Book Review: Wolfhunter River by Rachel Caine

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!

   Stillhouse Lake and Killman Creek were two of my favorite reads of 2018. And I recommended these two five star novels to everyone that I could. When Wolfhunter River was announced I was excited to see where Caine would take her characters next. I was fortunate enough to get an early copy of this novel via Rachel Caine and Netgalley, which I am grateful for. Because I had no idea that Caine would go this far with the third novel. After finishing this book I can safely say that I am in shock.  

  Wolfhunter River is the third novel in the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine. It is published by Thomas and Mercer Publishers, an imprint of Amazon. It has been a few months since Gwen Proctor's terrifying final showdown with her serial killer ex-husband, Melvin Royal. Royal and his psychotic followers have tormented and stalked Gwen and her children across many states. Now she is ensconced in what appears to be a quiet life in the community surrounding Stillhouse Lake in Tennessee. Although many believe that Melvin and Gwen (Gina Royal at the time) were partners in his kidnapping and murder of young women, her closest friends know the truth and are furiously protective.

  To bring her side of the story into the light, Gwen agrees to appear on a live talk show. The host has promised a one-on-one interview, but through some underhanded events, Gwen is forced to face Miranda Tidewell, the mother of one of Melvin's victims. She announces that she is about to make a documentary showing the world that what she fears is true: Gina Royal is a killer just like her husband. Gwen does her best to keep her composure, but ultimately she storms off the stage. Once she is home with her children, Connor and Lanny, and her boyfriend, Sam Cade, she decompresses.

  But that is cut short when she receives a mysterious call from a woman needing help in the neighboring town of Wolfhunter. Since Melvin's death, Gwen has worked to help other women escape many forms of violence. The woman's cry for help is distressing, but with the little information given to her, Gwen does not know what she can do. Soon the woman's daughter, Vee, calls Gwen saying that her mother is dead. And Gwen bears witness to the girl's arrest while on the phone. Fearing for the fate of the fifteen year old, Gwen decides to visit Wolfhunter. Connor, Lanny, and Sam accompany her to the small, dilapidated town. There they discover a corrupt police force that may not care if Vee lives or dies.

  What secret did Vee's mother hold that resulted in her murder? What lengths will Miranda Tidewell go to destroy Gwen and her family? And what dangerous information is Sam holding back from Gwen? The darkness of this small town is about to engulf Gwen and her family. And if they are not careful they could find themselves dead.   

     Wolfhunter River is loaded with surprises and many twists and turns. It is fast-paced and delivers shock after shock. I was hooked from day one reading this novel and I  found it harder and harder to put down. As the story unfolded I began to see the threads tighten on Caine's macabre tapestry of murder and lies. She went for the throat with this novel, giving the reader little time to breathe in between scares and action sequences. And the explosive finale seized me in its grip and left me gasping for breath. The character development was excellent as Gwen and her family learned from past mistakes and used their acquired knowledge of the world's darker side to their advantage. Connor especially was a shining example of lessons learned. Even as a pre-teen, he was quick on his feet and fast thinker. Caine also paid closer attention to Sam Cade and his past deeds. The emotions played out in this tale were visceral and often heartbreaking. The author knows she has created damaged players in her story, and she treats them all with respect and understanding. 

  Wolfhunter River was another five star extravaganza of suspense and chills. Rachel Caine's writing was biting and witty, as she brought me into the mind of the fiercest mothers ever to grace a novel. Gwen Proctor was never a cliche and always ready to defend her family. Her love for her children made them just as tough. And her relationship with Sam, as strained as it could be, was a light driving all characters forward. The fact that I have to wait another year for book four, Bitter Falls, is hard to bear. I wish I could jump into the next book. Caine has created a world that I cannot wait to read more of.

 Also check out the playlist that Rachel Caine includes with her Stillhouse Lake novels. They are a great soundtrack to all the thrills and action. It is also a great way to try new music from some artists that you may not have heard before.

  Wolfhunter River will be released on April 23, 2019


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