The gripping, twisty and suspenseful new novel from Ali Lowe – perfect for fans of BIG LITTLE LIES and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!
For parents living in the beautiful coastal town of Pacific Pines, all their hopes and dreams are pinned on the outcome of the annual Gala Day hosted by St Ignatius Boys’ School. To be accepted into the prestigious institution, their sons must battle it out, facing rigorous rounds of physical and mental tests. Their parents will stop at nothing to ensure their sons succeed.
But after one boy is struck down in a hit and run, the scandals, secrets and lies that entangle three mothers threaten to unravel their seemingly perfect lives…
How far will the women go to protect their reputations – and their families?
Buy a copy of The School Run here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I am such a fan of Ali Lowe’s books and this new one has well and truly lived up to the expectation. This story definitely felt similar to some of Liane Moriarty’s stories and like those and Ali’s 2 previous books, The Trivia Night and The Running Club, I could not put it down. How far will mothers go to get what they want for their children and does what they want really define their love for their family. This is the kind of story that keeps you reading and constantly making you think, would I do that? This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone wanting to read an excellent story set in Australia that is edgy, shocking and thought provoking all at once. A big thank you to Better Reading for the advanced preview copy of this book, I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more stories from Ali Lowe. Michelle, NSW, 5 stars
Wow – I loved this book, once I started it, I couldn’t put it down – and I certainly did not see the ending coming. What mothers (and fathers) would do for their children. Three women, Kaya, Estella and Bec – very different, but with the same goal to make sure their sons’ have every opportunity to excell. I’ll certainly look for Ali Lowe’s other books. Ingrid, VIC, 5 stars
The Hunger Games meets Big Little Lies is the best way to describe Ali Lowe’s latest offering, The School Run. Lowe introduces us to three mothers, all desperate to get their boys into the prestigious St Ignatius Boys’ School. From baking cakes in the shape of the school chapel, to scrubbing the chapel floors, nothing is beneath Kaya, Estella and Bec in their bid to curry favour with the establishment. Ali Lowe weaves her intimate knowledge of parenting, teenagers, and the school system into a believable, laugh out loud novel that Australian women will relate to. The stresses of Gala Day are comic gold. My favourite character, Bec, has to deal with the rumour that her chapel cake has poisoned the school principal, a husband who leaves her to tackle the parking situation whilst he gets a sausage sizzle, car park rage with what turns out to be the handsome sports master who holds the fate of her son’s school prospects in his hands, and a five year old daughter who poos her pants. As the mothers’ lives are thrown into turmoil from the secrets they hold, and they begin acting badly, we are left to ponder the ultimate parenting question: Is it right just because you’re doing it for your child? Elizabeth, NSW, 5 stars
Thanks so much to @Better Reading for the opportunity to read this preview of Ali Lowe’s latest novel The School Run. Ali has definitely hit the trifecta with this, her third novel. After reading The Trivia Night and The Running Club this latest book is by far my favourite. Full of twists and turns and truly laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend it! Juanita, SA, 5 stars
What lengths would you go to for your children? Or specifically, for their education? Neighbours Kaya, Estella & Bec have all submitted their sons for placement at the prestigious boys secondary school St. Ignatius. Before their applications are accepted the boys must compete in the annual Gala Day, showcasing their academic and sporting best for their prospective teachers & faculty. At first it seems like harmless school tradition, but as the day goes along secrets begin to emerge that could change all their lives in an instant And when a past student is involved in a horrible hit & run car accident, Estella, Kaya & Bec will stop at nothing to protect their secrets What a ride! The parent scandals had me hooked! I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic suspenseful story, written with a solid pace. Just when you think you have figured it out.. BANG! Ali hits you with twists and turns around sharp corners. Each main character were equally intriguing and had you invested in them and their families. Highly recommend The School Run. Emilie, VIC, 5 stars
