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The Teacher's Secret
On an ordinary Friday afternoon, popular teacher Mrs Walker and her eight-year-old son leave the school playground. But they never make it home…
Being called in as a substitute teacher to replace a missing teacher – and mother – is the hardest job I’ve ever done. Cate Walker should still be here, in the role she loves. Her son Archie should be sitting in class with his friends. But instead they've disappeared and nobody has heard from them since…
At drop-off and pick-up, the other parents are hunched together anxiously. I can see the confusion in their children’s faces. The whole village is full of whispered rumours: that Archie and Cate will never be found, that someone else will soon be next… and that Cate's charismatic husband, Oliver – our headteacher – is involved.
After the chilling way Oliver looked at me on my first morning, the thought makes my blood turn to ice. I'm determined to uncover what’s really happened to Cate and Archie, especially after I find photos in Cate’s classroom cupboard that change everything…
Then an anonymous note turns up threatening me. My home is broken into while I sleep. I know the longer I stay at this school, the more danger I’m in.
But whoever’s trying to scare me doesn’t know who I am – or why I’m really here.
Or just how far I’ll go to expose the truth…
Being called in as a substitute teacher to replace a missing teacher – and mother – is the hardest job I’ve ever done. Cate Walker should still be here, in the role she loves. Her son Archie should be sitting in class with his friends. But instead they've disappeared and nobody has heard from them since…
At drop-off and pick-up, the other parents are hunched together anxiously. I can see the confusion in their children’s faces. The whole village is full of whispered rumours: that Archie and Cate will never be found, that someone else will soon be next… and that Cate's charismatic husband, Oliver – our headteacher – is involved.
After the chilling way Oliver looked at me on my first morning, the thought makes my blood turn to ice. I'm determined to uncover what’s really happened to Cate and Archie, especially after I find photos in Cate’s classroom cupboard that change everything…
Then an anonymous note turns up threatening me. My home is broken into while I sleep. I know the longer I stay at this school, the more danger I’m in.
But whoever’s trying to scare me doesn’t know who I am – or why I’m really here.
Or just how far I’ll go to expose the truth…
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2024
544 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Lauren North
14 books510 followersLauren writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. She has a lifelong passion for writing, reading, and all things books. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation.
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
December 24, 2023
*3.5 stars*
It’s just a normal Friday afternoon at the local primary school in the little village of Leedham. The parents are waiting to pick up their offspring, excited children looking forward to the weekend, but for teacher Cate Walker and her eight year old son Archie, it’s the day that they leave school as usual, but never reach home - they disappear after leaving school and no one has any idea what has happened to them.
The school headmaster, Oliver, is Cate’s husband, and Archie’s father, and at first he’s not under any suspicion, everyone feeling sorry for him, but as the weeks pass, rumours begin to spread that he may, after all, have had something to do with their disappearance.
Lexi is the new substitute teacher for Cate Walker’s class, and she takes it upon herself to investigate Oliver - she suspects that he definitely knows more than he’s letting on. Lexi herself is a mysterious character though, and is actually harbouring a big secret herself, and then she begins to receive anonymous threats!
A storyline that uses smoke and mirrors to full effect, so that the reader never quite knows which way it’s going, and I changed my mind on numerous occasions!
*My thanks to Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
It’s just a normal Friday afternoon at the local primary school in the little village of Leedham. The parents are waiting to pick up their offspring, excited children looking forward to the weekend, but for teacher Cate Walker and her eight year old son Archie, it’s the day that they leave school as usual, but never reach home - they disappear after leaving school and no one has any idea what has happened to them.
The school headmaster, Oliver, is Cate’s husband, and Archie’s father, and at first he’s not under any suspicion, everyone feeling sorry for him, but as the weeks pass, rumours begin to spread that he may, after all, have had something to do with their disappearance.
Lexi is the new substitute teacher for Cate Walker’s class, and she takes it upon herself to investigate Oliver - she suspects that he definitely knows more than he’s letting on. Lexi herself is a mysterious character though, and is actually harbouring a big secret herself, and then she begins to receive anonymous threats!
A storyline that uses smoke and mirrors to full effect, so that the reader never quite knows which way it’s going, and I changed my mind on numerous occasions!
*My thanks to Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 8, 2024
2.0 stars —“The Teacher’s Secret” is the first book I’ve ever read by Lauren North. I was hoping for a Lisa Jewell type experience but it was more like a bad Freida McFadden to be honest. This is a great example of a book that tries too hard to hold its cards close to the vest, but when those secrets are finally revealed later in the book, they come across as far fetched and silly explanations of how they were described earlier in the book. The book begins with the disappearance of Cate and Archie, a teacher and her young son. The number one suspect is (of course) the teacher’s husband, Oliver, the principal at the school. The substitute teacher hired to take Cate’s place, Lexi, is an outsider who comes into town with an obvious interest in the missing persons’ case. The first half of the books drags on with very little revealed about what happened to Cate and Archie or Lexi’s fascination with the case. When everything begins coming together towards the end of the book, I admit I wasn’t feeling the far-fetched explanations and relationships between the characters. The book definitely holds surprises, but they are the type of surprises akin to getting a pair of socks on Christmas morning from Santa or going in for a filling and having to get a root canal. A thrillerless thriller with a few bad surprises would be my one sentence review of this one.
December 24, 2023
3⭐️
Well this was interesting...👀
THE PLOT:
Cate and her son, Archie, are reported missing by her husband, Oliver. This book is told in several POV's, the main one being Lexi, the substitute teacher to take over Cate's class. Nobody is who they seem and everyone holds secrets all related to Cate's disappearance. Lexi is determined to find Cate and Archie for reasons she holds close to her heart. Oliver is suspected of murdering his wife and his son. He is determined to prove himself innocent no matter the cost. Jeanie, a neighbor who misses nothing, holds secrets of her own who will do anything to keep her secrets safe. Gemma, the schools receptionist, hates her life and thinks Cate is getting what she deserves. Everyone has skeletons in their closet...it is just a matter of how far they will go to protect them.
MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed this book but it was definitely far from a favorite. There was so much going on through the beginning of the book is was very confusing. It was hard to keep up with everyone's POV as everything is all over the place for about 80% of the book. I felt like there was just a lot of filler that didn't advance the plot even a little bit. I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. I felt they were fairly shallow and I just couldn't get attached. This book felt like it was filled with more questions than answers (literally). Lexi was receiving threats to stay away from looking into the disappearance of Cate and the reason for it was so stupid. 😭 It truly was so dumb.
I didn't get chills reading this book and my skin wasn't crawling so it was pretty disappointing in that aspect. However, it was interesting enough to want to keep reading. I definitely didn't expect the ending and I like that! I loved coming up with different theories while reading this, I just didn't like how we got no plot advancement until 80% through it. This book was mediocre in my opinion, but it wasn't bad! Overall, it was an okay thriller. If you're looking for something more slow-paced thriller with some big plot twists, this would be for you! Otherwise, it would not be a recommendation for something quick-paced and gripping. I just wasn't getting into it. However, that's just me. ☺️
Thank you Bookoture, Lauren North, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I got approved for this ARC and I really want a good thriller to make my skin crawl. I hope this delivers 🤞🏼
Well this was interesting...👀
THE PLOT:
Cate and her son, Archie, are reported missing by her husband, Oliver. This book is told in several POV's, the main one being Lexi, the substitute teacher to take over Cate's class. Nobody is who they seem and everyone holds secrets all related to Cate's disappearance. Lexi is determined to find Cate and Archie for reasons she holds close to her heart. Oliver is suspected of murdering his wife and his son. He is determined to prove himself innocent no matter the cost. Jeanie, a neighbor who misses nothing, holds secrets of her own who will do anything to keep her secrets safe. Gemma, the schools receptionist, hates her life and thinks Cate is getting what she deserves. Everyone has skeletons in their closet...it is just a matter of how far they will go to protect them.
MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed this book but it was definitely far from a favorite. There was so much going on through the beginning of the book is was very confusing. It was hard to keep up with everyone's POV as everything is all over the place for about 80% of the book. I felt like there was just a lot of filler that didn't advance the plot even a little bit. I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. I felt they were fairly shallow and I just couldn't get attached. This book felt like it was filled with more questions than answers (literally). Lexi was receiving threats to stay away from looking into the disappearance of Cate and the reason for it was so stupid. 😭 It truly was so dumb.
I didn't get chills reading this book and my skin wasn't crawling so it was pretty disappointing in that aspect. However, it was interesting enough to want to keep reading. I definitely didn't expect the ending and I like that! I loved coming up with different theories while reading this, I just didn't like how we got no plot advancement until 80% through it. This book was mediocre in my opinion, but it wasn't bad! Overall, it was an okay thriller. If you're looking for something more slow-paced thriller with some big plot twists, this would be for you! Otherwise, it would not be a recommendation for something quick-paced and gripping. I just wasn't getting into it. However, that's just me. ☺️
Thank you Bookoture, Lauren North, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I got approved for this ARC and I really want a good thriller to make my skin crawl. I hope this delivers 🤞🏼
February 28, 2024
NO SECRETS:
I was intrigued by this book's "Who abducted and/or killed a beloved teacher and her young son?" premise.
However, "The Teacher's Secret" failed to earn a top grade from me.
😭😭😭
WHY?
1) Lauren North is one of my favorite go-to authors and my expectations were sky-high.
2) The first portion of the book was fragmented and all over the place.
3) Although the last portion of the book was twisty and faster-paced than the book's lackluster beginning, the ending was contrived and waaay too convenient.
I listened to the audiobook read by Emma Woods.
In her author's note, Lauren North mentioned that her books usually unfold from two POVs and this was her first book with multiple POVs.
Emma Woods did a superb job with the narration but since the book unfolded from multiple POVs, the audiobook would have benefited from a full-cast team of narrators.
2.5 stars, rounded up.
March 26, 2024
the setup…
Lexi Mills is a substitute teacher now assigned to the school in Leedham. She’s excited about the challenge but it’s the reason why she’s needed that makes it bittersweet. Cate Walker, the full time teacher, is missing, along with her eight-year old son Archie. They left school on a Friday and vanished on their way home. Husband and father Oliver is also the head teacher who soon has all eyes looking at him because of course that’s where you’d look first…right?
the heart of the story…
Lexi’s is the primary point of view so she shaped my perspective. But then we also hear from Oliver and a few others, including someone creepy and quite possibly responsible for Cate and Archie’s abduction. But one thing that connects everyone is they’re all harboring secrets. Even Lexi has a past she’s trying to hide and I was carefully collecting and assembling clues trying to figure this thing out. What finally unraveled was nothing close to what I’d imagined!
the narration…
What I look for first in a narrator is strong storytelling skills and Emma Woods was outstanding in that respect. And, she had a host of characters that she defined and distinguished exceptionally well. She gave nothing away!
the bottom line…
I was rolling along, enjoying a good mystery and developing theories and scenarios that I was almost smug about. Then it took a turn that upended everything. This was a very clever story with a few amazing twists I never, ever saw coming. Well done! And that’s all I will say about it.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Lexi Mills is a substitute teacher now assigned to the school in Leedham. She’s excited about the challenge but it’s the reason why she’s needed that makes it bittersweet. Cate Walker, the full time teacher, is missing, along with her eight-year old son Archie. They left school on a Friday and vanished on their way home. Husband and father Oliver is also the head teacher who soon has all eyes looking at him because of course that’s where you’d look first…right?
the heart of the story…
Lexi’s is the primary point of view so she shaped my perspective. But then we also hear from Oliver and a few others, including someone creepy and quite possibly responsible for Cate and Archie’s abduction. But one thing that connects everyone is they’re all harboring secrets. Even Lexi has a past she’s trying to hide and I was carefully collecting and assembling clues trying to figure this thing out. What finally unraveled was nothing close to what I’d imagined!
the narration…
What I look for first in a narrator is strong storytelling skills and Emma Woods was outstanding in that respect. And, she had a host of characters that she defined and distinguished exceptionally well. She gave nothing away!
the bottom line…
I was rolling along, enjoying a good mystery and developing theories and scenarios that I was almost smug about. Then it took a turn that upended everything. This was a very clever story with a few amazing twists I never, ever saw coming. Well done! And that’s all I will say about it.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 20, 2024
You know those book where you didn't hate it but didn't love it either... this was one of those
I love Lauren North's book, they are sooooo easily digestible and her book 'Safe at home' will always be my fave from her. Unfortunately this one didn't blow me out the park.
I'm not used to Lauren writing multiple POVs in her books and there was a LOT of POVs in this one. Listening to the audio version i found myself confused at times. There is only one narrator, narrating different POVs so it was hard to distinguish who was whom. Although kudos to her she did do a good job.
With Lauren's book i always know the final plot twist is going to be wild and unsuspecting and this one delivered. I had my suspicions and only got a couple right.
I wish the book wasn't as long as it was, because it did feel like some chapters were unnecessarily added in and just dragged the storyline.
This is not your typical thriller, it is more of a domestic drama.
Overall it was an OK read.
2.5 ⭐
Thank you to Negalley and Bolinda Audio for a copy of the audio. All opinions and views are honest and entirely of my own.
I love Lauren North's book, they are sooooo easily digestible and her book 'Safe at home' will always be my fave from her. Unfortunately this one didn't blow me out the park.
I'm not used to Lauren writing multiple POVs in her books and there was a LOT of POVs in this one. Listening to the audio version i found myself confused at times. There is only one narrator, narrating different POVs so it was hard to distinguish who was whom. Although kudos to her she did do a good job.
With Lauren's book i always know the final plot twist is going to be wild and unsuspecting and this one delivered. I had my suspicions and only got a couple right.
I wish the book wasn't as long as it was, because it did feel like some chapters were unnecessarily added in and just dragged the storyline.
This is not your typical thriller, it is more of a domestic drama.
Overall it was an OK read.
2.5 ⭐
Thank you to Negalley and Bolinda Audio for a copy of the audio. All opinions and views are honest and entirely of my own.
March 25, 2024
Narrated by Emma Woods
A lot of twists and turns in this one!
Bit of a mixed bag, here. I had the narration on x2 because it was frustratingly slow and drawn out. A lot of extra info to set up all the red herrings, and the vagueness with no real point did get a little trying after a while.
Completely loathsome characters - I didn't like any of them at all and felt no sympathy for anyone involved - particularly once true colours were revealed, too!
Still, there was a lot of misdirection, and even though it was easy to guess things weren't what they seemed, there were still plenty of questions about what was actually going on. It kept me intrigued and keen to solve what was going on.
The story was probably a little heavy with extra information and unnecessary twists, but it was still intriguing and I did enjoy the guessing at everything. Crime lovers should find themselves easily entertained by this one.
With thanks to Netgalley for an audio ARC
A lot of twists and turns in this one!
Bit of a mixed bag, here. I had the narration on x2 because it was frustratingly slow and drawn out. A lot of extra info to set up all the red herrings, and the vagueness with no real point did get a little trying after a while.
Completely loathsome characters - I didn't like any of them at all and felt no sympathy for anyone involved - particularly once true colours were revealed, too!
Still, there was a lot of misdirection, and even though it was easy to guess things weren't what they seemed, there were still plenty of questions about what was actually going on. It kept me intrigued and keen to solve what was going on.
The story was probably a little heavy with extra information and unnecessary twists, but it was still intriguing and I did enjoy the guessing at everything. Crime lovers should find themselves easily entertained by this one.
With thanks to Netgalley for an audio ARC
March 2, 2024
The Teacher's Secret is an original all-consuming thriller that gripped me immediately. A small serene village is rocked to its core when a mother and son disappear without a trace on a typical Friday afternoon. What happened to Cate and Archie? Did they run away for unknown reasons or is something more sinister at play? The unpredictable story kept me guessing and racing to the end, trying to solve this intricately well-plotted mystery. It's fast-paced with shocking twists throughout. Entertaining, intriguing, and unputdownable describe every minute of this enthralling thriller. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Teacher's Secret by Lauren North. This book was not a favourite of mine. I did enjoy it but it seemed to drag on a little too much. The beginning of the book was difficult to follow but I persevered. There were not any "thriller" moments that I look for. Not a very exciting read. I would only recommend the book for an easy read but not for someone looking for a gripping thriller.
October 31, 2024
This book falls into that category where I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. It was just alright for me tbh
Her books are usually very easy to dive into, However, unfortunately, this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations which i am kinda sad about
One big change here is that she uses multiple points of view, which is unusual for her books. In this case, I felt it made things a bit confusing and over complicated, It was sometimes challenging to keep track of who was speaking. That said, the narrator did a commendable job with what she was given.
As usual there’s a big twist at the end, and while I saw some elements coming, a few still caught me off guard, so it did have some surprises
Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing the audiobook copy
Her books are usually very easy to dive into, However, unfortunately, this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations which i am kinda sad about
One big change here is that she uses multiple points of view, which is unusual for her books. In this case, I felt it made things a bit confusing and over complicated, It was sometimes challenging to keep track of who was speaking. That said, the narrator did a commendable job with what she was given.
As usual there’s a big twist at the end, and while I saw some elements coming, a few still caught me off guard, so it did have some surprises
Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing the audiobook copy
February 20, 2024
Lexi arrives in a small village as a substitute teacher at the local school. The village is reeling from the disappearance of the massively popular Cate Walker, the teacher Lexi will be replacing for now, and her eight year old son, Archie. They left school, but never made it home. The local gossip mill is suspicious of Cate's husband, Oliver. Too charming, too slick, and why is he even at work? Even though Lexi has never met Cate or Archie, she is determined to find out what happened to them.
Prepare yourself for a story that's twistier than an incredibly twisty thing. True to form, this small community is filled to the brim with suspicious characters, dark secrets, and lies. So many lies. Very few of the characters come across as likeable, mostly because they all seem so untrustworthy. And don't even get me started on the helicopter parent who's head of the PTA. Good grief.
There's Oliver, the grieving husband. It doesn't take a genius to figure out he's not telling the truth about the night his wife and child disappeared. But did he hurt them? There's also Jeanie, who likes to keep a close eye on her neighbours, using binoculars if need be. But who also seems to be hiding something and really doesn't want people in her house. There's Lexi, who seems far too interested in the fate of people she doesn't know. And last but not least, a mysterious character who apparently has a long list of confessions to make.
Is one of them responsible for the disappearance of Cate and Archie? Or someone else in the village? Why would anyone want to harm Cate, and her little boy especially, when she was so popular and loved by everyone? How many skeletons will fall out of the closet when the detectives begin their investigation?
I thought the 'The Teacher's Secret' was pretty absorbing and addictive. Once I started reading, I found it hard to put the book back down. I had a great time putting the pieces of this puzzle together, trying to make sense of how the various POV's were connected. Admittedly, I figured out quite a few things beforehand but that didn't ruin my enjoyment at all. There was still a mystery or two that I couldn't work out before the reveals.
Full of suspense, 'The Teacher's Secret' has lots of things to discover and uncover, and keeps the reader on their toes throughout. Will you be able to spot the red herrings and get to the bottom of this mysterious disappearance? Whether you do or don't, you'll be in for an intriguing and entertaining couple of hours.
Prepare yourself for a story that's twistier than an incredibly twisty thing. True to form, this small community is filled to the brim with suspicious characters, dark secrets, and lies. So many lies. Very few of the characters come across as likeable, mostly because they all seem so untrustworthy. And don't even get me started on the helicopter parent who's head of the PTA. Good grief.
There's Oliver, the grieving husband. It doesn't take a genius to figure out he's not telling the truth about the night his wife and child disappeared. But did he hurt them? There's also Jeanie, who likes to keep a close eye on her neighbours, using binoculars if need be. But who also seems to be hiding something and really doesn't want people in her house. There's Lexi, who seems far too interested in the fate of people she doesn't know. And last but not least, a mysterious character who apparently has a long list of confessions to make.
Is one of them responsible for the disappearance of Cate and Archie? Or someone else in the village? Why would anyone want to harm Cate, and her little boy especially, when she was so popular and loved by everyone? How many skeletons will fall out of the closet when the detectives begin their investigation?
I thought the 'The Teacher's Secret' was pretty absorbing and addictive. Once I started reading, I found it hard to put the book back down. I had a great time putting the pieces of this puzzle together, trying to make sense of how the various POV's were connected. Admittedly, I figured out quite a few things beforehand but that didn't ruin my enjoyment at all. There was still a mystery or two that I couldn't work out before the reveals.
Full of suspense, 'The Teacher's Secret' has lots of things to discover and uncover, and keeps the reader on their toes throughout. Will you be able to spot the red herrings and get to the bottom of this mysterious disappearance? Whether you do or don't, you'll be in for an intriguing and entertaining couple of hours.
March 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would say that I had a very average experience with this thriller. The multiple POVs made it quite difficult to follow along with in the beginning, but I did soon settle into a comfortable rhythm with it.
I didn’t see the main twist coming, and there was a slight air of mystery throughout. However, I thought that the reasons behind some of the other twists were flimsy, and the book as a whole failed to deliver those feelings of anticipation & dread that the author of a thriller should be so accomplished at.
It was an easy read, but not a particularly exciting one.
I would say that I had a very average experience with this thriller. The multiple POVs made it quite difficult to follow along with in the beginning, but I did soon settle into a comfortable rhythm with it.
I didn’t see the main twist coming, and there was a slight air of mystery throughout. However, I thought that the reasons behind some of the other twists were flimsy, and the book as a whole failed to deliver those feelings of anticipation & dread that the author of a thriller should be so accomplished at.
It was an easy read, but not a particularly exciting one.
December 12, 2024
The burb perfectly sets the scene a much loved teacher and mother is missing along woth her son. A substitute teacher steps into rhe fold . Told from multiple pov this concentrates on days missing and events leading up to the event. There is an intriguing amount of charscters who each hold their own secrets which may or may not be related tobtge mystery. I was with the substitute as she uncovered secret after secret and tried to solve the mystery. Her secret was a omg monent and really tied everything together. Perfectly writtened well paced even the epilogue felt like justice. This is perfect for all thrillers and mystery lovers. Thr characters are revealed via their inner monologues and interactions. Skillfully written you question each as if they r responsible. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this cracking read.
May 2, 2024
Whaaaaat. No really, what the what. This one had me saying that quite often. I started to see somewhat of where it was going but a lot of it felt a little too over the top, too. It did keep me guessing for some of it but I didn’t like how it dealt with the guy who “took” them. That whole piece just felt creepy and weird, even when finding out the truth of it.
May 7, 2024
My first by this author. I like. I will read more of her works.
The cat is chasing the mouse…
A straightforward crime novel or so I thought, most definitely is not.
The Teacher’s Secret moves skilfully at a snail’s pace and at the three quarter mark snail pace moves to a gallop and takes off in all directions and surprised me with a few curly twists. Twistier than a bowl of Twisties.
Are the characters who they seem? Nah aahhh.
A gazillion point of views (ok 4, phew!)
Secrets and lies. So many lies. 🙊 🙉 🙈
A book that will keep you guessing and guessing 😲
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Emma Woods
Duration: 9 hrs, 53 min. 1.25x Speed
The cat is chasing the mouse…
A straightforward crime novel or so I thought, most definitely is not.
The Teacher’s Secret moves skilfully at a snail’s pace and at the three quarter mark snail pace moves to a gallop and takes off in all directions and surprised me with a few curly twists. Twistier than a bowl of Twisties.
Are the characters who they seem? Nah aahhh.
A gazillion point of views (ok 4, phew!)
Secrets and lies. So many lies. 🙊 🙉 🙈
A book that will keep you guessing and guessing 😲
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Emma Woods
Duration: 9 hrs, 53 min. 1.25x Speed
December 28, 2023
One Friday afternoon, a school teacher, Mrs Cate Walker, and her eight year old son, Archie, leave school together but do not make it home. A week later, they are still not found and the community is in upheaval, developing theories on what happened to the pair.
Lexi arrives in the small community as a substitute teacher, taking Cate's class until she is found and she is also determined to uncover the truth. Was it the husband, Oliver? Who seems intent on watching Lexi. Or someone else unknown to the family. The notes threatening Lexi are unnerving but she won't give up.
I enjoyed the different POV's in this one and the cast of suspicious characters with loads of secrets. It was entertaining and fast paced and while I had some inkling about the direction it was taking it was thoroughly enjoyable. North has become one of my favourite authors and I look forward to more by her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this gifted review copy.
Lexi arrives in the small community as a substitute teacher, taking Cate's class until she is found and she is also determined to uncover the truth. Was it the husband, Oliver? Who seems intent on watching Lexi. Or someone else unknown to the family. The notes threatening Lexi are unnerving but she won't give up.
I enjoyed the different POV's in this one and the cast of suspicious characters with loads of secrets. It was entertaining and fast paced and while I had some inkling about the direction it was taking it was thoroughly enjoyable. North has become one of my favourite authors and I look forward to more by her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this gifted review copy.
March 28, 2024
I received and arc of this audiobook from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the author Laura North!
I gave this book 3 1/2 stars.
This book is about a teacher and her son who go missing, and the entire novel is figuring out what happened. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused on this one. I felt like it was somewhat slow through the middle of the book. I did like the ending and I did not guess the twist, which is good, but I wish it had been more exciting throughout the book.
I gave this book 3 1/2 stars.
This book is about a teacher and her son who go missing, and the entire novel is figuring out what happened. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused on this one. I felt like it was somewhat slow through the middle of the book. I did like the ending and I did not guess the twist, which is good, but I wish it had been more exciting throughout the book.
March 10, 2024
ARC audiobook provided is exchange for an honest review.
Emma Woods did a fantastic job with the narration on this book! It’s a lot of work to be the sole narrator voicing every character and she held her own. I sometimes had to pause to remember if it was a male character speaking because her voice is very feminine but it didn’t bother me much. The story had lots of unexpected twists and I’m glad I couldn’t see where the story was headed. If you like psychological thrillers and mysteries, give this book a try!
Emma Woods did a fantastic job with the narration on this book! It’s a lot of work to be the sole narrator voicing every character and she held her own. I sometimes had to pause to remember if it was a male character speaking because her voice is very feminine but it didn’t bother me much. The story had lots of unexpected twists and I’m glad I couldn’t see where the story was headed. If you like psychological thrillers and mysteries, give this book a try!
March 26, 2024
The sudden disappearance of a teacher and her son as they walked home together from a school playground leads to investigation and suspicion. Several voices tell this story, and they weave a tale of tangled threads that are starting to come apart. Thanks to Netgalley for this one!
March 10, 2024
This was a good book although there were some holes in the plot that were confusing and I feel were never answered. I listened to the audiobook and I sometimes got confused as to whose point of view it was. The twist in the end was good.
February 27, 2024
I've read and enjoyed many of North's books now and every time she surpasses herself and conjures up another page turning read that kept me reading till late in the night.
You knew something big was imminent, but had no idea when or where it was going to hit and just when you thought you'd got it all sussed out, North deftly threw another twist into the mix.
The Teacher's Secret is a brilliant thriller with unreliable narrators and an addictive plot.
You knew something big was imminent, but had no idea when or where it was going to hit and just when you thought you'd got it all sussed out, North deftly threw another twist into the mix.
The Teacher's Secret is a brilliant thriller with unreliable narrators and an addictive plot.
January 1, 2024
This is a fantastic, convoluted novel about a teacher (Cate )and young son kidnapped on their way home from school even as husband, Oliver is the principal there. Of course he is devastated but must welcome Cate's substitute. Lexi. But there's something strange about Lexi as she has trouble providing references but then snoops around the classroom for "evidence" about what happened. Threatening notes, odd photos, affairs, and secrets all come together in this crazy book about messy lives and what we might be willing to do to keep ourselves safe!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
March 12, 2024
DNF @ 20%
The story is too fragmented; it’s all over the place. Too many POVs
I was intrigued by the premise: who kidnapped a beloved teacher and her son? However I had trouble getting into any sort of flow with the book because it was so scattered and jumpy. I struggled to follow along.
Great narrator.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC!
The story is too fragmented; it’s all over the place. Too many POVs
I was intrigued by the premise: who kidnapped a beloved teacher and her son? However I had trouble getting into any sort of flow with the book because it was so scattered and jumpy. I struggled to follow along.
Great narrator.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC!
January 17, 2024
Book Title: The Teacher’s Secret
Author: Lauren North
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: February 23, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Pages: 324
A typical Friday afternoon at a primary school located in Leedham Yale. The parents as well as the children are looking forward to the weekend. Beloved teacher Cate Walker and her eight year old son Archie leave school as usual only they don’t make it home - they disappear after leaving school and no one has any idea what has happened to them.
Oliver Walker, Cate’s husband and Archie’s dad is the school’s headmaster, He isn’t a suspect in fact everyone feeling sorry for him. However, now it has been weeks and the rumors aren’t as kind.
Lexi Mils, Cate’s substitute believes Oliver is not telling all.
She herself seems to be a bit of mystery with her own secrets.
Now is getting anonymous threats to stay away from looking into the disappearance
Jeanie a neighbor (definitely a fun character) has her own secrets and will everything to keep her them safe.
Gemma, the schools receptionist, is not a happy person and thinks Cate is getting what she deserves.
Yikes it appears that more than the teacher has secrets!!!
This is my first Lauren North but not my last She writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families.
I am a big Psychological thriller fan and yes read a lot of them so my ratings might not be as high as other readers as I often make a comparison with one of my recent reads.
This definitely is better than 3 Stars=Good but just not quite 4 Star=Great ~my 3.5 rating!
I love reading the author’s notes as they give us the inside scoop on their motivation.
In this case Ms. North writes - “A Letter from Lauren”.
In it she tells us that the stories normally have two POV both women. With this story she had fun telling the story from many POV – Oliver, Lexi, Gemma and Jeanie. She loved writing Jeanie and her thought to the other villagers.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 23, 202
Author: Lauren North
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: February 23, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Pages: 324
A typical Friday afternoon at a primary school located in Leedham Yale. The parents as well as the children are looking forward to the weekend. Beloved teacher Cate Walker and her eight year old son Archie leave school as usual only they don’t make it home - they disappear after leaving school and no one has any idea what has happened to them.
Oliver Walker, Cate’s husband and Archie’s dad is the school’s headmaster, He isn’t a suspect in fact everyone feeling sorry for him. However, now it has been weeks and the rumors aren’t as kind.
Lexi Mils, Cate’s substitute believes Oliver is not telling all.
She herself seems to be a bit of mystery with her own secrets.
Now is getting anonymous threats to stay away from looking into the disappearance
Jeanie a neighbor (definitely a fun character) has her own secrets and will everything to keep her them safe.
Gemma, the schools receptionist, is not a happy person and thinks Cate is getting what she deserves.
Yikes it appears that more than the teacher has secrets!!!
This is my first Lauren North but not my last She writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families.
I am a big Psychological thriller fan and yes read a lot of them so my ratings might not be as high as other readers as I often make a comparison with one of my recent reads.
This definitely is better than 3 Stars=Good but just not quite 4 Star=Great ~my 3.5 rating!
I love reading the author’s notes as they give us the inside scoop on their motivation.
In this case Ms. North writes - “A Letter from Lauren”.
In it she tells us that the stories normally have two POV both women. With this story she had fun telling the story from many POV – Oliver, Lexi, Gemma and Jeanie. She loved writing Jeanie and her thought to the other villagers.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 23, 202
February 6, 2024
This book is a medium-paced thriller with a multi-character POV that can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning of the story. I could see it was way deeper than just a missing person case. Every time I thought I figured something out a twist happened, and I didn’t.
There’re so many twists and turns and so many well-kept secrets among the village people. It is one of those books where you wonder if the way people portrait themselves in public is who they are behind closed doors. If the perfection they show is there.
Overall, this was a great story after it’s slow beginning, the character development was right on top, and the story kept me engaged until the end. The village has so many intrigues and creepy people waiting and hiding in the shadows. I recommend it to those who enjoys a book that will keep you guessing every single thing until the very end.
Thank you, Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
There’re so many twists and turns and so many well-kept secrets among the village people. It is one of those books where you wonder if the way people portrait themselves in public is who they are behind closed doors. If the perfection they show is there.
Overall, this was a great story after it’s slow beginning, the character development was right on top, and the story kept me engaged until the end. The village has so many intrigues and creepy people waiting and hiding in the shadows. I recommend it to those who enjoys a book that will keep you guessing every single thing until the very end.
Thank you, Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
December 19, 2023
Once again, I was taken in by a premise that didn't exactly pan out the way I had hoped. Beloved teacher Cate Walker and her eight year old son Archie are missing. The rumor going around is unthinkable, and it's that Cate's husband Oliver, the Head Teacher at the school, may be responsible.
Enter Lexi, the substitute teacher who was hired to step in for Cate. But Lexi too is harboring a secret, and it's not just chance that she stepped into Cate's shoes.
My main issue with the book was the plot. It meandered in so many different directions, and there were just too many players to make it plausible. The final reveal was somewhat satisfying, and I did enjoy the author's writing style. I'll be trying another book by her. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy. This book will publish February 23, 2024.
Enter Lexi, the substitute teacher who was hired to step in for Cate. But Lexi too is harboring a secret, and it's not just chance that she stepped into Cate's shoes.
My main issue with the book was the plot. It meandered in so many different directions, and there were just too many players to make it plausible. The final reveal was somewhat satisfying, and I did enjoy the author's writing style. I'll be trying another book by her. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy. This book will publish February 23, 2024.
June 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I felt that anxious tension throughout the book, wanting to know what happened to a teacher and her missing boy. The book throws out red herrings and twists and turns. The ending satisfies more answers than you knew were even questions.
The only bad thing was the grammar. There were many subject-verb disagreements which I was surprised that an editor didn’t catch. There was also the rampant misuse of “further” when it should have been farther. This is an error I find in almost every book but the really good writers.
The only bad thing was the grammar. There were many subject-verb disagreements which I was surprised that an editor didn’t catch. There was also the rampant misuse of “further” when it should have been farther. This is an error I find in almost every book but the really good writers.
January 2, 2025
I listened to an audiobook while driving, and there’s a lot happening in the story, with numerous characters, plots, and connections between the past and present. I managed to figure out where the story was heading and why.
It’s a great story, although it features several rather unlikable characters.
I would recommend the audiobook; it was narrated very well and kept my interest throughout.
If you like twisty murder mysteries that focuses on the people around the missing person and then the reveal at the end. You will enjoy this one.
It’s a great story, although it features several rather unlikable characters.
I would recommend the audiobook; it was narrated very well and kept my interest throughout.
If you like twisty murder mysteries that focuses on the people around the missing person and then the reveal at the end. You will enjoy this one.
August 11, 2024
This is one of those that I’d describe as “ok”. It didn’t rock my world, but it was a fairly decent listen whilst I was getting dressed on a morning! It’s got a few twists and turns but they felt somewhat predictable at times and I knew that the plot wouldn’t be what it seemed. All in all a passable read if you like thrillers.
March 14, 2024
The first 70% of the book was so repetitive I was about to DNF. You could cut out 100 pages worth of things from this book and it would not change anything at all plotwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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