Description
“This was exactly the kind of psychological thriller I love—a slow burn that still managed to keep me hooked all the way through.”
CherAnn Wright, Author “Where Secrets Stay”
In the isolated mountain town of Stillwater, a series of tragic deaths begins to form a disturbing pattern that Sheriff Martin Cain can’t ignore. Sixteen-year-old Carter Thompson, a want-to-be detective with a brilliant mind and meticulous attention to detail, is eager to prove himself and be the hero that helps solve the crimes. The sheriff’s daughter Mary wants to rekindle her childhood friendship with Carter, but she is unaware of the darkness that has all but consumed him since the tragic death of his parents, and the lengths Carter will go to be seen.
Against a backdrop of small-town secrets and complex relationships, a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds that will test the bonds of friendship, family, and trust—proving that despite Stillwater’s deceptively calm surface, the most dangerous currents run deep.
An “on the edge” suspenseful thriller that will leave you guessing until the end!
Noam Kroll –
Loved this book. The small-town setting feels so authentic, and complete draws you in. The characters are great and keep you deeply invested in the narrative. A rare mystery that’s both emotional and suspenseful. Highly recommend.
Michael Alan Gibbons –
Great read, I finished it in 3 days because I couldn’t put it down!
Maureen B. (verified owner) –
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. I sat down to start this book and figured I’d read a little and then get through my very long to-do list. I am officially blaming this book because I did nothing but read! I was hooked at the start and everytime I was sure the story would go one way it was the complete opposite, and I just had to find out what was going to happen. Amazing book!!
Kelsayo –
Through the story it was clear to see the author’s cinematic influences and education. The scene descriptions were vivid without being overly flowery, and no sentence went to waste. Each chapter built on the last and strongly propelled the story forward. I didn’t feel like anything could have been cut and I didn’t find myself skimming over sections.
There were truly points where I was gasping out loud when things heated up with major reveals and turns in the main mystery. I found the small town setting pretty relatable, although some may find it a little cliché in the beginning. I promise you the story gets more real and much darker as it progresses. Getting to know each character and uncovering their web of connections was so fun. When I thought I had things pinned down, my assumptions were almost immediately challenged.
Stillwater felt like a smart read that kept me engaged and guessing through the very end. Highly recommend if you’re a fan of mysteries and supporting independent authors.
Mitchell Abraham –
Couldn’t Put it Down!
I was awake my entire red eye finishing the last half of the book. Having grown up in a small town myself, Parenteau truly captures what life in a place like that feels like. His writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go – the relationships feel real, and the twists kept me guessing the whole way through. Definitely won’t be the last of his books I read
Terry Frechette –
Couldn’t put it down. This is a great read.
Elise Jones –
Great content with interesting characters that lead you on an adventure while keeping you entertained. Good start for this author.
David Poole –
I started “Stillwater” on Sunday, read it over lunch on Monday and Tuesday, then woke up early on Wednesday to finish it. Parenteau’s characters are dimensional, his settings and moods are quite cinematic, and a number of his descriptions elicited an “ I never thought of it that way, but that describes it perfectly” reaction. It was a fun read and I hope he’ll be gracing us with more of his words.
Eric Englund –
Typically, I do not read novels. However, a buddy of mine recently read Stillwater and stated that I would enjoy it. So, he loaned me his copy and I must say that this novel did not disappoint. John Parenteau did an excellent job of developing this book’s characters. Moreover, Parenteau’s writing style is vivid and engaging to the point where you feel as if you are personally bearing witness to this unfolding murder-mystery. There are twists and turns leading up to a climactic scene. The next thing you know you’ve finished reading this book without putting it down. I read Stillwater over a weekend and that’s something I rarely do. To be sure, I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
CherAnn Wright –
This was exactly the kind of psychological thriller I love—a slow burn that still managed to keep me hooked all the way through. The pacing struck a perfect balance: steady enough to let the tension build, but never so slow that I lost interest. Carter’s story was both chilling and heartbreaking, and the small-town setting added the perfect layer of atmosphere and unease. CherAnn Wright, Author