Out February 24th, 2026
In the cloistered world of Manhattan’s elite, three mothers—Abby, Kara, and Hollis—forge an unexpected friendship at Dearborn Academy, a prestigious private school where appearances are everything. Abby, a creative single mother, and Kara, struggling to find her footing professionally, have long felt like outsiders among the school’s affluent families. When Hollis arrives with her son and a seemingly flawless life, the trio grows close, despite lingering doubts about Hollis’s mysterious past. Their bond is tested when a school field trip ends in tragedy: a student is found dead, and the idyllic façade of their lives begins to crack.

As the investigation into the death intensifies, a determined detective begins peeling back layers of deception surrounding the incident. Each woman harbors secrets—some about their children, others about themselves—and the pressure of scrutiny begins to expose fault lines in their relationships. The once-solid alliance between Abby, Kara, and Hollis starts to unravel as suspicions mount and loyalties shift. The narrative delves into the psychological tension of motherhood, privilege, and the lengths people will go to protect their families, even when it means betraying those closest to them.

The story crescendos into a gripping exploration of truth and survival, where every character is forced to confront the consequences of their choices. With reputations, relationships, and futures hanging in the balance, the women must decide whether to come clean or continue weaving lies to shield themselves and their children. In a world where everyone has something to hide, the question becomes not just who is lying—but why. The suspense builds as the truth threatens to surface, and someone proves willing to go to dangerous lengths to keep it buried.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!