Stillhouse Lake is an absolute page-turner, masterfully blending suspense and emotion. The story follows Gina Royal, an ordinary Midwestern mom whose life is shattered when she discovers her husband is a serial killer. Forced to reinvent herself as Gwen Proctor, she becomes a fiercely protective, deeply relatable warrior mom.

Rachel Caine creates an incredible protagonist in Gwen; she’s not invincible or overly idealized, but a human being navigating unimaginable circumstances. The stakes are high throughout the book, with bodies turning up and threatening letters arriving to upend Gwen’s attempt at a peaceful life by Stillhouse Lake. The tension is palpable, and the narrative keeps you on edge, wondering what will come next.

Caine’s writing immerses you in Gwen’s world of paranoia, fear, and resilience, and while the twists are gripping, the real heart of the story lies in Gwen’s determination to protect her children. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s as emotional as it is intense, Stillhouse Lake won’t disappoint. Just be prepared for late nights… you won’t want to put it down.

(Side note: This book made me crave life by a remote, serene lake. Just without the murder, of course.)