Who Would Like This Book:
If you’re into intense, twisty psychological thrillers, "Stillhouse Lake" will totally pull you in! It’s a fresh take on the genre - told from the perspective of the ex-wife of a serial killer who had no idea what was happening right under her nose. The book is nerve-shredding, loaded with suspense, and offers a chilling look at paranoia, survival, and what it’s like to be judged by the world for someone else’s sins. Readers who love fast-paced stories, strong mama-bear protagonists, and aren’t afraid of some darkness will find this an engrossing page-turner. It’s especially compelling for anyone fascinated by the aftermath of true crime and the realistic (sometimes terrifying) power of the internet.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pace a bit slow in the beginning, with heavy repetition around the main character’s paranoia and constant reminders of her situation. If you don’t enjoy lingering internal monologues or find it hard to believe that someone could be so oblivious to a partner’s dark side, this might bug you. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which isn’t everyone’s favorite - especially if you prefer a self-contained story. Plus, the storyline can be a bit too intense or bleak for those who prefer lighter mysteries or thrillers with more hope or comic relief.
About:
'Stillhouse Lake' by Rachel Caine follows the story of Gina Royal, now known as Gwen Proctor, a woman on the run with her two children after her husband is revealed to be a serial killer. Gwen must constantly change her identity to protect her family from the threats of her husband's fans and online trolls. As they try to build a new life in a small town by Stillhouse Lake, a body is found, putting them in the spotlight once again. is described as a gripping psychological thriller with a strong focus on family, survival, and the constant fear of being hunted.
The writing style of Rachel Caine in 'Stillhouse Lake' is praised for being fast-paced, descriptive, and engaging. The plot unfolds with intense suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Gwen navigates the challenges of trust, survival, and protecting her children from the horrors of her past life with a serial killer.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, violence, trauma related to serial killing, and intense psychological distress linked to internet harassment.
From The Publisher:
An Amazon Charts and USA Today bestseller.
Gina Royal is the definition of average-a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband's secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor-the ultimate warrior mom.
With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband's crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she's starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake-and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed-or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she's learned how to fight evil. And she'll never stop.
Ratings (41)
Incredible (7) | |
Loved It (18) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (8) | |
Did Not Like (4) |
Reader Stats (81):
Read It (45) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (31) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (2) |
5 comment(s)
Brilliant gripping story. I didn't know what was coming and it was left on a cliff hanger so I hope she is going to write a second book to this story. The writing style had me too how you didn't know who was nice or nasty, my type of novel.
it’s scary that you can live with someone and not know them at all and in this case married to a psycho serial killer and not notice it. Shocking! Creepy! Scary! Liked the book, a fast paced, a suspenseful and a chilling story
The only thing I had issues with in this book was how anyone could think this woman knew what her serial killer husband was up to and helped him no less... anyone with any knowledge of sociopaths knows they are charismatic and “likable” they make fooling people their art. But more importantly they usually WORK ALONE. Aside from the Karla Homolka case there’s rarely a serial killer duo. So having people sickeningly threaten this family just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. In my opinion all she had to do was show the police the “sick-o patrol” and seems they would have protected them. But if I just let the story make the rules then it’s a great thriller. And I’ll def read/listen to the second book.
Kept interest all the way through!
I've heard so many good things about this book, and yet I was still surprised at how good it turned out. It was exactly what I needed at this point.
The whole concept is great. The main character is the ex-wife of a serial killer who did not know that her husband was murdering and skinning young women in their garage. It is a strong, yet extremely interesting idea, very refreshing. And even more I like that this is not a typical story in which her husband breaks out of prison and decides to take revenge on her. None of these things. It is a much more complicated story that goes even deeper into human cruelty and people’s fascination with crimes and criminals.
The stakes are high all the time. Whereas you, like Gwen, aren't sure what the real threat is and what is not, and who to really count on. Especially since many people behave suspiciously and hide secrets. The author perfectly captures this atmosphere of persistent danger and the need to constantly look over your shoulder. Gwen feels watched, and you feel shivering too.
At the same time, Gwen herself is also a very interesting main character. She had to change completely to survive, and at the same time the tragic events left a deep imprint on her. She had to become strong and resourceful to protect herself and her children. But her transformation is not complete, she still has moments of weakness and doubts about her strength. We can observe her internal struggle, also with her weaknesses and her incomplete transformation. Her main motivation is the safety of her children. She doesn't trust anyone, but has to trust someone if she wants to survive. The only question is whether she will trust the right person.
It's a really great story that ends in such a way that I want to read the next book right away. Even though one thread has been clarified and many questions have been answered, many more remain. Especially considering the releases at the end of the last chapter.
What can you read after
Stillhouse Lake?
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