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The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and his Wife: Winner of the 2024 Best Non fiction Crime Book, Davitt Awards
Teacher and former rugby league player Chris Dawson appeared to have it all – a loving family and a beautiful home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. But in the summer of 1982 his wife Lynette disappeared and not long afterwards Dawson married a much younger woman a former student.Less than a decade later this young woman escaped the marriage and went to the police to record her suspicions that Dawson had been involved in Lynette’s disappearance. A homicide investigation followed but got nowhere until 1998, when Detective Sergeant Damian Loone was handed Lynette’s file. For nearly two decades he made it his business to honour Lynette and to find out what had happened to her. His work led to two coronial investigations, but no charges. Around this time Rebecca Hazel was working in a women’s refuge on the Northern Beaches when a colleague shared her story of enduring coercive control at the hands of Dawson, when she was his student, and then wife and she shared her suspicions about the fate of his first wife Lynette. These revelations affected Rebecca, and eventually she decided to investigate. Over years, coroners, police and journalists all shared with Rebecca their knowledge of the case, and disappointments that it remained unsolved. Until, in May 2018, Hedley Thomas launched the Teacher’s Pet podcast, and in December 2018, Chris Dawson was charged with murder. He was convicted in August 2022.Rebecca Hazel has spent ten years working to ensure that the stories of two women who were misused by Chris Dawson are heard, that their perpetrator is brought to justice and that Lynette’s family can properly honour their much-loved sister, aunt, cousin and mother.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
21 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 23, 2024
Most Australians are now aware of the story of Chris Dawson, superficially an image of the all-Australian male: tall and tanned sportsman. He was a devoted twin, dedicated teacher and family man. He was finally exposed for what he truly was: a wife abuser and murderer, and also a predatory teacher with a penchant for adolescent girls. This story might now be well known but it has exposed the shameful neglect of Australian authorities - from the education department, the police and the judiciary - and even the social norms of the 1970s. All these were complicit in allowing a lascivious jackal, who presented in a guise of respectability, to thrive, lie, abuse and kill.
This book attempts to give prominence to his student’s role in this sordid story. Indeed, what appears here is part of her legal testimony and as such she is referred to in the text as JC. From a dysfunctional home, she was 16 years old when she was groomed by Dawson, her teacher, and then installed in his home as a babysitter to bed. Later, she was to replace his murdered wife. There are many uncomfortable aspects to the story, from the daily love notes Dawson left JC at school, to partnering her, incredibly, as her school formal date. Then there’s the slipping of “something” into his wife’s drinks to enable illicit sex between the pair. The story is also introduces the many people who seemed to be in thrall of the golden ex-Rugby player. These people, for the most part, adhered to the notion that what happens in the home stays in the home. An antiquated attitude, especially when considering the teacher and his student’s affair was common knowledge to many.
The most uncomfortable and disconcerting aspect of the text though is the ambivalence one feels when JC’s part in the story is navigated by the author. Certainly JC was a mere teenager and a victim in her own way of Dawson, but yet she was not utterly innocent. There are also instances where the author attempts to contextualise the schoolgirl’s behaviour as part of the attitudes and mores of the times. Yet if that is so then JC must have felt some degree of power in the sexual revolution of the 70s - she sun bathed topless and swam nude at her teacher’s home because that was “just the way she was”. She didn’t question what happened to Lynette and wholeheartedly, initially at least, believed Dawson’s tale that his wife had left him; she had knowledge that he had allegedly sought the services of a hit man; she readily accepted Lynette’s engagement and wedding rings and ghoulishly sifts through her predecessor’s clothing but resents the expectation that she is to be cook and carer, even mother, to Lynette’s children. She makes a comment that she “cannot regret anything” because the union with Dawson produced a much loved daughter of her own. Only when the control Dawson exerted on Lynette is transferred to JC does she leave and later contact authorities to give voice to her suspicions. This would be redemptive, if she were a character in a novel. But this is not fiction. So, JC cannot acknowledge any responsibility in the sick relationship because to do so would topple the mantle of victim. Indeed, she received an undisclosed settlement from the Education Department for her historical abuse. Yes, JC was a victim too but she is difficult to like, especially because she is mostly contrite with the details and the author spends a lot of time giving prominence to her perspective only to usurp Lynette Dawson, again.
