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The History Teacher
During the blizzard of 1978, a woman is discovered face down at the edge of her Delaware estate, a dog half-dead by her side. Nearby, a CIA officer lies buried under two feet of snow. Their secret meeting—sabotaged. When Emma Quinn gets a call in her Manhattan apartment—your grandmother, found dead—she has no reason to suspect foul play. But she is drawn into an intrigue that harks back to the beginnings of the Cold War—and forced to confront the truth about her family and history as we know it.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2019
479 people are currently reading
7325 people want to read
About the author
Susan Bacon
3 books56 followersPerhaps best known for her compelling mysteries, Susan Bacon has a new novel out that’s more in the realm of women’s fiction. Published on November 4, 2025, ALICE ADRIFT is an intimate portrayal of a woman’s struggle to get her bearings in the wake of a tragic loss and a husband’s infidelity.
Susan’s mysteries—THE HISTORY TEACHER (2019) and its sequel, THE ART COLLECTOR (2024)—have won three Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs), including a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction and a Bronze for Best Series-Fiction.
A graduate of Barnard College, Susan grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and has lived in New York City, Washington, DC, and Memphis, TN, all of which serve as settings for her novels. She is a former journalist, speechwriter and ghostwriter whose credits include an international best-seller.
Today, she lives and writes in Memphis, and is particularly proud of the fact that she recorded her audiobook of THE HISTORY TEACHER at Sam Phillips Recording, birthplace of Rock'n Roll.
PRAISE for THE ART COLLECTOR
“The Art Collector is not only an intriguing mystery story that draws you in and keeps you guessing but also a vibrant portrayal of the downtown art scene in Manhattan in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the Deep South back in the ‘60s.” — EBET ROBERTS, Legendary photographer of Manhattan’s music scene
"When Professor Emma Quinn's friend and neighbor, Seal Larsen, a photographer with Memphis roots, is murdered, Emma finds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, money, art, and Southern history. Bacon deftly maneuvers the reader through present-day chapters and those set in the past, juggling locations and characters and crafting a compelling page-turner in the process . . ." — JESSE DAVIS, Memphis Magazine
“An intriguing whodunit with memorable characters.”— KIRKUS REVIEWS (Recommended review)
PRAISE for THE HISTORY TEACHER
"riveting" — Midwest Book Review
“fresh and eye-opening” — EMILY YELLIN, author of Our Mothers’ War
“cagily and compellingly plotted and eminently credible.” — BRUCE WEBER, author of Life Is a Wheel: Memoirs of a Bike-Riding Obituarist
“a satisfying page-turner.”— JESSE DAVIS, Memphis Flyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 3, 2020
A very well researched story.
The story starts with the murder of a wealthy lady. Her granddaughter Emma is trying to find out the reasons for the murder. The story then goes to the past to find the reason of the murder.
Though it was a little slow at parts, thoroughly enjoyed the mystery/thriller.
The story starts with the murder of a wealthy lady. Her granddaughter Emma is trying to find out the reasons for the murder. The story then goes to the past to find the reason of the murder.
Though it was a little slow at parts, thoroughly enjoyed the mystery/thriller.
August 28, 2020
What can I say about this book . It had a promising start but it never really took it from there and it stayed in neutral for most of the book. It was a well researched book and she knew her facts and history but a fiction book needs drama, tension and zip to it. This book did not have much of those elements. The main story was blah and so what and that is not good for a fiction book. I thought the ending was a sleeper. I have read worse and this book gets 3.0 right on the dot. I also had a hard time knowing what tense we were in-it read akward to me .I think she might have some talent but needs a better editor and a better story that has some zing to it. I am not sure if you take this book out for spin it is a tough call. I guess if you are light on reading material go ahead if not skip.
July 15, 2021
Pretty good mystery. Imagine being informed you grandmother is dead, then you find out later she was supposedly struck by a car, then find out she was murdered. Then you find out that an agent was found dead under 2 feet of snow. Then sorting thru her estate and finding magazines with articles clipped out of them and put in files. Then you really think she was crazy until the CIA (not the Culinary Institute of America) and the FBI get involved. Now you read the book and find out what happens
January 6, 2020
Emma is called back to the home she grew up in, someone killed Grandma. Who is the second body, and why, so many whys. Emma's journey to find deep connections with chemicals, guns, government, and secrets. Who to trust, and why. A thrilling story tied with history and did I say decades-long secrets. This is a great read for mystery readers.
