Lakebed

by Chris Coppel

Bone-Chilling Page-Turner “Chris Coppel’s “Lakebed” is a bone-chilling page-turner that finds the prolific author channeling the best elements of his previous work into what just might be his most gripping novel yet.

"Fast paced and well sculpted, this is a horror story that rises to the top of the genre. Chris Coppel is an author with the gift! Recommended.”

“Lakebed is a chilly mystery that gives you goosebumps with each page turn



THE PROBLEM WITH DREAMS IS THEY CAN SO EASILY TURN INTO UNSPEABABLE NIGHTMARES

We've all visited places and dreamt of moving there. Kris and Ryan don't just settle for the dream.

Life has become difficult in Los Angeles. After receiving a surprise invitation to visit an animal sanctuary in Southern Utah, they drive 500 miles and enter an entirely different world surrounded by natural beauty and majestic creatures. They fall in love with the people, the concept and the location. Within three weeks they move to the sanctuary and begin their new, stress-free lives. They are living the dream. Or so they thought.

Genres: Horror

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2021

About the author

Chris 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.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shortly after moving into their new home, Kris and Ryan are given a unique opportunity. Ryan wrote a book and received an email from an animal sanctuary (For Paws Animal Sanctuary/FPAS) praising his book and inviting then to come to the sanctuary about an employment opportunity. Soon Kris and Ryan hit the highway for Utah. They are mesmerized by the natural beauty and the animal sanctuary. It's stress free, quiet, and relaxing - everything they desire. It seems like a dream! But what happens when it becomes a nightmare???

Everything seems fine at first but then slowly, ever so slowly things begin to change. There are warnings that don't make sense, and a mounting unease which permeates this book.
This is an original and dark tale. There were several "Um, what?" moments in the book for me followed quickly by "well, wasn't that clever!?!"

This was a fast paced read for me as I was quickly drawn in and curious about how the plot was going to unfold. When I got almost to the end, I thought "interesting" and when I finished, I thought "that was unique." It had a twilight zone feel to it - dark, creepy, tense, some parts unexplained, some unsettling, but always creative.

I originally gave this a 3 but this is one I kept thinking about mainly because of the ending. So, I am bumping up to 3.5 stars rounded up.

Original, Creepy, and Dark


Thank you to Chris Coppel and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

There goes Chris Coppel, making Utah creepy once again. King has Maine, and Coppel has Utah.
This is my second read by the author, and it wasn’t chosen based on first impressions, because those, to be honest, were underwhelming. Legacy had a kitchen sink of clichés approach and stupid characters to boot. So this was more of a random second chance, easy enough given how short the book is. And lo and behold, it worked.
This book had all the Legacy didn’t, from plot originality (albeit with heavy echoes of Pet Cemetary) to reasonable characters. Kudos to the author for stepping up his game.
So a nice LA couple gets a mysterious but most opportunely timed job offers to work in a fancy, albeit remote, animal sanctuary. There’s high salary, free place to live, good cause. It’s a Marlon Brando of an offer, you can’t refuse it and they don’t. They box up their lives and set off for Utah. And soon enough, like most things too good to be true, this dream set up turns into a nightmare. Although technically nightmares are a kind of dreams…
But soon enough doesn’t quite cover the slow but steady escalation of creeping unease of the narrative, from an erratic psycho boss to erratic nature outside. In fact, the rattlers alone should have done the trick, but…people put up with a lot of crap for a paycheck.
So this was fun. And not dumb fun either, but legitimately entertaining kind of fun. It featured likeable and charismatic characters and a properly eerie atmosphere to engage and disturb the readers in all the right ways that genre fiction does. It featured strategically placed light notes to balance out the overall darkness and a nice dual layer ending. And it was paced just right. Much to enjoy, genre fans should definitely check this one out. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the bizarre and creepy, you need to read a Chris Coppel book. He has yet to disappoint me. Most of all, I love that it's almost impossible to figure out how his books will end. Every single book of his I've read would be amazing on screen.
A couple gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work for the second largest domestic animal sanctuary in the world. It's based in Utah and a world away from the hell of Los Angeles where things are just getting worse.
After a trip to Utah and a visit with the people they will be living and working with, they are hooked.
It's almost too good to be true. Great friends and great towns outshine some of the weirdness happening around them.
The CEO is psychotic but there's deer outside the window. They can't go outside at night sometimes, but the food is great. The rescue dog that lives in the office building has mange. There's so much wrong, in so many small ways.....if you don't want to see it you might miss it. But if you look to close the land wont like you; well there's things worse than a bad job.
I like the slow build up, the suspense that comes with looking for the bad behind every corner. What a bunch of crazy people. I really enjoyed this book.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had me hooked from the very first chapter. My jaw dropped open and I couldn’t put it down. It did drag on just a pinch between that first chapter and the relocation, but it did pick up and the general unease factor picked up. The weird vibes and gut feelings had me on edge and waiting for the other shoe to drop. In fact, my internal monologue for this whole story was the “oh no” TikTok sound on repeat. Overall, a really good spooky season read!

