What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Teacher: A Gripping Psychological Thriller With the Most Shocking Twist
They say confronting your past can set you free. They lied.
Desperate for closure, I travel to Spain to track down the abusive teacher who shattered my childhood. But on a sun-baked vineyard run by a charming British couple, I get shivers of recognition down my spine.
One of them is chillingly familiar…
I slip quietly into their lives, feigning friendship while searching for the truth. But nothing is what it seems here. Behind their welcoming smiles lurk the worst secrets. Their sprawling vineyard is home to secrets the couple would kill to protect.
Their staff behave bizarrely. Some whisper warnings. Others are too terrified to speak up. People vanish from the staff list like they were never there.
My phone disappears. Then my passport.
Panic sinks in—I'm trapped on their land—under their rules.
The past I hoped to escape is suddenly the least of my worries. Now isolated, I must face the terrifying reality that my quest for closure may cost more than I ever bargained for.
Because someone here knows exactly who I am—and they're determined to make sure I never leave.
Dear Teacher is a gripping psychological thriller that will leave page-turning readers unable to put it down until the final breathtaking twist.
Fans of Freida McFadden, Liane Moriarty, Daniel Hurst, Shalini Boland, Lucy Clarke, Nicola Sanders, Patricia MacDonald and Shari Lapena will love the addictive twists and turns that will have them racing through the pages long into the night.
Desperate for closure, I travel to Spain to track down the abusive teacher who shattered my childhood. But on a sun-baked vineyard run by a charming British couple, I get shivers of recognition down my spine.
One of them is chillingly familiar…
I slip quietly into their lives, feigning friendship while searching for the truth. But nothing is what it seems here. Behind their welcoming smiles lurk the worst secrets. Their sprawling vineyard is home to secrets the couple would kill to protect.
Their staff behave bizarrely. Some whisper warnings. Others are too terrified to speak up. People vanish from the staff list like they were never there.
My phone disappears. Then my passport.
Panic sinks in—I'm trapped on their land—under their rules.
The past I hoped to escape is suddenly the least of my worries. Now isolated, I must face the terrifying reality that my quest for closure may cost more than I ever bargained for.
Because someone here knows exactly who I am—and they're determined to make sure I never leave.
Dear Teacher is a gripping psychological thriller that will leave page-turning readers unable to put it down until the final breathtaking twist.
Fans of Freida McFadden, Liane Moriarty, Daniel Hurst, Shalini Boland, Lucy Clarke, Nicola Sanders, Patricia MacDonald and Shari Lapena will love the addictive twists and turns that will have them racing through the pages long into the night.
- GenresThriller
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
8 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Harrow
13 books141 followersRuth Harrow is known for her gripping psychological thrillers. Born and raised in England, Ruth discovered her passion for writing in 2018. Her debut novel, In Her Footsteps, swiftly became a bestseller, marking the beginning of her journey in the genre. She continues to captivate readers with her jaw-dropping twists. For exclusive updates on her latest releases, visit RuthHarrow.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Kate plans a trip to Spain with her husband and child so that she can later stay there alone and deliver a letter to her former teacher - the woman who bullied her as a child.
Today, the teacher lives a calm and happy life at a winery, while Kate still carries the scars of those years. With this letter, she wants to free herself from her trauma and understand why her teacher treated her that way. But things take a completely unexpected turn…
**My thoughts:**
The idea behind the story is very interesting - childhood trauma, dementia, and revenge. These are strong and heavy themes with a lot of potential. I also enjoyed the author’s sense of humor, which at times lightened the mood.
I honestly didn’t expect the ending - it was surprising, and I liked it as a concept.
My expectations for this book were a bit different. I was hoping for a story with more tension and emotional intensity, the kind that keeps you fully engaged until the last page. Instead, the book felt longer than I anticipated, with a lot of additional details that slowed down the pace for me.
Because of that, I personally didn’t fully feel the suspense I usually look for in this type of story. At times, the narrative felt confusing, and I struggled to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. I also felt that their voices were quite similar, which made it harder for me to distinguish them from one another.
After so many pages, I was left with a few questions - what exactly happens to Lana and Kate in the end? Do they simply leave? And what about John - where did he go?
