Killman Creek

Honestly, if you're not reading Rachel Caine's Stillhouse Lake series, then what are you doing with your life? I'll admit, I was skeptical when I saw the first book in the series praised so thoroughly that I assumed it had been hyped to high heavens. I finally gave into the pressure after seeing so many glowing reviews and I am so glad that I did. There's a quiet power to these books, and although the reader is dropped in after the serial killer has been unveiled, I think the fact that the tension doesn't lie in the whodunnit is precisely what makes these books unable to be ignored.

Now to Killman Creek - this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I had high expectations going into this book after Stillhouse Lake. It picks show more up where Stillhouse Lake (Book 1) left off - and it’s a wild ride from the first chapter. The characters are well-developed. The terror these people go through is bone-chilling. Killman Creek is more thrilling, more action-packed, more full of pulse-pounding moments of terror than the first book. I felt Killman Creek also focused more on Sam and Connor than Stillhouse Lake (whereas Stillhouse Lake was more centered around Gwen and Lanny). I liked this strategy and enjoyed the multiple POVs, and it really helped to add to the sense of tension and conflict. I can't wait to read Wolfhunter River next! show less

Killman Creek was an intense and wild ride. It picks up right where Stillhouse Lake left off, and honestly, I was stressed in the best way reading this one. The tension and danger are nonstop, and I liked how the different POVs gave a bigger picture of everything going on. Some parts felt a little over the top, but it still kept me turning the pages because I needed to know what happened next. Dark, twisty, and fast-paced—definitely a strong follow-up in the series. I wonder what will go on in the next one!

Where to begin... I read Stillhouse Lake and loved it so my expectations were really high for Killman Creek. I am pleased to announce that my expectations were exceeded. This book is a non-stop, heart pounding follow up to Stillhouse Lake. Picks up right where she left off. This book delves more into the kids and what they feel. It is a quick read, which for me means that it is really really good. :) The twists in this book were not what I expected which is always awesome.

Once I had finished [Stillhouse Lake] I knew I had to get this one. How was Gwen was going to deal with her ex husband serial killer Melvin Royal escaping prison? Each chapter presents a point of view from one of the 4 major characters. While I usually find this skipping around annoying...this was very well done and only added to the story. Some of the actions were "off"...like a woman with no training whatsoever going after a serial killer ...or a FBI agent not checking a suspect for weapons...but the story itself held the attention. While I usually don't mind reading out of order, it simply can't be done with these books. You will never sort out what is happening...so read them in order.

"We're not hiding," I tell him. "We're hunting."

Gwen isn't going to stand by and let her ex-husband, the murderous psycho, control her life anymore. The hate brigade on the internet, the vengeance crew, they aren't calling the shots for her anymore either. It's time for Gwen to get her power back. She can't hunker down and cower anymore - trying to stay safe. She knows that now, Melvin will find her no matter what.

This book is different than the first one only in that Gwen is driven to finally fight. She's fighting for what is hers now - she's fighting for a life that is her own. For herself and for her kids.

This one is ugly and gruesome. There are finally answers to a lot of the secrets and events we wondered about the first one. I show more was surprised to see there is a #3. I'd be okay leaving Gwen here, in this story but I know that there is a three. And honestly, I love Rachel Caine's stories. I love her characters and the way she builds suspense. I'm in with both feet every time and just love the story! I can't wait until April when we get another installment! show less

Killman Creek by Rachel Caine
Book 2 in the Stillhouse Lake series. Thriller. Best to read Stillhouse Lake first.
Gwen moved with her children to Stillhouse Lake hoping to get away from the notoriety of her serial killer ex husband. When he escaped from prison, all sense of safety is gone and the family is in protection mode.
Absalom used to be an anonymous helpful source but trust is hard to come by for Gwen when she is being threatened.
Gwen and Sam are hunting for Melvin. The risks are increased when video clips show the unimaginable.

Jaw hanging intensity. Non stop tension and intrigue. Wow.
I loved this book for the thriller aspect and felt for Gwen when her closest allies had to question her innocence. Fantastic.

Great follow-up to Stillhouse Lake. These books are tense and smart. As I read them I'm in awe of the character of Gwen and what she does in order to protect her children from their serial-killer father and the angry public that blames Gwen for her husband's murders. Rachel Caine never shies away from the showing us the scope of the horrors Gwen experiences and she never once uses gore and violence to titillate. #KillmanCreek #NetGalley