Let me tell you about the rollercoaster ride that is 'The Teacher'. From page one, I was hooked - the kind of hooked where you cancel plans because 'just one more chapter' turns into finishing half the book.

The setting of an elite private school immediately creates this eerie atmosphere. McFadden makes the school itself feel like a character, with its dark hallways and whispered secrets. I found myself looking over my shoulder while reading late at night!

What really got me were those signature McFadden twists. Just when I'd smugly think 'Aha! I've figured it out!', BAM - she'd pull the rug right out from under me. The Italian restaurant scene? Absolute game-changer. I actually gasped out loud (startling my cat in the process).

While some reviewers mentioned issues with character naivety, I thought it worked perfectly for this story. These are young teachers navigating dangerous waters - of course they're going to make questionable decisions!

The pacing is lightning-fast - I devoured this in two days flat (and may have neglected some household chores). That ending though? Completely blindsided me in the best possible way. It's the kind of twist that makes you immediately want to reread to spot all the clues you missed.

If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, 'The Teacher' delivers in spades. Just be warned - once you start, you won't be able to put it down!