Nicole Lundrigan’s The Substitute is a slow-burning psychological thriller that creeps under your skin and stays there. It’s dark, unsettling, and deeply psychological, focusing on the twisted relationship between a mother and her son.
The story follows Warren Botts, a socially awkward substitute teacher who finds himself entangled in a nightmare when a student of his, Amanda, is found dead. As suspicion falls on him, the narrative shifts between Warren’s perspective and the unsettling voice of an unnamed character whose connection to him slowly unravels. The novel expertly plays with perspective, keeping you on edge about who can be trusted and what’s really happening.
Lundrigan’s writing is sharp and immersive, making even the most mundane interactions feel charged with tension. The way she builds suspense is masterful—layering psychological unease with an ever-growing sense of dread. If you love thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character psychology rather than nonstop action, this one is for you.
The only downside? It’s a slow burn, so if you prefer fast-paced thrillers with constant twists, this might feel a bit too drawn out. But if you enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking suspense that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, The Substitute is a must-read.
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Mel
2025-03-22Nicole Lundrigan’s The Substitute is a slow-burning psychological thriller that creeps under your skin and stays there. It’s dark, unsettling, and deeply psychological, focusing on the twisted relationship between a mother and her son.
The story follows Warren Botts, a socially awkward substitute teacher who finds himself entangled in a nightmare when a student of his, Amanda, is found dead. As suspicion falls on him, the narrative shifts between Warren’s perspective and the unsettling voice of an unnamed character whose connection to him slowly unravels. The novel expertly plays with perspective, keeping you on edge about who can be trusted and what’s really happening.
Lundrigan’s writing is sharp and immersive, making even the most mundane interactions feel charged with tension. The way she builds suspense is masterful—layering psychological unease with an ever-growing sense of dread. If you love thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character psychology rather than nonstop action, this one is for you.
The only downside? It’s a slow burn, so if you prefer fast-paced thrillers with constant twists, this might feel a bit too drawn out. But if you enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking suspense that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, The Substitute is a must-read.