THE PROFESSOR is a psychological thriller by Lisa Sell.
Her Novels Include: Hidden (2019) Trust (2020) The Watcher (2022) Killing Kindness (2022) The Professor (2024)
This is my review of The Professor.
This book is part psychological thriller part serial killer, and part classic literature, resulting in an innovative read. From the opening chapters, I wasn’t sure this novel would be for me, but I soon found myself immersed in the plot driven to uncovering the truth, keeping me guessing about the killer’s identity.
In this novel, the Professor is back again with his Victorian literature-themed murders, after a killing spree came to a temporary end, based on mistakes he had made. The Professor was a serial killer who killed women studying at Oxford Carroll University a decade back. All the victims had literary quotes left on them at the murder scene. But he would kill again…
Jane Unwin, receives a personal invitation by Henry Glynne to study at Oxford Carroll, offering her a scholarship, to expand her horizons and study literature. Soon after accepting his invitation, Jane receives an invitation to Glynnholme, the estate of the reclusive scholar, Evangeline Glynn, Henry’s mother.
With each visit, dark secrets are revealed. Why was Jane chosen?
As the death count rises, Jane must discover who The Professor is before it’s too late?
This was a well-written and thought-provoking read. It highlights the author’s vast knowledge and love of English literature.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Well? This book grabbed me then chewed me up and spat me out. This has absolutely left me speechless. When I wasn’t reading it, I was constantly thinking about it. I loved the individual characters point of views, even loved reading the professor’s thoughts. It is extremely gripping, my favourite thing about the book is how the story gets linked with the classic books. This was definitely a bonus, so clever in how the author set this book up.
When I started The Professor, I wasn’t sure it would be for me. As someone who isn’t big on classic literature, the initial references felt a bit heavy. But just a few chapters in, I was completely hooked. The book has a dark, eerie atmosphere that kept me guessing right until the end. I narrowed down The Professor’s identity to three possible characters, which only made me more eager to keep reading to uncover the truth.
The twists and turns were incredibly compelling, making this a book I couldn’t put down. I ended up devouring it in just two and a bit days. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, and I’m excited to read more from Lisa Sell. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers!
Sell is a new to me author and I’m SO glad that I joined this book tour because I was clearly missing out on reading this author’s books! All I can say is WOW!!!! I was absolutely blown away by this book. The atmosphere that Sell creates provides the reader with the feeling of unease filled with tension and pure creepiness. It drew me in and kept me reading.
Sell creates a unique plot in The Professor, which is refreshing to read. Serial Killer books can be a dime a dozen, so when this one felt so different I was here for it. I loved the University setting and the interwoven literature references. They were more than just references though, there were explanations, they were well thought out and analyzed discussions regarding the literature.
There were quite a few twists that occurred in the book that I did NOT see coming from a MILE away! I believe there was at least three or four of them that really blew me away. The way that Sell came up with these twists, this book, and how she put it all together was simply brilliant. The ending was amazing. I feel like I need a thesaurus because I’m running out of words to describe how fantastic this book is! Thriller readers, RUN, don’t walk, don’t stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and get your hands on this book now!
I absolutely love the front cover image for this one - I was instantly drawn to the books and the knife - knowing this one would be a great read with a dose of murder ....
This was my first read by this author, so wasn't quite sure what to expect, but was so impressed with all the detail and the writing style as a whole.
This grabbed me in right from the start and although I made so many theories about what was going on and who The Professor actually was - there were so many twists and turns that I was still left shocked by the reveal.
I loved the references to the great classics which were detailed in Glynnholme rooms and within the murders themselves. I've obviously read some of those mentioned, but there were a couple that have now been added to my tbr for next year.
The descriptive writing transported me into the book and I had a clear and vivid image of the Glynnholme rooms - it felt really creepy at times and had me on edge the whole time.
This was a great first read and I'm keen to see more from this author in the near future.
Lisa Sell never fails to write a book that I can't put down! I have been waiting for a new book from her for so long. I was so eager to read The Professor, so as soon as it landed on my Kindle, I put everything aside and started it.
A unique plot and characters whom I got invested in pretty quick make this a read that stands out for me. I was gripped from the start. Vivid details and a great inclusion of the classics all come together so well, I was with these characters from page one.
I do adore a psychological thriller because I always have to try to work out who the killer is. Well, not this time! I thought I had it, but nope! The tension was so taut. Again, Lisa Sell has woven a story that had me glued. I have to say I came away from this book wanting to read those classics mentioned, too. All I can say is that I don't have time for any other reading apart from my blog tours, so they really will have to wait.
A dark and tense atmospheric read that had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't get enough of this story. I do have to say I stayed up so late to finish it, even being a 'school night'. I definitely needed a nap the day after. If you love your psychological thrillers, dark and unique, this is a book you must read!
The professor by Lisa Sell. This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I did find it slow to start off with. I do like this author. I wasn't sure how I felt about Henry. I had goosebumps from him. I did like Jane. I was certainly surprised how things turned out in this book. I never would've guessed. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. I would recommend this book.
Students at the Oxford Carroll University thought they were safe after a serial killer’s reign of terror ended ten years ago … but now The Professor is back and killing again.
Jane is studying at the university as a mature student. Like the other students, she is living in fear of The Professor. After being invited to visit scholar Evangeline Glynn at her home, Glynnholme, Jane finds more than she bargained for on her visits.
An entertaining read that brings the classic books to life again.
I thought I knew who The Professor was, but thanks to the twists in the story, I was proved wrong.
The author weaves her magic through the pages which makes for an enjoyable read.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
The dedication at the start of The Professor is to all those who love to read, with the hope that book snobbery never wins. Most people will have come across somebody who looks down at others for their reading choices but in The Professor, this toxicity is taken to a whole other level. On the one hand, this is a celebration of Victorian literature, however, on the other, it's a disturbing exploration of literary pretension at its most extreme... At the start of the book, Jane Unwin is stagnating; she works in her friend Kate's stationery shop and takes care of her widowed father. Her only form of escape is another read of Wuthering Heights. She was named after Jane Eyre and Kate urges her to consider what Jane would do to fulfil her potential. The answer comes in the form of a regular customer, Henry Glynn who lectures in English Literature at nearby Oxford Carroll university. He joins Kate in trying to persuade Jane that her future lies in academia but has an added trump card as he is part of the Glynn family who have an enormous fortune from their confectionary empire. He has used some of this money to set up the Henry Glynn Scholarship for a student who shows great promise and offers it to Jane. Despite her initial reluctance, she can't resist the chance to follow her dreams and at first loves life as a mature student. Unfortunately, foul deeds are afoot at Oxford Carroll as following a ten year hiatus, a serial killer known only as 'The Professor' is back and targeting female students. While most of the narrative is told from Jane's perspective, there are some chapters which follow the unknown killer as he sets his sights on his next victim and puts his elaborate, murderous plans into place. Although undoubtedly creepy, these passages are also a literary treat, with the killer twisting memorable scenes from Victorian classics into macabre tableaus. It quickly becomes obvious that he is a bitter misogynist who has an all-encompassing hatred of Evangeline Glynn, Henry's mother and the ageing heiress of the Glynn fortune, as well as an unsettling interest in Jane herself. As Jane is lured into the pernicious world of the Glynns, she begins to glimpse their dark underbelly. Henry is an arrogant womaniser whose behaviour is frequently objectionable. He has a complex, poisonous relationship with Evangeline who appears to be the cunning spider at the centre of their twisted web. However, there are moments when she seems more vulnerable and clearly has regrets about events in the past and the part she has played in the awful acts which have been perpetrated. Meanwhile, although Jane is as concerned as all the female students, she isn't privy to the twisted thoughts of The Professor and doesn't realise just how much danger she might be in. There are several suspect characters, along with a plethora of red herrings which had me racing through the pages to see if my theories were correct. The clues sprinkled throughout the plot meant I managed to figure out the identity of The Professor but this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book in the slightest and I was still shocked by some of the revelations. The clever pacing allows for an ominous sense of foreboding to be evoked before the latter chapters ratchet up the tension and the conclusion is deliciously chilling. With its unforgettable, tragic serial killer, abundance of secrets and lies, and a likeable, relatable protagonist in Jane, The Professor is a compelling thriller and one I definitely recommend.
This was an intriguing read where a serial killer who was killing ten years ago stopped but he has decided to start again. All the victims attend Oxford Carroll University. Jane and Kate work in a stationary shop but Kate is the boss/owner. They have worked together for years. Henry Glynn gets his stationary order from them and is always so sweet to them when he goes in to see them. He always stops for a chat and persuades Jane to go to Oxford Carroll University for an English Literature degree. She agrees then goes part-time at the shop. She then gets introduced to his mother, Evangeline who offers extra tutorial on gothic fiction which Jane loves and is studying in her first year at university. Jane takes her up on her offer and becomes a frequent visitor at Glynnholme. Evangeline talks about the murders with Jane and shows her a template of Glynnholme and which rooms haven’t yet been used by the killer. She reckons she knows who it is. Jane is friends with Ed, the gardener. This doesn’t go down very well but Jane is learning some things from him. He listens at the doors in Glenholme trying to learn the secrets so he can let Jane know anything exciting. One day, Leah goes for a walk in a copse near Glenholme and she is attacked but left alive when the killer is disturbed. Jane is upset when she hears what has happened and that she is leaving the university. Then Leah rang her and told her exactly what happened, Jane was even more disturbed by that. Is she safe? Or is she on a killer’s hit list? This was a really engrossing story and I got totally invested in reading the book. I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next. The story was extremely well written and a totally intriguing psychological thriller. The plotting was logical and clinical. It totally had me on tenterhooks near the end of the book. The character Jane was well written and was a main character of the story. She was well into her gothic fiction but she just got her love of reading from her mother so loved a lot of the classics and was named after a Bronte. Totally enjoyed it.
Blurb :
Too much knowledge can be deadly.
Ten years ago, a serial killer’s reign ended. Students at the Oxford Carroll University were safe. Until now…
The Professor is back. His Victorian literature-themed murders are more shocking than ever.
Jane, a mature student, studies in fear. An invitation to Glynnholme, the estate of the reclusive scholar, Evangeline Glynn, is a welcome distraction.
With each visit, dark secrets are revealed. The Professor is no stranger to Glynnholme. Jane wasn’t chosen by chance.
As the death count rises, The Professor prepares a final lesson. Words are powerful. They give him a killing purpose.
Words written in blood could end Jane’s life. Can she discover who The Professor is before it’s too late?
I'm not going to lie, I am very glad that my University days were not as perilous and stressful as they are for Jane, the protagonist of Lisa Sell's latest thriller, The Professor. Sure, a rich benefactor helping me by way of sponsorship would have been nice, but at what cost? That's certainly what Jane begins to wonder when she finds herself caught up in the strange world of the Glynn family, whilst simultaneously trying to stay off the radar of a sadistic serial killer who is terrorising her university campus, murdering students and leaving them posed in macabre tableaus, depicting some of the most memorable scenes from classic literature. Jane's subject of choice at Uni. You can see why she'd be nervous.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Jane as a character, a mature student who is fiercely independent whilst also completely dedicated to her father. I think she has the patience of a saint too, as from some of the things she has to endure as part of her scholarship really do take mentorship to a whole new level, but it's all part of the game, one we, and Jane, don't know all the rules to. At least not at the start. Lisa Sell has created a really intriguing mystery, not only with regards to the murder, but because we know that more than one of the characters holds a closely guarded secret, and we won't be privy to that until just the right moment. I may have guessed elements of it, but that was not a problem in terms of enjoying the book as there are many layer in the twisted mystery and it take s good while to strip them all back to get the the real heart of what is going on.
Scenes move back and forth between Jane, the very strange and ostentatious Glynn Family, one of whom is also Jane's professor, and the Professor of the book's title. Are they one and the same? Well, that would be telling, and with the author in misdirection mode from the start, its fair to say that Doctor Henry Glynn does fall under suspicion for very good reason. Speaking of The Professor, I have to commend the author on her very inventive methods of dispatch. It's clear that she has a passion for the classics, used to great effect in this book. I've probably learned more about our classic English Literature by reading this book than I did during my own studies. Twisting some of the most iconic scenes and characters to fit the twisted mind of her killer, really paid off, and certainly kept me hooked on the book.
The author has created some very diverse characters, some I loved and some I loathed. There are few I trusted, which makes for a brilliant read, and I can't say that I always felt entirely sympathetic towards the victims. You can feel the tension start to build when something pivotal is about to happen, and the menace of the killer leaps off the page. Their motivations may appear confusing at the start, and there is a clear animosity towards a particular but all will become clear. It's a book that could have gone quite dark considering the attrition rate of the students, but Lisa Sell balances the tension well, with lighter scenes to balance all the tragedy.
With the pace and threat really ramping up at the end, I found myself tearing through the closing pages at speed, keen to see if Jane would make it safely to the end. To find that out, you'll have to read for yourselves, won't you? Recommended for fans of serial killer thrillers that sit on the slightly lighter end of the genre.
Reading The Professor was an interesting twist for me. Not usually one for diving into a suspense thriller, reading the novel was an experience that was not only inviting, but unique. I was glad I did. This one may have changed my reading habits a little.
A literature professor, Henry Glynne, sponsors a hesitant student, Jane Unwin, to study at a local university of prestige as a local serial killer reemerges after ten years of silence. Who is next on the list, who the killer is, and who Jane can trust becomes anyone's guess. The Professor combines an appreciation for classic literature with a psychological thriller that offers an intriguing reading opportunity both uncommon and well worth it.
The author plots this book with precision, expertly shaping and guiding the reading experience. While it took me a few chapters to catch on (I can be a bit thick as a reader), I personally found the structure very enjoyable, keeping me on the edge of my proverbial and sometimes literal seat as the point of view and the perspectives shift from character to character along with the chapters. I found myself sucked into a finely woven psychological thriller while navigating unexpected twists and turns. Lisa Sell pulls off a well-constructed narrative with finesse that is difficult to put down.
By the time I reached the end, the author had successfully built my false sense of confidence in who the killer could turn out to be. Then, as with any successful story, I was turned around and lovingly plopped on my head. I didn't even mind, really. Did not see that coming.
I've already recommended this to some others who I know will appreciate the reading experience. If you are appreciative of a good suspense novel or psychological thrillers, or even an aficionado of classic literature, The Professor is worth a purchase.
First, I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel offers a unique and intriguing premise, combining the dark world of a serial killer with literary classics as inspiration for murders. The concept is fascinating, and the author’s clear passion and knowledge of English literature shine through. While I didn’t completely connect with every aspect of the story, I still found it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
At the start, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The characters felt a bit underdeveloped, especially Jane, the protagonist, who was hard to connect with. Henry Glynn, a central figure, initially felt like an overly obvious suspect, and some of the plot points—such as the lack of campus security—felt a bit hard to believe.
However, as the story progressed, it became more engaging. The characters developed more depth, and the layers of the mystery unfolded in an intriguing way, keeping me guessing about the killer’s identity. By the latter half I was able to guess the culprit among the suspects, however the twists and turns leading to the resolution kept me interested.
Some parts, particularly near the end, felt a little drawn out. While the resolution was satisfying, the detailed explanation of events could have been streamlined to maintain the story’s momentum.
Final Thoughts: While I greatly admire the author’s evident passion for English literature, the level of detail in some of the literary references may not appeal to everyone. For me, it occasionally felt a bit dense, but I’m sure those who share this passion will appreciate it far more.
Overall, while the book didn’t completely sweep me off my feet, it offered a clever and unique take on the mystery genre. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars - rounded to 3 stars on Goodreads - and I think readers who enjoy literary mysteries will find much to love here.
This is my first read by Lisa Sell, and boy it didn’t disappoint. One for the crime sleuths! Thanks once again to TBC on facebook for the opportunity. Where do I start? Maybe at the beginning. Jane is the main protagonist. She’s a mature student, at 30, and has just started an English Literature course at a prestigious university in England, sponsored by Henry Glynn, of the infamous Glynn family. Why her? Maybe because he sees something endearing in her from his visits to the book shop where she works. She always gets his nods to the various classics and is anything but a working class girl with no aspirations. Jane feels out of her depth in university, but soon settles in thanks in part to her new friend.
‘The Professor’ is a tense character as Jane soon learns during the various lectures, who seems to have a deep-seated issue with women. Why, we ask is this? Does he have a domineering mother? Why is every room in the Glynn residence named after a classics character/book, who had a terrible fate? All women, of course. This is what we’re about to discover…
Jane finds herself in a new world of intellectuals, while at the same time, (and this is the crux of the novel), a world in which there is a serial killer lurking and alluding to the classics she has studied and is continuing to study. As the victims are posed in the manner in which the character in the novel does. Who is this serial killer and will Jane ever get to the bottom of it? It becomes all the more real when her own friend is attacked. Will she be able to reveal the killer’s identity? You’ll have to read to find out.
I couldn’t put this book down! I’ll be reading more from this author. It keeps you on your toes guessing until the end, which becomes more complex as it goes on. Definitely one for the crime lovers!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you have a taste for classic literature mixed with morbid killings, "The Professor" might be the perfect read for you. While the references to literary classics might not resonate with everyone, it's clear that the author knows her stuff! Things really heat up when our twisted killer comes back into the spotlight.
Hauntingly dubbed "The Professor," this sinister figure has returned after a decade-long silence, unleashing a wave of terror across the campus once more. His victims are not just killed; they are meticulously arranged in some of the most iconic scenes from classic literature, making each murder a dark homage to the stories that shaped the literary world.
As the plot unfolds, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, racing toward a heart-stopping conclusion that's bound to keep you guessing until the very last page!
I was on an absolute high reveling in all of the literary references scattered throughout The Professor, superbly executed and each one a total delight - honestly bravo.
I hugely enjoyed this story, not 100% sure that I liked Jane or any of the characters for that matter but the story itself was masterfully crafted and I was completely engrossed and swept along. I did like the development of Jane's character though, and if I did pick a favourite I think it would be Evangeline Glynn.
There are an abundance of dead ends and the place is practically untidy with the amount of red herrings laying about... although I did guess who The Professor was I obviously had to read on to make sure I was right and it did not detract at all from my enjoyment of the story.
This book is part serial killer, part psychological thriller and part delicious celebration of literature, making for a cleverly plotted story and a superb read.
My thanks to the author, Lisa Sell and Zooloos Book Tours for my place on this blog tour.
If you like classic Victorian fiction and are a passionate reader of crime thrillers, then The Professor is a must additional to your ‘to be read’ list
The story offers something a little different from the masses in this genre in as much the core focus is on the murderer, the victims and, without giving too much away, a potential next victim, rather than the detectives investigating the crimes. All cleverly wrapped up on the lead themes from such classics as Taming of the Shrew, Jane Eyre and Dracula.
The author superbly creates her characters, both living and dead, and the settings of the plot which enhances the Victorian fiction link with a grand English estate and prestigious university at the heart of the story.
The Professor is definitely worth reading but it got a 3 / 5 from me. The first part was a little too ‘neat’ but it improved significantly as the truth as to why the murderer committed the crimes is slowly revealed.
I received a free digital copy of this book through The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook, in return for an honest review. I struggled between a 4 or 5 star, mostly because I guessed who the killer was early on, and in a novel like this I don’t like to be proved right. On reflection I think it’s worthy of a 5* because it’s very well written, very gripping in places, with some well described characters and places. The use of literature as the frame to hang the whole story on is really clever and quite unique, I haven’t read any of these classics for many years and the book has piqued my interest in them again. There are lots of clever plot twists, some high tension and a little dark comedy too, I recommend this read.
I am a huge fan of Lisa Sell’s books, so I couldn’t wait to read The Professor.
I thoroughly enjoyed the references to classical literature - they were woven so perfectly into the murders and the story as a whole. The decor of Glynnholme was particularly intriguing and it was wonderful to close my eyes and picture each room as the author described them.
The characters were interesting… I enjoyed the dark humour in the book and enjoyed trying to puzzle out the ending; I couldn’t!
Ok so this book completely had me believing one thing then ripped it up and spat it back out at me!
I read other reviews where people were saying they struggled to guess who the Professor was, but I was convinced we'd been told at the beginning who it was and that no guessing was required... how wrong was I.
I enjoyed the link to the literary greats and could visualise Glynnholme with the different rooms dressed as an ode to certain characters.
I'd definitely reccomend this book and will be looking for more by this author!
Jane is given an opportunity to go to university, but can she really trust the person who has offered it to her?
The professor is written from multiple points of view which kept me intrigued and constantly guessing what would happen next.
I also like how each chapter was short, which meant this was a fast-paced novel.
This narrative kept me guessing throughout, with several twists I didn't see coming. I also really like the classical links in this novel that gave the narrative depth with specific characters.
Wow what have I just read it was brilliant so glad you were talked into writing it. Where do I begin that won't spoil the read. This book kept me awake a good who done it and I couldn't guess who or why up to the end there were so many that it could have been. Played out to the victorian classics murders are occurring all committed by The Professor but who is it? Highly recommend if you like twisty crime books.
Having read all of Lisa Sell's books, I was looking forward to reading this. It surpassed all expectations. It has also made me want to read the novels that are mentioned in the book as I've never read the classics. I completely got the murderer wrong which pleases me no end. I await the author's next book with bated breath.
This is the first book by Lisa Sell that I have read but it won't be the last. The Professor has so many twists and turns it will keep you guessing. I really enjoyed this read. There were many literary references in the book that I enjoyed. I loved the characters and am looking forward to her next book. Thank you Lisa for the ARC.
Well I picked up my kindle and began reading this book I love this style of book and at first found i was unsure if was going to enjoy it .. however the deeper I got the more I enjoyed this eerie novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre and praise this author with drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked
Wow what a book i just loved it. At first i wast sure with the classical literature references but they all fit in with the story. This is one twisty crime book i couldn't work out who the killer was even at the end i was O Gosh. There is even some dark comedy to the book as well. A Big fat 5 stars from me read it.
Firstly, I bought a copy of The Goblin Market because of this book - and love it!
I loved this book. What an odious murderer! The story will keep you entwined until the end. This author is excellent at piquing your interest and holding on to it!
Absolutely chilling ,psychological thriller. A killer preying on young women , a daughter wanting to pursue her love of literature at university. A web of secrets and lies woven around the truth behind the murders. A really intriguing read with so many twists and a truly shocking conclusion.
A good psychological thriller with a thrilling plot. Some well written characters and a few twists made this a decent read. The two POVs were an interesting way to throw the reader off the scent of the killer and though a little farfetched in places, I enjoyed this book.