Mystery readers will enjoy this thriller. This hard to put down book is written in several views points. The world seems to be collapsing around Richard, an English teacher who talked down a former student, Mark from setting a bomb off inside the school. Tragically, Mark trips, sets off the bomb and dies. Accused of sexual abuse by Mark, Richard just keeps getting knocked down with an assortment of issues. This story calls to attention all the different tragedies happening today in schools; violence, bullying, abuse and others. Many twists and turns with a surprising conclusion. Highly recommended!

3.5⭐️

After high school English teacher Richard Boyle intercepts Mark LeDrew, a former student attempting to enter the school building with a bomb strapped to his chest and manages to talk him out of entering the building thus averting a mass tragedy, he is hailed a hero. However, the incident also attracts the attention of a former student with a grudge. Billy Finster, an airport baggage handler with shady dealings, threatens to go public with his allegations unless Richard pays him for his silence. Richard vehemently denies Billy’s allegations but suspects that Billy’s accusations might not be completely baseless as Mark had also voiced similar grievances. But Billy isn’t Richard’s only problem. Jealous colleagues, a lawsuit, irate parents protesting Richard’s classroom discussions on books they deem inappropriate and coping with the trauma of almost being blown up and the strain of keeping secrets from his wife complicated the situation further. Unbeknownst to Richard, Billy’s criminal associates are being investigated by Richard’s sister-in-law, who works in law enforcement. As the narrative progresses, we follow Richard as he tries to deal with his blackmailer, keep himself and his family safe from Billy’s criminal associates and get to the truth behind Billy’s accusations.

Having enjoyed the author’s work in the past, I was eager to read his latest offering. I was intrigued by the premise of I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay. The narrative is shared in short chapters from multiple perspectives, including Richard’s first-person PoV. Twisty, suspenseful and consistently paced, there is a lot to like about this thriller. The beginning of the novel had me hooked. Richard was an interesting protagonist and I thought the author incorporated several relevant themes into the narrative. However, as the narrative progressed, I thought that there was perhaps too much going on (a few of the sub-plots were unnecessary), which was distracting. I was hoping for a more tightly woven thriller and I can’t help feeling a tad disappointed, though I did enjoy the novel overall and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work in the future.

Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay is a convoluted mess of a story surrounding a high school teacher and a man who transported drugs for the cartel. None of them really knew the bigger picture as they struggled to take care of their own little portion of it. The lack of communication was epic and challenging. The teacher was desperate to save his reputation, knowing that the accusation was as devastating as the reality, despite the fact he was innocent. The blackmail attempt was amateurish, mostly because the guy was an amateur. Women’s attempts to save their husbands was heart-breaking, as they mostly had no idea what was going on. It was a terrific story from beginning to end.

It is so easy for a teacher’s reputation and livelihood to be taken from him/her. It is just as easy for one teacher to start whispers about another. Parents are struggling, not knowing what to do. Many of the young people are struggling, as well, not able to communicate to anyone who could help them. In that, this was a heart-breaking novel of lost chances. Barclay put together a series of emotions that hopped from person to person and the reader was barely finished with one set when confronted with another. The number of people who want to make money without working astounds, and it usually means no good for the rest. Barclay made that obvious as well. He put together a group of people, related and unrelated, who exemplify people we all know and love, and looked at their lives behind the facade. Hovers between psychological thriller and actual crime novel. What a terrific read!

I was invited to read I Will Ruin You by William Morrow. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WilliamMorrow #LinwoodBarclay #IWillRuinYou

Linwood Barclay (favorite author) returns following The Lie Maker with his latest twisty standalone crime thriller, I WILL RUIN YOU.

A Connecticut school teacher finds himself in a 'heap of trouble' (as they say in the South) when a series of events occurs, entangling him in a scheme of blackmail, violence, deadly secrets, murder, drugs, and more. Only Barclay could pull off this multi-layered complex thriller like the pro he is.

English teacher Richard Boyle is a dedicated teacher and husband at the local high school. He follows the rules even though he likes introducing banned books to his students.

