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The Head Teacher
The higher you climb, the harder the fall.
I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done. My past.
St Ann’s is a strict environment, and after one year in the coveted position of head teacher, I know I can’t put a foot wrong.
Some don’t think I deserve this. Others are desperate for the job themselves.
And one of those people wants to bring me down.
Whoever this person is, they know things about me. Secrets I’ve barely told anybody.
And I’m scared what they might uncover if they delve a little deeper.
And what they might do to me – and my family – if I don’t get to them first…
A taut edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, from bestselling author H. M. Lynn. Perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas
I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done. My past.
St Ann’s is a strict environment, and after one year in the coveted position of head teacher, I know I can’t put a foot wrong.
Some don’t think I deserve this. Others are desperate for the job themselves.
And one of those people wants to bring me down.
Whoever this person is, they know things about me. Secrets I’ve barely told anybody.
And I’m scared what they might uncover if they delve a little deeper.
And what they might do to me – and my family – if I don’t get to them first…
A taut edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, from bestselling author H. M. Lynn. Perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
334 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 22, 2024
This psychological thriller hooked me immediately and kept me guessing throughout. Having been in education for thirty years, I could honestly relate to all of the hard work and sacrifice that the protagonist went through. The pages were filled with true emotion and I applaud the author’s bravery for touching on an extremely controversial and deeply personal subject. Compelling, intense, and suspenseful describe this intriguing page-turner. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but definitely will not be the last. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
August 1, 2024
From page 1 till the last page, I JUST COULD NOT STOP READING THE DAMN BOOK!!!
Credit to the author for writing such a gripping tense unreliable narrator thriller as their debut thriller! You win!
This is the story of a teacher whose life crumbles down suddenly as her most guarded secrets becomes public information; on the brink of losing their job and losing their family and best friend.
What will keep you on your toes is whether you should trust the narrator or you should trust your instincts on who is really the culprit behind all this.
I just love the pace and the writing!
Well thought of and well done!
The ending is good if you are asking.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the advance reading copy.
Credit to the author for writing such a gripping tense unreliable narrator thriller as their debut thriller! You win!
This is the story of a teacher whose life crumbles down suddenly as her most guarded secrets becomes public information; on the brink of losing their job and losing their family and best friend.
What will keep you on your toes is whether you should trust the narrator or you should trust your instincts on who is really the culprit behind all this.
I just love the pace and the writing!
Well thought of and well done!
The ending is good if you are asking.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the advance reading copy.
August 29, 2024
"The Head Teacher" did not receive my top grade.
WHY NOT A 5-STAR REPORT CARD?
* At times, the storyline dragged
* Twists were unbelievable and contrived.
To the author's credit, character development was strong and the book was engaging.
I listened to the audiobook read by Julie Maisey, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
August 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Head Teacher by H. M. Lynn. I really liked this one. It was an easy and quick read. Once I started it, it was hard to put down. The writing was good and the pacing of the book was well done. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong! I definitely would recommend this book to others. A 4 star rating from me.
July 15, 2024
The Head Teacher by @hannahlynnwrites is a suspense novel about a principal who suddenly finds her world being turned upside down by a series of pranks and rumours that seem malicious or harmful are directed at her and her family. Despite it being a tough job, Liz is finally starting to feel like she has a handle on her role as Head Teacher. She even got to enjoy 3 weeks off visiting family over the summer where she barely even thought about school! But it has been less than a week back to school when an awkward and scandalous photo from her past ends up on the projector screen during a beginning of the year assembly, and before the parent emails even hit her mailbox she knows this is going to shoot her stress levels through the roof. Over the following days and weeks a number of other pranks and rumours about Liz and her teen daughter keep surfacing that threaten to ruin her relationships with friends and family, her respect as head of the school and even her job and marriage are at stake! Liz has to get to the bottom of this, even if she feels like she might go crazy in the process.
I loved this book, it was so hard to put down! I really liked the realistic descriptions of what life is like in a school, especially one where parents are a little too vocal at times - much like my school. It was very hard to figure out who was the blame for the tricks and rumours, and while I did make a correct prediction pretty early on, I doubted it all the way through until the reveal! The writing was really great, and I really liked the main characters. It's a great book so I would definitely recommend it!
Pubdate August 15, 2024
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read and review this one!
I loved this book, it was so hard to put down! I really liked the realistic descriptions of what life is like in a school, especially one where parents are a little too vocal at times - much like my school. It was very hard to figure out who was the blame for the tricks and rumours, and while I did make a correct prediction pretty early on, I doubted it all the way through until the reveal! The writing was really great, and I really liked the main characters. It's a great book so I would definitely recommend it!
Pubdate August 15, 2024
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read and review this one!
September 1, 2024
This psychological thriller was a gripping read but with a very slow start #KindleUnlimited
August 1, 2025
Reseña de "La directora"
Cuanto más alto subas, mayor será la caída
En St Anne's, una escuela donde las jerarquías son tan rígidas como los uniformes y el silencio puede ser tan peligroso como una acusación, una mujer alcanza el puesto de directora. Pero su ascenso está sostenido por secretos cuidadosamente enterrados… y alguien ha comenzado a escarbar.
Narrada con tensión milimétrica y un pulso psicológico que no da respiro, La directora nos introduce en un entorno opresivo donde las miradas esconden amenazas y cada aliado puede ser un traidor. La protagonista, brillante y temerosa, lucha no solo por mantener su lugar, sino por proteger a su familia de verdades que podrían destruirlo todo.
🔐 Perfecto para fans de Freida McFadden, este thriller psicológico atrapa desde el primer capítulo y mantiene la incertidumbre hasta la última página. Con giros inesperados, un ambiente cerrado y una protagonista que camina sobre el filo, es una historia donde la paranoia está justificada… y donde caer desde lo más alto duele más.
