The Private Tutor

by A.J. Carter

The perfect job, or a deadly trap?

It seemed like the perfect job at first. The doctor and his wife hired me to home school their son in the grand house outside of town. The hours were good, and the pay was terrific, but if I knew then what I know now, I never would have taken the job.

It doesn’t take long to find the wife’s bruises, but then more appear. I want to help, but she’s adamant it will only make things worse. Not that it’s my only concern – talk of the previous tutor’s mysterious disappearance makes my skin crawl and, when I get snowed in with the family, two big questions keep me up at night.

What happened to the last tutor?
And will I ever be allowed to leave?

THE PRIVATE TUTOR is the new psychological thriller from Bristol author AJ Carter, whose books are bursting with mystery, danger, and multiple dark twists.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Ebooks

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2024

About the author

AJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.

Sign up to his mailing list today and be the first to hear about upcoming releases and hot new deals for existing books. You’ll also receive a FREE digital copy of The Couple Downstairs – an unputdownable domestic thriller you won’t find anywhere else in the world: https://BookHip.com/WAXFLLP

Reviews

[Aaliya xx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was giving The Housemaid vibes just a wee bit. Kind of a slow burn but the ending was worth it I’d say! I was close to DNF-ing it (the climax began rather later than I’d have liked it to be) but really glad I didn’t. I pretty much liked the writing style. Good read :D

Character: 5.5
Setting & Atmosphere: 6
Plot & Structure: 6.5
Style & Language: 7
Themes & Motifs: 5
Narrative Perspective: 6
Reading Experience: 6.5
Average Score: 6.07

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Rating | Score Threshold
1 | 3.00
2 | 6.00
3 | 7.50
4 | 9.00
5 | 10.00

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! From the first page to the last, The Private Tutor by A.J. Carter kept me completely on the edge of my seat. The suspense was masterfully built, and then BAM! That ending? Utterly jaw-dropping – I did not see it coming. A five-star read that will have you thinking about it long after you finish. Highly, highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It did give off The Housemaid series vibes by Freida McFadden but that didn’t hurt it one bit.

[✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧ Bini's Era ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLOT-F*CKING-TWIST !!!

Not in a million bagillion years would I have guessed it end how it did.

The mystery of it was pretty good. Good for you, AJ Carter 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[maeve mcmahon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was very unimpressed by this??? Shocked that it is over a 4 star rating

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ Carter is an exceptional author who weaves a cleverly suspenseful plot, palable tension , engaging and suspicious characters, and shocking unexpected twists.
Carter never disappoints and has readers on the edge of their seats anticipating what the jaw-dropping revelation will be.
I love the authors addictive writing style and unexpected twist, and skillfully plotted story.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predictable story but confused writing. Why all the parentheses (brackets) like this? Why, when in the midst of killing someone, would a woman refer to her 'too-thin arms', taking the reader out of any sense of suspense?

[Gem Woodroofe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Wow… what a ride! 😳 It had me second-guessing everyone the whole way through. The suspense builds so well, and there were a couple of twists that actually made me stop and go, “Wait, WHAT?!”

I really liked how the characters were written—real enough that I could picture them, but mysterious enough to keep me on edge. Honestly, I flew through it because I had to know how it ended.

Only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is a few parts felt a little longer than they needed to be, but that’s just me being picky. Overall, it’s a super tense, addictive read. Definitely recommend if you love thrillers that keep you guessing right up to the end!

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite predictable but I still enjoyed this a lot

[Monique Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the reason I love psychological thrillers. The twists and turns throughout the story left me utterly flabbergasted. Just when you think you have a handle on the plot, another shocking revelation turns everything upside down.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is how it plays with your emotions. At one moment, you feel deep sympathy for a character, hoping for a particular outcome, only to find yourself rooting for another character halfway through.

The psychological depth and suspense make it an unputdownable read.

This book is most definitely worth the read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling, mind-bending experience. It's a shining example of the genre and a must-read for psychological thriller enthusiasts.

[Krystal Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This book was fantastic! I love everything by this author, and get so excited when he releases new books. The twists are always incredible, and this book was no exception! I had no idea how it would all play out, but I was definitely not left disappointed. I highly recommend this book, along with all of his others!