July 7, 2025
learned about alger hiss (he was high up in gov when accused/found guilty of soviet spying)
met the author in memphis
got better as i got into it
definitely a world i know nothing about i.e super rich people / american aristocracy
liked the mystery
relatable characters
realistic dialogue
mental health mentioned the same way i feel it sometimes
realistic story, prescient in mentioning qatar and secret arms deals
met the author in memphis
got better as i got into it
definitely a world i know nothing about i.e super rich people / american aristocracy
liked the mystery
relatable characters
realistic dialogue
mental health mentioned the same way i feel it sometimes
realistic story, prescient in mentioning qatar and secret arms deals
December 23, 2019
Not my cup of tea
I struggled through 52% off this book because the first chapters showed enough to pique my curiosity. But curiosity killed this cat. I felt it was dry, relying on an aspect of history that most know little to nothing about and frankly, isn't all that exciting. I seldom give up on a book but this one kept putting me to sleep...literally. I'm sorry it didn't work for me because I usually love the mix of history and fiction. I'm a big fan of Clive Cussler and his books.
I struggled through 52% off this book because the first chapters showed enough to pique my curiosity. But curiosity killed this cat. I felt it was dry, relying on an aspect of history that most know little to nothing about and frankly, isn't all that exciting. I seldom give up on a book but this one kept putting me to sleep...literally. I'm sorry it didn't work for me because I usually love the mix of history and fiction. I'm a big fan of Clive Cussler and his books.
December 20, 2019
Mystery/History readers! Here's a great book for you by a Memphis friend of mine now available on Amazon. The action begins in 1978 with a double murder during a snowstorm in a well-heeled Delaware suburb and goes on to explore some of the long, eerie shadows cast by the Cold War. With plenty of CIA and corporate intrigue plus a plucky, complex heroine and a variety of villains from the menacing to the inept.
October 13, 2019
Beautifully written thriller, written by my talented sister-in-law. It is particularly poignant reading about the historical roots of our local chemical businesses and the munitions industry.
I sure hope Susan continues in this new writing genre. What a talent!!!
I sure hope Susan continues in this new writing genre. What a talent!!!
December 19, 2019
Fascinating read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Stay awake and remember names as you read this as everyone has a purpose. This book kept me involved, adding a human perspective to history. The events of seventy years ago are still so relevant.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Stay awake and remember names as you read this as everyone has a purpose. This book kept me involved, adding a human perspective to history. The events of seventy years ago are still so relevant.
February 4, 2020
Not an easy read
This book was very tediuos to read. I kept losing track of who was who, and what the point of the whole story was...had no idea where the author was going. The ending left me wondering why I read the whole book. It was all very disjointed.
This book was very tediuos to read. I kept losing track of who was who, and what the point of the whole story was...had no idea where the author was going. The ending left me wondering why I read the whole book. It was all very disjointed.
March 9, 2025
This historical novel is set in February and March, 1978. The main character is Emma Quinn, a young historian at Columbia University. Emma was originally from Delaware. She was raised by her grandparents after her parents died in an automobile accident when she was very young.
The story begins on February 6, 1978, when a blizzard hit the east coast of the US. (I was a college student in Philadelphia at the time and can remember that there were a couple of 14-inch snowstorms that winter.) In Delaware, Emma's grandmother Margaret takes her dog for a walk that afternoon and never returns home. She is found dead nearby.
Emma has much work to do in settling her grandmother's estate. She soon finds out that some, including the CIA, are interesting in seeing her grandparents' papers. It turns out that on February 6, her grandmother and a CIA agent had scheduled a rendezvous and were killed before they had a chance to meet.
Emma the historian now has a new research project, seeking information about her family's past. After finding her grandmother's diary, she begins to learn much that she had never known before about her parents and grandparents. She also faces danger from others who have reason to suppress some of that information.
I enjoyed this story with its interesting characters and historical setting.
The story begins on February 6, 1978, when a blizzard hit the east coast of the US. (I was a college student in Philadelphia at the time and can remember that there were a couple of 14-inch snowstorms that winter.) In Delaware, Emma's grandmother Margaret takes her dog for a walk that afternoon and never returns home. She is found dead nearby.
Emma has much work to do in settling her grandmother's estate. She soon finds out that some, including the CIA, are interesting in seeing her grandparents' papers. It turns out that on February 6, her grandmother and a CIA agent had scheduled a rendezvous and were killed before they had a chance to meet.
Emma the historian now has a new research project, seeking information about her family's past. After finding her grandmother's diary, she begins to learn much that she had never known before about her parents and grandparents. She also faces danger from others who have reason to suppress some of that information.
I enjoyed this story with its interesting characters and historical setting.
July 17, 2020
Enthralling, Enlightening,
Great historical fiction based on fact. So much subterfuge brought forward into the light. As the author points out, history repeats itself; in this case a continuation. Illegitimate arms sales in the 1940’s repeated in the 1980’s and currently in plain view with Saudi Arabia, et al.
Government and Religion, hypocrisy at its extreme.
Very well written, expertly presented and thoroughly entertaining. The only “ouchie” in the story was the departure to the sexual near the end. Totally patronizing and served only as a distraction. Highly recommend!!
Great historical fiction based on fact. So much subterfuge brought forward into the light. As the author points out, history repeats itself; in this case a continuation. Illegitimate arms sales in the 1940’s repeated in the 1980’s and currently in plain view with Saudi Arabia, et al.
Government and Religion, hypocrisy at its extreme.
Very well written, expertly presented and thoroughly entertaining. The only “ouchie” in the story was the departure to the sexual near the end. Totally patronizing and served only as a distraction. Highly recommend!!
March 7, 2020
If you are into American history, you will probably enjoy this murder mystery. Emma is a history professor in 1978. Her grandmother has died and she struggles to understand why. The author obviously did a lot of research on the subject matter. I found it to be quite slow until about 60% through. My biggest annoyance was that even though Emma is a researcher, she doesn't write any notes while she is delving into her family's history. Not even a timeline. That seems ridiculous to me. I almost started taking notes myself to keep the names straight.
July 5, 2020
Intense
It's difficult to analyze this book for someone who was too young during the time when this book is centered. Not interested in any politics except civil rights, I was unaware of so much of what was going on in the world outside my own little sphere. This story, while a work of fiction, is based on facts and is very educational. I have a new understanding of the McCarthy Era, the Alger Hiss trials, the Manhattan Project, and the duplicity of the American government.
This is not light reading. This is a history lesson.
It's difficult to analyze this book for someone who was too young during the time when this book is centered. Not interested in any politics except civil rights, I was unaware of so much of what was going on in the world outside my own little sphere. This story, while a work of fiction, is based on facts and is very educational. I have a new understanding of the McCarthy Era, the Alger Hiss trials, the Manhattan Project, and the duplicity of the American government.
This is not light reading. This is a history lesson.
August 31, 2021
This takes place in 1978. We have a double murder in Delaware in a snowstorm. Emma Quinn's grandmother was one of the victims. The other was a CIA agent. Emma delves deeper using her own methods of research to find out what really happened. This is a great mystery and thriller that is very well written. Susan Bacon did a tremendous amount of research on the Hess trial, the Manhattan Project, the McCarthy era and the cold war. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I have already passed it on.
July 13, 2020
I made it to the end. It is well researched, I guess, and reasonably well-written. It never compelled me to keep reading, though. There was little sense of suspense or danger.
One inconsistency, I thought. Early action in the book involved a major snowstorm, in early February. The action in late March in the Catskills sounded like early spring. I’m really skeptical about that unless 1978 was a major weather aberration.
One inconsistency, I thought. Early action in the book involved a major snowstorm, in early February. The action in late March in the Catskills sounded like early spring. I’m really skeptical about that unless 1978 was a major weather aberration.
September 27, 2020
This is a very good mystery read. A woman (Margaret) is found dead in the snow and beside her lays her dog wounded
Not that far away lays a man in a ravine dead under the deep snow.
Emma receives a call that her grandmother, Margaret was found dead.
Emma goes to her grandmothers estate and starts finding news articles from 1940's. The CIA arrives asking questions.
Emma is a very strong character as well as Margaret. Emma must put all the pieces together.
A well written novel.
Not that far away lays a man in a ravine dead under the deep snow.
Emma receives a call that her grandmother, Margaret was found dead.