In the end, I think this book just didn’t fully match my personal expectations and reading taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Today, the teacher lives a calm and happy life at a winery, while Kate still carries the scars of those years. With this letter, she wants to free herself from her trauma and understand why her teacher treated her that way. But things take a completely unexpected turn…
**My thoughts:**
The idea behind the story is very interesting - childhood trauma, dementia, and revenge. These are strong and heavy themes with a lot of potential. I also enjoyed the author’s sense of humor, which at times lightened the mood.
I honestly didn’t expect the ending - it was surprising, and I liked it as a concept.
My expectations for this book were a bit different. I was hoping for a story with more tension and emotional intensity, the kind that keeps you fully engaged until the last page. Instead, the book felt longer than I anticipated, with a lot of additional details that slowed down the pace for me.
Because of that, I personally didn’t fully feel the suspense I usually look for in this type of story. At times, the narrative felt confusing, and I struggled to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. I also felt that their voices were quite similar, which made it harder for me to distinguish them from one another.
After so many pages, I was left with a few questions - what exactly happens to Lana and Kate in the end? Do they simply leave? And what about John - where did he go?
In the end, I think this book just didn’t fully match my personal expectations and reading taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I truly enjoyed reading it.
Dear Teacher grabs your attention immediately and never lets go. It’s a chilling reminder that the need for revenge is costly, and that unresolved childhood trauma can drive people to unthinkable choices. Dark, tense, and emotionally unsettling.
Dear Teacher grabs your attention immediately and never lets go. It’s a chilling reminder that the need for revenge is costly, and that unresolved childhood trauma can drive people to unthinkable choices. Dark, tense, and emotionally unsettling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Teacher by Ruth Harrow is a tense, sun-soaked psychological thriller that grips you from the opening lines and steadily tightens its hold.
What Harrow does exceptionally well is atmosphere. The Spanish vineyard setting is lush, golden, and deceptively idyllic, yet from the moment the narrator arrives, there’s an undercurrent of unease humming beneath every interaction. The writing leans into that contrast beautifully—warm light, polite smiles, and charming hospitality layered over something quietly menacing. The slow drip of wrongness is precise and controlled, making the tension feel earned rather than forced.
The prose is sharp and accessible, with a pacing that keeps the story moving while allowing the emotional weight to settle. Harrow’s handling of trauma and memory is particularly effective; the past is never treated as a mere plot device, but as something living and intrusive, shaping every choice the narrator makes. The narrative voice carries that psychological strain well—fear, anger, and obsession bleed into the present-day tension in a way that feels authentic and unsettling.
Once isolation sets in—missing phone, vanished passport—the writing shifts seamlessly into claustrophobic territory. The vineyard becomes more than a setting; it reads like a quiet antagonist, beautiful and suffocating all at once. Dialogue is used cleverly, with small, loaded exchanges doing a lot of heavy lifting. Even moments of dark humor land well, offering brief, biting relief without undercutting the menace.
While some threads left me wanting slightly more closure, the twists are handled with confidence, and the story remains compelling right through to the end. Harrow clearly understands how to build suspense through restraint, letting implication and atmosphere do much of the work rather than relying solely on shock.
Overall, Dear Teacher is a well-written, emotionally unsettling thriller that explores power, abuse, and the long shadows they cast with care and control. A strong, gripping read that shows real command of tone and tension.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Publication Date: February 1, 2026
With thanks to Ruth Harrow. ARC kindly provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley
What Harrow does exceptionally well is atmosphere. The Spanish vineyard setting is lush, golden, and deceptively idyllic, yet from the moment the narrator arrives, there’s an undercurrent of unease humming beneath every interaction. The writing leans into that contrast beautifully—warm light, polite smiles, and charming hospitality layered over something quietly menacing. The slow drip of wrongness is precise and controlled, making the tension feel earned rather than forced.
The prose is sharp and accessible, with a pacing that keeps the story moving while allowing the emotional weight to settle. Harrow’s handling of trauma and memory is particularly effective; the past is never treated as a mere plot device, but as something living and intrusive, shaping every choice the narrator makes. The narrative voice carries that psychological strain well—fear, anger, and obsession bleed into the present-day tension in a way that feels authentic and unsettling.
Once isolation sets in—missing phone, vanished passport—the writing shifts seamlessly into claustrophobic territory. The vineyard becomes more than a setting; it reads like a quiet antagonist, beautiful and suffocating all at once. Dialogue is used cleverly, with small, loaded exchanges doing a lot of heavy lifting. Even moments of dark humor land well, offering brief, biting relief without undercutting the menace.
While some threads left me wanting slightly more closure, the twists are handled with confidence, and the story remains compelling right through to the end. Harrow clearly understands how to build suspense through restraint, letting implication and atmosphere do much of the work rather than relying solely on shock.
Overall, Dear Teacher is a well-written, emotionally unsettling thriller that explores power, abuse, and the long shadows they cast with care and control. A strong, gripping read that shows real command of tone and tension.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Publication Date: February 1, 2026
With thanks to Ruth Harrow. ARC kindly provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Teacher is a tense, unsettling psychological thriller that pulls you in from the very first line and refuses to let go. What begins as a quest for closure quickly spirals into a nightmare as the narrator travels to Spain, determined to confront the teacher who destroyed her childhood. But the moment she steps onto that sun‑drenched vineyard, the story takes on a deliciously sinister edge.
The setting is beautifully deceptive — golden light, rolling vines, a charming British couple who seem warm and welcoming. Yet beneath the surface, everything feels just a little off. The author captures that creeping dread perfectly: the strange behaviour of the staff, the whispered warnings, the sudden disappearances from the staff list. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you lean in, waiting for the next crack in the façade.
The tension escalates brilliantly once the narrator’s phone and passport vanish. The sense of isolation is palpable, and the realisation that she’s trapped — physically, emotionally, and psychologically — hits with genuine force. The vineyard becomes a character in its own right: beautiful, remote, and quietly suffocating.
What makes the book so compelling is the way it blends past trauma with present danger. The narrator’s search for the truth is raw and deeply human, and the fear that someone on the vineyard knows exactly who she is adds a chilling layer of suspense. Every interaction feels loaded, every smile a threat, every silence a warning.
The twists are sharp, the pacing relentless, and the final reveal lands with the kind of impact that makes you rethink everything you’ve read. Fans of Freida McFadden, Shalini Boland, Daniel Hurst, and Shari Lapena will feel right at home in this maze of secrets, manipulation, and buried truths.
Dark, gripping, and utterly addictive, Dear Teacher is a thriller that keeps you turning pages long into the night — and leaves you questioning just how well you really know the people who welcome you in.
With thanks to Ruth Harrow, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setting is beautifully deceptive — golden light, rolling vines, a charming British couple who seem warm and welcoming. Yet beneath the surface, everything feels just a little off. The author captures that creeping dread perfectly: the strange behaviour of the staff, the whispered warnings, the sudden disappearances from the staff list. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you lean in, waiting for the next crack in the façade.
The tension escalates brilliantly once the narrator’s phone and passport vanish. The sense of isolation is palpable, and the realisation that she’s trapped — physically, emotionally, and psychologically — hits with genuine force. The vineyard becomes a character in its own right: beautiful, remote, and quietly suffocating.
What makes the book so compelling is the way it blends past trauma with present danger. The narrator’s search for the truth is raw and deeply human, and the fear that someone on the vineyard knows exactly who she is adds a chilling layer of suspense. Every interaction feels loaded, every smile a threat, every silence a warning.
The twists are sharp, the pacing relentless, and the final reveal lands with the kind of impact that makes you rethink everything you’ve read. Fans of Freida McFadden, Shalini Boland, Daniel Hurst, and Shari Lapena will feel right at home in this maze of secrets, manipulation, and buried truths.
Dark, gripping, and utterly addictive, Dear Teacher is a thriller that keeps you turning pages long into the night — and leaves you questioning just how well you really know the people who welcome you in.
With thanks to Ruth Harrow, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Teacher opens with a tantalising hint of danger in the prologue, and by page one you’re already firmly hooked. Set against the vivid backdrop of a sun‑drenched Spanish vineyard, Ruth Harrow’s descriptive writing is so evocative you can almost feel the heat rising from the parched soil and smell the sweetness of ripe grapes hanging on the vines.
What initially appears to be a straightforward murder mystery soon evolves into something far darker and more unsettling. Themes of kidnapping, abuse, and dementia weave through a plot that is constantly shifting. The atmosphere becomes increasingly sinister, and Harrow expertly creates a sense of desperation that makes it difficult to truly side with any one character—every perspective feels tinged with sadness and moral ambiguity.
The twists come thick and fast, and just when you think you’ve found your footing, Harrow pulls the rug out again. The final reveal is both unexpected and deeply satisfying, tying the narrative threads together in a way that feels earned.
