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The Substitute
Lou Jennings, a high school English teacher in the quaint Illinois town of Amber Hill, is struck down with the flu shortly before Thanksgiving. She spends the next few days in bed, cared for by her attentive husband Derek and their two kids, Ben and Ruth.
Upon returning to school, Lou finds a substitute teacher called Evelyn Sparrow holding the fort - as all good substitutes should do - except now, no-one remembers who Lou is. The students, the teachers, everyone in school. As far as they're concerned, Miss Sparrow has always been the English teacher at Amber Hill High, and they've always adored her.
In the days that follow, the once-stable fabric of Lou's life begins to unravel right before her eyes. Friends forget her, family no longer recognise her. Piece by piece, Evelyn takes everything, stripping Lou of all she once held dear, driving her to the brink of madness.
But Lou isn't alone. One student at Amber Hill High - Jason Rennor - notices something about Miss Sparrow, something that's not as it should be. He starts to suspect she may not even be human. Then another student goes missing, and Jason knows for sure - Miss Sparrow is evil, and it isn't long before he finds himself in her crosshairs, fighting for his very survival.
Maurice Baxter knows exactly what Evelyn is. She's left a devastating mark on his life and he's spent months tracking her all the way to Amber Hill, fuelled by grief and vengeance, guided by his dreams. Those dreams bring him to Jason, and then to Lou. Together, they concoct a last-ditch plan to rid the world of Evelyn Sparrow and restore Lou's life before it's lost forever, or the Substitute finds them first.
Upon returning to school, Lou finds a substitute teacher called Evelyn Sparrow holding the fort - as all good substitutes should do - except now, no-one remembers who Lou is. The students, the teachers, everyone in school. As far as they're concerned, Miss Sparrow has always been the English teacher at Amber Hill High, and they've always adored her.
In the days that follow, the once-stable fabric of Lou's life begins to unravel right before her eyes. Friends forget her, family no longer recognise her. Piece by piece, Evelyn takes everything, stripping Lou of all she once held dear, driving her to the brink of madness.
But Lou isn't alone. One student at Amber Hill High - Jason Rennor - notices something about Miss Sparrow, something that's not as it should be. He starts to suspect she may not even be human. Then another student goes missing, and Jason knows for sure - Miss Sparrow is evil, and it isn't long before he finds himself in her crosshairs, fighting for his very survival.
Maurice Baxter knows exactly what Evelyn is. She's left a devastating mark on his life and he's spent months tracking her all the way to Amber Hill, fuelled by grief and vengeance, guided by his dreams. Those dreams bring him to Jason, and then to Lou. Together, they concoct a last-ditch plan to rid the world of Evelyn Sparrow and restore Lou's life before it's lost forever, or the Substitute finds them first.
- GenresHorror
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2024
6 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 23, 2024
2.75⭐️- This book was given to me as an ARC. It’s definitely slightly out of my genre comfort zone (I’m a thriller girlie trying to get into more horror). Parts of this book I definitely enjoyed and other parts not so much.
I loved the perspectives of Lou and Jason. I also liked Maurice’s but his part did feel a bit drawn out and not as connected. This book had a very unique concept which I also enjoyed. What would I do if I went to work after a week off and no one knew who I was? I’d go crazy. I was genuinely scared in moments. One specific scene in Jason’s perspective really had me spooked. Any book that can genuinely scare me is always good.
One thing that really took me out of the story unfortunately was the language the author used. It was made clear that this story was taking place in the US, but some of the wording used was very European (I’d have to guess Irish because the author is from Ireland). Phrases and words like “kitchen paper” and “forecourt” for example. There were numerous moments like this that really made it hard for me to visualize this taking place in middle America. I think this story could have benefited from being set in Ireland.
I also wish that the three timelines would have been more interlaced rather than Lou’s entire perspective, then Jason’s, then Maurice’s. I wish it had bounced back and forth between the characters because that would have made keeping track of certain events easier.
Last, and this is just a personal preference; I read the ebook of this and it was 529 pages which was simply too long for me. Holding my attention for that long is difficult so I do wish it was like 100 pages shorter.
I loved the perspectives of Lou and Jason. I also liked Maurice’s but his part did feel a bit drawn out and not as connected. This book had a very unique concept which I also enjoyed. What would I do if I went to work after a week off and no one knew who I was? I’d go crazy. I was genuinely scared in moments. One specific scene in Jason’s perspective really had me spooked. Any book that can genuinely scare me is always good.
One thing that really took me out of the story unfortunately was the language the author used. It was made clear that this story was taking place in the US, but some of the wording used was very European (I’d have to guess Irish because the author is from Ireland). Phrases and words like “kitchen paper” and “forecourt” for example. There were numerous moments like this that really made it hard for me to visualize this taking place in middle America. I think this story could have benefited from being set in Ireland.
I also wish that the three timelines would have been more interlaced rather than Lou’s entire perspective, then Jason’s, then Maurice’s. I wish it had bounced back and forth between the characters because that would have made keeping track of certain events easier.
Last, and this is just a personal preference; I read the ebook of this and it was 529 pages which was simply too long for me. Holding my attention for that long is difficult so I do wish it was like 100 pages shorter.
December 2, 2024
Imagine your current life, normal and repetitive. Work, home, family, friends, co-workers. Then one day, you feel under the weather, and each day it gets worse so you decide to stay home from work to get better.
So did Lou. Except after Lou stays home for a few days to rest and recover does she decide to return to work at the school after a week of being ill, only no one knows who she is. Not the principal, students, co-workers, or the substitute Evelyn Sparrow. No one. Once Lou leaves the school everyone knows who she is so she goes home to her family.
Slowly the substitute Mrs . Sparrow takes over Lou's life one point at a time.
Lous starts having nightmares, and ghostly visions.
Soon after one of the students starts having disturbing imagery. This is where the book picks up speed and starts to get scary, spooky, and exciting!
Sit back and enjoy this wild ride. The author did a phenomenal job giving you plenty to think about if you were Lou. What would you do? Think? What could be wrong? How could no one know her?
The Substitute leaves you feeling dread and anxiety as you flip through the pages feverishly to see what happens next! 5 full 🌟
So did Lou. Except after Lou stays home for a few days to rest and recover does she decide to return to work at the school after a week of being ill, only no one knows who she is. Not the principal, students, co-workers, or the substitute Evelyn Sparrow. No one. Once Lou leaves the school everyone knows who she is so she goes home to her family.
Slowly the substitute Mrs . Sparrow takes over Lou's life one point at a time.
Lous starts having nightmares, and ghostly visions.
Soon after one of the students starts having disturbing imagery. This is where the book picks up speed and starts to get scary, spooky, and exciting!
Sit back and enjoy this wild ride. The author did a phenomenal job giving you plenty to think about if you were Lou. What would you do? Think? What could be wrong? How could no one know her?
The Substitute leaves you feeling dread and anxiety as you flip through the pages feverishly to see what happens next! 5 full 🌟
November 10, 2024
This is my first ARC read and I… devoured!! I can’t wait for others to be able to feel the anxiety I felt when reading this book! You ever have the fear that you’ll go home from work and go back the next day and nobody knows who you are? Well, this is exactly what happens to Lou, except more! Won’t give any spoilers.. read for yourself! Comes out SOON!! 🩷
December 30, 2024
I very kindly got sent an ARC of this on Kindle and I really enjoyed it. It was gripping, a page turner, intense spooky.
This follows Louise Jennings who is an English teacher at the local high school. She has a husband and 2 kids. She is off work for a week with the flu and a Substitute teacher looks after her class for her while she is gone. When she comes back..no one remembers her, the Substitute has taken her place and she has been forgetton..
This follows Louise Jennings who is an English teacher at the local high school. She has a husband and 2 kids. She is off work for a week with the flu and a Substitute teacher looks after her class for her while she is gone. When she comes back..no one remembers her, the Substitute has taken her place and she has been forgetton..
November 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me frustrated. At times extremely creeped out.
November 3, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I thoroughly enjoyed the eerie spooky vibes of this book! It was like Hocus Pocus meets IT which is right up my alley! The fear factor had my hair standing on end for most of the book and kept its momentum right until the end. The ending was not what I expected at all! Very appreciative for being one of the first people to read this, and can’t wait to see what all my horror reader friends think! EVIE GET AWAY!
