Gripping, Twisty and Suspenseful: Read Our Review of The School Run by Ali Lowe

How far would you go to protect your children?

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, not just to save their families – but also their reputations?

Ali Lowe’s debut was the brilliant page-turner, The Trivia Night followed by equally thrilling The Running Club. Both novels were polished and compelling, so I was eagerly waiting to see what she’d deliver next. She’s hit the trifecta with The School Run. It’s a gripping page-turner full of secrets, lies and reveals you won’t see coming – think Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty meets Desperate Housewives, but with more twists and turns.

In the coastal town of Pacific Pines, we’re introduced to neighbours Kaya, Estella and Bec, three mothers desperate to get their sons accepted into a competitive institution by competing in their annual Gala Day. They’re all equally intriguing. You’ll laugh out loud as they deal with the ebbs and flows of Gala Day stresses: think poisoned chapel cakes, scrubbing chapel floors and how car parks can be a lead to the jackpot. But what lengths will they go to for their children?

When an ex-student is involved in an awful hit and run incident, Pacific Pines’ underbelly reveals cracks in the community. In true Ali Lowe fashion, when you think you know what’s coming next, you’re hit with twists and unexpected action at every turn of the page. Secrets, lies and unveiling carefully curated facades, no household is as perfect and flawless as they seem, from our three protagonists to the rest of this pristine community. Everyone is suspicious.

Layered, climactic and told in multiple POVs, Lowe tells this story at a pace that’s both engaging and thrilling. Each characters’ perspective and experience is unique yet so skilfully woven together and interconnected, making this a seamless read. You’ll connect with each of the three mothers, and will find yourself questioning, “Would I do this for my children?” and “Would I also go to these lengths?”. Immersive and compelling, you’ll be left pondering for days, about parenting, communities, love and unimaginable loss. Find a comfy spot to start this – you won’t move until you finish The School Run.

Buy a copy of The School Run here.