Overall, Dear Teacher is an excellent read—tense, evocative, and filled with emotional complexity. Ruth Harrow delivers another gripping psychological thriller, and it comes highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
What initially appears to be a straightforward murder mystery soon evolves into something far darker and more unsettling. Themes of kidnapping, abuse, and dementia weave through a plot that is constantly shifting. The atmosphere becomes increasingly sinister, and Harrow expertly creates a sense of desperation that makes it difficult to truly side with any one character—every perspective feels tinged with sadness and moral ambiguity.
The twists come thick and fast, and just when you think you’ve found your footing, Harrow pulls the rug out again. The final reveal is both unexpected and deeply satisfying, tying the narrative threads together in a way that feels earned.
Overall, Dear Teacher is an excellent read—tense, evocative, and filled with emotional complexity. Ruth Harrow delivers another gripping psychological thriller, and it comes highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 14, 2026
I was draw to this book from the blurb, it stood out to me and immediately made me want to read more.
I enjoyed the pace of this book, I found that the basis was clear I understood quickly what had gone on to the main character when they were younger and how they’ve carried it with them.
I was hooked from the first chapter, I didn’t want to put it down. I ended up fishing it in two sittings. The twist and reveals had we gasping in shock.
This book makes you think how vulnerable you can be and trust we automatically have in those who are ment to protect us. How easy it is to find information about a person online, based on what they’re sharing
This is the first book I’ve read from Ruth Harrow and I will definitely be reading more. I enjoyed her writing style and well as the flowing pace of the book
Some of my favourite quotes
- ‘There are honestly CAPTCHA puzzles out there more human’
- ‘I’ve seen more liquid in a packet of wet wipes’
- The top bunk is an air fryer and I’m the chicken nugget
- ‘So fast it’s like a cashier just opened a new till in Aldi’
- ‘Revenge doesn’t fix anything’ ‘ it only chains you to what you hate’
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC
I enjoyed the pace of this book, I found that the basis was clear I understood quickly what had gone on to the main character when they were younger and how they’ve carried it with them.
I was hooked from the first chapter, I didn’t want to put it down. I ended up fishing it in two sittings. The twist and reveals had we gasping in shock.
This book makes you think how vulnerable you can be and trust we automatically have in those who are ment to protect us. How easy it is to find information about a person online, based on what they’re sharing
This is the first book I’ve read from Ruth Harrow and I will definitely be reading more. I enjoyed her writing style and well as the flowing pace of the book
Some of my favourite quotes
- ‘There are honestly CAPTCHA puzzles out there more human’
- ‘I’ve seen more liquid in a packet of wet wipes’
- The top bunk is an air fryer and I’m the chicken nugget
- ‘So fast it’s like a cashier just opened a new till in Aldi’
- ‘Revenge doesn’t fix anything’ ‘ it only chains you to what you hate’
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC
February 1, 2026
Kate has been able to suppress her trauma she endured as a child until now. What’s changed? Her daughter is starting school and the horrors of her first year of school comes flooding back.
As part of her plan to recover she plans to face her tormentor. Mrs. Wooton who used to put her in the closet, keep her from going to lunch until she could tie her shoes with her eyes closed. And so much more. It was difficult but Kate has tracked her down to a vineyard in another country.
Read this thriller and accompany Kate as she infiltrates the Wooton’s vineyard and becomes one of their workers. Where it appears that Mr. Wooton has a temper and Mrs. Wooton turns a blind eye and enjoys her life style. Kate meets Lana who also works at the vine yard and cares for Mr. Wooton’s sister Jeanne. Jeanne is odd and suffers from dementia. Well that’s what Jeanne leads everyone to think. Who is she, why have people gone missing on this vineyard and why can’t Kate ask her abuser why she did it?
It will have you locked in from the start with the different characters, missing people, and plot twists. It’s a must read thriller and 5 stars.
As part of her plan to recover she plans to face her tormentor. Mrs. Wooton who used to put her in the closet, keep her from going to lunch until she could tie her shoes with her eyes closed. And so much more. It was difficult but Kate has tracked her down to a vineyard in another country.
Read this thriller and accompany Kate as she infiltrates the Wooton’s vineyard and becomes one of their workers. Where it appears that Mr. Wooton has a temper and Mrs. Wooton turns a blind eye and enjoys her life style. Kate meets Lana who also works at the vine yard and cares for Mr. Wooton’s sister Jeanne. Jeanne is odd and suffers from dementia. Well that’s what Jeanne leads everyone to think. Who is she, why have people gone missing on this vineyard and why can’t Kate ask her abuser why she did it?
