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The Red Series
The Student: A Psychological Thriller
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.
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
120 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 29, 2025
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 22, 2025
SMH at Nicholas. All the effort he put into “that” should have been put into his homework. Crazy ending and twist!
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🙌🏾
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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🙌🏾
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
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.
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
Read
August 7, 2024What 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
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 12, 2024
He doesn't play about his grades.....
Professor Jackson has a student , Nicholas whose love and acceptance from his mom depends on his academic success. And she's standing in the way of that success when she keeps giving him unacceptable grades. So, Nicholas goes off the deep end! Nicholas was so unhinged and I definitely blame his snooty mom and weak dad. Sometimes parents really do put pressure on their kids that they can't handle. While the professor is dealing with weird things going on around her she's also dealing with a breakup. She didn't know who she could trust! This was a quick intriguing read. And I was really surprised by Riley towards the end.
Professor Jackson has a student , Nicholas whose love and acceptance from his mom depends on his academic success. And she's standing in the way of that success when she keeps giving him unacceptable grades. So, Nicholas goes off the deep end! Nicholas was so unhinged and I definitely blame his snooty mom and weak dad. Sometimes parents really do put pressure on their kids that they can't handle. While the professor is dealing with weird things going on around her she's also dealing with a breakup. She didn't know who she could trust! This was a quick intriguing read. And I was really surprised by Riley towards the end.
July 9, 2024
The Student
Don't think it could have expected anything less from this author. This quick read thriller has 2 main characters, Nicholas (the student) and Professor Jackson.
Nicholas is a child who felt he was in competition with his siblings. His mom was hard on him and he just felt that anything less than perfect he would not be able to make her happy.
Professor Jackson a by the books instructor was not giving Nicholas the grades he deserved so he took matters into his own hands.
I enjoyed this read and the ending. Looking forward to the trilogy in this series.
Don't think it could have expected anything less from this author. This quick read thriller has 2 main characters, Nicholas (the student) and Professor Jackson.
Nicholas is a child who felt he was in competition with his siblings. His mom was hard on him and he just felt that anything less than perfect he would not be able to make her happy.
Professor Jackson a by the books instructor was not giving Nicholas the grades he deserved so he took matters into his own hands.
I enjoyed this read and the ending. Looking forward to the trilogy in this series.
April 27, 2025
Talk about a clenched fist read. A rad that makes you wanna come out of character from the pure ignorance and priceless audacity. If you want a read that will get you riled up and ready to fight hahaha read this book. The author did WELL in making a character you just can’t stand and although there was back story and clear understanding that the students upbringing played a HUGE part, STILL made me mad and although pleased with how it all turned out … my fist were still clenched.
Emotionally driven fantastic read
Emotionally driven fantastic read
July 18, 2024
Psycho Student
I guess it was 'pun intended' for this psychology student to be psycho! He definitely had high bars set for him by his family, especially his mother. But if he had put all that psycho energy into passing, the outcome may be different. Speaking of, the internet/social media can be a scary place. Protect yourself at all costs. So many lessons in this short thriller - well done.
I guess it was 'pun intended' for this psychology student to be psycho! He definitely had high bars set for him by his family, especially his mother. But if he had put all that psycho energy into passing, the outcome may be different. Speaking of, the internet/social media can be a scary place. Protect yourself at all costs. So many lessons in this short thriller - well done.
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.
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.
October 20, 2025
woww!!
I know I’ve had my times where I had a meltdown over a grade, but Nicholas took it too far! Then again, the physiological abuse from his mother played a major part in this. You never know what type of hell a child went through and how it contributes to their mental health in adulthood. This was a great, suspenseful read.
I know I’ve had my times where I had a meltdown over a grade, but Nicholas took it too far! Then again, the physiological abuse from his mother played a major part in this. You never know what type of hell a child went through and how it contributes to their mental health in adulthood. This was a great, suspenseful read.
November 29, 2025
Wow
This book was good. It was crazy that the student was doing all that all because of A. Nicholas is making his self a psycho Because he won his mother approval. Paris was a good teacher. He was just making a difficult for himself. Riley was a good man. He just told one little white lie.
This book was good. It was crazy that the student was doing all that all because of A. Nicholas is making his self a psycho Because he won his mother approval. Paris was a good teacher. He was just making a difficult for himself. Riley was a good man. He just told one little white lie.
August 3, 2024
Awesome read!
I highly recommend!!! love this red book series. It is very unique and entertaining. Each time I read a Tanisha Stewart book, it's hard for me to put it down.
Happy reading!!!
I highly recommend!!! love this red book series. It is very unique and entertaining. Each time I read a Tanisha Stewart book, it's hard for me to put it down.
Happy reading!!!
October 20, 2024
Prime example of the next generation’s kids lol, rogue. lol couldn’t have been me trapped cause I fight all the way back. If they find me dead I’ll have ALL evidence of my predator on my person! Lmfao
November 15, 2024
Love it ❤️
Nicholas was a UN you're being unsure kidnapper.He couldn't even kidnap right, which was funny and for professor everybody, did they part and Riley.I'm proud of him for still loving her and helping her and still caring
Nicholas was a UN you're being unsure kidnapper.He couldn't even kidnap right, which was funny and for professor everybody, did they part and Riley.I'm proud of him for still loving her and helping her and still caring
March 23, 2025
Tanisha Stewart nailed it again!!!!! The mindset of this student was pure insanity. Ms. Stewart really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat and yelling at books, lol. Read The Student if you haven’t already. Professors read at your own risk!
March 25, 2025
This was so good, yet I also felt so bad for Nicholas regarding the pressure placed upon him to be perfect and to forfill his parents' goals and dreams instead of his own. This was quite the page turner. The ending was satisfying. It was such a great short read.
May 22, 2025
Nicholas was determined to have his grade what he wanted!! And professor Jackson was gonna get with the program one way or another! This addition to the red series is another excellent book by Tanisha.
June 11, 2025
Light on big twists, heavy on plot
The Student isn't a book of hard left and rights, twists and turns with an ending that screams: CONFUSION. It's instead a strong, short read with a fully developed plot and characters to for (or AGAINST).
The Student isn't a book of hard left and rights, twists and turns with an ending that screams: CONFUSION. It's instead a strong, short read with a fully developed plot and characters to for (or AGAINST).
July 17, 2025
Inside a Disturbed Mind!
The Student had me in a chokehold! I started this book today and enjoyed every minute of it. This is the second book I’ve read from The Red Series and I am eager to move on to the next. I loved diving into the disturbed mind!
The Student had me in a chokehold! I started this book today and enjoyed every minute of it. This is the second book I’ve read from The Red Series and I am eager to move on to the next. I loved diving into the disturbed mind!
July 21, 2025
honestly, I laughed at most of this book . you can tell it was written by a woman who wants men to be so badly how we envision them in our dreams that the story was crazy far-fetched and just laughable . the storyline had promise, but it didn't deliver in the end .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews