⚠️cw: murder, torture, rape, kidnapping, and graphic descriptions 

Gina Royal has a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she remakes herself as Gwen Proctor―the strong, protective warrior mom. With her ex in prison, Gwen finds refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of internet stalkers who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace. But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new home, a body turns up in the lake―and threatening letters start arriving. Gwen must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed, or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her.

Girl gang book club December read! This book was an intense thriller and we all enjoyed it. A bit graphic and gory at times, the story follows a mom who was forced to become strong and independent to protect her children in the wake of the husband’s conviction for multiple murders. I loved Gwen’s character and her resilience. I also liked that the book took a unique approach to a serial killer plot line and focused on the unsuspecting family trying to rebuild their lives from the ashes of atrocity. The plot started off a little slow, but the suspense really came alive in the second half of the book and I was racing to the end to see what happened. The book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, but there are six books in this series, so the story continues. Check trigger warnings for sure but if you’re looking for an eerie and suspenseful thriller, look no further!