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The School Gates
First comes gossip … then comes revenge
When single mum Lola Martinez’s son, Luca, starts school, she feels that she’ll never fit in with the yummy mummies in the playground. Confident, married to wealthy men, with ample free time, they are everything she isn’t.
However, Lola is invited into the inner circle, surrounded by seemingly friendly people, even if Lola’s silence about her child’s father puzzles them. Despite herself, Lola quickly becomes involved in playground politics, making as many enemies as friends.
But then Lola is brutally murdered, her death rocking the close-knit community. As the police investigate the case, they discover that Lola was hiding many secrets – as are the mums in her new social circle. But who had the most reason to kill her? And who else might unwittingly hold the answers to what happened that night?
When single mum Lola Martinez’s son, Luca, starts school, she feels that she’ll never fit in with the yummy mummies in the playground. Confident, married to wealthy men, with ample free time, they are everything she isn’t.
However, Lola is invited into the inner circle, surrounded by seemingly friendly people, even if Lola’s silence about her child’s father puzzles them. Despite herself, Lola quickly becomes involved in playground politics, making as many enemies as friends.
But then Lola is brutally murdered, her death rocking the close-knit community. As the police investigate the case, they discover that Lola was hiding many secrets – as are the mums in her new social circle. But who had the most reason to kill her? And who else might unwittingly hold the answers to what happened that night?
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2025
27 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Chaudhuri
18 books173 followersA.A. Chaudhuri is a former City lawyer turned thriller writer, born and raised in Portsmouth, but who now lives in Surrey with her family. Once a highly ranked British junior tennis player, competing in the national championships and a member of the national squad, she went on to tour the women’s professional satellite circuit as a teenager and achieved a world ranking of 650.
THE SCRIBE (republished in October 2024 as THE LAWYER) and THE ABDUCTION (republished in February 2025 as THE PARTNER), published by LUME BOOKS in July and December 2019, are her first crime book series, plunging readers into London’s glamorous legal world and featuring series’ heroine, Maddy Kramer, fiction’s first female City lawyer amateur sleuth, who teams up with charismatic DCI Jake Carver to solve a gruesome series of murders and a puzzling abduction. THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION were published as audio books by Isis Audio on 1st January and 1st March 2021, both read by David Thorpe.
She has also contributed an original short story THE ENCOUNTER to crime anthology GIVEN IN EVIDENCE published by LUME BOOKS in May 2020, has written many articles and short stories for The Crime Writers’ Association.
Her first psychological thriller with HERA BOOKS, SHE’S MINE, was published in e-book, paperback and audio in August 2021, the second, THE LOYAL FRIEND, was published in all three formats in June 2022 and published in the USA by Canelo US on 20th June 2023. Her third, THE FINAL PARTY, was published in e-book and paperback on May 25th 2023. and released in audiobook on 1st February 2024.
Her fourth psychological thriller - UNDER HER ROOF - was released in e-book, paperback and audio on 13th June 2024. THE SCHOOL GATES will be published on 5th June 2025.
Besides being an avid reader, she enjoys fitness, films, anything Italian and a good margarita!
All of Alex's books have achieved bestseller status on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Australia and Amazon Canada.
Twitter: A.A. Chaudhuri (@AAChaudhuri) / Twitter
Facebook: A.A. Chaudhuri | Facebook
Instagram: A.A. Chaudhuri (Author) (@a.a.chaudhuri) • Instagram photos and videos
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TikTok: A.A. Chaudhuri (@alexchaudhuri0923) | TikTok
LinkedIn: A.A. Chaudhuri | LinkedIn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 26, 2025
Wow! I could not put The School Gates down when I started reading. Alex has created a tense, twisty thriller where just about everyone is a suspect - and even the people who aren't guilty still have something to hide.
This is the story of young single mum Lola, who, on her son's first day of school, gets folded into a group of less-than-yummy mummies. School gate gossip is real, but this group of women take things to the extreme. Lola has a true friend in the group in Simone, but the rest of them she keeps at arm's length - for good reason.
None of them seem to particularly like Lola, and when she turns up dead after a parents' night out, any one of them could be to blame.
The School Gates is told from two perspectives: from the detective investigating Lola's death in the present day, and from Lola herself, spanning a year or so up to her death. Both will have you gripped to your seat, and each perspective is layered together in just the right way to drip feed you new information. This is a book that will keep you guessing, and even if you have an inkling who the killer might be early on, I bet you can't figure out why.
After reading this, I'm eager to read more of Chaudhuri's books. This is fast paced, easy to read, and the type of thriller that never lets up. There are no dull, slow moments - everything Alex has written here adds to the story and its tension. It's so deliciously moreish, even when you're reading about the characters you hate.
One thing is for sure, though: I'm so glad I don't have to deal with the school run and those playground politics. Turns out they can be deadly.
This is the story of young single mum Lola, who, on her son's first day of school, gets folded into a group of less-than-yummy mummies. School gate gossip is real, but this group of women take things to the extreme. Lola has a true friend in the group in Simone, but the rest of them she keeps at arm's length - for good reason.
None of them seem to particularly like Lola, and when she turns up dead after a parents' night out, any one of them could be to blame.
The School Gates is told from two perspectives: from the detective investigating Lola's death in the present day, and from Lola herself, spanning a year or so up to her death. Both will have you gripped to your seat, and each perspective is layered together in just the right way to drip feed you new information. This is a book that will keep you guessing, and even if you have an inkling who the killer might be early on, I bet you can't figure out why.
After reading this, I'm eager to read more of Chaudhuri's books. This is fast paced, easy to read, and the type of thriller that never lets up. There are no dull, slow moments - everything Alex has written here adds to the story and its tension. It's so deliciously moreish, even when you're reading about the characters you hate.
One thing is for sure, though: I'm so glad I don't have to deal with the school run and those playground politics. Turns out they can be deadly.
May 18, 2025
Publication Date: 5th June, 2025
3,5 stars.
Get ready for some twisted turns as you go through 'The School Gates.'
Told in alternating storylines in the past and present and narrated by two main characters, the story takes readers on a wild ride through suburban England. Lola Martinez has had a rocky last few years, but has started over in hopes of providing a better life for her son, Luca. As such, she has moved to a quiet neighbourhood with a good school, determined to make the best of it. The first step in completing this - getting in good with the other mothers who drop off their children at the school gates. However, she doesn't have much in common with all the other 'yummy mummies' as she is younger and a single parent. Coupled with this are her insecurities and idiosyncrasies, which all eventually create a lot of tension and issues amongst them. When she is brutally murdered, it falls upon Detective Inspector John Banner to uproot the reasons why.
It's rare to find a mystery novel where one of the main characters, especially one who narrates a large part of it, is murdered at the beginning. It allowed for a different feeling, as I don't read many books from that perspective, which immediately made it stand out to me.
I also really liked how the flashback technique was used. This is oftentimes over utilised by authors, but A. A. Chaudhuri knows her stuff! Interspersed between the two narrators, we got the same information, but with layers and nuances that neither knew.
My biggest issue here was the length of the book. I found it to be overly wordy and descriptive at times - for instance, as seen here:
"Quietly, I unwrap myself from the duvet and tread softly to the door. I haul on my dressing gown, which is hanging on a hook, before securing the belt firmly around my waist and creeping out of the room."
In my humble opinion, this felt like so much filler information, and there were a lot of rambling sentences like this. The plot could have been wrapped up in less time, and I think that would have allowed for me enjoying it more.
This was my first time reading anything from this author, however, it won't be the last. While it wasn't perfect, I did like this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy mystery with a twist!
*A great many thanks to Hera Books, A. A. Chaudhuri, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
3,5 stars.
Get ready for some twisted turns as you go through 'The School Gates.'
Told in alternating storylines in the past and present and narrated by two main characters, the story takes readers on a wild ride through suburban England. Lola Martinez has had a rocky last few years, but has started over in hopes of providing a better life for her son, Luca. As such, she has moved to a quiet neighbourhood with a good school, determined to make the best of it. The first step in completing this - getting in good with the other mothers who drop off their children at the school gates. However, she doesn't have much in common with all the other 'yummy mummies' as she is younger and a single parent. Coupled with this are her insecurities and idiosyncrasies, which all eventually create a lot of tension and issues amongst them. When she is brutally murdered, it falls upon Detective Inspector John Banner to uproot the reasons why.
