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Quiet Teacher Mystery #2
Two Times Murder
Greg Abimbola is many things. He's Black, British and fluent in Russian. He's a snappy dresser, a reasonable teacher, and an unenthusiastic sports fan. But most of all, he's exceptional at keeping secrets. Like, who he really is, and the things he's done.
Determined to keep his head down after helping solve a murder in the school basement, Greg fears a trap when Sergeant Rachel Lev of the Pittsburgh police corners him in his apartment. Because his refusal to take credit isn't modesty, it's a survival tactic.
But Rachel is here on another matter entirely. She needs his help. She's lead detective on the homicide of an unidentified man fished from the Allegheny River. With clues scant, and surrounded by colleagues who'd love to see her side-lined, Greg is her final roll of the dice.
Greg has no choice. He knows more than he's saying about Rachel's mysterious corpse. To add to his troubles, a school trustee plunges to his demise after a heated board meeting. Both deaths come with potentially lethal consequences. If he doesn't find answers, and soon, Greg Abimbola might be the third man on the autopsy table.
Determined to keep his head down after helping solve a murder in the school basement, Greg fears a trap when Sergeant Rachel Lev of the Pittsburgh police corners him in his apartment. Because his refusal to take credit isn't modesty, it's a survival tactic.
But Rachel is here on another matter entirely. She needs his help. She's lead detective on the homicide of an unidentified man fished from the Allegheny River. With clues scant, and surrounded by colleagues who'd love to see her side-lined, Greg is her final roll of the dice.
Greg has no choice. He knows more than he's saying about Rachel's mysterious corpse. To add to his troubles, a school trustee plunges to his demise after a heated board meeting. Both deaths come with potentially lethal consequences. If he doesn't find answers, and soon, Greg Abimbola might be the third man on the autopsy table.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2024
55 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Adam Oyebanji
5 books122 followersAdam Oyebanji is an SF/Crime novelist whose work blends thrilling plots with thought-provoking ideas, often exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the occasional whodunnit. His work has been praised for its originality, rich world-building, and sharp storytelling. Born in the United Kingdom but having spent much of his time in the United States and West Africa, Adam draws on a global perspective shaped by a career in law and a lifelong passion for speculative fiction and murder mysteries. He is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, the British Science Fiction Association, and the Crime Writers’ Association.
When not writing, Adam works as a lawyer specializing in counter-terrorist financing. A profession that has taken him to places significantly stranger than fiction.
When not writing, Adam works as a lawyer specializing in counter-terrorist financing. A profession that has taken him to places significantly stranger than fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
didn-t-finish
December 22, 2024I completed 25% of this book but decided not to finish. I found it difficult to fully engage with the lead character or the story which I believe may be due to not having read the first book in the series. With so many other books vying for my reading time, I put this aside officially today.
October 25, 2024
I couldn’t get through this- I tried two separate times and ended up DNF-ing the book at about 65%. I recommend other readers read and assess to make their own judgement to the book as I did really enjoy the first book.
December 31, 2024
Entertaining enough, but the plot is so contrived as to be beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. Still, the main character is intriguing and the series continues to hold my interest in spite of some obvious flaws.
November 13, 2024
This is the first time I have read a book by this author. It is the second book in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. This book caught my eye mainly because of the cover but also because of the title.
The synopsis gives a great idea of Greg Abimbola, a Russian language teacher, French speaker, British, Black, and enigma. There is a connection with the previous book, and there are mentions of this in this book. Detective Rachel Lev worked with Greg before, so it is natural to come to him for help with a body found washed up.
This is a book that has a lot of quieter moments in it as Greg tries to work out the connection between the body, not giving Rachel too much information, trying to stay alive himself, working out what the GRU is doing in the US and also against a woke, racist, elitist college who his friend and fellow teacher is supposedly going to work for. Now this does seem a lot when I have mentioned that this is a quieter book, a lot of the story has links in a roundabout way but there is also a good amount of conjecture.
I like it when foreign persons who are part of government groups get involved; it automatically means I am suspicious, and this was very true for this book. Greg is a very likeable character but also cautious for a reason. Some of this is imparted through the story, and he has connections that a "regular" teacher simply would not have.
Mixing several elements could have made this confusing, but the author kept them all under control to create a wonderful story. A mix of mystery, crime, conspiracy, politics and suspense. This is the second book but it does work well as a standalone and I will keep an eye out for the next in the series. I am very happy to recommend this one.
The synopsis gives a great idea of Greg Abimbola, a Russian language teacher, French speaker, British, Black, and enigma. There is a connection with the previous book, and there are mentions of this in this book. Detective Rachel Lev worked with Greg before, so it is natural to come to him for help with a body found washed up.
This is a book that has a lot of quieter moments in it as Greg tries to work out the connection between the body, not giving Rachel too much information, trying to stay alive himself, working out what the GRU is doing in the US and also against a woke, racist, elitist college who his friend and fellow teacher is supposedly going to work for. Now this does seem a lot when I have mentioned that this is a quieter book, a lot of the story has links in a roundabout way but there is also a good amount of conjecture.
I like it when foreign persons who are part of government groups get involved; it automatically means I am suspicious, and this was very true for this book. Greg is a very likeable character but also cautious for a reason. Some of this is imparted through the story, and he has connections that a "regular" teacher simply would not have.
Mixing several elements could have made this confusing, but the author kept them all under control to create a wonderful story. A mix of mystery, crime, conspiracy, politics and suspense. This is the second book but it does work well as a standalone and I will keep an eye out for the next in the series. I am very happy to recommend this one.
October 14, 2024
Thank you netgallery for the arc of two times murder I fully enjoyed it it was very paced it’s about murder mystery lots of suspense keeps you going loved the plot and the characters are well thought out 4 stars
January 13, 2025
I rather expect this series will at least be options for tv.
August 20, 2024
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 5th, 2024.
Writing: 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Characters: 4.5/5
Greg Abimbola is a multi-racial Russian with British citizenship who is trying to stay under the radar by teaching Russian at a small private school in Pittsburgh. But the book would be pretty dull if he managed to achieve that goal! He’s got an interesting and twisted history that unwinds slowly in response to the events brought to his doorstep despite his reluctance to accept them. There are several independent but connected plot lines — an apparent suicide, an unidentified body tossed in the river, and a DEI triggered clash at a neighboring elite school — all leading down some pretty engrossing paths. The writing is clean, the characters are diverse (in more than color) and have depth that is both quirky and sometimes inspiring, and I appreciated the (fairly) unbiased inclusion of a specific instantiation of the DEI/woke culture war.
