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The Lodge
Ever wondered what it would be like if hunted animals were able to fight back? The Lodge unveils the mystery of a hunting lodge in the remote hills of the Scottish Highlands during the Christmas holidays. After the report of an accidental death at the lodge, Andrew, a young constable from the nearest town, drives up through a growing blizzard. Snowbound, Andrew and the guests take cover at the lodge as the terrifying ordeal unfolds. These animals have souls. Souls that won’t rest until they’ve had revenge... But will the hunters become the hunted?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2020
14 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Chris Coppel
14 books52 followersChris Coppel was born in California. His family moved to Europe, living in Spain, France, Switzerland and mainly England. He has written numerous screenplays but Far From Burden Dell is his first novel. He taught advanced screenwriting at U.C.L.A.
Chris is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, and their very own scaredy-cat, Samantha.
Chris is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, and their very own scaredy-cat, Samantha.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 12, 2022
Not For The Squeamish!
This story takes place in the remote Scottish Highlands while a blizzard is happening during the Christmas holidays. Andrew, a young constable is called to the scene of an accidental death at an exclusive lodge twenty miles away from the village. The lodge is filled with merriment with Christmas lights everywhere and the largest Christmas tree Andrew has ever seen but somehow the scene doesn't appear quite right and not because there's a dead body in the dining room. A hunting lodge with animal heads decorating the walls and chandeliers made of deer antlers and other unusual and disturbing pieces of animal furnishings that were quite odd. Naturally there isn't any mobile service available and the land lines are down because of the storm, so young Andrew will be stuck at the lodge for a day or two until the weather subsides and he begins to think it might be quite nice not to have to spend the holidays alone as originally planned until he notices some subtle changes in the lodge that has him questioning his imagination and as time goes on even his sanity!
This was a deliciously, devilish and quite imaginative horror story where I was squirming and shivering at many of the details of this book. The writing and storytelling were wonderful and I could feel the bitter cold and almost hear the creepy sounds that were prevalent throughout. The story was told with a lightness at times but it failed to shed light on much of the horror that took place which really made it very scary at times and I would be holding my breath at what would occur next. I highly recommend this delectable story to all horror readers and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I want to thank the publisher "Troubadour Publishing Ltd. / Matador" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this marvelously, creepy book and any thoughts and opinions are completely unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this very creepy story a rating of 4 Horrific and Hunted 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
This story takes place in the remote Scottish Highlands while a blizzard is happening during the Christmas holidays. Andrew, a young constable is called to the scene of an accidental death at an exclusive lodge twenty miles away from the village. The lodge is filled with merriment with Christmas lights everywhere and the largest Christmas tree Andrew has ever seen but somehow the scene doesn't appear quite right and not because there's a dead body in the dining room. A hunting lodge with animal heads decorating the walls and chandeliers made of deer antlers and other unusual and disturbing pieces of animal furnishings that were quite odd. Naturally there isn't any mobile service available and the land lines are down because of the storm, so young Andrew will be stuck at the lodge for a day or two until the weather subsides and he begins to think it might be quite nice not to have to spend the holidays alone as originally planned until he notices some subtle changes in the lodge that has him questioning his imagination and as time goes on even his sanity!
This was a deliciously, devilish and quite imaginative horror story where I was squirming and shivering at many of the details of this book. The writing and storytelling were wonderful and I could feel the bitter cold and almost hear the creepy sounds that were prevalent throughout. The story was told with a lightness at times but it failed to shed light on much of the horror that took place which really made it very scary at times and I would be holding my breath at what would occur next. I highly recommend this delectable story to all horror readers and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I want to thank the publisher "Troubadour Publishing Ltd. / Matador" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this marvelously, creepy book and any thoughts and opinions are completely unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this very creepy story a rating of 4 Horrific and Hunted 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
January 16, 2021
I think that The Lodge might've worked a lot better as a 75-100 paged horror anthology short story, because even with its current length I found it dragging at parts.
What I did enjoy about The Lodge is it did have this almost familiar feeling at the beginning because the set up almost reminded me of an Agatha Christie. Obviously it isn't a whodunit but I did enjoy the ambiance of the first couple of chapters. But when the body count started to go up and we got a lot more background on the characters I was starting to lose the creepy factor and it all became a little shallow.
Because of how short it is I think anyone can easily dig into The Lodge, I think it just walks the line of being a full-on horror novel and something a little bit more light-hearted.
What I did enjoy about The Lodge is it did have this almost familiar feeling at the beginning because the set up almost reminded me of an Agatha Christie. Obviously it isn't a whodunit but I did enjoy the ambiance of the first couple of chapters. But when the body count started to go up and we got a lot more background on the characters I was starting to lose the creepy factor and it all became a little shallow.
Because of how short it is I think anyone can easily dig into The Lodge, I think it just walks the line of being a full-on horror novel and something a little bit more light-hearted.
January 9, 2021
Whoa. This book has it all. Creative horror. Perfect length - grabs you, keeps you, freaks you out, the epilogue - Firelight Inncin the Colorado Rockies -- chills. Done.
Now I'm looking around my house for what can get me.
A hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands has recently opened and is hosting a classic Scottish Highland Christmas for their guests. Alan dies first- choking on a quail bone. But he hadn't eaten his quail.
Andrew recently graduated from police training and requests an assignment in the Highlands. He receives the call as an epic snow storm is about to start. Andrew, the guests and lodge owners are all stuck until the weather clears.
The animals start getting restless. And by animals - I mean the taxidermy animals, the kill trophies decorating the lodge.
I had with Elena, the young woman who assisted the owners. Yeah.
Great story. Great suspense and horror.
Now I'm looking around my house for what can get me.
A hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands has recently opened and is hosting a classic Scottish Highland Christmas for their guests. Alan dies first- choking on a quail bone. But he hadn't eaten his quail.
Andrew recently graduated from police training and requests an assignment in the Highlands. He receives the call as an epic snow storm is about to start. Andrew, the guests and lodge owners are all stuck until the weather clears.
The animals start getting restless. And by animals - I mean the taxidermy animals, the kill trophies decorating the lodge.
I had with Elena, the young woman who assisted the owners. Yeah.
Great story. Great suspense and horror.
November 24, 2020
The Lodge is a very different horror story from everything else I've read in the genre before. I loved the creepy yet cozy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast tucked away in nature. The true horror is when the guests realize that they aren't alone. And being stuck with limited resources amplifies their terror.
This was such an eerie novel that gave me some Hitchcock The Birds feeling. You know something is off from the beginning but it's a matter of when and where the horror will reveal itself. I like that there were a slow build up to the horror, rather than quick jump scares. A recommended read for fans of the horror genre.
This was such an eerie novel that gave me some Hitchcock The Birds feeling. You know something is off from the beginning but it's a matter of when and where the horror will reveal itself. I like that there were a slow build up to the horror, rather than quick jump scares. A recommended read for fans of the horror genre.
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and nicely paced. I like the setting of the Scottish Highlands and feel the author really captured the atmosphere of being in a remote location and cut off from civilisation.
We follow police officer Andrew, who arrives to the scene of what appears to be an accidental death. However, things quickly take a dark and sinister turn. The setting becomes claustrophobic as the guests can't leave. This makes the whole thing more intimate, and we get a glimpse at all the different characters and a little of their backstory.
I loved the whole concept of the animals taking revenge, and as the story unfolds, the more I wanted to side with the animals! The retribution is, at times, brutal and savage. I'm glad I'm a vegetarian!
I also liked the twist at the end.
Thanks to Henry Roi PR and Black Tide Book Tours for a copy of this book for an honest review!
We follow police officer Andrew, who arrives to the scene of what appears to be an accidental death. However, things quickly take a dark and sinister turn. The setting becomes claustrophobic as the guests can't leave. This makes the whole thing more intimate, and we get a glimpse at all the different characters and a little of their backstory.
I loved the whole concept of the animals taking revenge, and as the story unfolds, the more I wanted to side with the animals! The retribution is, at times, brutal and savage. I'm glad I'm a vegetarian!
I also liked the twist at the end.
Thanks to Henry Roi PR and Black Tide Book Tours for a copy of this book for an honest review!
October 23, 2023
THE LODGE is a compelling and engrossing Horror Suspense tale with a cozy overtone [amazing because of the Horror elements and body toll] from Chris Coppel . A family of three emigrate from Maryland to the Scottish Highlands to renovate an abandoned, isolated, manor farm into a Mindfulness Vegan retreat. In that region, it's a no-go; but the young adult daughter hires on with the subsequent buyers, who go all out to offer a hunting/fishing lodge [at exorbitant prices, targeting the wealthy upper class]. The first Christmas season goes well--until the deaths start--and Supernatural elements intervene.
This story is tautly plotted and never telegraphs its revelations. We learn about the characters gradually, as the real truths unfold, keeping suspense tension high, and the denouement and aftermath are startling but ultimately satisfying, as after consuming a finely-crafted meal, one experiences the sensation of fulfillment and satiation.
This story is tautly plotted and never telegraphs its revelations. We learn about the characters gradually, as the real truths unfold, keeping suspense tension high, and the denouement and aftermath are startling but ultimately satisfying, as after consuming a finely-crafted meal, one experiences the sensation of fulfillment and satiation.
November 20, 2020
Set in the Scottish Highlands during the Winter holiday, Chris Coppel’s ‘The Lodge’ opens with a young officer (Andrew) investigating an apparent accidental death at a remote hunting lodge. With a storm at his heels, Andrew is forced to hunker down with the rest of the guests and wait out the weather. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to our cast of stranded ‘red shirts,’ the lodge is under siege by a most improbable threat.
From beginning to end, ‘The Lodge’ is the epitome of a page-turner, one that skillfully blends an intriguing, horror-tinged premise (‘Pet Sematary’ immediately comes to mind) with heavy doses of suspense, gore-drenched action, and a strong undercurrent of dark comedy throughout. Simply put, ‘The Lodge’ is an absolute riot!
With a cover boasting the tagline, “The Hunters become the hunted,” one might think they are in for a ‘by numbers’ horror novel, but Chris Coppel manages to blend a highly entertaining mix of genres into this tight, trim novella. Sporting a surprisingly diverse, well-crafted cast and some fairly brilliant use of colorful dialogue, suspense abounds until the very last page. Add to that the author’s tight, sardonic prose, and you have yourself a rewarding read. Highly recommended.
From beginning to end, ‘The Lodge’ is the epitome of a page-turner, one that skillfully blends an intriguing, horror-tinged premise (‘Pet Sematary’ immediately comes to mind) with heavy doses of suspense, gore-drenched action, and a strong undercurrent of dark comedy throughout. Simply put, ‘The Lodge’ is an absolute riot!
With a cover boasting the tagline, “The Hunters become the hunted,” one might think they are in for a ‘by numbers’ horror novel, but Chris Coppel manages to blend a highly entertaining mix of genres into this tight, trim novella. Sporting a surprisingly diverse, well-crafted cast and some fairly brilliant use of colorful dialogue, suspense abounds until the very last page. Add to that the author’s tight, sardonic prose, and you have yourself a rewarding read. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
For me, this was terrible. I can’t even begin to describe how badly I feel it missed the mark on what the blurb sets the expectation to be. Is this supposed to be a horror-comedy? Because nothing was funny. Like the mounted deer head crawling across the floor using its antlers? Maybeeee that works in Evil Dead, but you have to get the vibe right first. I guess I just wasn't in on the joke here.
I have said in the past that locked-room mysteries are good even when they’re bad, but this is an exception to the rule. Because this was boring, and when it wasn’t, it was ridiculous.
We spend way too much time on dialogue, description and the life stories of all the guests at this fucking lodge and, in the end, none of it had any impact on the core of the plot, so why the fuck am I reading ten pages of history on random people?
The novella really drags because of this and when we’re brought back to the present, almost zero opportunity is taken to create tension, suspense or scary moments.
So it’s not really horror, even though it’s presented that way.
Um, yeah, I have nothing good to say about this. I get the point it wanted to make about hunting and meat-eating, but it was so heavy-handed and silly.
I can’t with this book. I don’t understand why… yeah, just why?
The vibe for this one:
Book source: The publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review
For me, this was terrible. I can’t even begin to describe how badly I feel it missed the mark on what the blurb sets the expectation to be. Is this supposed to be a horror-comedy? Because nothing was funny. Like the mounted deer head crawling across the floor using its antlers? Maybeeee that works in Evil Dead, but you have to get the vibe right first. I guess I just wasn't in on the joke here.
I have said in the past that locked-room mysteries are good even when they’re bad, but this is an exception to the rule. Because this was boring, and when it wasn’t, it was ridiculous.
We spend way too much time on dialogue, description and the life stories of all the guests at this fucking lodge and, in the end, none of it had any impact on the core of the plot, so why the fuck am I reading ten pages of history on random people?
The novella really drags because of this and when we’re brought back to the present, almost zero opportunity is taken to create tension, suspense or scary moments.
So it’s not really horror, even though it’s presented that way.
Um, yeah, I have nothing good to say about this. I get the point it wanted to make about hunting and meat-eating, but it was so heavy-handed and silly.
I can’t with this book. I don’t understand why… yeah, just why?
The vibe for this one:
Book source: The publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review
May 2, 2024
I can honestly say I was not prepared to read this book. I wasn’t prepared for where it went, and it was a good surprise. I loved all the pieces clicking together, and the moment the lightbulb went off in my head. It took me a minute to get hooked into the story, mainly because I wasn’t super invested in most of the characters. But it was a good read overall!
A local police officer is called out to a rural B&B at a report of a death. Things looked natural, with the deceased choking on his dinner. Until it is pointed out that he choked on a bone but hadn’t yet touched his meat. As other strange occurrences start happening it starts to become clear. The animals are not happy about this lodge being turned into a hunting lodge, and are taking things into their own hands.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
A local police officer is called out to a rural B&B at a report of a death. Things looked natural, with the deceased choking on his dinner. Until it is pointed out that he choked on a bone but hadn’t yet touched his meat. As other strange occurrences start happening it starts to become clear. The animals are not happy about this lodge being turned into a hunting lodge, and are taking things into their own hands.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
April 25, 2021
Unfortunately, this was very cheesy and didn't tug on my horror strings much at all.
*Thank you to Troubador Publishing via Edelweiss for providing the digital reader copy.
*Thank you to Troubador Publishing via Edelweiss for providing the digital reader copy.
March 13, 2021
The devil is always in the details and The Lodge dishes them out like a nice steak dinner…ahem, perhaps the wrong pun. Life is a revolving door and Coppel manages to intermingle different plot lines that unravel when you least expect it. He is masterfully adept at weaving societal and conscientious topics that not only questions your way of life but have you examining the lasting impact of said choices. If you’re a fan of the closed-door mystery with a large helping of horror, then you are going to want to pick this up immediately.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up The Lodge, but my expectations were soon realized. The reader is immediately thrown onto a dark, cold and mysterious path. Get the hat and gloves out because the sinister narrative will seep into your very core. My blood began to run cold, as I imagined the wind biting at my exposed flesh as if I were transported to the highlands. The plot is so raw and gritty which translates into a fully immersive reading experience. A few words were all it took to be sitting in The Lodge fearing for my life.
Andrew is a fascinating character. He’s had a hellish life and his life experiences has catapulted him towards a career in the police force. A graduate in the police force hungers for action in the big cities but Andrew is content with the quiet, his first posting being in a rural station in Kingussie. He lost his parents when he was twelve in a horrific road traffic accident. They were hit by an animal carrier, the devastation and destruction wrought on his family is absolute.
The Lodge is bleeding in its authenticity. Past wrongs implicate and really come back to bite you on the ass. The animals are fighting back. Helen and Leon have organized an inclusive Christmas package at the newly refurbished Lodge. No expense spared and the guests are all hunters, expecting well, to hunt. Little did they expect to become the hunted. A gory tale of revenge and grief, the story developed a life of its own and grabbed me by the throat. It wasn’t just the death and bloodshed that had me hooked – it was the exploration of Andrews mind that gave it greater depth.
The Lodge reminded me of an Agatha Christie type of closed-door mystery and teamed with the horror and gore left me salivating. It ended up being a Tour-de-force, an imaginative blend of suspense and grit.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up The Lodge, but my expectations were soon realized. The reader is immediately thrown onto a dark, cold and mysterious path. Get the hat and gloves out because the sinister narrative will seep into your very core. My blood began to run cold, as I imagined the wind biting at my exposed flesh as if I were transported to the highlands. The plot is so raw and gritty which translates into a fully immersive reading experience. A few words were all it took to be sitting in The Lodge fearing for my life.
Andrew is a fascinating character. He’s had a hellish life and his life experiences has catapulted him towards a career in the police force. A graduate in the police force hungers for action in the big cities but Andrew is content with the quiet, his first posting being in a rural station in Kingussie. He lost his parents when he was twelve in a horrific road traffic accident. They were hit by an animal carrier, the devastation and destruction wrought on his family is absolute.
The Lodge is bleeding in its authenticity. Past wrongs implicate and really come back to bite you on the ass. The animals are fighting back. Helen and Leon have organized an inclusive Christmas package at the newly refurbished Lodge. No expense spared and the guests are all hunters, expecting well, to hunt. Little did they expect to become the hunted. A gory tale of revenge and grief, the story developed a life of its own and grabbed me by the throat. It wasn’t just the death and bloodshed that had me hooked – it was the exploration of Andrews mind that gave it greater depth.
The Lodge reminded me of an Agatha Christie type of closed-door mystery and teamed with the horror and gore left me salivating. It ended up being a Tour-de-force, an imaginative blend of suspense and grit.
April 8, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up. I love the cover, it's omnious. I liked the quick snippets that gave us the history of The Lodge and the history of the people who owned it. I liked the small look in to the town and the inabitants of the house. I found the story a little silly, although gruesome at times. I didn't quite get the scary story vibe but I was entertained.
January 1, 2022
Not what I expected it to be , wanting it to be a bite darker then it was .While there are some parts that are not for the squeamish, I just feel like it could be a bit more then it is .
December 16, 2020
An unusual premise: animals taking revenge against those who hunt them. The story is bizarre and pretty gory at times. It's a short book, but it seemed to drag a little the further it went along, I think it would have worked better as a short story.
There are seven guests at the lodge, and through flashbacks it's revealed why they're all there and how everything is related. I found most of the characters indistinguishable, and some of the dialogue felt unnatural.
There are seven guests at the lodge, and through flashbacks it's revealed why they're all there and how everything is related. I found most of the characters indistinguishable, and some of the dialogue felt unnatural.
December 8, 2020
Prey become the predators
Constable Andrew finds himself trapped in a inn during a ferocious storm, trying to live out the night with fellow staff and guests such as Elena, Helen and Leon. The character build up is superb, emerging readers into the lives and hearts of the people before doom strikes them. Readers will feel their helplessness and fear as they fight to stay alive in this unconventional and gripping thriller.
Constable Andrew finds himself trapped in a inn during a ferocious storm, trying to live out the night with fellow staff and guests such as Elena, Helen and Leon. The character build up is superb, emerging readers into the lives and hearts of the people before doom strikes them. Readers will feel their helplessness and fear as they fight to stay alive in this unconventional and gripping thriller.
April 3, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.”
I honestly picked this story up because I love a good horror story set in an isolated area with bad weather keeping people at the mercy of whatever sinister force is against them.
This definitely isn’t your average story and I liked that it did have some surprises for the typical trope. However, I felt like the writing was a bit choppy in the beginning. It felt very odd and some of the dialogue came off very unnatural. The conversations between some of the characters came off very forced and strange, almost like they didn’t know how to actually talk to other people.
I also felt like some things didn’t make sense to the story, kinda like it was filler and not actually important to the story.
The story was a pretty fast read, but I do feel like it could have been even shorter and maybe eliminated some of the bits that weren’t too important to the story.
I did start enjoying it more about halfway through and I really liked the plot twist at the end. It was probably my favorite part of the story and redeemed it overall for me. I would be interested in reading more in the future from this author.
I honestly picked this story up because I love a good horror story set in an isolated area with bad weather keeping people at the mercy of whatever sinister force is against them.
This definitely isn’t your average story and I liked that it did have some surprises for the typical trope. However, I felt like the writing was a bit choppy in the beginning. It felt very odd and some of the dialogue came off very unnatural. The conversations between some of the characters came off very forced and strange, almost like they didn’t know how to actually talk to other people.
I also felt like some things didn’t make sense to the story, kinda like it was filler and not actually important to the story.
The story was a pretty fast read, but I do feel like it could have been even shorter and maybe eliminated some of the bits that weren’t too important to the story.
I did start enjoying it more about halfway through and I really liked the plot twist at the end. It was probably my favorite part of the story and redeemed it overall for me. I would be interested in reading more in the future from this author.
April 11, 2024
‘Karma is a bitch’
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a shame that the story was a tad short and ended so quickly. I would have liked to see more of the creepy events involving Andrew and his unique abilities.
The story begins in a quaint little Scottish town where Andrew is on duty.
Having visited Scotland many times myself and even lived in a small village in the UK, I can really relate to the close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and where there is only one pub and a small neighbourhood supermarket.
Maybe not everyone's idea of a comfortable life, but I absolutely love solitude! I can completely understand why Andrew wants to live in a one-pub village and feel completely at ease. Although, that takes on a slightly new and exciting meaning towards the ending of the story...
I found the introduction of the various protagonists and how they came to possess the large mansion at the beginning of the story to be rather long, but now that I've read the story, I think that's also the strength of the story: the shock of what's going to happen next, and the way Coppel makes you not let go until you've sat through the ride, is all the more intense.
I found this reference to Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Galaxy) very funny, although his real role in this drama is ultimately rather tragic and the catalyst for Andrew's grievance.
There are many such references throughout the story, such as screaming lambs (‘you let me know when those lambs stop screaming, won’t you’ [Hannibal Lecter, red.] after Andrew's parents are killed in a car accident, and to The Birds (Hitchcock).
Furthermore, the setting of course hints at one of the greatest whodunnits ever written by Agatha Christie, although I can already reveal that things end many times more horribly in this story.
At first I was also reminded of this thin, unusual little book by one of my favourite authors, J.M. Coetzee, Life of Animals. Coetzee's Life of Animals, - is an account of vegetarianism and animal rights, expressing different points of view by the audience of a lecture, and why some people (should) refuse to eat meat.
'I am dumbfounded that others can put an animal corpse in their mouths, dumbfounded that some people don't find it distasteful to chew on chunks of flesh and gulp down the juices of deadly wounds' [red].
Mind you, this horror story is by no means an essay on the same subject, if just takes it a step further, as the animals in this story do not accept them ending up on the Christmas table or as a part of the furniture or decoration.
When one by one the guests are killed by creepy and lurid incidents, and Andrew's childhood traumas manifest themselves in an evil tulpa, there is no salvation and the guests' lives are no longer safe.
I have quickly become a big fan of Chris Coppel's work.
Truly sublime how many creepy, paranormal and horror elements there are in this horror story, without being unnatural and out of place in the narrative.
Phenomenal work, and five stars for me. I am a pescetarian, but after reading this novel I am thinking of never eating anything of animal origin again!!!
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a shame that the story was a tad short and ended so quickly. I would have liked to see more of the creepy events involving Andrew and his unique abilities.
The story begins in a quaint little Scottish town where Andrew is on duty.
Having visited Scotland many times myself and even lived in a small village in the UK, I can really relate to the close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and where there is only one pub and a small neighbourhood supermarket.
Maybe not everyone's idea of a comfortable life, but I absolutely love solitude! I can completely understand why Andrew wants to live in a one-pub village and feel completely at ease. Although, that takes on a slightly new and exciting meaning towards the ending of the story...
I found the introduction of the various protagonists and how they came to possess the large mansion at the beginning of the story to be rather long, but now that I've read the story, I think that's also the strength of the story: the shock of what's going to happen next, and the way Coppel makes you not let go until you've sat through the ride, is all the more intense.
I found this reference to Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Galaxy) very funny, although his real role in this drama is ultimately rather tragic and the catalyst for Andrew's grievance.
There are many such references throughout the story, such as screaming lambs (‘you let me know when those lambs stop screaming, won’t you’ [Hannibal Lecter, red.] after Andrew's parents are killed in a car accident, and to The Birds (Hitchcock).
Furthermore, the setting of course hints at one of the greatest whodunnits ever written by Agatha Christie, although I can already reveal that things end many times more horribly in this story.
At first I was also reminded of this thin, unusual little book by one of my favourite authors, J.M. Coetzee, Life of Animals. Coetzee's Life of Animals, - is an account of vegetarianism and animal rights, expressing different points of view by the audience of a lecture, and why some people (should) refuse to eat meat.
'I am dumbfounded that others can put an animal corpse in their mouths, dumbfounded that some people don't find it distasteful to chew on chunks of flesh and gulp down the juices of deadly wounds' [red].
Mind you, this horror story is by no means an essay on the same subject, if just takes it a step further, as the animals in this story do not accept them ending up on the Christmas table or as a part of the furniture or decoration.
When one by one the guests are killed by creepy and lurid incidents, and Andrew's childhood traumas manifest themselves in an evil tulpa, there is no salvation and the guests' lives are no longer safe.
I have quickly become a big fan of Chris Coppel's work.
Truly sublime how many creepy, paranormal and horror elements there are in this horror story, without being unnatural and out of place in the narrative.
Phenomenal work, and five stars for me. I am a pescetarian, but after reading this novel I am thinking of never eating anything of animal origin again!!!
April 26, 2024
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Lodge
Past and present storylines blend together with different types of horror written between them. Readers will experience emotionally devastating events in the past, while also bearing witness to body horror and gore in the present. Unease will creep its way into the reader's mind as they begin to reveal the horrifying truth behind the lodge and its animals.
The level of detail given to the body horror was spot on. This is not a book to read if you are squeamish. The souls lingering on past death certainly have revenge planned, and they will not hold back their anger or resentment when they strike. What starts as small actions easily ignored escalates into full-blown attacks and mauling by the end.
While the acts of horror were thoroughly shown to the reader, the impact on the characters was not displayed as well. Characters certainly reacted to the horrific events when they saw them, but there wasn’t enough emotional connection. Adding more depth of detail to how the horror was affecting them would have brought it full circle. However, each incident escalates and adds to the tension, making the reader wonder if anyone would make it out alive in the end.
This is a quickly moving story and a bit of a puzzle builder as Chris Coppel weaves the meanings of the past into the present. The Lodge is for those who enjoy horror novels and a setting characters are trapped in.
Past and present storylines blend together with different types of horror written between them. Readers will experience emotionally devastating events in the past, while also bearing witness to body horror and gore in the present. Unease will creep its way into the reader's mind as they begin to reveal the horrifying truth behind the lodge and its animals.
The level of detail given to the body horror was spot on. This is not a book to read if you are squeamish. The souls lingering on past death certainly have revenge planned, and they will not hold back their anger or resentment when they strike. What starts as small actions easily ignored escalates into full-blown attacks and mauling by the end.
While the acts of horror were thoroughly shown to the reader, the impact on the characters was not displayed as well. Characters certainly reacted to the horrific events when they saw them, but there wasn’t enough emotional connection. Adding more depth of detail to how the horror was affecting them would have brought it full circle. However, each incident escalates and adds to the tension, making the reader wonder if anyone would make it out alive in the end.
This is a quickly moving story and a bit of a puzzle builder as Chris Coppel weaves the meanings of the past into the present. The Lodge is for those who enjoy horror novels and a setting characters are trapped in.
February 9, 2021
Ok, so this was definitely not what I expected after looking at the cover and reading the blurb.
Im, as a reader, very much into thrillers about group of people stranded somewhere and then BAM! one (or more) of them is dead, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the direction the book has taken and with the ending.
So the book is described as a thriller, but it's definitely not one, so dont be fooled. It's also not a horror, even though it sways towards it - it has somw "horrory" events, but they are not scary (and I get scared EXTREMELY easily) just sort of gory (but also not gory enough).
The writing itself is good and it's a fast read.
I wasnt very impressed with the "backgrou d" parts. Most of them could have been written as a 5 lines long dialogues, instead of 10 pages long stories.
Eg
-ah you're American, what are you doing in Scotland?
-my parents hardware store went bankrupt so we moved here for a new opportunity. It didnt work out so they went back, but i fell in love with the Highlands so I decided to stay.
-oh cool.
There was no point in presenting us this whole elaborate story of one of the characters since it had zero impact on the plot.
Im sure lots of pople will enjoy this book, unfortunately I was not one of them.
I received free copy of the book from the Publisher foe an honest review
Im, as a reader, very much into thrillers about group of people stranded somewhere and then BAM! one (or more) of them is dead, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the direction the book has taken and with the ending.
So the book is described as a thriller, but it's definitely not one, so dont be fooled. It's also not a horror, even though it sways towards it - it has somw "horrory" events, but they are not scary (and I get scared EXTREMELY easily) just sort of gory (but also not gory enough).
The writing itself is good and it's a fast read.
I wasnt very impressed with the "backgrou d" parts. Most of them could have been written as a 5 lines long dialogues, instead of 10 pages long stories.
Eg
-ah you're American, what are you doing in Scotland?
-my parents hardware store went bankrupt so we moved here for a new opportunity. It didnt work out so they went back, but i fell in love with the Highlands so I decided to stay.
-oh cool.
There was no point in presenting us this whole elaborate story of one of the characters since it had zero impact on the plot.
Im sure lots of pople will enjoy this book, unfortunately I was not one of them.
I received free copy of the book from the Publisher foe an honest review
January 21, 2021
If you aren’t a vegetarian, this book will definitely have you thinking of becoming one.
I loved the premise of this book, the “food” fights back. What a terrifying thought!
The story was great but I don’t think I needed all the backstory on the characters as much, at least it could have been shortened.
I didn’t find any character particularly likeable which usually makes me dislike the book but I was actually still intrigued to see what happens and keep reading.
The relationship between Andrew and Elena was a bit weird, it progressed so fast that I didn’t feel any realness to it.
I wish the book would have stuck to the plot of the animals fighting back, it went a bit of a different way and then came back at one point. I was a bit confused of is this the animals doing, the characters doing, or something else all together.
Overall, I was hooked into finding out what would happen next and how it was going to play out. Enjoyable, thoughtful, and a bit gross to say the least.
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I loved the premise of this book, the “food” fights back. What a terrifying thought!
The story was great but I don’t think I needed all the backstory on the characters as much, at least it could have been shortened.
I didn’t find any character particularly likeable which usually makes me dislike the book but I was actually still intrigued to see what happens and keep reading.
The relationship between Andrew and Elena was a bit weird, it progressed so fast that I didn’t feel any realness to it.
I wish the book would have stuck to the plot of the animals fighting back, it went a bit of a different way and then came back at one point. I was a bit confused of is this the animals doing, the characters doing, or something else all together.
Overall, I was hooked into finding out what would happen next and how it was going to play out. Enjoyable, thoughtful, and a bit gross to say the least.
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 2, 2025
3.25⭐️? A little cheesy, but the body horror was def there! A clever but also weird concept for a plot. I love that it was set in Scotland! Good one to read during the winter
January 25, 2021
Enjoyable and creepy
January 18, 2021
I never would have thought I could label a book 'cozy horror', but this one fits the description quite well. The setting, ambience and slight romance build an ideal stage for a cozy mystery, while the gruesome murders and the unnatural nature of the murderers put the story into full horror mode. I loved the idea of animals getting back to their human hunters. Intertwined with this intriguing idea was another story altogether, where a man sought questionable justice for some past stroke of fate. However, I could have done without that additional story-line and would have rather enjoyed some straightforward 'animals fight back' splatter horror. Together with the alternating chapters which presented retrospects of the involved people's backgrounds to explain what caused the whole intrigue it could have easily created an interesting book of its own. I enjoyed reading this surprising and original book.
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
April 26, 2024
3.5*
The premise of The Lodge drew me in straight away and I loved the setting of the bleak, isolated Scottish Highlands with the impassable snow that really added to the tension of the novel. Trapped in the hunting lodge with various guests, a dead body and no one to call, Andrew, the policeman called to the scene of a crime, must survive the next few days while also trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
The hunting lodge is decorated with animal heads, deer antler chandeliers and other animal furnishings with even more boxes full of decorations in the basement which creates the scene of a disturbing venue perfect for hunters. I was on Elena’s side for much of this novel as I do not like the killing of animals for sport and the thought of the hunted becoming the hunter was an intriguing plot that I was hoping to enjoy.
The setting gets creepier as the book goes and although it is only quite a short book with 152 pages it fits in a lot of detail about the setting which adds to the tense and spooky vibes as it reaches a crescendo at the end. At first it is just little things that happen that the characters brush off but it gradually gets stronger until both the characters and readers are terrified to make a move.
The book is split into two narratives; one of the current situation in the lodge and the other that provides snippets from Andrew’s past which at first I thought took away from the tension and was quite jarring to be continuously taken away from the main plot but it all made sense towards the end of the novel.
This is a unique take on the horror genre as the hunted animals look to take revenge on the people that kill them for fun with a suspenseful story that had me holding my breath in parts. The Lodge by Chris Coppel is the perfect length for a quick read that may have you looking differently towards animal heads in future!
* Thank you to Black Tide book tours and Chris Coppel for allowing me to be a part of the tour *
The premise of The Lodge drew me in straight away and I loved the setting of the bleak, isolated Scottish Highlands with the impassable snow that really added to the tension of the novel. Trapped in the hunting lodge with various guests, a dead body and no one to call, Andrew, the policeman called to the scene of a crime, must survive the next few days while also trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
The hunting lodge is decorated with animal heads, deer antler chandeliers and other animal furnishings with even more boxes full of decorations in the basement which creates the scene of a disturbing venue perfect for hunters. I was on Elena’s side for much of this novel as I do not like the killing of animals for sport and the thought of the hunted becoming the hunter was an intriguing plot that I was hoping to enjoy.
The setting gets creepier as the book goes and although it is only quite a short book with 152 pages it fits in a lot of detail about the setting which adds to the tense and spooky vibes as it reaches a crescendo at the end. At first it is just little things that happen that the characters brush off but it gradually gets stronger until both the characters and readers are terrified to make a move.
The book is split into two narratives; one of the current situation in the lodge and the other that provides snippets from Andrew’s past which at first I thought took away from the tension and was quite jarring to be continuously taken away from the main plot but it all made sense towards the end of the novel.
This is a unique take on the horror genre as the hunted animals look to take revenge on the people that kill them for fun with a suspenseful story that had me holding my breath in parts. The Lodge by Chris Coppel is the perfect length for a quick read that may have you looking differently towards animal heads in future!
* Thank you to Black Tide book tours and Chris Coppel for allowing me to be a part of the tour *
April 23, 2024
I received a copy of this for free, to review for Black Tide Book Tours.
This supernatural horror/mystery takes place at a lodge in the Scottish Highlands, during winter time. When I first started reading, the setting was something that really came to life for me. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and in some ways, it seemed like a classic setting for a story like this. In fact, I found that it reminded me of a short story by Agatha Christie - The Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge.
While this story didn't have the same cosy quality that you would encounter when reading a classic author like Christie, I still felt that the setting and atmosphere was what made the story enjoyable and successful, at least in part. I could picture the snow on the ground, and ‘feel’ the cold. I think it's important that a reader can feel the atmosphere of a story, and try to place themselves in the setting.
This story seemed to portray a fairly ordinary scenario that somehow went horribly wrong, and there was something about that which I found a little bit unnerving. The protagonist was a young constable, and I felt that he was quite an easy character to like; I found him a little bit endearing. I found myself turning the pages quite quickly, and I read it in one sitting. There was some quite chilling imagery too.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours, and the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This supernatural horror/mystery takes place at a lodge in the Scottish Highlands, during winter time. When I first started reading, the setting was something that really came to life for me. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and in some ways, it seemed like a classic setting for a story like this. In fact, I found that it reminded me of a short story by Agatha Christie - The Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge.
While this story didn't have the same cosy quality that you would encounter when reading a classic author like Christie, I still felt that the setting and atmosphere was what made the story enjoyable and successful, at least in part. I could picture the snow on the ground, and ‘feel’ the cold. I think it's important that a reader can feel the atmosphere of a story, and try to place themselves in the setting.
This story seemed to portray a fairly ordinary scenario that somehow went horribly wrong, and there was something about that which I found a little bit unnerving. The protagonist was a young constable, and I felt that he was quite an easy character to like; I found him a little bit endearing. I found myself turning the pages quite quickly, and I read it in one sitting. There was some quite chilling imagery too.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours, and the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
August 21, 2022
“…the small animals were no longer posed in what had presumably been intended as natural ‘cute’ positions. They were now all in hunting posture.”
“The Lodge” by Chris Coppel gets a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The concept of hunters being hunted by prey was twisted. I was intrigued to see how the plot would bring that concept to life.
The Lodge is an mountain isolated, family owned inn that is offering an all inclusive package during the holidays. The package includes hunting and festivities but everyone begins experiencing bizarre happenings. When one dies choking on a bone, officer Andrew is called to The Lodge but ends up stuck there by a snowstorm during his investigation and others begin to disappear.
I enjoyed the idea that every living thing, including plants, have been queued for revenge. There were several creepy parts when describing the prey’s moves. The guests of The Lodge were snobby and awful people but were all there for a purpose. Andrew’s backstory was saddening but was missing pieces that could have strengthened the ending. It felt rushed and left questions. Overall, the flow of the events at The Lodge kept me intrigued and read like I was watching a whodunnit movie.
Rating rounded up. Please visit my GoodReads profile or instagram (Ashesandlore) for more reviews. Thank you!
“The Lodge” by Chris Coppel gets a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The concept of hunters being hunted by prey was twisted. I was intrigued to see how the plot would bring that concept to life.
The Lodge is an mountain isolated, family owned inn that is offering an all inclusive package during the holidays. The package includes hunting and festivities but everyone begins experiencing bizarre happenings. When one dies choking on a bone, officer Andrew is called to The Lodge but ends up stuck there by a snowstorm during his investigation and others begin to disappear.
I enjoyed the idea that every living thing, including plants, have been queued for revenge. There were several creepy parts when describing the prey’s moves. The guests of The Lodge were snobby and awful people but were all there for a purpose. Andrew’s backstory was saddening but was missing pieces that could have strengthened the ending. It felt rushed and left questions. Overall, the flow of the events at The Lodge kept me intrigued and read like I was watching a whodunnit movie.
Rating rounded up. Please visit my GoodReads profile or instagram (Ashesandlore) for more reviews. Thank you!
February 11, 2021
dnf after 40 pages
A police officer is called to a b&b because they happen to have a dead person there. It's 23 December, and upon arrival, he is snowed in with no way to leave or call for backup.
Our police guy is grumpy, not beause he's a recovering alcoholic but because he hates the cold and happens to be stationed in the Scottish highlands and it's winter. The book starts off with him hoping for a call because the police car, in contrast to the office, has a heater.
Character backstories are delivered as info dumps. Written in cursive so you get the hint.
Dialogues are boring, the descriptions lackluster, no atmosphere whatsoever.
Horror can go two ways for me: Creepy/atmospheric or trashy/funny, and this book falls in neither category. I got the impression that the author might have to get a few hundred thousand words under their belt before they'll become interesting for me. There was simply a lack of work with the language.
It was boring, it kept on being boring and badly written, so I consulted reviews and it seems like you either love it or hate it, and since I already know I will fall in the latter category if I read the whole thing, I don't think I should bother.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
A police officer is called to a b&b because they happen to have a dead person there. It's 23 December, and upon arrival, he is snowed in with no way to leave or call for backup.
Our police guy is grumpy, not beause he's a recovering alcoholic but because he hates the cold and happens to be stationed in the Scottish highlands and it's winter. The book starts off with him hoping for a call because the police car, in contrast to the office, has a heater.
Character backstories are delivered as info dumps. Written in cursive so you get the hint.
Dialogues are boring, the descriptions lackluster, no atmosphere whatsoever.
Horror can go two ways for me: Creepy/atmospheric or trashy/funny, and this book falls in neither category. I got the impression that the author might have to get a few hundred thousand words under their belt before they'll become interesting for me. There was simply a lack of work with the language.
It was boring, it kept on being boring and badly written, so I consulted reviews and it seems like you either love it or hate it, and since I already know I will fall in the latter category if I read the whole thing, I don't think I should bother.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
January 11, 2021
152 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
What a fun book. (Its purpose might not have been for me to have a good time with it, but the animals getting back their own was a treat.)
Constable Andrew, fresh out of the academy just seven months earlier, requests an isolated post in the Scottish Highlands. He is not at all sure why; he hates the cold and snow. It is close to Christmas when he gets a call out to a lodge of a death. He drives to the lodge in the middle of a blinding snowstorm.
One of the hunters has died after choking on a quail bone. But he never touched his quail. What is going on? More strange things begin to happen. How will this whole situation turn out?
The book is fairly well written and the plotting is very good. I liked Andrew, in spite of how things turned out. I liked Elena, but was disturbed at what happened to her. The end of the book was simply delicious.
I want to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for forwarding to me a copy of this fun book to me to read, enjoy and review.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
What a fun book. (Its purpose might not have been for me to have a good time with it, but the animals getting back their own was a treat.)
Constable Andrew, fresh out of the academy just seven months earlier, requests an isolated post in the Scottish Highlands. He is not at all sure why; he hates the cold and snow. It is close to Christmas when he gets a call out to a lodge of a death. He drives to the lodge in the middle of a blinding snowstorm.
One of the hunters has died after choking on a quail bone. But he never touched his quail. What is going on? More strange things begin to happen. How will this whole situation turn out?
The book is fairly well written and the plotting is very good. I liked Andrew, in spite of how things turned out. I liked Elena, but was disturbed at what happened to her. The end of the book was simply delicious.
I want to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for forwarding to me a copy of this fun book to me to read, enjoy and review.
April 27, 2024
This book was an unexpected but enjoyable surprise. The setting is an isolated hunting lodge in Scotland around Christmas time and it starts off with a policeman being called there because of the death of one of its patrons. More deaths occur and horror ensues but I won’t spoil that by revealing too much about that.
To be honest I struggled a bit with the first half of the book because there were so many British/Scottish references and I am a west Texan from the United States who needed to look up terminology like “bonnet, prat, bollocks, builder’s tea, having a kip…, etc”. I am glad that I hung in there because not only did I learn some nifty things, but in doing so this helped me get into the “vibe” of the story.
This is one of those books where I was transported out of what is familiar to me and into a completely different world. (I think writers refer that to as the “fictive dream”?)
The author crafted back stories for the characters that were interesting and purposeful once the threads started coming together in the second half of the book. I appreciate the effort it takes to conceive, outline, and roll out a story in a way that is engaging for a reader and the author nailed it in this case.
I would definitely recommend this book to most people and I will most assuredly keep an eye out for this author’s future works.
To be honest I struggled a bit with the first half of the book because there were so many British/Scottish references and I am a west Texan from the United States who needed to look up terminology like “bonnet, prat, bollocks, builder’s tea, having a kip…, etc”. I am glad that I hung in there because not only did I learn some nifty things, but in doing so this helped me get into the “vibe” of the story.
This is one of those books where I was transported out of what is familiar to me and into a completely different world. (I think writers refer that to as the “fictive dream”?)
The author crafted back stories for the characters that were interesting and purposeful once the threads started coming together in the second half of the book. I appreciate the effort it takes to conceive, outline, and roll out a story in a way that is engaging for a reader and the author nailed it in this case.
I would definitely recommend this book to most people and I will most assuredly keep an eye out for this author’s future works.
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