It will have you locked in from the start with the different characters, missing people, and plot twists. It’s a must read thriller and 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for providing the ARC of this book
Dear Teacher by Ruth Harrow is a gripping and emotionally intense thriller that explores the devastating impact of abuse and the lengths people will go to when pushed too far. The story follows two students who are determined to get revenge on an abusive teacher, and from the very beginning, the tension never lets up.
This novel is packed with twists and turns, keeping you guessing right through to the very last chapter. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, another layer is revealed, making it difficult to put down. Harrow does an excellent job of sustaining suspense while weaving together complex characters and dark motivations.
The subject matter is heavy, and readers should be aware that the book contains themes of child abuse, elderly abuse, and emotionally dramatic events. These elements are handled in a way that is unsettling but effective in driving the story and highlighting the long-lasting effects of trauma.
Dear Teacher by Ruth Harrow is a gripping and emotionally intense thriller that explores the devastating impact of abuse and the lengths people will go to when pushed too far. The story follows two students who are determined to get revenge on an abusive teacher, and from the very beginning, the tension never lets up.
This novel is packed with twists and turns, keeping you guessing right through to the very last chapter. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, another layer is revealed, making it difficult to put down. Harrow does an excellent job of sustaining suspense while weaving together complex characters and dark motivations.
The subject matter is heavy, and readers should be aware that the book contains themes of child abuse, elderly abuse, and emotionally dramatic events. These elements are handled in a way that is unsettling but effective in driving the story and highlighting the long-lasting effects of trauma.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Vengeance in the vines! A fantastic read!
In this gripping psychological thriller, a quest for revenge turns deadly when Kate travels to Spain to confront her abusive primary school teacher.
The story grabs you immediately, the writing vividly capturing the beautiful Spanish landscape and the idyllic winery owned by her tormentor where Kate finds work.
What follows is an incredibly tense, emotional, and heartfelt read with well defined characters entering the scene. As the atmosphere darkens, the plot twists and turns, leaving Kate stranded and struggling to know who to believe and to maintain her grip on reality. Despite the gravity of the situation, one thing Kate doesn't lose is her humour. Some of the one liners had me smiling as I read. Kit Kat or Bounty anyone? The portrayal of isolation is perfectly executed, culminating in a shocking, visceral ending that lingers long after the final page.
Publication date 1 Feb
My thanks to Victory Editing and Netgalley Co-op for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
In this gripping psychological thriller, a quest for revenge turns deadly when Kate travels to Spain to confront her abusive primary school teacher.
The story grabs you immediately, the writing vividly capturing the beautiful Spanish landscape and the idyllic winery owned by her tormentor where Kate finds work.
What follows is an incredibly tense, emotional, and heartfelt read with well defined characters entering the scene. As the atmosphere darkens, the plot twists and turns, leaving Kate stranded and struggling to know who to believe and to maintain her grip on reality. Despite the gravity of the situation, one thing Kate doesn't lose is her humour. Some of the one liners had me smiling as I read. Kit Kat or Bounty anyone? The portrayal of isolation is perfectly executed, culminating in a shocking, visceral ending that lingers long after the final page.
Publication date 1 Feb
My thanks to Victory Editing and Netgalley Co-op for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review to be released in Feb 2026
Was this the best thriller I have ever read? No
Was this the worst thriller I have ever read? Also no
The premise and the twists and turns really gave this book some potential and in a lot of ways that potential was full filled, however I feel like we got a bit lost on the way. Felt way longer than it needed to be and although the main characters were well developed there were a-lot of side characters that felt like added plot points but no substance and they weren’t thought out thoroughly.
I would have liked the ending to have been fleshed out a little more, was great that it ended with Jeanne but I wish we found out what happened with Kate’s family and WHAT HAPPENED TO JOHN, poor man had his phone taken, helped figure out a major plot twist and was never heard from again. IS YOU DEAD HONEY ARE YOU OKAY?
Was this the best thriller I have ever read? No
Was this the worst thriller I have ever read? Also no
The premise and the twists and turns really gave this book some potential and in a lot of ways that potential was full filled, however I feel like we got a bit lost on the way. Felt way longer than it needed to be and although the main characters were well developed there were a-lot of side characters that felt like added plot points but no substance and they weren’t thought out thoroughly.
