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The Ski Lodge: A gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller with a heart-stopping twist for 2026
Don't miss the next spine-tingling thriller from Nina Manning - The Ski Lodge is available to pre-order now!
A perfect escape. A secret worth dying for.
After all flights are grounded, Jolie finds herself stranded at a luxurious ski resort with her two children. Having checked out of her hotel, she desperately posts a message on social media asking for a place to stay.
When Rona offers an isolated ski lodge higher up the mountain, Jolie can't refuse.
But Jolie's hiding she's been to this resort before, and the past won't let her go. And as the whirling snowfall takes a turn for the worse, it becomes clear Rona has ulterior motives for letting Jolie stay in the chalet with her family.
What is each woman hiding? And will the truth be deadly?
A perfect escape. A secret worth dying for.
After all flights are grounded, Jolie finds herself stranded at a luxurious ski resort with her two children. Having checked out of her hotel, she desperately posts a message on social media asking for a place to stay.
When Rona offers an isolated ski lodge higher up the mountain, Jolie can't refuse.
But Jolie's hiding she's been to this resort before, and the past won't let her go. And as the whirling snowfall takes a turn for the worse, it becomes clear Rona has ulterior motives for letting Jolie stay in the chalet with her family.
What is each woman hiding? And will the truth be deadly?
- GenresThriller
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2026
34 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Nina Manning
30 books334 followersNina Manning began her career in the catering industry. She has worked as a private chef cooking for royalty and TV personalities.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 21, 2025
Stranded-at-a-resort thrillers always grab my attention, so I was curious to see what Manning would do with this snowy, isolated setup. The Ski Lodge follows Jolie, who gets stranded at a packed ski resort with her two kids after flights are grounded. With nowhere to stay, she accepts help from Rona, a stranger offering space at her remote mountain lodge. But Jolie has been to this resort before—and as the storm worsens and Rona’s behavior shifts, it’s clear both women are hiding something.
This was my first book by Nina Manning, and I did enjoy her writing style—she knows how to build atmosphere, and the setup has all the right ingredients for a claustrophobic, snowed-in thriller. The isolated lodge, the storm, and the uneasiness between the characters create moments that feel like they should lead somewhere tense.
Even with such a strong premise, the tension never fully landed the way I hoped. The pacing dips in places, especially when the story gets stuck in the repetitive cabin routine, and some of the reveals felt predictable once the pieces were in play. I kept waiting for that sharp, suspenseful turn that would ramp things up, but it stayed fairly mild from start to finish.
All in all, it’s a solid snowy setup with a moody, locked-in vibe, but it didn’t deliver the level of tension I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This was my first book by Nina Manning, and I did enjoy her writing style—she knows how to build atmosphere, and the setup has all the right ingredients for a claustrophobic, snowed-in thriller. The isolated lodge, the storm, and the uneasiness between the characters create moments that feel like they should lead somewhere tense.
Even with such a strong premise, the tension never fully landed the way I hoped. The pacing dips in places, especially when the story gets stuck in the repetitive cabin routine, and some of the reveals felt predictable once the pieces were in play. I kept waiting for that sharp, suspenseful turn that would ramp things up, but it stayed fairly mild from start to finish.
All in all, it’s a solid snowy setup with a moody, locked-in vibe, but it didn’t deliver the level of tension I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
December 22, 2025
The descriptive writing along with the scary atmosphere at the isolated ski lodge made me very nervous in a good way. Jolie’s fear and realization of another characters motives while being stuck with her children was terrifying to think about. I loved how protective she was of her kids.
Predictable plot twist. The ending was dull since it was very easy to predict how it was going to end.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Predictable plot twist. The ending was dull since it was very easy to predict how it was going to end.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2025
A remote lodge in an exclusive ski resort. A family holiday, but one of those in attendance has not shared all the details of their past. When she is left with her children Jolie fears how she’ll cope…but it becomes worse when air control issues ground all planes and a severe snow warning keeps them stuck in the resort.
Having posted an online request for help Jolie is grateful to the woman who offers her somewhere to stay. What she doesn’t realise is that her saviour knows Jolie from years ago, and she wants to finish the job that was left incomplete when Jolie was last at the resort.
This is a thriller that doesn’t offer anything particularly new, but it was entertaining. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
Having posted an online request for help Jolie is grateful to the woman who offers her somewhere to stay. What she doesn’t realise is that her saviour knows Jolie from years ago, and she wants to finish the job that was left incomplete when Jolie was last at the resort.
