The Wrong Mentor : A Psychological Thriller

by Matthew Benjamin

They say, be careful what you wish for.
Matthew Chia should have listened.

All his life, Matthew yearned to be somebody—anyone but the forgettable face in the crowd. Then came the day the sleek red car pulled up, and Mr. Lee offered him the world.

It was everything Matthew ever wanted. Until it became everything he feared.

As Matthew sinks deeper into a world of luxury and sin,
he can't shake the feeling that something's not
- The homeless man with a hauntingly familiar story
- The nauseating stench clinging to Mr. Lee’s mansion
- The rivals who keep disappearing without a trace

Matthew tells himself it's all in his head. But his heart knows the truth.

Now, trapped in a web of deceit and desire, Matthew must choose between the life he's always wanted and the man he's always been.

Filled with psychological twists and crime thriller turns, The Wrong Mentor will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Are you ready to uncover the truth? Get your copy of The Wrong Mentor today, and dive into a psychological thriller that will leave you wanting more.

Genres: Thriller

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read, but many grammatical and punctuation errors throughout did take away from the reading experience for me. The writing is very simple and easy to follow, but a bit lacking at some points. I would definitely market this more as a thriller/drama since the psychological aspect really only comes into play in the last chapter.

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline for this book was really interesting and well thought out. There was clearly a lot of thought put into it and how it was going to adapt, and it hit many points of a thriller.

However, I feel like the way it was executed didn't hook me as much as I wanted. I feel like there was a lack of backstory to most of the characters, which took away their importance in the story for me. The story also seemed a little rushed at times, and I feel like the suspense could have been added if it slowed down a little.

I did really like the idea of the story, though, and thought it was very interesting and unlike anything I've read before.

[Katie Dickerson (DeMaio) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read; suspenseful with lots of twists; centers around money, power, and the dark sides of both; kind of a slow burn; the plot is intriguing and has a lot of potential but the book would benefit from some editing sessions; the pace was odd and the dialogue felt unnatural; lots of telling rather than showing; the vulgar, objectifying scenes were also off-putting and weird; ends on a shocking cliff hanger.

Special thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Timothy Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

intensely psychological, disliked the ending

Follow Matthew Chai on his quest to ride from poverty in China to become wealthy and influential just like his mentor, Mr. Lee. Only, when he first works his way into Mr. Lee’s empire, he has no idea what he’s getting into. Criminal activity is an understatement as Matthew will do just about anything for Mr. Lee so he can one day own the status symbol he so covets. This story will certainly keep you reading until the end.

[Cara Castaner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book and new author to watch!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! Fantastic character development, storyline and twists. You can't ask for more in this debut book. I'm looking forward to the next one -- keep your eye on this up and coming author!

[R. Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sucks you in

This reminds me of Lakeview Terrace! A boy chooses the wing mentor and everything spirals out of control. Written well and you'll never see the end coming! Hopefully there'll be a sequel.

[Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ] · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Wrong Mentor" by Matthew Benjamin starts out by following Matt, a boy living in poverty in China. Matt has aspirations for a better life—a life spent driving expensive sports cars and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. Then, one day, Matt pursues a man who steps out of a shiny red sports car and asks him to teach him how to earn the big bucks like he does. But what if the man earns money by unconventional means? What happens when his new mentor becomes the wrong mentor?

Thank you to the author, Matthew Benjamin, for reaching out for a review directly and for the gifted copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I absolutely loved this unputdownable thriller. I was completely invested in Matt and wanted to know how his journey to riches would play out. The games played, the lies and deceit, and the danger involved really kept me on my toes.

This was a fast-paced read that I flew through, and it was highly entertaining. The ending was amazing, and I'm hoping to explore another book by Benjamin in the future.

The only thing that could have made this novel better was more attention to editing, mainly regarding punctuation. Regardless of the random lack of quotation marks, I still had no problem reading this book. It flowed seamlessly and was an easy book to read.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this unputdownable, exciting, and twisty thriller.

[Kristina Stangl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Clever Thriller

What would happen if a stranger appears, promising to give you a new life?

That’s what our main lead, Matthew, must contemplate when he encounters the mysterious and wealthy Mr. Lee. Offering to serve as his mentor, Matthew accepts Mr. Lee’s offer as he’s determined to escape poverty in China. But his new mentor is not what he seems. Instead, he pulls Matthew into a deep web, where he will eventually be forced to question his new environment and the people around him. Is his mentor for good, or is it possible that he’s the wrong mentor, after all?

This book is a real page turner, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of thrillers.

[Sasha & Oleg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It turns out I don't like this style. I would not want to hear about the mafia in the book, and I would refrain from calling it a psychological thriller.

[Zoey Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Wrong Mentor: A Psychological Thriller" by Matthew Benjamin, readers are thrust into a labyrinthine world where trust is as fragile as the mind that navigates it. The author crafts an intricate narrative that delves into the psyches of its characters, exploring the dark recesses of human relationships and the complexities of power and influence. With its labyrinthine plot, the story constantly shifts gears, keeping readers on edge while urging them to question the motives and actions of those involved.

Benjamin skillfully develops his characters, each embodying a unique psychological depth that brings the story to life. The protagonist is particularly compelling, revealing layers of vulnerability and resilience in equal measure. Throughout the novel, the characters' intersecting paths form a tightly woven tapestry, drawing the reader deeper into their world of manipulation, deceit, and unforeseen consequences. The relational dynamics are masterfully written, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in each twist of the narrative.

The book's atmosphere is both haunting and immersive, marked by a sense of impending danger that hangs like a shadow over every page. Benjamin’s writing style is vivid and precise, painting a multi-sensory experience that pulls readers into the story. His ability to evoke emotions is noteworthy, as he guides readers through a roller coaster of suspense, empathy, and disbelief. The narrative’s pervasive suspense ensures that every turn of the page is a heart-pounding experience.

Without giving too much away, the novel engages with thought-provoking themes and poses profound questions about morality, trust, and the very nature of influence. The psychological depth explored in "The Wrong Mentor" invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions and the decisions they make. The narrative is not just a tale to be read; it's an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.

This work easily merits a 5 out of 5-star rating due to its captivating storytelling, profound character development, and the way it enthralls readers with its blend of tension and profundity. Matthew Benjamin has crafted a psychological thriller that not only entertains but also challenges its audience to think deeply about the intricacies of the human mind and the often fragile lines between right and wrong.

[Shaun Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and eerie

The Wrong Mentor" is a gripping psychological thriller that lures you in with the promise of success and spirals into a chilling tale of deception, power, and moral decay. Matthew Chia, an ordinary man yearning for recognition, gets his wish—but at a terrifying cost.

The novel expertly blends psychological suspense with crime thriller elements, keeping readers on edge as Matthew’s dream life slowly unravels. The eerie atmosphere, from the mysterious Mr. Lee to the unsettling clues Matthew stumbles upon, builds a sense of dread that lingers long after each chapter. The pacing is relentless, the twists unpredictable, and the moral dilemmas deeply compelling.

If you enjoy stories that explore ambition, identity, and the price of unchecked desires—wrapped in a noir-esque mystery—The Wrong Mentor is a must-read. Fans of Gone Girl and Nightcrawler will appreciate its dark, psychological depth.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish It would let me give 3.5 stars! I enjoyed this read! It was fast paced and suspenseful. The MMC Matthew definitely goes through a lot during his childhood and throughout the entire story which had me rooting for him! I loved getting to read along through his realization of what was truly happening. I also could not help but giggle at some of his thoughts/comparisons when he was first meeting people.
I was a little lost through some of the business talk but that’s totally on me and i feel is definitely necessary for the storyline.
If you are a thriller reader this one’s for you!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear it was more of a drama than thriller I would say psychological drama. I felt like it needed a faster pacing and it definitely needs to go through an editor again there’s a lot of grammar issues, but this is the first book by this author that I’ve read and I would read more. I just think they would benefit from more detail in the grammar and pacing of the story itself. I felt like Matthew was very selfish in the beginning and it kind of made me not wanna read more but I had to find out what happened.

[Skylar Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part psychological thriller, part horror. What is that smell coming from the house? Where are his rivals disappearing to? The story focuses on Matthew, a young man without much direction, until he is approached by Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee takes Matthew under his wing and introduces him to a life of luxury. But not all is as good as it seems. It is solidly written for a debut novel. The storyline is compelling and has plenty of twists and turns.

[Lori Colwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

page turner

“The Wrong Mentor” is a psychological thriller that keeps you on your pages! The MC is such a likable character that you want to root for him. Bad decisions and manipulation brings angst and excitement to the story. Definitely recommended for readers that love the thrill of a good psychological twister.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is different from the ones I normally read. It held my interest, but the grammatical errors were too much! At one point it was in first person, and then switched to third person in the same paragraph. I also don’t like to be left hanging at the end of a book. Apparently there is a part 2. Not sure if I will invest my time in that.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Mystery Full of Twists!

"The Wrong Mentor" is a gripping page-turner! The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the character development was outstanding. I couldn't put it down, eager to uncover the truth. This mystery is a must-read for fans of the genre. I highly recommend it!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a bit of a reading block so it took me a bit to finish, but when I did, it didn’t take me long.

I absolutely love this book. It does have a few errors, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The twists and turns, the deception, excitement, I loved it. I would recommend to give this book a chance. I did and I’m not disappointed.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked right from the start, I couldn’t put this book down. I absolutely loved this unputdownable thriller. I was completely invested. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,exciting, a must read thriller. I can’t wait to read part 2.

Thank you, Matthew Benjamin, for the free ebook copy .

All opinions expressed here are my own.

[James Thomas Lynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

intense page turner

Matthew Chai is so relatable. His rise from poverty in China to becoming wealthy by way of his mentor is inspiring. Although he realizes he had no idea what he was getting into. Matthew will do anything for his mentor. Criminal activity is an understatement. I love how you read this story like you’re experiencing it. A good read.

[Gerald Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters in a troubling situation for a Chinese youth who wants to get ahead in life but ends up a prisoner in his own dream of success. I enjoyed the bad guy in many ways more than the protagonist in this story. Interesting read!

[Andrea Hartline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story definitely captured the essence of ultimate greed. It kept my interest throughout the book, however the ending felt rushed and abrupt. Some questions were left unanswered and I felt let down at the end. It doesn’t fit my personal taste in books, but was still an entertaining read.

[bri gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

def wasn’t what i had pictured but that’s usually how it goes. i started losing faith in the book halfway through because the topic wasn’t necessarily my style but then i got slammed with twists shortly after. i’d recommend it for sure

[Librada O · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a mind f***. It's not necessarily new in terms of the storyline but it does keep you on your toes to the point that you must listen to every detail to make sure you understand what is happening. Very good.

[Elisabeth Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

fast paced thriller

If you like fast paced twists and turns, gritty psychological games, this one is for you. It took me a second to get into it and I was honestly not sure who to root for but the author promises a part two, so we shall see!

[Mary Affrunti · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 definitely a break from a typically thriller/suspense novel! Chapters are quite long, but it did have me hooked and intrigued. Definitely lots of twists! Was not expecting the ending!

[Addy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really entertaining. It started slow but engaging. I really enjoyed it.

[Brianna Crager · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, however, it has too many punctuation errors. I also didn’t enjoy the dialogue formatting.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent

Man this is a really good book. And think about how much it would suck for you if you had the wrong mentor

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Didn't guess that ending. Well written and finished in a day. Look forward to more from this author. Give it a try.