His life took a change for the worse with a nightmare following the day, a troubled former student, Mark shows up at the school with dynamite strapped to his body. He threatened to blow them all up.

Richard is smart and persuades the attacker to move outside the school premises. However, the boy trips and detonates the explosives. Even though it ended tragically, Mark saved many lives and was dubbed the hero.

However, being in the limelight draws attention to those who want to bring him down. What follows next sends Mark's life into a downward spiral, and he does not know how to escape this madness. What was the real reason Mark targeted the school?

First, there is a lawsuit from Mark's parents, then a blackmail scheme from another student, which puts him in a bad light. Then, the parents do not like his choice of reading materials for the students. To top it off, there are dangerous drug gangs that threaten the town.

His marriage is falling apart, and all his friends have deserted him. Something wrong is happening, and someone is setting him up. In a race against time, he must find the person behind the murder and mayhem. However, the closer he gets to the truth, the more danger he's in.

I WILL RUIN YOU is a first-rate multi-layered, complex thriller with twists and turns on every page. It features nonstop action, high stakes, and adrenaline-fueled suspense.

A long-time fan of the author, having read all his books, Barclay dazzles with ordinary characters in extraordinary situations that they can see no way out. Character-driven and plot-driven, long-time fans of the author will devour this one!

MIND-BLOWING! For fans of Lisa Scottoline, Michael Robotham, Harlan Coben, and David Baldacci. Timely topics include school and gun violence, book censorship, drugs, and sexual harassment.

Many thanks, William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy for an honest opinion.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Dat: May 7, 2024
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4.5 ⭐️

When I first started this book, I didn’t think I would like it. When I made it to chapter 6, I couldn’t put it down. I only put it down because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I finished the next day. Linwood Barclay never disappoints. I will continue to read anything he writes without reading the synopsis because he’s just that good. Don’t hesitate to pick this up on release day.
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy!

Like many others, Linwood Barclay has become a go to author for me. This is most likely my favorite book so far. The sad situation that occurs one day at school brings on a chain of events that affect many people. I had an inkling of part of what was revealed, but it didn't diminish the suspense or my enjoyment of this book. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I cannot imagine being a teacher in today's world and I commend all who are. This is an almost too-popular topic, but so important to have an awareness of. This protagonist, a high school English teacher (who I pictured as Bryan Cranston the whole time reading lol), hero at the onset, got blasted with tragic mishaps on repeat. Several characters to follow throughout the story, but in the end all tied up with a bow. Kinda guessed the ending early though...

When English teacher, Richard Boyle sees a former student, Mark LeDrew through his class window approaching the school strapped with explosives, he acts without thinking and runs to the school entrance and is able to stop Mark from entering the school. There he confronts Mark only to find out that this young man is determined to bring down the individuals in the school who ruined his life. Through quick thinking Mr. Boyle is able to talk Mark out of hurting anyone and convinces Mark to walk to the parking lot and wait while police and bomb squad come to save him but as Mark leaves, he trips and blows himself up. Mr. Boyle is hailed a hero on that evenings news cast. But not everyone thinks he's a hero, someone watching thinks he's easy cash when they decide to blackmail him. Boyle becomes entangled in more than he ever expected and finds out that sometimes you really never know the people in your life. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this suspenseful book! This is an edge of your seat read and the ending will surprise you!

English teacher Richard Boyle will never forget the day he saw through his classroom window a former student outside the school building bundled up in sticks of dynamite and approaching the doors in I Will Ruin You, the latest thriller from author Linwood Barclay coming out May 7. While Boyle is able to secure his classroom and run to the doors to talk the man down from entering the building, Mark LeDrew trips over his shoestring as he is turning away to wait for the police to disarm him.

Before accidentally blowing himself up, Mark accuses three school employees of driving him to this point: a teacher, a school counselor, and “the lawnmower man.” In the aftermath of this tragedy, Mark’s parents are suing Boyle, claiming he is responsible for their son’s death.