I would have liked the ending to have been fleshed out a little more, was great that it ended with Jeanne but I wish we found out what happened with Kate’s family and WHAT HAPPENED TO JOHN, poor man had his phone taken, helped figure out a major plot twist and was never heard from again. IS YOU DEAD HONEY ARE YOU OKAY?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
My first eARC of 2026 and what a way to start! Huge thanks to @NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Ruth Harrow for the opportunity 🤍
This book completely pulled me in. Every time I put it down, I found myself itching to pick it back up and see what would happen next.
Kate travels to Spain with her husband and daughter, but when it’s time to return home, she refuses, determined to finally confront someone from her past who abused her as a child. Her husband leaves with their daughter and Kate is left alone, chasing closure she’s waited years for.
She soon finds herself staying on what appears to be a perfect vineyard… but nothing is quite as it seems. As the rules tighten and escape becomes impossible, Kate realises that the past she hoped to face and leave behind may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
That ending? Genuinely shocking. I did not see it coming. A gripping, unsettling read that stayed with me long after the final page.
This book completely pulled me in. Every time I put it down, I found myself itching to pick it back up and see what would happen next.
Kate travels to Spain with her husband and daughter, but when it’s time to return home, she refuses, determined to finally confront someone from her past who abused her as a child. Her husband leaves with their daughter and Kate is left alone, chasing closure she’s waited years for.
She soon finds herself staying on what appears to be a perfect vineyard… but nothing is quite as it seems. As the rules tighten and escape becomes impossible, Kate realises that the past she hoped to face and leave behind may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
That ending? Genuinely shocking. I did not see it coming. A gripping, unsettling read that stayed with me long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Teacher is a fast paced thriller that pulled me in quickly and kept the pages turning. The story is packed with several unexpected twists that kept me guessing, and I often found myself surprised by where the plot was heading.
I did have some trouble fully connecting with the characters on a deeper level, but the momentum of the story more than made up for it. The tension builds steadily, making it difficult to put the book down once things really get going.
The ending was satisfying and wrapped things up well, even if it became somewhat predictable toward the end. Still, it provided the resolution I was hoping for and fit the overall story.
Overall, Dear Teacher is an engaging and quick moving read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I did have some trouble fully connecting with the characters on a deeper level, but the momentum of the story more than made up for it. The tension builds steadily, making it difficult to put the book down once things really get going.
The ending was satisfying and wrapped things up well, even if it became somewhat predictable toward the end. Still, it provided the resolution I was hoping for and fit the overall story.
Overall, Dear Teacher is an engaging and quick moving read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 1, 2026
"Dear Teacher" by Ruth Harrow is a gripping psychological thriller that follows a woman seeking closure from her abusive childhood teacher by traveling to a Spanish vineyard run by a charming British couple. What starts as a quest for truth spirals into terror as she uncovers dark secrets, bizarre staff behavior, and finds herself trapped without her phone or passport, facing a deadly threat from someone who knows her identity.
The novel excels in building relentless tension through addictive twists, evoking comparisons with contemporary writers of thrillers with readers praising its page-turning pace and jaw-dropping plot that keeps you hooked late into the night. Harrow masterfully blends themes of revenge, fear, and deception in a sun-soaked yet sinister setting, delivering a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting emotional impact on fans of domestic suspense.
The novel excels in building relentless tension through addictive twists, evoking comparisons with contemporary writers of thrillers with readers praising its page-turning pace and jaw-dropping plot that keeps you hooked late into the night. Harrow masterfully blends themes of revenge, fear, and deception in a sun-soaked yet sinister setting, delivering a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting emotional impact on fans of domestic suspense.
January 18, 2026
Dear Teacher felt like a runaway train—in the not-so-good way. The story moves quickly, but the pacing and plot twists often veer into unrealistic and far-fetched territory. The central concept, centered on confronting your abuser, is undeniably unnerving and has the potential to be powerful. There’s also an interesting twist in the middle that briefly pulls things back on track.
However, the overall chain of events felt like too much of a stretch, making it hard to stay fully invested. It’s a premise that sounds strong in theory, but the execution just didn’t land for me. I wanted to like it more than I did, but ultimately it fell short.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
However, the overall chain of events felt like too much of a stretch, making it hard to stay fully invested. It’s a premise that sounds strong in theory, but the execution just didn’t land for me. I wanted to like it more than I did, but ultimately it fell short.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
February 1, 2026
This completely sucked me in. It’s tense, unsettling, and had that constant something isn’t right feeling running through the whole story. Ruth Harrow does such a good job of building atmosphere and drip-feeding the twists that I was always one step behind… in the best way.
