"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 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.

My first book by this talented author, definitely won’t be my last. Super fast paced and very easy to read. The story just flows effortlessly!

TW: Sexual Assault

Nelly is running away from her past. A failed marriage, a lawsuit filed by her ex’s boss and an event that forever changed her life 20 years ago. Nelly was raised to not trust men by a mother who has been scorned by men her whole life. And when Nelly tags along with her middle school friend to an abandoned building she realizes that her mother is right.
Nelly is yet again reinventing herself, she is good at that. But her move to a new town and new teaching job is abruptly upended when she meets the star teacher, Emmett. However, she does not know him as Emmett, she knows him as Marshall, the boy who attacked her all those years ago. “What if she was wrong about it all? What if she was the one lying, only to herself?” Nelly is feeling herself losing control, but how can she prove this is him when she is not believed now nor then? She can’t let him get away this time!

A quick read from beginning to end. The emotional roller coaster O’Rourke takes the reader on is palpable. I started to second guess if Nelly was a reliable narrator and if she was to be believed, which I feel is the essence of the book. There was a slight twist at the end which ties up all the missing pieces and ends on a happy note.

*Thank you to Brian O’Rourke, Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley the Publishers, Inkubator Books, and the author Brian R. O'Rourke for allowing me to review this book. Which, I will be giving my honest and sincere review.

The Good Teacher is a captivating exploration of education, morality, and justice within the confines of a small town. With masterful storytelling, the author brought a world where urgency and intrigue drive the narrative forward from start to finish.
The vivid and memorable scenes stayed in my mind long after the final page was turned. From tense courtroom showdowns to quiet moments of reflection, each scene is imbued with precision and care, drawing readers deeper into the lives of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face.
In one particularly striking moment, protagonist Sarah, a dedicated teacher, grapples with the harsh realities of the school system as she endeavors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her students. Through her interactions with troubled teenagers and bureaucratic obstacles, it painted a touching portrait of the challenges educators face in today's society.
Another standout scene unfolds during the climactic courtroom showdown, where truth and justice hang in the balance. As tension mounts and stakes escalate, readers are held on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of the central conflict. The author's writing kept the suspense building until the very end, leaving me aching with anticipation.
Yet, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of "The Good Teacher" lies in its exploration of timeless themes such as morality, integrity, and the power of compassion. Through the struggles and triumphs of the characters, O'Rourke raised thought-provoking questions about the nature of right and wrong, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

In conclusion, "The Good Teacher" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. With its compelling characters, gripping storyline, and exploration of powerful themes, Brian O'Rourke's book is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating journey into the depths of human nature.