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The Student
I’ve spent years running from my past.
After what happened to my parents, I needed to start fresh, far away from the whispers and stares. Now, as a struggling university student, I barely scrape by, living in a new town where no one knows me or the tragedy I’ve tried to forget.
To make ends meet, I take on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile client. But the deal comes with one strange their identity must remain a secret.
At first, it seems like just another job. But as I work with this mysterious person more, their ideas hit too close to home. It’s as if they know everything about me, even the darkest parts of my past.
When my oldest friend goes missing, I realise I can't trust this client. But I can't escape their hold on me.
Because they know how this story ends. I survived once, but can I survive this?
After what happened to my parents, I needed to start fresh, far away from the whispers and stares. Now, as a struggling university student, I barely scrape by, living in a new town where no one knows me or the tragedy I’ve tried to forget.
To make ends meet, I take on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile client. But the deal comes with one strange their identity must remain a secret.
At first, it seems like just another job. But as I work with this mysterious person more, their ideas hit too close to home. It’s as if they know everything about me, even the darkest parts of my past.
When my oldest friend goes missing, I realise I can't trust this client. But I can't escape their hold on me.
Because they know how this story ends. I survived once, but can I survive this?
234 pages, Hardcover
Published January 28, 2025
584 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 27, 2024
This is the second book I have read by this author and it did not disappoint. It was twisted, fast- paced and hooked me immediately. The mysterious Dr. B, the unknown stalker and the elusive Gloria are just a few of the intriguing plot points that kept me reading late into the night. This thriller is a page-turner that enthralled me from start to finish. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
December 20, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Student, by H. M. Lynn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Francesca is starting over after the deaths of her parents. I could not connect with Francesca at all, I did not care for her or her swear words.
January 28, 2025
Fast paced well written book. Craziness for sure and I loved every bit of it!! The charcters were spot on. Loved the twist in it. New for me from this author definitely intrigued to read more.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
January 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Student - H.M. Lynn
Ok, it’s early 2025 - but this surely has to be a firm contender for Book Of The Year!
Completed in just two sittings, this had me on the edge of my seat! A main character brought to the edge of insanity - and a twist that I certainly didn’t see coming.
Expertly crafted to make sure the pages turn themselves, it was pacy, tense, dramatic - it had it all!
Would make an excellent TV thriller too……I’ve got my fingers crossed! 🤞🏼
Ok, it’s early 2025 - but this surely has to be a firm contender for Book Of The Year!
Completed in just two sittings, this had me on the edge of my seat! A main character brought to the edge of insanity - and a twist that I certainly didn’t see coming.
Expertly crafted to make sure the pages turn themselves, it was pacy, tense, dramatic - it had it all!
Would make an excellent TV thriller too……I’ve got my fingers crossed! 🤞🏼
January 16, 2025
Fun, twisty thriller that deals with two of my favorite subjects; writing and academia. Frankie is just starting college at age 24. She has had a tragic life with her parents killed in a murder-suicide. She is a talented writer and has a devoted boyfriend named Duncan. One of her favorite professors recommends her for a ghostwriting job that will provide the money she needs to move into a better place with Duncan. When she goes to interview for the job, she is met with a robotic voice and no picture and the mysterious Dr. B seems to know everything about her life. After she accepts the job, crazy things start to happen in her life and she thinks Dr. B is behind it all.
This one went in a different direction than most thrillers and I was constantly wondering who was behind all the things happening and at times I thought maybe Frankie herself was behind this. There is a murder, Frankie is accused of plagiarism and an old friend is missing. I did guess one of the twists but I thought the author did a great job of laying out subtle clues that led to solving the mystery. I didn't always find Frankie likable but I enjoyed this crazy, ride of a story. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for a copy of this ARC to review.
This one went in a different direction than most thrillers and I was constantly wondering who was behind all the things happening and at times I thought maybe Frankie herself was behind this. There is a murder, Frankie is accused of plagiarism and an old friend is missing. I did guess one of the twists but I thought the author did a great job of laying out subtle clues that led to solving the mystery. I didn't always find Frankie likable but I enjoyed this crazy, ride of a story. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for a copy of this ARC to review.
