Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine @rachelcaine #Thomas&Mercer

Posted January 14, 2020 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review / 16 Comments

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


Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine @rachelcaine   #Thomas&MercerBitter Falls by Rachel Caine
Series: Stillhouse Lake #4
Published by Thomas & Mercer on January 21, 2020
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
AmazonAudible
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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.

About Rachel Caine

Rachel Caine is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 45 novels to date, and many short stories, including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her first short story was published in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.

After a long career in business (including working as an office manager, payroll manager, insurance investigator, web designer, graphic designer, and corporate communications executive) she began writing full time in 2009.

She and her husband, artist R. Cat Conrad, lived in Fort Worth, Texas. She passed away November 1, 2020 from cancer.

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Posted January 14, 2020 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review / 16 Comments


16 responses to “Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

  1. 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!

  2. Jen

    Huh.. I didn’t realize she wrote contemporary fiction. I’ve only seen the SFF stuff. Glad you are enjoying so much.