Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty
Big Little Lies cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8905
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781405916370
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2014-07-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In the picturesque coastal town of Pirriwee, three women—Jane, Madeline, and Celeste—appear to have it all: perfect families, perfect houses, and perfect lives. However, beneath the surface, each woman harbors secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed worlds. Jane, a single mother, moves to town with a secret she's carried for five years. Madeline, a force to be reckoned with, remembers everything and forgives no one. Celeste, stunningly beautiful, hides an uneasy truth. Their lives become entangled when a minor incident involving their children escalates into a web of rumors and lies, ultimately leading to a shocking and deadly conclusion. /n/n'Big Little Lies' is a masterful blend of romance, comedy, and mystery, exploring themes of blame, guilt, forgiveness, and retribution. With its tense, page-turning narrative and vivid, witty writing, this novel delves into the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the darker side of suburban life.

Reviews
She's Well Read · 2021-05-06
enjoyable 3.00

The book was enjoyable but not a favorite. It does a great job of representing domestic and sexual abuse.

The reviewer enjoyed Big Little Lies but found it not to be their favorite read. They particularly appreciated the book's representation of domestic and sexual abuse, which is handled with sensitivity and depth. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in tackling serious issues and creating relatable characters. While it may not have been a standout read for them, they recognize its value in shedding light on important topics and providing an engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I enjoyed this but it definitely wasn't my favorite.

    The one thing I will mention is how it represented domestic and sexual abuse.

    It was enjoyable but not a favorite.

Keeping Up with the Penguins · 2020-03-24
entertaining 3.50

The book is not a literary masterpiece but it is entertaining and lives up to its hype. The author has found a winning formula.

This reviewer found the book to be a fun and engaging read, even if it isn't particularly literary. They appreciated the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. The characters and their interactions are the main draw, making it a great choice for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of drama. The reviewer also noted that the book lives up to its hype, which is a testament to its quality.

Quick quotes

    Big Little Lies isn't a 'literary' read, but it lived up to the hype as far as I'm concerned.

    Moriarty has stumbled onto a winning formula.

    It's a great choice for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of drama.

Novel Notions · Celeste · 2019-03-14
addictive 4.00

The book is fun and insanely addictive, perfect for those who enjoy reality television or dramatic train wrecks.

Celeste found the book to be a highly entertaining and addictive read. They compared it to reality television, noting that it is perfect for those who enjoy dramatic and chaotic storylines. The characters and their interactions are the main draw, making it a great choice for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of drama. Celeste also appreciated the book's ability to keep readers hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Big Little Lies is fun and insanely addictive.

    Perfect for reality television junkies or anyone who loves watching train wrecks and happily ever afters.

    It's a highly entertaining and addictive read.

The Lit Bitch · 2018-02-07
brilliant 4.00

The book is a brilliant exploration of relationships and the lies we tell ourselves. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

This reviewer was impressed by the book's depth and complexity. They found the exploration of relationships and the lies we tell ourselves to be particularly compelling. The characters are well-developed and the narrative is engaging, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer also appreciated the book's ability to tackle serious issues in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.

Quick quotes

    Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves.

    It's a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    The characters are well-developed and the narrative is engaging.

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