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Cemetery Lodge
A shocking discovery in a small graveyard may unearth a family’s darkest secrets, in this suspenseful novel by the author of Chapel Field . . .
After archaeologist Cherie Hope makes a gruesome discovery on the grounds of a local cemetery, she’s desperate to know more—and wonders why caretaker Ash Black is being so guarded.
Delving deeper, and liaising with the police, Cherie is drawn into a story that spans back fifty years. Entangled in a web of deceit, she soon uncovers a missing person, a mysterious heirloom, and hidden cemetery logbooks.
The graveyard has been in Ash’s family for generations, but with his elderly father’s dementia, unlocking the truth of what really happened all those years ago will be a challenge.
Is Ash just being protective, or is he worried about what his father is hiding? The caretaker may be hell-bent on keeping Cherie at a distance, but she’s determined to find the truth—at any cost . . .
After archaeologist Cherie Hope makes a gruesome discovery on the grounds of a local cemetery, she’s desperate to know more—and wonders why caretaker Ash Black is being so guarded.
Delving deeper, and liaising with the police, Cherie is drawn into a story that spans back fifty years. Entangled in a web of deceit, she soon uncovers a missing person, a mysterious heirloom, and hidden cemetery logbooks.
The graveyard has been in Ash’s family for generations, but with his elderly father’s dementia, unlocking the truth of what really happened all those years ago will be a challenge.
Is Ash just being protective, or is he worried about what his father is hiding? The caretaker may be hell-bent on keeping Cherie at a distance, but she’s determined to find the truth—at any cost . . .
284 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2024
52 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 11, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The plot was engaging and had lots of twists and turns. I loved the concept of an archaeologist finding dead bodies, and this leading into a murder investigation. Cherie was like a dog with a bone, and this made her character interesting. I loved poor old Hal. Ash was all over the place, but as you get to understand his story, his character made perfect sense, and it was lovely to see how he treated Hal.
The setting of the book was described so well. I love Cumbria, it is such a beautiful place. I think the author did an excellent job at bringing the landscape and Cumbrian people to life. I especially liked the sensitive portrayal of Travellers and the obvious research that went into this story.
The book is nicely written, and we get the story from Cherie, Ash, and Hal, which added depth and gave each of them real character.
I'll definitely look out for further books by this author as this was a murder mystery but with a twist, and it felt fresh.
Thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours, for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
The setting of the book was described so well. I love Cumbria, it is such a beautiful place. I think the author did an excellent job at bringing the landscape and Cumbrian people to life. I especially liked the sensitive portrayal of Travellers and the obvious research that went into this story.
The book is nicely written, and we get the story from Cherie, Ash, and Hal, which added depth and gave each of them real character.
I'll definitely look out for further books by this author as this was a murder mystery but with a twist, and it felt fresh.
Thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours, for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
October 20, 2024
Cherie Hope has been commissioned to carry out an archaeological survey on a disused Chapel inside the cemetery where Ash Black is caretaker. Their first encounter with each other gets off to a bad start when Ash accuses Cherie of trespassing. Things go from bad to worse when the pair find decayed skeletons inside the Chapel. Cherie's expertise dates the skeletons to the '70s, when Ash's father, Hal, was the cemetery caretaker. Could he have played a part in the hiding of the bodies?
As they look into the past for clues about the bodies, secrets are revealed and gradually weave together to unveil the truth.
I really enjoyed this book. The crime/mystery element is what drew me in initially, but I also loved the relationships between the characters. The story is mainly told from Cherie's perspective, but there are also chapters from Ash's perspective and flashbacks to Hal's past.
5/5
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As they look into the past for clues about the bodies, secrets are revealed and gradually weave together to unveil the truth.
I really enjoyed this book. The crime/mystery element is what drew me in initially, but I also loved the relationships between the characters. The story is mainly told from Cherie's perspective, but there are also chapters from Ash's perspective and flashbacks to Hal's past.
5/5
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I was gripped from the start. It was well written and the characters felt so real. I don’t often take a day out to read but I did as I had to know what happened at the end. I highly recommend this book
October 6, 2024
This new mystery thriller from Paula Hillman is a true tour de force. Yet again I was hooked from the get go.
The Furness Peninsular, with its rugged coast, rich history and landscape littered with ancient ruins, has become home to Paula Hillman's stories and is the perfect backdrop for her latest, immersive and gripping plot to unfold in.
The author writes with confidence and integrity. The characters are authentic and I love the difficult relationship between Cherie and Ash which demands empathy at every twist and turn of the story.
The plot is complex, unfolding in two separate time frames - 1972 and 2022 - providing many poignant moments amongst a gathering sense of unease and suspense.
These days no author makes the pages turn faster than Paula Hillman.
The Furness Peninsular, with its rugged coast, rich history and landscape littered with ancient ruins, has become home to Paula Hillman's stories and is the perfect backdrop for her latest, immersive and gripping plot to unfold in.
The author writes with confidence and integrity. The characters are authentic and I love the difficult relationship between Cherie and Ash which demands empathy at every twist and turn of the story.
The plot is complex, unfolding in two separate time frames - 1972 and 2022 - providing many poignant moments amongst a gathering sense of unease and suspense.
These days no author makes the pages turn faster than Paula Hillman.
October 18, 2024
When Cherie Hope arrives to do a survey at an old chapel, the last thing she expects is trouble. As Ash Black shows her around the chapel, they discover two bodies in a closet. Shocked to find skeletal remains, they are forced to stop, and wait for the police to arrive. As the investigation begins, it seems to be centering around Ash's father, Hal, who was the caretaker before Ash. Now suffering from dementia, there is not much he can share from all those years ago.
As the investigation grounds to a halt, Cherie is frustrated, as she wants answers. Getting back to the survey of the chapel is at the top of her list, but the archaeologist in her is curious about the bodies and who they might be. After connecting several threads, she thinks she is onto the identity of an old friend of Hal's, but the truth is something that is going to be harder to accept by Ash.
This was an interesting book. I ended up reading it in one sitting, as I had to find out what happened next. I enjoyed the story, and the twists that were thrown in (no, I did not see one of them coming). A cute little mystery, with a happy ending.
As the investigation grounds to a halt, Cherie is frustrated, as she wants answers. Getting back to the survey of the chapel is at the top of her list, but the archaeologist in her is curious about the bodies and who they might be. After connecting several threads, she thinks she is onto the identity of an old friend of Hal's, but the truth is something that is going to be harder to accept by Ash.
This was an interesting book. I ended up reading it in one sitting, as I had to find out what happened next. I enjoyed the story, and the twists that were thrown in (no, I did not see one of them coming). A cute little mystery, with a happy ending.
October 22, 2024
I was drawn to the description of this book and immediately knew I wanted to read it. I am very pleased I took the chance. It is an eerie and haunting story which sucks the reader in and totally entwines them in the lives of Ash Black and Cherrie Hope – surnames that could be synonymous with their characters. Set in a cemetery – as suggested by the title – the story revolves around events that happened fifty years ago that are enigmatic and chilling. Cherrie has been tasked with surveying the old, dilapidated chapel in the grounds of the cemetery and arrives at the lodge to liaise with the caretaker, Ash. At first things seem fairly normal, although Ash is somewhat guarded and protective of his elderly father who has dementia. However, after a mystifying discovery in the chapel, the atmosphere turns decidedly cold, and she feels certain that Ash is trying to cover-up something that has happened long before he was even born. The story that unfolds is both chilling and at the same time, sad and distressing. The writing is exquisite and intense, and the characters are human and believable. The plot is intricate and carefully woven to keep the reader guessing, right up until the end. I found myself getting completely involved in the plot and I was very sad when I found I had finished the novel. The ending is extremely satisfying and a touch romantic and I really feel that I will miss both Cherrie and Ash for a long time to come. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advanced copy. I enjoyed it so much that I have now bought another book by this author as I am sure I will enjoy it just as much.
November 10, 2024
It is the perfect book to read in the fall because of the atmosphere. Cherie comes to study an old chapel and meets the caretaker, Ash, and his father, Hal, who live on the property. As I read all I pictured in my head was the setting. I could see in the chapel as Cherie and Ash enter it for the first time in many many years. When she finds bones in a cabinet the police are called in and the investigation begins. The book has all the elements of a great mystery as well as a strong female protagonist in Cherie. She works in a profession typically held by a man. In fact when she arrived at the beginning of the book, Ash expected a man and is not prepared for her. This does not throw Cherie off as she makes do with sharing a bathroom with the Ash and Hal. I loved her from this scene!
October 31, 2024
A quaint little thriller with well written characters, suspense and a good plot.
The pace is decent, slow in places but the author always pulls you back into the story, the setting is both beautiful and eerie, a good fit for this time of year (Autumn).
Would read more from this writer.
The pace is decent, slow in places but the author always pulls you back into the story, the setting is both beautiful and eerie, a good fit for this time of year (Autumn).
Would read more from this writer.
October 28, 2024
I really enjoy Paula Hillman’s style of writing and the wonderfully descriptive way she writes about the area of Cumbria where her books are set. So much so that I feel I need to visit the area to see the places mentioned in her books; the Victorian bridge over to Walney island, Carmel Priory and even the cemetery if it does exist in real life.
At the start of the book the reader is drawn to Cherie, a highly qualified archaeologist and academic with a specialist knowledge of bones. She is so passionate about her new job with Gillside Archeological that she is visiting the disused chapel in a crematorium at dusk on Sunday evening when most people would be otherwise engaged. Cherie, however, is recently divorced from her husband, so normal Sunday activities are a thing of the past. The first chapter sets an atmospheric scene to a story that will uncover buried secrets and the discovery of old bones, something right up Cherie’s street. As she is discovered by Ash, the caretaker of the cemetery, in the disused chapel in suspicious circumstances they immediately get off on the wrong foot.
As the story unfolds, Cherie and Ash tiptoe around each other as Ash’s father, who suffers from dementia, becomes the prime suspect of a possible crime committed over 40 years ago. The setting, in a cemetery surrounded by the fells in a wintry December creates an amazing backdrop to this haunting tale. This is another 5 star read. I loved it. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of this fantastic book.
At the start of the book the reader is drawn to Cherie, a highly qualified archaeologist and academic with a specialist knowledge of bones. She is so passionate about her new job with Gillside Archeological that she is visiting the disused chapel in a crematorium at dusk on Sunday evening when most people would be otherwise engaged. Cherie, however, is recently divorced from her husband, so normal Sunday activities are a thing of the past. The first chapter sets an atmospheric scene to a story that will uncover buried secrets and the discovery of old bones, something right up Cherie’s street. As she is discovered by Ash, the caretaker of the cemetery, in the disused chapel in suspicious circumstances they immediately get off on the wrong foot.
As the story unfolds, Cherie and Ash tiptoe around each other as Ash’s father, who suffers from dementia, becomes the prime suspect of a possible crime committed over 40 years ago. The setting, in a cemetery surrounded by the fells in a wintry December creates an amazing backdrop to this haunting tale. This is another 5 star read. I loved it. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of this fantastic book.
December 21, 2024
This is Paula's latest book and the third I have read. I feel it is definitely the best. Firstly I love the accurate settings she gives to the story, places she [and I] know well in the beautiful Furness area.
Secondly, I appreciated the structure with some sections told by Cherie, the archaeologist sent to assess the old cemetery chapel, in the first person, some by Ash, the cemetery caretaker, in the third person, and a few by Ash's father, Hal, who may have dementia but whose account of the events in the 1970s, fill in gaps for the reader. I think Paula handles all three very well.
Thirdly, the plot with its twists and turns keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next, an essential ingredient in good storytelling. I did think that the climax of the story in chapter 22 was a little rushed with too much happening too fast - I had to go back and check what I had missed - but otherwise it was handled well.
Fourthly, the main characters gradually revealed their personalities, with Cherie's secret other persona [no details to avoid spoilers] and Ash's loneliness despite being such a good son and having biker pals. Some of the other characters were rather two dimensional, especially the nasty duo and the despicable vicar - gosh, it's hard avoiding spoilers here!
I also liked the themes of buried secrets and people with dual personalities - fascinating.
The ending was inevitable and satisfying too.
Secondly, I appreciated the structure with some sections told by Cherie, the archaeologist sent to assess the old cemetery chapel, in the first person, some by Ash, the cemetery caretaker, in the third person, and a few by Ash's father, Hal, who may have dementia but whose account of the events in the 1970s, fill in gaps for the reader. I think Paula handles all three very well.
Thirdly, the plot with its twists and turns keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next, an essential ingredient in good storytelling. I did think that the climax of the story in chapter 22 was a little rushed with too much happening too fast - I had to go back and check what I had missed - but otherwise it was handled well.
Fourthly, the main characters gradually revealed their personalities, with Cherie's secret other persona [no details to avoid spoilers] and Ash's loneliness despite being such a good son and having biker pals. Some of the other characters were rather two dimensional, especially the nasty duo and the despicable vicar - gosh, it's hard avoiding spoilers here!
I also liked the themes of buried secrets and people with dual personalities - fascinating.
The ending was inevitable and satisfying too.
November 18, 2024
This is now the sixth book that I've read by this author and I have to say that I just absolutely love their books so much!
Every time I pick one up, I just know that I'm going to get a brilliantly written, atmospheric and twisty read - and this new release was no exception!
As ever, the thing that I noticed straight away, was the atmosphere and the incredible setting descriptions.
I'm always instantly drawn into the storyline through this even before I've really got a good sense of the characters.
The setting here creates a stark and creepy feeling even before the shocking discovery.
I love a mystery that spans many years.
Here, Cherie's dig uncovers the skeletons of an adult and child and given the age of these, it's hard to see how this will be investigated.
However, I did have a few theories going round my head.
The characters were intriguing and each with their own worries and struggles, this adds a little more tension and suspicion to this twisty story.
The addition of Ash's father's dementia made me wonder whether we were able to trust his memories and also made me wonder more about Ash himself - how much does he really know?
I found this one pretty thought-provoking and actually became quite emotional reading.
Hal's condition was sensitively dealt with but it did really make me wonder how I would deal with this - both in a personal way - if a close relative was affected but also in a professional way too - would I feel the need to be more lenient in any dealings?
Another brilliant read - and once again, I'm looking forward to the next one....
Every time I pick one up, I just know that I'm going to get a brilliantly written, atmospheric and twisty read - and this new release was no exception!
As ever, the thing that I noticed straight away, was the atmosphere and the incredible setting descriptions.
I'm always instantly drawn into the storyline through this even before I've really got a good sense of the characters.
The setting here creates a stark and creepy feeling even before the shocking discovery.
I love a mystery that spans many years.
Here, Cherie's dig uncovers the skeletons of an adult and child and given the age of these, it's hard to see how this will be investigated.
However, I did have a few theories going round my head.
The characters were intriguing and each with their own worries and struggles, this adds a little more tension and suspicion to this twisty story.
The addition of Ash's father's dementia made me wonder whether we were able to trust his memories and also made me wonder more about Ash himself - how much does he really know?
I found this one pretty thought-provoking and actually became quite emotional reading.
Hal's condition was sensitively dealt with but it did really make me wonder how I would deal with this - both in a personal way - if a close relative was affected but also in a professional way too - would I feel the need to be more lenient in any dealings?
Another brilliant read - and once again, I'm looking forward to the next one....
November 15, 2024
You can always count on Paula and Bloodhound Books to bring you a really good crime mystery. So for once, I decided not to try and solve the crime, instead I just snuggled up with a blanket, immersed myself in the story and let the mystery unfold. And what a mystery it was!
Full of solid, well written and believable characters, plus plenty of twists, Cemetery Lodge kept me gripped from beginning to end.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Ash and Hal. Caring for a relative with dementia can be unspeakably difficult, and I thought this was portrayed realistically and sympathetically.
Setting a crime thriller in a cemetery/crematorium is always going to add a creepy edge for me. I could actually picture my local crematorium/burial ground as I was reading this and could really picture the story as it unfolded.
I'm already a massive fan of Paula's books, and this one did not disappoint.
Full of solid, well written and believable characters, plus plenty of twists, Cemetery Lodge kept me gripped from beginning to end.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Ash and Hal. Caring for a relative with dementia can be unspeakably difficult, and I thought this was portrayed realistically and sympathetically.
Setting a crime thriller in a cemetery/crematorium is always going to add a creepy edge for me. I could actually picture my local crematorium/burial ground as I was reading this and could really picture the story as it unfolded.
I'm already a massive fan of Paula's books, and this one did not disappoint.
November 17, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. It was an easy 5 stars for me. Once I started, I was sucked in and could not stop till I knew what happened. I have a weird fascination with cemeteries, I felt like was walking through this cemetery with the characters. Both main characters have issues with showing their feelings and feeling inadequate. I loved the development of the relationship between Cherie and Ash and was rooting for them from the beginning. I also loved how Cherie built a relationship with Hal, Ash’s father, who has dementia and how she was able to calm him when he has an episode. As you can tell I just loved this book. It is perfect for anyone who likes mystery, old chapels, hidden skeletons, cemeteries with a bit of romance. Highly recommend!
