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The Lodge
Not yet published
Expected 15 Jan 26It’s the perfect getaway. Until there’s no way out.
You have been dreaming of an unforgettable weekend escape, and Black Tarn Lodge seems to offer everything—a magnificent Gothic mansion with towering turrets nestled in the misty Lancashire hills.
Expecting elegant dinners, vintage wines and a special late-night screening of a legendary lost film in the private cinema, all seems perfect—until night falls and a thick fog isolates you all from the world. But your phones go missing. Guests start vanishing. Then you find the body.
Someone, it seems, fell from the roof. But you can’t help wondering if he was pushed. Totally cut off, you cannot leave or call for help. You don’t know these people. But you need to decide who you can trust soon. Because this is not over. Who is going to be next—you?
From Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch comes a totally addictive thriller that will leave you utterly breathless as you race through the pages. Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
You have been dreaming of an unforgettable weekend escape, and Black Tarn Lodge seems to offer everything—a magnificent Gothic mansion with towering turrets nestled in the misty Lancashire hills.
Expecting elegant dinners, vintage wines and a special late-night screening of a legendary lost film in the private cinema, all seems perfect—until night falls and a thick fog isolates you all from the world. But your phones go missing. Guests start vanishing. Then you find the body.
Someone, it seems, fell from the roof. But you can’t help wondering if he was pushed. Totally cut off, you cannot leave or call for help. You don’t know these people. But you need to decide who you can trust soon. Because this is not over. Who is going to be next—you?
From Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch comes a totally addictive thriller that will leave you utterly breathless as you race through the pages. Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
350 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 15, 2026
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books461 followersPaul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 29, 2025
Oh man, this story is crazy! Liz and Nick run a dark tourism business where they take guests around the sites of famous and infamous murders. They normally just do day trips, but have started offering an extended tour that lasts multiple days, with a stay at a surprise location on their second night. It turns out to be the huge estate of a famous actor who passed away and left The Black Tarn Lodge to be run by his grandson, who is testing it out as an event venue. It's a Gothic mansion full of the actor's costumes and memorabilia, along with a private theater where the tour guests will receive a screening of his never-before-seen movie of legend. It's a horror fan's ultimate entertainment, and these lucky fans can't wait. But will they be scared...to death?
Ha! Yes, of course, because believe me, the bodies start piling up. This isn't your average mystery story with one or two deaths to solve. This is a full-on, gory horror movie with hilariously bloody and unique methods of killing. Not right away, but once it starts, it just keeps snowballing until you wonder if anyone will be left alive. There's just enough character development to make you root for these people (except maybe Martha). And there's only a touch of the whole 'you people are terrible for profiting off of murderers' criticism. But like Nick and Liz truthfully assert (to some extent, I'm adlibbing here), someone's going to do it, so it might as well be us. Fair enough!
And the gruesomeness isn't too over the top; it could have been much grosser or more exploitative than it really is. It's just a good old-fashioned horror story to keep you entertained and possibly give you nightmares. What more could you ask for?
Ha! Yes, of course, because believe me, the bodies start piling up. This isn't your average mystery story with one or two deaths to solve. This is a full-on, gory horror movie with hilariously bloody and unique methods of killing. Not right away, but once it starts, it just keeps snowballing until you wonder if anyone will be left alive. There's just enough character development to make you root for these people (except maybe Martha). And there's only a touch of the whole 'you people are terrible for profiting off of murderers' criticism. But like Nick and Liz truthfully assert (to some extent, I'm adlibbing here), someone's going to do it, so it might as well be us. Fair enough!
And the gruesomeness isn't too over the top; it could have been much grosser or more exploitative than it really is. It's just a good old-fashioned horror story to keep you entertained and possibly give you nightmares. What more could you ask for?
December 10, 2025
Rating: 2.4/5
Having read the accompanying blurb and the reference that it would appeal to fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley, I was anticipating that "The Lodge" would be a murder mystery with its roots in the traditions of the "golden age". However, this novel really doesn't fit into that genre at all.
There is certainly a murder mystery element - or, the be more accurate, multiple murders. However, stylistically, this is very different to the work produced by Mses. Clarke, Ware and Foley. The first half of the book picks up on the setting for the story, a Gothic mansion, and is very much reminiscent of a Gothic drama. The author invests a good deal of time introducing the dramatis personae and the background of Black Tarn Lodge and its previous occupants. The most notable of these being Edgar Karnwood, who was best known for his appearances in "Hammer" style horror movies, although he did have a role in a James Bond film too. (Yes, that does sound remarkably like Christopher Lee, doesn't it?) Although, I can appreciate the need for the writer to establish the background, it was too drawn out for my liking and to quote from the book itself, 'he went on at some length and with laborious slowness".
By contrast, the second half of "The Lodge" is very different. Not only does the, pace ramp up very rapidly, but there is also a distinct change of stylistic approach. The Gothic drama is no more and the reader is suddenly confronted with a full-blown slasher fest, complete with multiple grisly deaths. At times, the demise of the victims is described in quite graphic detail, which will not necessarily appeal to all readers. On other occasions it is quite tongue-in-cheek and these sections are the ones that I felt worked better.
Overall, I don't think the mixture of styles quite hit the mark. There were elements of the novel that I enjoyed, but there were also points where I lost interest and switched off. Some readers may love this, but the output of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley holds significantly more appeal for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Having read the accompanying blurb and the reference that it would appeal to fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley, I was anticipating that "The Lodge" would be a murder mystery with its roots in the traditions of the "golden age". However, this novel really doesn't fit into that genre at all.
There is certainly a murder mystery element - or, the be more accurate, multiple murders. However, stylistically, this is very different to the work produced by Mses. Clarke, Ware and Foley. The first half of the book picks up on the setting for the story, a Gothic mansion, and is very much reminiscent of a Gothic drama. The author invests a good deal of time introducing the dramatis personae and the background of Black Tarn Lodge and its previous occupants. The most notable of these being Edgar Karnwood, who was best known for his appearances in "Hammer" style horror movies, although he did have a role in a James Bond film too. (Yes, that does sound remarkably like Christopher Lee, doesn't it?) Although, I can appreciate the need for the writer to establish the background, it was too drawn out for my liking and to quote from the book itself, 'he went on at some length and with laborious slowness".
By contrast, the second half of "The Lodge" is very different. Not only does the, pace ramp up very rapidly, but there is also a distinct change of stylistic approach. The Gothic drama is no more and the reader is suddenly confronted with a full-blown slasher fest, complete with multiple grisly deaths. At times, the demise of the victims is described in quite graphic detail, which will not necessarily appeal to all readers. On other occasions it is quite tongue-in-cheek and these sections are the ones that I felt worked better.
Overall, I don't think the mixture of styles quite hit the mark. There were elements of the novel that I enjoyed, but there were also points where I lost interest and switched off. Some readers may love this, but the output of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley holds significantly more appeal for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was just not for me. It didn't quite fit my murder mystery expectations, but did it's own thing in a quirky and gruesome fashion that others may enjoy.
Interesting premise, with a bunch of murder enthusiasts going on a murder tour to a remote lodge, but end up being targeted by a rogue killer.
The setup and entire plot were slow and felt stretched to its maximum. Although there were racy parts towards the end, it just felt overwritten and flat. There was also a stark contrast between the jovial British banter associated with murder mysteries, and quite gore-infested murders which suit readers of horror. So the two worlds didn't quite mesh for me, but that is my personal experience.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting premise, with a bunch of murder enthusiasts going on a murder tour to a remote lodge, but end up being targeted by a rogue killer.
The setup and entire plot were slow and felt stretched to its maximum. Although there were racy parts towards the end, it just felt overwritten and flat. There was also a stark contrast between the jovial British banter associated with murder mysteries, and quite gore-infested murders which suit readers of horror. So the two worlds didn't quite mesh for me, but that is my personal experience.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2025
Amazing!! Once it's started to get interesting, it's been a whirlwind. I couldn't put it down. Just as an advice, some times describes ways of murder and deaths and can be a bit gore.
November 29, 2025
In the tradition of And then there were none, this novel is highly entertaining. It takes its time introducing a group of dark tourists who are going to spend a weekend in a fancy mansion with a spooky history. Liz and Nick are in charge of a cast of characters obsessed with true crime, murder and some kind of horror. They spend the night at a hotel that belonged to a genre actor (think Vincent Price or Peter Cushing). Before that, it was built by a dark magician from the circle of Aleister Crowley, and I loved the descriptions of the titular Black Tarn Lodge. Surrounded by fog, isolated in rooms full of creepy memorabilia and being murdered one by one, the action then takes off and becomes addictive. The long introduction pays off in that it is not just random and it does feature into the rest of the story in a very creative way. I really kept yelling at the characters though… once you realize what’s going on, get the biggest, meanest knives in the kitchen and lock everyone in a room! Don’t go stumbling into the dark, foggy night in the creepy gardens! What’s wrong with you, people, haven’t you seen Scooby Doo? Normally, this aggravates me to no end and I start to root against these idiots. Credit to the author that I didn’t, I kept hoping they’d make it and was really upset when someone got hurt. A few parts require some suspension of disbelief, but in general I enjoyed this. I can’t believe I didn’t see the big reveal coming, so kudos for that too. Popcorn fiction, recommended for fans of this genre.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paul Finch delivers a chilling, atmospheric thriller that takes the classic “locked-room mystery” and drenches it in Gothic suspense. Black Tarn Lodge, with its turrets and misty Lancashire setting, promises an indulgent weekend of fine dining, vintage wine, and cinematic nostalgia. But when the fog rolls in and guests begin to vanish, the dream escape quickly turns into a nightmare.
The setup is irresistible: phones disappear, the lodge is cut off from the outside world, and trust becomes a dangerous gamble. Finch builds tension with precision, weaving eerie atmosphere with sharp pacing. Every twist feels like another shadow falling across the grand mansion, and the question of whether the death was an accident—or a push—keeps the pages turning.
What makes this story shine is its blend of Gothic grandeur and modern psychological suspense. The isolation is palpable, the characters layered with secrets, and the creeping dread ensures you’re as trapped as the guests themselves.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley, The Lodge is a compulsive read that captures the thrill of being both enchanted and terrified by its setting.
With thanks to Paul Finch, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is irresistible: phones disappear, the lodge is cut off from the outside world, and trust becomes a dangerous gamble. Finch builds tension with precision, weaving eerie atmosphere with sharp pacing. Every twist feels like another shadow falling across the grand mansion, and the question of whether the death was an accident—or a push—keeps the pages turning.
What makes this story shine is its blend of Gothic grandeur and modern psychological suspense. The isolation is palpable, the characters layered with secrets, and the creeping dread ensures you’re as trapped as the guests themselves.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley, The Lodge is a compulsive read that captures the thrill of being both enchanted and terrified by its setting.
With thanks to Paul Finch, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I greatly enjoyed The Lodge! Liz and Nick run a dark tourism business where they take guests around the sites of famous and infamous murders. They start to expand out to weekend trips and for this one, they stay at the Black Tarn Lodge that used to be owned by a famous horror movie star and is now run by his grandson. The grandson is renovating it with plans to open it to the public for events and lodging. Overall, it is the perfect setting for this genre of book. Once they get to the lodge, things get crazy and everyone ends up fighting for their lives in this perfectly creepy, cat-and-mouse thriller.
The story did start out a little slow. At first, I was not sure why the author started the story like he did. But as the book went on and you find out who the killer actually is (this reveal was a HUGE twist for me), the beginning made way more sense. Overall, The Lodge was a great read and I really enjoyed it. It is the perfect read for the fans of spooky thrillers, especially if you are looking for spooky reads around Halloween.
The story did start out a little slow. At first, I was not sure why the author started the story like he did. But as the book went on and you find out who the killer actually is (this reveal was a HUGE twist for me), the beginning made way more sense. Overall, The Lodge was a great read and I really enjoyed it. It is the perfect read for the fans of spooky thrillers, especially if you are looking for spooky reads around Halloween.
December 6, 2025
I began reading this with the expectation that it was a mystery/crime novel and this was certainly true, but I found the bonus horror element even more riveting than any of the mystery. This was pretty gritty stuff and no character was safe from a grisly end. Fortunately this is a genre I enjoy but for anyone who is hoping for a cosy mystery it may be too much.
The setting of the story is not new, in that we see a group of characters isolated in a lodge overnight in a remote location. But the original concept that really sparks the reader's interest is the reason they are all there. Some unwise decisions are made and it's easy to question the behaviour of some of the characters but in the end you really need to suspend reality and go along for the ride.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The setting of the story is not new, in that we see a group of characters isolated in a lodge overnight in a remote location. But the original concept that really sparks the reader's interest is the reason they are all there. Some unwise decisions are made and it's easy to question the behaviour of some of the characters but in the end you really need to suspend reality and go along for the ride.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2025
*ARC received from Netgalley.
The Lodge delves into the morbid new obsession people have developed with true crime and horror stories in the recent past. Travis Monkton certainly makes an impression as an out and out bad guy with no redeeming qualities (at least until the very end) and evil wafting off him. This book, if you are not into the most gore and macabre descriptions of murders, violent crimes etc. is uncomfortably graphic in certain parts but then these are the bits that true crime afficianados might appreciate the most. Highly visual, uncomfortably real and definitely mind-bending. An exercise for the mind and surprisingly sympathetic to those whose loved ones have been victimised and have to put up with the glamourisation of the crimes for years to come.
The Lodge delves into the morbid new obsession people have developed with true crime and horror stories in the recent past. Travis Monkton certainly makes an impression as an out and out bad guy with no redeeming qualities (at least until the very end) and evil wafting off him. This book, if you are not into the most gore and macabre descriptions of murders, violent crimes etc. is uncomfortably graphic in certain parts but then these are the bits that true crime afficianados might appreciate the most. Highly visual, uncomfortably real and definitely mind-bending. An exercise for the mind and surprisingly sympathetic to those whose loved ones have been victimised and have to put up with the glamourisation of the crimes for years to come.
November 30, 2025
This started out slow, and I almost gave up on it- but around 20% it started to pick up, and soon it was really gripping. The author does a great job of mixing horror and thriller- it was seri and creep and eventually became hard to put down.
December 5, 2025
A weekend visiting murder sights throughout the North of the country culminating in an overnight stay at Black Tarn Lodge, formerly owned by Horror Movie actor Edgar Karnwood is a dream trip for a mixed group of people. But tensions raise when their phones are confiscated and the new owner of the lodge goes missing leaving only blood spatters.
This novel had a slow start as we are introduced to the characters but once in The Lodge the tension mounts. The isolation of the lodge adds to the horror and the thriller aspect. It's suspenseful and chilling, perfect for readers who like their thrillers to have a creepy side. I was hooked
This novel had a slow start as we are introduced to the characters but once in The Lodge the tension mounts. The isolation of the lodge adds to the horror and the thriller aspect. It's suspenseful and chilling, perfect for readers who like their thrillers to have a creepy side. I was hooked
November 27, 2025
Very well-written book, way too scary for me. Thank you to Netgalley for making the ARC available to read right away. If you like terror and horror, go for it.
December 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the eARC.
Due to my cold and the extreme cold outside, I was able to read non-stop!
At first the story was not that creepy but as I read on, the shivers got going and I was totally wrapped up in the book. I'd never read anything by this author before, but I will definitely look for more of his books.
Rounded up to 4.5 stars.
Due to my cold and the extreme cold outside, I was able to read non-stop!
At first the story was not that creepy but as I read on, the shivers got going and I was totally wrapped up in the book. I'd never read anything by this author before, but I will definitely look for more of his books.
Rounded up to 4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews