25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (Little, Brown) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

In their 25th adventure, the Women’s Murder Club, made up of homicide detective Lindsay Boxer, medical examiner Claire Washburn, assistant district attorney Yuki Castellano, and crime reporter Cindy Thomas, investigate the murder of Warren Jacobi, former chief of the San Francisco Police Department.—LJ Reviews

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (S. & S.)

Appeared on the May 2024 LibraryReads list

“Teenager Ellie disappears and is found in a state park over two years later, battered and dazed and refusing to cooperate. Police detective Chelsey Calhoun has been on the case from the beginning—and has her own past to deal with—but becomes determined to find out who Ellie may be trying to protect. A gripping thriller with plenty of twists.”—Annabelle Mortensen, LibraryReads Board Member

The Widowmaker by Hannah Morrissey (Minotaur: St. Martin's)

Appeared on the December 2022 LibraryReads list

“As the case of Clive Reynolds’s disappearance 20 years ago unfolds, Detective Ryan Hudson discovers a link to his partner's murder. Skillfully woven together, the characters draw readers into a web of lies and deceitful actions that will keep them guessing who is the threat until the end.”—Janet Makoujy, New City Library, New City, NY

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn (Berkley)

For years, sixtysomething Billie Webster and her three colleagues—Helene, Mary Alice, and Natalie—were professional assassins working for a British organization called the Museum. They’ve retired, but after a massive shake-up when members of the administration tried to kill them, the four women have been called back. Someone has killed an assassin, and the death may be connected to a recent security breach. Worst of all, the women could be targets because of a case in the past when they took out a Bulgarian. Are they targets of the man’s son? They accomplish their goal of killing their target onboard the Queen Mary 2, but it only grows more complicated with a web that goes back to World War II and art smuggling. Now, as they hide in plain sight, and travel across Europe and Asia, they attempt to complete a job they started over 30 years earlier. VERDICT Fans of Killers of a Certain Age will enjoy the return of the four senior assassins whose escapades from the past and present are intermixed in a fast-paced, humorous adventure. The books stand out for their wit and unlikely friendships.—Lesa Holstine