Stillhouse Lake (Stillhouse Lake #1) by Rachel Caine
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Goodreads Summary: 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.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Gwen Proctor has reinvented herself. Formerly known as Gina Royal, wife of convicted serial killer Melvin Royal, she's on the run from online stalkers who wish to see her dead. Norton, Tennessee is a quiet town where Gwen truly begins to settle in. Her children are finally relaxed, and everything is good – until the body in the lake is found.

Stillhouse Lake is quite short for a mystery, but that doesn't diminish it at all. Rachel Caine spooked me so many times throughout this book, and I'm certainly not used to feeling chilly while reading a mystery novel almost the whole way through. Stillhouse Lake is written so well, I felt exactly as Gwen did upon meeting each character; cautious and eager to find out their motives.

Due to the nature of the book there aren't many characters we get to know well, but I'd love to find out more about Sam and Lanny, two characters who I believe have way more to them than we've seen so far. Melvin is pure evil, and I don't doubt we'll be seeing more of his sadistic side in Killman Creek.

A new venture for Rachel Caine, but one that I immensely enjoyed. The tightly condensed format suits my taste well and the characters may not be as developed but I'm sure they'll get that chance in Killman Creek. A dark book, Stillhouse Lake is great for fans of thrillers.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of thrillers.