November 3, 2024
Paula Hillman has done it again. Her work is always excellent with rich characterisations of both people and places and this one does not disappoint.
Cherie is an archaeologist who finds herself involved with a mystery at Cemetery Lodge along with caretaker Ash Black and his father Hal. The discovery of a hidden skeleton throws all of them into a world of intrigue.
I really loved this book. I like that Paula's books are standalone but I didn't want this one to end. I think I fell for Ash Black in a similar way to Heathcliff when I was a teenager 🙂.
Paula Hillman is very quickly becoming my favourite author.
Cherie is an archaeologist who finds herself involved with a mystery at Cemetery Lodge along with caretaker Ash Black and his father Hal. The discovery of a hidden skeleton throws all of them into a world of intrigue.
I really loved this book. I like that Paula's books are standalone but I didn't want this one to end. I think I fell for Ash Black in a similar way to Heathcliff when I was a teenager 🙂.
Paula Hillman is very quickly becoming my favourite author.
November 12, 2024
I am a big fan of this author. She writes a great thriller! I was hooked from the very beginning. Cemetery Lodge and the surrounding grounds had such a mysterious aura about it. It would be hard not to get caught up in its story. The tension between Cherie and Ash is palpable and makes for a complex relation relationship that evokes empathy for both characters. The story is told in two time periods-the 1970s and 2022-which builds suspense and adds to the mystery. The author is a master at weaving stories full of mystery suspense And a sense of foreboding that keeps me coming back time and again.
November 16, 2024
I started this book yesterday worrying about getting it finished in time for my review so i decided I would try and read as much as possible and review that. What i wasnt expecting was for the book to lure me in and trap me. My eyes are burning for reading without a break because i needed to read, I needed to know. I made my predicitions along the way but they were all blown out the water with the truth. What an incredible book. Its starts off nice and slow to draw you in then it starts to speed up and you have to stop yourself from reading the bottom of the page to find out quicker. I gasped a lot and shouted 'of course' so many times. Highly recommend this if you like crime books !
October 30, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and most enjoyable. I enjoy reading new authors' books, and especially, as with this book, thoroughly enjoying it so much that I want to read more of her books.
This has a very cleverly, written, intriguing storyline and plot, with interesting, strong characters.
There are surprising revelations and twists leading to that final twisty conclusion.
It did keep me guessing, and although I was right on some points, I was way off the mark with others.
My thanks to Bloodhound books, this is my honest and unbiased review
This has a very cleverly, written, intriguing storyline and plot, with interesting, strong characters.
There are surprising revelations and twists leading to that final twisty conclusion.
It did keep me guessing, and although I was right on some points, I was way off the mark with others.
My thanks to Bloodhound books, this is my honest and unbiased review
November 2, 2024
Cherie is tasked with undertaking an assessment of the old cemetery lodge, in her enthusiasm to start the job she gets off on the wrong foot with the cemetery caretaker, Ash, by trying to access the site when the cemetery is closed.
Things go from bad to worse when they discover two skeletons in the chapel, who are they and how did they get there? The police seem determined to tie Ash’s father, Hal to the bodies. The problem here is Hal has Alzheimer and cannot remember things from his past.
Cherie does some investigating as she feels there is no way Hal could be responsible.
Very enjoyable book.
Things go from bad to worse when they discover two skeletons in the chapel, who are they and how did they get there? The police seem determined to tie Ash’s father, Hal to the bodies. The problem here is Hal has Alzheimer and cannot remember things from his past.
Cherie does some investigating as she feels there is no way Hal could be responsible.
Very enjoyable book.
November 18, 2024
Ash is a caretaker from a family of caretakers, living in the cemetery lodge he is working and caring for his father who has Alzheimer’s.
When Cherie arrives to start an archaeological project on the cemetery chapel she and Ash don’t get off to the best start, but seems to form such a sweet rapport with Ash’s dad Hal.
A book full of mystery and twists, told through different POVs the story unravels looking to the past for answers.
The descriptions really brought to life the characters and people involved along with the amazing Cumbrian scenery.