January 29, 2025
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the book #TheStudent by #HMLynn. Full of secrets, this book will keep you sucked in till the very end. Frankie has moved to escape a family tragedy hoping no one knows what happened. She takes a job as a ghostwriter but is not allowed to know who she is writing for. The mysterious person seems to know more than they should and makes her wonder if they know her. Now her best friend is missing and she is concerned if she is next.
January 19, 2025
So glad I was able to get this book as a ARC. I enjoyed this thriller, I felt like I was right by Frankie side & it kept me wanting more & finding out EXACTLY what happened. I thought I knew, but I was way off.
July 24, 2025
3.5 stars kept me interested up to the end
January 25, 2025
The Student by HM Lynn, Francesca became well known after the murder of her parents now that she is a freshman in college she just wants to get on with getting on. She has a great boyfriend. She even gets an opportunity to be a ghost rider for DBR and anonymous author unknown to Francesca. The interview is awkward to say the least they use a voice disstorter and asks her questions not normally asked and professional type interviews. So when she gets up in abruptly leaves, she thinks she blew her chance only to find out later that no, she was picked to ghost right this book. this is when the madness starts from her being stalked, her friend going missing not to mention the murders that are identical to the one she is writing for this book. all of this happens at the same time she is set up to question not only her boyfriend the love of her life but herself. There was so much in this book that I’m not putting in this review as I don’t want to give a brief rundown and ruin the book for anyone else. It really is a twisty read, and then anyone who says they figured it out is lying because there is no way they knew who the perpetrator was. This was definitely an OMG ending and although quite brief, I still enjoyed this book. there was one thing that truly irritated me and that was how her boyfriend acted as if she was a delicate flower and was at her every Becken call IDK. He just acted as if he knew anything could cause her to break down but that would be my only negative. having said that I still found this book very twisty and although Francesca isn’t the most likable character, I still rooted for her. #NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks, #HMLynn, #TheStudent,
January 27, 2025
The Student by H.M. Lynn is a compelling fast-paced psychological thriller that has you guessing until the end. Filled with survival, trust issues and secrets this book will have you hooked while you unravel the fmc's life. Francesca is a university student wanting to change her life after a terrible family tragedy. She is struggling to make ends meet when her favorite professor suggests that she takes a ghostwriting job. Her client the mysterious Dr. B insists on remaining completely anonymous and using a voice disorder to conceal his identity. But Dr B knows far more about Frankie then she knows about him. Soon Frankie is struggling to figure out fiction and reality, further spiraling her into danger and paranoia. Who can she really trust?
This book was a great narrative with a fast pace. It looks intimidating with 80 chapters but they are super short and engaging so it flies by. Frankie is very relatable and the paranoia she has just ramps up the tension that builds throughout. There were a couple of questions that I still had but overall I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, H.M. Lynn, and Boldwood Books for this ARC. Expected release day is January 28th 2025.
This book was a great narrative with a fast pace. It looks intimidating with 80 chapters but they are super short and engaging so it flies by. Frankie is very relatable and the paranoia she has just ramps up the tension that builds throughout. There were a couple of questions that I still had but overall I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, H.M. Lynn, and Boldwood Books for this ARC. Expected release day is January 28th 2025.
August 19, 2025
Having an open and honest relationship is so important to me that I just don't get it when these characters hide every little thing from their significant others. Or they don't come right out and ask them and instead believe everyone except the person they are suppose to love. I know it wouldn't be much of a story the other way but still...
January 8, 2025
This book is so fast paced I flew through it in a day. I thought I guessed the ending but I was wrong again.
My heart went out to Francesca and her losses and the emails were creepy.
I haven't read anything by this author before but I'm excited to read more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My heart went out to Francesca and her losses and the emails were creepy.
I haven't read anything by this author before but I'm excited to read more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 22, 2025
I was not fan of this book at all. I felt it dragged on and did not reveal things until the very end of the book. For a book so short I felt I was reading for so long.
December 27, 2024
This was a short chapter book that started off strong and piqued my interest, but as the story progressed, I found myself losing connection to it. I struggled to connect with the main character, which made it hard for me to stay invested. While it’s a quick and easy read, unfortunately, it just didn’t do it for me.
