An ex-wife, ex-husband and his mistress-turned-wife in a lodge for a winter weekend… what could possibly go wrong? When Fiona’s ex-mother-in-law invites her to a remote cabin for a birthday celebration, she is less than thrilled to discover that her ex-husband and new wife will be in attendance. Fiona begrudgingly agrees to attend and what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend away quickly turns deadly.

This gripping psychological thriller had me absolutely hooked and wondering “whodunnit” the entire time. Watson’s writing drew me in and allowed me to connect with many of the characters on a multitude of levels. I could feel the tension rising between the family members through Watson’s writing and her build-up over the first half of the novel left me feeling claustrophobic and unsettled, just like the characters.

I highly recommend this novel and cannot wait to read her other works. This is a perfect mystery/thriller for the upcoming winter time that will certainly leave you on the edge of your seat!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this ARC in exchange for
honest review.

Is it a 75th birthday weekend away at a cabin or something more sinister? The matriarch of the family, the son, the ex-wife and two kids, the new wife and child, and the chef, what could go wrong? When a body is found down the road from the cabin the police start investigating the cabin crew, and everyone becomes paranoid, then one of the go missing.

This story is told in two points of view: Fiona the ex wife and Danni the new wife. The multiple POVs help you really understand these two characters and make you wonder who you can really trust. This is a perfect winter time read as it was a very quick read.

I could not figure out “who dun it?” nor could I figure out why, so I was truly shocked when this all came to light. My first read by Watson and it won’t be my last!

Domestic suspense at its best!
Fiona's beloved ex-mother-in-law invites her for a weekend at an upscale lodge to celebrate her birthday, but her ex and his new wife (the woman he cheated on her with and left her for) will be there, along with their baby daughter. She's not over everything that happened, so of course she doesn't want to go, but said mother-in-law begs and guilts her into it, saying this might be her last birthday. Meanwhile Danni, the new wife, thinks what a horribly uncomfortable weekend this is going to be, but her new mother-in-law is the kind of woman for whom you'd do anything. So everyone goes. Soon after they arrive, it starts to snow, shutting everything in the area down; nobody can leave. Then a body is found nearby and the police seem to suspect someone at The Lodge. The first half of the book builds the tension and gives the backstory for the main characters, while the second half really takes off as secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and Watson adds twist after twist. The story is told in alternating chapters from Fiona's and Danni's perspectives, and I loved seeing how each of them interpreted the same events based on their own insecurities and biases.

Set against the backdrop of a winters storm, the Wilson family are gathering in a coastal lodge for the Matriarch Angela’s 75th birthday. With her son, his wife, the various of spring and his ex-wife all holed up under one roof, what could possibly go wrong?

I’ll tell you what could go wrong, EVERYTHING!!

Clashing personalities, rivalry, jealousy, suspicion and blame and a murder are the recipe for this family break from hell. The main pull of this story for me was that most of the book was told from Fiona (the ex wife) and Danni (the current wife) POV. It was so interesting reading their thoughts about each other and how they viewed each others role in Scott’s life.

I liked the slow pacing of the book enabling the reader to build a full picture of each character, but this switched up halfway through sending the suspense sky high to the point I did struggle to put it down.

In true Sue Watson style, the ending threw curve balls, mic drop moments and a jaw detaching reveal that had me skipping back a few chapters to re read because I honestly didn’t see THAT coming!

Overall, this book is up there in my top three favourite reads by this author and it’s one I’ll definitely be recommending this winter!

Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’ve read and enjoyed some of Watson’s novels but this one was just not for me. From the very start I was not invested in the characters or the plot. Halfway through the novel and nothing seemed to be happening plot wise. I considered skipping forward but actually ending up with a DNF.

I have enjoyed Sue Watson’s books before, but this one was on another level. I was physically unable to put it down! It was SO GOOD. It was the perfect blend of characters, setting, plot, and writing all coming together for a book that earned it (from me) four gold Goodreads stars.



Two days ago the Wilson family checked into the imposing, glass-fronted Lodge, surrounded by snow and perched perilously on the edge of a cliff looking out to a grey sea. Not everyone was looking forward to the family get-together. But mother-in-law Angela insisted the winter trip would help heal their rifts…

Danni: The new wife who feels like an imposter. She doesn’t trust anyone – even her husband. But is she trustworthy herself?