Emma goes to her grandmothers estate and starts finding news articles from 1940's. The CIA arrives asking questions.
Emma is a very strong character as well as Margaret. Emma must put all the pieces together.
A well written novel.
March 11, 2020
Hiss
I am not a reader of history and am not very knowledgable on the subject but enjoyed this book and there were moments I didnt want to put it down. Thank you again for the enjoyable read and a little info at the end re Britain and USA supplying the weapons to Iran and Iraq. Hopefully in years to come the world will be at peace
I am not a reader of history and am not very knowledgable on the subject but enjoyed this book and there were moments I didnt want to put it down. Thank you again for the enjoyable read and a little info at the end re Britain and USA supplying the weapons to Iran and Iraq. Hopefully in years to come the world will be at peace
July 11, 2020
Intriguing Read Through History
This is one of those books I’ll not forget. The characters, Cold War era history, and story itself held me rapt from beginning to end as the main character sought to know and understand her family’s history after her grandmother is found dead buried in the snow. History becomes her teacher.
This is one of those books I’ll not forget. The characters, Cold War era history, and story itself held me rapt from beginning to end as the main character sought to know and understand her family’s history after her grandmother is found dead buried in the snow. History becomes her teacher.
September 21, 2020
Scary but...
Not too scary, and just complex enough to keep a person going. Since I knew a little bit about the periods referenced, I had some idea what was going on most of the time, which isn’t always the case with this kind of book. It generally isn’t my favorite genre but this one was less hard edged than most.
Not too scary, and just complex enough to keep a person going. Since I knew a little bit about the periods referenced, I had some idea what was going on most of the time, which isn’t always the case with this kind of book. It generally isn’t my favorite genre but this one was less hard edged than most.
July 16, 2020
The author keeps the reader captivated with fact and fiction.
I gave 5 stars as the story line was captivating and a real page turner.
This is the first novel by Susan Bacon I have read and am looking forward to read the next one.
I gave 5 stars as the story line was captivating and a real page turner.
This is the first novel by Susan Bacon I have read and am looking forward to read the next one.
July 28, 2020
Exciting
I gave this book 5 stars because it kept my interest even though it was about arms sales, illegitimately. The people in the story, their personalities and place in the story were well defined. There were times I literally could not put the story down.
I gave this book 5 stars because it kept my interest even though it was about arms sales, illegitimately. The people in the story, their personalities and place in the story were well defined. There were times I literally could not put the story down.
August 17, 2020
Enjoyable little historically based mystery . As a history buff, I really liked the historical background tethering the story. The characters were interesting. I was a tad disappointed in the ending, as it seemed to just fade away, and I would have liked something more. But overall, a good read.
Read
July 21, 2021Wow - what a great book!
A page-turning thriller filled with many twists and turns.
Murder, spies, and real-life historical connections that were wonderfully researched.
I will be recommending this book to others for a long time.
A page-turning thriller filled with many twists and turns.
Murder, spies, and real-life historical connections that were wonderfully researched.
I will be recommending this book to others for a long time.
May 16, 2023
History you can enjoy reading
I enjoy historical novels which are well researched and properly edited.
The characters and settings were well developed and helped generate interest in the historical events portrayed.
Best praise is that I learned some things.
I enjoy historical novels which are well researched and properly edited.
The characters and settings were well developed and helped generate interest in the historical events portrayed.
Best praise is that I learned some things.
February 12, 2025
The History Teacher was a book read for my book club. Susan Bacon is going to join our meeting this week. The story was good; but, I had a difficult time following the historical data. Susan did extensive research to assure that facts were accurate. interesting read
March 28, 2020
A nice twist on the mystery genre. Thoughtful and thought provoking. I hope this author is already working on her next story.
June 5, 2020
Interesting
A little hard to follow for me. Confusing in spots. The ending also threw me. I would have like to know more about the weapons and their dispersal.
A little hard to follow for me. Confusing in spots. The ending also threw me. I would have like to know more about the weapons and their dispersal.
July 9, 2020
Interesting mix of history and fiction. Found it enthralling to figure out what's up with the characters. Whose the good guy and whose is the bad guy? Great read. Enjoyed.
July 28, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written and explains a lot about the involvement of different intelligence agencies at the end of WWll.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews