It begins as a normal school day, with Florence getting ready to drop off her son Dylan to school and is also avoiding conversations with the other mothers. She doesn’t like them probably just as much as they’re not too keen on her. Dylan is going on a field trip today, so he doesn’t want to be late, and he isn’t but only just. So Florence goes about her day getting an outfit together for her important meeting later which she hopes will be the re ignition of her pop career. Florence used to be in a girl group and dropped out dramatically, but that’s another story. So whilst out at the shops, she gets a load of notifications on the school group chat to hurry back to school, it is an emergency but nobody knows what’s happening. She hails a taxi and hurries back to the school. Once there she finds a literal roadblock of people. Parents media and apparently the police are on their way. So she barges her way in and finds Dylan in a toilet. She is stopped at the door but bypasses the teacher and makes her way home, with her son. Once there, she receives numerous calls where she finds out that Alfie, Dylan‘s nemesis at school, has gone missing on the school trip and Dylan was meant to be his partner during the trip. But it’s obvious that the teachers didn’t do the field trip 101, where you count heads going onto the coach because they didn’t realise Alfie was missing until they got back to school.

After finding Alfie‘s backpack in Dylan’s bedroom, Florence tries to go to the centre where the children went on their day trip to dump the bag. But she ends up taking it home after getting arrested and decide to team up with one of the other mums, who she called to pick her up at the police station, to try and solve the crime of what happened to Dylan.

It’s a long book necessarily so and Florence the protagonist seems to be a bit of a fruit cake. She’s very out there in her own head getting herself into all sorts when it wasn’t necessary. The book is well written though and I would recommend it as a light read.

All The Other Mothers Hate Me follows Florence who is a single mother to her son Dylan, age 10. She was in a girlband when she was younger but since then she’s just a broke American woman living in London. Dylan’s rival at school is Alfie and he ends up going missing on a school trip. Dylan is the number one suspect and Florence has to get her act together. The only unfortunate thing is that Alfie’s backpack is under Dylan’s bed.

This had a strong start but I did start to lose interest. I think I would have loved this if this was a different kind of story. I can’t say I loved the detective turn this took especially because I guessed what had happened to Alfie. That said this was enjoyable and I’m giving it 3 stars. I would recommend this to fans of mysteries but also fans of literary fiction that follows women who are a mess.

I couldn't put it down! A well-paced novel that kept me reading way past my bedtime.
Florence was in a girl band, but was kicked out before they got famous; now she wants to revive the career she almost had. But a 10 year old boy has gone missing on a school trip, and Dylan, her son, was the last person to see him alive. What lengths will Florence go to to protect her son?
Florence teams up with Jenny, an insurance lawyer and American looking to make a connection with someone who reminds her of home.
Florence is not exactly a likeable main character but you can't help rooting for her. She's the very definition of a 'hot mess'. There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, it kept me guessing until the end.

It feels weird to say that a book about the investigation into a missing 10 year old (where another 10 year old is the main suspect) was a bit of a light read for me after the multiple books about body horror I’ve read lately, but this book was a breath of fresh air. It follows a failed girl band member who doesn’t have much going on besides her 10 year old son, who is the aforementioned main suspect in his classmate’s disappearance. The story is fun, easy to read and funny. The main character is not very likeable in some respects, she’s not an especially responsible parent but she is a lot of fun. I really enjoyed this book.

All The Other Mothers Hate Me introduces readers to Florence Grimes, a thirty-one-year-old woman whose life is characterised by missed opportunities and a profound sense of dissatisfaction. After the ignominious end of her career in a girl band, Florence is left to navigate the challenges of single motherhood, surviving on minimal funds and struggling to find any sense of purpose—except for her son Dylan, the one bright spot in her otherwise dreary existence.

However, when Alfie Risby, the heir to a vast frozen-food empire and a persistent bully in Dylan’s class, goes missing during a school trip, the story takes an unexpected turn. Dylan quickly becomes the prime suspect, and Florence is forced to confront a situation that is impossible to walk away from. She must find Alfie and clear her son's name—while juggling the hostility of the other school mums and a creeping suspicion that Dylan may not be entirely blameless. Florence is forced to step up in a way she never has before, despite having no investigative experience or any real skills to handle such a situation.

This book is an easy, breezy read that doesn't require much mental exertion, which may appeal to readers looking for a light mystery with relatable characters. The story doesn’t delve too deeply into psychological complexities but instead provides an enjoyable, fast-paced narrative about a mother’s devotion to her son and her attempt to navigate the social minefield of school gate politics.

The charm of All The Other Mothers Hate Me lies in its likable and often relatable protagonist, Florence. While her flaws and insecurities are evident, it’s her determination to protect her son at all costs that makes her a compelling character. The real highlight, however, is Jenny, Florence’s quirky and loyal partner in crime. Jenny brings a refreshing energy to the story and provides much-needed comic relief, making her one of the standout characters of the book.

The mystery itself is decent, with a fair amount of intrigue and some twists that keep the pages turning. The resolution isn’t overly complex, but it serves the story well. While not a deeply thought-provoking read, the book succeeds in being a fun, entertaining escape.

If you're looking for a light-hearted mystery with a strong mother-son bond and a dash of humour, All The Other Mothers Hate Me is worth picking up. It’s the kind of story you can read in one sitting, and if you enjoy Florence’s antics, you’ll likely be eager to follow her on more adventures.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I have mixed feelings about this. I did enjoy it, but I found Flo really frustrating at points - even if I did feel for her, too. The resolution felt rushed as well. A decent read, but feel it could have been a better one.

* 3.5 stars

The start of this book definitely felt a bit slow, and I found it difficult to read about the main character Florence at first. Let's just say, there's definitely a reason why all the other mothers hate her. Despite being mostly unlikeable (in my opinion), you also can't help but keep reading grom her point of view.

The middle of the book was the slowest, but the last 100 pages or so were incredibly thrilling. Even having seen the "big bad guy" coming, I felt the ending was satisfying, as there was more to it than you would expect.

I also loved the very last chapter as we see what Dylan has most likely been up to, as he honestly was a bit suspicious throughout the book. Now we know why!

Overall this was fun and thrilling - exactly what one would expect from a book like this. I enjoyed it!

Thank you NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The main character, Flo, isn’t particularly likeable but as the book progresses we do see her softer, kinder side. I felt it was a good pace of book abd it kept you wondering what would happen next.

Unfortunately not for me, a bit of a strange thriller with a very unlikable main character. DNF at 30%

I feel like this is the next evolution of the Bella Mackie-esque narrative where a we have a new type of main character making all the wrong choices for mostly all the right reasons. Sharp, pacy, mildly infuriating.

Florence Grimes, single mum to 10 year old Dylan, doesn't much like her life so spends her time yearning for a future from her past, instead of making productive progress towards achieving it. But then Dylan's bully goes missing on a field trip and, when all the fingers are pointing at her precious son, Florence decides it's time to give a shit.

More 'thriller' than the cover suggests, her investigation throws up more questions than answers and is enough to keep a reader hooked. But the best bit about the investigation is that we get to meet Jenny, Florence's new friend and co-investigator. Straight-talking and voice of the reader, scenes with Jenny are a breath of fresh air - she gives Florence the reality checks that I so desperately wanted to give her myself.

There's no denying that this is a book packed with content. A relentless pace, some interesting characters and a central mystery to keep you curious. I can see why Florence as a character will divide people but I am excited to see where this type of book will go next.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would when I initially started reading it, as Florence isn't the most likeable character! Although I was intrigued by the plot and its various turns, I still didn't find myself warming to Florence at all - I don't think there were any redeeming qualities about her, even with the plot arc. I think that's why I found it hard to give this more than three stars: it had a good storyline with some good twists, but the ending felt a tiny bit contrived. It's a very well-written story, but unfortunately I just found Florence so unlikeable (although I appreciate she's supposed to come across as irresponsible and hard to like at times) that I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.

I had so much fun with this book! It was fast paced and kept me guessing throughout. Florence is definitely unlikeable but for some reason, I just kept rooting for her and her bad decision making. It had a humour aspect to it which was so welcome and I enjoyed how everything played out. SO glad this was one of my final reads of 2024!

I thought I’d love this but I’m afraid I found it irritating, I wasn’t a fan of ‘ditzy’ Flo who is 31 and spends all day chasing a failed pop star dream, or watching mindless telly. She was surrounded by too many enablers and people who covered for her.
The central story of a missing 10 year old is overshadowed by Flo’s own drama.
Not for me.

This thriller is absolutely fantastic, with a gripping plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The twists and turns were expertly woven, making it impossible to put the book down. Every chapter ramped up the tension, leading to a truly unforgettable conclusion. One to look out for!

All the Other Mothers Hate Me is a captivating and well-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story skillfully weaves tension and suspense, with each twist and turn keeping you guessing about what will happen next.

The mystery at its core makes for a fun and engaging read, as the suspense builds steadily, drawing you deeper into the complex world of its characters. This book is a thrilling, page-turning experience, perfect for those who enjoy a gripping, unpredictable plot with plenty of surprises along the way.

4/5 Stars

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Enjoyable mystery read. To start off I wasn’t sure whether the book was right for me but as the plot developed 8 was hooked. Couldn’t put down my kindle, I just wanted to know how the story was going to end. And the plot twist at the end? Amazing!

I found the dialogue at the start of the book a bit off putting but as I read along I realised it was how it was mean to come across (and it was way better by 25% into the book. Really enjoyed the character development and the tension that rose up throughout the storyline. Very good descriptions throughout the read without too much unnecessary details.

The book definitely exceeded my initial expectations.

From the cover, I expected this to be chick-lit so was pleasantly surprised that the book had a more serious side. When a child goes missing on a school trip, Florence is concerned that the finger will be pointed at her son, Dylan. Neither she nor Dylan have been accepted by the school community so she is determined to find out what happened. This was a deliciously funny read, yet well-plotted. The characters jumped off the page. A great, light-hearted read which will keep you entertained.

This really surprised me. I started it because, although I’m way past the mums-at-the-school-gates phase, it sounded like the book version of Motherland which I love. I did wonder if I was going to get on with it at the beginning but after the first chapter it turned into a madcap crime caper with a brilliantly compromised heroine and had me so hooked that I stayed up late to finish it.
Florence is a hot mess: ex girl-group member who never quite made the big time, she doesn’t fit in with the other mums at her son’s exclusive prep school and he is a bit of a misfit too. When his nemesis goes missing on a school trip she is terrified he has something to do with it and thus begins a chaotic, catty and wholly inappropriate ‘investigation’ to try and exonerate him. Florence is not a good person: she’s selfish and thoughtless, she lies, drinks and cheats her way through life but she really really loves her son and you gradually find out why she might have turned out the way she has. The triumph of this book is that you are still rooting for Florence, in spite of her bad behaviour. And although the kidnap of a child is a terrible thing, Harman still manages to make this a comedy.
I don’t usually read this sort of book so it’s hard to find comparisons but I’d say it has the wit and chaos of Bridget Jones, the dark humour of Bella Mackie and the relatability of Nell Frizzell.
I’m delighted to see that it is being adapted for Netflix because I think Florence is a brilliant character and the right actor will have great fun with all her contradictions. I'll post a review on this in the New Year close to the release date.

Sarah Harman’s All The Other Mothers Hate Me is a sharp and compelling dive into the unspoken tensions of modern motherhood and the social dynamics of school communities. With biting wit and astute observations, Harman explores the life of Florence, a mother trying to navigate the cliques, judgments, and whispered rivalries among the seemingly perfect parents at her son’s school.

What sets this book apart is its blend of humor and pathos. Harman’s portrayal of Florence’s insecurities and resilience is both relatable and deeply human. The pacing is brisk, and the characters—though sometimes exaggerated for comedic effect—feel authentic. Harman masterfully balances satire with moments of genuine emotion, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7076642690

I enjoyed this book and breezed through it in a couple of days. As others have said, I can see why the other mothers hate Florence (the narrator) - she's an absolute shocker. Selfish, thoughtless, childish - so although she's got a good line in biting wit, and is occasionally truly insightful about the joys and difficulties of being a mum, it's pretty tough to like her. The plot is fun, if a bit on the lightweight side. I'd say a good holiday read.

Thanks for the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.