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The Lodger
9,000 word short story (originally a 3 part serial in My Weekly magazine). Available for free to members of the CL Taylor Readers' Club.
ebook
Published January 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Taylor
26 books3,443 followersC.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping psychological thrillers including THE GUILTY COUPLE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for summer 2023 and SLEEP, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2019. Her books are not a series and can be read in any order:
2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND
She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.
C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.
She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.
Sign up to join the CL Taylor Readers' Club to receive THE LODGER for free:
cltaylorauthor.com/newsletter
www.cltaylorauthor.com
www.twitter.com/callytaylor
www.Instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
www.youtube.com/cltaylorauthor
2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND
She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.
C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.
She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.
Sign up to join the CL Taylor Readers' Club to receive THE LODGER for free:
cltaylorauthor.com/newsletter
www.cltaylorauthor.com
www.twitter.com/callytaylor
www.Instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
www.youtube.com/cltaylorauthor
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 17, 2024
This book is about a young woman dealing with the loss of her partner. The story moves quickly, but the ending left me scratching my head a bit. I felt the characters could've been developed more, and I think the story would've shined better if it were a full-length novel.
Once you join CL Taylor's fan club, you receive this book as a free download.
On that note, this is my last CL Taylor book, hope she brings out a shiny new one soon!
Once you join CL Taylor's fan club, you receive this book as a free download.
On that note, this is my last CL Taylor book, hope she brings out a shiny new one soon!
June 9, 2025
Kept writing what a weird story in my notes until at the end everything is revealed. I like this author very much but this short story for me did not delivered the thrilling mystery it claimed to produce.
December 23, 2018
Thanks CL Taylor for this book - too short though - but great read!!!
January 3, 2023
This was another one of my books that for some reason was deleted from my books read list. A great short story that introduces the reader to the author's writing style.
January 24, 2020
Another short one. Interestingly intriguing. Enjoyed it.
April 15, 2018
I found this story, confusing and disorganized. Especially in the beginning it was difficult to determine who was narrating and the viewpoint seemed to shift at random.
There was also a great lack of setting, so mostly you were just in the character's thoughts - which left me muttering, 'what is happening in this story?' a lot.
The twist at the end was a disappointment. Overall, not a good story, and I wouldn't recommend.
There was also a great lack of setting, so mostly you were just in the character's thoughts - which left me muttering, 'what is happening in this story?' a lot.
The twist at the end was a disappointment. Overall, not a good story, and I wouldn't recommend.
January 3, 2019
Review to follow!
March 17, 2021
3 stars because although this was a good story. I didn’t understand the ending.
March 12, 2021
One year after the tragic death of Laura’s fiancé Steven, she wants to mark the dark anniversary alone, but her friends want her to join them. They were all there when it happened after all. But then, one of their number needs somewhere to stay for a while and Laura worries having another man in the house, however innocent, would feel like she was cheating on Steven.
I received this book after signing up to C. L. Taylor’s book club. Something worth doing in its own right. The book is a very nice bonus.
What a story! This is written in first person from Laura’s perspective, with some extra passages which at first appear to be from a stalker, or at the very least someone obsessed with Laura. These sections of the book made it a little creepy, and added to the tense atmosphere. An atmosphere where Laura questing hey own enmity, and feels her anxieties, her pain, her anger, and her guilt, bubbling to the surface.
I really enjoyed reading The Lodger, and instantly felt a large measure of empathy for Laura. What an awful thing to have to deal with. Her friends were likeable, believable, and above all, supportive as good friends should be, so I felt a connection with them as well.
Overall, I think The Lodger made a perfect short story from C. L. Taylor, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a well written book. (dated 12 March 2021)
I received this book after signing up to C. L. Taylor’s book club. Something worth doing in its own right. The book is a very nice bonus.
What a story! This is written in first person from Laura’s perspective, with some extra passages which at first appear to be from a stalker, or at the very least someone obsessed with Laura. These sections of the book made it a little creepy, and added to the tense atmosphere. An atmosphere where Laura questing hey own enmity, and feels her anxieties, her pain, her anger, and her guilt, bubbling to the surface.
I really enjoyed reading The Lodger, and instantly felt a large measure of empathy for Laura. What an awful thing to have to deal with. Her friends were likeable, believable, and above all, supportive as good friends should be, so I felt a connection with them as well.
Overall, I think The Lodger made a perfect short story from C. L. Taylor, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a well written book. (dated 12 March 2021)
November 26, 2024
I came across The Lodger as a freebie for signing up to the author’s newsletter, so I was intrigued to see what it would offer. Unfortunately, I came away feeling a bit underwhelmed. I know short stories can still be impactful and deliver a meaningful punch, but this one didn’t quite manage it for me. It felt like it took too long to get to the point, with very little happening along the way.
The entire story seemed to hinge on the final reveal, but when it came, it just didn’t land. Instead of being shocked or surprised, I found myself saying, “Oh, is that it?” I think part of the issue was that I never really connected with the characters or the narrative. Without that investment, the twist felt hollow rather than satisfying.
I’ve read plenty of short stories that have been the perfect length and completely absorbing, but sadly this wasn’t one of them. It had potential, and the premise was intriguing enough to get me to start reading, but the execution just didn’t live up to expectations.
That being said, I appreciate the opportunity to read something new from C.L. Taylor, and I can see that other readers might enjoy the simplicity of the story and the twist. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. If you’re a fan of her work, it’s still worth a look, but I wouldn’t go in expecting it to have the same impact as her full-length novels.
The entire story seemed to hinge on the final reveal, but when it came, it just didn’t land. Instead of being shocked or surprised, I found myself saying, “Oh, is that it?” I think part of the issue was that I never really connected with the characters or the narrative. Without that investment, the twist felt hollow rather than satisfying.
I’ve read plenty of short stories that have been the perfect length and completely absorbing, but sadly this wasn’t one of them. It had potential, and the premise was intriguing enough to get me to start reading, but the execution just didn’t live up to expectations.
That being said, I appreciate the opportunity to read something new from C.L. Taylor, and I can see that other readers might enjoy the simplicity of the story and the twist. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. If you’re a fan of her work, it’s still worth a look, but I wouldn’t go in expecting it to have the same impact as her full-length novels.
November 13, 2023
Rating: 2.7/5
"The Lodger" is available free of charge to anyone who signs up to Cally Taylor's newsletter. I am an admirer of C. L. Taylor's novels and I also love a good short story. There is a real skill in being able to tell a fully rounded tale in the space of a mere hundred or so pages. "The Lodger" is short, even by short story standards, and as such, is a very quick read. It is perfectly enjoyable, though not the best example of the format, nor of this author's work. I think "The Lodger" was originally penned back in 2015, so Cally Taylor was perhaps not quite the accomplished writer she has since become and it would also appear that her style is more suited to full length novels.
"The Lodger" is available free of charge to anyone who signs up to Cally Taylor's newsletter. I am an admirer of C. L. Taylor's novels and I also love a good short story. There is a real skill in being able to tell a fully rounded tale in the space of a mere hundred or so pages. "The Lodger" is short, even by short story standards, and as such, is a very quick read. It is perfectly enjoyable, though not the best example of the format, nor of this author's work. I think "The Lodger" was originally penned back in 2015, so Cally Taylor was perhaps not quite the accomplished writer she has since become and it would also appear that her style is more suited to full length novels.
April 17, 2020
Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles.
The Lodger is a short novella by C. L. Taylor available to those subscribed to the C. L. Taylor Book Club. The story follows a young woman struggling with the death of her partner. When a friend is looking for a place to stay she allows him to room with her, but will that put them in danger? Full of suspense, this short story has everything I love about C. L. Taylor's writing. It was really short and I would have loved for it to be a bit longer, to get to know the characters a bit more and understand what was going on. There was still a surprising twist that I didn't see coming, and it was an enjoyable read. If you're a fan of C. L. Taylor's reading this is the perfect quick read to tide you over until her next release.
The Lodger is a short novella by C. L. Taylor available to those subscribed to the C. L. Taylor Book Club. The story follows a young woman struggling with the death of her partner. When a friend is looking for a place to stay she allows him to room with her, but will that put them in danger? Full of suspense, this short story has everything I love about C. L. Taylor's writing. It was really short and I would have loved for it to be a bit longer, to get to know the characters a bit more and understand what was going on. There was still a surprising twist that I didn't see coming, and it was an enjoyable read. If you're a fan of C. L. Taylor's reading this is the perfect quick read to tide you over until her next release.
March 11, 2019
This is exactly why I don’t like short stories - I’m always left wishing it was a full story. I would love to know more about this story. The plot was interesting, but I rated in 3 stars because I’m left not fully understanding what happened and why. I would love to get to know the characters better and can see this being a really great thriller! However, it is written by C. L. Taylor which automatically made me like it. Taylor has a great writing style and her books are always guaranteed to hook you.
June 12, 2018
It’s so hard to rate a short novel. Because they’re short! Hardly enough time to develop a relationship with the characters or a true sense of storyline. That said, it was well written and it kept me quiet for an hour.
April 28, 2018
An OK little quick read.
December 12, 2018
3.5 to CL Taylor for her short and suspenseful story!
March 17, 2019
Interesting story.
April 13, 2019
Another great story by C.L. Taylor.
I wish it was longer as the ending stopped abruptly but I think that was the point.
I wish it was longer as the ending stopped abruptly but I think that was the point.
July 30, 2021
Too short but great. And apparently without an editor.
February 14, 2022
Very quick read, I usually love C.L Taylor but I found the spelling mistakes and incorrect names very distracting. Felt as if the story had been written in a rush.
February 22, 2022
This came as a bonus with the audio book of Sleep. The initial part was unclear as to who’s POV and the conclusion was confusing.
May 17, 2022
A perfect short story and I truly empathised with Laura
May 4, 2024
A great short story!
January 8, 2025
This is a short story which was a quick read. I did not like the ending.
August 11, 2025
I only came across this short story as I am reading Its always the husband and registered on her website. Unfortunately there were too many characters in this and the ending im still needing to know.
August 29, 2021
A great short story by CL Taylor.
A great read and thrilling plot.
A great read and thrilling plot.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews