Killman Creek

I picked this up because I really did enjoy the first book in the series. I am learning that I love Rachel Caine! I am pretty sure there isn't anything she would write that I wouldn't love. She has a great style with a perfect balance of drama, suspense, and awesome characters. This second book in the Stillhouse Lake series is as good as the first and a must-read for anyone who liked book 1. You learn more about the characters you want to keep reading just to see if and what the resolution will be all and all a great read.

Yes! I picked up Killman Creek because I was hoping that it would get me out of my reading slump after the last book was such a disappointment and I was so right! I could not have picked a better time to read this book because my love for reading and books has been restored and all's right with the world again. I am going to try pacing myself in reading the rest of the books because they are addictive and extraordinary and I want to saviour every page and chapter. Rachel Caine has created a masterpiece with this series and because she is such a fantastic writer and storyteller, I will be reading all of her previous works as well, even if they are not my usual genre. That is how amazing I find her work to be.

First of, the second installment in the Stillhouse Lake series follows Gwen, who is now juggling taking care of her two damaged kids and also trying to find her serial killer husband, who has escaped from prison and is now terrorizing her to no end. I seriously didn't think it was possible that anything could come close to being as good as the first book in the series but the second installment has done it. I am not a series type of person but I am not fully invested in the story and the characters and I will not be able to hold off reading the rest of them for a long time whatsoever. The plot was genius and I couldn't wait to see where the story would take us and it blew me out of the water. I was on the rollercoaster holding on for dear life and it was exhilarating and horrifying all at the same time and an experience like no other. It's even hard to put this book into words, you just have to experience it for yourself.

Secondly, the characterization was otherworldly. The characters are far from perfect and they are damaged beyond repair and yet they keep fighting on, however they possibly can. There are a lot of truths in between the pages of this book about the human species and all the ways in which we differ as individuals and are also very much alike. Gwen is probably one of my favorite heroines in all the books I have ever read because she is the embodiment of perseverance and one kickass chick. I aspire to be more like her and she has definitely affected me in multiple ways for the better.

Thirdly, the writing style is my absolute favorite. It's precise and to the point and I don't find myself having to reread paragraphs for clarification like I sometimes do with other works. It flows so smoothly and paints a vivid picture in what is happening with just enough detail to get the complete picture of it. Her writing style is just a joy and I raced through this book just as I thought I would. Talk about all the elements working together to create one flawless and unforgettable work.

In conclusion, this series is by far my favorite thriller series of all time. I am so glad I gave these books a chance because they are unlike anything I have read before. Not only do they keep you on the edge of your seat but the second one in the series somehow was more exhilarating in my opinion and that is no small feat. I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen and it's a must read in my book that's for sure. If you don't check it out, you are missing out definitely. This book is everything a fantastic thriller should be.