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
December 29, 2024
A fun read.
The Student is a taut and gripping psychological thriller that dives into the murky depths of secrets, trust, and survival. This haunting tale keeps readers hooked as it unravels the life of a young woman desperate to escape her past but unable to outrun its shadow. The story centers on a university student who is trying to rebuild her life after a tragic past. Living in obscurity and barely making ends meet, she takes on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile but secretive client. Communication is restricted to a distorted voice over an app, and while the arrangement seems harmless at first, it quickly becomes unsettling.
As the client’s ideas grow eerily familiar and personal, the protagonist realizes this person knows far too much about her—and her darkest secrets. When her childhood friend vanishes, she begins to question everyone around her, including the client, who seems to have a stranglehold on her life. The stakes escalate as she fights to uncover the truth while staying one step ahead of a danger that feels both distant and terrifyingly close. The Student is a compelling thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. H.M. Lynn crafts a narrative that is as psychologically intense as it is emotionally resonant. Fans of dark, twisty stories with complex characters will find this book hard to put down. A gripping exploration of secrets, survival, and the dangerous games people play, The Student is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
The Student is a taut and gripping psychological thriller that dives into the murky depths of secrets, trust, and survival. This haunting tale keeps readers hooked as it unravels the life of a young woman desperate to escape her past but unable to outrun its shadow. The story centers on a university student who is trying to rebuild her life after a tragic past. Living in obscurity and barely making ends meet, she takes on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile but secretive client. Communication is restricted to a distorted voice over an app, and while the arrangement seems harmless at first, it quickly becomes unsettling.
As the client’s ideas grow eerily familiar and personal, the protagonist realizes this person knows far too much about her—and her darkest secrets. When her childhood friend vanishes, she begins to question everyone around her, including the client, who seems to have a stranglehold on her life. The stakes escalate as she fights to uncover the truth while staying one step ahead of a danger that feels both distant and terrifyingly close. The Student is a compelling thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. H.M. Lynn crafts a narrative that is as psychologically intense as it is emotionally resonant. Fans of dark, twisty stories with complex characters will find this book hard to put down. A gripping exploration of secrets, survival, and the dangerous games people play, The Student is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
September 4, 2025
The Student by H.M. Lynn is a gripping thriller full of tension and twists. I was hooked from start to finish, though the ending felt a little flat compared to the rest. Still, a great read!
June 27, 2025
Listened to audible. Good suspense but I figured out who the twist was but not why. The villain did quite a gaslighting job on the protagonist. And the professor who set her up to be the ghost writer for the villain isn't penalized at the end for putting her life and the life of others in danger. When she tells him that the murder of a colleague was written by her and her "boss." He doesn't believe her or doesn't act on it in any way.
May 28, 2025
2.5/5.
I did think the idea was quite good and DB was even a little creepy, but the style of writing is very simple and the book felt long and padded out even though it really wasn’t. I’m not sure I loved the reveal either.
I did think the idea was quite good and DB was even a little creepy, but the style of writing is very simple and the book felt long and padded out even though it really wasn’t. I’m not sure I loved the reveal either.
June 2, 2025
Such an easy read!! Love this author so much, not going to lie the ending confused me slightly, but overall fab read!
December 17, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
At first, I was a bit intimidated by the fact that this book is eighty (yes EIGHTY) chapters long, however I finished it in less than a day simply because I could not put it down (the fact that the chapters are short helped matters as well). The narrative starts off strong, and the pace remains steady throughout which means that it is easy to get lost within the pages as you try to figure out just who this mysterious Professor B is and just how far they are willing to go to in order to get their story told.
In fact, I kind of wish there had been more "ghost written book" to real life moments shown as Francesca worked to piece everything together. As she pointed out, how would have believed her? Personally, I would have to liked to have seen the book be written and then start to match up with real life events, but I can see why that might not have been possible given the timeline here.
I will say that there were times when I had this one figured out, and times I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong, although the part in the middle had me wondering if the author themselves had lost the plot (slight spoiler alert, they hadn't and it is mostly all explained later on). However, I wish there had been an actual resolution to one particular plot piece involving Duncan (a photograph and lie about where he had been one night). I know that the mastermind behind everything wanted him out of the picture, but it was never explained whether or not the photo and other "evidence" Francesca saw was in fact real or not. I am also curious about the last photo she saw and who that child might have been. I had my ideas at first, but neither of them made sense considering everything else we had been told.
