2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the series of the quiet teacher and in my opinion, you need to have read the first book to understand or get some more of the back story, I haven’t read that book and so felt a little was missing from this book to aid my understanding!

It was an ok book & story. I didn’t feel attached to the main or any characters. The ending was quick and summed up most questions I had.

I downloaded the book not realising it was the second in the series. It definitely needs to be read in order. I started reading it twice but never made it to the end. I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy it as the plot is potentially good. Apologies to the author. I have graded it a neutral 3 stars.

This is the second book in the Quiet teacher series and I think it would help to read them in order. I struggled trying to get who Greg Abimbola, the teacher, really was at first.

This murder mystery is well written and enjoyable to read. I would definitely read the next in the series. The main character is interesting and there is still a lot to discover about him.

There are two possible murders he is trying to solve at risk to himself and his position undercover in hiding in the USA. I like that he is English, in part anyway. And Black. And a fluent Russian speaker.

Side characters like Sergeant Rachel Lev of Pittsburgh PD is a developing interest as is his computer geek pal, Andrea Valasquez.

I recommend this blend of spy genre with murder mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley.

A solid and entertaining spy novel with heart and empathy. I haven't read the first of this series and I do think it would be more enjoyable to read having done so, but there was enough recapping to allow me to catch up on what was missed, without (I think?) dropping any spoilers, should I go back to the first book - and I might. A mixed protagonist of mixed racial and cultural heritage was a breath of fresh air and much appreciated - and I feel I'd really enjoy a film dramatisation of this one. Pacing was good - I didn't find myself racing through any sections or struggling to pick it back up, but the ending was quick and satisfying when it came.

Grateful arc reader.

Thoroughly entertaining. A fab protagonist - Greg Abimbola is clever, fun, intriguing. The school element lightly but very believably done (I was a teacher) . The double plot well managed if, of course, you have to ride with the likelihood of that collision of universes and think how it would work…. which is rather fun actually! Banter, glimpses of a real America…. The ethnicity/culture element is intelligently and humorously done. Totally recommend it and indeed it is a quirky Agatha C/John L C inspired very contemporary novel.

Greg Ambimbola, is a bit of an enigma. A teacher of Russian in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He's a man without obvious history except for his amateur sleuthing skills but that hardly goes back very far. In actual fact he is ex-GRU and in a witness protection protection program. Not one to court fame or publicity, he teaches as though it's his penance in life because of his enforced situation. But he is soon to face a dilemma, A Hobson's choice of a mystery murder where his sleuthing skills are called upon to find the murderer but with two possible outcomes as he is serving two masters. Can this be reconciled as it seems they are mutually exclusive.
We start with a most interesting and paced detective thriller which culminates in a revelation that brings disparate facets of the story together in a satisfying conclusion.
It was a very enjoyable read and a good introduction to Greg, however I thought the ending a little too perfect. Plus of course his amateur sleuthing is bound to attract attention, something which may come back to bite him.

When Russian spies ‘defect’ they get a different identity and disappear into a sort of protection programme. Greg Abimbola used to be Major Grigoriy Adamovitch Petrov of the Russian Military Intelligence unit the GRU, now he’s a teacher of Russian (and sometimes French) in a private school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has two features which make him standout from the other staff members; he’s actually English with a posh accent, and he’s also Black. A short time ago, he had solved a murder on school premises, thereby saving Andrea Velasquez, the school assistant custodian who had been falsely accused. He had managed to keep himself out of the limelight, but he had still become somewhat visible; visible enough that a GRU hitman, Morosov, had come after him, but then disappeared. A body with two bullet wounds was subsequently found in the river. Was it Morosov, and if so who killed him? Greg is desperate to know, but so are the GRU and he is ‘persuaded’ to investigate. A police officer from the previous murder is also suspicious, so he’s in a cleft stick over this, and not sure how he can get out of it.
Unconnected with this, the authorities believe that a local banker and philanthropist, Alan Mester, jumped to his death from his penthouse balcony, but his ex-wife doesn’t believe it. Greg’s colleague, Demetrius, was a friend of both Mester and his ex, and, playing on his successful outcome in the earlier investigation, persuades him to look into this apparent suicide. Despite his concerns about the danger he is in over the Morosov case, Greg takes on the investigation, with the assistance of Andrea who happens to be a computer whiz kid, only working at the school while studying part-time. Can he resolve this and escape from the GRU threat?
This is the second book featuring Greg and Andrea, but works perfectly well as a standalone. It is an ingenious welding together of these two investigation, and a completely satisfactory murder-mystery. The writing is crisp, chapters are short, plot rolls at pace, the characters are believable (disbelief happily suspended); the clues are all there but it needs a good bit of intellectual input to notice where the pieces are, never mind how to fit them together. This was a really entertaining read and I enjoyed every minute of it. No problem with 5 stars here. (Full disclosure – like the author I was born in Coatbridge, but that didn’t affect my views).
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

This is the 2nd book in a series, I haven’t read the 1st one and found it difficult to get into this. I wouldn’t have requested had I known. For me it was slow off the mark and long winded.

Sadly I found this book difficult to read and follow. There was a lot of assumed knowledge from the first book in the series which I had not read. Again the complex relationships from the first book were not really explained to the new reader.
I did persevere with it, but I cannot say I really enjoyed it.

I was asked to review this book by NetGalley and although this is a book I may not have picked up boy this was a good story, gritty with Russian security forces.
The story was well written, multifaceted and intriguing

Recommended read.

This was a poor choice for me. I found it difficult to engage with the characters including the main investigator.
The book is number 2 of 2 and I found it difficult to understand the story in the absence of the previous book.
I wasn’t aware that it was a second book and requesting it was a mistake. Some sequels stand alone but I felt that this one did not.
It was not for me

Greg Abimbola is a black Russian language teacher in Pittsburgh.
He is an amateur sleuth who has helped the police with a murder at the school before.
When bodies start building up he is the first person the police turn too but has Greg a past of his own which will come back to haunt him.
A fresh take on a spy and murder mystery with an engaging lead will have you following this story with great interest.
Book 2 of a series you can dive right in without feeling left out of Greg’s story.

Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Greg is teaching Russian in a posh school in Pittsburgh, but he is a citizen of Russia with African heritage pretending to be English. Sounds at first as if it could be confusing but it is not.
He is basically hiding from previous events and gets involved in investigating a murder and an apparent suicide. The plot line could easily have led to a cozy genteel type of book but it is more gritty dealing with mild violence and Russian security forces. The local cop and school caretaker cum security expert who help Greg are both interesting characters and all the action that takes place is fairly believable.
I have not read the first book in the series but felt that this book is very readable by itself. Plenty of fast action and i look to forward to reading others in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC

"Two Times Murder" by Adam Oyebanji is second in the series called Quiet Teacher.
Greg is Black, British teacher of Russian. This novel is described as a mystery thriller with spy elements and culture war. I hate doing it but this book wasn't my piece of cake at all despite my love of murder mystery and spies. Idea behind it was brilliant but execution lacked thrill. It didn't seem to flow seamlessly it my opinion. I felt like some ideas were just thrown together and never edited as a whole. It has to be 2 out of 5 for me. Massive thanks to Netgalley for providing me with the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Follow up novel to “A Quiet Teacher” which I thoroughly enjoyed. This one was more of the same- Greg Abimbola, a Russian Language teacher, working in an American school, is asked to help solve another murder by a fellow teacher who knows the deceased. He is also pursued by some nasty Russian spies who want him to investigate the murder of an agent, ,Morosov, , who was actually tailing him.
Greg has secrets of his own as the reader discovered in book one in the series and these secrets threaten to affect his current life as the spies who are after him are not very patient. Once he agrees to look into Morosov’s murder he has a bit of time to work out a plan.
He needs all his wits to solve two murders and keep himself and his family safe!
I enjoyed this book- I particularly liked the character of Greg who is just doing everything he can to start a new life and escape the troubles of his past but due to his special skills is asked by the police and his former employers to investigate who killed the two victims.. He is also harbouring another secret about himself which is explored further when a new college principal arrives.
Andrea, who works as a janitor at the school is also great- studying part time to gain a computer degree she is only too willing to help Greg in his investigations by doing a bit of hacking. Accused of murder in the previous book she is grateful to Greg for saving her and the pair make a great team!
A thoroughly entertaining read - I can’t wait to read more about the “Quiet Teacher”.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Very original story of an ex spy teaching Russian in a pittsburgh school but with lots of secrets to hide. There is quite a lot of back story from the first book and a lot of characters to get to grips with but it's fresh and different and enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Adam Oyebanji’s Two Times Murder is a captivating addition to the cozy mystery genre, blending the charm of small-town life with the intrigue of a well-crafted whodunit. This novel, the first in the Quiet Teacher Mystery series, introduces readers to a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

The story follows Mr. Finch, a seemingly unassuming high school teacher with a knack for solving mysteries. When a double murder rocks the quiet town of Harrogate, Mr. Finch finds himself drawn into the investigation. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel the community he holds dear.