It's rare to find a mystery novel where one of the main characters, especially one who narrates a large part of it, is murdered at the beginning. It allowed for a different feeling, as I don't read many books from that perspective, which immediately made it stand out to me.
I also really liked how the flashback technique was used. This is oftentimes over utilised by authors, but A. A. Chaudhuri knows her stuff! Interspersed between the two narrators, we got the same information, but with layers and nuances that neither knew.
My biggest issue here was the length of the book. I found it to be overly wordy and descriptive at times - for instance, as seen here:
"Quietly, I unwrap myself from the duvet and tread softly to the door. I haul on my dressing gown, which is hanging on a hook, before securing the belt firmly around my waist and creeping out of the room."
In my humble opinion, this felt like so much filler information, and there were a lot of rambling sentences like this. The plot could have been wrapped up in less time, and I think that would have allowed for me enjoying it more.
This was my first time reading anything from this author, however, it won't be the last. While it wasn't perfect, I did like this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy mystery with a twist!
*A great many thanks to Hera Books, A. A. Chaudhuri, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
June 27, 2025
A.A. Chaudhuri is a master at making me suspicious of just about every single character in her novels. That said, some of the plot lines and twists I immediately caught on to, but there were still plenty that surprised me. The amount of toxic relationships in this has me feeling queasy. And honestly? I just want to adopt Lola’s son and parents, even though they are fictional characters. I’ll take care of them 😭😭 overall, a good twisty thriller with a grown up mean girls vibe.
Lola has a lot of secrets. Ones that she can’t tell anyone. Not even her parents. They bought her story about how Luca’s father died in a car accident and she needed a clean break, including moving far away and changing her name. But someone knows her secrets. They are threatening not only her, but her parents and son’s lives. At the same time her clique of mommy friends from her son’s school start ignoring her, did they find out something? Rushing home after a text threatening Luca, she realized too late who was behind it all.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Lola has a lot of secrets. Ones that she can’t tell anyone. Not even her parents. They bought her story about how Luca’s father died in a car accident and she needed a clean break, including moving far away and changing her name. But someone knows her secrets. They are threatening not only her, but her parents and son’s lives. At the same time her clique of mommy friends from her son’s school start ignoring her, did they find out something? Rushing home after a text threatening Luca, she realized too late who was behind it all.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
June 4, 2025
When her son, Luca, starts school, single mum, Lola, feels like she will never fit in with the other mums at the school gates. She’s nothing like these confident ‘yummy mummies’ with their perfect husbands, big houses and ample free time. Somehow, she’s invited into their inner circle, and at first they appear friendly. But soon Lola finds herself embroiled in playground politics and her new friends become enemies. Then one night, on her way home from the annual parents Christmas party, Lola is brutally murdered and the police discover that Lola and her friends have been keeping secrets. Are these secrets the key to unmasking who killed Lola and why?
Anyone with kids knows the minefield that is the school gates, playground politics and mum friends. In her latest superb thriller, A. A. Chaudhuri takes that familiar everyday situation and turns it into a nightmare. Perfectly capturing the tricky dynamics of the playground and that group who rule the school, these women are instantly recognisable. And if you thought you disliked them before Lola died, that was nothing compared to how despicable and unlikeable they became after her death. I was raging at their attitudes and felt sure that at least one of them knew the truth about her murder.
Masterfully written, psychologically rich and unbearably tense, this is a heart-stopping thriller. Alex just gets better with each book! I was in the palm of her hand as she spun the threads of this disturbing story to suspenseful perfection, cleverly concealing the truth in plain sight. The air was thick with secrets and a cloud of suspicion hung over everyone as the police tried to get to the truth about Lola’s murder. I held on for dear life, on the edge of my sea and turning the pages ferociously. And every time I thought I knew the full story…BAM! Another twist pulled the rug from under me and changed everything. And what twists they were! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so devastated and emotionally wrecked by a reveal as I did with this book. Alex, how could you do that to me?!
The story is told by two narrators in dual timelines. First we have Lola who narrates in the present on the night of her murder and then switches to telling her story through flashbacks. A complicated character, Lola is a devoted single mum, has a lot of strength but she’s also a complete wreck. There’s a constant malevolent presence from the traumatic event in her past that’s left her living in fear and with a sense of isolation, even when she’s surrounded by people. She’s forced to keep what happened a secret in order to protect those she loves but is always looking over her shoulder. Her anxiety is palpable and the flashbacks are a ticking timebomb of sheer dread as they count down to her murder. Our other narrator, Detective Inspector John Banner, is a relatable and likeable character. You can feel the emotional toll the case is taking on him and his chapters are full of tension as he determinedly tries to solve the crime.
Deliciously dark, jaw-droppingly tense and unputdownable, this is a must-read for any thriller fan.
Anyone with kids knows the minefield that is the school gates, playground politics and mum friends. In her latest superb thriller, A. A. Chaudhuri takes that familiar everyday situation and turns it into a nightmare. Perfectly capturing the tricky dynamics of the playground and that group who rule the school, these women are instantly recognisable. And if you thought you disliked them before Lola died, that was nothing compared to how despicable and unlikeable they became after her death. I was raging at their attitudes and felt sure that at least one of them knew the truth about her murder.
Masterfully written, psychologically rich and unbearably tense, this is a heart-stopping thriller. Alex just gets better with each book! I was in the palm of her hand as she spun the threads of this disturbing story to suspenseful perfection, cleverly concealing the truth in plain sight. The air was thick with secrets and a cloud of suspicion hung over everyone as the police tried to get to the truth about Lola’s murder. I held on for dear life, on the edge of my sea and turning the pages ferociously. And every time I thought I knew the full story…BAM! Another twist pulled the rug from under me and changed everything. And what twists they were! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so devastated and emotionally wrecked by a reveal as I did with this book. Alex, how could you do that to me?!
The story is told by two narrators in dual timelines. First we have Lola who narrates in the present on the night of her murder and then switches to telling her story through flashbacks. A complicated character, Lola is a devoted single mum, has a lot of strength but she’s also a complete wreck. There’s a constant malevolent presence from the traumatic event in her past that’s left her living in fear and with a sense of isolation, even when she’s surrounded by people. She’s forced to keep what happened a secret in order to protect those she loves but is always looking over her shoulder. Her anxiety is palpable and the flashbacks are a ticking timebomb of sheer dread as they count down to her murder. Our other narrator, Detective Inspector John Banner, is a relatable and likeable character. You can feel the emotional toll the case is taking on him and his chapters are full of tension as he determinedly tries to solve the crime.
Deliciously dark, jaw-droppingly tense and unputdownable, this is a must-read for any thriller fan.
May 4, 2025
Book review ✨
The school gates by AA Chaudhuri
I was so excited to get accepted to read AA Chaudhuri’s new book before release day! I have been so excited to read this one.
Lola, single mum of 1 find herself making new friends with a group of parents at the school gates. Everything’s going well until the other mums start giving Lola the cold shoulder. Lola has been keeping secrets and hiding her true self to her new friends and it’s not until Lola’s body is found on her way home from the Christmas party that secrets unfold.
You never fail to disappoint me AA Chaudhuri. One minute I’m sure I’ve cracked it and know exactly who the murderer is, but no, wrong again! I really enjoyed how this book was written from DCI banners investigations into the murder and Lola’s last events and interactions with the friends before she died finding out juicy gossip along the way. I absolutely loved reading this murder mystery and cannot wait to read more of your books. The twist was fantastic!! And then… another twist 😂 brilliant!
Would definitely recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars from me.
Available to buy 5th June 2025
Or preorder now.
The school gates by AA Chaudhuri
I was so excited to get accepted to read AA Chaudhuri’s new book before release day! I have been so excited to read this one.
Lola, single mum of 1 find herself making new friends with a group of parents at the school gates. Everything’s going well until the other mums start giving Lola the cold shoulder. Lola has been keeping secrets and hiding her true self to her new friends and it’s not until Lola’s body is found on her way home from the Christmas party that secrets unfold.
You never fail to disappoint me AA Chaudhuri. One minute I’m sure I’ve cracked it and know exactly who the murderer is, but no, wrong again! I really enjoyed how this book was written from DCI banners investigations into the murder and Lola’s last events and interactions with the friends before she died finding out juicy gossip along the way. I absolutely loved reading this murder mystery and cannot wait to read more of your books. The twist was fantastic!! And then… another twist 😂 brilliant!
