Brian R. O'Rourke

"The Good Teacher" by Brian R. O'Rourke is a captivating modern thriller that follows Nelly, the main character, as she moves from California to the East Coast to accept a teaching position at a middle school. On her first day, Nelly attends a charity race for the school and comes face to face with a man who sexually assaulted her twenty years ago, but he goes by a different name now. The book has a good pace, and switches back and forth between Nelly's past and present, giving readers a show more clear understanding of what happened to her.

One of the book’s strengths is how it portrays the physical manifestation of trauma in the body. The story is engaging and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. However, more information could have been provided about the relationship between Vanessa and Emmett. Some of their choices were not easily understood. Additionally, some plot elements seemed too convenient, which could have been avoided.

Since the book contains adult themes, I recommend it for mature audiences only. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, or thrillers in general, you will enjoy reading "The Good Teacher." Overall, I gave this book a four out of five stars because I enjoyed reading it and it kept me engaged until the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Zooloo's Book Tours in exchange for a read and review. All opinions are my own."

The story centers on a 13 year old Andre who comes home early from camp to meet his ex best friend lying dead in their garage.

This book was mind blowing!! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to the end. It hurt that I was unable to piece it all together and find out who the murderer was before the end.

I love the multiple POVs of the show more characters. However I had trouble bonding with any of the characters. All I wanted was to get to the bottom of the story. I'll admit I felt sorry for Sarah as she was obviously being manipulated by Dwayne and also felt sorry for Andrew who was in a circumstance where his parents didn't believe him & every evidence pointed towards him being the killer.

I was so glad Sarah used her head at the end. I totally thought she was going to be silenced by Dwayne and Cal.

All in all this is a great thriller. I'd totally recommend. show less

Brent is away for a month before returning home, and Mary realises her husband's personality has completely changed: he's no longer stressed and has an optimistic view of the future. In addition, his demeanour is different, constantly missing Mary's calls and texts. The chapters switch between Brent and Mary so readers can eventually discover the truth behind Brent's change as well as Brent's past. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. A show more personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. The story has potential but is very long to reveal the change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

Brent is away for a month before returning home, and Mary realises her husband's personality has completely changed: he's no longer stressed and has an optimistic view of the future. In addition, his demeanour is different, constantly missing Mary's calls and texts. The chapters switch between Brent and Mary so readers can eventually discover the truth behind Brent's change as well as Brent's past. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. A show more personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. The story has potential but is very long to reveal the change.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less