A great read from a new author to me but I will certainly be reading more from @authorpaulajhillman
When Cherie arrives to start an archaeological project on the cemetery chapel she and Ash don’t get off to the best start, but seems to form such a sweet rapport with Ash’s dad Hal.
A book full of mystery and twists, told through different POVs the story unravels looking to the past for answers.
The descriptions really brought to life the characters and people involved along with the amazing Cumbrian scenery.
A great read from a new author to me but I will certainly be reading more from @authorpaulajhillman
October 26, 2024
Another great read by Paula Hillman. Her writing always conveys such wonderful atmosphere. The lodge really came to life for me. Excellent plot development at just the right pace and above all else brilliant characters. I'd also like to say that her depiction of Hal and his dementia was spot on and handled with a lot of care and sympathy. Paula I don't know how you write all these wonderful books but keep doing it please!
November 17, 2024
Recommend
Cemetery Lodge by Paula Hillman.
I really did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. I liked the writing style. I liked Cherie. Ash grew on me. I loved Hal. I really didn't like Ria or Ginny. I didn't trust them. I liked Dale. I did try guessing what happened. But I was sort of wrong. I did like how it ended. I read in one sitting as I had wanted to know what happened and if I was right. I would recommend this book.
Cemetery Lodge by Paula Hillman.
I really did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. I liked the writing style. I liked Cherie. Ash grew on me. I loved Hal. I really didn't like Ria or Ginny. I didn't trust them. I liked Dale. I did try guessing what happened. But I was sort of wrong. I did like how it ended. I read in one sitting as I had wanted to know what happened and if I was right. I would recommend this book.
November 11, 2024
I loved this book. A good thriller with great characters and storyline. Plenty of twists , I read this book in a weekend. This is the sort of book you want to carry on reading and get to the end but then sad when you do.
December 29, 2024
Very Enjoyable
My first book by Paula Hillman. Definitely won't be my last. I was fully immersed in the storyline from start to finish.
My first book by Paula Hillman. Definitely won't be my last. I was fully immersed in the storyline from start to finish.
January 4, 2025
4.5 stars
November 8, 2024
I was lucky to get a chance to read an ARC of this suspenseful mystery, with two interesting main character perspectives and with two time frames to follow. Sometimes I don’t like that but this was well written and kept me engaged and wanting more and wanting to know what was next, it had twists and turns that made it captivate my attention!
November 10, 2024
Paula Hillman has never disappointed me. Her style is unique, and so is each of her books. She has written all standalone books, though some have featured overlapping areas, and I think a few have had some characters in common. But I feel you could give me a book without the author's name and I could tell you that it was written by her - and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
This particular book is a slow burn, and the characters take a little bit of getting used to. But it very much adds to the suspense. I could feel the tension building. And perhaps it was the setting and Hillmans' ability to build a scene, but I could feel myself at the location, and it had a very palpable creepy air - just as I would expect a cemetery to have. I think having the groundskeepers be a family business was smart because people who weren't raised there would be too creeped out! But that might be a biased personal view.
As someone who is currently the primary caregiver of my dad with dementia, I really appreciate the representation of both Ash and his father, Hal's characters. The author handled this with such care and delicacy. She showed the reality of the fear, the uncertainty, the love, the anger - the full gamut of emotions and the thankless experience it can be. I truly felt seen and understood.
And the mystery was as beautifully complicated, surprising, and nail-bitingly tense as any of the ones she's written before! I raced to the end!
Who's It For?
If you enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries with a slow burn, this is a great book for you. Paula Hillman has not let me down yet when it comes to twists and turns that keep me turning pages well past bedtime. She also doesn't shy away from serious, potentially triggering topics, so keep that in mind when considering picking up her books. She will absolutely keep you entertained and thinking about her stories and characters long after you turn the last page.
Content Warnings: Violence, Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Graveyard, Child Abandonment, Homophobia, Child Death, Dysfunctional Family Life, Dementia/Alzheimer's, Religious Ideology, Corrupt Government and Police, Divorce
This particular book is a slow burn, and the characters take a little bit of getting used to. But it very much adds to the suspense. I could feel the tension building. And perhaps it was the setting and Hillmans' ability to build a scene, but I could feel myself at the location, and it had a very palpable creepy air - just as I would expect a cemetery to have. I think having the groundskeepers be a family business was smart because people who weren't raised there would be too creeped out! But that might be a biased personal view.
As someone who is currently the primary caregiver of my dad with dementia, I really appreciate the representation of both Ash and his father, Hal's characters. The author handled this with such care and delicacy. She showed the reality of the fear, the uncertainty, the love, the anger - the full gamut of emotions and the thankless experience it can be. I truly felt seen and understood.
And the mystery was as beautifully complicated, surprising, and nail-bitingly tense as any of the ones she's written before! I raced to the end!
Who's It For?
If you enjoy crime thrillers and mysteries with a slow burn, this is a great book for you. Paula Hillman has not let me down yet when it comes to twists and turns that keep me turning pages well past bedtime. She also doesn't shy away from serious, potentially triggering topics, so keep that in mind when considering picking up her books. She will absolutely keep you entertained and thinking about her stories and characters long after you turn the last page.
Content Warnings: Violence, Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Graveyard, Child Abandonment, Homophobia, Child Death, Dysfunctional Family Life, Dementia/Alzheimer's, Religious Ideology, Corrupt Government and Police, Divorce
December 30, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Paula Hillman delivers a spine-chilling mystery in her latest novel, "Cemetery Lodge".
This story centers around an eerie, abandoned lodge located on the outskirts of a quiet town. The protagonist, a tenacious journalist named Anna, is determined to uncover the dark secrets hidden within its walls. As she delves deeper into the lodge's history, she unearths a series of haunting events and long-buried secrets that have the power to alter the town’s peaceful facade forever.
Hillman's masterful storytelling shines through in her rich descriptions and atmospheric setting. The lodge itself becomes a character, with its creaking floorboards, shadowy corners, and the ever-present sense of something lurking just out of sight. The suspense is palpable, building steadily with each chapter as Anna gets closer to the truth.
What sets "Cemetery Lodge" apart from other mysteries is its intricate plot. Hillman expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a complex and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. The unexpected twists and turns keep you guessing, and just when you think you have it all figured out, Hillman throws in another curveball.
This novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. Anna's journey is about solving a mystery and confronting her own demons and finding closure. This emotional depth adds an extra layer to the story, making it more than a standard mystery novel.
"Cemetery Lodge" is a thrilling read for fans of suspense and mystery. Hillman's ability to create a sense of dread and maintain tension throughout the book is commendable. It’s a story that will keep you up at night, not just because you want to know what happens next, but also because you might be a little too spooked to turn off the lights.
"Cemetery Lodge" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare and a well-crafted mystery. Paula Hillman proves once again that she is a master of the genre, delivering a story that is terrifying and deeply satisfying.
Paula Hillman delivers a spine-chilling mystery in her latest novel, "Cemetery Lodge".
This story centers around an eerie, abandoned lodge located on the outskirts of a quiet town. The protagonist, a tenacious journalist named Anna, is determined to uncover the dark secrets hidden within its walls. As she delves deeper into the lodge's history, she unearths a series of haunting events and long-buried secrets that have the power to alter the town’s peaceful facade forever.
Hillman's masterful storytelling shines through in her rich descriptions and atmospheric setting. The lodge itself becomes a character, with its creaking floorboards, shadowy corners, and the ever-present sense of something lurking just out of sight. The suspense is palpable, building steadily with each chapter as Anna gets closer to the truth.
What sets "Cemetery Lodge" apart from other mysteries is its intricate plot. Hillman expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a complex and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. The unexpected twists and turns keep you guessing, and just when you think you have it all figured out, Hillman throws in another curveball.
This novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. Anna's journey is about solving a mystery and confronting her own demons and finding closure. This emotional depth adds an extra layer to the story, making it more than a standard mystery novel.
"Cemetery Lodge" is a thrilling read for fans of suspense and mystery. Hillman's ability to create a sense of dread and maintain tension throughout the book is commendable. It’s a story that will keep you up at night, not just because you want to know what happens next, but also because you might be a little too spooked to turn off the lights.
"Cemetery Lodge" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare and a well-crafted mystery. Paula Hillman proves once again that she is a master of the genre, delivering a story that is terrifying and deeply satisfying.