Ryan never expected that his one and only book he wrote forever ago would amount to anything after this long. But it drew the attention of an animal rescue in Utah. They asked him and his wife Kris to come down to talk about a potential job from LA. They thought the worst thing that would come from it is a vacation. You know that saying about things being too good to be true? They couldn’t say no to a large salary and free housing, but they definitely should have.

Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[James W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Coppel’s “Lakebed” is a bone-chilling page-turner that finds the prolific author channeling the best elements of his previous work into what just might be his most gripping novel yet.

Desperately in need of a change of pace, couple Ryan and Kris decide to throw caution to the wind when they accept an unexpected invitation to move across the country to a Utah-based animal sanctuary (the cleverly named 'For Paws Animal Society'). Unfortunately, the couple soon realizes that what initially seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime came with strings attached. What follows is a suspense-laden mystery driven by a cast of complicated characters with shrouded intentions—one that finds our protagonists in a fight for their lives.

With a trio of genre-bending thrillers already under his belt (including the mind-blowing “Legacy”), Coppel has clearly refined his voice, imbuing “Lakebed” with a restrained confidence that only serves to underscore the ominous sense of horror permeating this narrative. Keeping in line with the prolific author’s previous work, “Lakebed” pairs an intriguing premise and a ‘simmer-to-a-boil’ pace to great effect. Ryan and Kris, in particular, just might be his most authentic characters yet, providing readers a vicarious glimpse into their horrific circumstances.

Part mystery, part horror, and part tale of survival, “Lakebed” delivers on multiple fronts—highly recommended.

[Gatorman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was, quite literally, one of the worst books I've ever read. Poorly written, horribly edited (the author even forgets the name of a character at one point) with characters saying and doing some of the dumbest shit you'll ever read. Nothing of any note happens in the book until the last forty pages and then it turns into a partial rip-off of Pet Sematary and a total incomprehensible mess, with an ending as ridiculous as everything that came before. Couldn't wait for it to end. At least it was fairly short, although reading this disaster felt like an eternity. Don't waste your time. You can thank me later.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt a lot like a campfire ghost story and it was a ton of fun to hear. I will most definitely be keeping my flashlight on, but I'm not counting on a flimsy tent to keep these scaries away...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you don’t adapt up here, the canyon will expel you.”

The best kind of horror is the bone chilling kind that wakes you up in the middle of the night so you can check the windows and doors…again. Chris Coppel delivers that and more in Lakebed.

The invitation comes when Ryan Cooper, an administrator at UCLA, and his wife Kris, a book editor who works from home, are ready to give up on LA. The noise, the traffic and problems with his job have left them frustrated and angry. So when they are invited to visit the For Paws animal sanctuary in a remote part of Utah, they accept. A lucrative job offer for Ryan with the bonus of part time work for Kris follows and within weeks they are living in a rent free home with magnificent views next to friendly neighbors. What comes next will have you turning pages at a breakneck pace, pausing only to check that nothing is behind you.

Lakebed is horror fiction at its best! The realistic setting pulls you in, the characters are well described and believable. A fast paced plot moves the story quickly to an exciting conclusion. I’m looking forward to a movie! 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Publishing Push and Chris Coppel for this ARC.

[pastiesandpages - Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lakebed by Chris Coppel

Thank you @booktoktours for the ebook.

I've read a few books by @chris.coppel now and he never fails to entertain.

This novel follows a young couple, Kris and Ryan, who are having a difficult time with making ends meet in Los Angeles. Troubles at work, endless traffic and a built up neighbourhood are all taking their toll so when they take up an offer to visit an animal sanctuary in Southern Utah they are quickly persuaded that this charitable organisation doing good work, surrounded by natural beauty, is a paradise. They can hardly believe their luck when they are offered jobs there.
It's an easy decision. More money, no commute, free lodgings, less stress. This could be the start of a perfect life.