Principal Trent Wakely had started carrying a gun to school a couple of years ago for just this kind of scenario. He was coming up behind Boyle, trying to set up a shot to protect the teacher and the school. Because of Boyle’s ability to connect with Mark and disarm him of his plan to blow up his enemies, Wakely is spared making that decision, which would probably have brought some backlash about having a gun inside the school.

Boyle’s brave action has put him in the news media spotlight, but unfortunately, he comes to the attention of an extortionist. A former student formulates a plan to squeeze $10,000 from the teacher, accusing Boyle of fondling him on a school bus on the way to a wrestling match some years ago.

Does Boyle need to secure a lawyer? How can he defend himself against a molestation charge? How can he raise enough funds to pay the blackmailer so he does not lose his teaching license? What resources can protect him and his family from financial ruin in a lawsuit? What will it take to keep someone from ruining him and his family?

Linwood Barclay is the bestselling author of 27 other novels. He adapted his novel Never Saw it Coming for the 2017 movie starring Eric Roberts. Born in the United States, his family moved to Canada when he was a toddler. Prior to writing books full-time, he was a newspaper journalist and columnist. He lives with his wife in Toronto.

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting March 26, 2024.

I would like to thank William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Awesome book! Pulled me in right from the first chapter. I thought I had everything figured out… who shot who and who took advantage of Mark but it took me all the way to the end of the book to get it all straight. Lots of interconnecting character plot lines and crazy coincidences that made the book even more juicy. Would absolutely recommend this as a must read.

When the book starts we meet Richard a teacher who sees a former student attempting to enter the school to blow up the place. As it turns out he has a hit list. Richard is able to keep the tragedy to a minimum but that’s just where the drama heats up in Richard’s life. We meet his wife Bonnie and sister in law Marta who is a cop. Richard is faced with extortion and threats by a former student Billy. We meet Billy and his life Lucy. Billy is involved in drug smuggling with some unsavory characters A and G I’ll call them. A and G are concerned about some skimming off the top of the merchandise. Billy along with Richard are in a pickle. And then there is the allegation that someone- Richard? was molesting young boys including Richard. I really enjoyed trying to figure out who was to blame and what their deal was. At one point I thought I had it figured out but there were two major surprises. Readers will enjoy the ride and the easy to follow story. I read this in two days just wanting to know the answers to all the juiciness!

𝐀 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧. 𝐀 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤, 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

I love this author and love any thrillers set in high schools or with teachers as main characters, so I was really disappointed that I just liked this one instead of loved it.

English teacher Richard Boyle is leading a discussion in class when he hears a commotion out in the hall. Giving his students instructions, he locks them in and goes out to investigate, never dreaming that he would be faced with confronting Mark LeDrew, a former student, who has a bomb strapped to his chest. Richard averts a major crisis and is hailed a hero, but when his identity is plastered in the media, the attention is not all favorable.

The second storyline is where the book fell apart for me. I hate miscommunication as a trope in thriller novels, and it seemed so disjointed and far removed from the original premise that I lost interest. If the book had maintained the original plot but had gone in a more focused direction, this easily would have been five stars.

Although this one missed the mark a bit, this author remains a favorite, and I'll continue to read his work. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the early copy. This title will publish May 7, 2024.

Barclay's newest soon-to-be blockbuster, I WILL RUIN YOU, offers an entertaining read that weaves a number of contemporary fears into one compelling, thought-provoking story.

I enjoyed this adrenalin filled thrill ride by Linwood Barclay. The author did a great job converging several storylines that all fall upon a high school teacher who tries to help his students. I’ll recommend this to customers looking for a great summer beach read!

Linwood Barclay is one of my go-to thriller authors, known for crafting heart-throbbing page-turners that leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat. His latest psychological thriller is no exception, showcasing his exemplary storytelling skills. The only things that held me back from giving it five stars were the predictable final twist and the whirlwind of incidents that touched on several trigger subjects, such as drug use, gun violence, dysfunctional family issues, and sexual harassment. It felt a bit overwhelming at times, with so much happening simultaneously, making it hard for me to fully grasp and absorb all the themes. However, Barclay's masterful execution ties up the storylines with satisfying explanations and a well-rounded ending. I was also impressed by the layered and realistic characterization.

The story follows English teacher Richard Boyle, who is hailed as a Good Samaritan—a dedicated teacher, husband, and caring individual. His life takes a drastic turn when his troubled former student, Mark, shows up at the school with dynamites strapped to his body, threatening to blow them up. Risking his life, Richard manages to negotiate with Mark and persuade him to move outside the school premises. Tragically, Mark trips and detonates the explosives outside, but Richard is hailed as a hero. However, his actions thrust him into a whirlwind of events, including lawsuits from Mark's parents, blackmail from another student, and scrutiny over his choice of reading materials for his students. As Richard delves deeper, he uncovers connections between Mark's attack and dangerous drug gangs threatening the town's peace. With his marriage faltering and trust in his friends wavering, Richard realizes that he may be the prime suspect in Mark's death and must race against time to clear his name and uncover the truth. Amidst suspicion and deceit, one wrong move could lead him down a path of no return.

Overall, this thriller is a mind-bending, twisty, adrenaline rush that deserves a spot on your reading list. I highly recommend it to fans of Barclay's work and eagerly anticipate his future releases.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital review copy of this addictive page-turner in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. It started out strong for me but then a bunch of other stuff started happening and it just seemed unnecessary. I thought it was a lot of fluff and not enough suspense.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.

Trigger warnings for school violence and drug abuse.

I've read a handful of books by Barclay (the best is Elevator Pitch). This latest title felt uneven to me. It started with a brutal act of school violence and then snowballed into many other stories. I found most of the characters grating; who wants to read about losers who are selling drugs and ignoring their wives? I will say the book picked up near the end and I flew through it. I had correctly predicted who the real abuser was. This could have used better editing for awkward sentences.

English teacher Richard Boyle becomes an instant hero when he talks a former student from blowing himself up inside the school. But as the student goes back outside he trips and blows himself up anyway. Soon Richard is no longer a hero, but instead the subject of a lawsuit from the parents and a secret extortion demand for alleged abuse from another former student and it’s hard to tell friends from foes.

English teacher Richard Boyle becomes an instant hero when he talks a former student from blowing himself up inside the school. But as the student goes back outside he trips and blows himself up anyway. Soon Richard is no longer a hero, but instead the subject of a lawsuit from the parents and a secret extortion demand for alleged abuse from another former student and it’s hard to tell friends from foes.

Barclay is one of my favorite authors! He plots so many twists and turns that make the book hard to put down. I did guess one of the bad guys, but he still had me going till the last page.

Also definitely appreciated his chapter on a teacher talking to parents about book banning 😊 that tied into the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This reviewer has been a fan of Linwood Barclay's books for many years and was pleased to receive an advance copy of I Will Ruin You for review. Like millions of other readers, I discovered Barclay's novels in 2007 with No Time For Goodbye, one of the best thrillers I've ever read (and have re-read at least three times). I've read several of his books since then and enjoyed them all. Barclay's novels are always compelling and entertaining, and his new release is no exception.

Richard Boyle, the protagonist of I Will Ruin You, is an everyman. He's a good husband, father, and high school teacher who becomes a hero after thwarting a killer at the school. And that's when his troubles begin. His hero status makes him the target of some very dangerous people. The subtext of Richard's story is clearly, "No good deed goes unpunished."

I found it refreshing to read a thriller about a good man who is likeable and relatable, and who always tries to do the right thing, even when his decisions seem questionable. But right or wrong, Richard's heart is always in the right place, and this reviewer enjoyed following his perilous journey to reclaim his everyday life. There are twists and turns, and few big surprises along the way, making this book an absorbing, enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing an advance copy of this book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

I Will Ruin You is another page turner from Linwood Barclay! I enjoyed this book and the twists and turns found within! It is an engrossing storyline which I finished in less than 24 hours and will keep the reader guessing until the very end! Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date: May 7, 2024