This is the second book in the “Quiet Teacher” series. I look forward to reading future installments and will try to go back and catch up on whatever I have missed. I’ve seen the series labeled as “Agatha Christie meets John le Carre” and that’s not a bad tag line!
Writing: 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Characters: 4.5/5
Greg Abimbola is a multi-racial Russian with British citizenship who is trying to stay under the radar by teaching Russian at a small private school in Pittsburgh. But the book would be pretty dull if he managed to achieve that goal! He’s got an interesting and twisted history that unwinds slowly in response to the events brought to his doorstep despite his reluctance to accept them. There are several independent but connected plot lines — an apparent suicide, an unidentified body tossed in the river, and a DEI triggered clash at a neighboring elite school — all leading down some pretty engrossing paths. The writing is clean, the characters are diverse (in more than color) and have depth that is both quirky and sometimes inspiring, and I appreciated the (fairly) unbiased inclusion of a specific instantiation of the DEI/woke culture war.
This is the second book in the “Quiet Teacher” series. I look forward to reading future installments and will try to go back and catch up on whatever I have missed. I’ve seen the series labeled as “Agatha Christie meets John le Carre” and that’s not a bad tag line!
September 26, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Adam Oyebanji’s Two Times Murder is a captivating addition to the cozy mystery genre, blending the charm of small-town life with the intrigue of a well-crafted whodunit. This novel, the first in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series, introduces readers to a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
The story follows Mr. Finch, a seemingly unassuming high school teacher with a knack for solving mysteries. When a double murder rocks the quiet town of Harrogate, Mr. Finch finds himself drawn into the investigation. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel the community he holds dear.
Oyebanji excels in creating a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and hidden depths. Mr. Finch is a delightful protagonist—intelligent, observant, and refreshingly humble. His interactions with students, colleagues, and townsfolk are endearing and insightful, adding layers to his character. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic school principal to the gossipy neighbor, are vividly drawn and contribute to the richness of the narrative.
Oyebanji’s writing is engaging and accessible, with a light touch that suits the cozy mystery genre perfectly. His descriptions of Harrogate are evocative, painting a picture of a town that feels both familiar and mysterious. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, making the characters’ interactions a joy to read. Oyebanji’s ability to balance suspense with moments of levity keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.
The plot of Two Times Murder is intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Oyebanji skillfully plants clues and red herrings, ensuring that the mystery remains engaging and unpredictable. The pacing is well-managed, with a steady build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and surprising conclusion.
Two Times Murder explores themes of community, trust, and the hidden complexities of seemingly ordinary lives. Oyebanji delves into the idea that everyone has secrets, and that understanding these secrets is key to solving the mystery. The novel also touches on the importance of empathy and the impact of past experiences on present behavior.
Two Times Murder is a delightful and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories. Adam Oyebanji’s skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a long-time mystery enthusiast or new to the world of cozy mysteries, this novel offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heart.
With its intriguing plot, charming protagonist, and richly detailed setting, Two Times Murder is a promising start to the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to more adventures with Mr. Finch and the residents of Harrogate.
Adam Oyebanji’s Two Times Murder is a captivating addition to the cozy mystery genre, blending the charm of small-town life with the intrigue of a well-crafted whodunit. This novel, the first in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series, introduces readers to a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
The story follows Mr. Finch, a seemingly unassuming high school teacher with a knack for solving mysteries. When a double murder rocks the quiet town of Harrogate, Mr. Finch finds himself drawn into the investigation. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel the community he holds dear.
Oyebanji excels in creating a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and hidden depths. Mr. Finch is a delightful protagonist—intelligent, observant, and refreshingly humble. His interactions with students, colleagues, and townsfolk are endearing and insightful, adding layers to his character. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic school principal to the gossipy neighbor, are vividly drawn and contribute to the richness of the narrative.
Oyebanji’s writing is engaging and accessible, with a light touch that suits the cozy mystery genre perfectly. His descriptions of Harrogate are evocative, painting a picture of a town that feels both familiar and mysterious. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, making the characters’ interactions a joy to read. Oyebanji’s ability to balance suspense with moments of levity keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.
The plot of Two Times Murder is intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Oyebanji skillfully plants clues and red herrings, ensuring that the mystery remains engaging and unpredictable. The pacing is well-managed, with a steady build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and surprising conclusion.
Two Times Murder explores themes of community, trust, and the hidden complexities of seemingly ordinary lives. Oyebanji delves into the idea that everyone has secrets, and that understanding these secrets is key to solving the mystery. The novel also touches on the importance of empathy and the impact of past experiences on present behavior.
Two Times Murder is a delightful and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories. Adam Oyebanji’s skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a long-time mystery enthusiast or new to the world of cozy mysteries, this novel offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heart.
With its intriguing plot, charming protagonist, and richly detailed setting, Two Times Murder is a promising start to the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to more adventures with Mr. Finch and the residents of Harrogate.
October 31, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Two Times Murder is a very well written murder mystery thriller with light espionage overtones and is the second novel by author Adam Oyebanji featuring mild mannered teacher of Russian Language (and sometimes French), Greg Abimbola. Due out 5th Nov 2024 from Severn House, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a very well constructed light espionage thriller mystery set in Pittsburgh. Titular main character Greg is a suave, very tightly controlled/guarded language teacher working in a private school who is far outside the normal run. He's a former Russian intelligence (GRU) officer who has "retired" to Pittsburgh, he's of English and Russian extraction, and he's black.
Trying to avoid the agents sent after him from Russia and keep his lifestyle and job, of which he's become very fond, as well as staying on the right side of local law enforcement, is proving quite challenging.
The author writes intelligently and the characters are very well rendered, believable, and three dimensional. Mr. Abimbola is a sympathetic character and readers will relate to him. There are a number of characters in the book, and his building of a tenuous team, with custodian Andrea (from book 1), as well as Sgt Rachel Lev, a local investigator and reluctant collaborator, make the cohesive whole a pleasure to read. Pittsburgh itself plays a large part in the story and it's a palpable (welcome) presence throughout. Readers with familiarity with the city will find themselves transported; the author clearly knows his way around.
Although not derivative at all, fans of Le Carré will likely enjoy this modern take on a retired spy trying to forge a life outside "the Business". It's the second book in the series, but works fine as a standalone (with the understanding that the denouement and resolution from book 1 are discussed here, so expect spoilers if read out of order). There are a few moderately graphic instances of violence and torture; not extremely graphic or egregious, but they are there.
Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or would make a nice 2 book binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Two Times Murder is a very well written murder mystery thriller with light espionage overtones and is the second novel by author Adam Oyebanji featuring mild mannered teacher of Russian Language (and sometimes French), Greg Abimbola. Due out 5th Nov 2024 from Severn House, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a very well constructed light espionage thriller mystery set in Pittsburgh. Titular main character Greg is a suave, very tightly controlled/guarded language teacher working in a private school who is far outside the normal run. He's a former Russian intelligence (GRU) officer who has "retired" to Pittsburgh, he's of English and Russian extraction, and he's black.
Trying to avoid the agents sent after him from Russia and keep his lifestyle and job, of which he's become very fond, as well as staying on the right side of local law enforcement, is proving quite challenging.
The author writes intelligently and the characters are very well rendered, believable, and three dimensional. Mr. Abimbola is a sympathetic character and readers will relate to him. There are a number of characters in the book, and his building of a tenuous team, with custodian Andrea (from book 1), as well as Sgt Rachel Lev, a local investigator and reluctant collaborator, make the cohesive whole a pleasure to read. Pittsburgh itself plays a large part in the story and it's a palpable (welcome) presence throughout. Readers with familiarity with the city will find themselves transported; the author clearly knows his way around.
Although not derivative at all, fans of Le Carré will likely enjoy this modern take on a retired spy trying to forge a life outside "the Business". It's the second book in the series, but works fine as a standalone (with the understanding that the denouement and resolution from book 1 are discussed here, so expect spoilers if read out of order). There are a few moderately graphic instances of violence and torture; not extremely graphic or egregious, but they are there.
Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or would make a nice 2 book binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 8, 2024
When Russian spies ‘defect’ they get a different identity and disappear into a sort of protection programme. Greg Abimbola used to be Major Grigoriy Adamovitch Petrov of the Russian Military Intelligence unit the GRU, now he’s a teacher of Russian (and sometimes French) in a private school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has two features which make him standout from the other staff members; he’s actually English with a posh accent, and he’s also Black. A short time ago, he had solved a murder on school premises, thereby saving Andrea Velasquez, the school assistant custodian who had been falsely accused. He had managed to keep himself out of the limelight, but he had still become somewhat visible; visible enough that a GRU hitman, Morosov, had come after him, but then disappeared. A body with two bullet wounds was subsequently found in the river. Was it Morosov, and if so who killed him? Greg is desperate to know, but so are the GRU and he is ‘persuaded’ to investigate. A police officer from the previous murder is also suspicious, so he’s in a cleft stick over this, and not sure how he can get out of it.
Unconnected with this, the authorities believe that a local banker and philanthropist, Alan Mester, jumped to his death from his penthouse balcony, but his ex-wife doesn’t believe it. Greg’s colleague, Demetrius, was a friend of both Mester and his ex, and, playing on his successful outcome in the earlier investigation, persuades him to look into this apparent suicide. Despite his concerns about the danger he is in over the Morosov case, Greg takes on the investigation, with the assistance of Andrea who happens to be a computer whiz kid, only working at the school while studying part-time. Can he resolve this and escape from the GRU threat?
This is the second book featuring Greg and Andrea, but works perfectly well as a standalone. It is an ingenious welding together of these two investigation, and a completely satisfactory murder-mystery. The writing is crisp, chapters are short, plot rolls at pace, the characters are believable (disbelief happily suspended); the clues are all there but it needs a good bit of intellectual input to notice where the pieces are, never mind how to fit them together. This was a really entertaining read and I enjoyed every minute of it. No problem with 5 stars here. (Full disclosure – like the author I was born in Coatbridge, but that didn’t affect my views).
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Unconnected with this, the authorities believe that a local banker and philanthropist, Alan Mester, jumped to his death from his penthouse balcony, but his ex-wife doesn’t believe it. Greg’s colleague, Demetrius, was a friend of both Mester and his ex, and, playing on his successful outcome in the earlier investigation, persuades him to look into this apparent suicide. Despite his concerns about the danger he is in over the Morosov case, Greg takes on the investigation, with the assistance of Andrea who happens to be a computer whiz kid, only working at the school while studying part-time. Can he resolve this and escape from the GRU threat?
This is the second book featuring Greg and Andrea, but works perfectly well as a standalone. It is an ingenious welding together of these two investigation, and a completely satisfactory murder-mystery. The writing is crisp, chapters are short, plot rolls at pace, the characters are believable (disbelief happily suspended); the clues are all there but it needs a good bit of intellectual input to notice where the pieces are, never mind how to fit them together. This was a really entertaining read and I enjoyed every minute of it. No problem with 5 stars here. (Full disclosure – like the author I was born in Coatbridge, but that didn’t affect my views).
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
November 20, 2024
Adam Oyebanji returns to the word of spy turned Russian teacher Greg Abimbola in Two Times Murder, his follow up to A Quiet Teacher. It felt, at the end of the first book, that there was more to explore. And once again Oyebanji manages to deliver a clever (if slightly contrived) mix of espionage thriller meets amateur sleuth shenanigans.
Readers learnt in A Quiet Teacher that Greg Abimbola was a Russian agent who turned and was placed in witness protection as an English teacher at an upmarket private school in Pittsburgh. In that book, Abimbola’s past, in the form a rogue GRU agent called Morosov, caught up with him and he managed to navigate his way safe while also solving a murder at the school. Two Times Murder (as the name suggests) pulls a similar feat. When the book opens, more GRU operatives have found Greg and want him to find out what happened to Morosov, while a police detective wants his help solving the murder of an unknown man found in the river. Not long after his colleague (and the only other Black member of staff at the school) asks him to investigate the apparent suicide of a Board member of the other local private school.
All of which makes Two Times Murder feel a little over stuffed, and it is also all a bit far fetched but Oyebanji makes it work. The key to this series is in just enjoying the way Abimbola keeps his cover and manages to explain away hints to his other life, all the while solving two murders. Abimbola is a great central character and he is ably supported by a fascinating cast of side characters, including a few of his students (yes, he fixes some of their problems too). Along the way, Oyebanji gets to dig into issues of misogyny, racism, religion, sexual identity and the anti-diversity push in American schools.
Continually returning to the scenario of an amateur detective in a limited environment is a tough one, but one that can be navigated with the good will of the reader (or viewer – Only Murders in the Building has now gotten away with it for four seasons). After a murder at his school and a murder at the school next door, it is hard to imagine that Abimbola will have to deal with more school-based murders. But he has a relationship with the local police now and is still living under threat of being exposed as a former spy so there is plenty for Oyebanji to play with in a potential next entry in this enjoyable series.
Readers learnt in A Quiet Teacher that Greg Abimbola was a Russian agent who turned and was placed in witness protection as an English teacher at an upmarket private school in Pittsburgh. In that book, Abimbola’s past, in the form a rogue GRU agent called Morosov, caught up with him and he managed to navigate his way safe while also solving a murder at the school. Two Times Murder (as the name suggests) pulls a similar feat. When the book opens, more GRU operatives have found Greg and want him to find out what happened to Morosov, while a police detective wants his help solving the murder of an unknown man found in the river. Not long after his colleague (and the only other Black member of staff at the school) asks him to investigate the apparent suicide of a Board member of the other local private school.
All of which makes Two Times Murder feel a little over stuffed, and it is also all a bit far fetched but Oyebanji makes it work. The key to this series is in just enjoying the way Abimbola keeps his cover and manages to explain away hints to his other life, all the while solving two murders. Abimbola is a great central character and he is ably supported by a fascinating cast of side characters, including a few of his students (yes, he fixes some of their problems too). Along the way, Oyebanji gets to dig into issues of misogyny, racism, religion, sexual identity and the anti-diversity push in American schools.
Continually returning to the scenario of an amateur detective in a limited environment is a tough one, but one that can be navigated with the good will of the reader (or viewer – Only Murders in the Building has now gotten away with it for four seasons). After a murder at his school and a murder at the school next door, it is hard to imagine that Abimbola will have to deal with more school-based murders. But he has a relationship with the local police now and is still living under threat of being exposed as a former spy so there is plenty for Oyebanji to play with in a potential next entry in this enjoyable series.
October 17, 2025
It’s ironic that a man accustomed to keeping a very low profile and not making friends (he’s a spy, after all) now has two staunch friends: Andrea Velasquez and Demetrius Freedman. Both have talked him up to those they know, after Greg solved the Belcade murder at Caverhill Academy, an exclusive private high school in Pittsburgh.
Greg is dragged into another murder investigation, actually two of them, in his second entry in the "Quiet Teacher" series. Detective Rachel Lev, one of the detectives in the Belcade case, comes to Greg out of desperation. A body was found beneath a bridge, and she wants Greg's help identifying the man as she has no leads. He provides her with some starting ideas, then the next morning is kidnapped by the very people he's been worried will find him, the GRU (Russia’s military intelligence outfit). Greg is blackmailed by his former boss into investigating the same case Rachel brought to him. He's told to determine if the dead man is actually Morosov, the man intent on killing Greg in book one.
Then, Demetrius begs Greg to investigate another case: a Board member of a different private school, and one that Demetrius has just been hired by, dies, and though the death is ruled a suicide, Demetrius, and the dead man's ex-wife, are convinced that the man, who loved too much about his wealthy life to take a plunge off his penthouse balcony.
Greg naturally ropes in Andrea for all his tech inquiries (she, too, is looking to move on from Caverhill) and he slowly amasses a number of facts about the dead man, his associates, and his habits, eventually leading him to a surprising conclusion.
I totally enjoyed this second entry in this series. Greg is still wrestling with his religious beliefs versus his sexual desires, and he's decided that he likes his simpler, safer life as a Russian and sometimes French language teacher. He has a lot to lose when the GRU comes threatening, so he's highly motivated to find answers.
I like how author Adam Oyebanji mixes espionage with murder mystery, while also commenting on the pervasive racism amongst the wealthy in the city. I was gripped from the outset, and liked the way the novel wrapped up. I hope we get to see Greg in action again.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Severn House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Greg is dragged into another murder investigation, actually two of them, in his second entry in the "Quiet Teacher" series. Detective Rachel Lev, one of the detectives in the Belcade case, comes to Greg out of desperation. A body was found beneath a bridge, and she wants Greg's help identifying the man as she has no leads. He provides her with some starting ideas, then the next morning is kidnapped by the very people he's been worried will find him, the GRU (Russia’s military intelligence outfit). Greg is blackmailed by his former boss into investigating the same case Rachel brought to him. He's told to determine if the dead man is actually Morosov, the man intent on killing Greg in book one.
Then, Demetrius begs Greg to investigate another case: a Board member of a different private school, and one that Demetrius has just been hired by, dies, and though the death is ruled a suicide, Demetrius, and the dead man's ex-wife, are convinced that the man, who loved too much about his wealthy life to take a plunge off his penthouse balcony.
Greg naturally ropes in Andrea for all his tech inquiries (she, too, is looking to move on from Caverhill) and he slowly amasses a number of facts about the dead man, his associates, and his habits, eventually leading him to a surprising conclusion.
I totally enjoyed this second entry in this series. Greg is still wrestling with his religious beliefs versus his sexual desires, and he's decided that he likes his simpler, safer life as a Russian and sometimes French language teacher. He has a lot to lose when the GRU comes threatening, so he's highly motivated to find answers.
I like how author Adam Oyebanji mixes espionage with murder mystery, while also commenting on the pervasive racism amongst the wealthy in the city. I was gripped from the outset, and liked the way the novel wrapped up. I hope we get to see Greg in action again.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Severn House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 29, 2024
Two Times Murder is a multifaceted story told in an extraordinary way. I have not quite read a story such as this and I find myself wanting to know more about the protagonist Greg Abimbola and his side kick, Andrea Velasquez. Greg works hard at keeping a low profile, which is not working out great for him and Andrea, who is the assistant custodian at the Academy, is happy to help Greg out in solving the death of one of the Academy’s trustees. They are great team and their backgrounds make the story all the more intriguing. The other characters in this story make a great diverse cast of characters.
The DEI and culture war themes in the story had me pause at first when I came across the subject in the story. I had several thoughts on that score and was worried that this is a theme that would completely turn me off from wanting to read this book at all. Well I’m glad I chose to read this story and these themes were woven through fairly well without being obnoxious or in your face. After all, it is an issue of our day… I did find Greg’s remarks about what he calls “pampered, privileged white kids” to be somewhat of an issue especially since he is a teacher. You see, even what he may considered privileged and not having real problems in life is a bit of an assumption and a dangerous one at that. One never knows what goes on behind closed doors and all his students can be dealing with something that on the surface may seem insignificant or superficial but life teaches us that often times there is something boiling below the surface despite the backgrounds people come from. Greg definitely has room for growth.
I have not read this first book so I’ve missed a few details but this story made a great standalone and has me wanting to read the other book. An intriguing story with all the right bunches of a crime thriller. Bravo to the author!
Stephanie Hopkins
Book 2 of A Quiet Teacher Mystery
Side Bar: This book contains profanity but not so much that is distracting.
I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.
The DEI and culture war themes in the story had me pause at first when I came across the subject in the story. I had several thoughts on that score and was worried that this is a theme that would completely turn me off from wanting to read this book at all. Well I’m glad I chose to read this story and these themes were woven through fairly well without being obnoxious or in your face. After all, it is an issue of our day… I did find Greg’s remarks about what he calls “pampered, privileged white kids” to be somewhat of an issue especially since he is a teacher. You see, even what he may considered privileged and not having real problems in life is a bit of an assumption and a dangerous one at that. One never knows what goes on behind closed doors and all his students can be dealing with something that on the surface may seem insignificant or superficial but life teaches us that often times there is something boiling below the surface despite the backgrounds people come from. Greg definitely has room for growth.
I have not read this first book so I’ve missed a few details but this story made a great standalone and has me wanting to read the other book. An intriguing story with all the right bunches of a crime thriller. Bravo to the author!
Stephanie Hopkins
Book 2 of A Quiet Teacher Mystery
Side Bar: This book contains profanity but not so much that is distracting.
I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.
November 7, 2024
The first thing I must point out, and in my opinion it's important, is that this novel is the direct sequel to A Quiet Teacher and I think it’s important that you read the books in order. That way you will avoid spoilers which would seriously damage your enjoyment. Now moving swiftly on. I read, and thoroughly enjoyed A Quiet Teacher by Adam Oyebanji, it's beautifully written and really gets you involved with the characters. I came across the book when searching for something new to read on Amazon and treated myself to a copy. I finished the book and was hopeful that Mr Oyebanji might write more involving the protagonist. As you may or may not know, I review books on Amazon, Good Reads and various other places. I don’t get paid to review but am asked to give an honest review in exchange for the opportunity to read a pre-publication copy of a book. Some weeks after I had finished A Quiet Teacher I was looking on NetGalley to see what was due for publication fairly soon when what should catch my eye but Two Times Murder by Adam Oyebanji and sure enough it was my hoped for sequel!
Two Times Murder continues the story of Greg Abimbola the Teacher of Russian at the prestigious Calderhill Academy. Greg is still teaching at the school and various other characters also appear in the sequel but not to any great extent. This is a sequel but not a re-run of the same story. I will not expound further on the plot or I will run the risk of spoilers and I can’t bear those. Suffice to say that Greg remains true to his character an intelligent man with a history, who likes nice things. I find him fascinating and would like another book but feel in my heart of hearts that that is unlikely. I will however look out for Adam Oyebanji as he really knows how to write, how to engage his readers and keep them engaged.
I loved both of these books they’re different from the normal run of murder mysteries available and that gives them an edge as far as I’m concerned. I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough and hope that you will enjoy them too.
Very highly recommended.
Two Times Murder continues the story of Greg Abimbola the Teacher of Russian at the prestigious Calderhill Academy. Greg is still teaching at the school and various other characters also appear in the sequel but not to any great extent. This is a sequel but not a re-run of the same story. I will not expound further on the plot or I will run the risk of spoilers and I can’t bear those. Suffice to say that Greg remains true to his character an intelligent man with a history, who likes nice things. I find him fascinating and would like another book but feel in my heart of hearts that that is unlikely. I will however look out for Adam Oyebanji as he really knows how to write, how to engage his readers and keep them engaged.
I loved both of these books they’re different from the normal run of murder mysteries available and that gives them an edge as far as I’m concerned. I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough and hope that you will enjoy them too.
Very highly recommended.
November 5, 2024
I regret not reading the previous book in this series first but I did quickly pick up on the story.
Greg Abimbola tries his best to stay under the radar but there are some things that make it difficult, 1, he is Russian with British citizenship, 2, he has a posh British accent, 3, he wears an eye patch and 4, he is black.
Greg was a former general in the Russian CRU but had escaped and was now working at Calderhill, a private college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, teaching Russian and sometimes French.
When a body is found floating in a river with two bullet holes it went against the grain for Sgt. Rachel Lev of the local PD to ask Greg for his help to find the killer, Greg had previously assisted her in solving a murder.
Greg suspected that the body was that of Morosov, a CRU agent who had been stalking Greg, most likely to annihilate him.
Greg was in demand, he was also approached by the ex wife of local banker, Alan Mester who had jumped from the balcony of his penthouse apartment, his wife didn't believe that he had committed suicide and pleaded with Greg to help prove it.
Greg was ably assisted in his investigations by assistant custodian at Calderhill, Andrea Valasquez, a girl who was studying for a job in IT. Andrea was a computer wiz and Greg had helped clear her name from a murder rap so she was more than happy to help him, in fact she quite enjoyed it.
This book moves at a fast pace, the characters are diverse, the story has many twists and turns in the complex plot, it touches on espionage, racial discrimination and covert homosexuality. A quite unique and enjoyable story.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is my own.
Greg Abimbola tries his best to stay under the radar but there are some things that make it difficult, 1, he is Russian with British citizenship, 2, he has a posh British accent, 3, he wears an eye patch and 4, he is black.
Greg was a former general in the Russian CRU but had escaped and was now working at Calderhill, a private college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, teaching Russian and sometimes French.
When a body is found floating in a river with two bullet holes it went against the grain for Sgt. Rachel Lev of the local PD to ask Greg for his help to find the killer, Greg had previously assisted her in solving a murder.
Greg suspected that the body was that of Morosov, a CRU agent who had been stalking Greg, most likely to annihilate him.
Greg was in demand, he was also approached by the ex wife of local banker, Alan Mester who had jumped from the balcony of his penthouse apartment, his wife didn't believe that he had committed suicide and pleaded with Greg to help prove it.
Greg was ably assisted in his investigations by assistant custodian at Calderhill, Andrea Valasquez, a girl who was studying for a job in IT. Andrea was a computer wiz and Greg had helped clear her name from a murder rap so she was more than happy to help him, in fact she quite enjoyed it.
This book moves at a fast pace, the characters are diverse, the story has many twists and turns in the complex plot, it touches on espionage, racial discrimination and covert homosexuality. A quite unique and enjoyable story.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is my own.
October 3, 2024
Follow up novel to “A Quiet Teacher” which I thoroughly enjoyed. This one was more of the same- Greg Abimbola, a Russian Language teacher, working in an American school, is asked to help solve another murder by a fellow teacher who knows the deceased. He is also pursued by some nasty Russian spies who want him to investigate the murder of an agent, ,Morosov, , who was actually tailing him.
Greg has secrets of his own as the reader discovered in book one in the series and these secrets threaten to affect his current life as the spies who are after him are not very patient. Once he agrees to look into Morosov’s murder he has a bit of time to work out a plan.
He needs all his wits to solve two murders and keep himself and his family safe!
I enjoyed this book- I particularly liked the character of Greg who is just doing everything he can to start a new life and escape the troubles of his past but due to his special skills is asked by the police and his former employers to investigate who killed the two victims.. He is also harbouring another secret about himself which is explored further when a new college principal arrives.
Andrea, who works as a janitor at the school is also great- studying part time to gain a computer degree she is only too willing to help Greg in his investigations by doing a bit of hacking. Accused of murder in the previous book she is grateful to Greg for saving her and the pair make a great team!
A thoroughly entertaining read - I can’t wait to read more about the “Quiet Teacher”.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Greg has secrets of his own as the reader discovered in book one in the series and these secrets threaten to affect his current life as the spies who are after him are not very patient. Once he agrees to look into Morosov’s murder he has a bit of time to work out a plan.
He needs all his wits to solve two murders and keep himself and his family safe!
I enjoyed this book- I particularly liked the character of Greg who is just doing everything he can to start a new life and escape the troubles of his past but due to his special skills is asked by the police and his former employers to investigate who killed the two victims.. He is also harbouring another secret about himself which is explored further when a new college principal arrives.
Andrea, who works as a janitor at the school is also great- studying part time to gain a computer degree she is only too willing to help Greg in his investigations by doing a bit of hacking. Accused of murder in the previous book she is grateful to Greg for saving her and the pair make a great team!
A thoroughly entertaining read - I can’t wait to read more about the “Quiet Teacher”.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
August 28, 2024
Greg left Africa, escaped from his Russian handler, and believed that his position teaching Russian at Calderhill Academy, a private school in Pittsburgh was safe for him. Not so much.
He speaks fluent Russian, Latin and French, has one eye, and was a general in the Russian GRU. He also has an inventive mind and a dramatic ability to think "outside the box" and be adaptable while implementing planned scenarios and outcomes. He really gets the job done. A Pittsburgh cop from a previous case asks for his help with what seems to be a murder of a Russian national, and he asks a computer geek student for her help (in exchange for help applying for a job she really wants. That's not the only death that is not what it seems and wants investigating. The story is complex comminuted, the characters are totally believable, and most of the humor is muted but definitely there. Great story! Wish I could have read it straight through. Want to go read the first one!
According to Goodreads "he (Adam Oyebanji) recently took the big step of moving east to Edinburgh, by way of Birmingham, London, Lagos, Nigeria, Chicago, Pittsburgh (go Penguins!) and New York: a necessary detour, because the traffic otherwise is really, really bad."
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
He speaks fluent Russian, Latin and French, has one eye, and was a general in the Russian GRU. He also has an inventive mind and a dramatic ability to think "outside the box" and be adaptable while implementing planned scenarios and outcomes. He really gets the job done. A Pittsburgh cop from a previous case asks for his help with what seems to be a murder of a Russian national, and he asks a computer geek student for her help (in exchange for help applying for a job she really wants. That's not the only death that is not what it seems and wants investigating. The story is complex comminuted, the characters are totally believable, and most of the humor is muted but definitely there. Great story! Wish I could have read it straight through. Want to go read the first one!
According to Goodreads "he (Adam Oyebanji) recently took the big step of moving east to Edinburgh, by way of Birmingham, London, Lagos, Nigeria, Chicago, Pittsburgh (go Penguins!) and New York: a necessary detour, because the traffic otherwise is really, really bad."
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 22, 2025
Two Times Murder is a fast-paced mystery that blends espionage, conspiracy, and academic politics. I really enjoyed the rough plot, the sense of intrigue, and the way the story built momentum as it went on. There are plenty of twists, and the atmosphere is layered with themes of race, identity, and belonging that give the mystery some added depth.
That said, I found it hard to warm to the protagonist, Greg Abimbola. While his background as a former GRU agent makes him compelling, his personality and choices often made him difficult to root for. The references to the character’s homophobia - framed as part of his Christian beliefs - felt clunky and heavy-handed rather than nuanced, and it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending was vaguely satisfying, with Greg getting a chance to apply the skills teased throughout the novel, but it still stretched believability and felt a little too convenient.
This is the second book in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. It almost works as a stand-alone, but there are definite references and context from the first book that would make this one easier to follow and appreciate.
Overall, it’s a solid read if you’re after an intriguing, fast-moving mystery with some thought-provoking themes, but uneven pacing, a frustrating protagonist, and an over-the-top finale stopped it from being more than a 3-star read for me.
That said, I found it hard to warm to the protagonist, Greg Abimbola. While his background as a former GRU agent makes him compelling, his personality and choices often made him difficult to root for. The references to the character’s homophobia - framed as part of his Christian beliefs - felt clunky and heavy-handed rather than nuanced, and it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending was vaguely satisfying, with Greg getting a chance to apply the skills teased throughout the novel, but it still stretched believability and felt a little too convenient.
This is the second book in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. It almost works as a stand-alone, but there are definite references and context from the first book that would make this one easier to follow and appreciate.
Overall, it’s a solid read if you’re after an intriguing, fast-moving mystery with some thought-provoking themes, but uneven pacing, a frustrating protagonist, and an over-the-top finale stopped it from being more than a 3-star read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
Very soon after starting to read this book I realised that I would have been better to have read the first in series as a number of things seemed to refer to events in that previous book. It was however possible to gain an understanding of what may have happened previously and I was able to enjoy this as a standalone novel.
The leading character Greg Aminbola a British/Russian of color is to all intents and purposes a language teacher at Calderhill College in Pittsburgh but behind that quiet person is a very big backstory. Unknown to his colleagues.
Greg becomes involved in the investigations into two deaths while still attempting to stay out of the limelight.. The story becomes quite complex but still manages to move along at a good rate and kept me wanting to keep turning the pages.
The author also manages to add comments on racial bias in the USA and the feeling of white entitlement by an element of the population. All this along side Gregs repressed homosexuality and feelings that he has committed a sin.
There is a lot to applaud in this well written book and its a series which can only continue to improve.
The leading character Greg Aminbola a British/Russian of color is to all intents and purposes a language teacher at Calderhill College in Pittsburgh but behind that quiet person is a very big backstory. Unknown to his colleagues.
Greg becomes involved in the investigations into two deaths while still attempting to stay out of the limelight.. The story becomes quite complex but still manages to move along at a good rate and kept me wanting to keep turning the pages.
The author also manages to add comments on racial bias in the USA and the feeling of white entitlement by an element of the population. All this along side Gregs repressed homosexuality and feelings that he has committed a sin.
There is a lot to applaud in this well written book and its a series which can only continue to improve.
November 4, 2024
A complex, compact, clever, and topical mystery featuring a most unusual protagonist- a biracial Russian intelligence officer who has defected to the West and is now teaching at a private school in Pittsburgh. It will help I think to have read the first book which lays out Greg's path but Oyebanji does give enough back story to make this work as a standalone. Greg's trying to live his life but the Russians just can't quit him. And having solved a murder at his school and exonerating Andrea the custodian, he's found himself to be the go to guy when a man goes over the balcony of his penthouse and his ex doesn't buy that it was a suicide. Andrea, btw is awesome. This has a depth you might not expect, some of which doesn't come out until the last pages. It touches on academia, bullying, international espionage (great tradecraft) and I'm not going to spoil the rest. It's also got a few softer moments notably because Greg and one of the students as well as with the new Head of School. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A great read.
November 9, 2024
Adam Oyebanji ‘… recently took the big step of moving east to Edinburgh by way of Birmingham, London, Lagos, Chicago, Pittsburgh and New York: a necessary detour, the traffic otherwise is really, really bad’. Almost – not quite – but almost, I didn’t care whether the book was any good, beguiled by the note in ‘About the Author'. Loved it.
The book is good. A great protagonist – a Black, British, half-Russian, who teaches Russian and French in America and has secrets he prefers should remain secret. But as Rendell Locke, Ruskin Bond and Trish Feehan wrote, ‘The past is always with us.’ Caught up again with the GRU, Greg Ambimbola is also inveigled into helping with the suicide of a school trustee. With an abundance of understated humour and the well-trained ability to observe, interpret and act, as well as keep a low profile, Greg assists the police, protects someone dear to him, and fends off the past in style.
I’d like to have read the previous volume first but Two Times Murder stands alone.
Thank you, Cannongate Books and Netgalley, for an e-copy in return for an honest review.
The book is good. A great protagonist – a Black, British, half-Russian, who teaches Russian and French in America and has secrets he prefers should remain secret. But as Rendell Locke, Ruskin Bond and Trish Feehan wrote, ‘The past is always with us.’ Caught up again with the GRU, Greg Ambimbola is also inveigled into helping with the suicide of a school trustee. With an abundance of understated humour and the well-trained ability to observe, interpret and act, as well as keep a low profile, Greg assists the police, protects someone dear to him, and fends off the past in style.
I’d like to have read the previous volume first but Two Times Murder stands alone.
Thank you, Cannongate Books and Netgalley, for an e-copy in return for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
A good book. This is the second in the series and I have not read the first one. This did not stop me enjoying this but I do need to know what happened to his sight. This is a good spy story. Greg Abimbola is a coloured man with British citizenship and speaks Russian. This skill is used by teaching Russian in a private school in America. He is trying to stay out of the limelight due to his connections with Russian intelligence. Things start to go wrong when he is asked to help in a case of a body found in a river which cannot be identified. This causes him immense stress as he is now on the radar of people he has been trying to avoid. The story picks up pace and brings into account racial tension as well as all the things associated with the spy world. I really enjoyed the characters and the balance of good and bad. The suspense throughout the book makes the book a worthwhile read and look forward to more of The Quiet Teacher series – I must read the first one the think this would make a good movie
December 19, 2024
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I am late reviewing this because it has taken me until this week to get the first instalment from the library. That was very enjoyable and I think it is crucial to read it before moving on to this second instalment, as it makes Greg's relationships with Andrea the school custodian/computer whizz, Rachel the acting police lieutenant, and Marasov (dead when this book begins) both easier to understand and richer.
This one was less focussed on the school where Greg teaches and at times felt a bit scattered as he juggled pressure from his former Russian boss, helping Rachel and worrying about Demitrius' children with trying to investigate an apparent suicide. Things came together at the end fairly suddenly (this would make a good movie), but the more streamlined plot of the first book worked better for me. I continue to enjoy the way Greg plays on his apparent 'Englishness'. I wonder if there will be more in this series...
I am late reviewing this because it has taken me until this week to get the first instalment from the library. That was very enjoyable and I think it is crucial to read it before moving on to this second instalment, as it makes Greg's relationships with Andrea the school custodian/computer whizz, Rachel the acting police lieutenant, and Marasov (dead when this book begins) both easier to understand and richer.
This one was less focussed on the school where Greg teaches and at times felt a bit scattered as he juggled pressure from his former Russian boss, helping Rachel and worrying about Demitrius' children with trying to investigate an apparent suicide. Things came together at the end fairly suddenly (this would make a good movie), but the more streamlined plot of the first book worked better for me. I continue to enjoy the way Greg plays on his apparent 'Englishness'. I wonder if there will be more in this series...
November 4, 2024
Greg Abimbola is half British, half Russian living in America, but there's a lot more to this high school teacher of Russian and French than first appears. I'd highly recommend reading the first book in this series before this one - I didn't and the first section was rather confusing, referring back to incidents (like the loss of his eye) that meant nothing to me.
But once I was in the swing, it was an exciting read as he tries to appease the American police, the Russian mafia and a rich lady concerning the murders of several men. The clues follow racial prejudice in schools, a rich playboy and his mistresses and a Russian spy, and there are plenty of suspects. The story is told with self-depracating humour and Greg is an appealing hero, albeit a fairly reluctant one.
I enjoyed the book very much. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But once I was in the swing, it was an exciting read as he tries to appease the American police, the Russian mafia and a rich lady concerning the murders of several men. The clues follow racial prejudice in schools, a rich playboy and his mistresses and a Russian spy, and there are plenty of suspects. The story is told with self-depracating humour and Greg is an appealing hero, albeit a fairly reluctant one.
I enjoyed the book very much. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the advance read of Two Times Murder by Adam Oyebanji. My thoughts:
This book was a slow burn—perhaps too slow for me. For the first three-quarters, I found myself struggling to stay engaged, often feeling my eyelids droop after just a few pages. The pacing was a little sluggish on times and I found it hard to remain fully invested.
However, the final quarter picked up dramatically, delivering a burst of energy and a more engaging pace. Unfortunately, While the conclusion showed the potential the story had all along, it was hard to overlook how much effort it took to get there.
I understand that this was a second book in a series of which I hadn’t read the first so this may have been a part of the issue for me, not already knowing the main character.
If you have the patience for a payoff that comes after a lot of groundwork, this might be worth your time. As those last few chapters were in fact page turners!!
This book was a slow burn—perhaps too slow for me. For the first three-quarters, I found myself struggling to stay engaged, often feeling my eyelids droop after just a few pages. The pacing was a little sluggish on times and I found it hard to remain fully invested.
However, the final quarter picked up dramatically, delivering a burst of energy and a more engaging pace. Unfortunately, While the conclusion showed the potential the story had all along, it was hard to overlook how much effort it took to get there.
I understand that this was a second book in a series of which I hadn’t read the first so this may have been a part of the issue for me, not already knowing the main character.
If you have the patience for a payoff that comes after a lot of groundwork, this might be worth your time. As those last few chapters were in fact page turners!!
June 10, 2025
this was a fantastic sequel to a book i read and loved last year, A Quiet Teacher. in this book, main character, Gregory Abimbola, is continuing to live his life as a teacher, trying to lay low after solving a murder that happened at his school. unfortunately, he finds himself, once again, pulled in to help solve not one, but two suspicious deaths. while he tries to avoid being overly concerned, he knows he’s perfectly capable of solving them…
this is what i love about this character—he is so much smarter than he wants people to believe and yet those closest to him know better. he’s still baffled by the way Americans think and behave but does his best to be more British than Russian in his mannerisms and reasoning. i enjoyed this story and interconnected cases; the pace was steady and the writing is fantastic!! i hope this series will continue as i enjoy getting to know Greg and the supporting characters better 😊
this is what i love about this character—he is so much smarter than he wants people to believe and yet those closest to him know better. he’s still baffled by the way Americans think and behave but does his best to be more British than Russian in his mannerisms and reasoning. i enjoyed this story and interconnected cases; the pace was steady and the writing is fantastic!! i hope this series will continue as i enjoy getting to know Greg and the supporting characters better 😊
July 25, 2025
Great new (to me) series. "Mr. Bimbo," as he is known, is an interesting character. He's got a great, twisty backstory, lots of layers (British, Russian, American, teacher, spy). My Russian-teaching spouse assures me that Russian IV students are not as fluent as the ones in the book, but that's a tiny, tiny flaw. :)
There's lots of clues for a solve-along reader, a real sense of place.
My only serious gripe is that Oyebanji spends too much time rehashing what happened in book one of the series, which would feel redundant if I had read the first one, and means I absolutely do not want to go back and find the first one, because I know pretty much every scrap of it from having read this one. That balance between keeping a sense of series and over-telling can be a fine one, but it really feels like this one came down a long way on the TMI side of the line.
Otherwise, highly recommended for mystery fans.
There's lots of clues for a solve-along reader, a real sense of place.
My only serious gripe is that Oyebanji spends too much time rehashing what happened in book one of the series, which would feel redundant if I had read the first one, and means I absolutely do not want to go back and find the first one, because I know pretty much every scrap of it from having read this one. That balance between keeping a sense of series and over-telling can be a fine one, but it really feels like this one came down a long way on the TMI side of the line.
Otherwise, highly recommended for mystery fans.
October 3, 2024
Greg is teaching Russian in a posh school in Pittsburgh, but he is a citizen of Russia with African heritage pretending to be English. Sounds at first as if it could be confusing but it is not.
He is basically hiding from previous events and gets involved in investigating a murder and an apparent suicide. The plot line could easily have led to a cozy genteel type of book but it is more gritty dealing with mild violence and Russian security forces. The local cop and school caretaker cum security expert who help Greg are both interesting characters and all the action that takes place is fairly believable.
I have not read the first book in the series but felt that this book is very readable by itself. Plenty of fast action and i look to forward to reading others in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn for the ARC
He is basically hiding from previous events and gets involved in investigating a murder and an apparent suicide. The plot line could easily have led to a cozy genteel type of book but it is more gritty dealing with mild violence and Russian security forces. The local cop and school caretaker cum security expert who help Greg are both interesting characters and all the action that takes place is fairly believable.
I have not read the first book in the series but felt that this book is very readable by itself. Plenty of fast action and i look to forward to reading others in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn for the ARC
October 11, 2024
This is the second book in the Quiet teacher series and I think it would help to read them in order. I struggled trying to get who Greg Abimbola, the teacher, really was at first.
This murder mystery is well written and enjoyable to read. I would definitely read the next in the series. The main character is interesting and there is still a lot to discover about him.
There are two possible murders he is trying to solve at risk to himself and his position undercover in hiding in the USA. I like that he is English, in part anyway. And Black. And a fluent Russian speaker.
Side characters like Sergeant Rachel Lev of Pittsburgh PD is a developing interest as is his computer geek pal, Andrea Valasquez.
I recommend this blend of spy genre with murder mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley.
This murder mystery is well written and enjoyable to read. I would definitely read the next in the series. The main character is interesting and there is still a lot to discover about him.
There are two possible murders he is trying to solve at risk to himself and his position undercover in hiding in the USA. I like that he is English, in part anyway. And Black. And a fluent Russian speaker.
Side characters like Sergeant Rachel Lev of Pittsburgh PD is a developing interest as is his computer geek pal, Andrea Valasquez.
I recommend this blend of spy genre with murder mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley.
November 10, 2024
Greg Abimbola is a really interesting character. On the surface a mild mannered British, Russian language teacher. His alter ego is an ex Russian spy in hiding from his old life. When part of his past catches up with him, he ends up trying to please his ex masters, help a friend, assist a Police officer and also stay alive.
I wish I’d read the first book in the series before this one, but it is still a stand alone read. Greg is an interesting character, still proud of his heritage, unusual as it is, just wanting to get on with his life, while things and people conspire against him. He feels drawn to help, but knows he’s not being told the truth by some of the people who come asking for his help. An intriguing read, very well written with some lovely twists.Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I wish I’d read the first book in the series before this one, but it is still a stand alone read. Greg is an interesting character, still proud of his heritage, unusual as it is, just wanting to get on with his life, while things and people conspire against him. He feels drawn to help, but knows he’s not being told the truth by some of the people who come asking for his help. An intriguing read, very well written with some lovely twists.Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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