That being said, I would highly recommend this one to those who enjoy fast paced novels that start off being predictable, before veering off into something you never expected.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
At first, I was a bit intimidated by the fact that this book is eighty (yes EIGHTY) chapters long, however I finished it in less than a day simply because I could not put it down (the fact that the chapters are short helped matters as well). The narrative starts off strong, and the pace remains steady throughout which means that it is easy to get lost within the pages as you try to figure out just who this mysterious Professor B is and just how far they are willing to go to in order to get their story told.
In fact, I kind of wish there had been more "ghost written book" to real life moments shown as Francesca worked to piece everything together. As she pointed out, how would have believed her? Personally, I would have to liked to have seen the book be written and then start to match up with real life events, but I can see why that might not have been possible given the timeline here.
I will say that there were times when I had this one figured out, and times I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong, although the part in the middle had me wondering if the author themselves had lost the plot (slight spoiler alert, they hadn't and it is mostly all explained later on). However, I wish there had been an actual resolution to one particular plot piece involving Duncan (a photograph and lie about where he had been one night). I know that the mastermind behind everything wanted him out of the picture, but it was never explained whether or not the photo and other "evidence" Francesca saw was in fact real or not. I am also curious about the last photo she saw and who that child might have been. I had my ideas at first, but neither of them made sense considering everything else we had been told.
That being said, I would highly recommend this one to those who enjoy fast paced novels that start off being predictable, before veering off into something you never expected.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 22, 2025
H.M. Lynn delivers a gripping psychological thriller in The Student, a tale brimming with suspense, secrets, and the sinister underbelly of academia.
The story follows Frankie, a 24-year-old university student rebuilding her life after a devastating family tragedy. Struggling to make ends meet, she accepts a ghostwriting job from the enigmatic Dr. B—a client who insists on complete anonymity and communicates solely through a voice distorter. What starts as a lifeline soon descends into a nightmare when Frankie realizes her new employer knows far more about her past than they should. As the line between fiction and reality blurs, Frankie is thrust into a web of paranoia, mistrust, and danger, especially when a childhood friend goes missing and her own integrity is called into question.
Lynn masterfully keeps readers on edge with short chapters and a relentless pace. Frankie’s flawed and impulsive nature makes her a relatable, if not always likable, protagonist. Her paranoia and self-doubt are palpable, and the twists are perfectly timed to keep the tension high. The exploration of academia, ambition, and the lingering effects of trauma adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a standard thriller.
While some elements of the plot are predictable, unexpected twists keep the story fresh and engaging. A few loose threads—particularly concerning Frankie’s boyfriend, Duncan, and some unresolved clues—leave questions lingering. However, these minor quibbles don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The Student is a compelling page-turner, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers that delve into secrets, survival, and the darker side of human ambition. H.M. Lynn crafts an atmospheric and immersive tale that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheStudent #HMLynn #NetGalley
The story follows Frankie, a 24-year-old university student rebuilding her life after a devastating family tragedy. Struggling to make ends meet, she accepts a ghostwriting job from the enigmatic Dr. B—a client who insists on complete anonymity and communicates solely through a voice distorter. What starts as a lifeline soon descends into a nightmare when Frankie realizes her new employer knows far more about her past than they should. As the line between fiction and reality blurs, Frankie is thrust into a web of paranoia, mistrust, and danger, especially when a childhood friend goes missing and her own integrity is called into question.
Lynn masterfully keeps readers on edge with short chapters and a relentless pace. Frankie’s flawed and impulsive nature makes her a relatable, if not always likable, protagonist. Her paranoia and self-doubt are palpable, and the twists are perfectly timed to keep the tension high. The exploration of academia, ambition, and the lingering effects of trauma adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a standard thriller.
While some elements of the plot are predictable, unexpected twists keep the story fresh and engaging. A few loose threads—particularly concerning Frankie’s boyfriend, Duncan, and some unresolved clues—leave questions lingering. However, these minor quibbles don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The Student is a compelling page-turner, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers that delve into secrets, survival, and the darker side of human ambition. H.M. Lynn crafts an atmospheric and immersive tale that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheStudent #HMLynn #NetGalley
September 21, 2025
If you enjoy suspenseful stories with plenty of twists and turns, this one is for you.
Francesca Crawford, a student and an aspiring writer, accepts a ghostwriting job at the urging of her teacher, Professor Jarvis. She hastily signs a binding contract without reading it closely, a decision she comes to regret.
Her employer, called Dr. B, is a mysterious character whose identity is withheld. They communicate with her online and speak via a voice synthesizer, meaning she doesn't know if they are male or female.
Dr. B becomes more manipulative and creepy as the story progresses.
Francesca has a painful past, having lost her parents to what was ruled a murder-suicide. Francesca believes her father was innocent, however. She believes her parents were the victims of a double murder.
When Dr. B assigns Francesca to write about a scenario too similar to her own parents' deaths, Francesca wants out of the project but the ironclad contract locks her in.
Duncan, Francesca's fiance, is supportive throughout the entire ordeal. He is a musician who is often gone with his band for out-of- town gigs. He is excited about Francesca earning a large sum of money as down payment for her ghostwriting.
Francesca comes to realize that Dr. B knows way too much about her and is no doubt someone she knows.
The author does a good job of casting suspicion on several possible suspects - including Duncan, whom Francesca notices is never home when she's talking with Dr. B.
Other possible suspects include Gloria, a friend; Heidi, a fellow student and online influencer; Ivor, her teacher; and others.
Who is Dr. B and what do they really want?
Danger grows as Francesca searches for answers.
The body count rises. Will it eventually include her?
This one is difficult to put down, so block off plenty of reading time.
Be prepared for some surprising twists, especially near the end.
Five stars, no question.
Francesca Crawford, a student and an aspiring writer, accepts a ghostwriting job at the urging of her teacher, Professor Jarvis. She hastily signs a binding contract without reading it closely, a decision she comes to regret.
Her employer, called Dr. B, is a mysterious character whose identity is withheld. They communicate with her online and speak via a voice synthesizer, meaning she doesn't know if they are male or female.
Dr. B becomes more manipulative and creepy as the story progresses.
Francesca has a painful past, having lost her parents to what was ruled a murder-suicide. Francesca believes her father was innocent, however. She believes her parents were the victims of a double murder.
When Dr. B assigns Francesca to write about a scenario too similar to her own parents' deaths, Francesca wants out of the project but the ironclad contract locks her in.
Duncan, Francesca's fiance, is supportive throughout the entire ordeal. He is a musician who is often gone with his band for out-of- town gigs. He is excited about Francesca earning a large sum of money as down payment for her ghostwriting.
Francesca comes to realize that Dr. B knows way too much about her and is no doubt someone she knows.
The author does a good job of casting suspicion on several possible suspects - including Duncan, whom Francesca notices is never home when she's talking with Dr. B.
Other possible suspects include Gloria, a friend; Heidi, a fellow student and online influencer; Ivor, her teacher; and others.
Who is Dr. B and what do they really want?
Danger grows as Francesca searches for answers.
The body count rises. Will it eventually include her?
This one is difficult to put down, so block off plenty of reading time.
Be prepared for some surprising twists, especially near the end.
Five stars, no question.
January 14, 2025
★★★.5
After a dramatic incident, Frankie is eager to start fresh in a new town—one where she doesn’t know anyone, and no one knows her. As a struggling scholarship student, she’s desperate to find a job to make ends meet. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises when she’s offered the role of ghostwriter, with a paycheck that could change her life forever—but is it too good to be true?
The selection process is unusual. Her employer, the mysterious Dr. B, is determined to keep his identity a secret. The questions he asks make her feel as though he knows her intimately—her deepest, darkest secrets, even those she hasn’t admitted to herself.
When the stories she writes suddenly begin manifesting in real life, it might already be too late for Frankie to walk away…
”Suicide — that’s what they have said. The word is used at least three times in the article, but it’s not that. It’s murder. I know, because the description is so familiar, I could have written it myself. I pretty much did…”
H.M. Lynn has a knack for drawing readers in and maintaining a relentless pace that makes it impossible to put her books down! As with her previous novel, The Headteacher, our protagonist has secrets she’d rather keep buried. And while I wanted to trust her and root for her, it wasn’t always clear just how reliable Frankie—or her perspective—truly was.
This was a super quick read with plenty of twists to keep you guessing!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and H.M. Lynn for an early copy of this twisty popcorn thriller! All opinions are my own.
After a dramatic incident, Frankie is eager to start fresh in a new town—one where she doesn’t know anyone, and no one knows her. As a struggling scholarship student, she’s desperate to find a job to make ends meet. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises when she’s offered the role of ghostwriter, with a paycheck that could change her life forever—but is it too good to be true?
The selection process is unusual. Her employer, the mysterious Dr. B, is determined to keep his identity a secret. The questions he asks make her feel as though he knows her intimately—her deepest, darkest secrets, even those she hasn’t admitted to herself.
When the stories she writes suddenly begin manifesting in real life, it might already be too late for Frankie to walk away…
”Suicide — that’s what they have said. The word is used at least three times in the article, but it’s not that. It’s murder. I know, because the description is so familiar, I could have written it myself. I pretty much did…”
H.M. Lynn has a knack for drawing readers in and maintaining a relentless pace that makes it impossible to put her books down! As with her previous novel, The Headteacher, our protagonist has secrets she’d rather keep buried. And while I wanted to trust her and root for her, it wasn’t always clear just how reliable Frankie—or her perspective—truly was.
This was a super quick read with plenty of twists to keep you guessing!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and H.M. Lynn for an early copy of this twisty popcorn thriller! All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2025
Title: The Student
Author: H.M. Lynn
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: January 28,, 2025
My Rating: 3.2 Stars!
Pages 274
Francesca is a scholarship student who entered the university at age twenty-four. She has a past and is trying to start over after a tragic death of her parents. Since she is a scholarship she is usually looking to ways to help with expenses,
Professor Jarvis saw her potential to be a good writer and offered her opportunity to interview as a ghostwriter. The client, a professor who goes by Dr. B has already interviewed several people and has not been pleased with any.
The interview took place with the interviewers behind a screen and a voice synthesizer. The interview starts out somewhat normal but then the questions get strange.
Although Francesca reaches the point she isn’t sure she want the job and of course, it offered the job.
I was curious about the mysterious Professor Dr. B and if she indeed had a previous connection to Francesca when his ideas seem eerily like a mirror.
I always love a story based on a college campus or in an academic setting ~ so I was sure I was going to like thus.
True I did like it and it kept me curious but it wasn’t the WOW psychological thriller I was expecting!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granted me this dGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for - January 28, 2025.
Author: H.M. Lynn
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: January 28,, 2025
My Rating: 3.2 Stars!
Pages 274
Francesca is a scholarship student who entered the university at age twenty-four. She has a past and is trying to start over after a tragic death of her parents. Since she is a scholarship she is usually looking to ways to help with expenses,
Professor Jarvis saw her potential to be a good writer and offered her opportunity to interview as a ghostwriter. The client, a professor who goes by Dr. B has already interviewed several people and has not been pleased with any.
The interview took place with the interviewers behind a screen and a voice synthesizer. The interview starts out somewhat normal but then the questions get strange.
Although Francesca reaches the point she isn’t sure she want the job and of course, it offered the job.
I was curious about the mysterious Professor Dr. B and if she indeed had a previous connection to Francesca when his ideas seem eerily like a mirror.
I always love a story based on a college campus or in an academic setting ~ so I was sure I was going to like thus.
True I did like it and it kept me curious but it wasn’t the WOW psychological thriller I was expecting!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granted me this dGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for - January 28, 2025.
December 15, 2024
𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅.
Started off intriguing...Francesca has been running from a tragic past that involved the death of her parents. She's worked hard, found love, and is a university student on scholarship. When she applies for a project as a ghostwriter, she's excited for the potential income it will bring if she's chosen.
Things started to get overly dramatic for me during the interview process. The online interviewer, an unknown male, spoke through a voice changer and was obscured in shadows. The questions were outlandish and probing, and Francesca opted out, chalking it up to a prank. But later, money is deposited into her account, and she's told she's got the job. She's expected to write a dark thriller that involves elaborate murders staged to look like accidents. Of course, the begin happening, and of course, she's under suspicion.
I found the twist to be too predictable, and the ending was too abrupt for my liking. I did like the short chapters, and I did really enjoy a previous book from this author, but this one just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. At the time this review was written, this title was expected to publish on January 28, 2025.
Started off intriguing...Francesca has been running from a tragic past that involved the death of her parents. She's worked hard, found love, and is a university student on scholarship. When she applies for a project as a ghostwriter, she's excited for the potential income it will bring if she's chosen.
Things started to get overly dramatic for me during the interview process. The online interviewer, an unknown male, spoke through a voice changer and was obscured in shadows. The questions were outlandish and probing, and Francesca opted out, chalking it up to a prank. But later, money is deposited into her account, and she's told she's got the job. She's expected to write a dark thriller that involves elaborate murders staged to look like accidents. Of course, the begin happening, and of course, she's under suspicion.
I found the twist to be too predictable, and the ending was too abrupt for my liking. I did like the short chapters, and I did really enjoy a previous book from this author, but this one just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. At the time this review was written, this title was expected to publish on January 28, 2025.
January 19, 2025
Ahhh...the life of a university student. Financially strapped, just starting to find oneself, a bit naive and juvenile. But Frankie was a few years older than most other students, nearer the same age as some of the faculty. She and her boyfriend Duncan lived in a tiny flat they hated. When she accepted a job as a ghost writer to make money, she would never have dreamed of what was in store for her. Her tragic past taunted and haunted her and she was eager to start anew. But her new boss didn't exactly inspire confidence, using only phone app calls with a distorted voice, asking red flag questions. Not only that but a friend goes missing and plagiarism rears its ugly head. Her life crumbles into bits and she begins to doubt all those around here and herself. She grew paranoid and distrusting of fellow students, faculty and friends and as a consequence makes some questionable choices.
Though a bit predictable in places, the twists kept coming and kept me invested. University students can be quite immature, including Frankie. Her character isn't likeable and her foul language didn't endear me. I did like the suspense and story concept. I feel the target audience is much younger than me but that didn't keep me from zipping through the pages.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel.
Though a bit predictable in places, the twists kept coming and kept me invested. University students can be quite immature, including Frankie. Her character isn't likeable and her foul language didn't endear me. I did like the suspense and story concept. I feel the target audience is much younger than me but that didn't keep me from zipping through the pages.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel.
January 28, 2025
University student, Francesca is an aspiring writer so when she is offered the chance to become a ghostwriter, with a lucrative pay out, she jumps at the opportunity as the money offered would give her and her boyfriend the opportunity to rent a place of their own. However, when Francesca meets the enigmatic client online she is met with a sinister robotic figure, who seems to know far than is comfortable about Francesca’s troubled past. With little choice but to continue with the job, Francesca soon finds that strange and frightening things start to occur and her trying to keep one step ahead of danger, whilst doubting her instincts, is what makes this story all the more compelling.
The story moves quickly, with short and snappy chapters, which helps to keep the suspense level set to high. There are lots of twists, turns and red herrings and I enjoyed trying to put all the pieces in place. Francesca is a complex protagonist, with some major flaws in her character, which makes what is happening to her all the more fascinating. The way in which the tension builds certainly helped to keep my attention and I thought that the last few chapters were particularly tense with all the threads of the plot finally coming together in a way I really didn’t see coming.
The Student is a real pager turner of a read which fired my imagination from start to finish.
The story moves quickly, with short and snappy chapters, which helps to keep the suspense level set to high. There are lots of twists, turns and red herrings and I enjoyed trying to put all the pieces in place. Francesca is a complex protagonist, with some major flaws in her character, which makes what is happening to her all the more fascinating. The way in which the tension builds certainly helped to keep my attention and I thought that the last few chapters were particularly tense with all the threads of the plot finally coming together in a way I really didn’t see coming.
The Student is a real pager turner of a read which fired my imagination from start to finish.
January 17, 2025
This was a quick read with short chapters and an overall fast pace. It centers on Frankie, who is attending college a few years older than most students on a scholarship. She takes a ghostwriting job for a secret client to bring in some more money, but the client seems to know more about her than she would expect and she fears that there is an ulterior motive.
This was an interesting concept overall, and I like how the author weaved in stories about Frankie's past to understand her current state of mind. Frankie kind of drove me crazy as a character, though- she was naive and constantly jumped to conclusions without fully understanding the situation in front her. While I thought there were some good twists, I thought the way Frankie handled them didn't seem like it was how a real person would act. I liked the twist at the end, and while I had an inkling of who the villain was, their motivations were a surprise. I thought the ending was very abrupt, though- the whole thing got tied up very quickly and cleanly in just a couple of pages.
Overall, this was a fun read despite my lack of connection with the main character. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting concept overall, and I like how the author weaved in stories about Frankie's past to understand her current state of mind. Frankie kind of drove me crazy as a character, though- she was naive and constantly jumped to conclusions without fully understanding the situation in front her. While I thought there were some good twists, I thought the way Frankie handled them didn't seem like it was how a real person would act. I liked the twist at the end, and while I had an inkling of who the villain was, their motivations were a surprise. I thought the ending was very abrupt, though- the whole thing got tied up very quickly and cleanly in just a couple of pages.
Overall, this was a fun read despite my lack of connection with the main character. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2025
The Student by H.M. Lynn
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
I’ve spent years running from my past.
After what happened to my parents, I needed to start fresh, far away from the whispers and stares. Now, as a struggling university student, I barely scrape by, living in a new town where no one knows me or the tragedy I’ve tried to forget.
To make ends meet, I take on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile client. But the deal comes with one strange their identity must remain a secret.
At first, it seems like just another job. But as I work with this mysterious person more, their ideas hit too close to home. It’s as if they know everything about me, even the darkest parts of my past.
When my oldest friend goes missing, I realise I can't trust this client. But I can't escape their hold on me.
Because they know how this story ends. I survived once, but can I survive this?
My Opinion
The Student was a fast-paced novel with a lot of twists. H.M. Lynn has written such an intriguing plot that I managed to read this book in a few hours, I was unable to put it down. With short chapters this was a quick and easy book to read. A great thriller.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
I’ve spent years running from my past.
After what happened to my parents, I needed to start fresh, far away from the whispers and stares. Now, as a struggling university student, I barely scrape by, living in a new town where no one knows me or the tragedy I’ve tried to forget.
To make ends meet, I take on a ghostwriting job for a high-profile client. But the deal comes with one strange their identity must remain a secret.
At first, it seems like just another job. But as I work with this mysterious person more, their ideas hit too close to home. It’s as if they know everything about me, even the darkest parts of my past.
When my oldest friend goes missing, I realise I can't trust this client. But I can't escape their hold on me.
Because they know how this story ends. I survived once, but can I survive this?
My Opinion
The Student was a fast-paced novel with a lot of twists. H.M. Lynn has written such an intriguing plot that I managed to read this book in a few hours, I was unable to put it down. With short chapters this was a quick and easy book to read. A great thriller.
Rating 4/5
May 23, 2025
First of all, I want to say thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC they sent me. The book is about a student in college named Francesca. She has had a bad childhood when her mother and father die. So, she eventually gets hired as a ghost writer for a mysterious person Dr. B, who doesn't show their face or use their real voice when chatting with her. Life seems to be getting better for her. She has a loving boyfriend, and they are looking for a new place to live. Then things start to get bad for her when she a professor that she argued with dies suddenly by suicide in his home. Then everything in her life goes to crap lol. She starts to think she is going crazy. This is the second book by H.M Lynn that I have read now, the first one being The Teacher. Ms. Lynn when writing this book, she has too many similarities to The Teacher. If you had read the previous book, then you understand what I am talking about without me giving away things. She loves the use of gaslighting in her books so far also. Message to H.M Lynn, that reveal at the end was way too much to throw at a reader. I was starting to feel like the main character like huh what are you talking about lol! Overall, it was a pretty good page turner.
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