Book Review: Trapper Road by Rachel Caine

Trapper Road
Author: Rachel Caine & Carrie Ryan
Series: A Stillhouse Road Novel (Book 6)
Publication: Rachel Caine, LLC. (August 2, 2022)

Description: Sometimes danger comes from the most unexpected places.

Gwen Proctor has always been willing to do anything it takes to protect her kids. But there are some things even she can’t protect them from. When a violent incident at Connor’s school brings the press to Gwen’s doorstep, she agrees to take a case out of town hoping to keep her family out of the crushing media spotlight.

The case is that of a missing girl, last seen getting into a truck with a stranger before disappearing. Gwen has a reputation for finding those who are lost, but this time something is wrong. Her instincts are off, and every clue she uncovers only raises more doubts, not just about the missing girl and the circumstances of her disappearance, but also about the fragile safety Gwen’s created for her family.

The closer she comes to uncovering the truth, the more she unwittingly puts those she loves at risk. Someone from Gwen’s past doesn’t appreciate the new life she’s built for herself and is willing to do anything it takes to tear it apart. Except this time it isn’t Gwen in the crosshairs, but her partner Sam. Without her instincts to rely on, how can Gwen protect those she loves against an enemy she never sees coming?

My Thoughts: The sixth book in the Stillhouse Lake series finds Gwen and her family settled in Knoxville. She's working as a private investigator and the kids are in school and getting older and more independent. 

However, the problems that had them moving from place to place have not ended. She will always be the former wife of a serial killer and the kids will always have him as a father. And social media trolls will always blame them for what her former husband did. 

When Connor's only friend at school brings a gun to school and shoots a couple of fellow classmates, the court of public opinion is quick to assume that Connor had something to do with what his friend did. Connor is also spending time on the dark web in chat rooms about his father trying to find out more about him and bring facts to the various discussions. He knows his mother hates his father, but he remembers the good things about his father and is very conflicted about how he should feel about him. 

Lanny would like to put it all behind her and begin to live a more normal life. She is looking forward to a college weekend visit where no one will know who her father was. But the Lost Angels website isn't willing to leave her alone and sends along threats to harm her. 

Gwen decides to take a case out of town to get Connor away from the Press that won't leave him alone. Family friend and adopted daughter Vee goes along. The case is that of a missing person - a teenage girl - who has been gone for a couple of months. Gwen isn't sure what she can do. The police did all the right things including calling in the State investigators and the FBI, but they didn't find her. 

As Gwen, Connor and Vee investigate, they find some troubling things and run afoul of some other evil people. Meanwhile, Gwen's partner Sam is having his own problems when he goes to Stillhouse Lake where the home they were forced out of and are now renting looks like it has become a crime scene. Large amounts of blood are found in the house that tests show belongs to the man who took over the Lost Angels website and has a particular grudge against Sam. But there is no body. Also Sam should have had an alibi since he was with Lanny on her college visit but someone has spoofed cameras that track license plates making it look like Sam was there when the blood was deposited. 

I like that the story is told from multiple viewpoints. I also liked that it was packed with action and danger. I'm glad that Carrie Ryan was able to take over and finish this book after Rachel Caine died of cancer. There is certainly room for more stories in the series. 

Favorite Quote:

I remind myself of what my therapist likes to tell me: sometimes you have to give people space to make bad decisions. It's the only way they'll learn how to make good ones.

But damn, it's not easy.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.