This is a thriller that doesn’t offer anything particularly new, but it was entertaining. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Nina Manning, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This review is honest and voluntary. ❄️💙
The Ski Lodge turns a dream winter escape into a chilling psychological nightmare, blending isolation, buried secrets, and mounting dread in a way that feels both haunting and immersive. Set at an upscale ski resort during a brutal snowstorm, the story follows Jolie, who becomes stranded with her two children after flights are grounded. Desperate for somewhere to stay, she accepts help from Rona, a stranger offering shelter in a remote mountain lodge, but both women are hiding far more than they let on.
When Jolie’s husband returns home early for work, she stays behind at the resort with their two children for a few extra days. But when it’s finally time to leave, she discovers all flights have been cancelled. Desperate to find somewhere safe for the kids to stay, she accepts help from a stranger who offers them a room in a remote mountain cabin, a place no one else knows she’s gone.
It doesn’t take long for Jolie to realize this woman isn’t a stranger at all, but someone she worked with at the resort twenty years earlier, someone with unfinished business. As the storm closes in and the truth begins to surface, it becomes clear that her host’s intentions are far darker than they first appeared. Trapped, isolated, and with no way out, Jolie must think fast if she has any hope of protecting herself and her children.
This is a tense, atmospheric thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish and once past loyalties begin to crack, the stakes couldn’t feel higher.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. Manning masterfully transforms the snowy landscape and luxurious chalet into a claustrophobic trap. The storm, the silence, the creeping tension between Jolie and Rona, everything works together to create that uneasy, watching-your-back feeling. I loved how Jolie’s vulnerability as a mother collided with the guilt and fear tied to her past, while Rona’s unpredictable motives kept the psychological intrigue sharp and unsettling.
The dual timelines and small cast of characters helped keep the story focused, and there are moments when the suspense really lands, especially as secrets surface and loyalties fracture. Even when some reveals drifted into slightly predictable territory, the emotional stakes stayed strong, and the atmosphere carried the story through.
That said, parts of the pacing feel uneven at times, particularly when the plot lingers in repetitive cabin moments instead of pushing the tension forward. There are sections where I found myself waiting for a sharper twist or a bigger escalation than what ultimately arrived. Still, the storm-bound setting, the sense of dread, and the psychological unravelling between the characters make this an engaging winter thriller overall.
With its icy setting, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn suspense, The Ski Lodge is perfect for readers who love snow-trapped mysteries, simmering tension, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s atmospheric, moody, and unsettling in all the right ways, a story that turns isolation into danger and trust into a ticking time bomb.
Once you pick up this book, be ready to get pulled entirely into the story. The author sets up what feels like a perfect winter getaway, only for it to unravel into a chilling race against time as buried secrets resurface in the worst possible place.
The Ski Lodge turns a dream winter escape into a chilling psychological nightmare, blending isolation, buried secrets, and mounting dread in a way that feels both haunting and immersive. Set at an upscale ski resort during a brutal snowstorm, the story follows Jolie, who becomes stranded with her two children after flights are grounded. Desperate for somewhere to stay, she accepts help from Rona, a stranger offering shelter in a remote mountain lodge, but both women are hiding far more than they let on.
When Jolie’s husband returns home early for work, she stays behind at the resort with their two children for a few extra days. But when it’s finally time to leave, she discovers all flights have been cancelled. Desperate to find somewhere safe for the kids to stay, she accepts help from a stranger who offers them a room in a remote mountain cabin, a place no one else knows she’s gone.
It doesn’t take long for Jolie to realize this woman isn’t a stranger at all, but someone she worked with at the resort twenty years earlier, someone with unfinished business. As the storm closes in and the truth begins to surface, it becomes clear that her host’s intentions are far darker than they first appeared. Trapped, isolated, and with no way out, Jolie must think fast if she has any hope of protecting herself and her children.
This is a tense, atmospheric thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish and once past loyalties begin to crack, the stakes couldn’t feel higher.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. Manning masterfully transforms the snowy landscape and luxurious chalet into a claustrophobic trap. The storm, the silence, the creeping tension between Jolie and Rona, everything works together to create that uneasy, watching-your-back feeling. I loved how Jolie’s vulnerability as a mother collided with the guilt and fear tied to her past, while Rona’s unpredictable motives kept the psychological intrigue sharp and unsettling.
The dual timelines and small cast of characters helped keep the story focused, and there are moments when the suspense really lands, especially as secrets surface and loyalties fracture. Even when some reveals drifted into slightly predictable territory, the emotional stakes stayed strong, and the atmosphere carried the story through.
That said, parts of the pacing feel uneven at times, particularly when the plot lingers in repetitive cabin moments instead of pushing the tension forward. There are sections where I found myself waiting for a sharper twist or a bigger escalation than what ultimately arrived. Still, the storm-bound setting, the sense of dread, and the psychological unravelling between the characters make this an engaging winter thriller overall.
With its icy setting, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn suspense, The Ski Lodge is perfect for readers who love snow-trapped mysteries, simmering tension, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s atmospheric, moody, and unsettling in all the right ways, a story that turns isolation into danger and trust into a ticking time bomb.
Once you pick up this book, be ready to get pulled entirely into the story. The author sets up what feels like a perfect winter getaway, only for it to unravel into a chilling race against time as buried secrets resurface in the worst possible place.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
★★☆☆☆
ARC Review: The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning
This was my third book by Nina Manning—I really enjoyed The Beach House, but The Beach Holiday didn’t land for me, and unfortunately The Ski Lodge also wasn’t a hit.
The premise is strong: Jolie, stranded at a luxury ski resort with her two kids after all flights are grounded, sends out a desperate social-media plea for accommodation. Rona offers her isolated chalet up the mountain, but both women are keeping secrets—especially Jolie, who has been to this resort before and is haunted by something that happened twenty years ago. As the snowstorm worsens, motives become murky and danger creeps closer.
But the execution fell apart for me. The novel is extremely repetitive, with constant foreshadowing about “that thing that happened on the mountain” two decades earlier. Jolie’s decision to hide her previous work at the resort from her own family felt unnecessary and unrealistic. The segues into the flashback chapters were especially awkward—lines like “before she knew what was happening, Jolie was transported back, twenty years ago” pulled me straight out of the story.
The logic gaps also added up. If the airport was closed, surely hotel rooms would free up because passengers wouldn’t be arriving? And if Jolie was so terrified of staying in the mountains, why not simply head back toward the airport and stay at a hotel there? On top of that, there was a random spelling error where Rona briefly became “Rosa.”
I predicted the major twist halfway through, and the ending felt flat because it unfolded exactly as expected. The pacing was uneven, and I found myself wanting more depth from both the characters and the mystery. The writing itself often repeated the same phrases and ideas, yet somehow still felt vague and basic—it could’ve benefited from another round of editing.
Most of all, I struggled with the characters. Jolie had constant damsel in distress energy, frequently insisting she couldn’t cope without her husband, and her endless complaining made her difficult to connect with. I had a very hard time getting through this one and nearly DNF’d several times.
A big thank you to Nina Manning, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC.
ARC Review: The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning
This was my third book by Nina Manning—I really enjoyed The Beach House, but The Beach Holiday didn’t land for me, and unfortunately The Ski Lodge also wasn’t a hit.
The premise is strong: Jolie, stranded at a luxury ski resort with her two kids after all flights are grounded, sends out a desperate social-media plea for accommodation. Rona offers her isolated chalet up the mountain, but both women are keeping secrets—especially Jolie, who has been to this resort before and is haunted by something that happened twenty years ago. As the snowstorm worsens, motives become murky and danger creeps closer.
But the execution fell apart for me. The novel is extremely repetitive, with constant foreshadowing about “that thing that happened on the mountain” two decades earlier. Jolie’s decision to hide her previous work at the resort from her own family felt unnecessary and unrealistic. The segues into the flashback chapters were especially awkward—lines like “before she knew what was happening, Jolie was transported back, twenty years ago” pulled me straight out of the story.
The logic gaps also added up. If the airport was closed, surely hotel rooms would free up because passengers wouldn’t be arriving? And if Jolie was so terrified of staying in the mountains, why not simply head back toward the airport and stay at a hotel there? On top of that, there was a random spelling error where Rona briefly became “Rosa.”
I predicted the major twist halfway through, and the ending felt flat because it unfolded exactly as expected. The pacing was uneven, and I found myself wanting more depth from both the characters and the mystery. The writing itself often repeated the same phrases and ideas, yet somehow still felt vague and basic—it could’ve benefited from another round of editing.
Most of all, I struggled with the characters. Jolie had constant damsel in distress energy, frequently insisting she couldn’t cope without her husband, and her endless complaining made her difficult to connect with. I had a very hard time getting through this one and nearly DNF’d several times.
A big thank you to Nina Manning, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 23, 2025
Nina Manning’s The Ski Lodge is a taut psychological thriller that transforms the allure of a winter escape into something far more unsettling. Set against the crisp beauty of the Alps, the novel follows a group of friends whose holiday promises laughter, skiing, and indulgence—but quickly unravels into suspicion and fear.
Manning’s gift lies in atmosphere: the snowbound lodge feels both inviting and claustrophobic, a place where secrets echo louder than the wind outside. The friendships at the heart of the story are drawn with nuance—warmth and loyalty sit side by side with envy, resentment, and betrayal. As tensions rise, the reader is pulled into a web of lies where every smile conceals a motive.
What makes the novel so compelling is its blend of pace and psychology. The twists arrive with precision, but Manning never loses sight of the emotional undercurrents—grief, guilt, and the fragile bonds that hold people together. By the time the shocking truth emerges, the reader is left questioning not only who can be trusted, but how well we ever know those closest to us.
The Ski Lodge is chilling, addictive, and elegantly written—a perfect winter read that lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Nina Manning, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Manning’s gift lies in atmosphere: the snowbound lodge feels both inviting and claustrophobic, a place where secrets echo louder than the wind outside. The friendships at the heart of the story are drawn with nuance—warmth and loyalty sit side by side with envy, resentment, and betrayal. As tensions rise, the reader is pulled into a web of lies where every smile conceals a motive.
What makes the novel so compelling is its blend of pace and psychology. The twists arrive with precision, but Manning never loses sight of the emotional undercurrents—grief, guilt, and the fragile bonds that hold people together. By the time the shocking truth emerges, the reader is left questioning not only who can be trusted, but how well we ever know those closest to us.
The Ski Lodge is chilling, addictive, and elegantly written—a perfect winter read that lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Nina Manning, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
January 19, 2026
Another great story, expertly told by this talented author. Some very interesting characters make this novel really standout for me.
The story is set in a Pyrenees ski resort. Jolie finds herself tolerating a skiing break with her husband and 2 children. Her husband does not know that she has a history with the location, and one that has left her with some emotional scars. In a change to plans, and circumstances beyond her control, Jolie finds herself stuck in the resort with no accommodation and reaching out for help to locals on social media. Jolie assumes that Rona, the woman who comes to her rescue is a kindly stranger, but soon learns that Rona knows exactly who she is, and the secrets Jolie has kept carefully hidden.... A dramatic backdrop, threats of avalanche and secrets from the past ensure that there is plenty of suspense and building tension.
Told through past and present timelines, the story is expertly crafted and comes together beautifully.
Delighted to read in the 'blurb' that Nina has relocated to my hometown and looking forward to seeing if the Highlands feature and/or inspire in any future plots!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The story is set in a Pyrenees ski resort. Jolie finds herself tolerating a skiing break with her husband and 2 children. Her husband does not know that she has a history with the location, and one that has left her with some emotional scars. In a change to plans, and circumstances beyond her control, Jolie finds herself stuck in the resort with no accommodation and reaching out for help to locals on social media. Jolie assumes that Rona, the woman who comes to her rescue is a kindly stranger, but soon learns that Rona knows exactly who she is, and the secrets Jolie has kept carefully hidden.... A dramatic backdrop, threats of avalanche and secrets from the past ensure that there is plenty of suspense and building tension.
Told through past and present timelines, the story is expertly crafted and comes together beautifully.
Delighted to read in the 'blurb' that Nina has relocated to my hometown and looking forward to seeing if the Highlands feature and/or inspire in any future plots!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
December 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Ski Lodge is an atmospheric read with a wintry setting that immediately caught my interest. Nina Manning creates a sense of isolation and tension that fits perfectly with the snowy backdrop, and I enjoyed the premise of secrets unfolding in such a closed-in environment. The concept is strong, and there are several intriguing moments that kept me curious about how everything would tie together.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and I found myself wanting a bit more depth from both the characters and the mystery. There were twists that landed well and others that felt predictable, leaving me slightly underwhelmed toward the middle sections. That said, the writing is engaging and the setting is wonderfully vivid, making this an enjoyable read overall — just not one that completely hooked me the way I hoped.
A solid, snowy thriller with a great atmosphere, perfect for readers who enjoy slower-burn mysteries in chilling settings. I’m still interested in reading more from Nina Manning in the future
The Ski Lodge is an atmospheric read with a wintry setting that immediately caught my interest. Nina Manning creates a sense of isolation and tension that fits perfectly with the snowy backdrop, and I enjoyed the premise of secrets unfolding in such a closed-in environment. The concept is strong, and there are several intriguing moments that kept me curious about how everything would tie together.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and I found myself wanting a bit more depth from both the characters and the mystery. There were twists that landed well and others that felt predictable, leaving me slightly underwhelmed toward the middle sections. That said, the writing is engaging and the setting is wonderfully vivid, making this an enjoyable read overall — just not one that completely hooked me the way I hoped.