Fiona: The ex-wife who feels that all eyes are on her. She’s here for the sake of her children, but she fails to hide her seething jealousy towards her ex-husband’s new family…

Angela: The mother-in-law who can’t help but interfere. She planned the family holiday to get everyone together, but does she really want to keep the peace?

Scott: The husband torn between his ex-wife and his new wife. He says he wants to do right by his family, but he’s been telling lies to them all. Now his darkest secret is about to be revealed.

After a night of arguments, morning breaks with a single scream. Not everyone came to The Lodge play to happy families. Someone came to get revenge…

Get it now.

How far would you go to protect the ones you love? That’s the question that permeates every chapter of this claustrophobic, scenic, unputdownable novel…

‘The Lodge’ is told by Fiona, mother of two young adults Sam and Georgina and ex-wife of Scott, and Danni, Scott’s new wife and mother of their new child Olivia. Both women have been invited along with their families to a luxurious winter weekend to celebrate Scott’s mother Angela’s 75th birthday… but a nightmare far worse than having to be civil with each other awaits them in the cold Cornish countryside.

The sense of danger, bottled tensions, secrets and lies seeps into each page and the author creates a world in which no one can really be trusted. The descriptions of the area surrounding the lodge are evocative, immersive and atmospheric, and the family dynamics deliciously twisted.

I’m giving this one four stars as it was a great read, but I don’t think the characters were quite developed enough for me to truly care about them, meaning that it’s less memorable than some of the mysteries I have given five stars to.

I’d definitely recommend it though - it’s the perfect quick read to keep you guessing, and feels very suitable as winter draws in because of the snowy setting! The chilly atmosphere reminded me of one of my favourite snow-covered isolated mysteries: Ruth Ware’s ‘One By One’.

‘The Lodge’ was kindly provided as an eARC by the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to read this and provide an honest review.

Compelling Suspense..
A celebration turns fatal in this compelling suspense with boundless twists. A beautiful lodge, a luxurious welcome, a private chef, a scattered family and a chance to bond. What could possibly go wrong? When a snowstorm descends and a body surfaces, plenty it seems. A host of suspects populate an engaging plot in an atmospheric and tense setting as the twists and turns arrive in abundance. Not everyone is at the lodge for the same reasons - who exactly is out to seek revenge?

Thankful to be able to read this before it was released! Fast-paced thriller that I couldn’t put down! Twists and turns you don’t see coming!

Sue Watson never fails to deliver with her thrillers! Set in a snowy remote lodge, an extended family gathers to celebrate the matriarch's birthday, but few celebrations are to be had. Shortly after they arrive, they are alerted to a tragic hit and run right outside their lodge, coupled with a terrible snowstorm, it appears this celebratory weekend is turning into something straight out of a horror movie.

I greatly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller! Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

I adore Sue Watson’s writing and her psychological thrillers never disappoint. The Lodge has all the ingredients of a gripping read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Fiona embarks on a stay at a beautiful lodge at the request of her ex mother in law, who she is still close to. Unfortunately, her ex husband, his new wife and child, will also be there. Fiona plans to be confident and stay on top, especially as their two older shared children will also be there. Fiona’s mother in law also brings along a chef, so they won’t have to lift a finger. Naturally, there’s a huge snowstorm on the way, and a dead body surfaces. Then they all start to have suspicions of each other, until another member of the group disappears.

This was another great read from this author. This author never fails to write a unique psychological thriller, with twists and turns in abundance. The writing was excellent, as usual. The characters were well written, but some of them were completely unlikable. The author also puts depth in to subjects that can be tough, such as divorce and post natal depression. We read from multiple perspectives, which ensures the tension is ratcheted up further, until we see the culmination of the story.

Excellent read. Hard to put down. I’ve enjoyed quite a few of her books now and they never disappoint.

This book showcases how far a parent or a loved family member is willing to go to cover secrets and even murder for their loved ones. Such an enjoyable read that left me guessing right up till the end.

⭐⭐⭐

I'm feeling torn about this book. While it held my interest long enough to want to know what was going on and how it was going to end, it was painfully repetitive for the majority of the book.

However in saying that the author did a brilliant job with the range of emotions the reader was feeling towards every character at any given moment.

Would definitely recommend this book, but don't think I would buy it for a friend. The cover is also fantastic.

The Lodge by Sue Watson is another well-paced, well-written, quick and thrilling read.
This story is a twisty turny rollercoaster ride full of suspense. I raced through it and found it very hard to put down!
I love Sue’s style of writing, her stories always draw me in and have me hooked until the final page. This one is no exception.
The author again writes a good descriptive laden read, character rich, atmospheric and tense and will keep you guessing through to the end.
A fast-paced and suspenseful read this book was outstanding in it's writing style and characterization. The author sets the mood for the imminent suspense with a chilling cold atmosphere. Descriptions of the looming snowstorm only serve to notch up the apprehension in an already tense storyline.
I’m all ready for her next title!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

“Past and present collided, and if we’d listened carefully we might have heard the distant rumblings of a storm coming in from the sea. It scuttled under doors, and slid through windows, bringing with it something so awful, that none of us would ever be the same again.”

Isn’t that writing superb? The whole book is like this - amazing!

Are you interested in an all-expenses paid long weekend at a luxury lodge in Kynance Cove, remote Cornwall?

❓even if it’s hosted by an ex-mother-in-law
❓even if it means that your ex-husband and his mistress-turned-wife are there
❓even if various offspring of various ages are all under the same roof for a long weekend
❓even if it’s a fractured family harbouring secrets and set on revenge

What could possibly go wrong?! The Wilsons are about to find out.

Fiona “plan[s] to slay” - literally or figuratively? You’ll have to read to find out.

Things I loved:
✔️dual POV (ex-wife, mistress-made-wife)
✔️tension, suspense, secrets, unreliable narrator
✔️amazing character development and setting
✔️build-up of the mystery to the inevitable ending
✔️author’s attention to fine details and vivid descriptions
✔️epilogue

Author Sue Watson executed the setting perfectly; atmospheric, vivid, and eerie. I normally get restless with a slow-burn introduction, but Watson’s writing kept me concentrating on her characters and motives.

Kudos to Fiona Wilson for attempting to bridge the gap. I was rooting for her the whole time, even when she appeared to be selfishly putting her feelings above those of her children and ex-mother-in-law. Even when she felt like she might become unhinged. Even then, she kept it together. I don’t know what I’d do if I were in her shoes. I would, however, remove the rose-coloured glasses, that’s for sure.

“I’ve been wearing the shade of wronged-wife-bitterness for too long, I was ready for something more positive.”

I loved to hate the ‘new wife’ and wanted to backhand the ex-husband! I enjoyed the author’s examination of insecurity, vulnerability, imitation, and doing the right thing. Highlighting the three generations gives readers more insight into the family dynamics and the addition of the non-family member increased the mystery.

This is Watson at the top of her game!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This is my first Sue Watson book. With that, I had high expectations. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

Angela Watson is about to have her 75th birthday party. She has decided to invite her son and the rest of his family, his current wife, ex wife and her grandchildren out to the lodge. When everyone shows up, an officer shows up telling them there has been a murdered body discovered on the road. It can only be one of them who committed this terrible crime. Who is the culprit?

Soon, the snowstorm has locked everyone in, causing intense tension between the wives. The cattiness was a bit silly in parts. Sad thing is, I bet there are tons of real women out there just like this. Most of this plays out as a drama and it dragged quite a bit to be honest. Reading about a family that just constantly bickers was getting on my nerves. I am really relieved to be done with this. Sorry guys, this just wasn’t for me.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Sue Watson for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date October 24th, 2023

Angela, the matriarch, has requested her family to vacation together. Her family used to stay at a resort when her son was younger. This son who has an ex-wife, two children, a current wife and a baby.
Also invited - a chef, to provide the meals. But the family knows her - except the ex-wife.

Some very good twists. Enjoyable. Great read! Solid plot.

I really enjoy author Sue Watson’s psychological thrillers so was really looking forward to this one. Although I did enjoy it I didn’t get as pulled in as I normally do. I suppose that’s the problem when you set such an high bar. That said this was still a very good read.

The Wilson family are getting together at the lodge but not everyone has the same enthusiasm to meet up. There is an excellent mix of personalities and ages, each having issues, hang ups and suspicions.

The characters are the strong part of this novel, Danni the new wife struggling with feelings of inadequacy, Fiona the ex-wife dealing with jealousy, Angela the well-meaning yet meddlesome mother-in-law, and Scot the husband trying to balance his responsibilities to both families while hiding a dark secret.

There are confrontations and arguments throughout the story as the suspense builds. Each character has there own agenda and the reader is left wondering what their true intentions and motivations are. As the suspense builds secrets are drip fed all building up to the grand finale. ‘The Lodge’ is well written with a clever plot and full of well crafted characters and plenty of family conflicts making this a very good read.

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