Would definitely recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars from me.
Available to buy 5th June 2025
Or preorder now.
June 21, 2025
The story follows Lola, who has moved with her young son Luca to a new area and changed her name. It is clear from the outset that she is running from something in her past. However, Lola embraces her new life and makes friends with the other parents from the school Gates. But with friends like these who needs enemies? Soon, Lola is killed, but who would want the young mum dead?
This had lots of twists and turns with some shocking revelations and there are plenty of characters who could have been the culprit. I liked how the story jumped around in timeline and pov as I felt it added to the tension.
It is well written, nicely paced, and had me turning the pages. I also liked how the killer was revealed and the way everything came together in the end.
If you enjoy a tense thriller/crime read, I highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
This had lots of twists and turns with some shocking revelations and there are plenty of characters who could have been the culprit. I liked how the story jumped around in timeline and pov as I felt it added to the tension.
It is well written, nicely paced, and had me turning the pages. I also liked how the killer was revealed and the way everything came together in the end.
If you enjoy a tense thriller/crime read, I highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
June 19, 2025
I loved this!!! Alex has definitely hit on a winning thriller combination. Secrets plus lies plus a plethora of twisty curve balls.
The cover is great! The woman standing at the school gates in a yellow gives nothing away. Even the tagline is cryptic. It drew me in straight away.
The book is so beautifully written and flows nicely. Descriptions and visuals are so effective. I was on edge the entire time! I devoured the book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.
The characters were fantastic! They all had their own secrets and lies. It was impossible to figure out who the murder was!! There so many red herrings with this lot!
I can't recommend this enough. I absolutely adore Alex and her writing. She's a super talented author. Please check her out!
The cover is great! The woman standing at the school gates in a yellow gives nothing away. Even the tagline is cryptic. It drew me in straight away.
The book is so beautifully written and flows nicely. Descriptions and visuals are so effective. I was on edge the entire time! I devoured the book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.
The characters were fantastic! They all had their own secrets and lies. It was impossible to figure out who the murder was!! There so many red herrings with this lot!
I can't recommend this enough. I absolutely adore Alex and her writing. She's a super talented author. Please check her out!
June 27, 2025
First comes gossip … then comes revenge.
A story that unfolds through multiple perspectives with the past and present fused together. This book was a definite page turner and one I literally had to read in one sitting. I genuinely thought I had it figured out until the massive twist! I love a good thriller but especially those where you are completely blindsided!
The characters were a bunch of people you just cannot like, which is down to how expertly they are written. Except for a few that you cannot help but love!
I definitely reccomend this if you like a good murder mystery with a bunch of suspects! 😍🤔👀
A story that unfolds through multiple perspectives with the past and present fused together. This book was a definite page turner and one I literally had to read in one sitting. I genuinely thought I had it figured out until the massive twist! I love a good thriller but especially those where you are completely blindsided!
The characters were a bunch of people you just cannot like, which is down to how expertly they are written. Except for a few that you cannot help but love!
I definitely reccomend this if you like a good murder mystery with a bunch of suspects! 😍🤔👀
June 19, 2025
Lola is a single mom. Her son, Luca, starts at a new school, filled with preppy moms. Lola is pretty sure she will never fit in with these wealthy and gossipy women. However, Lola makes her way into the inner circle of women, befriending some and making enemies of others. When Lola is brutally murdered, questions arise = what secrets was Lola hiding? What secrets were the playground moms hiding? And who wanted Lola dead?
Okayyy, this was a really crazy ride! I loved all the twists and turns and well=thought out plot. This book was different in the sense that we know right away that Lola is murdered. And the rest of the book alternates between the events leading up to Lola's murder (told from Lola's POV) and the lead detective investigating Lola's murder. I thought this was a really cool and unique way to tell the story. So many great secrets and twists in the past and present!
The School Gates is clever, shocking, and scandalous. It is filled with well-developed, multi-layered characters. Definitely a must read for my fellow thriller lovers! And my fave AA Chaudhuri book to date!
Thank you Hera Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okayyy, this was a really crazy ride! I loved all the twists and turns and well=thought out plot. This book was different in the sense that we know right away that Lola is murdered. And the rest of the book alternates between the events leading up to Lola's murder (told from Lola's POV) and the lead detective investigating Lola's murder. I thought this was a really cool and unique way to tell the story. So many great secrets and twists in the past and present!
The School Gates is clever, shocking, and scandalous. It is filled with well-developed, multi-layered characters. Definitely a must read for my fellow thriller lovers! And my fave AA Chaudhuri book to date!
Thank you Hera Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2026
4.25 ☆'s
I first seen this book as a recommendation on Bookstagram last year. The title and cover had me intrigued, with the recommendation cementing it's place on the tbr list.
This is my first book by the author but I know it won't be the last. It soon lured me in and after only a few chapters I knew I'd found a new author to enjoy. As a parent I found the school playground politics very realistic and I could relate to Lola's feelings of not fitting in.
I really enjoyed the split chapters, with POV from the Detective on the case, and from Lola in the past. As the case progresses towards the end we also had chapters from some of the other main characters too.
I did have my suspicions early on about who 'Tracey' was, which turn out to be true, however there were so many other twists and shocking reveals that it didn't spoil it for me. Perfect for fans of twisty psychological thrillers!
I first seen this book as a recommendation on Bookstagram last year. The title and cover had me intrigued, with the recommendation cementing it's place on the tbr list.
This is my first book by the author but I know it won't be the last. It soon lured me in and after only a few chapters I knew I'd found a new author to enjoy. As a parent I found the school playground politics very realistic and I could relate to Lola's feelings of not fitting in.
I really enjoyed the split chapters, with POV from the Detective on the case, and from Lola in the past. As the case progresses towards the end we also had chapters from some of the other main characters too.
I did have my suspicions early on about who 'Tracey' was, which turn out to be true, however there were so many other twists and shocking reveals that it didn't spoil it for me. Perfect for fans of twisty psychological thrillers!
June 1, 2025
When Lola leaves a late-night gathering and decides to cut through the park, she has no idea it's the last walk she’ll ever take.
While the pacing occasionally drags in the early chapters — this book plays the long game. As detectives dig into the case, peeling back the final months of Lola’s life, each discovery adds a new layer of tension. Just when I thought I'd figured it out, another secret cracked open.
Unexpected twists and mysterious, a great read for A. A. Chaudhuri fans.
While the pacing occasionally drags in the early chapters — this book plays the long game. As detectives dig into the case, peeling back the final months of Lola’s life, each discovery adds a new layer of tension. Just when I thought I'd figured it out, another secret cracked open.
Unexpected twists and mysterious, a great read for A. A. Chaudhuri fans.
June 5, 2025
Devoted single mum Lola Martinez cannot help but be nervous amongst all the yummy-mummies in the primary school playground on her son Luca's first day in Reception at St Xavier's, in leafy Kingston-upon-Thames. Lola is worried she will never fit in with these confident, affluent women, so she is delighted when she finds herself being invited to join the most desirable clique of them all.
But being part of this inner circle soon has Lola out of her depth. Navigating the complex rules of playground politics while keeping the truth about her past hidden from their prying eyes is a nightmare. Unguarded moments result in secrets being spilled, and as tongues begin to wag, friends become enemies...
When Lola is brutally murdered after events turn ugly at the class Christmas party, it falls to DI Banner to discover if one of these vengeful mums has it within them to be a murderer.
This twisty new thriller from A.A. Chaudhuri sees her returning to the format of slick ensemble piece, that plays out in a very familiar setting - the clique-riven, rumour-mill-fuelled crowd that rocks up to the primary school gates.
Thruming with a delicious Mean Girls vibe, Chaudhuri inserts anxious single mum Lola into a group of seriously complicated women, and tells the story of her demise, flipping back and forth between the times before and after her murder. Lola's voice (through her first person narrative, and the transcripts of conversations she has in an on-line forum with a mysterious character called 'Tracy') blends with alternative accounts of events from multiple perspectives, and vivid flashbacks to moments where shocking secrets are revealed.
The plot thickens with parallel threads around Lola's murder, all manner of domestic dramas, and the actions of a rapist stalking Britain's college campuses. Luckily, you have canny DI Banner (truly a rose amongst entitled thorns) to help you solve this many-layered mystery. Banner is adept at feeling out the cracks and cover-ups in the testimonies of the other mums and their partners... and blowing their lies wide open.
As usual with a Chaudhuri thriller, she has a ball plumbing the psychological depths of her characters, especially when it comes to seething jealousy, creepy obsession, and back-stabbing betrayal. She misleads and misdirects with skill, and then hits you broadside with an orgy of twists, and you will love every single second. She explores weighty themes along the way too, delving into the way the secrets we keep shape our lives, make us vulnerable to the manipulation of others, and can feed a desire to manipulate in turn.
A page-turner to be consumed in a single tasty bite!
But being part of this inner circle soon has Lola out of her depth. Navigating the complex rules of playground politics while keeping the truth about her past hidden from their prying eyes is a nightmare. Unguarded moments result in secrets being spilled, and as tongues begin to wag, friends become enemies...
When Lola is brutally murdered after events turn ugly at the class Christmas party, it falls to DI Banner to discover if one of these vengeful mums has it within them to be a murderer.
This twisty new thriller from A.A. Chaudhuri sees her returning to the format of slick ensemble piece, that plays out in a very familiar setting - the clique-riven, rumour-mill-fuelled crowd that rocks up to the primary school gates.
Thruming with a delicious Mean Girls vibe, Chaudhuri inserts anxious single mum Lola into a group of seriously complicated women, and tells the story of her demise, flipping back and forth between the times before and after her murder. Lola's voice (through her first person narrative, and the transcripts of conversations she has in an on-line forum with a mysterious character called 'Tracy') blends with alternative accounts of events from multiple perspectives, and vivid flashbacks to moments where shocking secrets are revealed.
The plot thickens with parallel threads around Lola's murder, all manner of domestic dramas, and the actions of a rapist stalking Britain's college campuses. Luckily, you have canny DI Banner (truly a rose amongst entitled thorns) to help you solve this many-layered mystery. Banner is adept at feeling out the cracks and cover-ups in the testimonies of the other mums and their partners... and blowing their lies wide open.
As usual with a Chaudhuri thriller, she has a ball plumbing the psychological depths of her characters, especially when it comes to seething jealousy, creepy obsession, and back-stabbing betrayal. She misleads and misdirects with skill, and then hits you broadside with an orgy of twists, and you will love every single second. She explores weighty themes along the way too, delving into the way the secrets we keep shape our lives, make us vulnerable to the manipulation of others, and can feed a desire to manipulate in turn.
A page-turner to be consumed in a single tasty bite!
August 23, 2025
📖 Book Review: The School Gates by A.A. Chaudhuri
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
When her son Luca starts school, single mum Lola knows she’ll never fit in with the glamorous, confident mums at the school gates—the ones with big houses, perfect husbands, and plenty of free time. But when she’s unexpectedly welcomed into their inner circle, Lola begins to realize that playground politics can be just as ruthless as high school cliques. And then one night, after the annual parents’ Christmas party, Lola is brutally murdered. Suddenly, every mum has a secret, and every secret could be the key to uncovering who killed her—and why.
I loved this book! A.A. Chaudhuri has taken something so relatable—school-gate drama, gossip, and mum-cliques—and turned it into a deliciously dark thriller that’s impossible to put down. The atmosphere is pitch-perfect: the cattiness, the cold shoulders, the unspoken rules of friendship, all woven into a tense mystery that had me raging at some of the characters’ despicable attitudes while eagerly trying to piece together the truth.
The dual timeline worked brilliantly here. Lola narrates her story through the events leading up to her death, and her voice is raw, complex, and haunted by a past trauma that has left her constantly looking over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector John Banner’s chapters bring the intensity of the investigation, grounding the narrative with his determination and humanity. Both perspectives were compelling and balanced the story beautifully.
And the twists… oh, the twists! Just when I thought I had it figured out, another reveal came along that completely pulled the rug out from under me. Some of them were devastating and genuinely shocking—Alex masterfully hides the truth in plain sight, only to spring it on you at the perfect moment.
The writing is sharp, suspenseful, and beautifully descriptive. The characters—love them or hate them—are brilliantly fleshed out, with every single one hiding secrets and lies. The pacing is spot-on too; I devoured the book in one sitting because I had to know who was behind Lola’s murder.
If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers filled with secrets, lies, and jaw-dropping twists, The School Gates is a must-read. Clever, shocking, scandalous—and my favorite A.A. Chaudhuri book to date.
🙏 Huge thanks to NetGalley, Hera Books, and A.A. Chaudhuri for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
When her son Luca starts school, single mum Lola knows she’ll never fit in with the glamorous, confident mums at the school gates—the ones with big houses, perfect husbands, and plenty of free time. But when she’s unexpectedly welcomed into their inner circle, Lola begins to realize that playground politics can be just as ruthless as high school cliques. And then one night, after the annual parents’ Christmas party, Lola is brutally murdered. Suddenly, every mum has a secret, and every secret could be the key to uncovering who killed her—and why.
I loved this book! A.A. Chaudhuri has taken something so relatable—school-gate drama, gossip, and mum-cliques—and turned it into a deliciously dark thriller that’s impossible to put down. The atmosphere is pitch-perfect: the cattiness, the cold shoulders, the unspoken rules of friendship, all woven into a tense mystery that had me raging at some of the characters’ despicable attitudes while eagerly trying to piece together the truth.
The dual timeline worked brilliantly here. Lola narrates her story through the events leading up to her death, and her voice is raw, complex, and haunted by a past trauma that has left her constantly looking over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector John Banner’s chapters bring the intensity of the investigation, grounding the narrative with his determination and humanity. Both perspectives were compelling and balanced the story beautifully.
And the twists… oh, the twists! Just when I thought I had it figured out, another reveal came along that completely pulled the rug out from under me. Some of them were devastating and genuinely shocking—Alex masterfully hides the truth in plain sight, only to spring it on you at the perfect moment.
The writing is sharp, suspenseful, and beautifully descriptive. The characters—love them or hate them—are brilliantly fleshed out, with every single one hiding secrets and lies. The pacing is spot-on too; I devoured the book in one sitting because I had to know who was behind Lola’s murder.
If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers filled with secrets, lies, and jaw-dropping twists, The School Gates is a must-read. Clever, shocking, scandalous—and my favorite A.A. Chaudhuri book to date.
🙏 Huge thanks to NetGalley, Hera Books, and A.A. Chaudhuri for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2026
When single mum Lola Martinez's son, Luca, starts school, she feels that she'll never fit in with the yummy mummies in the playground. Confident, married to wealthy men, with ample free time, they are everything she isn't.
However, Lola is invited into the inner circle, surrounded by seemingly friendly people, even if Lola's silence about her child's father puzzles them. Despite herself, Lola quickly becomes involved in playground politics, making as many enemies as friends.
This story is told in alternating storylines, past, present and the detective. And there are the chats she has with an online support website, a lady called Tracy. She’s Lola’s biggest support in her day-to-day life.
What I really like is that the story was told by Lola, but she is murdered early in the book and she’s still telling the story like she’s still there with you searching for her murderer. In the other narrative you read what happened in her past. Sometimes the present story ended by Lola telling the ladies something and then the next chapter, in the past, is continuing where the present stopped. So, you’re getting more background information in her not so rose coloured life. It made the whole story flow more instead of stopping and going back and forth.
Not all the ladies from the school run are that nice, you have your uber b*tch, Bianca, she’s really clear that she doesn’t like Lola and think she is not up to their standards. Thankfully Lola makes a best friend in Simone. I really liked it that she had at least one friend in this up-tide bunch of mothers.
Then there is Detective Inspector John Banner, a really nice compassionate character with a steady home base. He’s really involved in this case and wants to find the murderer.
Overall I really liked the way this story flows, and there are lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
This is my first A.A. Chaudhuri book, and I really liked it. I found out that she has written a lot of books. I’m definitely reading more of her books.
Sadly, her books aren’t translated into Dutch.
However, Lola is invited into the inner circle, surrounded by seemingly friendly people, even if Lola's silence about her child's father puzzles them. Despite herself, Lola quickly becomes involved in playground politics, making as many enemies as friends.
This story is told in alternating storylines, past, present and the detective. And there are the chats she has with an online support website, a lady called Tracy. She’s Lola’s biggest support in her day-to-day life.
What I really like is that the story was told by Lola, but she is murdered early in the book and she’s still telling the story like she’s still there with you searching for her murderer. In the other narrative you read what happened in her past. Sometimes the present story ended by Lola telling the ladies something and then the next chapter, in the past, is continuing where the present stopped. So, you’re getting more background information in her not so rose coloured life. It made the whole story flow more instead of stopping and going back and forth.
Not all the ladies from the school run are that nice, you have your uber b*tch, Bianca, she’s really clear that she doesn’t like Lola and think she is not up to their standards. Thankfully Lola makes a best friend in Simone. I really liked it that she had at least one friend in this up-tide bunch of mothers.
Then there is Detective Inspector John Banner, a really nice compassionate character with a steady home base. He’s really involved in this case and wants to find the murderer.
Overall I really liked the way this story flows, and there are lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
This is my first A.A. Chaudhuri book, and I really liked it. I found out that she has written a lot of books. I’m definitely reading more of her books.
Sadly, her books aren’t translated into Dutch.
June 13, 2025
The School Gates by A Choudhari is a police procedural with an extraordinary look at the victim’s last few weeks, interspersed amongst the investigative chapters. Elizabeth had been assaulted while at college. It nearly broke her. She broke off her relationship with Sean as she was terrified to tell him what had happened. Instead of seeing a counselor, she relied upon a person named Tracy who was part of a mental health chat online. Tracy gave good advice. She and her parents moved after the baby was born: Tracy’s advice. She changed her name to Lola: Tracy’s advice. She was frightened; the rapist had threatened her and her parents. Years later she enrolled Luca in school and became friendly with parents there. These women were not nice. It was all so normal and yet, all so frightening. Detective Inspector John Banner caught the case after Lola was murdered and he slowly put together a case using old fashioned police work and communication. It seemed to move so slowly but in reality it only took a week or so.
Lola was a beautiful young woman who had been manipulated in the worst possible ways. She loved her son and only wanted the best for him. She was too trusting while at the same time she trusted no one. A truly good character, well-written and sympathetic. Banner was a dedicated police officer who wanted nothing more than to root out evil-doers. He took it a step at a time, gathering evidence that painted a picture, until the last stroke was in place. This was a good mystery, kept me on my toes. It was full of complicated characters and interesting scenarios and plenty of misdirection. It looked at marriage at its worst, and at its best. The mystery was complicated and so very sad, in the end. A life taken for no reason, as they often are. This was a good read.
I was invited to read The School Gates by Hera Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HeraBooks #AAChoudhari #TheSchoolGates
Lola was a beautiful young woman who had been manipulated in the worst possible ways. She loved her son and only wanted the best for him. She was too trusting while at the same time she trusted no one. A truly good character, well-written and sympathetic. Banner was a dedicated police officer who wanted nothing more than to root out evil-doers. He took it a step at a time, gathering evidence that painted a picture, until the last stroke was in place. This was a good mystery, kept me on my toes. It was full of complicated characters and interesting scenarios and plenty of misdirection. It looked at marriage at its worst, and at its best. The mystery was complicated and so very sad, in the end. A life taken for no reason, as they often are. This was a good read.
I was invited to read The School Gates by Hera Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HeraBooks #AAChoudhari #TheSchoolGates
December 1, 2025
Thank you to Hera Books, A.A. Chaudhuri, and NetGalley for a copy of The School Gates in exchange for an honest review.
The School Gates opens with a devastating and unexpected tragedy that sets the tone for everything that follows. We meet Lola—a beautiful, young, overprotective mother who desperately wants to fit in with the other parents at the school gates. She’s warm, eager, and clearly trying to build a life where she and her daughter feel accepted. And then, just as quickly as we meet her, she’s gone. Her murder is shocking, and the loss of her voice so early in the story left a heaviness that lingers over every chapter.
Even though we never truly get to know Lola, the impact of her death ripples through the community in such a compelling way. The author does a wonderful job exploring how grief, guilt, and suspicion seep into the lives of the parents left behind. Each character felt real—flawed, vulnerable, and struggling in their own way—and getting to know them piece by piece was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The pacing is strong, slowly peeling back layers until you start to question everyone’s motives. I was hooked from the first chapter all the way to the final reveal. And the twist? Absolutely twisty, unexpected, and so cleverly placed. It wasn’t something I saw coming at all, but once it landed, everything clicked in such a satisfying way.
What surprised me most was how, after such a heartbreaking start, the book delivers an ending that feels incredibly sweet and hopeful. It’s rare for a story that begins in tragedy to close with such warmth, but A.A. Chaudhuri pulls it off beautifully.
This was my first book by this author, and I genuinely loved the writing, the characters, the emotional complexity, and the perfectly executed suspense. It won’t be my last.
The School Gates opens with a devastating and unexpected tragedy that sets the tone for everything that follows. We meet Lola—a beautiful, young, overprotective mother who desperately wants to fit in with the other parents at the school gates. She’s warm, eager, and clearly trying to build a life where she and her daughter feel accepted. And then, just as quickly as we meet her, she’s gone. Her murder is shocking, and the loss of her voice so early in the story left a heaviness that lingers over every chapter.
Even though we never truly get to know Lola, the impact of her death ripples through the community in such a compelling way. The author does a wonderful job exploring how grief, guilt, and suspicion seep into the lives of the parents left behind. Each character felt real—flawed, vulnerable, and struggling in their own way—and getting to know them piece by piece was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The pacing is strong, slowly peeling back layers until you start to question everyone’s motives. I was hooked from the first chapter all the way to the final reveal. And the twist? Absolutely twisty, unexpected, and so cleverly placed. It wasn’t something I saw coming at all, but once it landed, everything clicked in such a satisfying way.
What surprised me most was how, after such a heartbreaking start, the book delivers an ending that feels incredibly sweet and hopeful. It’s rare for a story that begins in tragedy to close with such warmth, but A.A. Chaudhuri pulls it off beautifully.
This was my first book by this author, and I genuinely loved the writing, the characters, the emotional complexity, and the perfectly executed suspense. It won’t be my last.
June 17, 2025
A.A. Chaudhuri has done it again with The School Gates, delivering a masterclass in psychological suspense that had me hooked from the first page to the jaw-dropping finale. As a huge fan of her previous novels, particularly She’s Mine and Under Her Roof, I had high expectations, and Chaudhuri exceeded them with this electrifying tale of secrets, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents of suburban life.
Set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of an elite school community, The School Gates weaves a complex web of intrigue where every character has something to hide. The story follows a group of parents whose lives unravel when a shocking incident at the school gates exposes long-buried truths. Chaudhuri’s knack for creating flawed, relatable characters shines here—each one is so vividly drawn that I felt like I was eavesdropping on their lives. The tension builds relentlessly, with twists that left me gasping and second-guessing every motive.
What I love most about Chaudhuri’s writing is her ability to blend heart-pounding suspense with sharp social commentary. In The School Gates, she dissects the pressures of parenthood, class dynamics, and the lengths people go to protect their perfect facades. The pacing is flawless, and the plot is layered with surprises that kept me up way past midnight, desperate to know what happens next.
This is Chaudhuri at her absolute best—clever, unpredictable, and utterly addictive. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on edge and deliver a knockout punch, The School Gates is a must-read. I’m already counting down to her next book!
Set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of an elite school community, The School Gates weaves a complex web of intrigue where every character has something to hide. The story follows a group of parents whose lives unravel when a shocking incident at the school gates exposes long-buried truths. Chaudhuri’s knack for creating flawed, relatable characters shines here—each one is so vividly drawn that I felt like I was eavesdropping on their lives. The tension builds relentlessly, with twists that left me gasping and second-guessing every motive.
What I love most about Chaudhuri’s writing is her ability to blend heart-pounding suspense with sharp social commentary. In The School Gates, she dissects the pressures of parenthood, class dynamics, and the lengths people go to protect their perfect facades. The pacing is flawless, and the plot is layered with surprises that kept me up way past midnight, desperate to know what happens next.
This is Chaudhuri at her absolute best—clever, unpredictable, and utterly addictive. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on edge and deliver a knockout punch, The School Gates is a must-read. I’m already counting down to her next book!
June 8, 2025
"First comes gossip... then comes revenge."