Ali Lowe’s latest, “The School Run,” is my top pick among her works. I’m drawn to stories exploring the concealed aspects of parenting, unraveling secrets within seemingly flawless households— a niche where Lowe excels. The narrative revolves around three diverse mothers: Estella, a formidable matriarch; Bec, a grounded cake maker; and Kaya, a single mum navigating the affluent Pacific Pines. The storyline escalates as St Ignatius Boys Grammar’s Gala Day approaches, magnifying parental aspirations for their sons. In typical Ali Lowe style, tensions surge, and the community’s underbelly reveals simmering secrets. The characters, like Estella, Bec, and Kaya, are intricately layered with authentic backgrounds, creating a captivating dynamic. The anticipation builds as a hit-and-run incident during the lead-up to Gala Day casts suspicion on the community. The investigation unfolds in a riveting, fast-paced narrative, hurtling towards a climactic finale that will keep readers glued well into the night. Ali Lowe masterfully constructs communities fraught with tension, woven with secrets, and populated by characters with intricate backstories. The seamless intersection of protagonists’ lives adds another layer of brilliance to this suburban noir, making “The School Run” an engaging and thrilling read. Kerrie, NSW, 5 stars
How we see ourselves may not be how others see us. The School Run traverses the relationships between mothers and almost adult daughters, daughters who are full of hormones, spirit and sometimes spite, as well as mothers and young sons, sons that they hope against all odds will be offered entry into the most prestigious school in the area, and the lengths that the mothers will go to get their sons an offer into the school. I really like all the main characters; the writer found a way to tug at the heartstrings when you finally get to know them and their secrets. You really understand that there is usually a very good reason that people behave and come across as they do when you know that there is pain behind it, and more so when you know what that pain is. The story goes on to take us through the secrets of many characters and continues to show us how far we will go to keep those secrets safe. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 stars
I found this book to be a highly enjoyable read. Once I had started it, I finished it within a day as I had keep reading to see what happened next. It kept me enthralled with the plot twists and turns. Just when I thought I had worked out who was responsible for the hit and run accident the plot would turn in another direction and I would be back to square one with trying to figure out who did it. I found the characters well written and was able to relate to each of them even though at the beginning they all seemed so different from each other. I also liked the way that each chapter followed a different family, so that the book was written from each mother’s viewpoint instead of just one. I found that even though each chapter focused on a different family, it was easy to read and follow without getting lost. I look forward to reading more from Ali Lowe. Christine ,TAS, 5 stars
Her 3rd book, first of hers for me. The things mother’s/ parents will do for their children. Fast paced, lots of twists and drop points. You will think you have the plot sorted and then it twists, and further information and twists sends you in another direction. Don’t want to give away any of the plot or climax points but if you Like Liane Moriarty’s novels I’m sure you will enjoy this and I will be looking to read her other novels. Thanks to Better Reading and Hodder & Stoughton for my advanced copy. Ann, WA, 5 stars
Another brilliant book by the fabulous author Ali Lowe! The School Run is a fast paced unputdownable book with incredible flawed characters in Estella, Bec and Kaya who will stop at nothing to achieve the outcome they feel their respective sons deserve! So many twists and turns in the plot and the conclusion was unbelievable! Definitely did not see it coming! Scandals, lies and secrets are revealed in the seemingly perfect lives of the three main characters. Highly recommend this book, so very readable ! Look forward to Ali Lowe’s next publication! Ilona, VIC, 5 stars
The story taps into the innermost feelings of every parent; the desire to give their children the best start in life, present them with opportunities, ensure they can fullfill their potential, and along the way avoid any mistakes that might affect their future. The author is great at painting this perfect picture of parent’s love for their child, giving so much of themselves just to give their children the best. Leading from this perfect picture of parental sacrifices, the story peeks into the sometimes very ugly nature of wanting the best for their own child, and the terrible lengths parents would go to, just to ensure their child is the one that succeeds. Add to this one of the biggest nightmares any parent has – that of losing their child. The book is structured around the different characters and the ways they process their inner thoughts, emotions, and react to the outside world. The story evolves around this exploration of each character’s experience and perspective. The detailed description of the settings helps to immerse the reader into the story, even though the choice of words can at times come across as slightly flowery. Overall, a great read that would definitely appeal to fans of Lianne Moriarty. Margareta, SA, 4 stars
This book follows three very different mothers, all dedicated to their children’s success in being accepted into a prestigious high school. The first page had me hooked and I immediately had high expectations. Although, I did not feel that way agin until halfway through the book, when the excitement levels grew tremendously and I could not stop reading. The characters were relatable, the twists were unexpected and it was so well written that I will be adding more of Ali Lowe’s books to my TBR pile. Sarah, VIC, 4 stars
Thumbs up from me. Lots of twists and turns, the suspense was great! Toni, SA, 4 stars
The School Run is an entertaining read. The lengths that mothers will go to for their children is a serious topic, presented here in a lighthearted, identifiably Australian way. Just when you think all the secrets have been uncovered, something new pops up. The main characters are portrayed as specific types of mothers, but they aren’t one dimensional. Their partners and children are layered depictions as well. The story moves at a rollicking pace, with lots of twists and turns. The beachside setting is easy to imagine and one character’s cake making and decorating made me hungry. Perfect for a day at the beach. Penny, VIC, 4 stars
The School Run By Ali Lowe was such a great and easy read that I did not want to put it down. It had some really good plot twists throughout the whole book that kept it interesting and leave you wanting more. The book follows 3 mothers doing whatever they can to get their children into St Ignatius Boys’ School with some mothers going waaaayy over the top to achieve this. While reading you will discover a lots of juicy scandals, secrets and lies that entangle the 3 mothers and when you think you have figured it out Nope…. The book takes a new turn. I loved the characters and their storyline at first I wasn’t a huge fan of Estella ( like most readers probably were) to begin with, but she did slightly grow on me. I think Bec was definitely the best one as she was just so friendly and helpful. I love the relationship that she has with her daughter Willow. And Kaya Omg what she did at the end of the book will surprise you!!! I would definitely recommend this book. Emma, WA, 4 stars
In The School Run, Ali Lowe has once again delivered a story with well-developed characters and an intriguing story line that will have readers hooked from start to finish. Set in affluent Pacific Pines, the story follows three mother’s, Bec, Kaya and Estella as they plan, lie and manipulate to achieve their ultimate goal which is to get their sons into the prestigious St Ignatius Boys’ School. Lies, scandals and secrets threaten to undermine their best efforts though and readers will be captivated by the many twists that the author has cleverly woven into her story. Another solid read with a well plotted storyline that will keep readers up into the night. Patricia, QLD, 4 stars
Thank you to Better Reading and Hachette for gifting me a copy of The School Run by Ali Lowe in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited to read this as I have read The Running Club previously and loved that thriller so was keen to see what this one was all about. Set in the town of Pacific Pines, we follow along with 3 mothers in particular – Kaya, Estella and Bec – and the lengths they will go to get their sons into the most prestigious high school; St Iggy’s Boys School. All mothers have their own secrets and their own ideas on getting their sons accepted. A mother truly will do anything for their kids and this much is true in this novel! I do not want to spoil anything as there are a few great twists and turns in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to any crime/thriller readers out there. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks again! Amanda, VIC, 4 stars
I enjoyed the framing of this novel, around a competitive entrance day for a prestigious private school. At first I thought it was going to be one of those books filled with entirely awful characters (as you can imagine, the sort of people who are undercutting each other to get their kids into a school are not the most delightful), but most of them became quite sympathetic as the story went on and their backstories are revealed (MOST of them, I never reached a point of sympathy with Estelle). Overall a very engaging thriller that kept me guessing until close to the end. Celia, QLD, 4 stars
