Wolfhunter River

by Rachel Caine

Thomas & Mercer

Publication Date : April 23, 2019

Pages : 334

Synopsis From Publisher:

Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she can’t seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isn’t an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.

But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already dead—her own daughter blamed for the murder. Except that’s not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isn’t leaving until she finds out who that was.

But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And it’s poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, it’s so easy for them to hide…

There is trouble in Wolfhunter River, Tennessee. Young women are disappearing and the police are making little progress in their investigation. At the end of a terrible day, Gwen Proctor receives a cryptic call from a Wolfhunter River resident. The woman is requesting Gwen come to Wolfhunter River, but will not provide any details. Initially Gwen believes the call may be a trap laid by her enemies but a few days later she receives another call from Wolfhunter River. Although Gwen is under an extreme amount of stress, she packs up her family and heads to Wolfhunter River. Upon their arrival Gwen realizes she may have jumped from the pot into the fire.

Wolfhunter River is the third book of The Stillhouse Lake Series. In the first book of the series Stillhouse Lake, we meet Gwen Proctor, ex-wife of notorious serial killer Melvin Royal. Gwen and her children are on the run from the families of Melvin’s victims, internet trolls, and vigilante groups. Book two of the series, Killman Creek offered a conclusion to Gwen’s story but left me wanting more. I was so happy to learn a third book was in the works and Gwen’s story would continue. However I was wondering where Caine could go with Gwen’s story. In Wolfhunter River, Gwen and her family begin a new journey; they have been transformed from victims to avengers. 

Gwen has spent years trying to outrun her husband, his followers, and the families of her husband’s victims. She is hyper aware of the consistent target on her and her children’s backs. In Wolfhunter River, Gwen discovers there are many more monsters in the world; not just the ones she is trying to outrun. In Wolfhunter River, I believe Gwen learns she is not at the center of every battle. I am not saying that Gwen is self-centered, she is quite the opposite. However she carries a lot of guilt and shame, believing she is the cause of grief for the ones she loves. When Gwen makes this discovery, I can visualize the weight coming off her shoulders. Now that she has been relieved of this guilt she can begin to move forward with her life. 

Many kudos to Caine for creating such a diverse cast of characters. In each book of The Stillhouse Lake Series, Caine features African-Americans and Latinos in key roles. The diverse cast gives the series a realistic and relatable touch. Caine touches on the opioid epidemic which has affected many small towns across the country and social issues concerning our justice system. These touchy subjects are addressed with tact and sensitivity. 

Wolfhunter River marks a turning point for Gwen and her family. They are coming out of the shadows. Each with a new purpose, aware of the past but looking forward to the future. I am very excited to see what the future holds for Gwen. Readers looking for a high octane read full of heart should add Wolfhunter River to their list of must reads. 

** Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for my free review copy of Wolfhunter River**

Murder and Moore Rating : 

5 out of 5 Stars