Chris does a fantastic job of building up the characters and setting the scene. The general unease and creepiness builds very slowly. Things are just a little bit off kilter. But perhaps the people and the place are just a bit quirky and it will take Kris and Ryan some time to adjust.

It's over halfway through the book before things are gradually escalating to the point where we know something is very wrong.

Ryan's new boss is beginning to seem unhinged. One of Kris' co-workers is taking a jealousy too far.
The founders of the sanctuary have some weird rules and no one ever leaves the organisation but if they do then they are never mentioned again and not heard from.
On certain days no one is allowed out after midnight and must keep curtains drawn and outside lights off or put themselves in terrible danger.

And why is this dry canyon called Lakebed?

Past events of the area and of the indigenous people that used to live there hold a secret that will impact the present.

It all builds into an exciting and very surprising conclusion.

A spooky page turner where living the dream turns into a nightmare and lives will never be the same again.

[Lackof_shelf_control · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love atmospheric horror books that keep you on edge, this one needs to be on your TBR!

This novel delivered all the eerie vibes I crave—Chris pulls you in instantly with vivid atmosphere and tension that keeps tightening with every page. I read it while camping ⛺️ and it made the experience extra chilling in the best way. The buildup is masterfully done, the setting feels alive, and just when I thought I had it figured out… that ending proved me wrong. 👀

✨ Final Takeaway: A truly immersive, haunting read that sticks with you long after you close the book.

📚 Huge thank you to Black Tide Book Tours for including me on this tour! 📚

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review!

Devoured this one in a couple of days!

Absolutely LOVED the setting. Making the mountains and cliffs of Utah totally spooky. I’ve always felt the crippling isolation in the mountains; but this just brought it home for me.

I’m also a sucker for “too good to be true” tales. And this was one of those! Everything lining up with the stars? Think twice! It’s not what it seems.

The main characters, Ryan and Kris, weren’t necessarily looking for something new. It just dropped in their laps and everything seemed to align to bring them to the Animal Sanctuary. The antagonist was a real explosive and dare I say, insane? was a good addition!

The book was fantastic and I’ll be reading more Utah horror from this author!

[Steven Rosenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lakebed” by Chris Coppel is a very interesting story that I enjoyed very much. It would be difficult to describe too much of the story because I want to stay away from any spoilers. However, the story begins with our married couple protagonists Ryan, a UCLA administrator, and Kris Cooper, an online book editor who have just found their perfect house in L.A... Ryan has written one novel that was published and didn’t sell well. His novel features a stray cat named Pumpkin and focuses on the homeless animal problem. This novel has caught the attention of John Shaw who runs a very large animal sanctuary in southern Utah, 478 miles from L.A. John contacts Ryan and invites the couple to come to see the sanctuary and after some debate, they go.

Upon arrival, they are met by a young man named Troy who gives them a tour of what is by all appearances is the ultimately perfect animal sanctuary and leaves them at the Core, which is the main administrative hub of the sanctuary. They have a lunch meeting with John who offers them each a job with generous pay, housing, and health benefits. John instructs them to take a week and think about it, and then be back in touch. Back in L.A. at UCLA, a new dean is taking over and Ryan’s job is going to change for the worse. Also, the couple’s perfect home is actually a duplex, and the elderly woman who occupied the other unit passed away. Her son decided to turn it into an Airbnb type of rental. So, between Ryan’s horrible new boss and their perfect home losing much of its appeal, their decision is made for them and they accept the positions, rent out their house and move to the sanctuary in southern Utah.

Our author Chris Coppel masterfully builds suspense starting when the couple begins what is supposed to be their idyllic life at the sanctuary. On the surface, everything appears to be going smoothly but with some strange hiccups. The feeling kept building, I knew something was going to happen, but I didn’t know what it was, where it would be when it would be, or to whom. We, readers, are waiting for the shoe to drop and Mr. Cooper plays it so well. I can’t say any more about the plot, you will have to experience it yourself, interested reader.

My one criticism is with the very ending. I enjoyed reading it and it fit the story, but I wanted the story to go on and explain how it worked. I am retired from the automotive repair industry and I like to know how things and processes work. In conclusion, my only criticism is that I wanted more story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan and Kris receive an unexpected invitation to visit For Paws Animal Society (FPAS), an animal sanctuary in southern Utah. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, the couple immediately falls in love with the place, the people, and the sanctuary's values. Within a few weeks, Ryan and Kris pack their things and leave the bustling city of Los Angeles behind for a fresh start. With new jobs and a spacious house on the grounds of FPAS, the couple's new opportunity seems almost too good to be true. But over time, Ryan and Kris can't help but notice that something feels off about the sanctuary. Strange rituals, a psychopathic boss, staff members going missing, not to mention the creepy history that surrounds the canyon. Ryan and Kris soon find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery, fearing for their lives and that one wrong move could get them "exorcised" from the sanctuary. Coppel does a great job at slowly building the tension of the novel over the course of each strange incident that occurs to the couple. The only issue I had was the inconsistency of the novel's pacing, which often switched between fast and slow. A lot of times during the "slower" parts of the novel, certain scenes seemed to be dragged out much longer than necessary. Less of a horror story and more of a thriller, fans of Coppel won't be able to put this down.

[Veronica Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Coppel definitely knows how to tell a story. He is also very descriptive in his writing that goes above and beyond bringing a reader into the story for them to see, feel, smell, and even hear what’s going on - like his descriptions of the canyon during a rain storm or the way it looks during the day. I read another book by Coppel, and knew this one would be just as good.

In “Lakebed,” you meet protagonists Kris and Ryan who come from LA city life to work for a non-profit animal sanctuary in the middle of a canyon in Utah. They uprooted their entire life for a good cause and to be one with nature. They thought they were living the dream, but not everything is as it seems.

As I said previously, Coppel has a way with words. The only problem I had with this book was that it had a rather slow start. But all in all, this was a great read, with the ending coming at a fast pace making it hard for me to put down as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good thriller. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lakebed by Chris Coppel is a great read, following the lives of Kris and Ryan as they relocate from their busy city lives in Los Angeles to a seemingly idyllic animal sanctuary in Utah. It has a fairly slow start, detailing their long decision-making process about the relocation - actually, there are a lot of slower moments in the novel that I initially thought were unnecessarily drawn out. I stood corrected by the end, though, so I'm glad I stuck with it! Once in Utah, Kris and Ryan assimilate to their new life, learning the area and trying not to think too much about the stranger things they see there and the fear they begin to feel.

This is a great, suspenseful novel, really cleverly set out. My only disappointment was that the premise of the novel is a tad overdone, and a tad outdated. Nevertheless, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read, and definitely one for any lovers of the genre or Coppel's other work.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakebed by Chris Coppel mesmerizes readers as Ryan and Kris Cooper decide to leave the crime and traffic of California for a quieter life in Utah. Ryan was notified about a book he wrote from the CEO of For Paws Animal Society, asking him to join his team of animal activists. At first their jobs were ideal and wonderful. Slowly bizarre things begin to happen. A couple times a year you are not allowed out of your house after midnight. Their boss appears psychopathic. People begin to disappear and animals look as if they are diseased. The mood becomes toxic and they begin to feel evil is lurking around the bend. They are unsure if it is malicious devices of men, or the cannon which is haunted. Overall, this is a horror story that is sure to give you chills as you are glued to the pages.

[Hayley Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, hand me any book that’s set out in the desert or just about any western national park and I will gladly hand you a 5-star review. I LOVED Chris Coppel’s novel Lakebed, and here’s why!

Okay, okay, so I’m a little biased. I live down south amongst the thick forests and swarms upon swarms of mosquitoes. And the humidity!! Don’t even get me started! But out west, it’s a dry heat. It’s flat. There are hardly any trees. It’s a stark contrast, like day and night. And the scenery is one that you will have to go see for yourself to truly understand its beauty. It’s stunning! When Coppel says “red rock”, he means it. Shades of orange and red and taupe that should only exist on some other planet. But it exists here, and it is so vividly described that even if you haven’t ventured to that neck of the woods, you will be transported there!

I found the couple to be quite funny and charming, reminding me of my relationship with my husband. We tease and pick at each other and will rope outsiders in so that they can be part of the joke. Ryan and Kris were fantastically written and I loved to hear whatever sly comment one had to say to the other. They represented a healthy relationship and I loved to see it! Really, I thought all of the characters were well written and each fit their role quite nicely. Of course, we have some characters that are just horrible people through and through and some dialogue was tough to get through, but they added their piece to the overall story.

I’ll admit, there were some elements in the ending that were a little on the cheesy side. I won’t say anything specific, but I think if you give this one a read, you’ll know exactly which part I’m talking about! I won’t dock any stars or parts of stars because of the silliness because that’s part of the reason why I found this book to be so charming, but some other readers may not like it! Overall, I thought the ending was really good! I’ve seen quite a few horror stories and so I figured this is where we would end up, but I didn’t think we would end up here in the way we did it. Consider me a Chris Coppel fan!

Many thanks for the advance digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review!

[Anna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakebed starts like a daydream a lot of us have had: pack up, leave the city headaches behind, and start over somewhere beautiful. Kris and Ryan actually do it. The first chapters feel wide-open and sunlit, full of red rock vistas, curious animals, and a genuine sense that they’ve finally caught a break. Chris Coppel lets you settle into that hope, into the routines of sanctuary life, long enough that you almost forget you’re holding a horror novel.

And then the strangeness begins to creep in—not with loud jump scares, but with small wrong notes that start piling up. The people who seemed so kind at first, the landscape that felt welcoming, the sanctuary itself… everything starts to bend just a few degrees off normal. I liked how grounded the couple is; they argue, they second-guess themselves, they want to believe they made the right choice. That makes their growing unease feel painfully believable. You’re not watching “characters in a spooky place,” you’re watching two regular people slowly realize they might have made a terrible mistake.

One of the things I appreciate most here is the contrast: the beauty of Southern Utah against the dark undercurrent running through the sanctuary. Coppel uses the setting so well that the wide skies and quiet nights stop feeling peaceful and start feeling almost suffocating. There are moments where nothing overtly horrible is happening on the page, but the tension is still there, pressing at the edges.

The last stretch pays off the slow build without throwing away the emotional core of the story. The horror isn’t just “what’s out there,” it’s also about trust, decisions you can’t undo, and the cost of chasing a fantasy version of happiness. When I closed the book, I had that restless feeling where you keep replaying certain scenes in your head, wondering exactly when things crossed the line from dream to nightmare.

For me, Lakebed is a smart, unsettling small-scale horror story that lingers. I’d call it a solid 5-star read and an easy recommendation if you like your scares wrapped in sunshine and sand instead of storm clouds and old houses.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris and Ryan are finding it difficult to live in Los Angeles. When they receive a letter inviting them to an animal sanctuary in Utah, they decide to go. It seems like a simple thing to do. At a motel, they stay at, people appear to not be friendly. Why? When they arrive at the sanctuary, they are given a tour of the sanctuary. They are invited to come and live their. They are told that they will give them a house plus more in exchange for their work. They go back to their home in Los Angeles and find themselves living next to a very loud neighbor, having band practices and loud parties. Kris and Ryan complain but everyone that comes next door are as loud as the former people. Kris and Ryan decide to go and live at the animal sanctuary. It is understood that if they don’t like living there, they will go back to their home in Los Angeles. What happens when they return to the animal sanctuary? Are they happy living there?

In this horror novel, the author writes about an experience that has twists and turns that are unexpected and at times shocking. I actually found it extremely fascinating how Ryan and Kris cope with becoming vegetarians and other different aspects living an alternative lifestyle. It’s a story that surprised me. The ending was not what I expected. It’s a horror novel that doesn’t have violence. It wasn’t a novel that was boring.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Wen W. (Subjective Daily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple seeking a fresh start at a remote animal sanctuary in Utah slowly discovers that the land itself hides something deeply wrong beneath its calm surface.

This is my second Chris Coppel book. Similar to the last one I read (Lusus Naturae), Chris shows his strength in establishing the opening tone and depicting the story with rich visual details.

The pace of this book isn’t fast, but the smooth storytelling kept me engaged the whole time. Beneath the seemingly plain and casual narration lies a subtle sense of unease. This feeling of unease later escalates into bizarreness and a growing sense of strangeness, although I was still unable to pinpoint what was wrong. It’s like we’re in a world we don’t belong to, a world that doesn’t connect with others. To be honest, after reading quite a few books, we can sometimes sense the direction of the story. Well, not this one. With a little “B-movie cliché,” as described exactly in the book, I was puzzled again. The ending didn’t give any answers; instead, it left me with chills and even more questions.

Let me put it this way: if you crave closure and seek logic in a story, this book is probably not going to be your favorite. However, if you enjoy that lingering unease and the kind of chills that invite you to form your own interpretations, this one is for you. The evil of the land never truly leaves. It lingers.

Huge thanks to @booktoktours for the invite to Tours of Terror and for a copy of the book.

[Dragonfly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now, Lakebed by Chris Coppel starts out like a postcard from paradise — sunshine, peace, and the promise of a fresh start. Kris and Ryan head out to Southern Utah, hoping to leave their worries behind in Los Angeles, and for a while, it feels like they truly found heaven on earth. But goodness gracious, that’s when the unease creeps in — quiet at first, like a chill running down your back when the air’s too still.

Coppel has this way of turning serenity into something menacing without you even noticing when it happens. One page you’re smiling at the thought of wide skies and friendly neighbors, and the next, you’re clutching your coffee, thinking, “Oh, no, something isn’t right here.” The tension builds with a slow burn, grounded in believable people and a place that feels as real as your own backyard — until it doesn’t.

What really struck me is how human this story is beneath the horror. It’s about trust, temptation, and how easy it is to lose yourself when life finally gives you what you always wanted. The shift from peaceful to petrifying is handled so smoothly it almost feels personal — like a warning whispered in the dark.

For readers who enjoy quiet horror that sneaks up on you, Lakebed is a fine example of how beauty and terror can share the same horizon. I closed the book with a shiver and the kind of satisfaction only a truly unsettling story can bring.

[VibekeN · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow Chris and Ryan, who live in Los Angeles. Ryan gets a surprise invitation to visit an animal sanctuary in southern Utah.

They soon embark on a 500-mile drive toward their dream location. Everything seems just right, and the descriptions are beautifully written. The author takes the reader on a road trip, where the sights are gorgeous , and really draw you in.

We don’t get to know Kris and Ryan very well in the first half of the book, which I found a little disappointing because I wanted to know more about them. What do they look like? What are their personalities like? What are they thinking during this major life-changing event?

Once they arrive, they both find work at the sanctuary and settle into a cozy home. The neighbors and co-workers seem friendly, but there’s an eerie undertone from the moment they arrive. We learn that this place has a dark history, and things begin to unravel in the seemingly idyllic canyon they have moved in to.

I enjoyed this story. The second half came together especially well and wrapped up in a surprisingly satisfying way. It became a real page-turner, once it gained momentum.

I’d recommend Lakebed to anyone who enjoys a well written, original, and creepy story.

Thank you @booktoktours, for the ARC.

-Vibeke.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Title: Lakebed
✍️ Author: Chris Coppel
⭐️ Rating: (3.5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: October 18th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Frustrated by life in Los Angeles, Ryan Cooper and his wife Kris accept an unexpected offer to move to a remote animal sanctuary in Utah. Surrounded by natural beauty and promising a fresh start, the job seems like a dream. But life begins twisting when strange rules appear, mysterious disappearances, and the sanctuary’s tranquil façade turns into a nightmare. Before long, Ryan and Kris realize they’re in over their heads—and their “new life” might cost them everything.
💭 What I Loved:
- Chilling vibes from the beginning
- Great foreshadowing
- Pets!
😬 What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Creepy animals/animal violence/animal death
- Certain drama plots fell very flat.
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I feel like one of my points in What Didn’t Work for Me is super important. I know that many people I follow don’t care to read about books involving animals in a negative way. I completely agree. There are just some books that are so good that while those really HIT me, I want to keep reading. I HAVE to know what happens. This is one of those for me. Also, don’t try to predict what’s going to happen. I tried and failed.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal Rescue: The Road To H3ll Is Paved With Good Intentions

This book was a mindbender. The prologue hit hard, afterwards tainting every moment the couple shared, no matter how ordinary, with a sense of dread. Expecting, but not knowing where and when the jump scares were going to appear had me holding my breath.

I couldn't help but root for Ryan and Kris. They were nice people and a nice couple. Chris Coppel endowed each with little quirks that humanized them and deepened their characters.

The dialogue was good and the world-building was even better. I could see the desolate beauty of the scenery without ever having been there. And I could similarly sense that there was something very wrong with everything about the place, the animals, and their coworkers. I even caught myself yelling warnings to Ryan and Kris, like "No!," "Stop!," and "What are you doing!?" As if I could save them...

I read a free advanced readers' copy of Lakebed, courtesy of the author, publisher, and NetGalley, but I don't owe them anything but thanks. My honest opinion is that this is a well-written and unusual book in the horror genre and I recommend it highly!

[NatalieSWrightBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to read something from Chris Coppel and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint!

The story is based upon Ryan, a UCLA administrator and Kris, an online book editor. Who decide to change their lives for the better by moving to an animal sanctuary in Utah.

It’s slow to start, but is very descriptive, which transports the reader straight into the book perfectly. The slow pace builds nicely, with intensity, and the mystery and momentum of the story. The characters are well developed and intricately described, as is the storyline.

The animal sanctuary seems to run well, on the surface, except for a few strange hiccups, until things start to go very wrong…

Well written, with greatly detailed descriptions and well developed characters. This story slowly builds suspense and the mystery and momentum is just right. Not an original story in some aspects, but certainly a different take on it. Another great horror classic from another favourite author. Great read Chris Coppel, look forward to the next one…

[Jennifer T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was terrible. It made zero sense and wasn’t the slightest bit scary. I hate leaving bad reviews especially for books I got on NetGalley but this warrants it. I’ll be nice and give it 2 stars. Thanks to the publisher for the arc I received in exchange for my honest review.

One of my biggest complaints was the authors terrible research, stereotypes, and it seems like a vendetta against a well known animal shelter. First, the Luxor Casino in Las Vegas only had an indoor Nile River for a very short time and not during the time the characters would have been there. Second, I was wondering where I’d heard of Kanab, Utah before. It’s the home base of the large non-profit Best Friends Animal Society animal refuge. Why would you set your book about an animal refuge in the same area where there’s an actual real life refuge? Third, the restaurant scene involving alcohol when they reach Utah was ridiculous. And the ending?? Insert eye roll here.

Not a fan of this book at all and I have zero desire to read anything else by this author.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Henry Roi PR and the author for this ARC! I love horror but when I read the blurb and saw that this was about an animal sanctuary, I did hesitate - thankfully the author was reassuring that the horror wasn't about the animals. The sanctuary does have a section for disabled animals, which made my heart sing: I love my three-legged, no-nosed little bun!

While I didn't quite understand some parts of the story, I did really like the unsettling atmosphere that was created as the story progressed. It was a great juxtaposition with the initial vibes, which made it feel believable. I liked the superstitions around the canyon and would have loved some more of the backstory: there is some, but there is definitely room for more!

Given the setting and concept, I wish veganism had been more fairly - and widely - represented in the book, but overall, this was a fun horror with some very creepy elements.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If something seems to good to be true; think twice before making a decision. When Ryan receives an email to come visit an animal sanctuary he thought it would be a good idea. Little did he know the things that would transpire from the visit would bring about a tremendous change in his way of life. First off, anything to do with the destruction of human life is an immediate no-no. Once Ryan and Kris learned of what happened to the native tribe at Lakebed canyon they should have left…no questions asked. Because what started out as a dream turned into a nightmare of outlandish proportions. I have experienced monsoon weather and it is terrifying for a newbie. The storm this author described was out of the norm; even for monsoon season. This story was frightening as well as very real. I will use my instinct, if I get some offer that seems too good to be true, and go ahead and decline the offer.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What starts as a “let’s move to the middle of nowhere and pet animals forever” kind of dream quickly turns into “oh no, what have we done?”.....and I was absolutely hooked.

Kris and Ryan’s story gave me that delicious false sense of calm ..... the sun-soaked freedom, the fresh start, the “we’re living the dream” energy ..... before slowly twisting it into something that made me want to sleep with the lights on. It’s the kind of book that lures you in with peace, then feeds you paranoia for dessert.

The setting is chef’s kiss vivid .... all red cliffs, open skies, and this creeping tension that just won’t quit. And the best part? It never feels forced. Just that slow, uneasy realization that something in paradise isn’t quite right.

Basically: come for the animals, stay for the dread. 🐐🌄
I closed the last page whispering, “yeah… I’d still move there.” 😂

[Theenrichmentoffiction1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review

LakeBed

Genre- horror/ occult

I have read 4 books by Chris and now this is my 5th one, I enjoyed this page turner and near the end is where the fun really begins.

Ryan and Kris are tired of their same everyday lives, so when Ryan gets an important email that would change their life forever, the Animal Sanctuary is all they can think about.

It pulls their mind to join the peaceful and fulfilling new life.

Eventually things do not add and unexplainable things happen, the dessert has a lot of history and secrets but what lengths will they be dragged to to keep them there in the so called perfect life until they see the real darkness that keeps the secrets at bay until the time is right....