21st Birthday, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro (Little, Brown and Company), is the top holds title of the week (5/3/21). LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting for this buzziest book.

The newest title in the “Women's Murder Club” series offers a twisty story that starts with a missing wife and child; things get darker and bloodier from there.

READ-ALIKES

Precious Thing by Colette McBeth (Minotaur: St. Martin’s)
Appeared on the March 2014 LibraryReads list

“Clara and Rachel have been friends since high school. Life has intervened and they’ve grown apart, so when Clara invites Rachel for drinks to catch up, it’s a chance to reconnect. But before that can happen, Rachel is called to cover a missing girl story, and the missing girl is Clara. Was she abducted, murdered, or did she simply leave on her own? In the vein of Gone Girl and The Husband’s Secret, this is a fast read that is sure to entertain.”—Robin Nesbitt, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin (Ballantine)
Apeared on the August 2015 LibraryReads list

“In 1995, Tessie went out for a run, and she went missing. She was found eventually, a surviving victim of the Black-Eyed Susan serial killer. The supposed killer is in prison, yet Tessie is still being plagued by mysterious black-eyed Susan flowers blooming where they shouldn’t. The viewpoint shifts between Tessie in the present day and teenage Tessie in 1995, and is quite clever.”—Shannon Fukumoto, Kapolei Public Library Kapolei, HI

MIssing, Presumed by Susie Steiner (Random)
Appeared on the June 2016 LibraryReads list

“This is a thoughtful police procedural about a missing person case and the secrets that come to the surface when a feisty detective becomes relentless in finding the truth. Edith is a successful college student from a well-known family, but all is not what it seems. Detective Manon Bradshaw is feeling the pressure to quickly resolve the case. What sets this apart from other detective stories is how the lead character is brought to life; she exposes her melancholy, and it adds a satisfying mix to the thrills. Recommended for fans of Tana French.”—Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, Azusa, CA