Summary: In today's article, I have compiled all 12 of Liane Moriarty's books that showcase her unique blend of suspense, humor, and deep emotional insights. Here are my top 3 picks:
Liane Moriarty's books are an addictive mix of human relationships, secrets, and the messy realities of everyday life. Her stories are full of relatable characters, surprising twists, and deep emotional layers that keep you hooked from beginning to end. Whether she's exploring family dynamics, love, or personal challenges, Moriarty manages to blend suspense with real heart. She also has a knack for weaving humor into darker moments, making her books both engaging and thought-provoking.
TOP 12: Best Liane Moriarty Books
1. Big Little Lies
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: Follows the lives of three women in a tight-knit community as their seemingly perfect lives unravel, culminating in a shocking murder.
- Style of writing: Engaging, with multiple points of view and witty dialogue.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Powerful, with themes of domestic violence, friendship, and guilt.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: It’s a gripping read with unexpected twists and deep emotional layers, made even more impactful by the TV adaptation.
2. The Husband's Secret
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: Three women’s lives are altered when a husband’s secret is uncovered, showing how one truth can unravel many lives.
- Style of writing: Thought-provoking and fast-paced, with multiple characters’ perspectives.
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving, with exploration of guilt, love, and moral dilemmas.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s a page-turner with plenty of moral questions and emotional depth that will stick with you.
3. Nine Perfect Strangers
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: Nine strangers attend a wellness retreat, where their lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
- Style of writing: Engaging, with a mix of humor and drama.
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Light-hearted but with moments of deeper reflection on healing and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s a fun, entertaining read with quirky characters and a strong sense of mystery.
4. Truly Madly Guilty
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: After a seemingly innocent barbecue, three couples are left to deal with the emotional aftermath of an unexpected event.
- Style of writing: Relatable and introspective, with character-driven storytelling.
- Length: Approx. 125,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Engaging and thought-provoking, with a focus on guilt and relationships.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s a fascinating exploration of how one moment can change everything in a person’s life.
5. Apples Never Fall
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: The Delaney family is thrown into turmoil after the disappearance of their mother, and secrets are slowly revealed.
- Style of writing: Intricate, with a focus on family dynamics and hidden truths.
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Reflective and sometimes unsettling, focusing on family loyalty and forgiveness.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For anyone who enjoys family dramas with complex, well-developed characters.
6. What Alice Forgot
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: Alice wakes up with amnesia, believing she’s ten years younger, and struggles to reconcile her past self with the woman she’s become.
- Style of writing: Heartfelt and humorous, with a strong emotional core.
- Length: Approx. 105,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Uplifting and poignant, with a focus on personal growth and self-discovery.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s a relatable story about love, memory, and the changes that happen over time.
7. The Hypnotist's Love Story
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: A hypnotherapist falls for a man who has a stalker ex-girlfriend, leading to complications as she gets drawn into his past.
- Style of writing: Light and engaging, with a touch of humor and suspense.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: Quirky but with deep emotional undercurrents.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s an interesting mix of romance and mystery with relatable characters.
8. Three Wishes
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: The story follows triplet sisters as they navigate their adulthood and the issues that arise between them.
- Style of writing: Fun, with a focus on family and relationships.
- Length: Approx. 105,000 words
- Year written: 2004
- Emotional impact: Warm and heartwarming, with relatable family dynamics.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For fans of family drama and humor.
9. The Last Anniversary
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: A woman inherits a house with a mysterious past involving a missing person, and as she delves deeper, secrets are uncovered.
- Style of writing: Light, with moments of suspense and humor.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2005
- Emotional impact: Fun and mysterious, but not as deeply emotional as some of her later works.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: It’s a charming, quirky mystery with a fun storyline.
10. The Petrifying Problem with Princess Petronella
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: The first book in the Space Brigade series, a sci-fi adventure for children about a girl on a mission to save the universe.
- Style of writing: Fun, adventurous, and geared toward younger readers.
- Length: Approx. 50,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: Light and entertaining, suitable for younger readers.
- Difficulty level: Easy (children’s book)
- Why read it: A fun, imaginative series for younger readers.
11. The Shocking Trouble on the Planet of Shobble
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: The second book in the Space Brigade series, continuing the adventure of Nicola Berry.
- Style of writing: Fun and adventurous, with humor and excitement.
- Length: Approx. 50,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Lighthearted and entertaining for kids.
- Difficulty level: Easy (children’s book)
- Why read it: Perfect for young readers who enjoy adventure and humor.
12. The Wicked War on the Planet of Whimsy
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: The final book in the Space Brigade series, where the characters face new challenges and adventures.
- Style of writing: Engaging and humorous, aimed at younger audiences.
- Length: Approx. 50,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Fun, with a sense of closure for the series.
- Difficulty level: Easy (children’s book)
- Why read it: A great read for young fans of adventure and fantasy.
Conclusion
Liane Moriarty’s books are a perfect mix of suspense, humor, and emotional depth, making them a great choice for anyone who loves character-driven stories. In my opinion, Big Little Lies, The Husband’s Secret, and Nine Perfect Strangers are the top picks. These books not only keep you hooked with their twists and turns, but also dive into complex themes like guilt, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re captivated by the drama in Big Little Lies or the deeper reflections in Nine Perfect Strangers, I think Moriarty’s work offers both entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.
