Summary
Gwen Proctor had worked hard to rebuild her life after her husband shattered it with his secrets. But when Melvin Royal escapes from prison, he sets his sights on "Gina Royal" and their kids. Gwen is no stranger to being on the run. When Melvin partners with Absalom, it becomes impossible to outrun the past and the hunter becomes the prey.
I know in my heart that it all comes down to us. Mr. and Mrs. Royal.
In the end, it always has.
Analysis
When I heard that Rachel Caine was released a sequel to Stillhouse Lake, I couldn't wait to read it. Stillhouse Lake was a powerful thriller that gave me a "book-hangover" for days. Naturally, I had similar expectations with the second novel, Killman Creek.
One of the things I love the most about Rachel Caine, is her ability to really make you care about the characters. Gwen Proctor is one of the most well developed characters I have read in a long time. She is both fierce and fragile. She functions on instinct and self-training. I always thought that serial killers were dangerous, but Gwen Proctor, with nothing to lose, is a creature I would never want to meet in the dark
The relationships between characters is another great feature of this book. Not only the relationships between Gwen and her kids, but her partner (for lack of a better term) Sam. There is a whole dynamic between Sam and Gwen that defies logic and yet is so completely relatable that it nearly tears you in two.
I found that most of the book was written with a similar sense of realism. It was easy to picture the scenes as they played out. The gestures of the characters and actions seemed logical and natural. This allowed me to feel as if I was immersed in the story, following along easily with Gwen and the other characters.
The pace was excellent. It kept me ramped up with only slight reprieves that let me "catch my breath" between tense moments. I didn't find any editing stumbling blocks, making the read smooth and effortless.
I will admit, that I wish that there had been more interaction between Connor and his Dad. I felt as if much of what was implied was simply assumed, and although it worked, I think something more tangible would have been better. I liked the way Connor was torn between what his mother taught him and what his father was telling him, but I felt that there was too few scenes in which this came into play.
One of the things I love the most about Rachel Caine, is her ability to really make you care about the characters. Gwen Proctor is one of the most well developed characters I have read in a long time. She is both fierce and fragile. She functions on instinct and self-training. I always thought that serial killers were dangerous, but Gwen Proctor, with nothing to lose, is a creature I would never want to meet in the dark
The relationships between characters is another great feature of this book. Not only the relationships between Gwen and her kids, but her partner (for lack of a better term) Sam. There is a whole dynamic between Sam and Gwen that defies logic and yet is so completely relatable that it nearly tears you in two.
I found that most of the book was written with a similar sense of realism. It was easy to picture the scenes as they played out. The gestures of the characters and actions seemed logical and natural. This allowed me to feel as if I was immersed in the story, following along easily with Gwen and the other characters.
The pace was excellent. It kept me ramped up with only slight reprieves that let me "catch my breath" between tense moments. I didn't find any editing stumbling blocks, making the read smooth and effortless.
I will admit, that I wish that there had been more interaction between Connor and his Dad. I felt as if much of what was implied was simply assumed, and although it worked, I think something more tangible would have been better. I liked the way Connor was torn between what his mother taught him and what his father was telling him, but I felt that there was too few scenes in which this came into play.
Final Thoughts
Killman Creek was an excellent read. I would have rated it a 4.7 or 4.8, but for the sake of this review, I am rounding it up and giving it a 5. This book must absolutely be read following the first in the series, Stillhouse Lake. I do not recommend it be read as a stand-alone novel.
Killman Creek was excellently written.The characters and imagery really draw you into the story. Gwen Proctor is a fierce warrior that you can not help but fall in love with. With Melvin Royal and her past looming over their heads, her relationship with Sam is both complicated and dangerous, making this one of my favorite reads so far this year.
Killman Creek was excellently written.The characters and imagery really draw you into the story. Gwen Proctor is a fierce warrior that you can not help but fall in love with. With Melvin Royal and her past looming over their heads, her relationship with Sam is both complicated and dangerous, making this one of my favorite reads so far this year.
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