Title: For Your Own Good
Author: Samantha Downing
First published July 20, 2021
373 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780593100974 (ISBN10: 0593100972)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
Samantha Downing’s For Your Own Good introduces us to Teddy Crutcher, a dedicated and award-winning teacher at Belmont Academy. But in his pursuit of academic excellence, Teddy has become ruthless, dismissing the death of a parent as a minor inconvenience and brushing off a student’s curiosity about his personal life.
He’s convinced that the best way to help his students is to push them to their limits, no matter the cost. The only obstacle in his path is the interference of meddling parents and colleagues who fail to see his vision.
For Your Own Good is a twisted tale of ambition and sacrifice, where the pursuit of greatness can lead to deadly consequences.
About the Author
Meet Samantha Downing, a talented author who has made a name for herself with her gripping novels. Her book My Lovely Wife was a huge success, earning her nominations for prestigious awards like the Edgar, ITW, Macavity, and CWA in the US and UK.
She also won the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Samantha’s latest work, For Your Own Good, hit shelves on July 20, 2021 and quickly became a USA Today bestseller. Her next novel, A Twisted Love Story, is set to be released on July 18, 2023, and readers can’t wait to see what she has in store for them.
Editoral Review
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Downing is an accomplished author in the crime and thriller genre, having previously written bestsellers such as My Lovely Wife and He Started It.
The book follows the story of Teddy Crutcher, a devoted high school teacher who will stop at nothing to make sure his students succeed.
His dedication to his job borders on obsession, and he takes extreme measures to motivate his underachieving students – even if it means putting their lives in danger. As the story progresses, the tension builds, and readers are left wondering who will survive and who will meet their demise.
One of the strengths of this book is Downing’s ability to create complex, multi-layered characters that readers can empathize with. Teddy is a flawed protagonist who readers will find themselves rooting for, despite his questionable actions.
His wife, Frances, is equally intriguing, and her backstory adds depth to the novel. The setting of the novel, a high school, adds to the suspense and creates a relatable environment for readers.
While the pacing of the novel starts slow, it soon picks up, and the twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the very end. Downing’s expert use of foreshadowing and red herrings adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery.
One criticism of the book is that some of the plot points feel a bit contrived, and some of the dialogue is forced. However, Downing’s talent for writing compelling characters and creating tension more than makes up for any flaws.
Overall, For Your Own Good is a well-crafted psychological thriller that is sure to keep readers entertained from beginning to end. Fans of the crime and thriller genre will find plenty to love here, and it is recommended for anyone looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful read.
