The Teacher: A heart-poundingly addictive and twisty psychological thriller

by Danielle Stewart

I‘m the perfect teacher. From the outside, you’d never know that I’m hiding a dark secret. And if anyone finds out, it’ll destroy everything…

I always wanted to teach. I imagined rosy-cheeked students bringing me apples, grading their homework with a cup of coffee, and making a real difference in their lives. Maybe even saving them. Because I never want anyone to go through what happened to me when I was a young girl…

My beloved son Bryson is even in my school now. He’s a model student and the answer to all my prayers. Having my baby at work with me every day is all I could wish for.

Except one day, my perfect world turns into a nightmare.

When my student Daisy comes to me with tears in her eyes, she tells me that my darling little boy did something unspeakable to her. I’ve worked so hard to raise him right—gentle, kind and caring. Nothing like the men that hurt me when I was young. I want to believe he’s innocent. But should I?

Then, the threatening messages start.

But they’re not just for Bryson. They’re for me too. Someone knows my secret. Is someone trying to ruin my son's life to make me pay for what happened? Or did he really do the horrible thing he’s accused of? Either way, I have a feeling I might not get out of this alive…

This addictive and gripping psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and The Girl on the Train .

What readers are saying about The Teacher :

“ Wow! What a book! I couldn't put it down, read it in one sitting … amazing … excellent … will have you hooked from start to finish .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked right from the start and finished it within 24 hours … blew me away .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ Wow! What a book! I couldn't read it fast enough … absolute magic! ” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ AMAZING! ... I read The Teacher in less than 12 hours … full of twist after twist after twist!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ To die for … I loved it thoroughly .” Bforbookreview , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ This book was … wow! … Kept me completely entranced and captured my full attention … fantastic .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ WOW! What a booook! ” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ So good … a solid five star read! ” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2023

About the author

Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!

I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.

Ten Things to know about me:

1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)

2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.

3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.

4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.

5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.

6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.

7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.

8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)

9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.

10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.



Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)

Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)

The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)

The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home

The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm

The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts

The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo

Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read with a good story & great pace.

Elizabeth is a teacher who is very compassionate towards her students. She has suffered a lot of trauma in her teens herself and is keen to help others avoid pain of the kind she has had to suffer. She believes in also trying some unconventional teaching methods such as holding classes outdoors. This invites scepticism and a note of warning from her supervisor, Awasa. Elizabeth is happily married to Rick, a criminal lawyer who is a source of unconditional support. They have a 15-year-old son Bryson. Her sister Jules also stays in the same town, and knows the pain Elizabeth has faced earlier, and how she selflessly shielded her.

Daisy, a new student this year in school, is distraught one day and hesitantly confides in Elizabeth. She mentions a party which got out of hand, and says she was probably assaulted. She had had too much to drink and her memories were returning in fragments, gradually. Elizabeth is shocked to learn that the party was at her place and organized by her son Bryson when she was out. Elizabeth is torn between the trust & love for her son, while at the same time, wanting to be fair to Daisy. Her past experiences come rushing back and she tries to make sense of what happened at the party.

The past intertwines well with the story in the current time. Each of the principal characters – Elizabeth, Rick, Daisy, Bryson & Jules, have their secrets and there is a touch of charm in how these are revealed. I liked how the characters developed – especially Elizabeth, Bryson & Jules. The last sections are wild with a whole lot of twists. They are in my view - too many, as they disturb the overall coherence of the plot. There are some sections dealing with abuse – they are not graphic but very strongly suggestive.

If you are looking for an entertaining read which you do not want to put down, this is an ideal story.

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows a teacher, Elizabeth and her student, Daisy. One day Elizabeth notices Daisy looking quite disheveled. With her own personal concern, she confronts Daisy. Daisy reveals that she has been assaulted at a party that she attended while intoxicated. As a concerned teacher, she tries her best to fix the situation since it hits too close to home. Soon, her student drops a bombshell as to who her attacker was, Elizabeth’s son, Bryson.

After the dominoes fall, the meddling teacher’s credibility starts to crumble. Her care and concern for her student becomes very inappropriate. Elizabeth already knows there are consequences to her actions since she’s done something like this before. With her marriage at risk, son in trouble, and her job at stake… she’s willing to take that chance.