Elegante, inquietante y adictivo. Ideal para quienes disfrutan del suspense en entornos aparentemente intocables.
Cuanto más alto subas, mayor será la caída
En St Anne's, una escuela donde las jerarquías son tan rígidas como los uniformes y el silencio puede ser tan peligroso como una acusación, una mujer alcanza el puesto de directora. Pero su ascenso está sostenido por secretos cuidadosamente enterrados… y alguien ha comenzado a escarbar.
Narrada con tensión milimétrica y un pulso psicológico que no da respiro, La directora nos introduce en un entorno opresivo donde las miradas esconden amenazas y cada aliado puede ser un traidor. La protagonista, brillante y temerosa, lucha no solo por mantener su lugar, sino por proteger a su familia de verdades que podrían destruirlo todo.
🔐 Perfecto para fans de Freida McFadden, este thriller psicológico atrapa desde el primer capítulo y mantiene la incertidumbre hasta la última página. Con giros inesperados, un ambiente cerrado y una protagonista que camina sobre el filo, es una historia donde la paranoia está justificada… y donde caer desde lo más alto duele más.
Elegante, inquietante y adictivo. Ideal para quienes disfrutan del suspense en entornos aparentemente intocables.
Read
January 25, 2025The Head Teacher by HM Lynn, when I realized that this is the same author who did the Greek romances and the peas and carrots series I thought I would love this book but sadly I only found it OK. I do like her writing style in the fact that her characters for the most part seem like real people as opposed to a character in a story but the beginning of the book with the day today school stuff I’m sorry to say board me and although there was slight drama with her filling the shoes of the beloved head teacher previously I just wasn’t so interested I thought the killer Elsa what happened and as for the thing with her daughter and the previous incident I DK but when all the nitty-gritty started to happen I found it at best slow and hard to bite my teeth into if you know what I’m saying I did like Liz and in the beginning her husband I don’t know I am finding it hard to give a rating to this book as well as give it a brief review because of how much I love this Author, so I will just say if you like slow burn women’s fiction with a little dash of thriller then you may enjoy this book. I want to say I do love H M Lynn’s books so much… Just not this one, I am so sorry. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBook, #HMLynn, #TheHeadTeacher,
July 2, 2024
“The higher you climb, the harder the fall.“
“I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done—my past.“
This is the first psychological thriller by the author and thus can be regarded as a change of pace for her. In this case, her work is genuinely impressive! Many unpredictable episodes are revealed, and readers try to solve the mystery of what happened to her daughter last year and who is the culprit behind the turmoil in their family. Sometimes, it makes an unexpected twist, which is the story’s most exciting part. I highly recommend it to all thriller lovers!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
“I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done—my past.“
This is the first psychological thriller by the author and thus can be regarded as a change of pace for her. In this case, her work is genuinely impressive! Many unpredictable episodes are revealed, and readers try to solve the mystery of what happened to her daughter last year and who is the culprit behind the turmoil in their family. Sometimes, it makes an unexpected twist, which is the story’s most exciting part. I highly recommend it to all thriller lovers!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
June 23, 2024
I read a copy of this book on my kindle thanks to the publishers at Boldwood Books and NetGalley, in return of an honest review - All views are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE HEAD TEACHER…what can I say? This book had me screaming out at the characters as I was reading. Trying to guess who it was that destroyed the head teachers world! This is a captivating read and one that I do highly recommend.
Liz (head teacher), her husband and daughter’s lives get utterly turned around as the new school year starts. Liz works at St Anne’s, an extremely well known and respected Catholic School. It’s her 2nd year as head teacher and she really hopes it would be a much better year than the last. Her family have been through a lot over the last year, especially her daughter.
The daughter moved schools after issues she had where she had her heart broken (no spoilers). Liz and her husband supported their daughter through it and everything seemed to be going well, their daughter a straight A student across the board and Part of an orchestra where she played the oboe. She seemed happy to be starting a new school, her parents paying out for a private school.
Liz has her first week back at school for the new school year and term, she does all the back to school assemblies for the school year and when she hits the sixth form assembly a wave of panic hits her, a photo from her younger days which she used to rebel on the fact she was bought up catholic although they weren’t her beliefs. It was time that her life changed and her past caught up with her.
At the same time her daughter who had started sixth form in the private school received text messages of the photo that was shown in the assembly hall. At this point little did the pair know their lives were going to change whilst also tearing the family of 3 apart.
I read this book in less than 24 hours, I was hooked. Baring in mind this psychological thriller is the authors first in a new genre I have to say she has done amazing! So many twists and turns, trying to figure out what happened a year ago with her daughter and then thinking you knew who was the person destroying their family but then suddenly the plot changed.
I really connected with the characters especially Liz. I felt every inch of her confusion, her paranoia. I felt like I was also inside her head as the author pursued such an intense dialogue from within side her head and the thoughts Liz had.
The way the story was written and the way that her husband and best friend believed she was struggling mentally and everything that was happening was of Liz’s own doing leading her to doubt herself and myself also is just remarkable.
This book really was a “who-did-it” I was so set on the character I thought was accountable but my gosh. I was so incredibly wrong, I had my ideas and did suspect the character to begin with and throughout some parts however those suspicions where quickly dismissed as the I was led to believe it was seriously somebody else.
I absolutely loved how it did get very fast passed when Liz finally figured it out and I felt I couldn’t breathe. The build up of the story was really well written and it was a lovely read.
I really hope that this author continues to write some more books in the genre as I really believe she will go on to write some absolute masterpieces!
I really do recommend this book, I will be thinking about this one for a while.
Let me know what you thought of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE HEAD TEACHER…what can I say? This book had me screaming out at the characters as I was reading. Trying to guess who it was that destroyed the head teachers world! This is a captivating read and one that I do highly recommend.
Liz (head teacher), her husband and daughter’s lives get utterly turned around as the new school year starts. Liz works at St Anne’s, an extremely well known and respected Catholic School. It’s her 2nd year as head teacher and she really hopes it would be a much better year than the last. Her family have been through a lot over the last year, especially her daughter.
The daughter moved schools after issues she had where she had her heart broken (no spoilers). Liz and her husband supported their daughter through it and everything seemed to be going well, their daughter a straight A student across the board and Part of an orchestra where she played the oboe. She seemed happy to be starting a new school, her parents paying out for a private school.
Liz has her first week back at school for the new school year and term, she does all the back to school assemblies for the school year and when she hits the sixth form assembly a wave of panic hits her, a photo from her younger days which she used to rebel on the fact she was bought up catholic although they weren’t her beliefs. It was time that her life changed and her past caught up with her.
At the same time her daughter who had started sixth form in the private school received text messages of the photo that was shown in the assembly hall. At this point little did the pair know their lives were going to change whilst also tearing the family of 3 apart.
I read this book in less than 24 hours, I was hooked. Baring in mind this psychological thriller is the authors first in a new genre I have to say she has done amazing! So many twists and turns, trying to figure out what happened a year ago with her daughter and then thinking you knew who was the person destroying their family but then suddenly the plot changed.
I really connected with the characters especially Liz. I felt every inch of her confusion, her paranoia. I felt like I was also inside her head as the author pursued such an intense dialogue from within side her head and the thoughts Liz had.
The way the story was written and the way that her husband and best friend believed she was struggling mentally and everything that was happening was of Liz’s own doing leading her to doubt herself and myself also is just remarkable.
This book really was a “who-did-it” I was so set on the character I thought was accountable but my gosh. I was so incredibly wrong, I had my ideas and did suspect the character to begin with and throughout some parts however those suspicions where quickly dismissed as the I was led to believe it was seriously somebody else.
I absolutely loved how it did get very fast passed when Liz finally figured it out and I felt I couldn’t breathe. The build up of the story was really well written and it was a lovely read.
I really hope that this author continues to write some more books in the genre as I really believe she will go on to write some absolute masterpieces!
I really do recommend this book, I will be thinking about this one for a while.
Let me know what you thought of this book!
April 20, 2025
THE HEAD TEACHER By H.M. Lynn
The higher you climb, the harder the fall.
I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done. My past.
St Ann’s is a strict environment, and after one year in the coveted position of head teacher, I know I can’t put a foot wrong.
Some don’t think I deserve this. Others are desperate for the job themselves.
And one of those people wants to bring me down.
Whoever this person is, they know things about me. Secrets I’ve barely told anybody.
And I’m scared what they might uncover if they delve a little deeper.
And what they might do to me – and my family – if I don’t get to them first…
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Psychological Thriller.
✔ The intensity and the uneasiness was oozing out of the pages and into me. I could feel the MC's emotions.
✔ I am amazed with how the author wove a story surrounding a controversial topic.
✔ Doesn't happen very often but till about 85% into the book i was questioning bouncing from one suspect to another and whether there is any suspect at all too.
✔ Not what I expected the end to be at all.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ During the read there did come a time when I was like come-on. I think we can get on with it now.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, H.M. Lynn and Boldwood Books, for a copy.
The higher you climb, the harder the fall.
I would never have been hired if they knew what I’d done. My past.
St Ann’s is a strict environment, and after one year in the coveted position of head teacher, I know I can’t put a foot wrong.
Some don’t think I deserve this. Others are desperate for the job themselves.
And one of those people wants to bring me down.
Whoever this person is, they know things about me. Secrets I’ve barely told anybody.
And I’m scared what they might uncover if they delve a little deeper.
And what they might do to me – and my family – if I don’t get to them first…
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Psychological Thriller.
✔ The intensity and the uneasiness was oozing out of the pages and into me. I could feel the MC's emotions.
✔ I am amazed with how the author wove a story surrounding a controversial topic.
✔ Doesn't happen very often but till about 85% into the book i was questioning bouncing from one suspect to another and whether there is any suspect at all too.
✔ Not what I expected the end to be at all.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ During the read there did come a time when I was like come-on. I think we can get on with it now.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, H.M. Lynn and Boldwood Books, for a copy.
December 10, 2024
I couldn't stop reading!
Psychological thriller is not the genre that I normally read but as I love everything that Hannah Lynn publishes, I had to give it a go.
This story is so stressful but so well written.
I like the main character, Liz and how the other characters go around, even the ones that have a small role or look like they dislike her.
Psychological thriller is not the genre that I normally read but as I love everything that Hannah Lynn publishes, I had to give it a go.
This story is so stressful but so well written.
I like the main character, Liz and how the other characters go around, even the ones that have a small role or look like they dislike her.
July 27, 2024
*Thank you Netgalley and H.M. Lynn for this ARC copy. All opinions are my own and does not reflect on the publisher or author.*
When I saw a book called, "The Head Teacher," I thought, "Oh great, another book with a student/teacher affair," but I was pleased when I began reading that this book was not one of "those" books. This book is about Liz, a head teacher at a private Catholic school. At the beginning of the school year, she has so much to do, one of those things being giving a presentation to students. When she enters to give her presentation, she sees an incriminating picture of herself on the screen- one from 20 years ago that she has never seen. After she does damage control with the students and parents, Liz thinks that's the end of it... until an even bigger incident happens. Now it's not just her she's worried about, but her daughter, Sasha as well. Someone knows their secrets and Liz will stop at nothing to find out who it is.
This book had me thinking it was 2 or 3 people and then totally surprised me at the end. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I would recommend it to thriller lovers. There aren't too many cuss words and just a couple of possible trigger warnings.
When I saw a book called, "The Head Teacher," I thought, "Oh great, another book with a student/teacher affair," but I was pleased when I began reading that this book was not one of "those" books. This book is about Liz, a head teacher at a private Catholic school. At the beginning of the school year, she has so much to do, one of those things being giving a presentation to students. When she enters to give her presentation, she sees an incriminating picture of herself on the screen- one from 20 years ago that she has never seen. After she does damage control with the students and parents, Liz thinks that's the end of it... until an even bigger incident happens. Now it's not just her she's worried about, but her daughter, Sasha as well. Someone knows their secrets and Liz will stop at nothing to find out who it is.
This book had me thinking it was 2 or 3 people and then totally surprised me at the end. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I would recommend it to thriller lovers. There aren't too many cuss words and just a couple of possible trigger warnings.
August 22, 2024
The Head Teacher by HM Lynn, when I realized that this is the same author who did the Greek romances and the peas and carrots series I thought I would love this book but sadly I only found it OK. I do like her writing style in the fact that her characters for the most part seem like real people as opposed to a character in a story but the beginning of the book with the day today school stuff I’m sorry to say board me and although there was slight drama with her filling the shoes of the beloved head teacher previously I just wasn’t so interested I thought the killer Elsa what happened and as for the thing with her daughter and the previous incident I DK but when all the nitty-gritty started to happen I found it at best slow and hard to bite my teeth into if you know what I’m saying I did like Liz and in the beginning her husband I don’t know I am finding it hard to give a rating to this book as well as give it a brief review because of how much I love this Author, so I will just say if you like slow burn women’s fiction with a little dash of thriller then you may enjoy this book. I want to say I do love H M Lynn’s books so much… Just not this one, I am so sorry. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBook, #HMLynn, #TheHeadTeacher,
August 19, 2024
Wowzers! This book was one hell of a ride through the life of a Headteacher in a strict catholic school. Not everyone is thrilled that Liz got the job and so as she starts her second year in the role, she is determined to win everyone's trust, but someone has other ideas and is set to destroy Liz and everything she holds dear.
I was drawn in from the first page, the writing is excellent and the pace is fast. It was so hard to work out who was telling the truth and who was lying and, as Liz's husband, best friend and daughter pulled away from her and she became increasingly desperate to hold onto them and convince them she wasn't behind the sabotage, the tension was crazy high!
The author kept us waiting until the very end before revealing the truth and was it worth the wait? Absolutely, YES!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, H. M. Lynn and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
I was drawn in from the first page, the writing is excellent and the pace is fast. It was so hard to work out who was telling the truth and who was lying and, as Liz's husband, best friend and daughter pulled away from her and she became increasingly desperate to hold onto them and convince them she wasn't behind the sabotage, the tension was crazy high!
The author kept us waiting until the very end before revealing the truth and was it worth the wait? Absolutely, YES!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, H. M. Lynn and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
This book was a solid four stars for me. I felt like the character of Liz was completely believable when it came to how she was trying to succeed at her job and how she reacted when things from her past that were supposed to be secrets were brought up over and over again throughout the story. I felt like none of her reactions were outlandish and were very relatable to someone who was in her situation where she was trying to protect her child and also find the truth when no one was willing to believe her. This story was very fast paced and kept me wanting to read more to find out what the actual truth of everything was. I really like a story that has me questioning every single character until the end.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts in this review are my own.
August 22, 2024
I’m having a hard time rating this one, the story was good, when it got good … The beginning was confusing. I completely understand the moody teenager, and the stress of school, work, etc … but I wish there would,have been a little background so I know who I was supposed to be sympathizing with. The story took awhile to build up, then it was captivating, yet seemed to drag on. The author did a great job of bringing everything around/together, and showing how the pieces fit. The ending fell a bit flat. It was a nice, fast read - but not a gripping thriller.
August 18, 2024
Fantastic book! They are so many plots going on, which work well with each other and didn’t become confusing.
I really warmed to Liz and felt for her, especially while having to deal with the most annoying daughter, a snivelling gaslighter of a husband and the governer from hell 🙄.
I was constantly changing my mind about who was doing what and the final twist was an unexpected surprise, I loved the reasons why.
A must read for any thriller fan
I really warmed to Liz and felt for her, especially while having to deal with the most annoying daughter, a snivelling gaslighter of a husband and the governer from hell 🙄.
I was constantly changing my mind about who was doing what and the final twist was an unexpected surprise, I loved the reasons why.
A must read for any thriller fan
August 21, 2024
I'm in awe of Lynn and the way she so easily switches genre and always comes up with another brilliant book! In fact I don't think I've read anything less than a five star worthy read from her.
This is Lynn's debut into psychological thrillers and it certainly didn't disappoint. It only took several pages and that was me hooked and I didn't stop until I'd finished.
It's fast paced, twisty and certainly had me getting lost and taking the wrong path several times. I was left mouth well and truly agape with the final sting in the tail. I so love a book that comes with unreliable narrators and plenty of drama, and that's exactly what I got! The suspense and tension were real, and the plot brilliant.
A brilliant book by one of my immediate read authors. I'm already looking forward to Lynn's next thriller venture with anticipation.
This is Lynn's debut into psychological thrillers and it certainly didn't disappoint. It only took several pages and that was me hooked and I didn't stop until I'd finished.
It's fast paced, twisty and certainly had me getting lost and taking the wrong path several times. I was left mouth well and truly agape with the final sting in the tail. I so love a book that comes with unreliable narrators and plenty of drama, and that's exactly what I got! The suspense and tension were real, and the plot brilliant.
A brilliant book by one of my immediate read authors. I'm already looking forward to Lynn's next thriller venture with anticipation.
October 22, 2024
I literally couldn’t put it down, a slight slow burner but absolutely loved it. A few characters annoyed the hell out of me but over all great book.
July 10, 2024
I had high hopes for a gripping thriller from this book when I had read the description and praise; however, I really can't say that I was "thrilled" with this one.
While the author successfully brought the story together, it lacked a great deal in character development, likely due to having so many characters to remember with unremarkable names or distinguishing features to help make them memorable. I didn't find that I ended up with much of an emotional connection to Liz, the main character, or her family, which added to my lack of excitement for this book.
I found the first half to drag on with very little action, and I kept telling myself "this must get better". It took until 3/4's complete before any decent action really came up, and even the ending I was not shocked or surprised.
Credit where credit is due, the author tied up loose ends and brought the story around cohesively, but a gripping thriller this is not. I struggled to be captivated for most of this book and when a "twist" came along I had seen it coming for a mile.
The author has potential for a great psychological thriller and the plot was there, but the major lack of action, connection, and surprise really made this a drag.
Unfortunately I must say, this was not a page turner and I don't recommend it for your summer reading list.
2.5 ⭐
While the author successfully brought the story together, it lacked a great deal in character development, likely due to having so many characters to remember with unremarkable names or distinguishing features to help make them memorable. I didn't find that I ended up with much of an emotional connection to Liz, the main character, or her family, which added to my lack of excitement for this book.
I found the first half to drag on with very little action, and I kept telling myself "this must get better". It took until 3/4's complete before any decent action really came up, and even the ending I was not shocked or surprised.
Credit where credit is due, the author tied up loose ends and brought the story around cohesively, but a gripping thriller this is not. I struggled to be captivated for most of this book and when a "twist" came along I had seen it coming for a mile.
The author has potential for a great psychological thriller and the plot was there, but the major lack of action, connection, and surprise really made this a drag.
Unfortunately I must say, this was not a page turner and I don't recommend it for your summer reading list.
2.5 ⭐
October 18, 2024
Apart from a very strange part about donuts that I felt went on a little too long, what a book!!
Each time I had a theory it was soon disproven and the twist was, for me, very well done!
Each time I had a theory it was soon disproven and the twist was, for me, very well done!
December 13, 2024
Being a teacher myself, I knew I couldn’t pass up this thriller with a head teacher as a main character. And let me say, it did not disappoint!
Liz is starting her second year as the head teacher at a prestigious Catholic school. The previous year had been especially challenging for her family but they were working hard at mending their wounds and moving forward as a family.
As Liz plans and prepares for back to school assemblies with her students, she is horrified when she walks into the assembly to find the projector is showing a photo of her in her youth, having fun at a party, looking obviously drunk.
Trying to find the person behind the prank, she begins to question everyone around her including her best friend, her coworkers, and even her husband.
As more and more of her personal information, along with her daughter’s challenges the previous year, are shared Liz is certain someone is out to destroy her life.
Who has Liz angered? Who would want to hurt her both personally and professionally? And will she be able to stop them before she loses everything she loves?
This was a four star read for me meaning I was hooked quickly and stayed glued to the pages until the end. Being able to identify the person behind the cruel harassment fairly quickly made the read super suspenseful and enthralling as I waited for the other characters to put the pieces together. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to check out more of her books! I highly recommend checking this thriller out!
Liz is starting her second year as the head teacher at a prestigious Catholic school. The previous year had been especially challenging for her family but they were working hard at mending their wounds and moving forward as a family.
As Liz plans and prepares for back to school assemblies with her students, she is horrified when she walks into the assembly to find the projector is showing a photo of her in her youth, having fun at a party, looking obviously drunk.
Trying to find the person behind the prank, she begins to question everyone around her including her best friend, her coworkers, and even her husband.
As more and more of her personal information, along with her daughter’s challenges the previous year, are shared Liz is certain someone is out to destroy her life.
Who has Liz angered? Who would want to hurt her both personally and professionally? And will she be able to stop them before she loses everything she loves?
This was a four star read for me meaning I was hooked quickly and stayed glued to the pages until the end. Being able to identify the person behind the cruel harassment fairly quickly made the read super suspenseful and enthralling as I waited for the other characters to put the pieces together. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to check out more of her books! I highly recommend checking this thriller out!
December 13, 2024
Being a teacher myself, I knew I couldn’t pass up this thriller with a head teacher as a main character. And let me say, it did not disappoint!
Liz is starting her second year as the head teacher at a prestigious Catholic school. The previous year had been especially challenging for her family but they were working hard at mending their wounds and moving forward as a family.
As Liz plans and prepares for back to school assemblies with her students, she is horrified when she walks into the assembly to find the projector is showing a photo of her in her youth, having fun at a party, looking obviously drunk.
Trying to find the person behind the prank, she begins to question everyone around her including her best friend, her coworkers, and even her husband.
As more and more of her personal information, along with her daughter’s challenges the previous year, are shared Liz is certain someone is out to destroy her life.
Who has Liz angered? Who would want to hurt her both personally and professionally? And will she be able to stop them before she loses everything she loves?
This was a four star read for me meaning I was hooked quickly and stayed glued to the pages until the end. Being able to identify the person behind the cruel harassment fairly quickly made the read super suspenseful and enthralling as I waited for the other characters to put the pieces together. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to check out more of her books! I highly recommend checking this thriller out!
Liz is starting her second year as the head teacher at a prestigious Catholic school. The previous year had been especially challenging for her family but they were working hard at mending their wounds and moving forward as a family.
As Liz plans and prepares for back to school assemblies with her students, she is horrified when she walks into the assembly to find the projector is showing a photo of her in her youth, having fun at a party, looking obviously drunk.
Trying to find the person behind the prank, she begins to question everyone around her including her best friend, her coworkers, and even her husband.
As more and more of her personal information, along with her daughter’s challenges the previous year, are shared Liz is certain someone is out to destroy her life.
Who has Liz angered? Who would want to hurt her both personally and professionally? And will she be able to stop them before she loses everything she loves?
This was a four star read for me meaning I was hooked quickly and stayed glued to the pages until the end. Being able to identify the person behind the cruel harassment fairly quickly made the read super suspenseful and enthralling as I waited for the other characters to put the pieces together. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to check out more of her books! I highly recommend checking this thriller out!
August 18, 2024
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a gripping psychological thriller. I was drawn in from the prologue. The protagonist was Elizabeth Croft, headteacher of St Anne’s school. Reading her narrative, she didn't strike me as particularly likeable or kind, but there was something about her openness and honesty that resonated with me. In places, I felt she had a wry sense of humour that I enjoyed. Elizabeth seemed to make observations about others around her, and form opinions based on them, and it occurred to me that, at least to a degree, this is simply human nature.
The more I carried on reading, the more intrigued I became. This was a nail-biter that had me turning the pages quickly, and as the story progressed, I began to empathise more with Elizabeth. The suspense kept building, with some surprising twists along the way. If you are a thriller reader, you might like this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a gripping psychological thriller. I was drawn in from the prologue. The protagonist was Elizabeth Croft, headteacher of St Anne’s school. Reading her narrative, she didn't strike me as particularly likeable or kind, but there was something about her openness and honesty that resonated with me. In places, I felt she had a wry sense of humour that I enjoyed. Elizabeth seemed to make observations about others around her, and form opinions based on them, and it occurred to me that, at least to a degree, this is simply human nature.
The more I carried on reading, the more intrigued I became. This was a nail-biter that had me turning the pages quickly, and as the story progressed, I began to empathise more with Elizabeth. The suspense kept building, with some surprising twists along the way. If you are a thriller reader, you might like this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
September 2, 2025
Being in the teaching industry tempted me to choose this book as my next read. The nuances of being a head teacher/head mistress are familiar territory to me and I enjoyed feeling heard and seen through some bits of the storyline.
St Ann's is a strict, almost conservative school and being employed there is surely considered privilege. So you work with the same responsibility and polished vein that one is expected to have. Liz is the Head Teacher and as the story begins, her hands are full with the various tasks she must carry out not only first day of school but through out the academic year.
But, the academic year is was turning out to be everything that Liz does not want/did not imagine it to be. A scandalous photograph of hers from two decades ago suddenly surfaces on the big screen at the school assembly. Somehow she turns the episode into a moral lesson class and setting an example of how actions of some long gone sordid past could surface and bite you in the butt; how your digital footprint is so dangerous and how one is required to conduct themselves well in such trying times. Some private information could be put up on the internet and it would remain there for eternity.
This torture does not stop there. There are more sinister episodes against Liz than she could imagine. Hitting below the belt had become a norm and as Liz tried to make amends, she was heading towards losing her mind, her daughter and her marriage in the process.
Liz needed to get to the bottom of this as her revenge was not just hers anymore. Someone had been targetting her daughter as well. And that was something she would not take lying down. Old relationships are dug up, new ones are forged but nothing seems to be working. The mean pranks are now getting unbearable. With her career at stake, her daughter deciding to move far away from this toxicity, and her husband Jamie, reprimanding her to get her act together and also suggesting that she resign and take rest until she felt better again, Liz had to find out who was behind all this.
Does she find the culprit? Is it her mind playing tricks? Who could be wanting her downfall? Does someone want her job? Why would someone stoop so low just for a job profile? Would her best friend and husband be conspiring something against her? Or is there something else?
This book was largely okay. The story line dragged out on some chapters, which could have been snipped on the editor's table; I would have liked it a little more crisp. I did think that Liz was losing her mind and this story was about some psychologic haphazard that was happening. It gave me vibes of bipolar or schizophrenia or something on those lines, but I was disappointed with my deducing skills! I listened to the audio book on Everand [it is also available on Audible] amidst chores and work and didn't regret spending my precious, limited time listening to this one.
#bookreview #bookreviewer #audiblebooks
St Ann's is a strict, almost conservative school and being employed there is surely considered privilege. So you work with the same responsibility and polished vein that one is expected to have. Liz is the Head Teacher and as the story begins, her hands are full with the various tasks she must carry out not only first day of school but through out the academic year.
But, the academic year is was turning out to be everything that Liz does not want/did not imagine it to be. A scandalous photograph of hers from two decades ago suddenly surfaces on the big screen at the school assembly. Somehow she turns the episode into a moral lesson class and setting an example of how actions of some long gone sordid past could surface and bite you in the butt; how your digital footprint is so dangerous and how one is required to conduct themselves well in such trying times. Some private information could be put up on the internet and it would remain there for eternity.
This torture does not stop there. There are more sinister episodes against Liz than she could imagine. Hitting below the belt had become a norm and as Liz tried to make amends, she was heading towards losing her mind, her daughter and her marriage in the process.
Liz needed to get to the bottom of this as her revenge was not just hers anymore. Someone had been targetting her daughter as well. And that was something she would not take lying down. Old relationships are dug up, new ones are forged but nothing seems to be working. The mean pranks are now getting unbearable. With her career at stake, her daughter deciding to move far away from this toxicity, and her husband Jamie, reprimanding her to get her act together and also suggesting that she resign and take rest until she felt better again, Liz had to find out who was behind all this.
Does she find the culprit? Is it her mind playing tricks? Who could be wanting her downfall? Does someone want her job? Why would someone stoop so low just for a job profile? Would her best friend and husband be conspiring something against her? Or is there something else?
This book was largely okay. The story line dragged out on some chapters, which could have been snipped on the editor's table; I would have liked it a little more crisp. I did think that Liz was losing her mind and this story was about some psychologic haphazard that was happening. It gave me vibes of bipolar or schizophrenia or something on those lines, but I was disappointed with my deducing skills! I listened to the audio book on Everand [it is also available on Audible] amidst chores and work and didn't regret spending my precious, limited time listening to this one.
#bookreview #bookreviewer #audiblebooks
September 4, 2025
What I Loved:
• This book was gripping and catching right from the prologue. As the book starts, there are hints about things that have happened in the past for Liz, Sasha, and James that make you want to keep reading more to find out what's happened and how it affects the current day events. I also loved how much I was able to relate to some of the aspects of this book. Sasha, in particular, was very relatable to me when I was a teenager with the choices she made that have now come back to haunt her and made her want to leave to start fresh.
I also love how this book explored the idea and topic of a mom trying to balance both her work life in a new role that she had been working towards for 2 decades but also her home and family life and how it explored how sometimes it is not always easy and the repercussions that can happen when they are not balanced properly and how one may suffer more then the other and if sacrafcing family is really worth it in the end.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• This book really made me stop and think about how all of our actions have consequences, even if it seems like they don’t. Consequences really can show up at any time and anywhere, no matter how long it has been since we made a choice. What we do affects other people and sometimes can affect people we don’t even know, without us knowing it.
It also really made me think about how, sometimes, when we are most desperate, we jump to conclusions without really thinking about what it is we are saying or doing. Even the best of friends may accuse each other when one is at their breaking point, but also how relationships can make it out of difficult times if you really put in the effort to make it work.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• This was my first book that I have read by H. M. Lynn, and I wanted to give it a shot after reading Freida McFadden. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and being taken for a ride, where you won't see how it will end. I would also recommend it to those who enjoy reading books by Freida McFadden as well.
• This book was gripping and catching right from the prologue. As the book starts, there are hints about things that have happened in the past for Liz, Sasha, and James that make you want to keep reading more to find out what's happened and how it affects the current day events. I also loved how much I was able to relate to some of the aspects of this book. Sasha, in particular, was very relatable to me when I was a teenager with the choices she made that have now come back to haunt her and made her want to leave to start fresh.
I also love how this book explored the idea and topic of a mom trying to balance both her work life in a new role that she had been working towards for 2 decades but also her home and family life and how it explored how sometimes it is not always easy and the repercussions that can happen when they are not balanced properly and how one may suffer more then the other and if sacrafcing family is really worth it in the end.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• This book really made me stop and think about how all of our actions have consequences, even if it seems like they don’t. Consequences really can show up at any time and anywhere, no matter how long it has been since we made a choice. What we do affects other people and sometimes can affect people we don’t even know, without us knowing it.
It also really made me think about how, sometimes, when we are most desperate, we jump to conclusions without really thinking about what it is we are saying or doing. Even the best of friends may accuse each other when one is at their breaking point, but also how relationships can make it out of difficult times if you really put in the effort to make it work.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• This was my first book that I have read by H. M. Lynn, and I wanted to give it a shot after reading Freida McFadden. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and being taken for a ride, where you won't see how it will end. I would also recommend it to those who enjoy reading books by Freida McFadden as well.
October 1, 2025
✨ What I Loved:
• This book was gripping and catching right from the prologue. As the book starts, there are hints about things that have happened in the past for Liz, Sasha, and James that make you want to keep reading more to find out what's happened and how it affects the current day events. I also loved how much I was able to relate to some of the aspects of this book. Sasha, in particular, was very relatable to me when I was a teenager with the choices she made that have now come back to haunt her and made her want to leave to start fresh.
I also love how this book explored the idea and topic of a mom trying to balance both her work life in a new role that she had been working towards for 2 decades but also her home and family life and how it explored how sometimes it is not always easy and the repercussions that can happen when they are not balanced properly and how one may suffer more then the other and if sacrafcing family is really worth it in the end.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• This book really made me stop and think about how all of our actions have consequences, even if it seems like they don’t. Consequences really can show up at any time and anywhere, no matter how long it has been since we made a choice. What we do affects other people and sometimes can affect people we don’t even know, without us knowing it.
It also really made me think about how, sometimes, when we are most desperate, we jump to conclusions without really thinking about what it is we are saying or doing. Even the best of friends may accuse each other when one is at their breaking point, but also how relationships can make it out of difficult times if you really put in the effort to make it work.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• This was my first book that I have read by H. M. Lynn, and I wanted to give it a shot after reading Freida McFadden. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and being taken for a ride, where you won't see how it will end. I would also recommend it to those who enjoy reading books by Freida McFadden as well.
• This book was gripping and catching right from the prologue. As the book starts, there are hints about things that have happened in the past for Liz, Sasha, and James that make you want to keep reading more to find out what's happened and how it affects the current day events. I also loved how much I was able to relate to some of the aspects of this book. Sasha, in particular, was very relatable to me when I was a teenager with the choices she made that have now come back to haunt her and made her want to leave to start fresh.
I also love how this book explored the idea and topic of a mom trying to balance both her work life in a new role that she had been working towards for 2 decades but also her home and family life and how it explored how sometimes it is not always easy and the repercussions that can happen when they are not balanced properly and how one may suffer more then the other and if sacrafcing family is really worth it in the end.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• This book really made me stop and think about how all of our actions have consequences, even if it seems like they don’t. Consequences really can show up at any time and anywhere, no matter how long it has been since we made a choice. What we do affects other people and sometimes can affect people we don’t even know, without us knowing it.
It also really made me think about how, sometimes, when we are most desperate, we jump to conclusions without really thinking about what it is we are saying or doing. Even the best of friends may accuse each other when one is at their breaking point, but also how relationships can make it out of difficult times if you really put in the effort to make it work.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• This was my first book that I have read by H. M. Lynn, and I wanted to give it a shot after reading Freida McFadden. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and being taken for a ride, where you won't see how it will end. I would also recommend it to those who enjoy reading books by Freida McFadden as well.
July 19, 2024
Title: The Head Teacher
Author: H. M. Lynn
Rating: ★★★★
In The Head Teacher, the stakes are as high as the prestigious position at St Ann’s School. Liz has managed to secure the coveted role of head teacher, but it's a precarious perch, especially when her shadowy past threatens to come to light.
St Ann’s is a strict environment where perfection is expected, and after one year on the job, Liz knows she can’t afford a single misstep. Not everyone thinks she deserves the position, and some are eager to see her fall. One determined adversary knows more than they should about Liz’s past—secrets she has kept tightly locked away.
The tension is heavy as Liz races against time, trying to protect her position and her family from the unseen enemy determined to bring her down. The higher she climbs, the harder she could fall, and the suspense will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
The Head Teacher is a gripping tale of ambition, secrets, and the lengths one will go to protect their own. H. M. Lynn masterfully weaves a story of intrigue and danger within the seemingly safe walls of an elite school. Liz is a compelling protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, navigating the treacherous waters of her professional and personal life.
The book’s tight pacing and sharp twists make it impossible to put down. Just when you think you’ve figured out who’s behind the sabotage, another layer of mystery unfolds, keeping you guessing until the very end.
For fans of psychological thrillers and high-stakes drama, The Head Teacher is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by Liz’s journey and the secrets that threaten to unravel everything she’s worked for. Highly recommend!
Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books, the author H. M. Lynn & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Author: H. M. Lynn
Rating: ★★★★
In The Head Teacher, the stakes are as high as the prestigious position at St Ann’s School. Liz has managed to secure the coveted role of head teacher, but it's a precarious perch, especially when her shadowy past threatens to come to light.
St Ann’s is a strict environment where perfection is expected, and after one year on the job, Liz knows she can’t afford a single misstep. Not everyone thinks she deserves the position, and some are eager to see her fall. One determined adversary knows more than they should about Liz’s past—secrets she has kept tightly locked away.
The tension is heavy as Liz races against time, trying to protect her position and her family from the unseen enemy determined to bring her down. The higher she climbs, the harder she could fall, and the suspense will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
The Head Teacher is a gripping tale of ambition, secrets, and the lengths one will go to protect their own. H. M. Lynn masterfully weaves a story of intrigue and danger within the seemingly safe walls of an elite school. Liz is a compelling protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, navigating the treacherous waters of her professional and personal life.
The book’s tight pacing and sharp twists make it impossible to put down. Just when you think you’ve figured out who’s behind the sabotage, another layer of mystery unfolds, keeping you guessing until the very end.
For fans of psychological thrillers and high-stakes drama, The Head Teacher is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by Liz’s journey and the secrets that threaten to unravel everything she’s worked for. Highly recommend!
Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books, the author H. M. Lynn & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2024
Big thanks to H.M. Lynn, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to get an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Liz is the Head Teacher of the Catholic school she attended as a child. She is a person I personally don’t think I’d care for in real life but she was perfect for this book and storyline. She’s a bit pretentious, thinking everyone she works with is either coming for her job or just flat out beneath her. The story follows her experience as weird things start to happen that affect not only Liz but also her daughter, as they try to keep a secret. Is she crazy? Is someone after her? The author does a good job keeping you guessing up until the end.
Personal opinion? I thought the secret in itself that she was trying to protect was not as riveting as I initially thought it would be, pretty anti-climatic, so that was disappointing.
I gave this book a solid 4 stars, and I have 2 reasons for deducting the 5th star. 1) It was a very slow burn for me, which I’m not a personal fan of. There were a number of times I didn’t want to continue and the first half of the book was truly a struggle to push through because of the slow burn. That being said, I am glad I pushed through because once I reached around the halfway point, it really picked up and the rest of the book had me on the edge of my seat. 2) I felt the character development was lacking. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters, and the only development was really of the main character who I found obnoxious so I just struggled connecting which is one of my favorite things to do in a book.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth the read but just be prepared for the slow start. This was my first book by this author and I would be interested in reading another book of hers!
Liz is the Head Teacher of the Catholic school she attended as a child. She is a person I personally don’t think I’d care for in real life but she was perfect for this book and storyline. She’s a bit pretentious, thinking everyone she works with is either coming for her job or just flat out beneath her. The story follows her experience as weird things start to happen that affect not only Liz but also her daughter, as they try to keep a secret. Is she crazy? Is someone after her? The author does a good job keeping you guessing up until the end.
Personal opinion? I thought the secret in itself that she was trying to protect was not as riveting as I initially thought it would be, pretty anti-climatic, so that was disappointing.
I gave this book a solid 4 stars, and I have 2 reasons for deducting the 5th star. 1) It was a very slow burn for me, which I’m not a personal fan of. There were a number of times I didn’t want to continue and the first half of the book was truly a struggle to push through because of the slow burn. That being said, I am glad I pushed through because once I reached around the halfway point, it really picked up and the rest of the book had me on the edge of my seat. 2) I felt the character development was lacking. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters, and the only development was really of the main character who I found obnoxious so I just struggled connecting which is one of my favorite things to do in a book.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth the read but just be prepared for the slow start. This was my first book by this author and I would be interested in reading another book of hers!
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