Head Case

When Cassie Romano applied for the teaching job at the Falcon Ridge Academy in the Catskill Mountains, she was looking for anything that would get her out of a difficult situation in New York. Cassie hadn't really thought through the implications properly at the time - and it certainly helped that she saw the place in summer, when she went there the first time.

Six months later, things are looking decidedly different. Winter in the mountains comes with a lot of snow and a sense of isolation. Already lonely, and in need of distractions, the place doesn't have much to offer someone like Cassie.

So, she is already re-thinking the wisdom of her decision when something really terrible happens. One of the teachers is found dead. And while everyone else seems to view this as nothing more than a tragic accident, the letter that Cassie receives from the woman indicates otherwise.

The contents of the missive are somewhat mysterious, but the fact that it was written shortly before her death gives Cassie cause for concern. But she has good reasons for not wanting to get too involved. Because Cassie has her own secrets to protect...

This is an atmospheric thriller, which makes the most of its seasonal location. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is both entertaining and engaging. If you are looking for an suspenseful read for spooky season, this might well be one to check out.

Dark academia, murder, threatening notes, remote locale…this was so utterly good! I cant wait to read more by Bonnie Traymore!

Cassie is a teacher who comes from San Diego to work at a private school in the Catskills. Once winter comes, the school is snowed in and the atmosphere is quite spooky in general. It quickly becomes more so when a teacher is found dead. Cassie's colleagues want to pass it off as a terrible accident but she believes it is far more sinister.
As she searches for the truth she is threatened. There is something sinister out there and it is up to Cassie to race against the killer to save herself.

I was hooked on this one immediately.
Our protagonist works at a boarding school in New York. Admin and the board are up to something but she's minding her own business. The building is brand new but the teacher housing is in a dilapidated and non maintained old building. Her friend Kimi just died suddenly and she gets a letter from her that was sent hours before she died.
Now she is looped into some bad stuff. Kimi was going to resign and go home.

Also they replaced Kimi with a super hot guy who might be an issue.
And the director suddenly died at a school xmas concert, just to make things worse. I hate it when that happens.

Anyway, she has bad vibes so she decides to leave. She is going to drive across the country to California and move in with her parents.
But that day someone decides that she will not leave.

We also get Mile's perspective. He has been doing some stuff with the budget that will be a scandal when it gets out and also he will do prison time. He is trying to get his frenemy promoted so he can buy more time. It is not working though.
And his wife who just wants Miles to succeed so she can stay home and take care of their kid.
It gets a little coppish about midway through but I still like it.

Cassie Romano has left San Diego for a teaching position at a private school in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York after a painful break-up left her heart-broken and in need of a change. Now it's December, she's stranded on a mountain and a fellow teacher is dead.....

Head Case started an enjoyable slow burn and ramped up into an exciting thriller. I really warmed to Cassie and her backstory and found she was just the right amount of "spunky" to be believable. I loved the chapters from different perspectives, the twists, the isolated setting of a school in a winter storm and the wee sprinkling of romance. A decent amount of suspense, and I thought the ending wrapped everything up nicely.

A really good, believable thriller. Solid 4 stars

An excellent literary journey! Bonnie Traymore once again showcases her exceptional talents in this captivating narrative filled with intrigue and suspense. Traymore's signature slow-burn storytelling style effortlessly draws readers into her intricately crafted world, where appearances can be deceiving.

Traymore's characters come to life with authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences and emotions. The storyline feels grounded and relatable, particularly for those who have navigated professional environments rife with gossip and the competitive pursuit of success.

The author skillfully spins a riveting tale that continues to linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned. Her narrative prowess is undeniable, and this book is a testament to her ability to keep readers enthralled from start to finish.

"Head Case” unfolds a riveting tale of suspense and self-discovery, where the isolating and haunting environment of the Catskill Mountains enhances the storytelling. The protagonist, Cassie Romano, faced with a mysterious death at Falcon Ridge Academy, drawing readers into her emotionally charged journey.

The narrative balances Cassie’s character development with a well-paced plot, her own secrets adding layers to the unfolding mystery. The exploration of themes such as major life decisions and the delicate balance between self-preservation and pursuit of truth elevates the book to a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

A combination of picturesque setting, a strong protagonist, and a compelling mystery, this book is an immensely satisfying tale.

I really enjoyed reading this thriller. I enjoyed the location and tense moments it kept me gripped and I didn't want to put it down.

This stories follows Cassie, an English teacher with a big secret. Cassie works in a boarding school with more than a few secrets of its own, when a teacher dies everything begins to unravel.

This book has multiple POV’s, which some readers may find difficult to follow. The book offers a satisfying moment when everything begins to make sense and Cassie is a very likeable character that I couldn’t help but root for. The characters in the alternate POV’s didn’t hold my attention to the same degree but those chapters offered important insights into the plot. There was a lot of scene setting at the start of the book which I really enjoyed and made for a more immersive experience.

This is a good, fast paced read for everyone, whether you’re new to thrillers/mystery’s or not.

Three word summary- fast-paced, satisfying, scenic.

After a painful breakup, Cassie seeks solace in a teaching position for an exclusive private school nestled in a secluded community of the Catskill Mountains. However, shortly after her arrival, she discovers it's a supreme mismatch for her. The cold and isolation of her surroundings prove daunting, especially with the unsettling revelation of a murderer in their midst – a development that couldn't have come in a worse circumstance, given the secret she harbors.

At first, I was worried I would be incredibly annoyed with Cassie's selfishness for the entirety of this ebook but I was pleasantly surprised with how captivating the twists and plotting turned out to be. I particularly appreciated the various character perspectives of Cassie, Miles and Madeline because it was organized very well and relevant in every instance. The pacing and the main thread of the story continued seamlessly and I didn't have to jump around to clarify important aspects. It was crystal clear whose perspective I was reading, as each of the characters had a distinct voice.

I unexpectedly zoomed right through the latter half of the book because the suspense was that good! I really appreciate a surprise binge read.

Loved this story as there were many twists and turns that you don't necessarily see coming. I went to a school similar to this in Northern Massachusetts and during the 1978 blizzard and remembering not to step off the paths they made as you would sink about 7 feet into the snow. We had been snowed in for several days not able to get to the cafeteria and ate a lot of popcorn. No electricity, no problem just add warm clothes and blankets but luckily we did not have a killer in our mists.
Bonnie Traymore has become one of my favorite suspense writers and love when I am asked to ARC or preview one of her books. This was another one of her books that I finished in one day.
So, as we get into the colder weather, snuggle up in your favorite chair, light the fire grab your coco or coffee and settle in for a wonderful experience.

A thrilling book that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Full of twists and turns and shocks. Brilliant!

A good.murder mystery and was set in a prestigious school. I really loved this was an unexpected find on Netgalley. Highly recommended for lovers of academic psychological thrillers x

4.5
I am new to isolated boarding school thrillers, but this was a great starter! I've read some thrillers in the past, but am fairly new to the genre. With each book, I am growing to love the genre more and more and this is no exception. While I still had many questions at the end of the book, there were also many questions answered as well. I feel many books are like that though, especially thrillers because there are so many things going on and some things in life are unexplained, so it only makes it more realistic, at least in my opinion.
The last night I read this book, I was not planning on finishing it because I still had almost half the book left and it was already after midnight when I started it. But I did end up finishing it and I was awake until 2am, but it was definitely worth it. I was completely hooked!

A fun and thrilling murder mystery. Really enjoyed this dark, atmospheric whodunit. The setting was perfect though I wish the characters had been a bit more dynamic and developed.

This is the first time I’ve read any of Traymore’s books. I liked the Cassie, who is a strong character. I couldn’t put it down. The author did an excellent job developing the story and building the suspense and intrigue. I like the way the story unfolds.

This was a really suspenseful and intriguing thriller! The isolated setting added a strong sense of suspense! Quite a few twists although the end did sort of seem to peter out after the main reveals. Overall, I really liked this one & would love to read more by this author!

Cassie leaves San Diego after a bad break-up. She is taking a teaching job in upstate New York. Cassie is enjoying the summer/fall there, but when she is on the mountain top burried in snow and ice she feels lonelier then she has ever felt.

Cassiess friend and co-worker is found dead and Cassie receives a strange letter from her shortly after her death. Should Cassie try to leave or should she stay and try to help figure out what is happening at the Falcon Ridge Academy. If she stays what will it cost her.

Give me all the private school thrillers! Murder, awesome setting in a private school in the snowy woods. Cassie come to the academy to change her life and all kinds of unexpected twists and turns ensue! I liked it!

Princess Fuzzypants here: After a painful breakup, Cassie impulsively takes a teaching job in a remote school in The Catskills. The California girl is having problems with the cold and the isolation but it is nothing to compare with what happens after one of the other teachers is murdered. The woman had reached out to Cassie beforehand and she feels obligated to see she receives justice. But there are weird things afoot in the school. Normal competition and rivalries aside, there is something decidedly wrong going on and it appears to involves some of the movers and shakers at the school. Exactly what is uncertain but there are some shady characters.

Cassie, herself, has lots of secrets. Secrets that could doom her and her family. It is the one thing that jars a bit when she decides to investigate. She soon discovers she has unexpected allies but where the story really takes a big turn is when the reader twigs to the fact that the real monster in all of this is hiding in plain sight. It was a delightful twist that adds greatly to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Four purrs and two paws up.

I loved this book. I selected it because I am interested in dark academia and psychological thrillers, and the story provided all that. I am interested in learning more about this author. The plot kept me interested and turning pages to the end. The characters were complex, and the setting created an exciting atmosphere.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

3.5 rounded up.
Very atmospheric. Easy to read, hood characters and mystery. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Pathways publishing thank you for the ARC.

Book was very interesting opening. Very easy read and easy to get into. Great back story of main character along with supporting characters. I liked the ending as it left you hanging a bit, but not in a way that the story wasn't wrapped up.
First time reading author and look forward to reading more

Head Case was a very suspenseful thriller. Cassie, the main character, moves to the Catskills to work at a very remote private school. Bonnie Traymore builds up the suspense very well as winter comes and everyone is stranded at the school. I really enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC. The review is my personal opinion.

A really good suspenseful thriller that ticked all the boxes! I love dark academia and this was a good example of that. This is also an author new to me.