Small town murders meets Cold War operations

In the second book in a series, Oyebanji’s Greg Abimbola is not at all what he appears. A cleverly constructed protragonist, he is the greatest strength in the novel, but as in all things, also the fatal flaw. He’s capable in every situation he’s thrown into, which deflates the tension.

It’s a truism that a mystery or thriller writer invents the insurmountable situation and then works out exactly how to extract their hero; however, the novel lacked any real sense of menace to the lead, able to free himself, admittedly sometimes with one complication or another, and turn the tables on everybody.

Well-written but missing something: three stars.

This is the second in the series but I did not feel that this was an issue. For those who had read the first book I do not think there was over emphasis on explaining each characters part in the previous book.

The characters were well drawn and I wanted Greg to succeed in solving all his different mysteries. There are a few plot lines which were not tied up by the end of the book but they were background plots giving colour to Greg’s position as a teacher. These suggest a third book will be written.

I personally appreciated the lack of violence and this is much more a whodunnit rather than a thriller but the Russian mafia link made for an interesting read.

Not sure if it was because I didn't read book 1 that I really struggled to get into this book and found myself more skim reading it instead. I just couldn't get the characters nor the storyline so while grateful for the opportunity to read the book, sadly it isn't a hit from me.

Greg Akimbola is trying to keep his head down and stay out of the limelight. He has recently helped to solve a murder but his past life may just be catching up with him. Pressurised to find the murderer of a former GRU operative, Greg is also asked to look into the death of an influential financier. Looking into these murders will involve Greg using his skills but he likes his low-key life in Pittsburgh and doesn't want to have to move again.
I hadn't read the first book in the series which is a pity as I found myself really enjoying this book by the end. Once the character, a mixed race Russian former double agent, had connected with me I began to really engage with the plot. It's a well-written though rather laid-back spy thriller which is novel and also which addresses key plotlines around race, sexuality and class in a subtle way.

This is the second book by Adam Oyebanji with Greg Abimbola as the main character. Initially I struggled to get into the story which I found to be a bit of a slow burner. I'm glad I stuck with it though as it was suspenseful and held my interest. Love Greg's character and his struggle to maintain a normal lifestyle whilst working undercover.

In this second of the series, Greg Abimbola is the "quiet teacher," who reluctantly becomes embroiled in another murder case, a questionable suicide, school politics, and possible corruption in high places. His help is requested by a local detective to solve a murder at the same time his spy boss assigns him to investigate the same situation. This mystery is nicely suspenseful, but its strength is in its complex and interesting characters, from Greg to various spies and police to school personnel such as the custodian and administrators. I had not read the first in the series, but the author provided enough back story without interfering with the pace. I'll look forward to the next adventures of the Quiet Teacher.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this story.

While it took me some time to get into the story, I did enjoy it. The characters were well-drawn, and storyline was reasonably paced. However, I felt it meandered at times, though it did build to a strong climax, hence my score.

This is the second book by Adam Oyebanji with Greg Abimbola as the main character.

Many people struggle to know who they are but Greg Abimbola has to constantly remember he is not who he appears to be to the outside world - namely a Black, Russian teacher in a Pittsburg school. Greg is a former Russian spy hiding in the USA who keeps people at a distance.

The book touches on issues of class, race, religion, sexuality and the worrying trend in America of retro steps being taken in relation to personal freedoms.

An interesting read and a satisfying conclusion to the two murders Greg comes to be embroiled in, I do feel that I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the first book of the series beforehand. A solid 3.5/5 rounded up to 4/5.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an impartial review.

I find this book intriguing with twists and turns along the way. It kept you guessing as to what had happened and how and more importantly why.

Great thriller

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I am late reviewing this because it has taken me until this week to get the first instalment from the library. That was very enjoyable and I think it is crucial to read it before moving on to this second instalment, as it makes Greg's relationships with Andrea the school custodian/computer whizz, Rachel the acting police lieutenant, and Marasov (dead when this book begins) both easier to understand and richer.

This one was less focussed on the school where Greg teaches and at times felt a bit scattered as he juggled pressure from his former Russian boss, helping Rachel and worrying about Demitrius' children with trying to investigate an apparent suicide. Things came together at the end fairly suddenly (this would make a good movie), but the more streamlined plot of the first book worked better for me. I continue to enjoy the way Greg plays on his apparent 'Englishness'. I wonder if there will be more in this series...

I received an ARC of tis book via netgalley. I have read the first book in the series. This one is quite a difficult book to follow and at times the narrative feels clunky. The MC is a teacher, A "turned" or "outed" Russian Spy and something of a private detective. At the same time he appears to be a thoroughly nice guy, caring and compassionate but battling against his sexual orientation and his belief that it is against his religious ideals.

I like the short chapters and the diversity of characterization. It is certainly different from the mainstream of crime novels and I wouldn't be put off from reading more in the series.

An ex KGB agent is living anonymously in the US under a witness protection programme. For his own safety he wants to keep his head down and remain out of anyone's radar. Unfortunately, he can't help himself. Friends that he's made since need help, and despite himself, he helps. His training means that he is actually rather good at solving murder cases. An enjoyable romp ensues.

Greg is a black British man who teaches Russian at an exclusive Pittsburgh secondary school. He is a polished man who keeps to himself because he has secrets that connect him to the Russian mob. Greg is assigned to keep tabs on a Russian mob operative who has arrived in Pittsburgh. The novel unfolds with plots involving a body found in a river and the suspicious death of a school board trustee. Greg's partner in his sleuthing is Andrea Velasquez, the smart and sassy assistant school custodian, who has the computer skills Greg does not. Two Times Murder is the second in The Quiet Teacher Series. It can be read as a standalone novel, but it is recommended readers start with the first book, The Quiet Teacher.

Adam Oyebanji’s Two Times Murder is a clever and engaging mystery that offers a fresh twist on the private detective genre. The protagonist, a former Russian spy in witness protection turned language teacher and amateur sleuth, is a fascinating character. This setup provides the backdrop for the novel’s dual cases, which at first seem disconnected but weave together in unexpected ways.

The story is well-paced, with a solid plot and a satisfying, neat ending. The threat of the protagonist’s exposure adds tension, maintaining interest as the narrative unfolds.

While the interspersed character development is intriguing, some details feel underexplored or unresolved. It’s possible these threads are intended to set up a sequel, but as a standalone, they slightly detract from the overall impact.

Overall, Two Times Murder is a smart and entertaining read with a compelling premise and strong storytelling. Fans of mystery and espionage will find much to enjoy here!

I struggled quite a bit with this book and didn’t really enjoy it. Continued to the end because I don’t like to give up. Maybe it was because I didn’t read the earlier book. Several reviewers have previously stated reading the first book provides a better understanding of the character and background to former Russian agent now language teacher Greg Abimbola. The storyline was decent enough but I just couldn’t engage with the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Two Times Murder.

This is the second book in a series and I'm not sure if it is this reason or another that I didn't click with this book. Interesting storyline, great characters but I didn't have the draw to read it, it was a little complex for me.

A great mystery, with interesting characters and plenty of suspense. Recommend for all the fans of this genre.

Two Times Murder

This spy thriller was a venture out of my usual comfort zone. I was impressed with the quality of writing and the depth of the main character, Greg Ambimbola, the Russian speaking English high school teacher. Ashe assists detective Rachel Lev solve the mysterious murder of a man found in the Allegheny. Set in the North Eastern city of Pittsburgh this book will have you turning the pages to see how this gripping story unfolds.

I have not read the first book in the series but will now be looking forward to reading it.

5.5 / 10 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/11/29/two-times-murder-by-adam-oyebanji-review/

I had mixed feelings on the first Quiet Teacher mystery, and unfortunately this trend continues in Book 2. First let’s cover the good.

It’s another easy story to read, and get in to. Greg is a likable character, even if he was a mite too complex for me to ever really resonate with. But he’s clever, charming, and a bit of a wild card/outcast, being a child of two worlds—and in the closet besides. From his hours actually teaching to those spent chasing down murderers, it was an interesting-enough, thrilling-enough, entertaining read.

The mystery itself was pretty decent—even if it’s ruined a bit at the end when (SPOILERS) the two cases seem to inexplicably tie together. To say I saw this coming would be an understatement. It was handled in the same obvious, clichéd style as the first installment, and the recap undertaken in the same somewhat clumsy manner therein.

In fact, the whole thing seemed just a little bit more clumsy than the predecessor, in addition to being more than a bit improbable (where the author was probably instead going for ‘harrowing’). Still, it was entertaining enough and quick enough that I rolled through it in under two days, with no problems. So, I’m a bit torn—again—and yet, there’s a pattern forming here. The first book can usually be forgiven its faults. At least some of them. The first TWO… well, that’s more difficult. I’d like to say that the author will get it right with Book #3, as there are more opportunities now, to tell a better story with a more established setting and cast and lead character. And yet…

A Russian bounty hunter is found murdered. An American banker jumps to his death or did he? Mr. Abimbola, teacher of Russian, solves the two deaths while being hounded by members of Russian organized crime. What appears to be two totally different incidents are neatly pulled together at the end.