Book Review: For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

For Your Own Good is a novel by bestselling author Samantha Downing, published in 2021.

Samantha Downing’s debut thriller My Lovely Wife, was a Richard and Judy book club pick and went on to be a Sunday Times bestseller.

I was therefore so excited to get the chance to read an advanced copy of her latest book For Your Own Good.

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Genre: Crime/Thriller

Author: Samantha Downing

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2021

Plot

Belmont Academy is a prestigious private school, attended by the offspring of the wealthy and powerful. Teddy Crutcher has been awarded Teacher of the Year, an honour he takes very seriously.

However, when a school parent suddenly and unexpectedly dies, the whispers start. Was her tragic and untimely death due to natural causes or is something more sinister afoot? And is there more to Teddy Crutcher than meets the eye?

For Your Own Good Book Review

For Your Own Good is a dark, often witty story and is so different from many other thrillers. This isn’t a whodunnit. We know whodunnit! This is more an exploration of the characters and the nature of a psychopath. I found it to be really cleverly written.

The murderer was cold and calculating and really believed he was only ever looking out for his students like a good teacher should. It was a creepy and sinister look into the psyche of a murderer who felt his crimes were fully justified. I really enjoyed reading the book from that perspective.

Despite knowing early on who the murderer was, there were still unexpected twists and turns along the way and you’re never quite sure who to trust.

I found the school setting to be really interesting and unique and I loved all the staffroom interactions. The competitiveness and backstabbing amongst the staff were really entertaining to read.

It was a different read from other thrillers, certainly a completely different change of pace from books such as Hostage and Falling. However, I did still really enjoy it.