Oyebanji excels in creating a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and hidden depths. Mr. Finch is a delightful protagonist—intelligent, observant, and refreshingly humble. His interactions with students, colleagues, and townsfolk are endearing and insightful, adding layers to his character. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic school principal to the gossipy neighbor, are vividly drawn and contribute to the richness of the narrative.

Oyebanji’s writing is engaging and accessible, with a light touch that suits the cozy mystery genre perfectly. His descriptions of Harrogate are evocative, painting a picture of a town that feels both familiar and mysterious. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, making the characters’ interactions a joy to read. Oyebanji’s ability to balance suspense with moments of levity keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

The plot of Two Times Murder is intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Oyebanji skillfully plants clues and red herrings, ensuring that the mystery remains engaging and unpredictable. The pacing is well-managed, with a steady build-up of tension that culminates in a satisfying and surprising conclusion.

Two Times Murder explores themes of community, trust, and the hidden complexities of seemingly ordinary lives. Oyebanji delves into the idea that everyone has secrets, and that understanding these secrets is key to solving the mystery. The novel also touches on the importance of empathy and the impact of past experiences on present behavior.

Two Times Murder is a delightful and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories. Adam Oyebanji’s skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a long-time mystery enthusiast or new to the world of cozy mysteries, this novel offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heart.

With its intriguing plot, charming protagonist, and richly detailed setting, Two Times Murder is a promising start to the Quiet Teacher Mystery series. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to more adventures with Mr. Finch and the residents of Harrogate.

Two Times Murder is a multifaceted story told in an extraordinary way. I have not quite read a story such as this and I find myself wanting to know more about the protagonist Greg Abimbola and his side kick, Andrea Velasquez. Greg works hard at keeping a low profile-which is not working out great for him and Andrea, the assistant custodian at the Academy, is happy to help Greg out in solving the death of one of the Academy’s trustees. They are great team and their backgrounds make the story all the more intriguing. The other characters in this story make a great diverse cast of characters.

The DEI and culture wars themes in the story had me pause at first when I came across the subject in the story. I had several thoughts on that score and was worried that this is a theme that would completely turn me off from wanting to read this book at all. Well I’m glad I chose to read this story and these themes were woven through fairly well without being obnoxious or in your face. After all, it is an issue of our day… I did find Greg’s remarks about what he calls “pampered, privileged white kids” to be somewhat of an issue especially since he is a teacher. You see, even what he may considered privileged and not having real problems in life is a bit of an assumption and a dangerous one at that. One never knows what goes on behind closed doors and all his students can be dealing with something that on the surface may seem insignificant or superficial but life teaches us that often times there is something boiling below the surface despite the backgrounds people come from. Greg definitely has room for growth.

I have not read this first book so I’ve missed a few details but this story made a great standalone and has me wanting to read the other book. An intriguing story with all the right bunches of a crime thriller. Bravo to the author!

I missed the first book in this series; but I’ll be seeking it out. Adam Oyebanji has created such an amazing character. At first thought, he sounds almost implausible; black, multi lingual, multi national and a brain that works outside the box. But I invested in him immediately. This is such a clever story with a diverse range of characters and multiple plot lines which are very carefully crafted making this a complex and ultimately satisfying murder mystery. Oyebanji’s writing is fresh and original. Reading is effortless and with a pace that keeps you turning the pages, this is an absolute cracker. I loved it and I’m looking forward to much more from this author.

torture, interrogation, threats, abduction, defected, teacher, spy-thriller, contemporary, suspense, Russian-intelligence, Russian-mob, ruthless, murder-witness, murders, investigations, local-law-enforcement, FBI, verbal-humor, fraud*****

Greg left Africa, escaped from his Russian handler, and believed that his position teaching Russian at Calderhill Academy, a private school in Pittsburgh was safe for him. Not so much.
He speaks fluent Russian, Latin and French, has one eye, and was a general in the Russian GRU. He also has an inventive mind and a dramatic ability to think "outside the box" and be adaptable while implementing planned scenarios and outcomes. He really gets the job done. A Pittsburgh cop from a previous case asks for his help with what seems to be a murder of a Russian national, and he asks a computer geek student for her help (in exchange for help applying for a job she really wants. That's not the only death that is not what it seems and wants investigating. The story is complex comminuted, the characters are totally believable, and most of the humor is muted but definitely there. Great story! Wish I could have read it straight through. Want to go read the first one!
According to Goodreads "he (Adam Oyebanji) recently took the big step of moving east to Edinburgh, by way of Birmingham, London, Lagos, Nigeria, Chicago, Pittsburgh (go Penguins!) and New York: a necessary detour, because the traffic otherwise is really, really bad."
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
#AQuietTeacherMysteryBk2 Avail Nov 05, 2024