Tag: Liane Moriarty

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was swept up in the hype of ‘Big Little Lies‘ – and enjoyed it. I read ‘Truly Madly Guilty‘ – and was not as big a fan but finished it all the same. However, ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ found its stride and swept me away again.

This novel is not something that you will ever predict. Nine strangers are thrown together on a health retreat, all with the aim of making a change or escaping it all. However, not is all as it seems with the health retreat, those that run it or the characters.

I, personally, do not think that any reader will predict this tale or its rather dark twist. You do become rather invested in these nine perfect strangers and, when the novel reaches its end, you are given a small chance to draw your own conclusions about their futures. It is clear, however, it will all never be quite be the same again.

I could not out this book down. It has been a prefect holiday-time read, as it includes mystery, a little romance and humour along the way. Although I am not sure I would want check out an isolated health farm with ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (whatever its Trip Advisor rating).

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

This was a good read and was sent to me by my lovely Auntie. I do love book mail and sharing reads, as it always introduces you to new worlds and adventures. In fact, I was only aware of Moriarty’s work thanks to an online book club that was run by Stacie from Parker and Me.

I am not sure I enjoyed this quite as much as ‘Big Little Lies’ but that does not mean that I did not enjoy this book. This novel was just a little slower in the middle, which took the thrill away just a little. The twists and turns do keep you hooked as you are keen to know the results of ‘The Day of Barbecue’ for all involved, it will keep you reading to the end. You also do feel your emotions towards each character change as the mystery unfolds. You are also invested in the thrill of the novel because – let’s be honest – all bookworms need to know what will happen next.

This novel is certainly a top summer read – I am not sure it would be right to read any other time of year – especially if you liked Liane Moriarty’s other work. I think next up for me would have to be ‘The Husband’s Secret’, as that is another title I have heard a lot about. Have you got a favourite Moriarty novel?

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have really enjoyed taking part in #BookClub140 from Parker and Me (as always, thanks for the recommendation, Hayley from Home), as it has led me to read books I may not have chosen otherwise.

This is one such title. Obviously, I had heard all the hype about the HBO series but I did not know anything about the story. However, once I started, I could not put this book down; I was eager every day to make some reading time – but we all know that is easier said than done sometimes.

The key with this novel is that there is the mystery within the tale from the moment you read page 1. Now, I do not want to share any spoilers, but never has a title of a book been more apt. It is fascinating to follow the revelations of the big little lies from the 3 central characters: Jane, Celeste and Madeline. As the reader, you understand why some of the lies have been created and some of the secrets kept. It does not take too long to become all too clear the huge impact that some actions can have on so many people, intentionally or otherwise. I was also left thinking about how we never really know the personal battles that people are facing.

There is a clear humour and sensitivity to the writing that adds to the joy of reading this book. The conclusion of the tale, I think, will be considered a happy, or at least potentially positive, one for the characters that you grow to admire – and, possibly, an understandable one for others.

I would like to give some more of Liane Moriarty’s books a go. My Auntie has suggested ‘The Husband’s Secret’ – what do the rest of you think?