The Teacher's Pet

By: Hedley Thomas

Narrated by: Hedley Thomas

Length: 18 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Narrated by Hedley Thomas and a full cast of 100 characters

If you thought you knew the story of The Teacher's Pet, get ready to be shocked.

Hedley Thomas takes you behind the scenes with a blow-by-blow account of one of the most intriguing and enduring murder mysteries of our time - the crime, the podcast investigation, the sexual exploitation of teenage students, the courtroom drama - and how justice was finally delivered.

Lynette Simms disappeared from Sydney's idyllic Northern Beaches in 1982 and was never seen again.

Lyn was a caring nurse, loving mother and devoted wife. Her husband Chris Dawson was a rugby league star, a popular teacher and exceptionally close to his identical twin brother, Paul.

But this facade of domestic bliss was shattered when Chris became infatuated with the family's babysitter - his 16-year-old student - a girl he moved into Lyn's home and bed just two days after her disappearance.

Thirty-six years later, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas revisited the story in a record-breaking podcast series that captured the unconditional support of Lyn's friends, colleagues, neighbours and family, and an international audience.

With fresh leads and old evidence resulting in a public groundswell for authorities to take action, Chris was arrested in late 2018 and after a dramatic trial was found guilty of murder in August 2022.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Hedley Thomas (P)2023 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic reviews

'A monumental work. A burrowing, twisting, spine-tingling, genre-defining tribute to the power - and the cost - of asking questions. If you think you know this story, think again. No Australian, alive nor dead, has given more to journalism than Hedley Thomas. True crime storytelling as we now know it begins with The Teacher's Pet.' Trent Dalton

'A masterclass in investigative journalism.' Leigh Sales

Fantastic

If you listened to The Teacher’s Pet podcast then you know most of what happens as far as the case goes. But there is just so much more. This book is an in depth behind the scenes look at the making of the podcast itself. You’ll hear all of the ins and outs, good and bad, of what it took to make it all happen.

There is also quite a bit that didn’t make it into the podcast. Mostly that has to do with Chris’s brother Paul and other inappropriate things while they were both teachers.

Fantastic listen!

Revealing, fascinating and so sad

Mr. Thomas, thank you for generously offering such a compelling and layered peek behind the curtain of journalism. I will be thinking a long time about the heart, drive, courage and timing it takes to step into the void. I’m moved by your dogged, bold and rich pursuit for truth telling. I’m also heartbroken by your examination of the impact and destruction that one man’s selfish choices can leave in its wake.

Brilliant

Loved the podcast and wondered what the book would add. There is more to Lyn's story, true, but there is also the fascinating story behind the production of the podcast. And who better to write and read it than Mr Thomas himself?Could not stop listening once I started.

A Story of Profound Betrayal, Predatory Entitlement, Justice Delayed, and a Dogged, Hard-Earned Triumph

Lynn Joy Dawson matters. Her love, loyalty, and legacy come alive here. The story of her betrayal, abuse, murder and lonely plight were nearly lost to history despite laudable efforts by her family of origin to get justice for her. This also a complex cautionary tale about the ripple effects of a greedy, cold, malignant narcissist with insatiable sexual appetites. He openly groomed, seduced, and employed cohesive control a student. Thomas invites the reader into his relentless commitment to investigative reporting and to securing justice for Lynn.

Fascinating from beginning to end

This podcast is the vehicle that introduced me to Hedley Thomas as a reporter. I find him thoughtful, thorough and fascinating. Very interesting to hear the behind the scenes decisions and details that were happening as he was following and researching this matter.

Fantastic listen

Even if you listened intently to the teacher's pet podcast, Hedley's book is a must! Filled with personal details of the struggles he confronted during his investigation of Chris Dawson is honest and deep. Thank you for writing this tremendous book, Hedley!

An addendum to my first review

Want to clarify, I bought the book written by Shawnell Dawson who is the daughter of her murdered mum, Lyn Dawson. It’s written and narrated by the most important victim in this crime.

Very well done.

And great satisfaction at the end. I just wished it had come earlier! But true stories you just have to tell Luke it is.

Great accompanying to that incredible podcast

The author’s dogged pursuit for this woman and her family. Even if only the only daughter accepts what her dad did, not the younger daughter- the overwhelming support from so many show this woman didn’t just leave her children and family and friends and life. The man she loved made her disappear.
Listen podcast first. Then read this.

Addicted!

Loved the narration almost as much as the story. So well told! I thought I knew the story from the podcasts but this added depth.