The Lodge

The story itself is gory, but the cover doesn't over exaggerate the blood. The Hunters become the Hunted. The synopsis is short, only a few lines, but that's all it needs to get you to read this story. Coppel made the error of not capitalizing letters after ending the dialogue with an exclamation mark or question mark. I've seen this with a lot of independent authors, though, so it didn't stick out as much as I suppose it should have. Within the first few pages, I was hooked. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/212924/review/698886

After a call comes in about an accidental death, Constable Andrew is dispatched to a remote hunting Lodge in the Scottish Highlands. He fights a growing blizzard to get to the Lodge and ends up being snowed in with the owners and guests. Horrifying events take place over the next few days, the hunted animals are starting to fight back. WOW! I absolutely loved this book; it was wild. The whole time, I got Stephen King vibes; it's dark, morbid, and terrifying. For me, I felt like this was a perfect horror book, with a very unique/imaginative plot that was executed so well. The banter between Andrew and Elena gave us a comedic break, their banter was great. The Lodge is a fast paced page turner, I highly recommend! Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/212924/review/576059

I normally don't read very many horror books but the synopsis of The Lodge really drew me in. I thought it was very well written, I couldn't put it down! I loved the way the author drew me in and held my attention throughout. I thought there were some nice twists that I wasn't expecting. I'll definitely look for more books from Chris Coppel in the future.

Animals take revenge against their hunters in this short horror story set in the Scottish Highlands in the week between Christmas and New Year., Chris Coppel's ‘The Lodge' opens with a young officer (Andrew) receiving a phone call from a hunting Air B&B about a sudden death. Andrew drives up the mountain to the remote Inn with a snow storm starting and then is forced to stay with Helen, Leon and Elena, the Lodge Managers and wait out the snow. While investigating the choking death of Alan Hutchinson, he realizes all is not right in this bed & breakfast. As the bodies pile up and he still can't get back down the mountain, Andrew begins to fear for his own life. Chris Coppel writes this book with the creepiness of 'Pet Sematary' blended with some dark humor and a lot of blood and gore. The characters are hilarious caricatures of the rich and wealthy who soon becoming the hunted. While a succinct Novella, this book is certainly a juicy page turner. The suspense, witty banter and great characters make this a superb read.

The Lodge, what can I say but yet another winner from this fresh talent of horror thriller writer Chris Coppel. Taking a genre and keeping it fresh and finding a new way to thrill, chill and keep the reader fully invested. The Lodge starts out in the Scotland and may I add that I do not know much about the author but writing and able to capture his environment such as The States in Lucky and now Scotland in this book, he really knows how to capture his places. Excellent job. We start out with a new policeman on a snowy evening being called out over the accidental death of a hunting resort which all seems quite normal. This takes a drastic turn starting with his car journey to the Lodge and we are now in the capable hands of our author. We find ourselves in the depths of a Agatha Christie meets Patricia Highsmith animal shorts and we are all along for the ride. The characters are strong and again Coppel has managed to mix dark humour with social commentary very well. He has an interesting way of drawing out the characters and when you have a large cast, it is very easy to have some get lost in the shuffle which Coppel avoids. Every character stamps their impression onto the readers subconscious long after their demise. The plot is very intricately written using a whodunit, mystery, suspense, thriller and horror genres and mixing these to a very unique experience. Coppel has fun with his plots twists and turns but keeps everything in the realistic department with a supernatural bent. This means that he keeps everything real within the confines of his story and doesn't pigeonhole plot devices to make it work. These are all done naturally. This is another thrill ride and social commentary from Coppel who is fast becoming a true favourite of mine. I can't wait to read what he comes out with next but I am going to be there devouring his next great work. Thought provoking, thrilling, horrific, darkly funny and downright entertaining. This is a well worthwhile binge read and one that never disappointments. Highly recommended.