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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #15
The Lodge
More than a century ago, the Sea Islands of Georgia's coastline were the playground of the ultra-wealthy. Carnegies, Morgans, Rockefellers and other aristocrats of the Industrial Age built luxurious southern beach retreats on islands like Cumberland and Jekyll to escape the icy winters of New York. In time, though, the grand mansions were abandoned and fell into disrepair, abandoned to the weather and the wilderness.
A secretive client hires Ellie Jordan to investigate one such island, home to a sprawling estate modeled after a royal hunting lodge. Weapons and artifacts from around the world adorn its grand hall. Finely furnished rooms devoted to leisure and games display the original owner's vast collection of hunting trophies, the preserved bodies of exotic predators from around the world, beasts with bared fangs and unblinking glass eyes.
Someone is trying to bring the neglected island back to life, but the dark shadows of its gilded past remain strong here, stalking the galleries and winding corridors. The mysterious grand lodge is more than it seems, and its restoration has unearthed horrific and unexpected evils. Ellie and Stacey must face the lodge's dark past and drive its paranormal inhabitants back into the world of the dead, before they can do more harm to the living.
A secretive client hires Ellie Jordan to investigate one such island, home to a sprawling estate modeled after a royal hunting lodge. Weapons and artifacts from around the world adorn its grand hall. Finely furnished rooms devoted to leisure and games display the original owner's vast collection of hunting trophies, the preserved bodies of exotic predators from around the world, beasts with bared fangs and unblinking glass eyes.
Someone is trying to bring the neglected island back to life, but the dark shadows of its gilded past remain strong here, stalking the galleries and winding corridors. The mysterious grand lodge is more than it seems, and its restoration has unearthed horrific and unexpected evils. Ellie and Stacey must face the lodge's dark past and drive its paranormal inhabitants back into the world of the dead, before they can do more harm to the living.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2021
76 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,035 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 20, 2021
I truly can't recommend this series enough. It gets more intense, more scary, and just plain better each new installment and it was all these things from the very beginning so that's saying something.
This has to be my favorite yet. I know, I KNOW, I've said that before but truly this just kept me on my toes, kept me guessing and more importantly, kept me creeped out and at times, down right horrified. I absolutely adored it.
Bryan is an amazing writer and over time, he has definitely honed his skill and crafted it into something unique and truly addicting. I can't get enough of this series and eagerly await the next book. I just love this rag tag group of people and all the spooky creepiest they put to rest.
This has to be my favorite yet. I know, I KNOW, I've said that before but truly this just kept me on my toes, kept me guessing and more importantly, kept me creeped out and at times, down right horrified. I absolutely adored it.
Bryan is an amazing writer and over time, he has definitely honed his skill and crafted it into something unique and truly addicting. I can't get enough of this series and eagerly await the next book. I just love this rag tag group of people and all the spooky creepiest they put to rest.
March 19, 2023
Hoo-boy! Ellie and Stacey have a fresh case to tackle and...well, they aren't given much to go on at first and everything's shrouded in secrecy. Which, as you might imagine, makes their job a teeny-tiny bit more difficult.
Shuttled to a (creepy) island with a (even creepier) manor house and a whole lot of unexplained happenings, Ellie and Stacey have to sort through the former inhabitants and events that led to this place being a hotbed of ghostly activity. Through in a WHOLE LOT of taxidermy (no thank you!) and a project manager who expects big results in a short amount of time (I'm having flashbacks to working on work projects now. Horrifying.) plus less than ideal living conditions (ghosts should NOT be allowed to just wander all willy-nilly through their sleeping areas, thankyouverymuch) and this entire case is a bit of a strain of our ladies.
The deeper they get into the project, the more they find and what they find is not cool. Not cool, at all. Kinda bloody and murderous, really. Not that I expected differently. I mean, how often do the investigative team get called in on well-adjusted ghosts? Rarely, is the answer. Rarely.
A whole lot of secrets, a tech billionaire with way too much money to burn and retinue that caused my eye to twitch, more secrets, blood, death, taxidermy, and an island full of ghostly inhabitants who just can't (or won't) let go. Ellie and Stacey are cut off from their regular resources and they have a LOT to deal with. Good thing they're both resourceful and hardy and ready to fight to keep people safe. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Shuttled to a (creepy) island with a (even creepier) manor house and a whole lot of unexplained happenings, Ellie and Stacey have to sort through the former inhabitants and events that led to this place being a hotbed of ghostly activity. Through in a WHOLE LOT of taxidermy (no thank you!) and a project manager who expects big results in a short amount of time (I'm having flashbacks to working on work projects now. Horrifying.) plus less than ideal living conditions (ghosts should NOT be allowed to just wander all willy-nilly through their sleeping areas, thankyouverymuch) and this entire case is a bit of a strain of our ladies.
The deeper they get into the project, the more they find and what they find is not cool. Not cool, at all. Kinda bloody and murderous, really. Not that I expected differently. I mean, how often do the investigative team get called in on well-adjusted ghosts? Rarely, is the answer. Rarely.
A whole lot of secrets, a tech billionaire with way too much money to burn and retinue that caused my eye to twitch, more secrets, blood, death, taxidermy, and an island full of ghostly inhabitants who just can't (or won't) let go. Ellie and Stacey are cut off from their regular resources and they have a LOT to deal with. Good thing they're both resourceful and hardy and ready to fight to keep people safe. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 15, 2021
15 books in and this series just keeps getting better and better. The stakes also seem to be getting higher and the danger more intense with each new case that Ellie and her friends take on. For that reason alone, The Lodge was definitely a book that was hard to put down.
There’s always a certain mystery surrounding the investigations that Ellie and Stacey go on, but this one was laced with more than most. Especially considering the fact that they weren’t even sure who hired them. Even once they got to the island, they were still only dealing with a representative of the true client. All the secrecy made it hard to figure out exactly what they were dealing with, but it was obvious that someone or something wasn’t happy with the intrusion. Being isolated kept them away from their usual research resources, not to mention the fact that it added to the danger.
The Lodge was full of twists and turns with a little mythology thrown into the mix. (Which incidentally made me love it even more ❤ ) Nothing was quite what it seemed and there was more than one danger on the island as well as some pretty unexpected allies.
Cabinet Jack is next in the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ellie and her friends next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Lodge. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s always a certain mystery surrounding the investigations that Ellie and Stacey go on, but this one was laced with more than most. Especially considering the fact that they weren’t even sure who hired them. Even once they got to the island, they were still only dealing with a representative of the true client. All the secrecy made it hard to figure out exactly what they were dealing with, but it was obvious that someone or something wasn’t happy with the intrusion. Being isolated kept them away from their usual research resources, not to mention the fact that it added to the danger.
The Lodge was full of twists and turns with a little mythology thrown into the mix. (Which incidentally made me love it even more ❤ ) Nothing was quite what it seemed and there was more than one danger on the island as well as some pretty unexpected allies.
Cabinet Jack is next in the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ellie and her friends next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Lodge. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2023
Just when I think this series can’t get any crazier, I read the next book. And, wow.
Ellie and Stacy are called in to figure out what is causing so much havoc on an island. A walled in island. With mansions and cottages for the help. It was once a grand place. The rich, important people came to play. Now, it’s gone to ruin. And they don’t even know who hired them. It was a pone call with a plea for help.
Told you it was crazy. And the danger was extreme. Some really bad stuff happened and is happening again. If Ellie and Stacy get through this in one piece, they deserve a vacation. Just not on an island!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Ellie and Stacy are called in to figure out what is causing so much havoc on an island. A walled in island. With mansions and cottages for the help. It was once a grand place. The rich, important people came to play. Now, it’s gone to ruin. And they don’t even know who hired them. It was a pone call with a plea for help.
Told you it was crazy. And the danger was extreme. Some really bad stuff happened and is happening again. If Ellie and Stacy get through this in one piece, they deserve a vacation. Just not on an island!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
August 21, 2021
This one's a slow burner.....
..... but plenty to keep you interested, and then the "fun" begins. Great characters, and a "nice" twist at the end. The descriptive text brings the island to life and immerse's you into the adventure.
..... but plenty to keep you interested, and then the "fun" begins. Great characters, and a "nice" twist at the end. The descriptive text brings the island to life and immerse's you into the adventure.
August 22, 2021
I think this might be the best one yet! The author has moved onto a deeper plot and Stacy is not as obnoxious as she usually is..lol
I really liked the character Darika and would love to see her pop up again as the series progresses, even Wyatt and the crew.
I feel that J.L. Bryant has done a great job in character development and the suspense was enough to make me say "Oh No!" out loud. That speaks volumes.
Cant wait for the next one!
I really liked the character Darika and would love to see her pop up again as the series progresses, even Wyatt and the crew.
I feel that J.L. Bryant has done a great job in character development and the suspense was enough to make me say "Oh No!" out loud. That speaks volumes.
Cant wait for the next one!
December 2, 2021
The Lodge Review
Great addition to the series! I really enjoy these characters and the detail the author puts into his ghosts and their origins. This one had me hooked and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Great addition to the series! I really enjoy these characters and the detail the author puts into his ghosts and their origins. This one had me hooked and I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 19, 2022
Wow
This book was a wonderful tale and seemed very real. Thank you again j. Bryan your words bring life to my soul. I am noe
W going on to the next one number 16. Thank you for the words christinedunne Harlingen Texas
This book was a wonderful tale and seemed very real. Thank you again j. Bryan your words bring life to my soul. I am noe
W going on to the next one number 16. Thank you for the words christinedunne Harlingen Texas
August 18, 2021
Water anxiously for this book ….
To be released. Well worth the wait. Couldn’t put down. Thanks for the on goi g story of Ellie and Stacy.
To be released. Well worth the wait. Couldn’t put down. Thanks for the on goi g story of Ellie and Stacy.
August 15, 2021
Brilliant book, really loved it,
March 20, 2022
Really good entry in the series, although once again I had moments during it when Ellie was talking to another character and was really baffled that she didn't mention some of the visions she'd had from the ghosts.
I figure it's got to be for a sense of pacing, and I try to grant it that level of acceptance, but it is an undeniably odd quirk of the series, to start reading a letter that's got vital clues to their mystery, only to put it away and finish it a week later... that's what this felt like, again, and I don't love it but I accept it.
I did love the scenes with the fiance talking about her performance art and that was just a hilariously spot on parody of over-educated rich kids who are aware of their own ridiculousness but find meaning at its core anyway... it was adorable. Don't love where the story left her at the end but I grant it as an acceptable destination.
One last book currently out in this series, which I intend to start tonight, and then I should just scrape in under my k.u. expiry deadline. This was a good set of books to finish up on.
I figure it's got to be for a sense of pacing, and I try to grant it that level of acceptance, but it is an undeniably odd quirk of the series, to start reading a letter that's got vital clues to their mystery, only to put it away and finish it a week later... that's what this felt like, again, and I don't love it but I accept it.
I did love the scenes with the fiance talking about her performance art and that was just a hilariously spot on parody of over-educated rich kids who are aware of their own ridiculousness but find meaning at its core anyway... it was adorable. Don't love where the story left her at the end but I grant it as an acceptable destination.
One last book currently out in this series, which I intend to start tonight, and then I should just scrape in under my k.u. expiry deadline. This was a good set of books to finish up on.
February 10, 2022
I’m a big fan of this series and was excited to make a start on reading the newest instalment. Life happened and I didn’t get chance to read this til months after publication.
I’ve really enjoyed following Ellie and Stacey on each new adventure, and starting this I was eager to find out what and where they would be investigating. I really enjoyed reading about the location of the hauntings and the history surrounding it. After several chapters I thought I had an idea of what was going to happen and what was the cause, but the twists and turns didn’t give me the answer I expected, and instead threw me a curve ball and surprised me with unexpected answers.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and if life hadn’t gotten in the way I would have finished this in one sitting, this ranks in my top five of this series.
I’ve really enjoyed following Ellie and Stacey on each new adventure, and starting this I was eager to find out what and where they would be investigating. I really enjoyed reading about the location of the hauntings and the history surrounding it. After several chapters I thought I had an idea of what was going to happen and what was the cause, but the twists and turns didn’t give me the answer I expected, and instead threw me a curve ball and surprised me with unexpected answers.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and if life hadn’t gotten in the way I would have finished this in one sitting, this ranks in my top five of this series.
August 15, 2021
Ellie and Stacy are invited to a secret unnamed island,no details provided, NDAs intact. What they find is a totally walled off island with a mansion, multiple abandoned buildings and heavy underbrush and jungle. All of this is to be cleared away, per the eccentric billionaire who bought the island, and wants it ecologically renovated for a special undisclosed occasion. But multiple haunting keeps scaring away the work crews. Will this be one task too large for Ellie and Stacy to complete? Book 15 in this series and the stories are still fresh as the first one. I love the Interaction between the two lead characters, especially their ironic quips, and of course, great diversity of haunting spirits. Keep these stories coming!
August 16, 2021
Another great ghost story with our intrepid duo Ellie and Stacey. I really liked the pacing in this one, it starts out slow enough to actually build some tension. I really enjoyed the new dilemma that the girls faced in terms of clients and deadline. A complete opposite of business as usual for them. Loved the villain, who was and also was not expected. Great inclusion of the Great Hunt folklore. This is one of the few series I will read as soon as it's released, I'm always so excited to see what the ghosts are up to this time. Can't wait for the next one!
September 16, 2021
another decent installment to series
The author did I good job giving physical life to the island. The story itself didn’t have many surprises for me, because of my reading history, I knew right off how they died. I didn’t deduct point for that because it was still a good take on the legend. This is one of the fist times I’ve been left unsatisfied about the details of ghosts life and after life (Hank and Ms Ryland). I get the big picture about their life and death but I still have curiosity questions that weren’t answered. If I posted them though it would be spoilers.
The author did I good job giving physical life to the island. The story itself didn’t have many surprises for me, because of my reading history, I knew right off how they died. I didn’t deduct point for that because it was still a good take on the legend. This is one of the fist times I’ve been left unsatisfied about the details of ghosts life and after life (Hank and Ms Ryland). I get the big picture about their life and death but I still have curiosity questions that weren’t answered. If I posted them though it would be spoilers.
September 2, 2022
Excellant book. A lodge on a remote Island would be anyone's dream of Paradise, and as a setting for their wedding...well. But of course, we all know better if we are followers of J.L.Bryan and if he is writing about Ellie and Stacey 'who else I hear you ask, they are his heroines!' then you know there are going to be spirits galore.
A 'must read' but be prepared for the sly twists and turns that make you wonder if Ellie and Stacey will not be collecting their payment for a job incomplete............
A 'must read' but be prepared for the sly twists and turns that make you wonder if Ellie and Stacey will not be collecting their payment for a job incomplete............
August 17, 2021
Rushed
While I love all your writing, I do feel like this one was rushed. You usually go into greater detail with the ghosts. I feel like there are some unanswered questions. The ending was that easy? It was too simple for your usual writing. The climax unraveled too quickly. I still loved it, but not as much as the ones before. I also caught on to why it was haunted early on before it was revealed.
While I love all your writing, I do feel like this one was rushed. You usually go into greater detail with the ghosts. I feel like there are some unanswered questions. The ending was that easy? It was too simple for your usual writing. The climax unraveled too quickly. I still loved it, but not as much as the ones before. I also caught on to why it was haunted early on before it was revealed.
October 11, 2021
Loved it!
I absolutely love every one of the Ellie Jordan books! This one is definitely different than the usual house investigations but it was exciting, nerve wracking and enjoyable! I hope this series can go on for a long while more as Ellie is such a relatable character and these series are so informational and an intriguing look into the paranormal world! Thank you for another fantastic story!
I absolutely love every one of the Ellie Jordan books! This one is definitely different than the usual house investigations but it was exciting, nerve wracking and enjoyable! I hope this series can go on for a long while more as Ellie is such a relatable character and these series are so informational and an intriguing look into the paranormal world! Thank you for another fantastic story!
August 19, 2021
I Love Ellie & Stacey!
Just consumed The Lodge! Great story, enjoyed immensely! I like how Ellie is becoming more fond of Stacey and the characters of this book were very modern and different. All of JL Bryan’s books are fantastic and this one was no exception. Can’t wait for #16! Hurry!
Just consumed The Lodge! Great story, enjoyed immensely! I like how Ellie is becoming more fond of Stacey and the characters of this book were very modern and different. All of JL Bryan’s books are fantastic and this one was no exception. Can’t wait for #16! Hurry!
August 22, 2021
Ellie Jordan strikes again!
Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper stories never fail. Intrepid heroines, Ellie and Stacey, are hired to help an internet mogul clean a newly purchased island of unwanted inhabitants. There is mystery and spooky ghosts aplenty as The Wild Hunt runs rampant on the island. Great fun read!
Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper stories never fail. Intrepid heroines, Ellie and Stacey, are hired to help an internet mogul clean a newly purchased island of unwanted inhabitants. There is mystery and spooky ghosts aplenty as The Wild Hunt runs rampant on the island. Great fun read!
August 27, 2021
Fantastic Ghost Story
I enjoy all if the Ellie & Stacey stories. Love how you manage to do all the different locations, stories, and characters. Very well written. Love the interaction with Michael & Ellie since day 1. Turn up the heat on the romance. Michael's a firefighter. He can handle it!
I enjoy all if the Ellie & Stacey stories. Love how you manage to do all the different locations, stories, and characters. Very well written. Love the interaction with Michael & Ellie since day 1. Turn up the heat on the romance. Michael's a firefighter. He can handle it!
August 28, 2021
The wild hunt...
I was excited when my pre ordered copy of The Lodge showed up on my Kindle. This one has a definite creep factor, very satisfying. I did have it figured out earlier but it was fun getting to the denouement just the same. I look forward to the next in the series and wonder if they will ever go after the ghost that caused Stacy's brother's death.
I was excited when my pre ordered copy of The Lodge showed up on my Kindle. This one has a definite creep factor, very satisfying. I did have it figured out earlier but it was fun getting to the denouement just the same. I look forward to the next in the series and wonder if they will ever go after the ghost that caused Stacy's brother's death.
September 8, 2021
I loved revisiting the characters I love, and enjoyed the author’s writing style and humour as always. Overall, though, not the best instalment. It was definitely lacking in tension and suspense, and was not really scary or creepy. The twist at the end almost pushed it to 4 stars, but not quite. Looking forward to more Ellie Jordan in the future!
August 3, 2022
Whoa, this was a good one! There were plenty of thrills and chills as Ellie and Stacy hunt ghosts on an exclusive island for a billionaire who is undertaking major renovations. I particularly enjoyed the midnight chases thru the haunted woods and exploring the creepy lodge itself. This entry is definitely one of the better ones in the series. Check it out for a good scare.
February 11, 2023
I devoured this in one sitting. The characters are strong and well rounded, the plot is sharp and keeps you guessing and there are plenty of ghosts to give you plenty of chills. It grabbed me on page one and I was up all night reading it. An excellent ghost story! I highly recommend this book and this series. I can't wait to get the next one!
April 25, 2023
Loved it
I always enjoy the Ellie Jordan books. I love the history lessons. Unlike Stacey, I wouldn't mind doing research. It just might take me forever because I'd want to cross-reference all. The. Things. This one was a bit odd. I had a suspicion that the former family might have been up to some really shady stuff where their servants were concerned. On to the next book...
I always enjoy the Ellie Jordan books. I love the history lessons. Unlike Stacey, I wouldn't mind doing research. It just might take me forever because I'd want to cross-reference all. The. Things. This one was a bit odd. I had a suspicion that the former family might have been up to some really shady stuff where their servants were concerned. On to the next book...
January 6, 2026
New Twist, New Friends, Same Ellie!
Bryan is a genius, but if you read my other recommendations, you would expect me to say that. His plot really takes a turn. It doesn't matter how many of these books I read, Bryan surprises me every time! Always read his from the author at the end. His research makes his fiction all but believable!
Bryan is a genius, but if you read my other recommendations, you would expect me to say that. His plot really takes a turn. It doesn't matter how many of these books I read, Bryan surprises me every time! Always read his from the author at the end. His research makes his fiction all but believable!
August 17, 2021
Not as good as others in the series
I have enjoyed most of this series, and loved the last couple, but couldn't get into this one. The characters seemed flat and unlikable for the most part, and the hauntings kind of an afterthought. Just not super interesting.
I have enjoyed most of this series, and loved the last couple, but couldn't get into this one. The characters seemed flat and unlikable for the most part, and the hauntings kind of an afterthought. Just not super interesting.
August 20, 2021
Slow start but worth the wait.
Wow this was a great read. I'm glad Ellie didn't get so beat up this time. There were so many ghosts I was so worried about the girls. Was really surprised a few times. I love this series and hope there will be many more.
Wow this was a great read. I'm glad Ellie didn't get so beat up this time. There were so many ghosts I was so worried about the girls. Was really surprised a few times. I love this series and hope there will be many more.
August 22, 2021
Loved it
If you don't know who Ellie and Stacy are you are missing out. I love this series. Each book is different and written with such a detailed mind. Can't wait for number 16.
If you don't know who Ellie and Stacy are you are missing out. I love this series. Each book is different and written with such a detailed mind. Can't wait for number 16.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews