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The Red Series

The Student

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Dive into the mind of a disturbingly troubled college student in this pulse pounding psychological thriller by the bestselling author of Everybody Ain't Your Friend and The Quiet Ones series.

Nicholas always strived for perfection, but he never could measure up to his mother’s unreasonable demands. His hopes of passing the prerequisites for the pre-med program at the prestigious Plankton University are dashed when he fails out.

He has almost lost hope, but maybe he can find it in psychology?

Until he encounters Professor Jackson. For an introductory class, her standards are way too high. As time wears on, Nicholas feels like he’s in over his head. His mother doesn’t know his secret, Professor Jackson won’t let up on his grades, and sooner or later, the walls will come crashing down around him.

Maybe Nicholas can reason with Professor Jackson. Maybe he can make her see his point of view.

Maybe they can come to an agreement about his grades?

Because the only other alternative is to kill her.

A pulse-pounding drama full of twists and turns. This series is fast-paced, straight to the point, and packs a powerful punch that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Red Series is composed of self-contained stories – they can be read in any order.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2024

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About the author

Tanisha Stewart

169 books449 followers

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5 stars
166 (36%)
4 stars
147 (32%)
3 stars
108 (23%)
2 stars
26 (5%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for April.
782 reviews210 followers
February 4, 2026
Nicholas and Professor Jackson kept me hooked from start to finish. Imagine giving a student an HONEST grade and but he feels it’s not good enough. In his mind he has no other choice, he takes matters into his own hands to get the grade he feels he deserves. With the pressure of his overbearing mother to be nothing less than walking perfection, Nicholas feels the pressure when his professor holds him accountable. Tanisha Stewart does a great job at building suspense while keeping you intrigued. Overall, The Student is an entertaining thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of psychological suspense!
Profile Image for Brittany.
138 reviews29 followers
December 28, 2025
I really, really loved this book! It was unhinged but really good. I was hooked from the start until the end! I could feel the emotions of the characters in the writing! Nicholas the student was really irking my nerves and Dr. Jackson handled the entire situation better than I could say I would have! Although not to the extreme actions taken in this book, I know the initial interactions are very common in higher education and I really empathized with Dr. Jackson because Nicholas took it to hell and back! Excellent read!!!
Profile Image for Samyra Alexander.
Author 12 books159 followers
July 13, 2024
Dear Nicholas

This was indeed a good read. If only my mind worked like Nicholas’, I could’ve gotten better grades in school. The way Nicholas coped with his shame was tragic, but made for an entertaining read. I was pleased with the ending despite what happened early in the story.
Profile Image for Amanda.
123 reviews
January 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
All Nicholas wanted was approval from his parents. But because mama didn’t give him enough hugs, he acts crazy because he wants to be perfect for her. 🙄 Professor Jackson didn’t play after what happened because I would have quit to. This was a good read.
Profile Image for Lala.
329 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2024
I am always happy to read from multiple views! Nicholas went above and beyond in his pursuit of Professor Jackson so why didn't he just apply that to his work ethic for the course?! He has the smarts, but he just wanted immediate results seeing as his mom was set on seeing him as having no value. That has to be it. I kept anticipating that he would get called out on that and he would kill them or blackmail em into helping him with Professor Jackson. Regardless the story was intriguing and a nice read.
Profile Image for Queen Brit.
41 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
Normally I give a 4 to 5 star ratings for Tanisha Stewart’s books but this one fell a lil flat for me! Way too predictable and not enough of the usual jaw dropping plot twists. It was interesting but predictable.
Profile Image for Gabby Penn Farmer.
217 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2025
SMH at Nicholas. All the effort he put into “that” should have been put into his homework. Crazy ending and twist!
Profile Image for Eros Rose.
481 reviews18 followers
February 3, 2026
What lengths will a student go through to ensure a solid grade?

-multiple POVs
-an unwell student
-racial tension
-complicated family dynamics
-dating woes

Tanisha Stewart is funny for this one.
White privileged student feels “deserving” of A’s but feels like his Black professor is giving him a hard time.
What do typical people do?
Talk to their teacher, pair with some students in the class, maybe even reach out to the dean.
But our MMC, Nicholas, said let me take it a step further.

This is probably my least favorite one from the series thus far. I was expecting a major plot twist that never came. It was more predictability & laughs than thrill.

I would recommend this to beginner thriller readers or readers who scare easily & want a tamer thriller to enjoy.
Profile Image for Anna J..
Author 32 books54 followers
July 25, 2025
The Pressure Be Real!

Baby… the lengths peopme will go through to get that A is CRAZY!
But when your family puts the pressure on you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
This was one wild and relatable ride! Whew… this thing took me back to when I was finishing my Masters😩
The way I was in here loosing it was wild.
Excellent read Tanisha Stewart🙌🏾

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Marcie.
113 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So Nicholas was delusional, racist, misogynistic and lost in life. He needed some courage and backbone to address is “mommie” issues. Professor Jackson, or Pretty Jay, was an engaging character. I like the tension built up regarding Riley possibly being her stalker. I was even thinking maybe the baby momma was the real culprit 🤣 Good read! Looking forward to finishing this series.
Profile Image for Elonda.
218 reviews
September 7, 2024
Whew...

This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat! That was absolutely an excellent thriller with a bit of romance! Nicholas worked my nerves the entire time. I loved the plot and character development.
Profile Image for Azriana.
147 reviews79 followers
March 4, 2026
This was a fun, wild ride! Nicholas was CRAZY… but a part of me felt for him because if he wasn’t trying to please his parents, he wouldn’t have been obsessing over his grades.

This was a real page turner!
Profile Image for Jerricka.
1,240 reviews23 followers
September 23, 2024
Omg amazing. I was not expecting any of it to happen. I see it from both sides of the story but damn
Profile Image for Kae Tee.
140 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2026
Way better than the first book. I still wouldn't call it a thriller.
Profile Image for Sha Sha.
294 reviews19 followers
July 2, 2026
Professor Jackson hearing the skittering feet in the dark cabin had me laughing but hey it helped her get out of there. 🤣🤣

Narrator 3.5/5
Profile Image for J.R. Mason.
Author 9 books91 followers
Read
August 7, 2024
What in the whole crazy?

A fun quick read that shows what happens when you mix childhood trauma with an underdeveloped frontal lobe. If this dude would have put even a quarter of the energy into actually doing the work correctly that was assigned as he did into plotting and scheming against his professor, he could have BEEN had that "A" Glad this book was not around when I was teaching college because they could have had my resignation right then LOL
Profile Image for R  Ellis Jones.
256 reviews
July 10, 2024
Exceptional

Ok, let me say this. I have read all of her books, and not one time have I been disappointed. You always outdo yourself. As always, I couldn't stop reading it because I needed to know all the details and especially the ending. Loved it! Another added collection to my book stand.
If you haven't read it, I highly suggest you do.
Thanks for another great read.
Profile Image for Melinda Meliana.
269 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2026
📚 ✨ Book Review: The Student by Tanisha Stewart✨ 📚

Alright y’all… this might honestly be the fastest book I’ve ever read in my life. And when I say fast, I mean FAST. So fast that calling this a full book almost feels generous. If anything, it reads more like a novella… and even calling it that might be pushing it a little.

The Student by Tanisha Stewart follows a young college student navigating relationships, attraction, and complicated dynamics on campus. The story centers around her interactions with a professor and the messy, dramatic situations that unfold around their connection. It’s meant to be a quick, dramatic read with a bit of tension and scandal mixed in.

But for me… this one just didn’t quite land.

I don’t know if it was the lack of character development or simply not enough time to fully execute the story, but the characters felt extremely juvenile. And not in a fun, messy-drama kind of way. The writing itself felt very incomplete, almost like pieces of the story were missing.

Honestly, it didn’t feel like I was reading about adults at all. The way the characters reacted to situations gave serious high-school romance energy, which made some of the interactions feel a little strange considering the setting.

Now here’s the funny part… my dumb behind went and added the rest of the books in this series to my TBR. 🤦🏽‍♀️ And if you know me, you know I’m the type of reader who likes to commit to finishing what I start. So yes… I will probably end up reading the rest of them.

Could this have been something I skipped entirely?
Honestly… probably.

It wasn’t terrible, but it also wasn’t good either. It felt like a story that had potential but just didn’t have the space or development to really become something strong.

That said, if you’re looking for a super quick palate cleanser between heavier reads, this might work for you. You could literally fly through it in no time.

⭐ Rating: 2/5 stars
📊 Score: 3/10
🌶 Spice: 0

Would I recommend it? Not really. But if you want something short and fast just to reset between books… this might do the trick.

#TheStudent #TanishaStewart #BookReview #BookCommunity #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTok #QuickReads #NovellaReads #ThrillerReads #BookishThoughts #TBR #ReadingJourney #BookClubReads #FableReads #BookishLife 📚✨
Profile Image for Ali R.
233 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2025
So I'd never even heard of this author before and only came across the Student in my feed when someone following me here read it. The storyline can be a bit predictable, but entertaining nevertheless. Though it's only a novella within a series of others, the thriller's short format packs a serious punch, cutting out all the filler and getting straight to the pulse-pounding action.

The lead character, Professor Jackson, is spunky, likable, and a pleasure to root for, and the antagonist, Nicholas the perfect blend of infuriating and unhinged. Granted, I did first find his vendetta against the professor a tad overkill, considering he had a B+ average in her class. Yet the motives behind his grade-grubbing and over-achieving become clearer once Nicholas reflects on parts of his upbringing. After being ridiculed by his mother all of his life and compared to the high standards set by his siblings, it's no wonder he is disturbed enough to go to any lengths for his parents' approval. Awful childhood aside, Nicholas is an all-out jerkface and an entitled racist to boot, which makes his eventual downfall all the more satisfying.

Speaking of racism, the novella does include some racially and politically charged topics ( in case that's not everyone's thing.) Although it's not overdone or "preachy," for it is incorporated in a manner true to the characters involved. I will say that the repeated use of the n-word is a bit jarring, at least to me. I get that the term is used in the black community, which is how it's used within the story, but it's just never been in my vernacular since I didn't grow up hearing it in my household.

On another note, I admired how the author (also a black female ) created a character from the black female perspective! I haven't read many thrillers with an African American female as the lead, and as a fellow female African American, I appreciated the representation. Overall, the Student is a good pick for a fun, fast-paced read!
Profile Image for alissa a ᖭིᖫྀ.
140 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2025
the student is one of those books that makes you double-check who’s really sitting across from you in class…

so far i’ve read four books in the Red Series, and i have to say that The Student absolutely met (and even exceeded) my expectations. every book in this series has given me drama, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists, and this one was no different. from the very first chapter, i knew i was in for a ride.

this book thrives on its characters. they’re messy, ambitious, manipulative, and sometimes downright unlikeable—but that’s what makes them so addictive to read. the author isn’t afraid to let her characters be flawed and real, which raises the stakes and makes every twist hit harder. i found myself constantly questioning motives, re-reading conversations, and side-eyeing characters who seemed just a little too perfect.

i understood both POVS, but..that doesn’t mean you get to do crazy stuff, and don’t suffer the consequences. nicolas mom and dad didn’t have to be so tough on him, steady pushing him to be like
his siblings..and to follow the legacy—the stress and the ‘bad grade’ he was getting from Professor Jackson made him do something he will now regret.

the pacing is another strength. every chapter pushes the story forward, each moment adding another layer of tension. nicolas thought he was smarter..but riley had other plans, there was also a mix of drama between them two—it went along great with the storyline..i’m glad they talked everything out.

if you’re looking for a fast-paced, addictive read that blends drama, suspense, and unforgettable characters, then The Student is the book you need to pick up next.
Profile Image for Edie Kennard.
306 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2025
Tanisha Stewart's "The Student: A Psychological Thriller" is a truly compelling read that goes beyond the typical suspense novel. I'm happily giving this a 4/5 stars rating. It delivers on the thrills you'd expect from the genre, but what truly elevates it is the thought-provoking social commentary woven into the narrative.

The plot is expertly crafted, keeping you guessing about the protagonist's motives and the truth behind the unsettling events. The psychological tension ratchets up with every page, making it a genuine page-turner that you'll struggle to put down. Stewart manages to create a deeply atmospheric and often unsettling environment that perfectly suits the story.

However, the real standout feature is how the author uses the thriller framework to dissect contemporary social issues. The exploration of themes like academic pressure, class divides, and the often toxic power dynamics inherent in educational institutions felt incredibly relevant and insightful. It's not just background noise; it's central to the conflict and adds a layer of depth that many psychological thrillers lack. You're not just scared for the character; you're prompted to think about the systemic issues they are battling.

While a minor pacing issue cropped up in the middle section, it quickly regained momentum for a truly satisfying and intense finale.

In summary, "The Student" is highly recommended. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but also provoke meaningful thought long after you've finished the last chapter, this is a must-read.
Profile Image for Cheonica Jordan.
475 reviews
January 31, 2026
Rating 3.75⭐️ This one had me side eyeing Nicholas from jump. In my head I’m like sir… it’s a B, unclench your booty hole! The deeper you go, the clearer it becomes that this wasn’t about grades at all. The pressure of a mother smh overbearing, belittling and constantly comparing him to his siblings. Living under that kind of pressure every day would fracture anybody’s grip on reality and watching those cracks spread was unsettling in the quietest way.

What really got me was how believable the spiral felt. No dramatic switch, just steady erosion until entitlement, fear and desperation blurred into something dangerous. It honestly made me pause and think about how many Nicholases exist out here smiling on the surface and one bad moment away from snapping.

Riley stepping in at the end was a small breath of relief i thought it was lights out! He gets a little redemption because the lies and gaslighting were heavy. Fast, disturbing and uncomfortable in the way good psychological thrillers should be. This series knows how to get under your skin and stay there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
133 reviews
November 10, 2025
All spoilers...

Nicolas definitely needed some therapy and to check his entitlement. Had he not been so focused on the plan that wasn't, he may have been able to get that extra credit in. The professor offered to help and the parents offered a tutor. His father waited much too late to stand up for his child. That woman had been bullying him all his life, smh.

I dated a man who lied to me in the beginning. Like her, I made excuses for it. It seemed that I could forgive it because, like her, I reasoned that he only felt the need to do it to have a chance with me. He wouldn't have otherwise. You know what, the lies never stopped. Lying about your kids is unforgivable. Its a no for me. Thanks for saving my life, Riley but you took away my choices and I can't overlook that. If she didn't want to date a man with kids, that's her choice and she should not have been tricked into it. Also, if she not had been outta sorts about him, ol boy wouldn't have caught her slipping.
Profile Image for reading.withree.
247 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2026
The Student x Tanisha Stewart
Pages: 156
Genre: Psychological Thriller
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
•••••
The story follows Nicholas, a college student trying to keep his life together while dealing with intense pressure from school and his mother’s impossible expectations. After his plans for medical school fall apart, he starts searching for a new path, but things quickly begin to spiral and the pressure becomes too much to handle. As secrets start coming to light, Nicholas slowly begins to unravel in some really disturbing ways.
••
This book was so fast-paced and unsettling in the best way. Every chapter had me more invested than the last, and I flew through it. Definitely a great quick read, especially if you’re stuck in a reading slump. I’m slowly making my way through The Red Series and have finished 6 out of the 8 so far. I also love that they’re all standalone stories, so you can read them in any order. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Coia Preston.
104 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2025
I hope to neverrrrr come across someone as crazy as Nicholas. Professor Jackson (Paris) was literally doing her job and grading work accordingly, and Nicholas wanted to do everything but work harder.. she gave him multiple opportunities to fix his assignments and even gave an extra credit opportunity to improve his grade. I wanted to strangle that dude! He was a delusional, irrational, weirdo that jumped to conclusions worse than a crazy side chick. Speaking of side chicks, I wanted to fight Riley - he should’ve been honest up front. I also wanted to fight the dean of Plankton University - she needed to be put in her place from the jump!

Circling back to Nicholas, I’m so glad things didn’t workout with him in the career field chosen for him nor the career field he chose. I know this is fictional, but we don’t need people like him in positions where people’s lives are at stake.
Profile Image for Scented Pages.
286 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2026
Nicolas, is a bit of an overachieving perfectionist prick. And he's kind of having a hard go at in Prof Jackson's psychology class. Prof Jackson is a "by the book" professional grader who will deduct points from a final grade if the requirements of the syllabus are not met.
This is detrimental for Nicolas because of the consequences that he faces from his family (particularly his mother) for any failed classes. It was giving Veronica and Jerffery Harrington from the Tyler Perry show The Haves and The Have Nots. HORRIFIC mother/ son relationship and I was here for all of it. I enjoyed the thrill of it. it wasn''t too over the or gory, but still left me on the edge of my seat and rooting for Prof Jackson.
Profile Image for Doretha Bradley.
461 reviews
February 28, 2026
Wicked

What can I say about this story?

You have a professor, a student, an overbearing and unloving parent, and the lackadaisical parent that lets it all slide. When you mix these ingredients, what do you get?

The perfect recipe for disaster. In my opinion, Nicholas was doomed from the start. All of his actions were a skewed method of acting out to gain his mother's love and validation. He took being an A student way too personally! Had he exerted this effort into completing the work outlined in the syllabus he would have earned the A he was so desperately seeking.

The only good thing that resulted from Nicholas' actions in trying to force Dr. Jackson to give him a grade he didn't earn, was the reunion of two people that really loved each other. Good story!!!
Profile Image for Morgan.
121 reviews
May 28, 2026
The way this story unfolds was quick and slightly ridiculous? There's a lot of political and societal commentary which was unexpected but helps play into the overall storyline. Nicholas was all kinds of delusional and the way he reacts to things was so dramatic and over the top, it felt a bit comical but at the same time it made sense? An entitled white boy thinking people are specifically doing him dirty and not just living their lives and giving him the opinions/marks that he deserves. The professor was interesting, her characterisation made the story unfold in a way that made you want to see what happens but at the same time as a Dr and professor in psychology, she seems innately unaware of people around her and the things they're thinking about/feeling, which was a letdown.
Profile Image for Candi Sunshine.
47 reviews
July 10, 2026
From the moment Nicholas was introduced A racist, misogynistic I couldn’t stand him, as I read on I still couldn’t stand him but I did understand his thinking a bit. All he really wanted was to be loved and accepted by his mom. Become the son she could be proud of and no matter how hard he tried unfortunately it just never happened. Professor Jackson just happened to fall in the cross fire, although she was a fair teacher; It just wasn’t the fairness Nicholas craved Glad he ended up paying the price for his actions! I was really rooting for Riley I mean yeah he lied about something stupid but I was really hoping that Paris would forgive him and they could work it out. I was happy with the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews