the motivation, the characters kept pushing themselves forth in your mind until you felt exactly what it was they were feeling and doing. While you may think that this could never happen, just remember too that " A psychopath is born every 47 seconds.” (Kent A. Kiehl)
Gwen was married to a killer, a psychopath, a father to her children,, and a man who has just escaped from prison. Gwen knows she and her family are his target and she also knows that she will do everything she can to keep the monster, her husband, away from all who are loved by her. However, Melvin Royal, her ex husband, the serial killer of nightmares, is hell bent on finding her and extracting his hours of macabre pleasure from her demise. Melvin has a following and yes, here shades of that TV series, The Following, will definitely come to mind. He has what seems likes limitless resources to accomplish his goal. Will success be his? Will he find Gwen or will she and her friend Sam, find him? Will what Gwen and Sam uncover ever be put to right? Will they and her family ever be right again?
The action never lets up in this novel. There is never a dull moment as we see Gwen's bravery, toughness, and family love come to the forefront as she eventually confronts the demon that is her ex husband. For those who love novels that keep the pages turning, mind game playing, and the midnight oil burning this is certainly a book for you. It was quite a harrowing experience!
Thanks to Rachel Cain, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Gwen was married to a killer, a psychopath, a father to her children,, and a man who has just escaped from prison. Gwen knows she and her family are his target and she also knows that she will do everything she can to keep the monster, her husband, away from all who are loved by her. However, Melvin Royal, her ex husband, the serial killer of nightmares, is hell bent on finding her and extracting his hours of macabre pleasure from her demise. Melvin has a following and yes, here shades of that TV series, The Following, will definitely come to mind. He has what seems likes limitless resources to accomplish his goal. Will success be his? Will he find Gwen or will she and her friend Sam, find him? Will what Gwen and Sam uncover ever be put to right? Will they and her family ever be right again?
The action never lets up in this novel. There is never a dull moment as we see Gwen's bravery, toughness, and family love come to the forefront as she eventually confronts the demon that is her ex husband. For those who love novels that keep the pages turning, mind game playing, and the midnight oil burning this is certainly a book for you. It was quite a harrowing experience!
Thanks to Rachel Cain, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 1, 2022
First of all you MUST read #1 Stillhouse Lake before you read this one or you will just be missing out on the brilliance of this series.
In Killman Creek Gwen and her family reach the point where they need to stop running and take a stand. Gwen tries to make her children safe before she and Sam try to draw out her evil husband and go for a showdown. Unfortunately teenagers are not good at analysing their emotions or at being abandoned and things do not go well.
The book is written from the viewpoints of the four main characters and young Lanny and Connor's chapters are frequently agonising and very stressful! On the other hand Gwen and Sam had me on the edge of my seat all the time and the action was ongoing.
By the end of the book I felt as though I had been as beaten and battered as Gwen. However events were all rounded off well and I could relax. My concern now is where will this great series go next? I cannot wait to find out!
In Killman Creek Gwen and her family reach the point where they need to stop running and take a stand. Gwen tries to make her children safe before she and Sam try to draw out her evil husband and go for a showdown. Unfortunately teenagers are not good at analysing their emotions or at being abandoned and things do not go well.
The book is written from the viewpoints of the four main characters and young Lanny and Connor's chapters are frequently agonising and very stressful! On the other hand Gwen and Sam had me on the edge of my seat all the time and the action was ongoing.
By the end of the book I felt as though I had been as beaten and battered as Gwen. However events were all rounded off well and I could relax. My concern now is where will this great series go next? I cannot wait to find out!
October 31, 2018
First, this isn’t a series you read out of order. It has a continuing story arc and this book picks up where the first ends. Nevertheless, I’ll keep this spoiler free.
Gwen Proctor has to leave Stillhouse Lake to protect her family from the long arm of a powerful network of online trolls who go way beyond empty threats and harassment. They’ve now found a way to shred her credibility with her own network of friends and family, which was already a very short list.
This truly is a thriller that affects you psychologically and emotionally. Gwen is one of the strongest and most formidable characters I’ve encountered. Her commitment to her children and her selflessness was truly admirable. Gina, the woman Melvin Royal married, no longer exists and I’m certain no one was prepared for Gwen. The story includes narratives from both children this time, as well as Sam and Gwen, making this much more intriguing. It has a slow build for the first half and then rockets into warp speed through the end.
It felt like two different types stories but the second half needed the first to create its foundation. It was über scary and exhilarating at times, heartbreaking at others and the writing was just brilliant. The ending will take your breath away. This was a Traveling Friends read, even though I was a little slower to finish than the rest of the group.
Gwen Proctor has to leave Stillhouse Lake to protect her family from the long arm of a powerful network of online trolls who go way beyond empty threats and harassment. They’ve now found a way to shred her credibility with her own network of friends and family, which was already a very short list.
This truly is a thriller that affects you psychologically and emotionally. Gwen is one of the strongest and most formidable characters I’ve encountered. Her commitment to her children and her selflessness was truly admirable. Gina, the woman Melvin Royal married, no longer exists and I’m certain no one was prepared for Gwen. The story includes narratives from both children this time, as well as Sam and Gwen, making this much more intriguing. It has a slow build for the first half and then rockets into warp speed through the end.
It felt like two different types stories but the second half needed the first to create its foundation. It was über scary and exhilarating at times, heartbreaking at others and the writing was just brilliant. The ending will take your breath away. This was a Traveling Friends read, even though I was a little slower to finish than the rest of the group.
June 20, 2018
4.5 Stars—Last year when I read “Stillhouse Lake” I was impressed with Ms. Caine’s writing ability but thought the plot was weak and a little contrived. I decided to read Book 2 in the series —“Killman Creek” — anyway to give the author a second chance. All I can say is ..wow! that was good. “Killman Creek” kept me up reading late into the night with well drawn characters and a brilliant premise in which Gwen, the main character, and her family are being stalked by her prison escapee, serial-killer ex-husband and a group of computer predators going by the moniker “Absalom”. To make things more interesting, Gwen is trying to find the ex-husband and kill him before he, with the help of Absalom, kills her. There were several interesting subplots involving Gwen’s children as well as a rogue FBI agent that I really enjoyed. The book built suspense throughout and the almost superhuman ability of Absalom to track Gwen’s cellphone did make for some good foreshadowing of the final conflict between Gwen and her ex. The only thing keeping me from giving this book a perfect score was the last 25 pages of the book and the ridiculous luck and superhuman abilities that a character displayed to bring the story to an unsatisfying end. But what a great story otherwise. Do yourself a favor and give this one a chance.
October 9, 2018
4.25 stars!
Okay, I didn’t think it would be possible to get any better than the first book in the series - Stillhouse Lake - but OH EM GEE, it did!
Killman Creek is nothing short of awesome! A super intense, gripping, edge of your seat thriller and a glorious follow up to the first book. Rachel Caine is a magnificent storyteller, my friends. Seriously, the action just keeps coming at you throughout. I loved how this book varied from the first in that there were four POVs. Way more action, terrorizing moments and very disturbing, horrific images as well. None of that bothered me though - I just wanted to keep reading so I could see what happened. I had a hard time putting it down.
The ending was SPECTACULAR! I was literally holding my breath and my heart was racing as I turned the pages. Ms. Caine really knows how to get the readers’ blood flowing!
I read this with a few of my Traveling Friends. The ones who have finished all loved it and we can’t wait until March 2019 for #3 Wolfhunter River! 🤗
Okay, I didn’t think it would be possible to get any better than the first book in the series - Stillhouse Lake - but OH EM GEE, it did!
Killman Creek is nothing short of awesome! A super intense, gripping, edge of your seat thriller and a glorious follow up to the first book. Rachel Caine is a magnificent storyteller, my friends. Seriously, the action just keeps coming at you throughout. I loved how this book varied from the first in that there were four POVs. Way more action, terrorizing moments and very disturbing, horrific images as well. None of that bothered me though - I just wanted to keep reading so I could see what happened. I had a hard time putting it down.
The ending was SPECTACULAR! I was literally holding my breath and my heart was racing as I turned the pages. Ms. Caine really knows how to get the readers’ blood flowing!
I read this with a few of my Traveling Friends. The ones who have finished all loved it and we can’t wait until March 2019 for #3 Wolfhunter River! 🤗
February 6, 2018
I think about that colorful old rug again, a piece of home inside a monster’s den. I can’t decide if that was him trying to still be Dad, or if the monster was all there ever was, and Dad was a mask he wore to mock us.
The sequel to Stillhouse Lake picks up twelve days after the events that ended the first book. It had been a few months since I'd read this one, but had no problem whatsoever jumping back into Gwen Proctor's fight for her children's safety and hunt for her sadistic ex-husband. What's especially different here is the addition of three other perspectives, where we only had Gwen's POV in the first book. This time we get to see the action happen through the eyes of Lanny, Connor and Sam as well. I actually really enjoyed this change. I often wondered what went through the minds of Gwen's children. We no longer have to do that and can see what they're thinking from their own perspective including the things they hold back from saying.
This might be even more action-packed than the first book with even more twists and turns. My eyes were glued to these pages desperate to know how things would end up. I was terrified for Gwen having to separate from her kids even though I understood why she needed to do that. You can't hunt a psychopath with your children in tow especially when he would use them to get to her. It just won't work. I was equally interested in knowing what was going on with Sam & Gwen on their hunt for Melvin and how things were going for the kids at Javier's place.
The dark net became a bigger part of the story here, although it was always a part of why Gwen was on the run. The book explores that aspect a bit more diving deeper into the dark net.
The character development is strong. I found myself feeling more connected to the characters. This was probably due to the additional POVs allowing insight into the rest of the characters' minds. I'm looking forward to seeing where Caine takes this series next.
February 27, 2021
Killman Creek by Rachel Caine
Book 2 in the Stillhouse Lake series. Thriller. Best to read Stillhouse Lake first.
Gwen moved with her children to Stillhouse Lake hoping to get away from the notoriety of her serial killer ex husband. When he escaped from prison, all sense of safety is gone and the family is in protection mode.
Absalom used to be an anonymous helpful source but trust is hard to come by for Gwen when she is being threatened.
Gwen and Sam are hunting for Melvin. The risks are increased when video clips show the unimaginable.
Jaw hanging intensity. Non stop tension and intrigue. Wow.
I loved this book for the thriller aspect and felt for Gwen when her closest allies had to question her innocence. Fantastic.
Book 2 in the Stillhouse Lake series. Thriller. Best to read Stillhouse Lake first.
Gwen moved with her children to Stillhouse Lake hoping to get away from the notoriety of her serial killer ex husband. When he escaped from prison, all sense of safety is gone and the family is in protection mode.
Absalom used to be an anonymous helpful source but trust is hard to come by for Gwen when she is being threatened.
Gwen and Sam are hunting for Melvin. The risks are increased when video clips show the unimaginable.
Jaw hanging intensity. Non stop tension and intrigue. Wow.
I loved this book for the thriller aspect and felt for Gwen when her closest allies had to question her innocence. Fantastic.
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