★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

It’s so quiet at the lodge...but if you listen very hard, you can hear the screams...

Could a thriller get any more atmospheric? Any more claustrophobic? Any more creepier than THE LODGE? Maybe so, but in a place where the wild animals are not the only predators it certainly made it one very thrilling read. I've lost count of the amount of Rijks thrillers I have devoured but this one has to be one of the most chilling. It brings to mind the movie with Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas "The Ghost and the Darkness" - and that same sense of isolation tinged with danger.

I was drawn in from the very first page and was soon so absorbed that nothing and no one was going to stop me until the I swiped the very last page. The entire read was filled with tense moments that I was wondering how it was all going to pan out. And while the story was largely predictable there was still some part of it that wasn't...and that made the tension doubly palpable. I'm not sure I could have stayed sane in Anna's shoes while at the same time I was frantically waving my flashing baton to warn her of what I could clearly see coming from a mile off.

Two years ago, >Anna was in a toxic relationship with suave and handsome charmer Clayton who was also controlling to the point of obsession. After she broke off their engagement, he would not take no for an answer and popped up everywhere she was. Outside her flat, her work, her mother's house, even following her in his car. He would send her flowers, order gifts, make dinner arrangements, make nuisance phone calls from an unlisted number. Anna was at her wit's end that she ended up moving abroad.

Now she has rebuilt her life and found happiness with Joel. Although he proposed after three months, she made him wait six months before she gave him her answer after the train wreck of her last relationship as she didn't want to find herself in the same situation again. But Joel is nothing like Clayton. He is kind and compassionate, a vet who specialises in large animals. And they are busy saving for their wedding.

All that is about to change when Joel excitedly informs Anna that he has been headhunted for a veterinary position at a game reserve in South Africa - a secret dream of his. They have been given an all-expenses paid trip for the unique experience and for Joel to be interviewed for his dream job. But Anna is hesitant. She hates flying and it's so far away...from everything. A fact that is only reinforced when they step off one plane only to step onto a smaller five seater plane that flies them another hour away. They are greeted by Ntando, a tracker who works at the reserve, who then drives them another half an hour to the reserve and the lodge where they will be staying. The absolute middle of nowhere.

But Anna has to admit...the lodge and its surrounds are stunning. The luxurious tents with the subtle privacies of a hidden shower and free standing bath. The cooling swimming pool. And those stunning views. And then they meet the other guests - two other couples staying to help launch this new game reserve ready for paying guests. And Anna's heart stops. No. It can't be. But it is. Clayton. But he's supposed to be dead. What is he doing here? Could it just all be a coincidence or a sinister plot to get her back?

But Anna doesn't believe in coincidence. She knows Clayton...and she knows he is there for a reason and that it cannot be anything good.

I remember reading on Miranda's instagram some time back when she was in South Africa and her pondering about it being the perfect setting for a thriller. I was like...um, yeah...not a fan. But oh em gee!! Did it work?! The setting of the game reserve really gave the reader that sense of isolation. And in a real "locked room" sense despite being out in the open. I mean, how could she leave? She had arrived by air and didn't know how to escape. Not only that, she was surrounded by predators but despite the lions, snakes and other wild animals that could tear you to shreds should you cross their path, it seemed that the human kind proved to be the most dangerous of all.

The story unfolds predominantly through Anna's narrative both in the past and the present as we are lead through step by step of her train wreck of a relationship with Clayton in which he pretty much railroaded her into. As the twists started, so too does the necessary suspension of belief for it to work. And crazily enough, it kind of does in a weird way. But then our villain is just a little bit loopy and the setting merely adds to the delusional factor. But then despite this, it just works so well. Rijks has that knack of making it work even when it seems ludicrous.

I honestly didn't think I would enjoy a book set in the wilds of Africa, but boy did I enjoy it! I devoured it in five hours in one sitting! No way was I stopping for sleep or anything. I was seeing it through the bitter end. It was a wild ride, a little predictable but sometimes not. The chapters are also relatively short and snappy, keeping the pace moving along nicely.

Overall, it was an atmospheric, fun and fast read that was also claustrophobic and chilling and oh so addictive. A thoroughly entertaining outing with Rijks once again.

I would like to thank #MirandaRijks, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheLodge in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

It is one of those books that transports you making you forget about real life and full of delightful characters and fantastic locations that spring to life. I actually felt like I was there in the story with them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A wildlife game reserve in South Africa is the setting for this story. Anna and her fiancé, Joel, travel there for Joel’s job interview. While they are there an unexpected visitor shows up from Anna’s past.
I would love to see this book made into a movie. I can picture the beautiful setting and the characters coming to life. There are many surprises and twists in the book that I was always trying to figure out what would come next. I enjoyed the writing and the premise. It is a unique story that I really enjoyed.

Master of suspense, Miranda Rijks (favorite author) returns following The Other Mother with her best yet, THE LODGE —A twisty spine-chilling locked-in psychological thriller set in a luxurious remote safari lodge (game reserve) in South Africa where the past and present collide in her latest adventurous riveting suspense.

"A deliciously INTENSE ride! The author skillfully takes readers down a dark, twisty path, teeming with secrets, obsession, and revenge."

"As Darwin suggested, it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. And that is me. I am just like the lions out there in the bush."

Anna and Joe are from the south of England and have been together for a year. Anna is now in a healthy relationship with Joel, a lovely and caring veterinarian, and will soon be married. However, in the past, she was in a toxic relationship with a controlling man, Clayton. He was obsessive and stalked her, fearing for her life. She finally learned he was dead, which gave her peace.

Joel announces he has an opportunity for a dream job he has always wanted on a game reserve in South Africa—an all-expense paid trip for two. He is a vet specializing in large animals. Contacted by a headhunter, Joel had always wanted to work in the bush. He assures Anna it would be the trip of a lifetime. (and man is it, but not in a good way).

It would be a job interview to assist in rehabilitating injured animals. That means Anna would have to leave her job, but Joel says the money would be good, and she could write the book she has always discussed. Anna (a scientist) is not thrilled about leaving her family, job, and friends to move to remote South Africa. However, she gives in and agrees to go. After all, he may not even like it, and he would never forgive her if they passed on the opportunity to check it out. They will use this as a holiday pre-honeymoon getaway.

The trip was long and tiring, and she hated flying. Then they had to take a small jumper plane to the remote game reserve. There was no turning back, so she had little choice. Upon arrival at the beautiful (fictional) Twivali Safari Lodge Private Game Reserve with guide Ntando, they find stunning accommodations captivated by the wildlife and the lodge. The owner Nancy seems friendly and accommodating.

There are also other guests, Zak and Katie, husband and wife, journalist and photographer, there for the first day or so. They are informed that wild animals surround them, so they must always be accompanied by Ntando or another staff member who carries a gun when they leave the lodge for their tent. They also have no internet or cell phone reception.

Anna then notices a man, and she feels like she will pass out. It is Clayton. Her dead ex! How can this be? In South Africa? He is here with a girlfriend, Lois. Now they are stuck in this remote location for a week with her stalker? He is a guest at the lodge! No car and nowhere to run? What are the chances? Is this some trap or setup?

Something is up, and she does not believe in coincidences. Then strange and sinister things happen—she is held at gunpoint, Joel goes missing, and the staff acts strange. She is trapped. Where is Joel, and how will they escape this nightmare? Someone is murdered. Anna wants nothing more than to go home.

Between the breathtaking scenery and extraordinary wildlife (the Big 5), there is beauty and danger, much like the characters. Told from Anna and Nancy's POVs (then and now), the author expertly unravels the layers of mystery, lies, and deceit at the heart of this chilling thriller.

CAPTIVATING! What a book—I was on pins and needles the entire time and no way was I putting it down. The suspense and tension are INTENSE and claustrophobic.

I loved her The Insomniac locked-in thriller; however, THE LODGE is even better. Think about it—you trust no one, a creepy ex, your fiancé is missing, you cannot run because wild animals will attack you, a remote location, people with guns, no phone, internet, no car.

A master of suspense, Miranda Rijks ratchets up the tension in yet another stellar thriller, packed with twists you do not see coming, blended with nuanced insight and characterization. The surroundings and characters are menacing, and the threat level is amped up by the disturbing dynamics and a backstory that grips!

Miranda is at the top of her game with THE LODGE. As I have mentioned previously, her books stand out among the many thrillers out there for several reasons:

~She is well-traveled, and her settings are a character in itself. They are always fascinating, with vivid descriptions, and you can feel you are traveling without leaving your chair. I appreciate books with strong solid settings, and she knows the places she writes of well.

~Each of her books has depth and offers a thought-provoking takeaway and further reading. In this case, there is rhinoceros horn poaching that threatens the extinction of these magnificent beasts. In her author's notes, she references the charities supporting the conservation of rhinos and the baby white rhino, Shamar, she is helping.

~I enjoy literary fiction mixed with my thrillers, and Miranda is a master storyteller. I appreciate her writing style and always find a new word or two in her books and learn something new.

Highly recommend all her books, and I am a huge fan; however, THE LODGE is her best and a must-read! Top Thrillers of 2023. Check out my slideshow on my blog.

Special thanks to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy for an honest review. I also purchased the hardcover copy.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Pub Date: July 26, 2023
July 2023 Must-Read Books
Top Books of 2023

I honestly went into this one blind, "judging a book by it's cover" and was not disappointed.
I was already recommending this book at the half way point, and the twists kept coming.
It was a blast! If you don't take things too seriously, and you're into crazy "Discovery ID" based relationships, this is a winner.
I found it very descriptive, and a quick/easy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5/5 Stars!

This story was well written. I just wanted to jump into the book and help Anna. Help her realize how bad things were, help her smarten up.

TW, the relationship abuse is real and a lot for anyone who has experienced it.

It’s been ages since I’ve read a book in under 24 hours, but I did just that with The Lodge by Miranda Rijks. I truly could not put it down as I had to anxiously fly through the pages to find out what happened.

Imagine the scene. A beautiful and luxurious lodge on an isolated game reserve in South Africa. Twice daily safari rides with the chance of viewing The Big Five. Delicious meals and lavish accommodations included. Doesn’t it sound like a once in a life time opportunity that you couldn’t pass up? Well that’s exactly what Joel tried to convince his fiancé, Anna, to do. Joel a vet, has been headhunted for an interview at the Twivali Safari Reserve and Lodge. As part of the interview process Joel and Anna have been offered an all expenses paid trip to The Lodge. Joel’s excitement is infectious and despite her fear of flying Anna agrees to go. I mean what could possibly go wrong? 😅

The Lodge is my favourite Miranda Rijks books thus far and one of my top reads of 2023. It was so intense and anxiety provoking (in a good psychological thriller kind of way)! On top of the adrenaline rush, The Lodge was written in such a detailed and vivid way that I felt like I was physically there watching the story unfold. Thank you so much Miranda for reaching out and ensuring I got an arc. Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my arc in exchange for my honest review.

Pub date: July 26, 2023.

I've read quite a few of Miranda Rijks books and liked them all.

This one is set at a game reserve in South Africa.

Joel is offered the chance to interview for his dream job at the reserve. His fiance Anna is invited along on the trip. A couple of years ago Anna got out of a controlling relationship with Clayton. When they arrive at the Lodge she discovers that Clayton is also a guest there.

The description of the setting and the wild animals was enchanting. I loved that giraffe's had to be shooed away from the runway in order to land the small plane.

Part of the story is told in the current time, and part in the past with Anna and Clayton's relationship. Anna is a bit naive and Clayton is just creepy. That all makes for an interesting story that I couldn't stop reading. I had to know how it would all end.

Thanks to netgalley and Inkubator Books for the arc.

A story about Joel Reynolds, a vet who got head-hunted for an interview at a new safari lodge in South Africa. It was a dream come true experience for him. It is obviously in the middle of nowhere and it's nearly a three-hour drive to the nearest town. He asked Anna, his fiance to keep him company while living out there.

Of all people, she met Clayton, her ex at the conservancy area. He seemed as surprised to see Anna as she was to see him. It had been a year since the end of their last disastrous relationship. The last she knew he was dead. Yet there he is. Alive. With a new girlfriend.

She tried so hard to move on from their toxic relationship. Clayton was portrayed as controlling, conniving and manipulating. I tried to comprehend why Clayton was so obsessed with Anna. Then I come across the main theme which is mental health. Mental illness has a large impact on people's lives. It can adversely affect the whole family.

And the problem with Anna, she is naive and doesn't know what she wants. I found she is quite a weak and unlikeable character. 3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to @netgalley and @inkubatorbooks for earc. Opinions are my own

After disentangling herself from a toxic relationship, Anna finds peace and happiness with her new fiancé, Joel, a humble vet with dreams of working in a big game reserve.

When he’s miraculously given the opportunity to interview with a safari lodge in South Africa, he’s elated. But Anna’s not so sure. Could she really live so far away from her English home if he’s given the job? In a remote, foreign location with little ability to use phone and internet service? Surrounded by men with guns and animals that could rip her to shreds? She’s not sold on the idea, but she goes out of support for Joel.

But things take a turn for the worst when her “dead” ex coincidentally shows up on the trip. And it’s clear to Anna that he’s not moved on from her.

I was sold on the exciting-sounding premise. I’ve read a few books recently that take place on African safari reserves and the one thing they have in common is their immersive setting. The Lodge really does a great job in making the reader feel Anna’s fear of the wildlife/nature and puts us right in the middle of those lovely elephant sightings.

Unfortunately, it falls flat as a thriller, or at least doesn’t subjectively work for me. Anna is the stereotypical damsel in distress who can’t see a red flag if it bit her on the nose, and Clayton’s over the top behavior is cartoonish rather than scary, taking away from the tension that should be there. Most of this is because of the dialogue.

Thank you to Inkubator Books for making a copy of this book available for review.

I always look forward to a new book by Miranda Rijks and this one did not disappoint.
It takes place on a remote game reserve in a luxurious lodge South Africa, but all is not as it seems.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

Another psychological thriller from one of my go to authors Miranda Rijks. Not 100% sure what makes her books so good but I know I find them so difficult to put down. In her gripping thriller ‘The Lodge,’ Miranda Rijks takes readers on an adrenaline-pumping journey of rediscovery, empowerment, and ultimate triumph over a haunting past. The story features Anna, a strong-willed woman who has painstakingly rebuilt her life after surviving a toxic relationship, the novel delves into the complexities of trust, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.

I was hooked from the very start and as per usual the author builds the tension and suspense up to the limit. Anna is in love with her fiancé, Joel, and the prospect of an exotic getaway to a luxurious safari lodge in South Africa adds to the excitement. But it is not long before her past troubles resurface in the form of Clayton, Anna’s obsessive and controlling ex, now seemingly reformed with a new girlfriend. The tension builds and you just know something is going to happen.

This well thought out novel is told at a fast pace and the I loved every minute of the read, clever twists and turns and good solid characters. Set in the Africa with the backdrop of the game reserve is a perfect location for this story. This novel is well written and a definite page turner, vivid descriptions that bring the location to life and tension throughout.

This is another winner for Miranda Rijks, an unputdownable page-turner that captivates from start to finish.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. What an amazing book! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Could not put this down. Thanks to netgalley, author and inkubator books for this arc.

This is very atmospheric. The setting is absolutely mindblowing.

I loved part of this book for the free safari in the detailed words of Miranda Rijks. I was able to picture everything in my mind, every place, every character, the lodge, the animals, the ambience, everything was just very visual!
The twists were just enough to keep me going and wondering, and even though I saw the ending coming, the remainder of the book never failed to surprise me.

I read The Insomniac by Rijks once and I loved it. I continued to read her books but none was nearly as impactful as that one. Somehow this one surpassed it. This is just a great thriller with the most amazing setting.

Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for a digital ARC.

Trying to cage a wild bird never works....
Let's not waste time in Africa because we all know that this is Miranda Rijks at her finest in the land of make believe and you know darn well the shiite's about to go down.
"It’s so quiet at the lodge. But if you listen very hard, you can hear the screams."
This ain't just about an interview for a new veterinarian position as Joel (the fiance) of Anna might believe. Oh, hell no...This is about not letting go of the past with her ex boyfriend Clayton who just casually appears at the same lodge they're both staying in and you know coicindence ain't cool.
Stalking, blackmailing, and missing persons are all just sinister tools of the trade.
Yet, Miranda finds a way to create the perfect storm and that damn cloud is headed this way....
Could this be the final trap?
Could this end happily?
Ahhh, the beauty is in the words..read this gem!
Thank you to Miranda Rijks, the pub, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

The Lodge by @mirandarijksauthor is a fast paced psychological thriller that is perfect for a summer vacation or long weekend read!

Main character, Anna, runs into her ex in the most unlikely circumstance: during her fiancé’s job interview on a game reserve in South Africa. What makes it even more shocking is that her ex is supposed to be dead! The result is a nightmare trip that leads to reading past your bedtime.

Thank you @inkubatorbooks & @netgalley for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so good! I couldn’t put it down! Definitely a shocking story! Really loved this author's writing and the way the story was told. So many twists and turns that really keep you on your toes. I would definitely recommend reading this book. One of my favorite reads so far this year!

The Lodge by Miranda Rijks is a strong contender for my favourite read yet from an author who has become an automatic request for me. If you are new to the work of this talented author, you are in for a treat.

Anna and Joel find themselves on a trip of a lifetime to a game reserve in South Africa. Joel is a veterinarian, and has secured an on-site job interview. Concerned over safety and the vast distance from home, Anna reluctantly joins her fiance, knowing that his dream is to land a position such as this. But when a familiar figure from the past surfaces, Anna knows that the danger extends far beyond the wildlife on their safari adventure.

Told from the alternating perspectives of then and now, this one is a rollercoaster from start to finish, and promises jaw-dropping twists at each and every turn.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.

This was another fast read for me. I had to know what would happen to both Anna and Joel. The controlling nature of Anna's ex was told well. The characters and settings were described so I could almost imagine them. At times it was sad, but I'm not ruining that by telling. I enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to people I know.

I'm A big fam of Rijks and was so excited to dive into this one as the setting of safari in South Africa is so fresh and unique. It was well described and brought to life expertly. As for the rest of this novel . . . it wasn't Rijks' best as far as suspense, thrill, and unexpected twists. It was quite slow.