For a more complex analysis, and a more compelling narrative Hedley Thomas’s book, ‘The Teacher’s Pet’, is a more objective offering. It became the pod cast of the same name and was the impetus for the arrest and subsequent conviction of Chris Dawson.
Still, this is worthwhile read which fleshes out the perspective of the school girl and why it is so important that we not forget justice for the victim and her family. Because most horrifying is the fact that the body of Lynette Dawson has never been found.
This book attempts to give prominence to his student’s role in this sordid story. Indeed, what appears here is part of her legal testimony and as such she is referred to in the text as JC. From a dysfunctional home, she was 16 years old when she was groomed by Dawson, her teacher, and then installed in his home as a babysitter to bed. Later, she was to replace his murdered wife. There are many uncomfortable aspects to the story, from the daily love notes Dawson left JC at school, to partnering her, incredibly, as her school formal date. Then there’s the slipping of “something” into his wife’s drinks to enable illicit sex between the pair. The story is also introduces the many people who seemed to be in thrall of the golden ex-Rugby player. These people, for the most part, adhered to the notion that what happens in the home stays in the home. An antiquated attitude, especially when considering the teacher and his student’s affair was common knowledge to many.
The most uncomfortable and disconcerting aspect of the text though is the ambivalence one feels when JC’s part in the story is navigated by the author. Certainly JC was a mere teenager and a victim in her own way of Dawson, but yet she was not utterly innocent. There are also instances where the author attempts to contextualise the schoolgirl’s behaviour as part of the attitudes and mores of the times. Yet if that is so then JC must have felt some degree of power in the sexual revolution of the 70s - she sun bathed topless and swam nude at her teacher’s home because that was “just the way she was”. She didn’t question what happened to Lynette and wholeheartedly, initially at least, believed Dawson’s tale that his wife had left him; she had knowledge that he had allegedly sought the services of a hit man; she readily accepted Lynette’s engagement and wedding rings and ghoulishly sifts through her predecessor’s clothing but resents the expectation that she is to be cook and carer, even mother, to Lynette’s children. She makes a comment that she “cannot regret anything” because the union with Dawson produced a much loved daughter of her own. Only when the control Dawson exerted on Lynette is transferred to JC does she leave and later contact authorities to give voice to her suspicions. This would be redemptive, if she were a character in a novel. But this is not fiction. So, JC cannot acknowledge any responsibility in the sick relationship because to do so would topple the mantle of victim. Indeed, she received an undisclosed settlement from the Education Department for her historical abuse. Yes, JC was a victim too but she is difficult to like, especially because she is mostly contrite with the details and the author spends a lot of time giving prominence to her perspective only to usurp Lynette Dawson, again.
For a more complex analysis, and a more compelling narrative Hedley Thomas’s book, ‘The Teacher’s Pet’, is a more objective offering. It became the pod cast of the same name and was the impetus for the arrest and subsequent conviction of Chris Dawson.
Still, this is worthwhile read which fleshes out the perspective of the school girl and why it is so important that we not forget justice for the victim and her family. Because most horrifying is the fact that the body of Lynette Dawson has never been found.
November 7, 2024
An insightful approach to a well-known case of loss and heartache, seen predominantly through the eyes of JC, who formed a bond of friendship with the author.
With many more anecdotes that add further depth and understanding to the plight of Lyn Dawson’s family (to be known now as Lynette Joy Simms), when read as a “companion volume” to Hedley Thomas’s ‘The Teacher’s Pet”.
Read both books for the best understanding on how the juxtaposition of persons and events may have lead to the likely grim outcome for poor Lyn. And how Justice Harrison arrived at a guilty verdict through circumstantial evidence when considered as a whole.
With many more anecdotes that add further depth and understanding to the plight of Lyn Dawson’s family (to be known now as Lynette Joy Simms), when read as a “companion volume” to Hedley Thomas’s ‘The Teacher’s Pet”.