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uau!!! Este livro deixou-me completamente boquiaberta! Considero mesmo um dos melhores do A.J Carter até à data. Um casal abastado, com um filho que necessita de estudar em casa, contratam uma tutora, para substituir a anterior que desapareceu. Tudo corre lindamente até que a mulher deste casal, Nora, começa a mostrar sinais de possível violência doméstica e Emma, a tutora começa a envolver-se mais e mais numa situação que não lhe diz respeito. Richard, o possível culpado, um homem enorme e opulento mostra todos os sinais de ser uma pessoa com más intenções e o desaparecimento da antiga tutora Katie, paira na cabeça de todos os que vivem naquela casa. A criança, Jacob, extremamente inteligente, mostra sinais de medo e ansiedade perante toda a situação. O que vocês não sabem e vão ter que ler é que temos pelo menos dois enormes plot twists que vos vão deixar completamente rendidos a esta narrativa. A.J Carter já nos habituou a escrever bem, muito bem e é um dos meus autores favoritos de Thrillers Psicológicos/Domésticos. Muito, muito bom, recomendo!

Eng Review: Wow!!! This book completely blew my mind away! I really consider it one of A.J Carter's best books ever. A wealthy couple, with a son who needs to study at home, hire a tutor to replace the previous one who disappeared. Everything goes beautifully until this couple's wife, Nora, starts to show signs of possible domestic violence and Emma, ​​the tutor, starts to get more and more involved in a situation that doesn't concern her. Richard, the possible guity man of all of this, a huge and opulent man shows all the signs of being a person with bad intentions and the disappearance of his son’s former tutor , hangs over the head of everyone who lives in that house. The child, Jacob, is extremely intelligent, shows signs of fear and anxiety about the entire situation. What you don't know and will have to read is that we have at least two huge plot twists that will leave you completely crazy by this narrative. A.J Carter has already accustomed us to writing very, very well and is one of my favorite authors of Psychological/Domestic Thrillers. Very, very good, I recommend it!
@bibliotecamil_insta

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

In AJ Carter's "The Private Tutor," Emma's arrival at Wedchester sets the stage for an unsettling domestic drama. Upon entering the imposing residence perched atop a hill, she encounters a family enveloped in tension. Richard, the stern patriarch, barks commands, while Nora, his wife, bears visible marks of physical abuse. The palpable tension within the household suggests a dark undercurrent, hinting at the complexities and secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Determined to make a difference, Emma took on the role of a private tutor to young Jacob, offering him solace and support in the midst of turmoil. Through her patience and kindness, she forged a bond with the boy, unraveling the layers of pain that shrouded his family. As Emma delved deeper into the lives of Richard, Nora, and Jacob, she unearthed buried truths and untold stories.

Fantastic as always by AJ Carter, a suspenseful plot, great characters, twists, and the art of keeping readers guessing. Drawing the reader into the unfolding drama, leaving them on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
Thank so much AJ for an ARC of this brilliant book.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe classed as a slow burner ( which is fine ) the scene is set as Emma moves to Wedchester without job or home but finds private tutoring work for Jacob via his parents Richard and Nora, all seems perfect, but of course it is too perfect and as time goes on the secrets of the ‘big house on the hill’ and it’s occupants become clear as does the danger Emma is in
A clever plot twist then fires the book into a race against time tense exciting read until we are thrust into the very unexpected and ‘ohhhhhhh’ ending, had me foxed!
Enjoyed the ‘chatty to reader’ style of narrative and easy writing style alongside the feeling that something drastic is about to happen…
Also love the description given to a colour as Vimto
Another good read from this author which keeps you on your toes, never quite knowing who to trust….

[Roxanne Rampage · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. Can't believe all the 5 star reviews! The storyline drags along and is repetitive. Richard is supposedly a GP (doctor) but never leaves the house?

It got mildly exciting at the end but the big twist? Really??? Emma is a shrinking violet, doesn't stand up for herself and suddenly she murders somebody in cold blood? She had plenty of time to get her revenge while living in the house. Very implausible.

I've got all the books in a bundle on Kindle Unlimited but not sure how many I can endure.

[Phyllis Fried · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book that's impossible to put down, this is it. The tension builds from the beginning and never lets up. Told in the first person by Emma - the tutor. She feels the need to get away as there is danger lurking in the house. Someone is lying - but who?? The house is snowed in and escape doesn't seem possible There are twists you won't see coming and the book keeps you on your toes to the very end. I highly recommend this book.

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this story just blew me away! I started reading and literally could not put it down, reading and feeling so many different emotions as it lead me one way, then another until I just didn’t know who to believe. Then, lo and behold, it exploded into so many shocking revelations that I couldn’t possibly anticipate where it would lead next And the ending just added yet another twist which blew me away. This author is a genius! Cannot wait for the next book.

[Robin Ofsonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Saw It Coming

This book is so good that I read it in one sitting. I never saw the twist coming and thought there would be the happy ending that I was hoping and looking forward to until the end.
I still wonder what happens to Jacob and Amy. What or where did Richard end up? Although the shocking twist at the end of would be nice to what happened to the 3 of them without having to makeup my own conclusions.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not what I thought it was going to be!
What a great start for an only child, to live in a huge house on top of the hill, his father works from home, and his mother doesn't work outside of the home.
So it looks like a great opportunity for a person who is a private tutor who is looking for a new person to teach.
This was a very intense story, and the ending was amazing! I did not expect how things went.
Thank you, AJ Carter, for a good story!

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a ton of potential, but it really lacked depth, and the plot twists were decent but a little lackluster.

Overall, though, I did enjoy the reading experience - I just wished we went a little deeper into the characters' stories and motivations. Or, if we got more little hints and reveals that kept our intrigue up.

P.S. Can I just say that the house on the cover made me laugh so hard? 😂 I was envisioning a 20-room mansion, and the house on the cover is like 5 bedrooms max, lol

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Private Tutor - AJ Carter

Very strange story. Starts off rather boring… I almost stopped reading but it improves. The twist right before the end is supposed to be shocking, but it just made me think “big deal”. I was at least hoping for a satisfying ending but it was a complete disappointment.

[Rachael Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been 2 stars but I liked the beginning and the twist at the end (although this kinda came out the blue with no hint of it previously). It was entertaining enough to keep reading and some parts were quite funny. However it was extremely far fetched and the main character was quite annoying.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was reading the reviews for this book, I read one that said ‘plot fu***ing twist’
As the book came to a near end, I thought I definitely knew what it was. My jaw was on the ground..what a book…

And then the final chapter…the actual plot hits!!!! This’ll take me a few days to recover😯🤩 but not before I purchase my next AJ Carter book!!!

[Shelley Whipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year! I read the entire thing in one day! It certainly did not disappoint and oh my God the ending was phenomenal!! If thrillers are your genre then this is a MUST READ!!!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat, flipping pages, non-stop! I never knew what to expect next. The drama, danger and suspense was heart stopping. The plot was fantastic with a surprise twist. It’s a great read.

[Erin Fels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book throughout!!!! Highly recommend. You will not see the twist coming! At least, I didn’t at the very end, and I’m usually really good at figuring everything out.

I loved the character development. How the story builds.

Definitely an author I want to read more of!!

[Ritta Kloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

What a ride! This was incredibly well written and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
The shocking twist was two fold…I most certainly did not expect what happened and no one else will either! A definite must read!

[celene irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent

When reading this book it is very hard to tell what is going to happen or how it will turn out. You definitely want expect the ending. It was a very easy book to read and follow. I enjoyed it thoroughly

[TheresaK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked twist

Mesmerizing reading. I wanted to stop, but couldn’t. These people carried on such deceptions that it is amazing they could go a day and keep their stories straight. Seems like every turn had something terrorizing going on.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the twists and turns.

I enjoyed reading this book and never expected the ending. I can honestly say I was shocked. I like AJ Carter's writings and love Psychological Thrillers. If you love books that keep you on the edge of your seat you will enjoy his books.

[MS Meagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really silly book with the most ridiculously stupid protagonist ever. Matter how often she calls herself “dumb” it doesn’t take away from the ludicrousness of her actions which are blatantly just to move the plot along - more believable alternatives could have been found.