Title: For Your Own Good
Author: Samantha Downing
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Synopsis:
Teddy Crutcher has won Teacher of the Year at the prestigious Belmont Academy. Everyone thinks he’s brilliant. Only you know the truth.
They all smile when he tells us his wife couldn’t be more proud – though if they stopped to think, they would realise no-one has seen her in a while.
They’re impressed when he doesn’t let anything distract him – even the tragic death of a school parent. Even when the whispers start, saying it was murder.
You’re sure Teddy is hiding something about what happened that day. You’re sure you can prove it.
You just didn’t stop to think that when it comes to catching a killer, there’s no place more dangerous than just one step behind…
My review:
For Your Own Good is a really original thriller that sort of sneaks up on you… it seems relatively normal, following Teddy, a teacher at posh Belmont Academy who never quite feels that he fits in… and then you suddenly realise that he’s got some real issues! Teddy particularly hates student Zach, but does he have a good reason to? And will he go too far in his quest to punish Zach?
The characters in this book are just brilliant. There’s an array of people featured alongside Teddy and Zach but those two take centre stage a fair amount. Everyone has their own agendas and there’s plenty of sneakiness… and not just sneakiness but some serious crimes taking place here! It all descends into chaos at this expensive private school, and I loved every minute of it! Things may appear to be accidents but there’s certainly someone pulling the strings. I devoured this book and would happily read more about all those characters – including the devilish Teddy!
Don’t start this book having read too much about it, just set aside a few hours to lose yourself – and make sure you prepare yourself for some craziness! Great fun with just the right dose of darkness.
rating: 5/5
Many thanks to the publisher, Michael Joseph, for providing a copy of this novel on which I wrote an honest review.
Hey! found your review on Twitter. I’m so glad you loved this one as it’s something I really want to read. I love books set in boarding schools and academic settings.
-Lauren
Hello! And Thanks Lauren – I totally agree, I also love books in academic settings – The Secret History is one of my fave books of all time! So I think this is well worth a read if you get a copy – hope you enjoy 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Laura