Billy Summers, by Stephen King (Scribner), is the top holds title of the week (8/2/21). LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

Billy Summers, a hit man who only kills the bad guys, decides to retire. But there’s one more job to do, a story to tell, and a lot of bad news on the way.  

Kill Fee: A Stevens and Windermere Novel by Owen Laukkanen (Putnam)
Appeared on the March 2014 LibraryReads list

“In the third book in this series, Carla Windermere and Kirk Stevens find themselves reunited when people around the country seem to be dying from contract hits. Young war veterans, under the influence of a mysterious man, are turning into emotionless killers. Stevens and Windermere try piecing together who’s behind the crimes but keep falling one step behind. Reminiscent of Thomas Perry’s novels, and fast-paced.”—Lora Bruggeman, Indian Prairie P.L., Darien, IL

Redemption Road by John Hart (Thomas Dunne: St. Martin’s)
Appeared on the May 2016 LibraryReads list

“In Hart’s new suspense novel, we meet veteran detective Elizabeth Black, who is facing possible suspension for a suspicious shooting. At the same time, former police officer Adrian Wall is released from prison after serving time for the murder of Julia Stange. Stange’s son wants Adrian dead. Adrian has always claimed his innocence, but after his release, a couple of new bodies turn up at the church. This is a thrilling page-turner that starts at a rapid-fire pace and doesn’t let up. Great book for literary and thriller lovers alike.”—Kelly Currie, Delphi P.L., IN

November Road by Lou Berney (Morrow; LJ starred review)
Appeared on the October 2018 LibraryReads list

“Set in the weeks just after JFK’s assassination, a mob hit man on the run meets a woman who has just impulsively left her alcoholic husband. A beautifully written suspense novel that’s hard to put down, with well-developed, sympathetic characters and plenty of intrigue. Fans of John Hart and Dennis Lehane will appreciate this fast-paced thriller.”—Jill Smith, Bayport P.L., MN  

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (Flatiron; LJ starred review)
Suggested by David Wright, Seattle Public Library and founding member of LibraryReads

“On the surface, the only thing Ike Randolph and Buddy Lee Jenkins have in common is that they’re both ex-cons. Ike, who’s Black, has changed his life since leaving prison and now owns a successful landscaping business. Buddy Lee, who’s white, is still a good ol’ boy who drinks heavily and runs around. When Ike’s and Buddy’s sons married each other, both fathers rejected them. That was before someone shot Isiah and Derek dead in Richmond, VA, in what appeared to be a targeted attack. When Isiah and Derek’s tombstone is vandalized, Ike wants revenge. He teams up with Buddy Lee, and they plan to have one violent confrontation with the murderer. Instead, the fathers learn that someone with powerful connections is behind the murders. Over the course of their violent spree, Ike and Buddy are forced to uncover their own feelings of grief, pain, and failure when it came to their relationships with their sons. VERDICT Cosby follows his award-nominated Blacktop Wasteland (an LJ Best Mystery selection for 2020) with another stand-alone mystery that’s already been optioned for a film. His story of fathers and sons, of men learning to respect others’ lives, has an unexpected depth for such a violent, confrontational book. This powerful book should be in every library.”—Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN