Wolfhunter River is the third in Ms. Caine’s Stillhouse Lake series, and while I think it can be read as a standalone novel, you’d be best served reading the first two in the series. You can read my review of the second right here.

Gwen Proctor is still recovering from the chaos and pain her serial-killer ex, Melvin Royal, inflicted on her and her children. Life is finally starting to calm down ... until the mother of one of Melvin’s victims ambushes her during a TV interview designed to set the record straight and announces she intends to make a documentary exposing Gwen, increasing the frenzy of the internet mob Gwen and her kids have been dealing with for years. Only this time, Miranda Tidewell actually does have information that could end Gwen’s world as she knows it. Add to that, a series of letters that come from beyond the grave and you think you know where we’re going. But you don’t. Not really. Not this time.

This time, when a call comes in from someone who needs her help, Gwen’s first instinct is to ignore it. Until a second call comes from the woman’s daughter and Gwen, her partner, Sam and their two kids are on the road to Wolfhunter River. Immediately, they stumble into a mess that includes a kidnapped child, missing women, corrupt cops, an unassuming and inept lawyer and a coverup of massive proportions. Once again, Gwen must fight to protect herself, her kids, her partner, and her life as she knows it - and she does it with all the ferocity we’ve come to expect from the series.

Wolfhunter River is told mostly in Gwen and Sam’s voices, though we do hear from the perspective of both kids - tough, lovesick Lanny and smart, tech-savvy Connor. I enjoy that touch. These kids are downright likable, and while there was a little bit much going on for my liking with separate yet intersecting plots, Wolfhunter River is a quick and enjoyable read and a great way to (hopefully!) introduce a new arc to one of my all-time favorite characters.

If you’ve never read any of the series, I suggest you get started. You won’t be disappointed!