The characters are layered and flawed, and I loved how the story plays with trust, perception, and the darker sides of human behaviour. It did slow slightly in places for me, which is why it’s a solid 4 rather than a full 5, but overall it was gripping and kept me hooked right to the end.
A great read if you love psychological thrillers that make you question everyone and everything.
Thank you to NetGalley & victory editing for the arc!!
The characters are layered and flawed, and I loved how the story plays with trust, perception, and the darker sides of human behaviour. It did slow slightly in places for me, which is why it’s a solid 4 rather than a full 5, but overall it was gripping and kept me hooked right to the end.
A great read if you love psychological thrillers that make you question everyone and everything.
Thank you to NetGalley & victory editing for the arc!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a sad novel. One has to remember that Karma takes it's time.
Bullying by ANYONE is NOT OK!!
Especially by a teacher. Having been through almost the same experience in the 1960's/70's, I can attest that it is demoralizing and cruel.
Hooked from the first page, but it certainly is a slow burn novel.
However, the character, 'John'. Did he have a reason for being at the vineyard? What happened to him? I have questions!
Ruth Harrow is a great author, making sure that there are plenty of twists and shock endings.
4/5 stars from me.
Should be trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Bullying by ANYONE is NOT OK!!
Especially by a teacher. Having been through almost the same experience in the 1960's/70's, I can attest that it is demoralizing and cruel.
Hooked from the first page, but it certainly is a slow burn novel.
However, the character, 'John'. Did he have a reason for being at the vineyard? What happened to him? I have questions!
Ruth Harrow is a great author, making sure that there are plenty of twists and shock endings.
4/5 stars from me.
Should be trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Read
January 13, 2026I was hooked on the premise alone and so, moved this book to the top of my extensive ARC TBR and I’m disappointed I did.
A tale of revenge but incomplete. So many questions needed to be answered but we’re just left alone. I also think this took an extreme and winding path for someone to deal with trauma when they were 5.
Also know that I am a teacher so it always seems like the same tropes for teachers in literature and I am pretty annoyed with that. Either teachers are bullies or pedophiles apparently. And this didn’t help that story.
Thank you Victory Editing Co-Op, Ruth Harrow and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
A tale of revenge but incomplete. So many questions needed to be answered but we’re just left alone. I also think this took an extreme and winding path for someone to deal with trauma when they were 5.
Also know that I am a teacher so it always seems like the same tropes for teachers in literature and I am pretty annoyed with that. Either teachers are bullies or pedophiles apparently. And this didn’t help that story.
Thank you Victory Editing Co-Op, Ruth Harrow and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This book pulled me in immediately while reading the prologue. Kate is confronting unresolved childhood issues at a vineyard in Spain. From the first day she arrives, the staff behaves weirdly. Soon after arriving, her passport and phone disappear, and Kate starts to panic, wondering if she will ever be able to get back home. She hears about people disappearing and never heard from again. What secrets do the owners of this vineyard have? Will Kate face her demons? This is a wild ride with a few interesting twists! I really enjoyed reading it!
January 29, 2026
Dear Teacher is a fast-paced thriller packed with sharp twists that left my head spinning! What starts as a search for closure turns dark quickly, with the tension digging its claws in very early on.
Set in an isolated and controlling environment, Ruth Harrow shows how easily good intentions can unravel and how thin the line is between victim and villain. This is the kind of book that leaves you questioning every character and every choice right up to the end, while asking yourself what YOU would do in their shoes. I could NOT get this one out of my head — I read the first half before bed and finished it as soon as I woke up the next morning!
Set in an isolated and controlling environment, Ruth Harrow shows how easily good intentions can unravel and how thin the line is between victim and villain. This is the kind of book that leaves you questioning every character and every choice right up to the end, while asking yourself what YOU would do in their shoes. I could NOT get this one out of my head — I read the first half before bed and finished it as soon as I woke up the next morning!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley for a copy of this arc!
i thought this book had a really interesting concept. there was lots of vivid descriptions that enhanced the reading experience. the book was full of plot twists that i didn’t see coming but enjoyed nonetheless. the book explores complex themes of revenge quite well. i felt that all the introduced characters were not fully explored but the main characters were given enough of a backstory. overall, i enjoyed this book but i probably wouldn’t recommend to a friend.
i thought this book had a really interesting concept. there was lots of vivid descriptions that enhanced the reading experience. the book was full of plot twists that i didn’t see coming but enjoyed nonetheless. the book explores complex themes of revenge quite well. i felt that all the introduced characters were not fully explored but the main characters were given enough of a backstory. overall, i enjoyed this book but i probably wouldn’t recommend to a friend.
