If Stillhouse Lake had you hooked, Killman Creek will grip you even tighter. Rachel Caine takes the suspense and emotional depth of the first book and raises the stakes tenfold. The second installment shifts from a single protagonist’s perspective to a first person rotation of key characters, which, while jarring at first, ultimately enhances the story’s complexity and gives a richer view of the characters’ inner worlds.

Gwen Proctor continues to be a standout protagonist, though this time her family takes on larger roles, and the layers of their dynamic make the story even more engaging. The plot unfolds at breakneck speed, with danger lurking around every corner. The high-stakes chase and emotional conflicts will leave you breathless.

That said, there are a couple of minor quibbles. Gwen’s limited interpersonal relationships feel underexplored; there’s some palpable, unresolved tension that leaves you wanting more. And Caine’s repetitive use of “real” before emotions (e.g., “real fear,” “real pain”) grates after a while, feeling like a missed opportunity for richer language. But these small issues don’t overshadow the brilliance of the story.

If you enjoyed Stillhouse Lake, Killman Creek is a must-read. It dives deeper into the Proctors’ lives, unearths even darker secrets, and keeps you guessing until the very end. Just prepare yourself, because you won’t come up for air until the final page.