All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman (Putnam) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

DEBUT Harman’s first novel introduces readers to Florence Grimes, a 31-year-old American expat living in London who is jobless years after experiencing the end of her girl band career. She has chosen to live life by the seat of her pants; her way of life and her perceptions of others are laughable, as she’s unable to see her own faults. The only thing that keeps her going is her 10-year-old son, Dylan, who’s enrolled in a prestigious, private school for boys. When her son’s bully, Alfie, goes missing, she is worried about her son’s possible involvement in his disappearance, so she goes into supermom mode by trying to secretly solve the mystery with the help of another mother from the school. As she noses her way into the privileged lives of the parents and school administrators, Florence endangers and incriminates herself in the process and will face a moral decision that could compromise herself and her son’s status. Harman creates a unique main character who experiences significant growth and moral life lessons along the way, which will have readers rooting for her triumph in the end. VERDICT This thriller debut will add flair to libraries’ crime fiction sections.—Lacey Webster

The Note by Alafair Burke (Knopf)

Appeared on the January 2025 LibraryReads list

“Three friends reunite in the Hamptons only to have chaos ensue after a night spent out drinking. The fast-moving narrative features multiple narrators and lots of unexpected twists. Burke has delivered another excellent psychological thriller. For fans of Lisa Unger and Heather Gudenkauf.”—Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, CT

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak (Flatiron)

Appeared on the October 2024 LibraryReads list

“Maggie is getting married, and her dad is thrilled to be invited, even though they have been estranged for three years. Why the estrangement? The answer to that question and other crazy rumors about the family hosting the event fuel this engaging, suspenseful read. This will appeal to readers who enjoy hard-to-guess plot twists.”—Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, CA

Rebecca, Not Becky by Christine Platt and Catherine Wigginton Greene (Amistad)

Appeared on the December 2023 LibraryReads list

“Two mothers—one Black, one white—form an uneasy relationship when their daughters become friends at their progressive private school. A must read for anyone wanting contemporary fiction that addresses important issues but maintains a brisk plotline and relatable characters. Book clubs looking for entertaining contemporary fiction that is both funny and compelling should definitely consider this one.”—Jennifer Schultz, Faquier County Public Library, VA