Darkwater Lane

Stillhouse Lake #7

by Rachel Caine, Carrie Ryan

It’s time for Gwen Proctor to bury her past—before it buries her.

For years, the Lost Angels have hunted Gwen, blaming her for the murders committed by her ex-husband, Melvin Royal. Now, they’ve found a new a viral true-crime podcast that drags Gwen and her family back into the spotlight—and into the path of a deadly new danger.

Then the FBI arrives with a chilling someone is killing Gwen’s enemies, leaving behind a twisted signature that links the crimes to Melvin. The evidence points to the last person Gwen ever expected—Sam Cade, the man she’s come to trust with her heart.

With her family’s safety at stake, Gwen returns to Stillhouse Lake for a final confrontation. But as the bodies pile up and the doubts about Sam grow, Gwen must face the one question she’s been running She trusted the wrong man once before…

What if she’s about to do it again?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2025

About the author

Rachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.

She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell

Her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainef...

Her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcaine...

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen aka Gina is one of the strongest characters I’ve come across. She would climb mountains, slay dragons, and most probably starve to death to keep her family safe. I’ve walked through all 7 books with her, and each one has been great.

I would have liked a little more Lanny and Connor time, but I also felt they deserved the rest too. It ended brilliantly, and I hope it’s not the end, but if it is, that’s ok too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Darkwater Lane is the seventh and final book in the Stillhouse Lake series. This is a very satisfying conclusion to a really good series.

I’ve really enjoyed this dark mystery series about Gwen, whose husband was a serial killer. This was a wonderful conclusion to the series.

This was an emotional read for me since the author was not able to finish the series herself. But Carrie Ann Ryan did a great job and I’m so happy that she gave the series the ending that it deserved.

In this book there is a new mystery to be solved. Someone is killing Gwen’s enemies. Also there is a podcast about Gwen and her serial killer husband. This is causing even more problems for her family. I really liked seeing Gwen, Sam, Lanny and Connor for one last time.

Overall this was a really good conclusion to the series.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Reagan Tenenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll miss this series

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We’re all capable of murder, don’t you think? It’s just a matter of finding the right buttons.”

The final in the Stillhouse Lake series - book 7. I didn't know about this one until I saw it pop up days before it published. I was surprised and so excited. Going along with this family - as Gwen and the kids realized their husband/dad was a monster, a serial killer. To hiding, protecting themselves, and always living vigilantly cautious, this family has really been through it all. And this story was no different.

But this story is the conclusion. It's the grand finale and, I think, the one we needed to finally be able to leave this family, knowing they are finally in the best place they can be. However, that's for the end. The beginning finds them still reeling from the previous book's twists and turns and ill-prepared for the new horrors to begin. It was hard, at times, to read this one, because I was rooting so hard for this family. The conclusion was worth it, though. Another great addition, I'm sad to finally let this one conclude.

[BLRBabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was definitely tension and stakes in the story, and it was great to be reunited with Gwen, Sam, Connor, and Lanny. However, this felt more like a rehash of the same than a compelling story. The villain was obvious, and the repetitive dialogues and sentiments between Gwen and the kids were tiresome. Sam’s actions were merely for plot, and the constant recall of events from previous books dragged the story down. I missed the investigative parts and the conclusion was abrupt. I enjoyed where characters ended up in epilogue. Despite these flaws, it was still a decent read.

[Kristen Glick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yall I had to fight through this one I can’t lie. The first half was soooooo slow and I feel like the series has gotten pretty repetitive by now. The end was relatively entertaining though and I’m glad I finished it.

[Jessica Rogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish we were able to get other characters POVs in this one, especially Sam’s. I think it would’ve really added layers to the story to get those perspectives (Sam, Kez, etc) and see what they were thinking as the mystery was unfolding. Ultimately I think this was a satisfying end to such a great series. I’m glad we got to see the characters finally get to the other side of all the madness and get to live their lives openly and authentically. I’m happy that Carrie Ryan was able to carry out Rachel Caine’s vision for the series finale. 4.5🌟

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkwater Lane by Rachel Caine & Carrie Ryan

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
🌊Can I give this higher than a gold medal!?
🌊This is one of my FAVORITE series EVER!!!!!!!!
🌊I am so sad that this series has come to an end.
🌊This was the 7th and final in the Stillhouse Lake series.
🌊Unfortunately, Rachel passed away from cancer while writing the 6th book, Trapper Road but Carrie Ryan did a phenomenal job finishing it and an equally as good of a job writing this finale.
🌊It has been almost 3 years since I finished the last one so I was a little afraid I would not remember the story line but everything I needed to know was recapped so well in the beginning and a new and addicting story was introduced. I literally read this in less than 2 days.
🌊I absolutely adore the found family trope present in these.
🌊Gwen is a serious BA who never gives up and will stop at nothing to protect her kids and family.
🌊Sam. Gosh I just love him 🥺
🌊Kez and Javi are perfection and I love how they protect Gwen’s kids.
🌊There was so much growth between Lanny and Connor.
🌊I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end the series.
🌊I wouldn’t change a single thing about this book or series.
🌊Thank you to Rachel Caine and Carrie Ryan for the arc of this masterpiece. It releases July 1st!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darkwater Lane was the 7th and final book in the Stillhouse Lake series and sadly my least favorite. The first six were either 4 or 5 stars reads for me. This was barely 3 stars, more like 2.5. The first 75% of the book was a rehash of the first six books and a continuous pontification about keeping her two children, Lanny and Connor safe and a lot of fluff. The book really didn’t start to improve until the last quarter. I applaud Carrie Ryan’s attempt to try and finish the series for Rachel Caine, but, it just didn’t cut it. Honestly I think you can skip this one and know Gwen and Sam lived happily ever after.

[Lackof_shelf_control · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad it’s over 😭

Review coming soon!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[Anna Violette]

I hope there will be an audio version!

[Kaylee Stidham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will forever be my FAV thriller ever, such a good ending to a great series 🩷

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkwater Lane
Stillhouse Lake Series Finale
Rachel Caine & Carrie Ryan

Darkwater Lane is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the Stillhouse Lake series. I was thrilled to receive an ARC, having followed this series from the very beginning, and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. The mystery and suspense are just as dark and gripping as all of the precious books. I devoured it!

I won’t lie, I’m incredibly sad that this series has come to an end. But I'm deeply grateful that Carrie completed Rachel’s vision after her tragic passing in 2020. The story carries Rachel’s spirit beautifully, and the Acknowledgments had me in tears. It was a sweet reminder of how much she is missed in the book world.

I highly recommend the Stillhouse Lake series to any thriller fan. And if you're new to Rachel’s work, don’t miss her other series, especially The Weather Wardens and my personal favorite, The Morganville Vampires.

Rachel’s legacy lives on through these unforgettable stories. 💔📚

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Thriller / Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Darkwater Lane is the Seventh and final installment in a series created by Rachel Caine, and finished by Carrie Ryan after Rachel's death a few years ago. Published by Rachel Caine, LLC, this novel concludes the intense journey of Gwen Proctor, a woman relentlessly pursued by the shadows of her serial-killer ex-husband, Melvin Royal, and his rabid fans, known as the Sicko Squad. Darkwater Lane delivers a high-stakes, emotionally charged finale that blends psychological suspense, family drama, and relentless action.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Jenna Gauding · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨ I could not put this series down! So happy with the ending! Seriously such a good series and would recommend to anyone!!

[Breia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great series! I love that it continued after the author unfortunately died. I recommend this series to people all the time.

[Olivia Blablo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhh i’m sad for this series to end

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkwater Lane brings the amazing Stillwater Lake series to a close.

Carrie Ryan did a wonderful job with the last two books, bringing the series to a satisfying end after the untimely death of author Rachel Caine. This has been a great series from the start, and the story maintains momentum and quathrought each of the seven books.

I’m sorry it’s over but pleased with how it wrapped up.

[Cady Vasaturo · Rating 3 out of 5]

feels bittersweet to be done with this series 🥺 so happy for the characters but going to miss them! i do feel like not a lot happened in this one, and it was a little predictable, but overall a great way to wrap up the series & love how everything came together full circle!

[Bri M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it really over? 😭

[Emily Wiebold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standing ovation for an absolutely stellar series! These characters hold a piece of my heart.

[Kathy Brackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing ending to a great series!!! Thank you Rachel your stories will live forever💛💛

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t emotional. The last book of my absolute favorite series. My comfort series. I took my sweet time reading it because I didn’t want it to be over. This series, is the one I recommend to any reader whenever I get the chance. I have to give credit to the narrator on the audio book too, she MAKES you feel like it’s Gwen speaking. Not just someone reading the book.

Usually I lose interest in series fast. Every single one of these was an honest 5 star for me. The story, the character development, the raw emotion you feel, the pain, anxiety, trauma and justice.

This entire series should be in the hands or ears of every reader at some point. (I recommend the audio for this one)

The Stillhouse Lake series will always be my favorite, and this last book, so so special 🖤🪄

Witch approved 🪄 ding

[Mia 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad to see this series ending, but so happy the characters finally got their happy ending and can stop looking over their shoulders. I loved watching them get the closure they deserved and move on with their lives. I enjoyed the entire plot of this series and the twists kept me hooked the whole way through. It’s also bittersweet knowing the main author has passed away, but I’m glad her vision was able to live on and give these characters the send-off they deserved.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. For those hesitant to read because of Rachel's passing, Carrie Ryan does a wonderful job writing. Rachel would be pleased.
Gwen and Sam had many hurdles ahead of them, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat

[Maddie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sooo sad this series is over 🥲 please read if you love a good thriller! All 7 books are amazing

[Catherine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m literally crying over this book and series wtf. i have spent the last couple of months with the proctor family and i’m so sad it’s officially over. i really loved this book and i felt like it wrapped up everything so well. would highly recommend this series!!

[Julia Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to wrap this series up. This family has my heart.

[Taylor Rabbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

sad to be caught up tbh