Single mom Lola Martinez feels like the other school moms are just on another level from her and she could never fit in. Starting over from her rocky past has been hard but her son Luca needs a better life. Upon moving to the new neighborhood, she quickly sees the hierarchy at the school gates when dropping Luca off. She doesn't have anything in common with these women so imagine her surprise when Lola is invited into the slot group. Unfortunately, Lola gets involved in the petty politics of the yummy mummies and for as many friends that she's making, she's also gaining enemies. Then when Lola is found brutally murdered and the police start to investigate it becomes clear that not only are the school moms hiding something, but Lola herself has her fair share of dark secrets.
This was such a twisty and compelling read! With a completely believable plot and tons of domestic suspense, this book had me on the edge of my seat! The pacing was perfect, with a steady buildup and a trail of revelations dropped throughout the narrative, this book was so easy to get sucked into. I like how the timeline shifted allowing the reader to put pieces of the puzzle together. I really enjoyed the originality of having the protagonist murdered in the beginning and then having the story go back to show how things ended up at that point. Overall I would definitely recommend for fans of twisty and suspenseful domestic thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley, A.A. Chaudhuri, and Hera Books for this ARC!! Publication date was June 5th 2025.
Single mom Lola Martinez feels like the other school moms are just on another level from her and she could never fit in. Starting over from her rocky past has been hard but her son Luca needs a better life. Upon moving to the new neighborhood, she quickly sees the hierarchy at the school gates when dropping Luca off. She doesn't have anything in common with these women so imagine her surprise when Lola is invited into the slot group. Unfortunately, Lola gets involved in the petty politics of the yummy mummies and for as many friends that she's making, she's also gaining enemies. Then when Lola is found brutally murdered and the police start to investigate it becomes clear that not only are the school moms hiding something, but Lola herself has her fair share of dark secrets.
This was such a twisty and compelling read! With a completely believable plot and tons of domestic suspense, this book had me on the edge of my seat! The pacing was perfect, with a steady buildup and a trail of revelations dropped throughout the narrative, this book was so easy to get sucked into. I like how the timeline shifted allowing the reader to put pieces of the puzzle together. I really enjoyed the originality of having the protagonist murdered in the beginning and then having the story go back to show how things ended up at that point. Overall I would definitely recommend for fans of twisty and suspenseful domestic thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley, A.A. Chaudhuri, and Hera Books for this ARC!! Publication date was June 5th 2025.
June 21, 2025
This is my second book by A.A. Chaudhuri, and she knows how to keep you turning pages well into the night!! I couldn't put this one down. It twisted and turned and I did NOT expect it to turn out the way it did!
Wow!! I was absolutely flabbergasted and floored by the outcome.
But, spoilers. We didn't get a lot of time to get to know Lola before she turns up murdered, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know her in flashbacks. I enjoyed her character. She represented a strong single mom, who was also realistically flawed. Also, as someone with anxiety, she really did bring some reliable anxiety rep to the table - including her dealing with stigma and reluctance to seek traditional treatment.
The other characters were an interesting mix. I enjoyed delving into the various lives, especially seeing their ultra wealthy lifestyles through the less keen eyes of the detective. It was a really timely lens through which to view these egregiously rich individuals.
I also really liked the detective. I'd love to see him again some time, if the author finds another story to tell with him. I enjoyed the dial POVs including his, and his slightly softer/more nuanced approach - seemingly influenced by his having a child of a similar age to the one Lola left behind - really added some depth to him.
I absolutely can't wait to see what the author writes next! And, it looks like there is some back catalogue I didn't know about in the meantime!!
Content Warnings: S3xual Assault, R@pe, Women Fighting/Dysfunctional Friendships, Psychological Torture, Mental Health Stigma, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Discussion of Abortion, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Possibly More.
Wow!! I was absolutely flabbergasted and floored by the outcome.
But, spoilers. We didn't get a lot of time to get to know Lola before she turns up murdered, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know her in flashbacks. I enjoyed her character. She represented a strong single mom, who was also realistically flawed. Also, as someone with anxiety, she really did bring some reliable anxiety rep to the table - including her dealing with stigma and reluctance to seek traditional treatment.
The other characters were an interesting mix. I enjoyed delving into the various lives, especially seeing their ultra wealthy lifestyles through the less keen eyes of the detective. It was a really timely lens through which to view these egregiously rich individuals.
I also really liked the detective. I'd love to see him again some time, if the author finds another story to tell with him. I enjoyed the dial POVs including his, and his slightly softer/more nuanced approach - seemingly influenced by his having a child of a similar age to the one Lola left behind - really added some depth to him.
I absolutely can't wait to see what the author writes next! And, it looks like there is some back catalogue I didn't know about in the meantime!!
Content Warnings: S3xual Assault, R@pe, Women Fighting/Dysfunctional Friendships, Psychological Torture, Mental Health Stigma, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Discussion of Abortion, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Possibly More.
June 10, 2025
This is a gripping thriller set around the all too familiar world of playground politics, full of twists and misdirection.
Single mother Lola is nervous when her son Luca starts primary school, worried how she will fit in with the “yummy mummies” in affluent Surrey. To her surprise she finds herself welcomed and soon is very much part of one of the mummy cliques.
But staying friends with this complicated group of women proves a challenge, particularly as Lola is harbouring a past she wants to keep hidden in order to protect her son. Relationships fray and when it all comes to a head at the class Christmas party, Lola leaves early but never makes it home and is found dead the next morning. The women all have secrets of their own - would one of them be prepared to kill for it?
Told from the point of view of Lola, beginning with the night of her death and through flashbacks, and from transcripts of her online conversations, as well as the Detective Inspector tasked with investigating her death, this is a book that keeps you on your toes. The more we get to know the women, the more they each seem to have to hide, the less likeable they become and it’s hard to know who to believe. Just when you think you might have cracked it, something else comes to light and the finger of suspicion points elsewhere - right up until the final reveal.
It is tense, it is clever and it is another page-turner from an author whose books never disappoint.
Single mother Lola is nervous when her son Luca starts primary school, worried how she will fit in with the “yummy mummies” in affluent Surrey. To her surprise she finds herself welcomed and soon is very much part of one of the mummy cliques.
But staying friends with this complicated group of women proves a challenge, particularly as Lola is harbouring a past she wants to keep hidden in order to protect her son. Relationships fray and when it all comes to a head at the class Christmas party, Lola leaves early but never makes it home and is found dead the next morning. The women all have secrets of their own - would one of them be prepared to kill for it?
Told from the point of view of Lola, beginning with the night of her death and through flashbacks, and from transcripts of her online conversations, as well as the Detective Inspector tasked with investigating her death, this is a book that keeps you on your toes. The more we get to know the women, the more they each seem to have to hide, the less likeable they become and it’s hard to know who to believe. Just when you think you might have cracked it, something else comes to light and the finger of suspicion points elsewhere - right up until the final reveal.
It is tense, it is clever and it is another page-turner from an author whose books never disappoint.
June 22, 2025
Firstly, let me give a shout-out to the cover!! It, paired with the premise, was what immediately drew me in. Especially when we mums have likely witnessed the playground politics and wolf pack type vibes that go on in the school yard.
This is my first book by A.A. Chaudhuri, and it's safe to say that it won't be my last. I love a twisty thriller that's packed full of drama. It sucks you in and forces you to stay up late because you can not put it down. Well... this was that book! It did take me a little while to get into, but it did not go where I was expecting it to, and for that, I am glad I stuck it out to the end.
Told in dual POV and a past/present timeline, you follow Lola, a single mum with a rocky past hoping to have a fresh start, and Detective John Banner, as he tries to piece together the events that led to her murder. It's very rare (to me atleast) to find a story where one of the main characters is killed at the very beginning, so it was nice to see how things unfolded both in the police investigation and in Lola's. Not many of the characters were particularly likeable, with many fitting the catty, school mum clique to a tee. However, as a single mum myself, I could relate to some aspects of lola's life and worries, but she, too, was slightly annoying.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable and gripping read, with unexpected turns to the story. The only minor issue i had was that it was unnecessarily overdescriptive at times.
This is my first book by A.A. Chaudhuri, and it's safe to say that it won't be my last. I love a twisty thriller that's packed full of drama. It sucks you in and forces you to stay up late because you can not put it down. Well... this was that book! It did take me a little while to get into, but it did not go where I was expecting it to, and for that, I am glad I stuck it out to the end.
Told in dual POV and a past/present timeline, you follow Lola, a single mum with a rocky past hoping to have a fresh start, and Detective John Banner, as he tries to piece together the events that led to her murder. It's very rare (to me atleast) to find a story where one of the main characters is killed at the very beginning, so it was nice to see how things unfolded both in the police investigation and in Lola's. Not many of the characters were particularly likeable, with many fitting the catty, school mum clique to a tee. However, as a single mum myself, I could relate to some aspects of lola's life and worries, but she, too, was slightly annoying.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable and gripping read, with unexpected turns to the story. The only minor issue i had was that it was unnecessarily overdescriptive at times.
June 6, 2025
Lola Martinez is a single mother of Luca, and they both move to London to start afresh. Lola meets other mums at the school gates, and she tries really hard to fit in. The other mothers are glamorous, well put together, and lead rich lifestyles.
However, Lola is much younger than them, and some of them resent her for it. When she attends a Christmas party, she doesn’t return. Her body is found the next day, with DI John Banner investigating the case.
What a twisty read!
I loved how it was written from the point of view of the lead investigator, DI John Banner, with some of the chapters telling the story of what happened to Lola.
It was clear to me that Lola was running away from something or someone. She was trying to protect her son, and she’d lie to achieve it, something that I could understand, as she loved her son deeply.
I was saddened at how her life abruptly came to an end.
The women at the school gates, particularly Bianca and Clarissa, were just awful. I would never want to associate myself with such a clique, and I have no idea what compelled Lola to do so. I suppose she was trying to ensure her son would have friends by befriending their despicable mothers.
Towards the end, there is a twist upon twist! Totally unexpected, which I loved.
I love A.A. Chaudhuri’s novels, and this one didn’t disappoint. I definitely recommend this book.
However, Lola is much younger than them, and some of them resent her for it. When she attends a Christmas party, she doesn’t return. Her body is found the next day, with DI John Banner investigating the case.
What a twisty read!
I loved how it was written from the point of view of the lead investigator, DI John Banner, with some of the chapters telling the story of what happened to Lola.
It was clear to me that Lola was running away from something or someone. She was trying to protect her son, and she’d lie to achieve it, something that I could understand, as she loved her son deeply.
I was saddened at how her life abruptly came to an end.
The women at the school gates, particularly Bianca and Clarissa, were just awful. I would never want to associate myself with such a clique, and I have no idea what compelled Lola to do so. I suppose she was trying to ensure her son would have friends by befriending their despicable mothers.
Towards the end, there is a twist upon twist! Totally unexpected, which I loved.
I love A.A. Chaudhuri’s novels, and this one didn’t disappoint. I definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2025
A. A. Chaudhari has done it again! ‘The School Gates’ is an addictive psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing and turning those pages into the wee hours. This is my third book by Alex and maybe my favourite so far. I liked the complex intertwining stories and the whole cast of morally grey characters!
The dual timelines worked well in this story. We know from the start that Lola is murdered, but as the narrative progresses, we learn she has many secrets and a very traumatic past. As we get to know her, what stands out is her strength for her wee boy Luca and how much she wants the best for him!
There was a ‘Mean Girls’ vibe to the clique of mums that Lola becomes involved with and I was here for that! They definitely were the popular kids at school and most of them hadn't grown up since then! But they also had a lot of secrets to keep and it was delicious as they were revealed bit by bit.
This was an entertaining read and I flew through it in a couple of days. It keeps the reader's attention with the quick story chapters and multiple POVs. The narrative is complex and full of brilliant revelations and red herrings. There are dark themes in the book with sexual assault etc but most actions happen ‘off page’ so to speak.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
June 19, 2025
This is an absolute page turner of a psychological thriller.
It is told over two timelines, before and after the murder of Lola and from multiple points of view.
Single mum, Lola moves to a new area to build a life for herself and her son, Luca, after a traumatic past. She battles the school yard politics which will feel all too familiar for anyone who has been in this situation. She finds herself surprised and delighted to be included in one of the tightest cliques.
However this group of mean girl mums are harbouring plenty of secrets of their own and relationships between them all start to become strained with Lola almost being ostracised apart from her one true friend amongst the group, Simone.
It is up to DI Banner to navigate this complex web of secrets and lies while he investigates which one of the clique may have had motive to murder Lola. The twists come think and fast as he closes in on the killer and the tension builds to boiling point before the final twist that left me speechless.
This was the first book I have read by this author and it was so compelling that it kept me up late into the night reading.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the complimentary review copy.
It is told over two timelines, before and after the murder of Lola and from multiple points of view.
Single mum, Lola moves to a new area to build a life for herself and her son, Luca, after a traumatic past. She battles the school yard politics which will feel all too familiar for anyone who has been in this situation. She finds herself surprised and delighted to be included in one of the tightest cliques.
However this group of mean girl mums are harbouring plenty of secrets of their own and relationships between them all start to become strained with Lola almost being ostracised apart from her one true friend amongst the group, Simone.
It is up to DI Banner to navigate this complex web of secrets and lies while he investigates which one of the clique may have had motive to murder Lola. The twists come think and fast as he closes in on the killer and the tension builds to boiling point before the final twist that left me speechless.
This was the first book I have read by this author and it was so compelling that it kept me up late into the night reading.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the complimentary review copy.
June 24, 2025
This was a good read. Told in alternating time periods, the past and the present, we learn about what is currently happening during the investigation of Lola’ death and the events leading up to her death. I think this format really worked for this book. It leaves you wanting more and it also brings you right into the scene.
This books is filled with toxic relationships between women who met at the school gates. I mean… this happens. I understand the feeling of being insecure. I really felt for Lola. I grew up in a single parent household since my parents were divorced. It’s hard being “different” among other kids, and being the mom that is different.
I will say, I did feel like the book was a little drawn out at times. If you’ve ready any of my reviews, you know that I really enjoy reading dialogue. There wasn’t enough of it in here for me. There were giant paragraphs of descriptions, which I could have done without.
I had a feeling that I knew what was going to happen, at least to some degree, and I was correct! I seem to be o a roll lately. Anyway, this is out now, so check it out!
This books is filled with toxic relationships between women who met at the school gates. I mean… this happens. I understand the feeling of being insecure. I really felt for Lola. I grew up in a single parent household since my parents were divorced. It’s hard being “different” among other kids, and being the mom that is different.
I will say, I did feel like the book was a little drawn out at times. If you’ve ready any of my reviews, you know that I really enjoy reading dialogue. There wasn’t enough of it in here for me. There were giant paragraphs of descriptions, which I could have done without.
I had a feeling that I knew what was going to happen, at least to some degree, and I was correct! I seem to be o a roll lately. Anyway, this is out now, so check it out!
July 2, 2025
I knew I'd enjoy this one, this author knows how to write a suspenseful thriller! I could not put this down.
A young single mum Lola, is dropping off her son Luca at his first day of school. And instantly makes a connection with one of the mums, Simone. Lola is now included in this mummy group, all affluent parents. Some are not fond of her and as time goes on give her the cold shoulder. Over the years Lola has been confiding with an online 'therapist ' called Tracy. Tracy knows all of Lola's secrets, they are so bad she had to move and change her name. And tells her everything, even the deadliest secrets of these mums she's met. No one will ever find out until they start receiving threats. I can't say too much!!
After a Christmas party, Lola is murdered and it could be anyone! This is gripping, extremely suspenseful and I love guessing whodunit! There is betrayal, toxic friendships, and secret pacts. TW- rape, family loss and domestic abuse.
There are different POVs from before and after Lola's murder. Even a couple from a rapist's pov, it was written well. However, there are some unlikable characters as you would expect. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!
A young single mum Lola, is dropping off her son Luca at his first day of school. And instantly makes a connection with one of the mums, Simone. Lola is now included in this mummy group, all affluent parents. Some are not fond of her and as time goes on give her the cold shoulder. Over the years Lola has been confiding with an online 'therapist ' called Tracy. Tracy knows all of Lola's secrets, they are so bad she had to move and change her name. And tells her everything, even the deadliest secrets of these mums she's met. No one will ever find out until they start receiving threats. I can't say too much!!
After a Christmas party, Lola is murdered and it could be anyone! This is gripping, extremely suspenseful and I love guessing whodunit! There is betrayal, toxic friendships, and secret pacts. TW- rape, family loss and domestic abuse.