Read both books for the best understanding on how the juxtaposition of persons and events may have lead to the likely grim outcome for poor Lyn. And how Justice Harrison arrived at a guilty verdict through circumstantial evidence when considered as a whole.
July 12, 2024
The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife • Rebecca Hazel
Book 31 • Devastating, honestly debating. Domestic violence we see repeated again and again and again, no one seems to take it seriously.. why aren’t people taking this seriously. Women are being murdered by their husbands, boyfriends, someone they once smiled at, and they are constantly getting away with it! Chris Dawson was charged in 2022, 40 years after Lynette went missing, 40 years! With no new evidence the same outcome could have occurred 40 years earlier. Whether it was lack of police interest or the suspect having money and being in the public eye. So many avenues of speaking with witnesses, work colleagues, friends, neighbours were overlooked. A really insightful read on how the justice system works and faith that there are people out there who will never give up on you.
Book 31 • Devastating, honestly debating. Domestic violence we see repeated again and again and again, no one seems to take it seriously.. why aren’t people taking this seriously. Women are being murdered by their husbands, boyfriends, someone they once smiled at, and they are constantly getting away with it! Chris Dawson was charged in 2022, 40 years after Lynette went missing, 40 years! With no new evidence the same outcome could have occurred 40 years earlier. Whether it was lack of police interest or the suspect having money and being in the public eye. So many avenues of speaking with witnesses, work colleagues, friends, neighbours were overlooked. A really insightful read on how the justice system works and faith that there are people out there who will never give up on you.
June 9, 2024
I thought I might find this book a bit boring because I was so invested in the podcast and also coverage of the trials but I found it fascinating. Really easy to read and some interesting new tidbits which humanised these people I didn’t know a bit more - like Lynnette being quite a materialistic spendthrift made sense to me - she was peak boomer from a pretty working class upbringing so of course she’d be getting stuck into the 80s buy buy buy culture! And Chris and Paul having second jobs as Garbage men, life guards and models where they kept their pay in a separate “twinnies” bank account 🤮 just makes me judge them more.
March 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️If I finished reading this book at a pub, i would order a neat house whiskey. And then another.
January 1, 2024
Easy to read. The author managed to capture JCs experience and how Lynette and her family were let down by the justice system.
Thank goodness for the Teacher's Pet podcast ...
Thank goodness for the Teacher's Pet podcast ...
December 10, 2023
This book has been one of my favourite reads of 2023. I wasn't going to buy it initially as I had listened to The Teacher's Pet podcast last year, but I am so glad I did. The narrative delves into JC's perspective as Chris Dawson's side piece and eventual wife, alongside the mystery of Lynette's 40-year disappearance. It offers a fresh and compelling angle and is gripping and well-executed.
December 9, 2023
A great Australian story which I have been following for many years on the news and current affairs programmes. This sweet lady did not deserve what happened to her and full credit the author for writing such a clear and honest book.
November 26, 2023
I didn’t listen to The Teacher’s Pet podcast but couldn’t miss the talk and medi reports about it, and the subsequent court case. This book gives a detailed account of the events and impact in a personal tone and explains the court processes and terms in a way non-legal people can understand. Compelling reading.
November 30, 2023
This was a really different take on the story I hadn’t heard before and I really enjoyed it.
Really satisfying to hear more of JC’s side of the story too.
I’m so glad that Rebecca Hazel & Headley Thomas we’re able to team up to bring justice for Lyn!
Really satisfying to hear more of JC’s side of the story too.
I’m so glad that Rebecca Hazel & Headley Thomas we’re able to team up to bring justice for Lyn!
October 8, 2023
I wasn’t going to buy this book thinking I knew the story but it was interesting to get a better picture of JC and Lyns family and what they all went through. Author writes with a conscience and empathy.
November 16, 2025
’Chris and JC married on 15th of January 1984, two years and six days after Lynette went missing. The wedding was at the house at Bayview, by then a sorry shell that Lynette lovingly created. JC was nineteen and Chris was thirty-six…
Despite Chris’ anxiety that JC appeared older, there was no disguising that she was a teenage bride’.
✨3.25 stars✨
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW: murder, grooming, domestic violence⚠️
This book is November’s pick for Alyssa’s Self Audible Book Club.
Our second last book for the year! Wow, where has the time gone?!
Back in February of last year, I listened to a memoir written by the eldest daughter of Chris Dawson and Lynette Simms, Shanelle (who I am also assuming is known as XD in this book).
To summarise my review, I thought it was a well done first-hand account of what life was like living with Dawson and cemented the idea in my mind that he was a guilty man who murdered his wife just so he could marry his highschool student. I gave it 5 stars.
In the months that followed, while I felt like I knew enough about the case, I was intrigued to read the two other books that mention this case:
1. The Teacher’s Pet by Hedley Thomas, which is based on his podcast that led to another murder trial and found Dawson guilty of Lynette’s murder in 2022.
2. The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife by Rebecca Hazel, the review you’re seeing here today 😂
This book is told from the perspective of Joanne Curtis (known as JC) who was a colleague of Hazel’s and Dawson’s student, later a babysitter to their two children and who became his second wife a couple of years after Lynette ‘disappeared’.
While I enjoyed going back into this case, hearing partially from JC’s perspective and seeing that this was written for both the victims of Dawson and their families, there isn’t anything new I got out of it.
I partially wished that JC had more input in the book instead of listening to Hazel’s perspective of the conversation.
In Shanelle’s memoir, JC came across as someone who was quite cold and unmotherly towards her and her younger sister once Lynette disappeared.
After listening, while I do understand that she didn’t ask to be a mother to Dawson’s two children and shouldn’t have ever been put in a wife/mother position in the first place, I struggle to sympathise with her in that regard.
The constant use of initials in lieu of people’s names also got a bit tiring after a while.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to it this month and it’s off the TBR. But if you would like to have a first-hand perspective of this case, I would suggest reading Shanelle’s book My Mother’s Eyes ✨🌻
Despite Chris’ anxiety that JC appeared older, there was no disguising that she was a teenage bride’.
✨3.25 stars✨
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW: murder, grooming, domestic violence⚠️
This book is November’s pick for Alyssa’s Self Audible Book Club.
Our second last book for the year! Wow, where has the time gone?!
Back in February of last year, I listened to a memoir written by the eldest daughter of Chris Dawson and Lynette Simms, Shanelle (who I am also assuming is known as XD in this book).
To summarise my review, I thought it was a well done first-hand account of what life was like living with Dawson and cemented the idea in my mind that he was a guilty man who murdered his wife just so he could marry his highschool student. I gave it 5 stars.
In the months that followed, while I felt like I knew enough about the case, I was intrigued to read the two other books that mention this case:
1. The Teacher’s Pet by Hedley Thomas, which is based on his podcast that led to another murder trial and found Dawson guilty of Lynette’s murder in 2022.
2. The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife by Rebecca Hazel, the review you’re seeing here today 😂
This book is told from the perspective of Joanne Curtis (known as JC) who was a colleague of Hazel’s and Dawson’s student, later a babysitter to their two children and who became his second wife a couple of years after Lynette ‘disappeared’.
While I enjoyed going back into this case, hearing partially from JC’s perspective and seeing that this was written for both the victims of Dawson and their families, there isn’t anything new I got out of it.
I partially wished that JC had more input in the book instead of listening to Hazel’s perspective of the conversation.
In Shanelle’s memoir, JC came across as someone who was quite cold and unmotherly towards her and her younger sister once Lynette disappeared.
After listening, while I do understand that she didn’t ask to be a mother to Dawson’s two children and shouldn’t have ever been put in a wife/mother position in the first place, I struggle to sympathise with her in that regard.
The constant use of initials in lieu of people’s names also got a bit tiring after a while.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to it this month and it’s off the TBR. But if you would like to have a first-hand perspective of this case, I would suggest reading Shanelle’s book My Mother’s Eyes ✨🌻
January 12, 2024
Well researched. I haven't actually listened to the Teacher's Pet but I've seen the news about the Lynette Dawson (Simms) and saw the original Australian Story about her disappearance. It is hard not to be angry at the gross negligence by the NSW Police when she first went missing. They could have found her body if they had looked immediately! Her daughters would have known that she didn't abandon them. It was all very difficult to read and take in. At least he has finally been punished, bitter-sweet knowing he lived freely for 40 years and will only know jail as an old man. Also disgusting that he won't reveal where her body is. One wonders if his family members also know.
I feel like there is even more to this story for example the roll of Phillip Day, who arrived to "talk" to Chris that day she went "missing" at his workplace at the baths. I suppose Rebecca Hazel had to stick to the hard facts. One also assumes the judge decided to not take into account some of the witness statements eg the hitman and domestic violence bruising because he didn't want any chance of his verdict being appealed. Rebecca Hazel does a good job of telling JC's story. Whilst she was groomed and taken advantage of due to her dreadful home situation, it is hard to not say "but why did you go with him in the first place" .. to be fair I'm looking at this from the lense of a 40 year old in 2024. A teenager in the late 1970s is a very different perspective. Well done for telling JC's story compassionately whilst also respecting Lynette.
I thought it was strange how Rebecca's own writing in the first person was throughout the story. In saying that I think it worked, made it easier to read especially as a lot was quite clunky with all the court reports, it was great that all the factual recounts were included despite being tedious at times.
I would have liked to have known more about Lynette's earlier life and lead up to her murder however appreciate that this would be hard especially since the author's story was inspired by meeting JC originally and not knowing much, if anything, about the Lynette Dawson (Simms) event.
I feel like there is even more to this story for example the roll of Phillip Day, who arrived to "talk" to Chris that day she went "missing" at his workplace at the baths. I suppose Rebecca Hazel had to stick to the hard facts. One also assumes the judge decided to not take into account some of the witness statements eg the hitman and domestic violence bruising because he didn't want any chance of his verdict being appealed. Rebecca Hazel does a good job of telling JC's story. Whilst she was groomed and taken advantage of due to her dreadful home situation, it is hard to not say "but why did you go with him in the first place" .. to be fair I'm looking at this from the lense of a 40 year old in 2024. A teenager in the late 1970s is a very different perspective. Well done for telling JC's story compassionately whilst also respecting Lynette.
I thought it was strange how Rebecca's own writing in the first person was throughout the story. In saying that I think it worked, made it easier to read especially as a lot was quite clunky with all the court reports, it was great that all the factual recounts were included despite being tedious at times.
I would have liked to have known more about Lynette's earlier life and lead up to her murder however appreciate that this would be hard especially since the author's story was inspired by meeting JC originally and not knowing much, if anything, about the Lynette Dawson (Simms) event.
November 14, 2023
Another book related to The Teachers Pet podcast - about the murder of Lynette Dawson. This one focused more on JC, the schoolgirl that Chris Dawson groomed and married. It was an insight into how both women were treated very badly. It gave JC a chance to tell her story. It was well researched, and talked about how long it took for Lynette and her family to get any semblance of justice, the impact The Teacher's Pet podcast had on solving a criminal case, and how Lynette was failed by the system. There was a lot of recitation of the court transcripts, and quite a bit of repeating the story. An important read, that will complement the books by Sharelle Dawson and Hedley Thomas respectively.
January 12, 2025
3 Stars = Don't regret reading it.
This book highlights the effect that the disappearance/murder of Lynette Dawson had on Lynette's family/friends, and the schoolgirl Joanne Curtis. The author worked with Joanne, and gradually became aware of what she had lived through. Eventually, she decided to write this book, with input from Joanne, Lynette's family/friends, and "The Teacher's Pet" podcast creator Hedley Thomas.
To get a more complete picture, you can add the books of Sharelle Dawson and Hedley Thomas to your to-be-read list.
This book highlights the effect that the disappearance/murder of Lynette Dawson had on Lynette's family/friends, and the schoolgirl Joanne Curtis. The author worked with Joanne, and gradually became aware of what she had lived through. Eventually, she decided to write this book, with input from Joanne, Lynette's family/friends, and "The Teacher's Pet" podcast creator Hedley Thomas.
To get a more complete picture, you can add the books of Sharelle Dawson and Hedley Thomas to your to-be-read list.
January 15, 2025
This book is just ok. I didn't enjoy it but I finished it. Basically the author recounts how she meets and has conversations with people who are connected to the Dawson case or to Lynette Simms. The logic to the conclusions she reaches from those conversations is not sound at times, and she appears not to question the narrative she is spun. The most interesting part is the part where she recounts the verdict from the murder trial.
This book would be moderately interesting to those true crime buffs who are interested specifically in this case but otherwise you should give it a miss.
This book would be moderately interesting to those true crime buffs who are interested specifically in this case but otherwise you should give it a miss.
March 24, 2025
This was a good listen in conjunction with the podcast - The Teacher's Pet.
What I liked:-
-An honest look into a devastating story of abuse of power.
-Fascinating and interesting read overall.
-A good detailed account of the events and the court case.
What I didn't like:-
-Lots of name to keep up with especially when abbreviations are being used.
-JC is hard to like despite what happened to her and feel the author sided with her mostly.
-The podcast is better in my opinion if you are interested in this case.
What I liked:-
-An honest look into a devastating story of abuse of power.
-Fascinating and interesting read overall.
-A good detailed account of the events and the court case.
What I didn't like:-
-Lots of name to keep up with especially when abbreviations are being used.
-JC is hard to like despite what happened to her and feel the author sided with her mostly.
-The podcast is better in my opinion if you are interested in this case.
August 10, 2025
What a sad case. I found this an interesting read but at times a little hard to get my head around. I really hated the abbreviations used throughout instead of naming people. While I understand the need for privacy for these people, it would have been a much easier read if the author had just used fake names.
Such a lot of lives destroyed by so many lies …..
Such a lot of lives destroyed by so many lies …..
May 25, 2024
This was a decent compliment to those who have been following The Teacher's Pet podcast. I'm not a big non-fiction reader and that's perhaps why this book didnt 'grab' me. It provides detail about many of the people involved in the Lynette Sims / Chris Dawson case.
January 21, 2024
I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and empathy of the author. This is more than a book to be published, it’s years of dedication - a life’s work.
February 5, 2024
3.5 Free with Audible. Thorough but somewhat redundant at times. Unfortunately, this is not a terribly unique story.
February 18, 2024
Speechless. This story has haunted me since hearing The Teacher's Pet podcast.
Justice took way too long for Lynette and her family.
Justice took way too long for Lynette and her family.
May 17, 2024
Very interesting. My heart goes out to all of the family and friends.
June 19, 2024
Soo good - I somehow had never heard this story or listened to The Teachers Pet so didn’t know anything and loved it. I was hooked until the end.
November 8, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
December 19, 2024
An interesting read that goes into one of Australia’s high profile missing person’s cases.
November 28, 2025
Phucking phenomenal
March 6, 2025
Well researched and well written. A very accessible account of the Chris Dawson murder case.
January 8, 2025
The story is about JC - and the suspected murder in January 1982 by her schoolteacher Chris Dawson, of his adoring wife, Lyn.
What a train wreck. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short. One of the things that drew me to this book was that it was to be the schoolgirls side of things. It wasn’t. Author, Rebecca Hazel isn’t even in close contact with the girl.
Hazel asked the questions we were all interested. They never got answered though. One of these was how JC’s daughter felt about her father. Why put it in and lead the reader on but not actually do anything with it.
I want the time back I spent reading this. Poor writing and didn’t stay on track. I really wanted to like this.
What a train wreck. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short. One of the things that drew me to this book was that it was to be the schoolgirls side of things. It wasn’t. Author, Rebecca Hazel isn’t even in close contact with the girl.
Hazel asked the questions we were all interested. They never got answered though. One of these was how JC’s daughter felt about her father. Why put it in and lead the reader on but not actually do anything with it.
I want the time back I spent reading this. Poor writing and didn’t stay on track. I really wanted to like this.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews