Huntingfield Manor: Run, hide or die.

by Lachlan Russ

Eighteen strangers wake up on an island. Shackled. Disoriented. Hunted for sport for their past mistakes.

The rules are run, hide or die.

Surrounded by endless cornfields, dense forests and a rocky shoreline, their only path to freedom lies somewhere deep within a deadly maze. Watching from the cliffs above is a sprawling manor and whatever controls it is keeping score.

As the night falls, the game begins.

Betsy Blake thought she’d left her past behind. But on this island, she’s running from it. Each participant was chosen for a reason. Each holds a truth someone wants to punish.

Can Betsy turn this game of survival into a story of redemption?



Please note that this book contains trigger warnings for violence, gore, death, trauma and emotional distress. It is a dark, fast-paced survival thriller that explores the consequences of buried secrets, the lengths people will go to survive and the cost of redemption.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

Lachlan Russ is an author from the east coast of Australia. His debut novel, Huntingfield Manor, is a brutal survival story about trauma, revenge and the secrets we keep to survive.

Reviews

[Jessica Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read a good thriller in a loooooong time. Most thrillers I find myself guessing the ending or the plot twists whereas in this I didn’t know where it was going to end. But that ending SHOCKED ME. There was a certain part in this book and Lachlan will know what I’m talking about which made me tear up and I’m so mad at you for that. I have not read a book this quickly in a while and I am astounded at this being Lachlans debut novel as it was amazing. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who would want to get into reading or who loves a good thriller where each page changes what you thought. Good job Lachlan, this book was amazing 🫶🏼

[Carol Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this novel from indie author Lachlan Russ. In this novel we meet Betsy, a young girl struggling to deal with the death of her cousin and best friend, Mallory, when she suddenly finds herself abducted on dropped on an island with 17 other people. Unsure why they are there, they soon learn that they are being hunted as a punishment for their past crimes. Unsure who to trust and if this is really happening, Betsy soon finds herself in the fight of her life. Survive until morning and you may be able to leave alive. I was hooked from the prologue and the only thing that kept me from finishing this in one sitting was work. A cross between The Most Dangerous Game and Saw, this book is a fast paced thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A great addition to any spooky season TBR. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to Lachlan Russ and The Berry Agency for allowing me to read this in advance.

[kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read. well developed characters and twists did not see coming!

looking forward to book 2

[Maegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of Huntingfield Manor through The Berry Agency, thank you. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recently finished Huntingfield Manor, a gore filled YA survival thriller. I was really keen to read this book! I don't tend to read thriller books, so I was looking forward to stepping out of my genre comfort zone. Unfortunately I finished it feeling a bit unsatisfied.

I really enjoyed the Pacing and the flow of the book. I was never bored or disinterested, there was always something happening. I love when books have short chapters, it helps me stay engaged.

I'm a wuss when it comes to horror/thriller, so I was intrigued to read this book. Unfortunately I just didn't find it scary or suspenseful at all. The gore was written well though!

I struggled to connect to the characters, being a shorter book there obviously isn't a lot of time to add a lot of character depth. But I feel like it is necessary when writing characters that are feeling intense emotions towards others. I just didn't understand a lot of the decisions made, especially by the FMC. And when characters died I struggled to feel sympathetic, I didn't have a reason to root for them or feel anything.

I was surprised by a couple of the plot twists, most of them were woven into the story really well. Unfortunately I did guess the plot twist that I feel was the main one. I felt it was very obvious through reading the book. So for me I didn't get that shock factor when it was revealed.

Whilst I wasn't the biggest fan of this book I am keen to see where the story goes in the second. The end of this one left me with lots of questions. I also look forward to seeing how Lachlan's writing develops in future work!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was NOT prepared for Huntingfield Manor and how insanely gripping it would be. I loved this far more than I anticipated!

The story follows Betsy, a young woman riddled by the grief of her past mistakes, who wakes up in the middle of an open field, shackled and surrounded by strangers. She and her brother Darius must find a way to escape the gruesome hands of sadistic hunters and find a way to survive the night.