This was a well-paced mystery that comfortably works itself out over the first two thirds of the book with likeable and interesting characters. Then the end of the book hits and the twists just pile up! Always making sense, never really coming out of nowhere but shocking and unsettling. A story of parents competing for spots at an exclusive private school, it opens with a tragic accident and then flashes back so the reader can work out who got injured and how. It’s believable and amusing how intense the competition gets, even the characters stop at the end to address the fact that the school isn’t *that* great. A quick read and definitely worth the time for anyone who likes a cozy mystery and spending time with a bunch of interesting school mums, even the ones who aren’t necessarily likable. Richard, VIC, 4 stars
The School Run is a very involved story with many twists and turns with a surprise ending. The narrative flows building t. Ithe characters and tension to climax on a “special day” and it does with shocking results It’s readable because it is believable. Yery much a book of our times Julie NSW 4
Oh my god, what am I going to do now I’ve finished The School Run by Ali Lowe??? I’m a person who loves to read a book while predicting what will happen with the various characters, and where the storyline is going. With The School Run I didn’t have a chance. More twists and turns then I remember happening in almost any book I’ve ever read. Three ladies who’ve we’ve all met before at the school gate. Ali Lowe uses language that makes you feel like you’ve met them before, maybe you are one of them. But would you go as far as them to further your children’s education, and to protect your secrets?? How were Bec, Estella and Kaya involved in a hit and run after a Gala Day at the prestigious St Ignatius Boys’ School, and will their secrets stay hidden?? Right until the last page you’re still wondering this. Hard to put down, unpredictable, and totally enjoyable. Now to see what else Ali Lowe has written!! #BRPreview @betterreadingau. Libby, NSW, 4 stars
A gripping book with chapters you want to keep reading. Ali Lowe has written an easy to read book with characters that are relatable to most parents in what you would do for your children. Really enjoyed this read. Rebecca, QLD, 3 stars
“The School Run” by Ali Lowe is the story of three women, desperate to have their sons go to St. Ignatius Boys’ School, a prestigious Catholic school that can offer their offspring entre to high powered positions in society. They are willing to do anything to ensure their sons are accepted. The question is… does that include murder? The story begins with the hit and run, and then backs up to start in earnest a few days before, where we meet our main protagonists. It is a twisty tale, and some of the characters are intensely dislikable, but for the most part, the story moves at a speedy pace. It is easy to read, and I will continue to read Lowe’s offerings. Thank you to BetterReading and Hatchette Publishing for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Tracy, VIC, 3 stars
Really hard to put down! I loved the pace – there were loads of twists and reveals but they were sprinkled throughout, instead of just lots of hinting and no payoff until the end. It was intriguing enough to keep me turning pages without being frustratingly cryptic. I thought the overarching “mystery” was well thought out. It was definitely very dramatic/melodramatic, particularly the ending, and there were quite a few whopping coincidences which stretched my suspension of disbelief. Some of the writing of the younger characters felt a bit grating, like the use of “hashtag” and “YOLO”. I enjoyed the characters, especially the different mother/daughter relationships in contrast to the mother/son ones. Overall it was an easy, engaging, enjoyable read. Kestrel, NSW, 3 stars
Be prepared for a real page-turner that would be ideal for a vacation read. Ali Lowe has delivered a solid third book that once again takes the read on a fast-paced journey. The storyline focuses on four boys attempting to gain admission to a prestigious boys’ school on the East coast of NSW. Generally, mothers will do anything for their children, there is one character in this book who, in particular will not disappoint – she goes “all out” to ensure her sons obtain the best opportunities. Paralleled with these plot lines are the stories of elder sisters and their various relationships. As the novel progresses, secrets are referred to and subsequently uncovered. In some respects, these secrets explain the doggedness of the mothers with respect to the treatment of their children. What was most enjoyable and readable about this book were the numerous plot twists subtly included in the text – several of these verged on the jaw-dropping. Helen, NSW, 3 stars
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