A solid, snowy thriller with a great atmosphere, perfect for readers who enjoy slower-burn mysteries in chilling settings. I’m still interested in reading more from Nina Manning in the future
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ROUNDED TO 4 STARS FOR ME.
When flight back home got cancelled,Josie needs to find somewhere to stay with her two children.Rona,the woman Jolie knew when she was working at the same resort twenty years ago is the only one who can help.Being stranded at this ski lodge with Rona may not be a good idea,as all those years ago one of her friend gone missing there,never to be found,and Rona is behaving weird toward her.
Will Jolie and her children survive the storm,or maybe there is something more going on?
It was great psychological thriller,quick read with some secrets and twists.Being able to read in past and present I got good idea what was happening,and why Jolie didn't want to come back to this resort.At first I didn't really connect with Jolie,but as book progressed I saw a mother who is scared but will do anything to protect her children.Great tension and plot,the ending was a little bit open,so I feelt book was not done yet,guess we see...My first book by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and netgalley for arc,my review is honest and my own.
When flight back home got cancelled,Josie needs to find somewhere to stay with her two children.Rona,the woman Jolie knew when she was working at the same resort twenty years ago is the only one who can help.Being stranded at this ski lodge with Rona may not be a good idea,as all those years ago one of her friend gone missing there,never to be found,and Rona is behaving weird toward her.
Will Jolie and her children survive the storm,or maybe there is something more going on?
It was great psychological thriller,quick read with some secrets and twists.Being able to read in past and present I got good idea what was happening,and why Jolie didn't want to come back to this resort.At first I didn't really connect with Jolie,but as book progressed I saw a mother who is scared but will do anything to protect her children.Great tension and plot,the ending was a little bit open,so I feelt book was not done yet,guess we see...My first book by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and netgalley for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
40/100 or 2.0 stars
The synopsis made me excited for this book. Unfortunately, this didn't work. I understand wanting to set up the plot and characters, but our main character doesn't get to the ski lodge until just over 100 pages or 35% of the book. The set up was too long and didn't really pay off in the end. I am all for suspending some disbelief in thrillers, but this was too much to ignore. Our main character, Jolie, isn't completely clueless, but she definitely makes dumb decisions for the sake of the plot; it felt unrealistic to how a mother would react when their children are clearly in danger. The ending was anticlimactic in the worst way. The plot wasn't memorable so this story was not going to be good no matter who wrote it.
I feel bad, since I know this book does not have a lot of reviews or ratings, but I need to be honest and two stars is an honest rating. I think the writing was decent and kept this from being a one star read, so I would give the author another try, as I think it was just this plot that did not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis made me excited for this book. Unfortunately, this didn't work. I understand wanting to set up the plot and characters, but our main character doesn't get to the ski lodge until just over 100 pages or 35% of the book. The set up was too long and didn't really pay off in the end. I am all for suspending some disbelief in thrillers, but this was too much to ignore. Our main character, Jolie, isn't completely clueless, but she definitely makes dumb decisions for the sake of the plot; it felt unrealistic to how a mother would react when their children are clearly in danger. The ending was anticlimactic in the worst way. The plot wasn't memorable so this story was not going to be good no matter who wrote it.
I feel bad, since I know this book does not have a lot of reviews or ratings, but I need to be honest and two stars is an honest rating. I think the writing was decent and kept this from being a one star read, so I would give the author another try, as I think it was just this plot that did not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set at a posh ski resort, The Ski Lodge is blissfully chilling and oozes atmosphere. In ways it is a slow burn punctuated by moments of zippy fast pacing which I really leaned into. I felt the crunch of the snow and the angst between two female characters in equal measure.
Jolie's husband left his work conference early to be more productive at home. Anxiety gripped her as she became stranded with her two small children due to canceled flights. Rona leads the hungry and desperate family to an isolated lodge at a luxury resort, with no WiFi. But that wasn't their only challenge. A blizzard confined them and after hearing Rona's story, Jolie is on high alert. Her past is exposed and secrets bubble to the surface.
My stomach was in the best knots reading this novel. Some parts are predictable but others weren't and I easily got lost in the story. I like the short character list and dual timelines. Though none of the characters were endearing, one in particular was convincingly portrayed. I enjoyed reading this wintry thriller in front of a roaring fire with copious amounts of tea.
Jolie's husband left his work conference early to be more productive at home. Anxiety gripped her as she became stranded with her two small children due to canceled flights. Rona leads the hungry and desperate family to an isolated lodge at a luxury resort, with no WiFi. But that wasn't their only challenge. A blizzard confined them and after hearing Rona's story, Jolie is on high alert. Her past is exposed and secrets bubble to the surface.
My stomach was in the best knots reading this novel. Some parts are predictable but others weren't and I easily got lost in the story. I like the short character list and dual timelines. Though none of the characters were endearing, one in particular was convincingly portrayed. I enjoyed reading this wintry thriller in front of a roaring fire with copious amounts of tea.
November 30, 2025
I received an ARC from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. This was just OK to me; I was left wanting more. I do enjoy a locked room or stranded mystery, and Ms. Manning did well building the suspense with the isolated cabin, blizzard conditions, no Wifi. There were a lot of hints about Jolie's troubled past, but the reveal of what exactly happened was kind of anti-climactic. I was sympathetic towards Rona in the past timeline chapters. It seemed like Jolie & Martina were basically the mean girls mocking her for being old-fashioned and not up on social cues. That can be traumatizing - maybe it's why Rona ended up so creepy! The ending seemed a little rushed after so much buildup, and I thought we needed more detail of what happened in the past timeline to make Jolie want to leave the resort. It was twisty at the end, though - just when you think you know where the author was going, she turns it around.
December 4, 2025
The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning
Didn’t everyone have secrets…..
Jolie on holiday with her husband, Idris and their two children at a ski resort. Idris has to leave early and encourages Jolie to stay for a couple of days extra. Jolie is really nervous, anxious but why?
She feels guilty about something but what? A secret from the past? Who is Martina? Where is Martina? Does Jolie know Rona? Rona knows Jolie and seems very helpful to Jolie and her children when a storm hits. Duncan…..Martina…..Rona….A blast from the past maybe? What is Jolie not saying what secrets does she hold?
I really enjoyed #theskilodge there was just enough suspense to keep the questions and intrigue ticking over without becoming overly complicated. A few surprises along the way added to the intrigue and suspicion.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Nina Manning for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of #theskilodge due for release 8th January 2026
Didn’t everyone have secrets…..
Jolie on holiday with her husband, Idris and their two children at a ski resort. Idris has to leave early and encourages Jolie to stay for a couple of days extra. Jolie is really nervous, anxious but why?
She feels guilty about something but what? A secret from the past? Who is Martina? Where is Martina? Does Jolie know Rona? Rona knows Jolie and seems very helpful to Jolie and her children when a storm hits. Duncan…..Martina…..Rona….A blast from the past maybe? What is Jolie not saying what secrets does she hold?
I really enjoyed #theskilodge there was just enough suspense to keep the questions and intrigue ticking over without becoming overly complicated. A few surprises along the way added to the intrigue and suspicion.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Nina Manning for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of #theskilodge due for release 8th January 2026
January 30, 2026
I’m always drawn to snowed-in, isolated thrillers, so The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning immediately caught my attention. Jolie is stranded at a ski resort with her two kids when flights are canceled, and she ends up accepting help from a stranger who offers them a place to stay at her remote lodge. As the storm worsens, things start to feel very off.
I liked the writing and the creepy, snowy atmosphere, and I definitely felt Jolie’s fear. The setup had a lot of potential, but the story became a bit predictable, and the tension never fully ramped up for me. The ending, in particular, felt pretty easy to see coming.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable, quick thriller with a great setting, even if it didn’t quite deliver the suspense I was hoping for.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the writing and the creepy, snowy atmosphere, and I definitely felt Jolie’s fear. The setup had a lot of potential, but the story became a bit predictable, and the tension never fully ramped up for me. The ending, in particular, felt pretty easy to see coming.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable, quick thriller with a great setting, even if it didn’t quite deliver the suspense I was hoping for.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2025
Jolie and her children are stranded in a luxury resort due to an issue with the flights and the incoming inclement weather. She’s checked out of her accommodation and desperate to find somewhere for her and the children to stay. Jolie has been here before, twenty years earlier, but she’s keeping that secret. When she’s offered shelter higher up the mountain from an old acquaintance she jumps at the chance but is the offer completely genuine? I had high hopes for this ‘locked in thriller’ but for me the tension just wasn’t there. I kept reading thinking it was building up to something epic but for me it was all a bit lacklustre in the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!
I always love a good destination thriller, and Nina Manning was not new to me, I have already been reading the beach holiday earlier this year. Which is why I was very happy to be able to read this one early.
I can not imagine how it would feel to be trapped in an isolated ski lodge like this, with no wifi and flights being cancelled thanks to a blizzard. Surely one of my nightmares. Which is why I guess the story was so gripping, holding me tight from the first page and not letting go.
The Ski Lodge is a fast-paced read, perfect for a day curled up on the couch, seeing it does give you just the right amount of chills all the way to the end. Very much recommended!
I always love a good destination thriller, and Nina Manning was not new to me, I have already been reading the beach holiday earlier this year. Which is why I was very happy to be able to read this one early.
I can not imagine how it would feel to be trapped in an isolated ski lodge like this, with no wifi and flights being cancelled thanks to a blizzard. Surely one of my nightmares. Which is why I guess the story was so gripping, holding me tight from the first page and not letting go.
The Ski Lodge is a fast-paced read, perfect for a day curled up on the couch, seeing it does give you just the right amount of chills all the way to the end. Very much recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning from the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, via Netgalley. This was a new to me author, but I was drawn in by the cover and in the mood for a destination thriller.
The story does take a little while to get going, and I found the opening to be quite a slow burn and a little repetitive. That said, there was enough intrigue simmering beneath the surface to keep me turning the pages, and I trusted that it was all building towards something, which it was.
The isolated ski lodge location was a real highlight for me. The sense of remoteness and being cut off added nicely to the tension and helped create an unsettling, claustrophobic feel as the story progressed. While the pacing remained steady rather than fast for much of the book, the final section really delivered, with several surprising twists that I genuinely didn’t anticipate and which pulled everything together well.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and suspenseful read that improves as it goes along. A slow burn rather than a high octane thriller, but one that rewards patience with a twisty ending. I’d happily pick up another book by this author in the future.
The story does take a little while to get going, and I found the opening to be quite a slow burn and a little repetitive. That said, there was enough intrigue simmering beneath the surface to keep me turning the pages, and I trusted that it was all building towards something, which it was.
The isolated ski lodge location was a real highlight for me. The sense of remoteness and being cut off added nicely to the tension and helped create an unsettling, claustrophobic feel as the story progressed. While the pacing remained steady rather than fast for much of the book, the final section really delivered, with several surprising twists that I genuinely didn’t anticipate and which pulled everything together well.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and suspenseful read that improves as it goes along. A slow burn rather than a high octane thriller, but one that rewards patience with a twisty ending. I’d happily pick up another book by this author in the future.
December 21, 2025
The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning is a tense, atmospheric thriller, set in the snowy Pyrenees mountains. Jolie and her family embark on a ski holiday, but when her husband returns home early, Jolie and the children end up stranded after a snow storm. Unbeknownst to her husband, the resort featured in Jolie's past, and luckily for her, a face from back then decides to step in and offer her and the children shelter, but are they really a friendly face or does Jolie need to run?
A slow burner, this one gives you just enough to keep you hooked, with multiple twists along the way. An enjoyable read.
A slow burner, this one gives you just enough to keep you hooked, with multiple twists along the way. An enjoyable read.
January 4, 2026
I love a good psychological thriller. I think this was my first stranded at a ski resort one and it was good. I liked the back and forth of timelines to get a good understanding of the characters and to build up some suspense of what’s to come. There was two POV-Jolie and Rona and I loved that!
I really loved the suspense at the end of each chapter and wanted to know what happened so much! I thought about ten different things and was surprised by the ending (and how wrong I was).
I felt like the ending was a little rushed and would have loved to seen it stretched out a bit but it was still good!
I really loved the suspense at the end of each chapter and wanted to know what happened so much! I thought about ten different things and was surprised by the ending (and how wrong I was).
I felt like the ending was a little rushed and would have loved to seen it stretched out a bit but it was still good!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jolie, Idris and their children are enjoying a week at a luxury ski resort in the Pyrenees, it is a part work trip for Idris and when the Wi-Fi stops him and his colleagues from working they return to London leaving Jolie and the children to finish their holiday. On the day they are to leave all flights are grounded and they have nowhere to stay.
Rona who has worked at the resort for over twenty years says she has somewhere for them, but this is an isolated lodge and the snow is heavy, leaving them stranded.
A thrilling read split between now and twenty years previously when both Rona and Jolie worked at the resort.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Rona who has worked at the resort for over twenty years says she has somewhere for them, but this is an isolated lodge and the snow is heavy, leaving them stranded.
A thrilling read split between now and twenty years previously when both Rona and Jolie worked at the resort.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
January 7, 2026
I love a good psychological thriller to cleanse my palate between fantasies! Figured The Ski Lodge would be the perfect choice for a winter read.
I enjoyed the dual timelines from both Rona and Jolie - both present day with flashes to the past to better get to know the characters.
Admittedly there was a stretch in the middle that I always just put it down - it got a bit slow. And I did not like Jolie very much to be honest. Maybe it was her snobbish ways with her children? Idk - I don’t like entitled people much. lol
Of course, once the big twist and reveal happened I was shocked because “didn’t see that coming”, which I guess makes it a good thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc in return for my honest review.
Pub date: 08 January 2026
I enjoyed the dual timelines from both Rona and Jolie - both present day with flashes to the past to better get to know the characters.
Admittedly there was a stretch in the middle that I always just put it down - it got a bit slow. And I did not like Jolie very much to be honest. Maybe it was her snobbish ways with her children? Idk - I don’t like entitled people much. lol
Of course, once the big twist and reveal happened I was shocked because “didn’t see that coming”, which I guess makes it a good thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc in return for my honest review.
Pub date: 08 January 2026
November 18, 2025
Thank you, Hodder and Stoughton, for providing the copy of The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning. This was a decent popcorn thriller, but it wasn’t really for me. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and had to read some sentences a few times to understand them. The story in the past wasn’t compelling, but I enjoyed the present timeline. I got more interested toward the end and liked the reveals. If you want an easy, quick read, this book may be right for you. 3 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the premise of this book but for me the execution was somewhat lacking. It was just a bit dull, slow paced and I found myself losing interest which was a shame. The characters were okay but again nothing massively special. There are some twists throughout the book but they were fairly obvious. The location was good and nice and wintery but did not feel particularly magical.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
January 19, 2026
I want the biggest fan of this book but I thought the scenery and atmosphere was great. I found the flash back to 20 years ago to be kind of uninteresting and that’s what led me to not loving the book so much.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2025
This thriller worked fairly well. the twists are super predictable throughout which took a bit of a ding to it, but still it was great. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
December 17, 2025
A very festive read for this time of year. I loved the snowed in secluded setting, this one really had a chill to it ❄️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced ebook copy of The Ski Lodge by Nina Manning from Netgalley.
This destination thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to get to the end as fast as you can to see how it all comes together.
The slow burn suspense is so well done. The secluded, snowy setting is so descriptive, I felt like I was in the mountains.
Definitely recommend.
This destination thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to get to the end as fast as you can to see how it all comes together.
The slow burn suspense is so well done. The secluded, snowy setting is so descriptive, I felt like I was in the mountains.
Definitely recommend.
January 25, 2026
Its taken my 5 days to read a 300 page book. Its not been my favourite by Nina unfortunately. Such a shame really but the last 20% were probably the best bits in the book.
January 11, 2026
I would give this book a solid 3.5 stars. It was a slow burn thriller which I love, but maybe a little too slow. I liked the story and the build up but found the ending a little rushed and anti climactic. I was expecting a bit more.
That being said, I did enjoy the writing and the overall storyline. It’s definitely worth reading if you’re looking for a slow burn thriller that’s quick and easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
That being said, I did enjoy the writing and the overall storyline. It’s definitely worth reading if you’re looking for a slow burn thriller that’s quick and easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 18, 2026
Good claustrophobic thriller perfect for the chilly winter months. We follow Jolie who is on holiday at a ski resort with her husband Idris and 2 young children. When Idris has to leave the resort for work Jolie soon finds herself stranded there with the children in a snowstorm with no place to stay. Shes keeping secrets though and she used to work at the resort where something terrible happened 20 years previous.
When a woman called Rona contacts her with a place to stay we start to see the past and the present weave together with flashbacks and I didn't see what was coming at all. I thought Nina Manning wrote Jolie's anxiety and catastrophic thinking brilliantly which added to the tense atmosphere as you put yourself in the main characters shoes (an absolute nightmare!)
When a woman called Rona contacts her with a place to stay we start to see the past and the present weave together with flashbacks and I didn't see what was coming at all. I thought Nina Manning wrote Jolie's anxiety and catastrophic thinking brilliantly which added to the tense atmosphere as you put yourself in the main characters shoes (an absolute nightmare!)
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