In this 4th instalment from the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series, titled Stillwater Island, Author Gregg Olsen returns with another mind-bending journey of protagonist Megan, as she navigates through another chilling case with high stakes.
Plot Overview
Detective Megan Carpenter is called to investigate when Ben Parker, a wealthy suburban father, reports his wife Marlena and their young son missing in the middle of a freezing winter night. Arriving at their upscale home, Megan finds a picture-perfect family—or so it seems. Clues quickly suggest deeper troubles: Marlena is pregnant, a fact Ben suspiciously omits; the couple is separated, and rumors of infidelity and domestic discord surface.
As Megan digs deeper, she uncovers the body of a young woman believed to be Ben’s secret girlfriend, with Ben’s watch ominously nearby. While her team feels confident they’ve solved the case, Megan remains uneasy, sensing larger forces at play. The Parker family’s wealth and influence, including ownership of a private island, hint at hidden agendas and potential cover-ups. When Megan turns her attention to the mysterious island, a shocking twist changes everything, pushing her to race against time to find Marlena and her child before it’s too late.
Review
Olsen masterfully weaves tension and atmosphere, keeping readers on edge from the eerie opening to the final twist. Megan Carpenter continues to be a compelling protagonist—sharp, intuitive, and deeply human—while the layered plot keeps momentum high with red herrings and unexpected turns. The suburban setting, contrasted with the isolation of the private island, adds a claustrophobic intensity, making the danger feel both close and inescapable. Olsen’s crisp prose and eye for detail enhance the suspense, making this a standout in the series.
Personal View
What stood out to me most in Stillwater Island was how the author skillfully peeled back the layers of a seemingly perfect life to reveal something far more sinister. The pacing was sharp, and every time I thought I had figured things out, a new twist shifted the narrative in a completely different direction. I appreciated Megan’s relentless pursuit of the truth, even when it put her at odds with her team, which added depth and realism to her character. The emotional stakes felt particularly high in this book, especially with a mother and child at the center of the mystery, which kept me deeply invested. The island setting was both atmospheric and symbolic, amplifying the sense of isolation, entrapment, and hidden danger. The author’s ability to again appropriately blend personal drama with procedural detail made this a standout read for me in the detective genre.
Conclusion
Stillwater Island delivers a gripping, atmospheric thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page. Fans of crime fiction and detective series will find plenty to love here, and Megan Carpenter’s latest case is one of her most chilling yet. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy their mysteries with rich characters and relentless suspense.
