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The Lodge
It’s so quiet at the lodge. But if you listen very hard, you can hear the screams.
Anna has rebuilt her life after a toxic relationship with her obsessive, controlling ex, Clayton. She's finally found happiness with her fiancé, Joel, a veterinarian in the running for a dream job on a game reserve in South Africa.
When Joel is asked to interview at the luxurious safari lodge, Anna is delighted to be invited too. But her exotic holiday takes a sinister turn when she discovers that toxic ex Clayton is also a guest at the lodge.
Clayton seems happy with his new girlfriend, but Anna isn’t buying it. She doesn't believe in coincidences, and her gut tells her that Clayton is here for all the wrong reasons.
And she’s right. Because what Clayton has planned is beyond her worst nightmare. She escaped him once before – but this time he’s prepared the perfect trap.
The Lodge – the shocking psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Visitors and What She Knew.
Anna has rebuilt her life after a toxic relationship with her obsessive, controlling ex, Clayton. She's finally found happiness with her fiancé, Joel, a veterinarian in the running for a dream job on a game reserve in South Africa.
When Joel is asked to interview at the luxurious safari lodge, Anna is delighted to be invited too. But her exotic holiday takes a sinister turn when she discovers that toxic ex Clayton is also a guest at the lodge.
Clayton seems happy with his new girlfriend, but Anna isn’t buying it. She doesn't believe in coincidences, and her gut tells her that Clayton is here for all the wrong reasons.
And she’s right. Because what Clayton has planned is beyond her worst nightmare. She escaped him once before – but this time he’s prepared the perfect trap.
The Lodge – the shocking psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Visitors and What She Knew.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2023
906 people are currently reading
1317 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books877 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
July 4, 2023
You know those aircraft marshalls who direct on-ground traffic at airports with illuminated batons? Well, I felt like that while reading this book. I was frantically waving my baton, trying to get Anna’s attention to keep her from making terrible choices.
Author Miranda Rijks makes sure readers feel the anxiety and suffocating effects of being in a toxic relationship and choreographs her setting to enhance the feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
It all begins with Anna’s fiance getting a job offer he can’t refuse - a vet’s position in South Africa. Should he be hired, his job will involve assisting in the rehabilitation of injured animals at a reserve. When he shows Anna the pamphlet for Twivali Safari Reserve and Lodge, she hesitantly agrees to go for the interview with him. Who wouldn’t want to experience ten thousand hectares of unspoiled African bushland, see the Big Five and stay at a luxurious lodge?! Could you do it knowing that it’d be a complete digital detox?
I know what you’re thinking. Isolated setting. No form of communication. Surrounded by wild game. And men with guns. You’d be right to be tense.
At times I felt there were just too many coincidences, but it didn’t overshadow the intense, well-written read. I appreciated the different points of view and the well-crafted atmosphere.
Do you think fear is real? Or is it simply an imagined thought about something which may or may not happen? Perhaps you’ll change your mind after this story….
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Miranda Rijks makes sure readers feel the anxiety and suffocating effects of being in a toxic relationship and choreographs her setting to enhance the feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
It all begins with Anna’s fiance getting a job offer he can’t refuse - a vet’s position in South Africa. Should he be hired, his job will involve assisting in the rehabilitation of injured animals at a reserve. When he shows Anna the pamphlet for Twivali Safari Reserve and Lodge, she hesitantly agrees to go for the interview with him. Who wouldn’t want to experience ten thousand hectares of unspoiled African bushland, see the Big Five and stay at a luxurious lodge?! Could you do it knowing that it’d be a complete digital detox?
I know what you’re thinking. Isolated setting. No form of communication. Surrounded by wild game. And men with guns. You’d be right to be tense.
At times I felt there were just too many coincidences, but it didn’t overshadow the intense, well-written read. I appreciated the different points of view and the well-crafted atmosphere.
Do you think fear is real? Or is it simply an imagined thought about something which may or may not happen? Perhaps you’ll change your mind after this story….
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 11, 2023
Anna has rebuilt her life after a toxic relationship with her obsessive, controlling ex, Clayton. She's finally found happiness with her fiancé, Joel, a veterinarian in the running for a dream job on a game reserve in South Africa. When Joel is asked to interview at luxurious safari lodge, Anna is delighted to be invited too. But her exotic holiday takes a sinister turn when she discovers that her toxic ex Clayton is also a guest at the lodge. Clayton seems happy with his new girlfriend, but Anna wasn't buying it. She doesn't believe in coincidences, and her gut tells her that Clayton is here for all the wrong reasons.
Anna had been in a controlling relationship two years ago. Now, she is happily engaged to Joel. Joel is going to South Africa for a job interview and takes Anna with him. But when something feels to good to be true.... When they get to the reserve, Clayton is there. Is this just a coincidence that they're there at the same time? Or is there something more sinister going on?
At first, I wasn't sure where this book was taking me, but I certainly enjoyed getting there. I love a Miranda Rijks book. They're always fast paced, filled with twists and turns and I'm always quickly pulled into the story. I loved the setting, the well-developed characters and the authors writing style. I was second guessing myself trying to figure it out. I loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheLodge in exchange for an honest review.
Anna had been in a controlling relationship two years ago. Now, she is happily engaged to Joel. Joel is going to South Africa for a job interview and takes Anna with him. But when something feels to good to be true.... When they get to the reserve, Clayton is there. Is this just a coincidence that they're there at the same time? Or is there something more sinister going on?
At first, I wasn't sure where this book was taking me, but I certainly enjoyed getting there. I love a Miranda Rijks book. They're always fast paced, filled with twists and turns and I'm always quickly pulled into the story. I loved the setting, the well-developed characters and the authors writing style. I was second guessing myself trying to figure it out. I loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheLodge in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2023
A thriller set on a game park in South Africa… um, yes please. I have always wanted to travel and do a safari, and see the lions and tigers in the wild. How amazing would that be!?
Anna is now happy in a relationship with Joel. They are engaged and things are going well. All that is about to change when Joel is invited to visit a game park in South Africa to interview for a job working as a vet. It is his dream job, but Anna is hesitant. She is finally convinced to go with Joel, all expenses paid. The lodge and grounds are stunning, more than she could have ever imagined. And then she meets the other guests, one being her ex boyfriend Clayton, a man she believed to be dead. And it seems he is still in love with her. Can this be a coincidence or does Clayton have a plan?
I just loved the setting, the animals and the isolation. It was an atmospheric read, and ai really did feel as if ai was a guest there. It is a wild ride, and not at all predictable. A really fun and fast read.
Thank you Miranda Rijks for sending me an advanced copy to read. Publishes on July 26th.
Anna is now happy in a relationship with Joel. They are engaged and things are going well. All that is about to change when Joel is invited to visit a game park in South Africa to interview for a job working as a vet. It is his dream job, but Anna is hesitant. She is finally convinced to go with Joel, all expenses paid. The lodge and grounds are stunning, more than she could have ever imagined. And then she meets the other guests, one being her ex boyfriend Clayton, a man she believed to be dead. And it seems he is still in love with her. Can this be a coincidence or does Clayton have a plan?
I just loved the setting, the animals and the isolation. It was an atmospheric read, and ai really did feel as if ai was a guest there. It is a wild ride, and not at all predictable. A really fun and fast read.
Thank you Miranda Rijks for sending me an advanced copy to read. Publishes on July 26th.
July 6, 2023
This is my 2nd book by Miranda Rijks and wow did it keep me turning the pages faster than I thought I could. Anna had been engaged to Clayton (I call him Crazy Clayton that made me want to throw my kindle across the room a few times because of him. Ha) but then he turned up dead. Only he was faking. Anna met a new guy, Joel and fell head over heels in love with him. He was offered a job in South Africa , an all expense paid trip paid so of course, they went. Things started to go wrong, I wasn’t sure where this was going but lots of twists and turns thrown in. Had me totally engaged from the very first page. A quick read for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published July 2023.
August 12, 2023
I love Miranda Rijks, and have read several of her books! This one did not disappoint! I absolutely loved it! I am a great lover of animals, and this book is set in South Africa!! I loved the descriptions of the land and it’s animals! I would love to go on a safari someday. So I didn’t want this one to end! The story was interesting. Anna and her fiancé are invited to an interview for Joel to be a veterinarian at the game lodge. Is it coincidence or not that Anna’s controlling ex just happens to be invited to the same lodge?! And the excitement and tragedies start to abound! While the book did leave one annoying question at the end, I still had to give 5 stars! I really enjoyed this one!
July 8, 2023
I think this is the best setting for a book yet. South Africa out in the bush in a remote lodge surrounded by wild safari animals. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting. The Lodge is full of suspense, intensity, and thrills with one major twist you'll never see coming. I wanted to scream at Anna and throw my kindle multiple times. While Anna's extreme naiveness kept me engaged in the story, there also came a point where it got to be a tad too much- minus 1 star for that. One thing I loved about the way this was written is you cannot be sure if Clayton planned the whole thing or if it's all in Anna's head. It leaves you questioning yourself the entire time. The ending wraps things up nicely, but also may leave you wondering. I highly recommend picking this book up, set to release July 26!
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for a digital ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for a digital ARC.
July 10, 2023
Rijks has an uncanny ability to write one dimensional characters. These people are like the human equivalent of mist, but with painfully stilted dialogue.
September 17, 2023
This was wild, I flew through it as it was quite suspenseful and crazy how it all worked out. At first I wasn’t sure where it was going, but definitely enjoyed the ride. We start off with Anna in a toxic relationship, and Clayton is quite a gem that’s for sure. She moves on and meets veterinarian Joel, and shortly after they get engaged he is in the running for his dream job on a game reserve in South Africa. When they go down together to interview, Anna is looking forward to a relaxing holiday. But it takes a turn when she realizes Clayton is also a guest at the lodge. He is there with his new girlfriend and all seems well, but something tells her it is not as it seems, and turns out she is right. I will leave it at that, because you must read this to find out what happens on your own. It was a perfect combo of setting, crazy characters, suspense and twists, and I could not get enough. This was just fantastic, and I one hundred percent recommend it.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
July 29, 2023
When Anna‘s fiancé Joel tells her they’re getting an all expense paid Safari in South Africa due to a job interview she doesn’t want him to take the job but definitely wants to go on the Safari when she gets there however she learned about all the dangerous the South African jungle Has to offer and is not impressed. Things only get worse when the next morning she wakes up to go on a Safari ride and learns her ex fiancé Clayton is there. Soon after his arrival strange things start happening including a rare ambush in the jungle throughout the book we learn how miserable Clayton made her life and it really sets up the book and makes the end that much better. I usually love Miranda Ridks books but I found a lot of contradictions and things that didn’t make sense in the book I don’t know who proofreads these books but I just read for fun and would do so much better letting her know the contradictions and things that aren’t cohesive to the plot having said that if you can ignore the contradictions you will definitely enjoy this book I did enjoy the ending and found the rest of the book interesting it was just saying things like the lodge was vegetarian right after she was in the jungle eating beef jerky and saying she would never move across town away from her mom right before she asked for a transfer to France and this is just a couple of the contradiction they had many more too many for a book published by a publisher. I would be more than happy to be a beta reader for Miranda Ridkes. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review I want to thank Book sprout an incubator books for my free arc copy.
July 5, 2023
I always enjoy Miranda’s suspenseful books. This one had me turning the pages so fast. I couldn’t even make any guesses as to what was going to happen. I really liked the fact that the occupations of the main characters were different than other suspense novels (doctor, psychiatrist…is that literally not the occupation of every MC?!). The MC’s in this novel were a food scientist specializing in…yogurt…what…and a veterinarian hoping to work on a safari reserve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 6, 2023
Anna has found love with her fiance Joel after escaping from controlling ex Clayton. Joel is a vet and has been offered the chance to interview for his dream job on a game reserve in South Africa. Anna is invited along for a holiday in the luxury safari lodge while Joel prepares for his interview. Then Clayton turns up and their dream holiday turns into a nightmare. This thriller is Miranda Rijks at her best.
August 25, 2023
This book is a let-down, sad to say….
At first, I likened this to an interesting novella, somewhat exciting. The writing is simplistic but moved at a fast pace. I thought the story would build to an exciting ending. But it fell apart. The author had to tell what amounted to a story within the story to explain how things were about to end and to explain the background of who was ending it. When it did end, it came with a whimper. Even the prologue, which made me wonder who the narrator was, never really got explained. I think the author may have forgotten she wrote a prologue and just left it hanging.
The dialog is silly and amateurish. All in all, this writer may need to attend a few good writing classes so that her next book will be more professional.
At first, I likened this to an interesting novella, somewhat exciting. The writing is simplistic but moved at a fast pace. I thought the story would build to an exciting ending. But it fell apart. The author had to tell what amounted to a story within the story to explain how things were about to end and to explain the background of who was ending it. When it did end, it came with a whimper. Even the prologue, which made me wonder who the narrator was, never really got explained. I think the author may have forgotten she wrote a prologue and just left it hanging.
The dialog is silly and amateurish. All in all, this writer may need to attend a few good writing classes so that her next book will be more professional.
April 2, 2024
3.5 stars
Great writing, far fetched story but really kept me interested.
Abrupt ending. Like a chapter was missing.
Where is his evil sister? Is she really dead?
And they lived happily ever after.
Great writing, far fetched story but really kept me interested.
Abrupt ending. Like a chapter was missing.
Where is his evil sister? Is she really dead?
And they lived happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
I found this one so unlikely, kind of far-fetched but it has a good dose of suspense and obsession.
August 30, 2023
A thriller in a game reserve in Africa ? Hell yes ! The setting of this book was so freaking awesome, I've never read any books set in an African Safari. Was it the best book ever no, but was it highly entertaining definitely yes !
I really enjoyed the vibes of the book and the setting, it really was such a cool setting and it was really well done. We got a glimpse of all the African animals out in the wild and I was here for it. The setting was truly the strong point for me in this book.
The characters were very one dimensional and just meh, I felt no connection to any of them. Their relationships with each other were also not genuine to me, they didn't seem to have real feelings for each other and it was hard to root for anyone. Also, the brother/sister relationship was a bit weird to me, it was just too much.
I also had a bit of an issue with the writing, it was repetitive, it wasn't grabbing me as much as I wanted to and it fell very flat for me. The twists in this book were really great though, I wasn't expecting them, so that definitely peaked my interest in finishing it.
It was honestly a good thriller with a great setting, not my favorite but it did what it had to do in entertaining me ! Give it a shot and see for yourself !
✨️Thank you to a @netgalley & @inkubatorbooks for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the vibes of the book and the setting, it really was such a cool setting and it was really well done. We got a glimpse of all the African animals out in the wild and I was here for it. The setting was truly the strong point for me in this book.
The characters were very one dimensional and just meh, I felt no connection to any of them. Their relationships with each other were also not genuine to me, they didn't seem to have real feelings for each other and it was hard to root for anyone. Also, the brother/sister relationship was a bit weird to me, it was just too much.
I also had a bit of an issue with the writing, it was repetitive, it wasn't grabbing me as much as I wanted to and it fell very flat for me. The twists in this book were really great though, I wasn't expecting them, so that definitely peaked my interest in finishing it.
It was honestly a good thriller with a great setting, not my favorite but it did what it had to do in entertaining me ! Give it a shot and see for yourself !
✨️Thank you to a @netgalley & @inkubatorbooks for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
This book was very gripping from the beginning. The only issue I have with it is that, in the beginning, Anna was describing her relationship with Clayton as really traumatic and horrific. She said that he humiliated her and was so awful. However, when I finally found out what happened, it didn't live up to the anticipation. I mean, Clayton was really weird, but the way Anna described their relationship, I was expecting something more serious. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
August 1, 2023
This was such a good read I knew I would love it from the moment the front cover caught my attention and I was hooked right from the start.
It is well written with a absolutely compelling storyline abs well developed characters which all just sucked me into the story.
The narrative had me gripped and I loved the dual timeline aspect as this made me feel like I really knew the story.
The book is full of twists suspense and tension which increases as the plot increases and kept me guessing all the way through and was so fast paced I nearly got whiplash.
Absolutely fantastic
It is well written with a absolutely compelling storyline abs well developed characters which all just sucked me into the story.
The narrative had me gripped and I loved the dual timeline aspect as this made me feel like I really knew the story.
The book is full of twists suspense and tension which increases as the plot increases and kept me guessing all the way through and was so fast paced I nearly got whiplash.
Absolutely fantastic
March 4, 2024
It’s actually blown my mind how people have given this book 5 stars??? This was quite literally the worst book I’ve ever read
June 28, 2024
I would like to thank Inkubator Books, Miranda Rijks, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
Newly engaged, Anna and Joel set off to South Africa for a job interview at a game reserve; Joel’s dream job. Anna’s initial uneasiness of the trip quickly turns into suspicion and fear when she sees her ex at the reserve. How is it possible that the man who stalked her and then supposedly died was at the exact exotic location at the same time? Could it all be a coincidence or a sinister plot to get her back?
This was the first book I read by Miranda Rijks, but it certainly will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed The Lodge. This fast-paced, suspenseful thriller is refreshingly different than most and holds your interest until the very end. Definitely a 5⭐️ read!
Newly engaged, Anna and Joel set off to South Africa for a job interview at a game reserve; Joel’s dream job. Anna’s initial uneasiness of the trip quickly turns into suspicion and fear when she sees her ex at the reserve. How is it possible that the man who stalked her and then supposedly died was at the exact exotic location at the same time? Could it all be a coincidence or a sinister plot to get her back?
This was the first book I read by Miranda Rijks, but it certainly will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed The Lodge. This fast-paced, suspenseful thriller is refreshingly different than most and holds your interest until the very end. Definitely a 5⭐️ read!
July 14, 2023
So many intriguing things about this book to enjoy 1st The plot has so many unexpected twists 2nd Deception you won't see coming 3rd This will definitely have you flipping the pages fast to see what's going to happen next and last I couldn't put it down and I believe you won't be able to either.
August 2, 2023
Wow! This book had everything. It was so suspenseful and unpredictable that I was literally on the edge of my seat. I also loved how ominous yet beautiful the setting was. Miranda Rijks really knocked it out of the park with this one.
August 4, 2023
terrible
I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was repetitive and so badly written. The storyline was ridiculous. The characters were totally unlikeable.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was repetitive and so badly written. The storyline was ridiculous. The characters were totally unlikeable.
March 30, 2024
4.25 stars
i loved this book!! i downloaded it randomly cause it was free on kindle unlimited and i’m so glad i downloaded it! i was so entertained and wasn’t able to guess any plot twists, and i don’t think i’ve read any thrillers like this book! would def recommend
honestly gave it 4.25 stars cause it should’ve been longer and the end was a little rushed but besides that i have no complaints!
i loved this book!! i downloaded it randomly cause it was free on kindle unlimited and i’m so glad i downloaded it! i was so entertained and wasn’t able to guess any plot twists, and i don’t think i’ve read any thrillers like this book! would def recommend
honestly gave it 4.25 stars cause it should’ve been longer and the end was a little rushed but besides that i have no complaints!
October 31, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book had me hooked right from the start. The creepy relationship with Clayton. The sweet engagement to Joel. Then the African safari setting was really creative.
I definitely suspected something was up with Clayton being there but I certainly wasn’t able to guess the full extent. Well written and suspenseful.
This book had me hooked right from the start. The creepy relationship with Clayton. The sweet engagement to Joel. Then the African safari setting was really creative.
I definitely suspected something was up with Clayton being there but I certainly wasn’t able to guess the full extent. Well written and suspenseful.
April 21, 2025
Wow! The Lodge by Miranda Rijks had me completely hooked. It’s a gripping psychological thriller packed with tension, secrets, and twists I never saw coming. Just when I thought I had it figured out—boom, the ending hit me like a freight train. If you love thrillers that keep you on edge and constantly guessing, this one’s a must-read.
September 5, 2023
3.5 Stars
Loved the setting of this one. Never been on an African safari buy I felt like I was right there. Brilliant and unique setting. Really gave me locked room thriller vibes as it was so remote.
Unfortunately though, I didn't find the characters overly developed. I could t understand why he had such an obsession with her. Plus, after reading the blurb, it ruined the whole surprise!
I didn't find the relationship between the engaged couple very convincing either.
The writing was OK and had it's suspenseful moments but I found it very repetitive.
Overall a decent thriller but let down a bit by the character development and writing style.
Loved the setting of this one. Never been on an African safari buy I felt like I was right there. Brilliant and unique setting. Really gave me locked room thriller vibes as it was so remote.
Unfortunately though, I didn't find the characters overly developed. I could t understand why he had such an obsession with her. Plus, after reading the blurb, it ruined the whole surprise!
I didn't find the relationship between the engaged couple very convincing either.
The writing was OK and had it's suspenseful moments but I found it very repetitive.
Overall a decent thriller but let down a bit by the character development and writing style.
October 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️!!! Really cool setting set in South Africa on a game reserve. A nice palate cleanser from my rom coms lately! It was definitely a page turner and I wasn’t expecting the twist. The twist was pretty disturbing, but kept me intrigued. I think the ending was too happy and wrapped up in a bow for me, but overall an awesome thriller!
December 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this atmospheric read that takes place on an animal reserve. The pacing was perfect and I felt invested in the well being of the main character. Looking forward to the author’s next book!
July 26, 2024
Finally finished after I wanted to DNF it so bad, but I just had to see if my guess was right about Clayton and Nancy being in on setting Anna up. I was right but it took too long to get there.
July 29, 2024
You know those B-list movies you don’t really expect too much out of? This felt a lot like that, but hey I read the whole thing so it was somewhat entertaining I guess 😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews