Stillhouse Lake Series Guide: Complete Book List & Reading Order

If you love heart-pounding psychological thrillers with a fierce heroine, Stillhouse Lake is a must-read. This five-book series follows Gwen Proctor, a woman who discovers her husband’s horrifying secret—he’s a serial killer. After his arrest, she’s forced to go on the run with her children, constantly looking over her shoulder. But even after escaping to a quiet lakeside town, danger is never far behind.

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What’s the Stillhouse Lake Series About?

Gwen Proctor’s life shatters when she discovers her husband is a notorious serial killer. Though she had no part in his crimes, public fury forces her and her children into hiding. Seeking refuge in Stillhouse Lake, she hopes for a fresh start—until a body surfaces and the threats begin.

Determined to protect her family, Gwen evolves from hunted to hunter, taking on vigilantes, killers, and her terrifying ex-husband. But as she fights to escape the past, danger is always one step behind.

• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction
• Tropes: Woman on the run, revenge thriller, serial killer, found family, protective mother
• Number of Books: 5 original books written by Rachel Caine + 1 novel continuing the series by Carrie Ryan
• TV Rights: Optioned for television, but no confirmed adaptation yet

The Stillhouse Lake Series Books in Order

Stillhouse Lake (2017): Gwen Proctor has spent years running from her past. When she and her kids settle in a remote lakeside town, she hopes they’ve finally found safety. But when a body turns up in the lake—and she starts receiving terrifying threats—she realizes their nightmare isn’t over. Grab this book on Amazon

Killman Creek (2017): Melvin Royal has escaped prison, and Gwen knows he’s coming for her. With no choice but to go on the offensive, she teams up with an unlikely ally to hunt down the man who has tormented her family. But danger lurks in every shadow, and not everyone believes she’s innocent. Grab this book on Amazon

Wolfhunter River (2019): Just when Gwen thinks she and her kids can start fresh, a desperate call for help pulls her into a new mystery. As dark secrets unravel in a small town, she faces enemies old and new—including those who believe she’s as guilty as her ex-husband. Grab this book on Amazon

Bitter Falls (2020): Now a licensed investigator, Gwen is determined to help others who have been failed by the system. But when she takes on a missing persons case, she stumbles into something far more sinister than she ever expected—one that puts her entire family at risk. Grab this book on Amazon

Heartbreak Bay (2021): The final book in the series written by author Rachel Caine before her passing. When two young girls go missing, Gwen can’t ignore the case—especially when it hits too close to home. As she digs deeper, she realizes she may have underestimated the true danger lurking around her family. The past is never truly buried. Grab this book on Amazon

Trapper Road (2022): Though Heartbreak Bay was originally the series finale, author Carrie Ryan continued Gwen Proctor’s story in Trapper Road, staying true to Rachel Caine’s vision. Gwen is still determined to protect her kids at all costs. But when a violent incident at Connor’s school brings a media frenzy to her doorstep, she takes a missing persons case out of town, hoping to keep her family safe. The case seems straightforward—until every lead raises more doubts. And this time, the real target isn’t Gwen—it’s Sam Cade. With her instincts failing her and an unseen enemy closing in, Gwen must fight a battle she never saw coming. Grab this book on Amazon

The Stillhouse Lake Series Character Guide

Gwen Proctor (formerly Gina Royal)
Gwen starts as an ordinary woman whose life is shattered by her husband’s crimes, but over the series, she evolves into a fierce protector. She’s intelligent, resourceful, and always on edge, balancing survival instincts with her role as a mother.

Fantasy cast: Carrie Coon – She’s fantastic at playing layered, complex women who carry deep emotional weight.

Sam Cade
Sam is a rugged, haunted man who initially seeks revenge on Gwen but ultimately becomes one of her strongest allies. He’s tough, but there’s also a quiet kindness beneath the surface.

Fantasy cast: Garrett Hedlund – He’s got that broody, tortured energy that would work well for Sam’s backstory.

Lanny and Connor Proctor
Gwen’s children, who struggle with the fallout of their father’s crimes.

Melvin Royal
Gwen’s imprisoned ex-husband, a sadistic serial killer who still haunts their lives.

Detective Prester & Other Law Enforcement Figures
Some want to help Gwen, while others suspect her.

If you loved Stillhouse Lake, read these thrillers next

If you couldn’t put down Stillhouse Lake, here are four must-read thriller series that deliver the same edge-of-your-seat suspense, strong heroines, and dark secrets.

1. Melinda Leigh – Morgan Dane Series
   A former prosecutor turned private investigator, Morgan Dane is determined to get justice for the innocent while navigating personal danger. If you love Gwen Proctor’s fierce determination and resourcefulness, this six-book series will keep you hooked.
2. Kendra Elliot – Columbia River & Mercy Kilpatrick Series
   Kendra Elliott’s thrillers feature small-town settings, intense mysteries, and strong female leads. Mercy Kilpatrick follows an FBI agent with a doomsday prepper past, while Columbia River blends suspense and investigative drama. Both are great picks if you love the mix of personal stakes and danger in Stillhouse Lake.
3. Kelley Armstrong – Rockton (Casey Duncan) Series
   If you liked the survivalist elements and remote setting of Stillhouse Lake, Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton series—also known as the Casey Duncan series—is a must-read. It follows homicide detective Casey Duncan as she investigates crimes in a secret, off-the-grid town where people go to disappear. It’s packed with tension, secrets, and unexpected twists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to read the series in order?
Yes! Each book builds on the previous one, following Gwen and her family’s evolving fight for safety. Reading in order ensures you experience all the twists, character development, and overarching storylines.

Is there romance in the series?
There’s a slow-burning relationship between Gwen and a key character, but the focus is on survival and suspense. Any romance elements take a backseat to the action and psychological tension.

How dark is the series?
It’s intense! While there’s no on-page graphic violence from the serial killer’s perspective, the themes are dark—murder, trauma, and psychological terror play a major role. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with high stakes, this series is for you.

Is the Stillhouse Lake series finished?
Rachel Caine wrote five books in the series, concluding with Heartbreak Bay (2021), which serves as a solid ending for readers who want a natural stopping point.

After Rachel Caine’s passing in 2020, author Carrie Ryan co-wrote Trapper Road (2022) to continue Gwen Proctor’s story while staying true to Caine’s vision. It’s unclear whether Ryan plans to write additional books in the series, but for now, Trapper Road allows fans to revisit Gwen’s world. If you’re satisfied with where Heartbreak Bay leaves things, you can stop there, but if you want more, Trapper Road picks up the torch.

Are there any trigger warnings for this series?
Yes. The Stillhouse Lake series explores dark and intense themes, including:
⚠️ Serial killers and murder
⚠️ Psychological abuse and manipulation
⚠️ Harassment and stalking
⚠️ Online and real-world threats
⚠️ Trauma and PTSD
⚠️ Violence, including child endangerment
⚠️ Law enforcement corruption and wrongful accusations

While the series doesn’t depict graphic on-page violence from the serial killer’s perspective, the subject matter can be disturbing. Readers sensitive to these topics may want to proceed with caution.

About the Authors

Rachel Caine (1962–2020)
Rachel Caine was a prolific and beloved author known for her gripping thrillers, urban fantasy, and young adult novels. With over 50 books to her name, she wrote across multiple genres, including the Stillhouse Lake series, the Morganville Vampires series, and The Great Library series. Her ability to craft strong, resilient protagonists and high-stakes suspense made her a fan favorite.

Caine continued writing despite battling cancer, completing Heartbreak Bay (2021) before her passing in 2020. She left behind a legacy of unforgettable stories, and her impact on the thriller and fantasy genres remains strong.

Carrie Ryan
Carrie Ryan is a New York Times bestselling author known for The Forest of Hands and Teeth series and her work in psychological thrillers and suspense. In 2022, she co-wrote Trapper Road to continue the Stillhouse Lake series in honor of Rachel Caine. With a deep respect for Caine’s vision, Ryan ensures that Gwen Proctor’s story continues with the same tension, grit, and emotional depth that fans love.

It’s currently unknown if Ryan will write more books in the series, but Trapper Road provides an opportunity for readers to revisit the world of Stillhouse Lake.

The Stillhouse Lake series delivers relentless suspense, a fierce heroine, and high-stakes twists that keep you hooked. Gwen Proctor’s transformation from hunted survivor to relentless protector makes for an unforgettable thriller. Gwen’s fight for justice will keep you turning pages.

Have you read the Stillhouse Lake series? Let’s chat in the comments!

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