There are different POVs from before and after Lola's murder. Even a couple from a rapist's pov, it was written well. However, there are some unlikable characters as you would expect. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!
May 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The School Gates is a mystery that doesn’t follow the usual mold of a mother trying to fit in with the crowd only to be murdered. No, rather than a flat reveal of who the culprit behind her murder is this story is structured between past and present, exploring a few perspectives in the present who come in at just the right moment to build the mystery and intrigue up perfectly.
Lola, our murdered mother, clearly has a lot going on in her past (both recent and further back) but the reveal of what those things are and how they may have contributed to her murder is hard to take a break from as they’re introduced so well and all leave hanging threads. By the time we think we are near to discovering the culprit it’s actually thrilling to find out we aren’t and learn more. I loved how The School Gates was structured and written, it was absolutely engrossing but I didn’t see the hard work it clearly took to make it so. Definitely a more sophisticated and well done take on your usual thriller.
The School Gates is a mystery that doesn’t follow the usual mold of a mother trying to fit in with the crowd only to be murdered. No, rather than a flat reveal of who the culprit behind her murder is this story is structured between past and present, exploring a few perspectives in the present who come in at just the right moment to build the mystery and intrigue up perfectly.
Lola, our murdered mother, clearly has a lot going on in her past (both recent and further back) but the reveal of what those things are and how they may have contributed to her murder is hard to take a break from as they’re introduced so well and all leave hanging threads. By the time we think we are near to discovering the culprit it’s actually thrilling to find out we aren’t and learn more. I loved how The School Gates was structured and written, it was absolutely engrossing but I didn’t see the hard work it clearly took to make it so. Definitely a more sophisticated and well done take on your usual thriller.
June 6, 2025
Elizabeth Mosley changed her name to Lola Martinez, terrified that the man who had once attacked her—and threatened her family—might one day come after her. She had every reason to hide. But secrets don’t stay buried forever.
At the school’s Christmas party for parents of children in reception year, things are tense. None of the mums are talking to Lola, and she has no idea why. Could it be they’ve somehow discovered her past? Even her best friend, Simone, couldn’t make it—stuck at home without a babysitter. The truth is, the other mums had never truly accepted Lola since her son Luca started at the school the previous year.
When they all get up to dance, leaving Lola sitting alone, she’s had enough. Grabbing her things, she leaves the party. But it’s the middle of December, and taxis are impossible to find. She texts Simone to say she should never have gone, then begins the long walk home by the river. That’s when someone attacks her… and everything goes black.
What was Lola hiding? Who would want her dead? Could it be the man who threatened her all those years ago? Could Luca’s father have tracked her down? Or was it someone from the mum group—Bitchy Bianca, Clarissa, Joy, or Dee? And why?
The story unfolds through Lola’s eyes from December 2023, then rewinds to over a year earlier, when she first met the school mums. From there, it builds toward the night of the party. We also hear from DI John Banner, the detective investigating the case, and later from other key characters.
This author always knows how to keep you hooked. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, she throws in a final twist that leaves your mouth hanging open—you never saw it coming. I’ll admit, I even shed a tear at the end.
If you’ve ever been a mum navigating the school gates, you might recognize the kind of clique this story portrays. I certainly did. No matter how hard I tried, I could never quite break in. Maybe they’d known each other since their children were in nursery—while I was the outsider who’d moved to the area.
The plot is entirely believable. I loved how the author incorporated a chat room and text messages into the story. And as it turns out, none of these mums are as innocent as they pretend to be. They all have secrets—secrets that, if revealed, could unravel their lives.
Another brilliantly plotted and emotionally gripping read from a master of domestic suspense.
At the school’s Christmas party for parents of children in reception year, things are tense. None of the mums are talking to Lola, and she has no idea why. Could it be they’ve somehow discovered her past? Even her best friend, Simone, couldn’t make it—stuck at home without a babysitter. The truth is, the other mums had never truly accepted Lola since her son Luca started at the school the previous year.
When they all get up to dance, leaving Lola sitting alone, she’s had enough. Grabbing her things, she leaves the party. But it’s the middle of December, and taxis are impossible to find. She texts Simone to say she should never have gone, then begins the long walk home by the river. That’s when someone attacks her… and everything goes black.
What was Lola hiding? Who would want her dead? Could it be the man who threatened her all those years ago? Could Luca’s father have tracked her down? Or was it someone from the mum group—Bitchy Bianca, Clarissa, Joy, or Dee? And why?
The story unfolds through Lola’s eyes from December 2023, then rewinds to over a year earlier, when she first met the school mums. From there, it builds toward the night of the party. We also hear from DI John Banner, the detective investigating the case, and later from other key characters.
This author always knows how to keep you hooked. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, she throws in a final twist that leaves your mouth hanging open—you never saw it coming. I’ll admit, I even shed a tear at the end.
If you’ve ever been a mum navigating the school gates, you might recognize the kind of clique this story portrays. I certainly did. No matter how hard I tried, I could never quite break in. Maybe they’d known each other since their children were in nursery—while I was the outsider who’d moved to the area.
The plot is entirely believable. I loved how the author incorporated a chat room and text messages into the story. And as it turns out, none of these mums are as innocent as they pretend to be. They all have secrets—secrets that, if revealed, could unravel their lives.
Another brilliantly plotted and emotionally gripping read from a master of domestic suspense.
June 20, 2025
They need stronger school gates to hold back all the skeletons revealed in this story 😳 😂
What a thoroughly compelling read from Alex. This is my first book of hers although I have multiple ones on my TBR already and now await them with even more excitement than before.
Definition of a page turner. The writing keeps you intrigued and desperate to know more. The multi POV’s, timelines and the inclusion of a chat room gave this book a great feel to it when reading. I didn’t at any point fee co fused about the characters or where we were in the timelines.
I did guess the killer but I couldn’t quite land on the why! Definitely some twists in here that have you flip flopping on your thoughts. The big reveal was fab and I enjoy the wrapping up in the prologue!
The characters are so well written, I really felt like you knew their personalities. You might find your opinions pinging back and forth!
Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!!!
Thank you to LBT, the author and publisher for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
What a thoroughly compelling read from Alex. This is my first book of hers although I have multiple ones on my TBR already and now await them with even more excitement than before.
Definition of a page turner. The writing keeps you intrigued and desperate to know more. The multi POV’s, timelines and the inclusion of a chat room gave this book a great feel to it when reading. I didn’t at any point fee co fused about the characters or where we were in the timelines.
I did guess the killer but I couldn’t quite land on the why! Definitely some twists in here that have you flip flopping on your thoughts. The big reveal was fab and I enjoy the wrapping up in the prologue!
The characters are so well written, I really felt like you knew their personalities. You might find your opinions pinging back and forth!
Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!!!
Thank you to LBT, the author and publisher for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Lola moves herself and her son, Luca, down the country. Her loving parents follow. They have no idea why Lola wanted to move, but thats their only child, so wanted to go with her for support. Luca starts a new school, and Lola is sure she wouldn't fit in with the other mums. But they welcome her into their group from the first day. Then, Lola is murdered, and everyone of those mums from the school gates has secrets. But the real answer is who murdered Lola and why.
This was one of my favourite books so far this year. It had the perfect mix of everything. We all have experience of those types of mums in the school playground, and it isn't as fun as it seems. The characters are pretty much all awful, which makes them brilliant in this story. The story was brilliantly written, and there were no dull patches in this book at all, it was a real page turner. The author sensitively writes about taboo subjects, which is a real positive. I really loved this book, and cant wait to read more from this author.
Lola moves herself and her son, Luca, down the country. Her loving parents follow. They have no idea why Lola wanted to move, but thats their only child, so wanted to go with her for support. Luca starts a new school, and Lola is sure she wouldn't fit in with the other mums. But they welcome her into their group from the first day. Then, Lola is murdered, and everyone of those mums from the school gates has secrets. But the real answer is who murdered Lola and why.
This was one of my favourite books so far this year. It had the perfect mix of everything. We all have experience of those types of mums in the school playground, and it isn't as fun as it seems. The characters are pretty much all awful, which makes them brilliant in this story. The story was brilliantly written, and there were no dull patches in this book at all, it was a real page turner. The author sensitively writes about taboo subjects, which is a real positive. I really loved this book, and cant wait to read more from this author.
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