Truly Madly Guilty

by Liane Moriarty
Truly Madly Guilty cover
Good Books rating 3.27
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 10603
  • Added: 2026-02-01
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781405919456
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2016-07-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Truly Madly Guilty is a riveting drama that begins with a seemingly ordinary barbecue in the suburbs. The story revolves around six adults whose lives are forever altered in a single evening. Friendships are shattered, marriages crumble, and an innocent bystander loses their life. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the fear of what could have been. The author, known for her addictive storytelling, weaves a tale filled with suspense and secrets that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are straight-from-life, and the knife-sharp insight into their psyches adds layers of depth to the story. This is a novel that demands to be read in one sitting, as the twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end. The author's previous success with Big Little Lies translates seamlessly into this new work, promising a dark, twisty, and compulsive read that fans of psychological thrillers will adore.

Reviews
Ramblings of a Supposed Writer · George App137 · 2019-08-30
great 4.00

The story begins with a seemingly ordinary barbecue that changes six lives forever. The reviewer found the characters to be quirky and the plot intriguing.

George App137 starts by describing how a simple backyard barbecue can turn into a life-changing event. They found the characters to be quirky and the plot intriguing, keeping them engaged throughout the story. The reviewer appreciated the way Moriarty builds tension and reveals the characters' secrets, making it a compelling read. They also noted that the story has a slow build-up but is worth the wait.

Quick quotes

    This is a story which begins with a barbecue in the suburbs, in just one evening six lives will change for ever.

    Moriarty gives us a main cast of three quirky couples.

    The story has a slow build-up but is worth the wait.

Single White Female Writer · Single White Female Writer · 2018-04-04
disappointing 2.50

The book is criticized for its length and slow pacing. The build-up to the promised shocking event is considered too drawn out.

The reviewer finds the book to be overly long at 509 pages, which affects the pacing and character development. The slow build-up to the promised shocking event is a letdown, as it takes too long to get to the heart of the story. While the characters are interesting, the lengthy setup detracts from the overall enjoyment. The reviewer suggests that a tighter narrative could have made the book more impactful.

Quick quotes

    At 509 pages, the book is way too long.

    It takes too long to establish the characters.

    It takes too long to build up to the promised shocking event.

Goodreads · 2016-07-26
engaging 3.60

The book is praised for its shifting perspectives and character-driven narrative. The non-linear storytelling enhances the reading experience.

This novel stands out for its ability to switch between different timelines and character viewpoints, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The focus on character development makes it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters, which drive the story forward. The non-linear storytelling adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed the way it switched back and forth in time and from each different character's perspective.

    It was an extremely character-driven novel.

    The shifting perspectives and timelines added depth to the story.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2016-07-21
compelling 3.00

The story is set on a smaller scale, focusing on a group of characters at a disastrous barbecue. The intimate setting adds to the tension and drama.

This novel unfolds on a smaller scale, centering around a group of characters at a disastrous barbecue. The intimate setting allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their relationships, adding to the tension and drama. The reviewer appreciates the focus on a small group of people and how their interactions create a compelling narrative. The barbecue serves as a catalyst for the events that follow, making it a pivotal moment in the story.

Quick quotes

    Truly Madly Guilty unfolds on a much smaller scale.

    It's about the day of a terrible, terrible barbecue.

    The intimate setting adds to the tension and drama.

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