Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Series: Stillhouse Lake #4
Published by Thomas & Mercer on January 21, 2020
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible




She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.
In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.
Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.
In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?
This Stillhouse Lake series is a terrifying blur of survival. You need to read these in order. I really am enjoying the high level of action and danger in these stories. I feel horrible when people won’t just leave them alone.
Let me just mention how much I love the cover. I don’t usually pay attention but this one is a real favorite!
Bitter Falls starts a bit of a new story arc. Gwen has a new career as a private investigator. Sam is struggling a bit in construction work, when he would rather be a pilot. Both of them are working more farther from home.
At the same time, the small town has turned against them. Not only that but the major crime family feels they are causing too much law enforcement attention to the area and wants them to get out of town.
Gwen ends up with a cold case of a young man going missing. It’s surprising how easily she finds new information. The violence of those who don’t want her to pry into their business and those who want her out of town is off the charts. Luckily, Gwen has some strength and skills. Nothing is easy but she is incredible. The rest of her family is also experienced. The children, being teens, don’t always make the best decisions though.
I enjoyed the ending and where this series seems to be heading. I was also happy that while Gwen may not have been at her new job long, her boss and co-workers really have her back. I love how Gwen, even in dire circumstances, has compassion for others and moral integrity. I can’t wait to see more of this family.
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Excellent review, Anne? I was wondering if the series would go in another direction after the last book so thanks for answering that question. It’s great to know there’s a path for it to continue. I’ve got this on audio and can’t wait.
Thank you. I really enjoy this series. This probably should be a 4.5 heart. It is well written too. But I’m not sure it is completely believable.
This is one more series that is in my TBR pile that I haven’t started yet.
This is one of my jams the mystery/thriller. These are great. I really recommend them. I like everything from this author including her UF and fantasy books.
Another series that keeps nudging at me to get started. Glad its still going strong through the new series arc.
OH this one is great! I recommend it. It is in my mood right now too, the mystery thriller.
pretty cover and i am already a fan of rachel’s books. need to catch up on them thought
Yes I enjoy this author’s other series also.
I really want to get caught up with this series. I listened to the audiobooks for the first two and have the third one ready to go. I am glad to see that the series is still going strong. I hope to pick up the audio very soon!
I really enjoyed these. They keep me on the edge. Wolfhunter River ends one kind of story arc and has some sharp twists. Bitter Falls starts Gwen on a new path.
Huh.. I didn’t realize she wrote contemporary fiction. I’ve only seen the SFF stuff. Glad you are enjoying so much.
I love all her books. This started a few years ago and the first one Stillhouse Lake was one of the Prime First Reads or whatever they call it now. Prime users get to pick one book. I picked it because I enjoy this author and it is a great series.
I’m way behind with her books. Sounds like a good one and I love cold case plots.
This whole series is a real thriller and action packed. I recommend it.
This sounds like a fun series. I’m glad you are enjoying it 😉
Thank you! It’s a great series; I hope you get to try it