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First Impression: I am so here for the story The Tutor has to tell. What’s up with this Mother-in-Law and the stealth admin clerk?

The Tutor Book Cover

Before diving into my thoughts, I want to thank Courtney Psak, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the Advanced Digital Reader Copy of The Tutor. For anyone eyeing this psychological thriller, here’s my personal review to help you decide if it belongs on your reading list. All opinions are my own.

The story opens with Rose, newly married to Grant, whose life quickly shifts after their family relocates to Florida. Alongside her young son James, she moves into Evelyn’s mansion to care for her mother-in-law. Evelyn’s coldness is apparent from the start, even if her actions suggest otherwise. Adding tension, Isabel arrives as James’s tutor, but she seems far more invested in the Caldwells than her role requires. What secrets does she carry, and why is she so determined to stay close?

Before I continue, have a listen to the overall mood of the book. Get Out (While You Still Can) is inspired by The Tutor and sums up vibe the Mother-in-Law appears to be serving.

From the first chapter, suspense builds. Isabel lurks in places she shouldn’t, tracking the family with an unsettling obsession. Chapter two shifts to Rose’s perspective, carrying readers to Palm Beach and into the complex family dynamics. Evelyn soon takes the spotlight, and her manipulative attempts to sabotage her son’s marriage keep the tension simmering. The old saying “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” feels like Evelyn’s personal mantra.

Watching Rose and Evelyn’s relationship unravel provided one of the novel’s strongest elements. Neither woman fully understands the other, but both hold firm opinions, and their clash drives much of the drama. Isabel, however, remains the wild card. Her determination to teach at James’s school while tutoring him privately raises questions, and her calculated moves keep readers guessing. While I appreciated how Psak unraveled Isabel’s role, I found the conclusion less impactful than expected.

Psak’s writing style builds steadily, weaving parallel storylines like strands of a braid that tighten as the novel progresses. The pacing remains consistent from start to finish—enough to make it a page-turner without overwhelming the reader. With only a small cast of characters, it’s easy to connect with each one, regardless of whether they fall on the side of good or evil. That balance makes the drama both believable and immersive.

The mystery deepens by the midpoint, giving readers clues to piece together like amateur detectives. I enjoyed this process, though I anticipated a bigger payoff. Instead of a dramatic “aha” moment, the climax landed more softly—like a bottle of champagne releasing a gentle pop rather than spraying with force. While satisfying in its own right, it didn’t deliver the adrenaline rush I associate with thrillers.

Character development remains one of the novel’s highlights. Each player felt realistic, their traits fitting seamlessly into the narrative. I liked the way relationships unfolded and the subtle warmth scattered among the darker themes. Yet something still felt missing—a spark or extra layer of tension that might have elevated it to an unforgettable thriller. Although the story includes deaths outside its timeline and brief high-stakes moments, there wasn’t enough bloodshed or urgency to create full panic. The climax, though neat, was short-lived.

Would I recommend The Tutor? Yes. The characters are well-crafted, the plot is believable, and the writing style is easy to follow. No, it isn’t the thriller of the year, but Psak shows promise. Fans of family drama with a mysterious edge will find plenty to enjoy. For readers seeking high-octane thrills, this may feel gentler compared to other titles in the genre. However, it’s exactly the kind of book I’d happily read on a commute, curled up on a quiet evening, or lounging poolside on holiday.

If I could give half-star ratings, I’d settle on 3.5. Since I can’t, I’m rounding up: ★★★★☆.

Quick Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / R Rated

Have you say: What is your relstionship like with your mother-in-law? The Papergirl Community looks forward to reading your thoughts in the comments below.

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