What hooked me first were the short chapters. I’m someone who has to end my read at a new chapter, so finally - a book to match my taste!!
They gave the story real momentum, each one ending on a cliffhanger that dared me to stop reading (I didn’t). Every chapter left me saying ‘just one more’ until I realised I couldn’t put it down. From Chapter 12 onwards, I devoured the last 3/4 of the book in a single sitting.

Russ’s writing style is sharp and deliberate. He skips the fluff and dives straight into the action, the effect both jarring and gripping.

Characters are introduced quickly yet vividly, never rushed. At the heart of it all is Betsy’s resilience - her strength in the face of adversity and trauma, her ability to comfort others even while suffering herself. Her relationship with her brother Darius was one of the most moving parts of the novel: a beautifully raw portrayal of siblings bound by hardship.

The way Russ is able to draw on themes and ideologies from horror/thriller/action classics like the Hunger Games and Squid Games and turn them into something completely new felt clever and fresh.

The book thrives on juxtaposition: horrors paired with flashes of childhood sweetness, dark moments broken by new-age humour (‘It’s giving generational wealth’ was a standout for me), and lush descriptions of grandiose rooms that played out like scenes from a gothic horror film. A subtle jazz undertone threaded through it all over the speakers, giving the story an eerie, timeless mood.

Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist blindsided me. It’s intricate, complex, and endlessly surprising.

If you enjoy fiction that’s fast-paced, emotional, and full of clever contrasts, Huntingfield Manor isn’t just worth reading - it’s unforgettable.

Bring out the next one already!!!!

[Alanya J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words right now!!! I went in for the promise of murder and mayhem but this book is so much more!

Follow Betsy as she and a miscellaneous group try to survive a night while being hunted down for their perceived crimes and discover the secrets hiding in the walls of Huntingfield Manor

An absolute phenomenal and gripping read that was giving me We Have Always Lived In The Castle and We Were Liars type drama

Please check content warnings as it’s a graphic and violent read but you should definitely grab it when it releases on September 16th

I’m obsessed and I can’t wait for book 2
Thanks again to The Berry Agency for the arc! Literally book of my dreams

[Slayge · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick, filler read this is one for you. I’ve seen a fair few reviews comparing it to squid game, however I was reminded more of the movies Ready or Not, and Escape Room.
For me personally the pacing was too fast and I wasn’t able to connect with the characters so their deaths didn’t have an impact on me. The big twist seemed obvious to me because I read and watch A LOT of thrillers so I’m unfortunately rarely surprised by them.
It was an interesting gory concept and leaned more towards splatterpunk rather than thriller in my opinion.
I think the premise of the book was great, however it would have benefited from a stronger more experienced editor. Congratulations on getting your debut novel into the world 🙂

[frey · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this as an ARC)

“…Run, hide or die. The choice is yours…but make no mistake, we will find you.”

Fast paced, action packed - a great eerie read for spooky season.

This book is non-stop from the get-go. If you’re after a fast paced, mysterious games/trials read, you can’t go wrong here.

Personally, as somebody who loves a good slow paced story and in depth character building, I found it a little lacking in that department.
I would have LOVED to have the relationships between the characters built up more so that the events of the book hit harder!

Overall, Lachlan Russ has made a great debut into the world of thriller writing and I’m excited to see what his stories hold for us in the future!

[Liana Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded to 4 for Goodreads ✨

This was a gripping read - I needed to see where it went! But I also did find it quite repetitive at times and felt like the characters lacked more background to explain their motives and behaviours.

I found the MC to be too trusting and accepting with a very calm demeanour considering her crippling anxiety and trauma prior to the island.

Overall a fun read with a different story line that kept me reading on a surface level! ☺️

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, this was SO good to read! A little bit of Saw vibes and a whole lot of disturbing death. It’s not gory by any means, but don’t read if blood bothers you. Definitely kept me guessing the whole time, and the ending leaves itself wide open to a sequel - which I am hoping for! If you like edge of your seat, heart pounding suspense you need to pick this up!

[Indi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huntingfield Manor is a thriller that follows the story of 21-year-old Betsy as she is forced to partake in a violent hunt... as prey. The rules are simple Run, Hide, or Die.

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, so thank you to The Berry Agency and Lachlan Russ for sending me an advanced copy.

Unfortunately, I personally think that this book had far too many similarities to Squid Game and The Hunger Games. Obviously, many books and tv shows share similar plot ideas, especially when authors take inspiration from other works for their own. However, a chunk of the plot, including entire scenes were so close to Squid Game and this made it a difficult read at times.

I also think that there was often a lack of focus on side characters, so it was hard to become invested in them and their own stories.

Additionally, at no fault of the author, there were a lot of mistakes that should have been picked up in editing, like mislabelling characters, misusing words and story inconsistencies.

Overall, it wasn't necessarily a bad novel, it just had mistakes and read as though it wasn't fully fleshed out. I would be keen to read another of Lachlan's novels in the future to see where he goes with this genre. ⭐️⭐️/5

[sam carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect spooky season book! Think ‘The Hunger Games’ meets ‘Saw’.

I am so grateful to the author, Lachlan, and The Berry Agency, to be selected to receive an eARC for this book.

It has genuinely been months since I have picked up such a binge-worthy book. The pacing was perfect and the high-stakes action keeps you hooked until the very end.

I absolutely loved Betsy and I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book.

This can definitely be read as a stand-alone but trust me when I say you are going to want more! Such an incredible debut!

Main Trigger Warnings: Gore, Death, Drink Driving Accident

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/5 Stars
WHAT did I just read... and can I please read it again but for the first time?!?! When I tell you the jaw was on the floor and gasps were everywhere! The twists were turning, the plot was amazing, the characters were incredible and the ending had me SHOOK! I ate this book down within 12hours and needed more. If you love mystery, murder, survival, being thrown through a loop and questioning everything, do yourself a favour and get this book!

[Stephanie Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and I could not have enjoyed it more.
the constant wonder of who next. how next was keeping me going chapter after chapter.
im normally one to get the plot twists but this one got me good! I loved it!
this would go down as one of my favourite thriller books I've ever read. and would beat out some of my favourite thriller movies for best across all media

[Emma Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride. Super fast-paced, creepy setting, and full of twists. I liked Betsy's character development through the short read as the main character, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. The only downfall was it was bit predictable at times, but still a really fun read and hard to put down - easy to smash through this book due to the shorter length!

[Alto Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the Hunger games but had The Purge vibes sprinkled in there.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of Huntingfield manor by Lachlan Russ and I finished reading it a couple of days ago. I just realised the irony of the name. Set on an island I’m not sure where, Huntingfield Manor follows Betsy Blake who was kidnapped and brought to the island and deposited in an open cornfield along with 17 other strangers. Betsy finds out that her brother Darius is among those strangers and they soon find out that they are part of a game where they are being hunted like prey and have no options but to run and hide or they’ll die. The game begins at sunset and it is a race to survival, the 18 must stick together to find a way out of the maze in the cornfields. The hunted are met with thick forested cornfields that are an endless confusing maze and if by some miracle they make it to the shoreline it’s surrounded by rocky, sharp edged sprawling hills. Betsy fights her way through the maze and finds herself partnering with numerous people she meets along the way. They all learn that they are being hunted for their past mistakes but they have no idea by whom. This book was a maze of thrills, suspense and just enough blood and gore to keep me right on the edge of my seat. I absolutely breezed through this book and really enjoyed that Lachlan took the time to establish the story with just enough confusion to keep you reading. Within a couple of pages, we were deposited into the cornfields and the mystery began to unfold. I loved that the reader is kept guessing as to who the hunters are until the very last pages of this book. The book focus’ on the fight that Betsy and Darius endure to stay alive. Betsy’s character displays empathy, courage and a sufficient amount of angst that fuel’s her to keep going. Getting angry with her perpetrators/hunters fuels her need to get to the bottom of who is behind such a sordid cruel game. Betsy has to have some luck on her side because as much as anger can fuel the desire to live within someone faced with the situations Betsy was put in, luck and some divine power has to also have been in the mix. The amount of sheer terror inflicted on Betsy and the 18 hunted was shocking, unhinged and straight out of a blood and gore horror movie. This book gave me the Hunger games meets the Purge vibes and as someone who loves a good thriller, filled with suspense, a little horror and the unbelievable, I absolutely loved reading this book. I give Huntingfield Manor a solid 4 stars, I enjoyed reading Betsy’s perspective but would have also benefitted from a dual perspective, perhaps one of the perpetrators a little establishment earlier of their motivations and some deeper delving into the history of the game. There was a good establishment of this but I would have liked a little more. The ending was everything I needed though and maybe I’ll get what I was looking for in the next book as in his acknowledgement Lachlan mentions a sequel. I cannot wait to delve in head first to see where this story will take us next. This hard-hitting story about redemption and resilience is not for the faint of heart, there is a good amount of un-aliving, blood and gory details of death within this book. There are also themes of loss, mourning of a family member and trauma, so please check your trigger warnings before reading this book. Thank you to Lachlan Russ and The Berry Agency for this ARC, I was grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book, it was a fantastic debut for Lachlan.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Berry Agency and Lachlan Russ for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Huntingfield Manor is a survival thriller about eighteen strangers who wake up shackled on an island. They soon discover that they’ve all been brought there to be hunted for their past mistakes - each of them chosen for a reason. The rules are simple: run, hide or die. The story follows our FMC Betsy Blake as she tries to survive the hunt, but Betsy soon learns that no matter how hard she tries to keep the past behind her, it will always come back to haunt her.

I enjoyed how fast-paced this book was. The chapters were nice and short, but it still gave enough information for the story to make sense. I also liked how the book kind of gave Saw vibes, with all the booby traps that Betsy and the other characters encountered during the hunt.

Although I did like the book, I thought that many of the scenes that were clearly meant to be intense and scary missed the mark. This might be because I’ve read so many thrillers that I’m basically desensitised, but I personally didn’t find those scenes as gripping as the author intended them to be. On top of that, the twist felt quite predictable and I guessed who the main antagonist was about halfway through.

While all of the side characters’ backstories and reasons for being on the island were interesting, they weren’t fully fleshed out, which personally made it harder for me to connect with them or the story overall. If we’d been given more backstory for each of them and if they’d all had a bit more page time, I think I would’ve connected with them more, as I found it quite hard to differentiate them all.

Overall, I liked Huntingfield Manor and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a short, fast-paced survival thriller. Personally, though, not feeling connected to the characters made it hard for me to stay invested in the story at times.

Once again, thank you so much to The Berry Agency and Lachlan Russ for the opportunity to read and review Huntingfield Manor!

[Shaé Raé De Kock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really happy to receive an ARC of Huntingfield Manor by Lachlan Russ via the Berry Agency. Horror/Thriller has never been my go-to genre, in fact, I’m usually the first to hide behind a pillow when watching anything remotely scary on screen. But the promise of a YA thriller-horror with a dark, atmospheric setting intrigued me, and I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Right from the first chapter, the book builds an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that doesn’t really let go. The manor and the landscape around it are described so vividly that they almost feel alive—mysterious, suffocating, and unpredictable. That worldbuilding was what hooked me early, even before the tension truly escalated.

What stood out for me was the balance. While it’s definitely tense and unsettling, it isn’t just gore or shock for the sake of it. The story leans more into suspense, survival, and the psychology of fear. I also appreciated how the characters felt real in their flaws and struggles, which made me root for them even harder.

The pacing kept me on edge, but there were also quieter, emotional moments that let me catch my breath and connect with the characters. The writing was accessible and engaging, which made the experience less intimidating for someone like me who doesn’t normally touch horror.

Overall, Huntingfield Manor was a pleasant surprise—an atmospheric, gripping YA thriller-horror that pulled me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. It not only kept me hooked, but it’s also made me curious to try more books like this in the future. For readers who don’t usually pick up this genre , I would definitely recommend but make sure to read the trigger warnings!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I was constantly engaged and it fit the season (almost) perfectly. As I am anticipating the autumn and spooky-season, this book hit spot on! It's not so much scary as it is thrilling and gore-y. The content is almost as graphic as it can be without it being called a graphic novel (full disclosure: no actual images in the book).

I would deduct .25 stars because of some elements being a slight tad unrealistic and also some elements I thought was - not ill-fitting, but less preferred, I guess. I also thought they were being too loud? I was anxious on their behalf. a lot.

And speaking of guesses - I like to ponder on the solutions to mysteries in books, and this was no exeption. I did make some connections, but there were a lot of others I didn't. This made it more exciting to read as it let me be shocked along the way. The author also threw me off in a few spots or added more to the parts I did guess correctly - which I liked very much!

I can see how this book is fitting the YA genre, but it is not only for the younger adults! I 100% recommend this read if you like thrillers with a hint of The Hunger Games, Battle Royale (without the rivalry?), Squid Game, and more.

The ending is inviting a sequel without demanding one - which I also prefer. Looking forward to the sequel!

A big thank you to The Berry Agency (@theberryagency) for letting me get this arc! And thank you for creating this book, @writerloch (tiktok handle)

[Hana De Meo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a massive thriller reader but just had to sign up for an ARC when this popped up! Basically a wacky Hunger Games sign me up!

It had so much potential but overall didn’t hit the mark as much as I wanted it to. For a thriller I didn’t find it that suspenseful or scary, I wasn’t holding my breathe for what was about to happen.

I loved how short the chapters were because I was able to stay a bit more engaged in the book and I feel like the flow started off really well but then turned a bit clunky and repetitive. You knew what was going to happen with a character as soon as they popped up in the chapter and it was a bit rinse and repeat unfortunately. Because of this a lot of the “plot twists” were easily spotted especially the “big one” so it didn’t have as much of a shock value to it.

It was quite difficult to get a sense of the characters and who they were because everything was so brief with them that they all turned into the same person and had a lot of the same personalities especially when it came to them talking about what lead them to be on this island “I might’ve done a bad thing but really I’m a good person” was their main motto. I was found that the FMC was quite irritating and would think and say the same thing on repeat.

I think if there weren’t that many people introduced and the author really honed in on this certain characters and built a bit more suspense it could’ve been a really good book.

[Joanne - booksjoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Betsy, her brother, and a group of strangers who wake up on an island chained, disoriented, and hunted by faceless predators. Early on, we learn that each person has committed a crime, though the severity and details remain unknown.

Their punishment? Survive until morning... if you can.

This is a brutal, at times gruesome, survival story about trauma, revenge, and secrets.
At times graphic and unflinching some characters won't make it to sunrise, and the tension is relentless.
You're constantly asking: Who do you trust? Will these strangers band together, or sacrifice each other to stay alive?

The concept of needing to find the key with your name on it to escape your chains added another layer of urgency. It's not just about hiding-it's about earning the right to run.

This story definitely has Hunger Games vibes and the pacing had me hooked, and the constant uncertainty of what could happen next kept me turning the pages as I needed to know what was coming.

Overall a great debut, a few repetitive things early on but not enough to hinder my reading experience and I will be watching out for the next book by this author, and it looks like we will have one that carries on from this one.

Thank you to the Berry Agency for sending me an ARC of this to read and review

[Rhiannan Rose Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huntingfield manor was my first ever psychological thriller and I am lucky enough to say I received an arc of this book by Lachlan Russ and the Berry agency!!

This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing and honestly I love that so much! I’m usually one who gets bored in anything that isn’t some type of romance book which is why I was a bit skeptical when I signed up for this book but I will never second guess my gut when it comes to reading ever again because of this book!!

I loved everything about it and there were a couple times where I was so scared to turn the next page because I didn’t know what was going to happen and I love that, I love I didn’t know what was going to happen or how it was going to end!!

Holy shit balls the ending!!!! I did not see that coming! Betsy was such an amazing main character and I would read another book about her over and over again as she wasn’t your typical main Fmc.. this poor woman had been through so much and no one her age should ever have to go through that type of heart ache!!

I have tried so hard not to go into depth about this book otherwise I would spoil it for everyone because I get carried away lol so here is my not very detailed review.. Lachlan you did so so amazing and especially being an Indie author and this being your debut! Super proud of you mate!!

[That Nerd Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Huntingfield Manor through The Berry Agency, and I’m so glad I did! This debut novel had me hooked!

The story follows Betsy, who is kidnapped and trapped on an isolated island where she is hunted by a group who claim they are “cleansing the world of evil.” Grieving the recent death of her cousin and best friend, Mallory, Betsy’s emotional struggle makes the story even more raw and compelling.

This book gave me serious Hunger Games vibes! It’s tense, atmospheric, and full of high-stakes survival. I was especially impressed with:
- The fast pacing because once I started, it was hard to put down.
- A few plot twists that genuinely shocked me, which I wasn’t expecting from a debut novel.
- The balance between action and exploring darker themes of morality, justice, and loss.
- The fact that there’s a scene that completely broke my heart and yes, I’m still mad at Lachlan for it.

As with many debuts, there are small areas where the pacing could have been smoothed out, but overall this is a strong, gripping thriller. If you want something dark, fast-paced, and emotionally charged, this is a debut to look out for. I can’t wait to see what Lachlan Russ writes next.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

**DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for a fair unbiased review**

This debut novel has an interesting - and deeply disturbing - premise: a group of (mostly) strangers are kidnapped, taken to a mysterious island, then hunted for sport as recompense for their sins. Our POV character is Betsy, a 21-year-old woman who claims not to know why the shadowy figures who orchestrated this nightmare would choose her as part of the ragtag bunch of liars, killers, and criminals who try to help each other survive the night as masked sociopaths attempt to brutally murder them.

Is this a literary masterpiece? Not so much - some word choices were... odd (at one point Betsy looked around and saw people of various "nationalities" - I assume the author meant "races"?), and there was some repetitive word usage in parts. Does it matter? Not really - the pace was lightning-fast, the twist horrifying (if a little predictable), and the question of who would survive was more than enough to keep my eyes glued to the page.

Although I'm probably not the target audience (at almost 38, Betsy would probably describe me as "middle-aged"), I did enjoy this incredibly violent book, and will definitely pick up the *spoiler* second book in the series *spoiler* when it is released.

[Chanel Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down once I started. Horror and suspense aren’t usually my go-to genres, but the premise of Huntingfield Manor hooked me straight away. Eighteen strangers waking up shackled on an island, surrounded by endless cornfields, forests, and a deadly maze while a looming manor watches from the cliffs above. It’s the kind of premise that makes your skin prickle before the hunt even begins. The atmosphere was chilling, the pacing relentless, and the whole setup gave me major Purge vibes.

Watching the characters unravel, betray, and fight for survival made this feel like a twisted psychological experiment as much as a thriller.

The only aspect that didn’t quite land for me was the romance subplot. In such a high-stakes, life-or-death situation, it felt a little out of place and unnecessary, especially given how strong the survival element already was. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, and this was still a solid 5-star read for me.

The ending left the door wide open for a sequel, and I’ll be first in line for book two. If you love fast-paced, high-tension survival thrillers with a psychological edge, Huntingfield Manor will keep you up all night.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the berry agency and to Lachlan Russ for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review!

This book was an absolute whirlwind of events that left you guessing to the very end. I loved the premise of this survival thriller as not only did it involve our main characters, it also involved a lot of other people that were deemed to be corrupt. Being hunted for sport has to be the most terrifying feeling in the world and when you read this book, you find yourself becoming curious about what these people did in order to be taken to this isolated place to be hunted. Knowing that someone wishes to punish each person there for what they have done really makes it hard to determine who to trust.

Betsy and Darius were a power sibling duo that really did well with being there for each other. Even at times when they were apart, they still fought for each other. Learning the truth behind Betsy and Darius’s story and the true identity of the hunters, it took me by surprise when you finally learned the truth about what happened. It just proved to me that you can’t always run from your past and that your past truly does sneak up on you even if you try to hide it.

[Nicole Milazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the leaves change and the nights grow darker, I'm always on the lookout for a book that captures the essence of spooky season. "Huntingfield Manor: Run, Hide, or Die" by Lachlan Russ delivers on that promise and more. This YA survival thriller had me hooked from the start, with its eerie atmosphere and pulse-pounding plot.

The story follows 18 strangers who find themselves on a mysterious island with no memory of how they got there. Shackled and disoriented, they're forced to participate in a deadly game where the rules are simple: run, hide, or die. The author's use of descriptive language effectively transports the reader to the island, where the dense forests, rocky shorelines, and sprawling manor create a sense of unease and foreboding.

One of the strengths of this book is its well-developed characters. Betsy, the protagonist, is a complex and relatable character whose past traumas and fears are slowly revealed throughout the story. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the plot.

The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of intense action sequences and quieter moments of character development. The author's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, making it impossible to put the book down.

[Via · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Enjoy the beauty the island has to offer, the challenges you are about to face, and the unavoidable consequences of your own actions.“

18 strangers wake up on an island, each chosen for their past mistakes. They all become a participant in a game of survival. 12 hours they must survive, running and hiding from hunters who want revenge.

✨ review ✨

This was an action packed fun and quick read! Basically the love child of The Hunger Games x Squid Games. If you’re looking for a fast paced quick read then this is perfect! (Be sure to check trigger warnings as it had a lot of dark and gory themes). Because the story was quite short the character building of the many side characters and the relationships between them was very surface level. You kind of forget that the survival aspect only goes for 12 hours when all the characters act like they’ve known each other for much longer. It also had me questioning why everyone is sacrificing themselves to save our main character.

genre: YA survival thriller
release date: 16th September
thank you to The Berry Agency for this e-arc 🫶🏼

[Irenes Dragon Nest · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

I was not prepared for how gripping Huntingfield Manor would be. Lachlan Russ delivers a chilling, heart-pounding survival story that hooked me from the very first page and refused to let go.

The setup is as terrifying as it is addictive: eighteen strangers wake up on an island, shackled and disoriented. The rules are simple—run, hide, or die. The looming Huntingfield Manor watches over it all, while something (or someone) keeps score. At the center of this nightmare is Betsy Blake, a young woman still carrying the grief of losing her cousin Mallory. Alongside her brother Darius, she must face not only the hunters stalking them but also the shadows of her past.

What made this shine for me:

✨ Fast, relentless pacing. The short, punchy chapters were perfect—From about 1/3 of the way into the story I inhaled the rest. Unputdownable.

✨ The sibling dynamic was raw, emotional, and often the only sliver of hope in a bleak situation. My heart broke when I read just how much Darius sacrificed for his sister.

✨ Smart, sharp writing. Russ doesn’t waste time with fluff.

✨ Atmosphere & Descriptions. Think The Hunger Games meets Saw. The manor, the "arena" all hauntingly tied together perfectly.

And just when I thought I’d pieced the mystery together, Russ blindsided me with twists that were equal parts clever and gut-wrenching.

This is not a light read—there’s graphic violence, psychological horror, and moments that will linger long after you turn the last page. But if you love your thrillers, Huntingfield Manor belongs on your TBR.

Release date: September 16th
Content warnings apply—check them first.

Huge thanks to Lachlan Russ and The Berry Agency for the ARC. I’m already counting down to book two!

[Wingleader Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a big fan of squid game/ the purge mixed with saw then this might be up your alley. Recieved this arc from Lachlan who is an amazing bloke. Much respect for putting out his debut novel. In saying that, this one wasn’t for me. I will admit to not being a massive thriller reader so maybe my interpretation to the dialogue is skewed slightly but I just found some of the conversations to be unrealistic at times. I thought overall it was fast paced, there was always action happening and there were a few good twists in there. I would have liked to see fewer characters and a little more time with some as I found they got killed off in the chapter they were introduced really barring a couple. I’ve always been a big show don’t tell guy and I felt I got told a few more times than I would have liked which made it feel a tad clunky. That being said, I know this will have its admirers and again, for those who like fast paced thrillers with gore, you will enjoy it