I thoroughly enjoyed the eerie spooky vibes of this book! It was like Hocus Pocus meets IT which is right up my alley! The fear factor had my hair standing on end for most of the book and kept its momentum right until the end. The ending was not what I expected at all! Very appreciative for being one of the first people to read this, and can’t wait to see what all my horror reader friends think! EVIE GET AWAY!
October 30, 2024
So I was very kindly sent an advance reader copy of this book by the author, and genuinely that is one of the best books I’ve ever read, maybe even the best I’ve ever read! I am absolutely mind blown, I couldn’t fault one thing about it, the pacing was fantastic with so many twist and turns and shocks, it was my ideal horror/thriller book! Not sure how anything will top this, wish I could rate it infinity stars!
October 17, 2024
Received an ARC copy of this book & am so grateful. David has a beautiful way of building characters and stories in a descriptive way that isn’t overly complicated or drawn out. The book contains multiple POVs from others also going through something similar to what the FMC is experiencing & all POVs come together toward the end of the story in a wholesome, emotional, utterly terrifying conclusion. The book is a spine chilling, edge of your seat horror thriller about an English teacher named Louise Jennings. One day while at work she starts to experience flu like symptoms and decides to take a few days off of work to allow her body to recover. She spends most of the next few days in and out of a fever haze but by the end of the weekend she is feeling so much better! So she texts her boss on Sunday to let him know she’d be coming back to work on that Monday & the text she receives back is the beginning of her life turning completely upside down; “Who is this?” Despite the weird feeling she keeps getting and the weird text from her boss she shows up at the school on Monday morning. She’s a little late due to a flat tire(of course right? 😂). When she gets to her classroom the substitute, Miss Sparrow, is still there & is saying the classroom is hers. The students are her students. No one knows who Mrs. Jennings is. Not her students, not the receptionist… not even her boss, the school principal. 😳 after being embarrassed in front of her(???) students, she’s told to leave the school by the principal, Lou makes it her mission to find out who Miss Sparrow is & why the heck no one remembers her.
October 13, 2024
I loved this one!! As a high school teacher, it hit close to home and stressed me out! Definitely worth the read.
October 14, 2024
Received an ARC from the author which I’m so grateful for.
It had me intrigued from onset!
This follows the FMC Lou who is a high school teacher, has a family, everything appears normal and ok. Except imagine going to a place of work that is your career, you love your work and could never imagine doing anything else… now imagine showing up to your job and find the people you’ve worked with have no idea who you are… like you never existed… And someone else has your job…. but your family know who you are.. so WTF
You will go on a journey unpacking this alongside the FMC Lou and it will at times chill you to the bone! I’ll tell you now I’m desensitised to a lot! But the detail description I was on edge, I was freaked the F out…
Not only Lou POV but other main characters too, it’s done in such a way that you can’t and won’t want to put it down.
This story will dig its claws into you and you won’t get away till you’re finished.
Disclaimer too, this is also the FIRST ever horror story that has made me cry……
It had me intrigued from onset!
This follows the FMC Lou who is a high school teacher, has a family, everything appears normal and ok. Except imagine going to a place of work that is your career, you love your work and could never imagine doing anything else… now imagine showing up to your job and find the people you’ve worked with have no idea who you are… like you never existed… And someone else has your job…. but your family know who you are.. so WTF
You will go on a journey unpacking this alongside the FMC Lou and it will at times chill you to the bone! I’ll tell you now I’m desensitised to a lot! But the detail description I was on edge, I was freaked the F out…
Not only Lou POV but other main characters too, it’s done in such a way that you can’t and won’t want to put it down.
This story will dig its claws into you and you won’t get away till you’re finished.
Disclaimer too, this is also the FIRST ever horror story that has made me cry……
November 2, 2024
This was so good!
I was given an ARC by the author David McIlroy, and this is my honest opinion.
I was blown away.
Lou Jennings is a wife, a mom, and an English teacher at a high school. She comes down with the flu and misses a week of work. When she’s feeling better and finally makes her way back to the school, things get really weird for her. No one knows her. The students don’t know her, the other teachers, the principal, they have no clue who she is. The substitute teacher who took her place while she was absent is adamant that she is the English teacher and has been for years. Everyone else agrees. The rest of this book follows Lou’s life as this substitute/witch/succubus/demonic thing continues to take over every aspect of Lou’s life until she has nothing and no one.
I won’t say anything else about the plot so I don’t spoil anything, but this was such a good book. The writing was fantastic. Easy to read, fleshed out characters, enough details to have everything playing like a vivid movie in your head. I was feeling every emotion Lou felt. I felt her frustration, I felt her fear. I was so invested and attached to this character that when the second part of the book came around and pivoted to a new character, my reading slowed a bit because I just wanted more Lou, I needed to know what was happening with her! But that little slow-down didn’t last because the other two perspectives added so much to the story, filled everything in, and that’s really where the horror started to amp up.
There’s a countdown to Thanksgiving in this story, so if you’re a holiday reader like I am and looking for a Thanksgiving read, this is the one. Highly recommend.
I was given an ARC by the author David McIlroy, and this is my honest opinion.
I was blown away.
Lou Jennings is a wife, a mom, and an English teacher at a high school. She comes down with the flu and misses a week of work. When she’s feeling better and finally makes her way back to the school, things get really weird for her. No one knows her. The students don’t know her, the other teachers, the principal, they have no clue who she is. The substitute teacher who took her place while she was absent is adamant that she is the English teacher and has been for years. Everyone else agrees. The rest of this book follows Lou’s life as this substitute/witch/succubus/demonic thing continues to take over every aspect of Lou’s life until she has nothing and no one.
I won’t say anything else about the plot so I don’t spoil anything, but this was such a good book. The writing was fantastic. Easy to read, fleshed out characters, enough details to have everything playing like a vivid movie in your head. I was feeling every emotion Lou felt. I felt her frustration, I felt her fear. I was so invested and attached to this character that when the second part of the book came around and pivoted to a new character, my reading slowed a bit because I just wanted more Lou, I needed to know what was happening with her! But that little slow-down didn’t last because the other two perspectives added so much to the story, filled everything in, and that’s really where the horror started to amp up.
There’s a countdown to Thanksgiving in this story, so if you’re a holiday reader like I am and looking for a Thanksgiving read, this is the one. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2024
THE SUBSTITUTE is a gradually intensifying psychological horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lou contracted a nasty flu before Thanksgiving. Upon her return to her teaching position, she discovers that she has been replaced by a substitute teacher. Oddly, no one seems to recall Lou. Say what!? This substitute teacher, Evie, is taking over her job and won't stop until she gets what she wants.
David has crafted an original concept that I have never encountered before. I wanted to wring Evie's neck since I felt so bad for what Lou was going through. It's such a twisted ordeal, with just the right creepy factors to go with it. The conclusion is particularly memorable, ending with a resounding bang! My sole critique is the narrative's repetitiveness and the length of the chapters, which slightly hinder the overall pacing. Nevertheless, this is an exceptional read that will undoubtedly push your anxiety to the limit! David has crafted an original concept that I have never encountered before. I wanted to wring Evie's neck since I felt so sorry for what Lou was going through. It's such a twisted ordeal, with just the right creepy factors to accompany it.
The conclusion is especially memorable, ending with a resounding bang! My only critique is the narrative's repetitiveness and the length of the chapters, which slightly hinder the overall pacing. Nevertheless, this is an exceptional read that will undoubtedly push your anxiety to the limit!
David has crafted an original concept that I have never encountered before. I wanted to wring Evie's neck since I felt so bad for what Lou was going through. It's such a twisted ordeal, with just the right creepy factors to go with it. The conclusion is particularly memorable, ending with a resounding bang! My sole critique is the narrative's repetitiveness and the length of the chapters, which slightly hinder the overall pacing. Nevertheless, this is an exceptional read that will undoubtedly push your anxiety to the limit! David has crafted an original concept that I have never encountered before. I wanted to wring Evie's neck since I felt so sorry for what Lou was going through. It's such a twisted ordeal, with just the right creepy factors to accompany it.
The conclusion is especially memorable, ending with a resounding bang! My only critique is the narrative's repetitiveness and the length of the chapters, which slightly hinder the overall pacing. Nevertheless, this is an exceptional read that will undoubtedly push your anxiety to the limit!
November 16, 2024
From the first two chapters, capturing your attention, you will want to read more. Lou is a teacher, struck down by a bad flu, and as normal a sub is brought in to cover. Then Lou hears a little voice in her head saying something is wrong?? What could be wrong ?
Ok this is creepy, what the heck is going on !! Who is miss sparrow? Will Lou and her best friend Debbie figure out what's going on?
Jason Renner is a student at Amber Hill. What has he seen? This student that no one notices, one that blends into the background a lot. But she has noticed him!
Rick Anderson the asshole kid, too big for his boots, the bully that every school has. What is it about Miss Evelyn Sparrow that unsettles some people, and captivates others? It's like she casts a spell over everyone in a different way, just what was it Jason saw ?
This book was absolutely incredible! You think ok I've got this fiqured out, for it to twist again and again. This will have you gripped, on the edge of your seat wanting to know more.....you will not want to put this down !!
Expertly written, if you like horror you will love this. It has the balance of thriller, creepiness and shock to keep you captivated.
Ok this is creepy, what the heck is going on !! Who is miss sparrow? Will Lou and her best friend Debbie figure out what's going on?
Jason Renner is a student at Amber Hill. What has he seen? This student that no one notices, one that blends into the background a lot. But she has noticed him!
Rick Anderson the asshole kid, too big for his boots, the bully that every school has. What is it about Miss Evelyn Sparrow that unsettles some people, and captivates others? It's like she casts a spell over everyone in a different way, just what was it Jason saw ?
This book was absolutely incredible! You think ok I've got this fiqured out, for it to twist again and again. This will have you gripped, on the edge of your seat wanting to know more.....you will not want to put this down !!
Expertly written, if you like horror you will love this. It has the balance of thriller, creepiness and shock to keep you captivated.
November 3, 2024
I was given an arc of this book and I’m so glad I did. Lou is an English teacher and mum to 2 children and wife to her husband Derek. Life is good until she gets the flu and takes time off work. When she returns to work she is shocked to find another woman teaching her class.No one at school remembers her and soon everyone around her forgets who she is and accept this new woman Evelyn sparrow. But what is Evelyn? Is she a witch? What ever she is she has no plans on letting go of her life and family anytime soon. Lou must fight for her life and everything back, can she do it?
The writing was phenomenal and keeps you engaged throughout the story. This is a large book but is definitely worth it. I really enjoyed this book and there are some scenes in this book that will stay with me such as the party at the end.. great book 5 stars 🌟
The writing was phenomenal and keeps you engaged throughout the story. This is a large book but is definitely worth it. I really enjoyed this book and there are some scenes in this book that will stay with me such as the party at the end.. great book 5 stars 🌟
November 14, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC!!
I did really enjoy this book, it was my first horror read and definitely won’t be my last!! I found myself actually spooked out a little which was fun.
The story was very interesting although I did find it a little hard to follow at some points. I think it would have worked better (in my opinion) if it was dual POV all the way through the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of splitting the book into 3 parts with 3 different characters as I found I got really into it and then it just stopped and moved onto another persons story, (If that makes any sense at all).
And there’s one thing I really don’t like, it’s long chapters.. sir, they didn’t need to be so long!! 😭 the last chapter was 2 HOURS LONG!!
Overall, I did enjoy it and definitely think it’s worth a read
Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC!!
I did really enjoy this book, it was my first horror read and definitely won’t be my last!! I found myself actually spooked out a little which was fun.
The story was very interesting although I did find it a little hard to follow at some points. I think it would have worked better (in my opinion) if it was dual POV all the way through the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of splitting the book into 3 parts with 3 different characters as I found I got really into it and then it just stopped and moved onto another persons story, (If that makes any sense at all).
And there’s one thing I really don’t like, it’s long chapters.. sir, they didn’t need to be so long!! 😭 the last chapter was 2 HOURS LONG!!
Overall, I did enjoy it and definitely think it’s worth a read
November 11, 2024
David messaged me on TikTok to see if I would ARC read the substitute and I almost said no because I already had quite a few ARC reads lined up. Boy am I glad that I said yes. This book was a masterpiece. After the first part I was like how could there still be so much left and then it went into the same timeline just with a different character. And I love multiple point of view books. It's told through the perspectives of Lou, Jason and Maurice and their roles all tie together at the end. This book had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. It's very tense. I highly recommend this book.
March 28, 2025
If you are a fan of horror novels, definitely add this to your list. This is the second novel I’ve read by this author and he keeps me captivated.
It would freak me out if my life was erased. How do you fix it? Are you falling into madness? Lou is a teacher that was out sick. When she returns nobody knows who she is. Everyone thinks the substitute has always been their teacher. Freak out time.
This psychological thriller will have you guessing as you read different POVs over the same days.
I don’t read a lot of horror, but I think I may have to pick up more like this one.
Thank you to the author for providing me an e-arc. My review is voluntary.
It would freak me out if my life was erased. How do you fix it? Are you falling into madness? Lou is a teacher that was out sick. When she returns nobody knows who she is. Everyone thinks the substitute has always been their teacher. Freak out time.
This psychological thriller will have you guessing as you read different POVs over the same days.
I don’t read a lot of horror, but I think I may have to pick up more like this one.
Thank you to the author for providing me an e-arc. My review is voluntary.
October 29, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this book! I thought it was very unique and interesting, not like anything I’ve read before. I enjoyed how the story all came together with the different characters. Would LOVE to read a sequel to this book!!!
However, I could not get on board with the extremely long chapters and POV’s changing multiple times within the same chapter.
*Thank you to the author for sending me an E-ARC copy of this book.
However, I could not get on board with the extremely long chapters and POV’s changing multiple times within the same chapter.
*Thank you to the author for sending me an E-ARC copy of this book.
October 31, 2024
I am absolutely so excited for this to come out and see all the reviews come in. It was so kind to be offered an ARC. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
When I tell you…. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time! The author did an amazing job capturing the audience in the beginning. It was so captivating and you are just questioning what the hell is going on. You want to know more, and the way the beginning character just seems so insane 😅ugh loved it. 100% chefs kiss
When I tell you…. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time! The author did an amazing job capturing the audience in the beginning. It was so captivating and you are just questioning what the hell is going on. You want to know more, and the way the beginning character just seems so insane 😅ugh loved it. 100% chefs kiss
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November 10, 2024DNF at 52%
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC to read and review.
Unfortunately, I have had to DNF at 52% as I felt this book was putting me into a slump. It had such an interesting concept but for me personally, I felt bored. The chapters were really long, and the pov changing mid chapter multiple times is not something I enjoyed.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC to read and review.
Unfortunately, I have had to DNF at 52% as I felt this book was putting me into a slump. It had such an interesting concept but for me personally, I felt bored. The chapters were really long, and the pov changing mid chapter multiple times is not something I enjoyed.
November 23, 2024
I really did enjoy this! It would have been a solid 5⭐️ if it was shorter. I feel like there were quite a bit of details that weren’t needed, BUT the story was incredible! I haven’t read anything like it and will absolutely recommend it for my horror loving friends!
November 3, 2024
Loved this book! It was the first book I had read by this author. Loved the writing style. Kept me hooked at every turn.
November 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to grab an arc of this. It’s a page turner. Love the twists and writing. You won’t want to put it down.
December 2, 2024
4.5⭐️ Wow! My head is still spinning and I finished it hours ago! This book is insane and will mess with you in such a good way!
Lou is a teacher and has been at the same school for 6 years. Well, she gets the flu and ends up staying home for about a week. Typical, right? Here’s the issue! When she goes back to school, no one knows who she is. Her principal and students don’t remember her and there is a teacher in her place. So what is going on?
It gets worse and so much happens in this book! Amazing!
Lou is a teacher and has been at the same school for 6 years. Well, she gets the flu and ends up staying home for about a week. Typical, right? Here’s the issue! When she goes back to school, no one knows who she is. Her principal and students don’t remember her and there is a teacher in her place. So what is going on?
It gets worse and so much happens in this book! Amazing!
October 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to be given a ARC of this book from the author i really really enjoyed it i love the fmc Lou Jennings a horror book has never made me feel all the feels like this one did very well written
February 5, 2025
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if everyone you knew forgot who you are? This is what starts happening to Lou Jennings. After a nasty flu takes hold of her and she has to miss work a few days, when she goes back to her English classroom and students she finds that not a single person recognizes or knows her and that she has been completely replaced by another teacher, another woman - Evie Sparrow. Lou has to get to the bottom of this and what feels like a bad dream or practical joke. The further she descends the more horror she finds out.
Along the way you also get to meet Jason, just a high schooler doing detention with a broken nose? Definitely more than meets the eye. Then there’s Maurice, who has revenge on the mind and knows the missing details about who - or what - this Evie Sparrow person is. She is definitely more than just the substitute. She definitely needs to be stopped. Time is not on anyone’s side, unless you’re Evie Sparrow.
**Start here if you don’t want an overview of the book**
I enjoyed this book so much! 📕 I know it may be cliche to compare another book to another movie but this book gave me The Faculty vibes the whole time and I dug that! I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and shifts in the timeline of the book to see what was happening from someone else in the story. There were also a few parts that creeped me out so much! The books I tend to read have a lot of blood and gore and this one didn’t which I enjoyed. The author does such a good job making you feel uneasy, and when that’s the case you don’t need other nasty stuff. I also appreciated the hints throughout the book about what was going on - subtle but you knew it meant something. Lastly, the author knows exactly how to circle back and not have any questions or loose ends left.
This book has action, creepiness, dread, horror, sadness, grief along with supernatural elements. A perfect combo.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me and providing me with a free digital ARC and trust your book with me!
‼️ Releases November 27th! ‼️
Happy reading. 📖✨💀
Along the way you also get to meet Jason, just a high schooler doing detention with a broken nose? Definitely more than meets the eye. Then there’s Maurice, who has revenge on the mind and knows the missing details about who - or what - this Evie Sparrow person is. She is definitely more than just the substitute. She definitely needs to be stopped. Time is not on anyone’s side, unless you’re Evie Sparrow.
**Start here if you don’t want an overview of the book**
I enjoyed this book so much! 📕 I know it may be cliche to compare another book to another movie but this book gave me The Faculty vibes the whole time and I dug that! I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and shifts in the timeline of the book to see what was happening from someone else in the story. There were also a few parts that creeped me out so much! The books I tend to read have a lot of blood and gore and this one didn’t which I enjoyed. The author does such a good job making you feel uneasy, and when that’s the case you don’t need other nasty stuff. I also appreciated the hints throughout the book about what was going on - subtle but you knew it meant something. Lastly, the author knows exactly how to circle back and not have any questions or loose ends left.
This book has action, creepiness, dread, horror, sadness, grief along with supernatural elements. A perfect combo.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me and providing me with a free digital ARC and trust your book with me!
‼️ Releases November 27th! ‼️
Happy reading. 📖✨💀
December 28, 2024
I could not put this down. I've never read anything like it before. It was suspenseful and gripping and terrifying. Imagine if it were happening to you and your whole life was being stripped away. So good. Highly recommend! I would read anything from this author and I have zero doubt that I would love it
March 25, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I’m so grateful! It’s not my typical type of read but I was hooked from the get go. The story and characters were well written, I didn’t find myself trying to guess what Evelyn was and what was going to happen, I was so immersed that I happily went with the story. The ending was not what I was expecting but it gave closure. If you like happy endings you’re not going to get it here. Congratulations on such a great book David, I will definitely be adding a physical copy of The Substitute to my library
November 16, 2024
Imagine if one day you go back to work and no one remembers who you are...
Lou goes back to work after being offsick and not even one person knows who she is and she quickly realises that the substitute teacher has taken not just her job but will also wipe her whole life from existence and take her place.
The countdown has already started.
From psychological horror to gore, this book gives you all sort of scares. Being the cherry on top of the cake all the different point of views that lead to an action packed finale.
Lou goes back to work after being offsick and not even one person knows who she is and she quickly realises that the substitute teacher has taken not just her job but will also wipe her whole life from existence and take her place.
The countdown has already started.
From psychological horror to gore, this book gives you all sort of scares. Being the cherry on top of the cake all the different point of views that lead to an action packed finale.
December 17, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and was pleasantly surprised as horror isn’t usually my go to genre.
I would rate this 3.75 stars but rounded up. The story was intriguing and fresh with a paranormal thriller vibe.
Louise is a teacher and after a bout of illness and taking a week off from school she arrives back to her classroom only for her students and faculty to have no idea who she is. This brings identity theft to a new level.
A creepy twist with multiple POV’s all based around Thanksgiving.
I would rate this 3.75 stars but rounded up. The story was intriguing and fresh with a paranormal thriller vibe.
Louise is a teacher and after a bout of illness and taking a week off from school she arrives back to her classroom only for her students and faculty to have no idea who she is. This brings identity theft to a new level.
A creepy twist with multiple POV’s all based around Thanksgiving.
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