February 2, 2026
An interesting thriller that starts out with a need for revenge. Kate plans a vacation to Spain with her family so that she can stay and deliver a letter to a former teacher. Things take a turn for the darker as she enters the vineyard her former teacher lives in.
The writing is atmospheric, and I loved that you could sense the tension and dread throughout the story. I was captivated and enjoyed it to the end. I do wish there was a bit more closure with some of the story, but overall it was a good read.
The writing is atmospheric, and I loved that you could sense the tension and dread throughout the story. I was captivated and enjoyed it to the end. I do wish there was a bit more closure with some of the story, but overall it was a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The beginning is a slow burn. It moved so slow I almost gave up and didn't finish. The point of view swap mid way was a bit jarring although I appreciate how it helped flush out the characters. The reveal of who Jeanne was was an interesting switch up but was sad to see there were no redeeming qualities. Blame seemed to be placed and shifted and that was incredibly frustrating. This has a lot of potential, and is an interesting concept for sure but this doesn't hit the mark for me.
January 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an arc copy of dear Teacher in exchange for an honest review.
Traumatised Kate tracks down her abusive old teacher in attempts to confront them, but when she does, more secrets unravel and it doesn’t exactly go as planned.
Ruth Harrow, has written an amazing, gripping. Jaw dropping story with tension and suspense perfectly executed. Releasing February 1st 2026, I’d add this to your 2026 tbr if I were you
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an arc copy of dear Teacher in exchange for an honest review.
Traumatised Kate tracks down her abusive old teacher in attempts to confront them, but when she does, more secrets unravel and it doesn’t exactly go as planned.
Ruth Harrow, has written an amazing, gripping. Jaw dropping story with tension and suspense perfectly executed. Releasing February 1st 2026, I’d add this to your 2026 tbr if I were you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had high hopes for this thriller. The premise sounded promising, and I looked forward to seeing how the entire plot would play out. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. It was OK. I have certainly read worse books. But ultimately I wasn't invested in the characters, and the plot seemed too over-the-top for me to fully invest in it. **I was provided an ARC by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for sending me an ARC!
Dear Teacher is a psychological thriller that keeps you hooked with different point of view and short chapters. Ruth Harrow knew what she was doing when she wrote this book with plot twists that keep you guessing until the end! Be sure to get Dear Teacher on Feb. 1st you wont be disappointed!
Dear Teacher is a psychological thriller that keeps you hooked with different point of view and short chapters. Ruth Harrow knew what she was doing when she wrote this book with plot twists that keep you guessing until the end! Be sure to get Dear Teacher on Feb. 1st you wont be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a fast paced read but I felt some of it was a little over the top and not believable. Trains + thriller can definitely get my attention which is why I gave this a 3. It has so much potential to be a 4. I’d love to see more character development and some of the unbelievable moment reeled in.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Why did I expect this book to be easy to figure out?
About halfway through the book I was like, 'I know the twist'.
I was 'right' well at least for one of the the twists. I was NOT prepared for the others.
Holy rollercoaster this book had me so entranced at the end I didn't know what was going on in the house at all.
About halfway through the book I was like, 'I know the twist'.
I was 'right' well at least for one of the the twists. I was NOT prepared for the others.
Holy rollercoaster this book had me so entranced at the end I didn't know what was going on in the house at all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book! It’s a fast paced thriller that keeps you wanting more! This my first book by this
author and I will definitely be reading more! I love
thriller and this is one I will be
recommending for sure!
author and I will definitely be reading more! I love
thriller and this is one I will be
recommending for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book sounded great but unfortunately fell short. It wasn't terrible by any means. I wasn't bored, and it was pretty fast-paced. The storyline itself was just too over-the-top for me and didn't feel believable.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC and for the chance to read and review this book.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC and for the chance to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy
A story of revenge years later. I felt sadness and depth in the concept. It brings to light a horrific case of teacher abuse and it has many twists and turns to keep you guessing. It is rather slow burn and does drag on but I feel like that was needed. I was shocked and surprised by the outcome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews