So is the body count in this backwoods Tennessee town.As threats mount and Gwen's hunted by an enemy who pulls all the strings, Kezia has her back. But that past is attracting the attention of someone invisible.and unstoppable. emont into dangerous territory.On the surface, Gwen's life is good-two children approaching adulthood, a committed partner, and a harrowing past dead and gone. The mystery of their mother, vanished without a trace, leads Gwen Proctor and Kezia Clar. The bodies of two girls strapped into their seats. They're hunting a killer so silent, so invisible, that his unspeakable crimes are the only proof he exists.A car submerged in a remote pond. This was an easy five-star recommendation from me.Heartbreak Bay (Trade Paperback / Paperback) I read this book in one day, and I’ve already downloaded other Caine titles. Authors don’t often surprise me, but I have to admit it took me longer to guess who the true adversaries were than usual. The way all the threads came together while the villains’ plans unraveled was a joy to witness. The supporting cast was every bit as nuanced as the main characters. The setting, at times serene and at times frightening, became another character and advanced the plot. Such a vibrant rendering of a character is difficult to do, and Caine made it look effortless. My heart pounded right along with hers, my stomach lurched when hers did. I am not, however, in a situation remotely similar to hers. I am a proud mother, so I understand the character’s Mama Bear desperation to protect her kids. I was completely drawn into the main character’s inner turmoil. And now, I can’t imagine a different perspective. But the premise of the story made me willing to risk it. This book is written in first person, which I always say I don’t prefer. Rachel Caine already has a huge following, and I can see why. When I saw a book promising to focus on the family of the serial killer rather than the killer, the hunted, or the cops investigating the crimes, I was intrigued. I enjoy reading many genres, but maybe none more so than psychological thrillers.

★★★★★ Palpable Desperation Kept Me Riveted

The stillhouse lake series