December 21, 2024
Cherie Hope’s latest archaeological task in the Lakes is to survey an old chapel to see if it is suitable for conversion by the local council but things take a dramatic turn when she and the cemetery’s caretaker, Ash Black find two dead bodies, which look to have been hidden in there for about fifty years. The police are called and suspicion soon falls on Ash’s father, Hal, who was the caretaker when the bodies appear to date from.
Cherie, both intrigued by the events from a professional point of view and also following her gut instincts that tell her that Ash and Hal do not seem to be the kind of people who could do this, decides to take matters into her own hands to try and find some answers as the police seem to be struggling to make progress on the case. However, things aren’t simple as Hal has dementia and Ash is rather volatile - do they have something to hide after all?!
This was such a great read, with chapters alternating between Cherie’s and Ash’s point of view with the odd chapter in there from Hal, all three being great characters. This is my first of Paula’s books but I can hand on heart say it won’t be the last.
Thank you so much to @lovebookstours for having me on the tour and for the gifted digital copy. This book was published just a couple of days ago, on 8 November, in the UK so you can go and grab yourself a copy right now if you like the sound of it! You won’t regret it.
Cherie, both intrigued by the events from a professional point of view and also following her gut instincts that tell her that Ash and Hal do not seem to be the kind of people who could do this, decides to take matters into her own hands to try and find some answers as the police seem to be struggling to make progress on the case. However, things aren’t simple as Hal has dementia and Ash is rather volatile - do they have something to hide after all?!
This was such a great read, with chapters alternating between Cherie’s and Ash’s point of view with the odd chapter in there from Hal, all three being great characters. This is my first of Paula’s books but I can hand on heart say it won’t be the last.
Thank you so much to @lovebookstours for having me on the tour and for the gifted digital copy. This book was published just a couple of days ago, on 8 November, in the UK so you can go and grab yourself a copy right now if you like the sound of it! You won’t regret it.
October 30, 2024
I very much enjoy Paula Hillman’s books. Her descriptive writing is very evocative, and her plots are meticulously constructed. This novel does not disappoint. Cherie is a respected archaeologist, commissioned to carry out a study on a cemetery chapel, which has fallen into disuse. She meets resistance from the cemetery warden, Ash, who is suspicious of her as a woman, when he was expecting a man, and because of her academic qualifications. He, himself, as missed out on higher education, but has become, in adulthood, a keen student of history. Despite Ash’s reluctance to engage with her, Cherie strikes up an instinctive bond with Ash’s father, Hal, who is in the early stages of dementia. Hal, on the other hand, is clearly terrified of two other women, a social worker and a police officer. On opening the abandoned chapel, two skeletons of discovered, a mother and child. Whilst Cherie is determined to unravel the mystery, the police officer seems strangely uninterested in uncovering the truth, preferring to simply lay the blame on Hal’s shoulders. The characters are well drawn and believable, and the storyline maintains the reader’s interest, with various twists and turns along the way. Entertaining and compassionate. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2024
Atmospheric and gripping.
Cherie Hope is beginning afresh after divorcing her husband. Starting work with a new archaeology firm, she’s sent to assess an old chapel where she and the caretaker, Ash, make a chilling discovery. Driven to unravel the mystery they’ve stumbled upon Cherie digs deep into the past as she tries to uncover the truth.
Paula Hillman manages to create an incredible sense of place in Cemetery Lodge. She builds an atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and confusion which hooks the reader. Cherie and Ash are expertly drawn, complex characters, each struggling with their own insecurities and uncertainties. Another key player, Ash’s father, has dementia, and this is handled with sensitivity.
This is the third book I’ve read by the author, and every time I’ve been delighted by a gripping plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful writing. I can’t recommend Paula’s book highly enough.
Cherie Hope is beginning afresh after divorcing her husband. Starting work with a new archaeology firm, she’s sent to assess an old chapel where she and the caretaker, Ash, make a chilling discovery. Driven to unravel the mystery they’ve stumbled upon Cherie digs deep into the past as she tries to uncover the truth.
Paula Hillman manages to create an incredible sense of place in Cemetery Lodge. She builds an atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and confusion which hooks the reader. Cherie and Ash are expertly drawn, complex characters, each struggling with their own insecurities and uncertainties. Another key player, Ash’s father, has dementia, and this is handled with sensitivity.
This is the third book I’ve read by the author, and every time I’ve been delighted by a gripping plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful writing. I can’t recommend Paula’s book highly enough.
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