Stillhouse Lake

This book grabbed my attention right away with its dramatic and unsettling opening chapter. Gina Royal’s seemingly perfect suburban life falls apart when she discovers her husband’s dark and horrifying secrets. From that moment, the story follows her transformation into Gwen Proctor, a mother on the run, determined to protect her two children from a relentless online mob bent on revenge.

Gwen’s life is all about survival—constantly moving, staying vigilant, and trying to stay one step ahead of people who seem to thrive on cruelty. What she really wants, though, is stability for her kids. She hopes to find that at Stillhouse Lake, a small, isolated community that seems like the perfect refuge. But things take a dark turn when a young woman’s body is found in the lake, and the circumstances surrounding her death feel eerily similar to her ex-husband’s crimes.

What stood out to me was how relevant the story feels in today’s world. The way the internet enables people to harass and terrorize others is deeply unsettling, and this book doesn’t shy away from showing the lengths people will go to. The fact that even Gwen’s kids, who are innocent victims, are targeted speaks to how cruel and unrelenting these trolls can be. It’s a reminder of the dangers of online anonymity and mob mentality.

At the heart of the story is Gwen’s strength and resilience as a mother. Her determination to keep her children safe adds an emotional layer to what could have been a straightforward thriller. It’s as much a story about protecting what matters most as it is about surviving in the face of constant threats.

The isolated setting of Stillhouse Lake amplifies the tension, and the characters Gwen encounters all seem to carry their own secrets, making it hard to know who can be trusted. The mystery unfolds in a way that kept me intrigued, and the ending sets up the next book perfectly. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel—it’s clear there’s more to this story, and I’m curious to see where it goes. If you’re looking for a thriller with strong characters and a modern edge, this one’s worth picking up.