I think the author started this story strong. I was really into it and finished this in a day. However, there were so many twists in the end that it got a little silly. Plus, I think the whole ‘why’ could have been better if told another way. Fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst should eat this up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Omar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Teacher is a thriller/drama type story exploring what happens in relationships involving traumatized people and how it resurfaces later on in life in their future relationships with a backdrop of intrigue and people pursuing their own vendettas.

Plus side:
The story has interesting characters who are well fleshed out and their backstories are (mostly) well explored.
Has a strong opening and hooks within the first 20-30%.
Does a good job of exploring how trauma affects people and how people suffering from mental illness struggle with self-doubt and how people can take advantage of that.

Minus side:
This could be a personal thing but this thriller has so many twists and turns that it breaks immersion as it is so unrealistic. The plot twists did not feel natural; rather they felt like they were crammed in so that this would become a thriller but maybe some people would see it differently and actually enjoy that.
SPOILER ALERT! Please do not read below this if you do not wish to be spoiled.
The ending of the book is very meh, What purpose does it serve to end the book with the reveal that Jules was the one who killed Tucker Rutherford? Zero.
Rick as a character is a big faux pas. At first, he seems to be a well designed representation of a benevolent, but controlling partner and the middle story seemed to be heading into an exploration of whether he and Elizabeth could move beyond their hangups (her trauma, his controlling nature) but then he turned into an absolute caricature. Even the message being sent is an alarming + illogical one: a domineering/patriarchal person may not be a good person but that is a far cry from someone who would rape an underage girl in his sons bedroom! WTH!

Anyway, I think this is a fast-paced book that may be up your alley if you enjoy thrillers and do not want to think about what the characters represent or whether the plot twists make sense etc. For me, this was a little disappointing as I wanted this to be a deeper exploration of trauma rather than the surface level scratching we got so that this could be a thriller.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so twisty! It centers on Elizabeth, a high school teacher who has been known to get just a little too involved in her students’ lives. When Daisy comes to her with a shocking accusation, Elizabeth makes some terrible (yet somehow understandable) decisions. You also get some chapters told in an earlier timeline that show us the events shaping Elizabeth’s character.

Not only were the twists surprising in this book, but they just kept coming until the very end. I didn’t see a couple of them coming at all. Elizabeth was a little annoying but I did understand where she was coming from for most of the story. The past and present timelines and random chapters from other characters made the book a quick read.

Overall, this book was chock full of surprises and I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really di not what to say about this book. The first part was very interesting. And I love a book with unexpected twists, but this book had for me too many twists. It Just became too much. Still glad i read this book though.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ Overall a good Domestic Thriller

Well I have to say I was contemplating giving up on this book as it wasn't holding my attention.
This book was a real mixture of emotions for me.

It was a very slow burner to start with.
But I'm glad I waited and didn't give up, as I wasn't expecting the twists, secrets and turns that have presented themselves.
I certainly wasn't expecting some of the things that revealed itself!
Big revelations!
Then it came to the ending and that's where I feel it kinda let me down. I felt it was a lil rushed and the bombshell at the end...well I wanted more!

There are some sensitive subjects raised in the book such as rape (Although no details are given), child neglect and grooming ( Although they are mentioned and relevant to the story it doesn't give details) and mental health.

Overall a really good read. I'm not sure where i would place this book it's more of a thriller/domestic drama.
But I would recommend it, just persevere with the slow start, as all will be explained!

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth is a teacher and when she notices one of her students Daisy is acting differently she stops the girl after class and talks to her and although at first hesitant what daisy tells Miss Meadows everyone’s favorite teacher will have the teachers heart bleeding for the girl. She was sexually assaulted at a party but what Elizabeth is not prepared for is win Daisy claims it was her 15-year-old son who threw the party and also the one who assaulted her. Daisy doesn’t have the best home life and due to personal reasons Elizabeth does her best to help the girl thankfully the girl hasn’t gone to the authorities with her accusations but when she does it will not be the 15-year-old that she is accusing. This is one well plotted past and present dual timeline stories that I have read in a long time it is so good and the twist are completely unexpected they have no eye rolling moments in this book and to me that makes it a definite top notch thriller a solid five star read! This was so good Danielle Stewart has definitely hit her stride and has become an author whose name I will be looking for. I want to thank Bookoucher Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Daniela ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a booook! I'm still shocked!
Danielle's writing style is very easy to read. It flows smoothly, never overcomplicating the dialogue or the descriptions, it just draws you in naturally.
The story is filled with many twists, turns and at one point you assume you know better than these characters but your assumption will be wrong and the last twists... It will take you by a complete surprise. It’s fast paced, with a very surprising ending! I also loved Elizabeth, she's just so likeable. Her flashbacks were so interesting, I rooted for her, I just wanted her to succeed!

I didn't know this author, this was my first book by her but I can tell it won't be the last!

[Carrie Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞.

Elizabeth is a high school teacher with a history of severe childhood trauma. To compensate, she has created a perfect life with a beautiful home and a loving family with her husband and teenage son. She notices a student acting strangely, and she reaches out to her. She finds out the young woman is accusing her son of assaulting her at a party. With that, Elizabeth's past takes the driver's seat and dominates the storyline.

As a teacher myself, I know there are teachers like Elizabeth--those who scoff at the rules and do whatever it takes to get their students to like and trust them. Even after realizing Elizabeth was acting the way she was because of her trauma, I found myself rolling my eyes constantly at her over-the-top actions. With additional storylines coming into play, I just thought too much was going on, and the "then" and "now" sections were a little disjointed.

I really wanted to love this book, but the blurb told just about the whole storyline. There was no element of surprise.2.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read. THE TEACHER will publish October 20, 2023.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a well-written book but it was wildly unrealistic and I was so frustrated. As a teacher, I was screaming at the main character, Elizabeth, from chapter one. Instead of reporting a troubled student to administrators and CPS, she took matters into her own hands by meeting her outside of school, texting her, driving her home, etc.

The amount of twists and turns this book had was crazy. Again, not at all realistic. The ending fell flat and felt like the author was just trying to cram as much sensationalism into the story and it seemed rushed.

I liked the character development and the dual timelines, but unfortunately there wasn’t much more to enjoy.

[Stacey Hejwosz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really appreciate NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this and give my honest review before it is released next month.

I guess this can be rounded up to 2.5

I could not get connected/into this story. I just didn’t find it very realistic. All the situations happening inside of a school with a teacher involved it was just not very believable. And things kept happening and it felt all over the place for me. I found it hard to follow and felt like the author was rushing to get through it.

It had potential but just fell very flat for me.

[Melissa Suslowicz Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
Wow, wow and more wow!!!!! I loved this one!!!!! It was so amazing!!!!! It is going in my top ten reads of this year. In fact, it was one of my favorite books of all time. I couldn’t get enough of this story and characters. Each of the characters had something to hide. I truly loved finding out what all their secrets were. It was like opening up presents on Christmas Day. The story was right up my alley too. There were so many twists and turns. I never knew what to expect next. I got through this one so quickly. It really did keep me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Oh and don’t get me started on that roller coaster of an ending. I couldn’t believe any of it. I was like OMG the whole time. With all this being said my next read is going be this authors other book called Girl at the Party. I hope it is as good as this one.

In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Read Walk Repeat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book when you’re in the mood for:
A fast-paced twisty thriller with lots of drama and untrustworthy characters that have big personalities.

What I liked best:
It took me awhile to get into this book, but once the twists start (and there are LOTS), it’s pretty hard to put this book down!

Something I found a little challenging:
The characters were a bit unrealistic, I almost stopped reading this because I thought there was no way the main character was still allowed to work as a teacher (of course I’m biased because I am a teacher). The author does address some of this later on in the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read & review an early copy of this book.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Teacher
By: Danielle Stewart
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elizabeth has a husband and son Bryson. She is a teacher and wants the best for her students even though she does not follow the rules. She suffered from childhood trauma and basically raised her younger sister.

When Elizabeth realizes one of her students Daisy seems distraught she reaches out to her. When Daisy tells her what is wrong it hits too close to home. Elizabeth is blindsided but knows she wants to help Daisy.

This novel had so many twists. Teaching is so much more than teaching curriculum and you hope your students are doing well, but sadly we have no idea what some students home-life is like.

This was my second novel by this author and I could not wait to find out Elizabeth and Daisy’s story!

Available Oct 20. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Teacher is the second book I've read by Stewart and it certainly didn't disappoint.

The author takes us on a fast paced ride full of twists and turns as we follow teacher Elizabeth whose son has been accused of rape by one of her pupils.

What a situation to find yourself in, which way do you turn in something like this, do you follow your maternal instinct or do you believe your pupil?

I really enjoyed the book and devoured it in twenty four hours. It's well plotted, has some realistic characters and an ending that will blow your mind...I certainly wasn't expecting it!

[Victoria Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw Jules’s name as the last chapter of the book, I knew that that is what that chapter was going to say. The first half of the book was slow, but then, my feelings for Rick went back-and-forth and back-and-forth and I couldn’t put down the last half of the book!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[kbreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It’s been ages since my body has been paralyzed by my mind. I’ve fought this. Bargained with a beast that resides in my chest and kept him at bay. But that’s over now. I’m not in control anymore."

Wow this is not what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Told from multiple POVs, cliffhanging chapters, and glimpses into the past, I found myself having a hard time putting this one down.

To no surprise, I really enjoyed the mental health aspect as well as shedding light on the dynamics of abusive relationships. Everyone seemed an unreliable narrative which kept me guessing. I'd be happy to read more from this author and highly recommend this gem on KU!

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

One dangerous accusation...one lession you'll never forget...

I am actually pleasantly surprised by this one. I don't know what I expected with this thriller but it was so much more than it was. There truly are so many twists coming from all angles that you don't know what to believe. Nicely played Ms Stewart.

We meet Elizabeth, a high school teacher who is not your average teacher. She goes the extra mile for her students because she knows what it's like to come from nothing, to have nothing and no one to look out for you. She's the teacher that students can have a laugh with, someone they can approach and confide in. Which is how Daisy comes to confess to something that Elizabeth is all too familiar with. She sees Daisy looking dishevelled and distressed one day during class and approaches her. After some prompting, Daisy reveals that she was assaulted at a party she attended after becoming intoxicated. Concerned for her student's welfare, Elizabeth tries her best to help. But then Daisy drops another bombshell. Her attacker was her own son, Bryson.

Elizabeth's world shatters as she tries to be present for both her son and Daisy but soon her credibility begins to crumble. Her care and concern borders inappropriate and she risks everything in her quest to be the person to her student she wished had been there for her at Daisy's age. But nothing will prepare Elizabeth for the hurricane that is about to be unleashed... and just how closely her past is tied to her present.

With her marriage at risk, her son suspended and her job on the line, Elizabeth goes down the rabbit hole in her quest for absolution.

Unfolding primarily through Elizabeth and Daisy's narratives, with the odd one from husband Rick, this fast paced thriller is a little far fetched in places but completely entertaining from start to finish. I honestly had no idea the direction it would take. And then comes the twist after twist after twist. And suddenly readers don't know what to believe. Is Elizabeth being gaslighted? Are we? What is true? And what is fiction?

A delightfully entertaining thriller that came together nicely with a satisfactory end. Trigger warnings of sexual assault and mental illness.

I would like to thank #DanielleStewart, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheTeacher in exchange for an honest review.

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

[Kate Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended up being such a pleasant surprise.
When i first started reading, I wasn't overly impressed with the writing style. I thought it was very simple, but soon that 'simple' style became completely engrossing! It made the pacing super quick, and I was completely hooked. There were so many twists and turns in this book, just when you thought it was coming to an end and everything was about to be wrapped up, there was yet another twist. It became quite laughable really - I don't think i've ever read a thriller with so many last minute detours in the plot.
That being said, I really loved this book. I loved how you couldn't trust anyone, and the lines between the protagonists and antagonists were so blurred.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this heart-poundingly addictive & twisty #psychologicalthriller, Elizabeth is faced with a terrible situation. She’s had an idealistic adult life, but her world is turned up suave down and she’s torn over what she should do. This one had my mind shocked with the twists.
Thank you, Danielle Stewart, Book, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow this book had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, this is a book that I couldn't out down and I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Andy Loftus · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Teacher by Danielle Stewart is a twisting familial thriller with an interesting plot context which I felt underwhelmed in its delivery, for two reasons which I'll come to later.

Elizabeth is a devoted wife, mother, sister and teacher who has a past of unspoken hardship and possible abuse who has put it all behind her to make a perfect family life. She prides herself upon being an approachable teacher at her High School and one day when she notices that Daisy, her student, is struggling and she teases out the admission that Daisy has been subject of a rape, whilst drunk at a student party. However, when Daisy identifies Elizabeths own son, Bryson, as the perpetrator Elizabeth is forced to challenge herself to do right by her student or support her son. Is Daisy mistaken, or is her son one of those kids that she has always willed him not to be.

Sounds an interesting storyline as it stands, right? Unfortunately, this is where things go south for me, with my first reason why I felt the book was lacking.  Elizabeth makes some decidedly dodgy decisions when the possible news of her son's involvement is unearthed.  You have to think who on earth would make any decisions without at least the briefest of considerations as to the consequences of her actions? I was left almost ignoring the direction that the book was taking by thinking over the top of it "Well, you have only got yourself to blame here! If only you'd have thought this through!".  This wasn't restricted to her actions after the initial plot disclosure, but became more apparent as Elizabeth's history was explained. She clearly has made incredibly poor life-choices a hobby!

This leads on to the second distraction. I like a twisty plot as much as the next reader, but this has to be within reason. The Teacher gets to the point where the plot shifts direction every 10-15 pages or so, at times barely explained at all and on a couple of occasions completely unnecessarily. There's one plot reveal at the end of the book which is completely irrelevant to the story and almost seems like it was included to get the word count up. This isn't such an issue at the end of the book, but does demonstrate the level of frustration that you can feel.

This isn't necessarily a bad book, it's just one which you feel lets you down as there are two counts of implausibility which disenchants the reader. I think this book is one from early in the author's writing and this may explain why I didn't enjoy it as much as The Boyfriend Loophole, which also had a creative storyline, but was without the excessive plot changes. Overall only ⭐⭐ for this one, but I will persevere with the author, but will likely read some of the more lower scoring reviews in the future.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Interesting Ride with "The Teacher" by Danielle Stewart

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

"The Teacher" by Danielle Stewart, published by Bookouture, takes readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns. As an educator myself, I found the premise intriguing, but there were aspects that left me questioning the credibility of the story.

The story centers on Elizabeth Meadow, a teacher who sees herself as the 'cool' and 'edgy' educator. Her life takes a dark and unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a troubling secret involving her student, Daisy. The blurb might give away too much, robbing the story of the gradual suspense it should have built.

One of my major concerns was Elizabeth's behavior, which was highly inappropriate. Her attempts to intervene in Daisy's life by texting her, giving her money, and coercing information were unsettling. It's crucial for teachers to follow the rules and protect students properly. Elizabeth's actions blurred the line between care and overstepping boundaries, making her character difficult to root for.

Elizabeth's superiority complex also grated on me. Her attempts to be the 'cool' teacher by ignoring rules like swearing in class undermined the profession. Furthermore, her erratic behavior left me questioning her sanity, or was she being gaslit by her husband? The ending, however, takes a surprising turn that challenges this perception.

Now, moving into spoiler territory, the storyline involving Rick felt forced, and his character didn't align with the shocking revelation at the end. The lack of a convincing explanation for his actions and the lack of logic in his choices left me unconvinced. The final paragraph involving a nine-year-old's actions felt unbelievable and added little value to the story, seeming more like an attempt at a shock factor.

Daisy's motivations also felt overblown and inadequately explained. Her extreme actions were hard to connect with her character's background. The story left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding the sudden loss of her wealth.

Despite these issues, I did find the character development commendable, especially in Elizabeth's case. Her past trauma seemed to drive her unstable behavior. However, Rick and Daisy's characters didn't resonate with me as well as others did.

In conclusion, "The Teacher" is a mixed bag. While it had the potential to be a four-star read, the over-the-top events towards the end left me with a sense of disbelief. The well-developed characters and the exploration of Elizabeth's psyche were the highlights. I appreciate the opportunity provided by NetGalley and the publisher to review this book, and these thoughts are solely my own.

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Stewart's THE TEACHER is a twisty, riveting psychological thriller with a cast of unreliable narrators of a woman who befriends one of her students who needs help and gets caught up in a dangerous web of deceit, lies, secrets, and revenge that may destroy her entire family when the past and present collide.

THE TEACHER is a dark and twisted exploration of loyalty, family, and how far we'll go to protect the ones we love.

Meet Elizabeth, who has had a rough, traumatic life (you sympathize with her). She was left alone to protect and care for her little sister Jules at a young age, with an abusive father in jail most of the time and a mother in a mental hospital.

She did not want to go into foster care and risk being separated from her sister. She would do anything to ensure her little sister was safe with food and a roof over her head. Elizabeth has sacrificed much and works three jobs, and nothing will stand in her way to get custody of her once she turns eighteen. She has shielded her sister, Jules.

In the process, many men did not have her best interest at heart from controlling, powerful, and manipulative. She is untrusting of others, and rightly so.

Presently, Elizabeth is a high school teacher, married to Rick, a lawyer (older) with a fifteen-year-old son, Bryson. Jules, her sister, lives about an hour away and runs an investigative firm.

When she notices a young girl named Daisy down on her luck at school, she reminds her of herself at that age. She lives with her grandmother and has little food, and the water has been turned off. She would have wanted someone to notice her and help her back then. She befriends her.

When Elizabeth digs further, she learns Daisy was attacked at a party at her house. She was drunk or drugged and said no. Bryson held a party while his parents were away. Bryson was a good boy and would not do anything to hurt a girl or woman.

However, Elizabeth will not stop until she learns more about Daisy. As things come to light, her husband wants to send her to Bayview for psychiatric help. They think she is being obsessive. However, does her husband have her best interest at heart?

She does not know whom to trust. Who is lying? Who is manipulating her? Can she trust her husband, Rick? What about Daisy? Is Bryson telling the truth?

Things get complex, and the plot thickens as there are more back-and-forth plays than a tennis match. Told from POV: Elizabeth, Daisy, and Rick.

Your loyalties will change multiple times with a cast of unreliable narrators. Just when you take a breath, there is another jaw-dropping twist and the final one at the end that will leave your head spinning!

THE TEACHER is a twisted, mind-bending tale of deception, gaslighting, and falsehoods. What a thrill ride! Every character brims with dark secrets, and every page holds a surprise. This one will grab you from page one to the end. This novel would make for a great movie!

I enjoyed the students' opinions on the book discussion: "a blank canvas" and "love bombing." How older men with power or wealth seek out young women because they are looking for someone who hasn't yet found their identity.

Yes, there are some over-the-top moments; however, an entertaining domestic suspense thriller, I could not put down. Great characterization! I loved Elizabeth's character— for fans of authors Robyn Harding, Wendy Walker, Michele Campbell, and Mary Kubica. My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more!

Thanks to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for an ARC for an honest opinion.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 20, 2023
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[Mamadukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A PAGE TURNING THRILLER WITH A SHOCKING ENDING!
OMG! WHAT A SHOCKER! I finished this one hours ago and my head is STILL spinning! THE TEACHER by Danielle Stewart left me shaking my head in wonder at the author’s ability to weave a truly great suspense novel.

Elizabeth Meadows is an English teacher who had a very rough start in life but miraculously overcame the obstacles to become one of those teachers who not only teaches English literature, but also exemplifies compassion for her students who may be struggling. When a student comes to her with a harrowing tale of a sexual assault at a party, Elizabeth makes it her mission to be there for her. But crossing the line between teacher and student has gotten Elizabeth in trouble in the past, but she just can’t help herself even to the detriment of her own family time.

Meanwhile, Daisy is living with her grandmother in squalor and struggling with the sexual assault, and her unclear memories of that night. When her accusations place, Elizabeth’s son, Bryson in the crosshairs, she receives little help from her husband, Rick. In fact, she encounters, much resistance from Rick, who is 10 years her senior, a lawyer, and, quite frankly, a misogynist at the least. Interspersed throughout are flashbacks of how Elizabeth protected and cared for her younger sister, Jules when they were young. This upbringing was the catalyst for Elizabeth’s compassionate behavior. What’s that saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions? And no good deed going unpunished? And the ending simply blew me away!

As with previous Danielle Stewart novels, I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. It made for an enjoyable and entertaining a read. I will surely be thinking about this book for sometime and completely look forward to reading more of Ms. Stewart’s psychological suspense.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

[Sophie Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teacher was my first book by Danielle Stewart and it certainly won’t be my last. I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked right from the start and finished it within 24 hours.

Elizabeth is a teacher who looks out for her pupils. Coming from a rough background herself she is determined to look out for her students to ensure that none of them suffer or experience anything like what she did during her childhood.

One day Elizabeth can’t help but notice that something is wrong with one of her students Daisy. She confides in Elizabeth that she was attacked, she is reluctant to tell Elizabeth who attacked her but she finally does Elizabeth is horrified to learn that it is her son being accused of rape. Caught in a trap Elizabeth is determined to believe and help Daisy, however she is torn by the love of a mother.

Soon threats start to come Elizabeth’s way, her car is keyed, the word bitch is scratched onto her bonnet and she notices she is being followed. Someone wants to keep Elizabeth quiet but she’s determined this won’t happen. Her husband wants her to cut all ties with Daisy in order to protect their son and the family but Elizabeth cannot help to help Daisy.

Soon Elizabeth becomes to attached and involved with Daisy. Elizabeth’s life is turned upside down in a heart beat. Secrets and lies are revealed and the truth that comes out is more shocking than anyone could imagine.

Every time I thought I knew where this book was heading it took a completely different turn to what I thought. The end was very twisty which I loved and that very final secret revealed right at the end blew me away. I’d have never worked that one out in a million years.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC. I truely enjoyed this one!

Elizabeth is a teacher who cares. She has spent a great deal of her life trying to help others, even if it meant not doing herself any favors. But everyone has secrets. Elizabeth has done a great job at keeping hers until a student show up to school one day wearing the same look on her face that Elizabeth has worn many times. She recognizes herself in this girl. And she will do anything to help her. Even possibly destroying her family.

I would really like to give this book a 3.5 but *sigh* no half-star options. This book was a well-crafted thriller. It was obvious that the author knew where she was going with the story the whole time. It felt planned and complete. However, this thing was twisty twisty. I loved the surprises (some of them jaw-dropping). What could have bumped this to a 4-star read? I think the difference would have been less repetition. There were a lot of parts where information was repeated and it just got to be like "okay! We get it!" Less repetition would have made the story cruise along and felt more fast-paced. Also, I wish that Bryce had some friends come to his defense. It's so sad that he was a part of that school and literally no one seemed to actually be his friend when the shit hit the fan. Maybe that was intentional to show how lonely trauma can be, but it felt more like his situation with school and friends was solved by the home schooling and just put to bed. I would have liked for at least one person to rally around him. Aside from that, I loved the book! Keep em coming, Danielle!

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a story about Elizabeth. She is a teacher. She has a husband, Rick, son Bryson and sister Jules. There is a lot of talk about Elizabeth’s childhood. It was not good. Her parents were neglectful, and Elizabeth raised her sister from a very young age. Elizabeth did some shady things when she was young to survive. When she is very young, she falls in love with a guy, Tucker. A guy who is supposed to be helping her get custody of Jules. Tucker does help her, gets her a job, and apartment and Elizabeth thinks things are going well. Only problem, Tucker is married. So then fast forward Elizabeth has been married to Rick for a long time. They have a teenage son Bryson. One of Elizabeth’s student’s Daisy is struggling and Elizabeth is trying to help her. Elizabeth goes over the top in helping her students to the point where it is inappropriate. There was twist with Daisy that I really liked. I thought it was good.

The middle of this book was all over the place. It was just so far fetched, one twist after another that I found it totally unbelievable. I didn't love the ending with Rick. Throughout the whole book he is portrayed one way, then Elizabeth thinks another way, but wait not that's not true, and she's back to Rick is a great guy. I found it confusing and then you find out what really happened, hard to believe.

Also the very end with Jules made no sense. She was a young girl at the time of the incident, no way she would have been able to accomplish what happened. And where was Elizabeth at the time? She was suppose to be there. But Jules gets there and Elizabeth is no where to be found?

There were some holes in this story,

[Kiersten Pyrtle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth, a high school teacher, appears to have the perfect adult life—she has a beautiful house a teenage son, and a seemingly loving husband. When one of her students, Daisy, appears upset during class—she questions her to make sure she is okay. Elizabeth discovers that Daisy was sexually assaulted at a party—but by WHO??

I don’t want to give too much of a summary because I don’t want to spoil ANYTHING.

The Teacher is told from multiple points of view and with a dual timeline. There are so many twists in this book—at first it all seems pretty straight forward, but as more and more information comes out—you realize things are way more complicated than they originally seem. Tiny piece of advice—Do NOT skip the epilogue. There is a final twist that you do not want to miss! 🤯

I plan to recommend this book to others as well as continue to read books by Danielle Stewart—because WOW! 🤩🤓 I loved her writing style, it was easy to follow and kept me wanting more. 👍🏼

The Teacher will be released October 20, 2023. 🗓️

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC—I absolutely appreciate it! 📕