Liane Moriarty Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide

Liane Moriarty, an Australian author whose novels have taken the literary world by storm, has earned a reputation for her unique ability to blend dark humor, intricate relationships, and sharp social observations. Known for her complex characters and suspenseful narratives, Moriarty’s books delve deep into human emotions, secrets, and the sometimes-hidden layers of suburban life. Her style is captivating, drawing readers into the intricate lives of her protagonists while exploring themes of love, loss, betrayal, and self-discovery. Each of her novels invites readers into a world where everything may appear normal on the outside but harbors unexpected twists beneath the surface.

With the growing popularity of her works, particularly thanks to television adaptations of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, many readers are eager to explore her full catalog. But with a variety of novels spanning across different tones and characters, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we will provide an in-depth overview of Liane Moriarty’s works, the order in which to read them, and why following a certain sequence might enhance your experience with her novels.

Liane Moriarty Books In Chronological Order

List Of Liane Moriarty Books In Order

1. Three Wishes (2003)

Liane Moriarty’s debut novel is a heartwarming yet sometimes heart-wrenching look at the lives of triplet sisters in their thirties. It dives deep into their relationships, personal struggles, and the way their lives intertwine with love, loss, and friendship. It’s full of wit and charm, but also takes a serious look at the intricacies of family bonds. You’ll laugh, maybe cry a bit, and most certainly relate to the messy, complex relationships these sisters share.

2. The Last Anniversary (2005)

This book brings a little mystery into the mix! The story revolves around a woman named Sophie who is caught up in the legacy of an unsolved mystery surrounding a family on a remote island. As Sophie uncovers secrets about her partner’s family and their past, she begins questioning her own future. It’s got that perfect Moriarty mix of humor, human flaws, and a twist you might not see coming.

3. What Alice Forgot (2009)

What would happen if you woke up and had no memory of the last ten years of your life? This is exactly what happens to Alice, who finds herself in the middle of a divorce and wondering why she’s so different from the woman she once was. It’s a thoughtful exploration of memory, regret, and the way we can evolve over time. There’s some deep stuff here, but it’s balanced with lighthearted moments and an ultimately hopeful feel.

4. The Hypnotist’s Love Story (2011)

A hypnotist falls for a guy who has a pretty complicated past-he’s still in touch with his ex, who happens to be a stalker. So, yeah, that’s a bit of a red flag. The book explores the complexities of relationships, obsession, and the idea of healing, all with a healthy dose of suspense and humor. Moriarty really knows how to balance romance and suspense without making you feel overwhelmed or overly dramatic.

5. Big Little Lies (2014)

Oh, Big Little Lies! This is probably one of Moriarty’s most famous works, and it’s easy to see why. It centers around three women whose lives are all intertwined in ways they don’t realize until a school trivia night turns deadly. It’s got secrets, lies, and the dark side of suburban life. The characters are so real, and Moriarty dives deep into issues like domestic violence, motherhood, and bullying. If you haven’t read it yet (or watched the show!), this one is a must.

6. Truly Madly Guilty (2016)

This one revolves around a barbecue gone horribly wrong, and it spirals into a complicated web of secrets and regrets. The book shifts between different perspectives as each character tries to deal with the aftermath of the fateful day. It’s about friendship, guilt, and how the smallest choices can affect everything. If you love stories about people caught in the aftermath of a pivotal event, this one will hook you right in.

7. Nine Perfect Strangers (2018)

A wellness retreat, nine strangers, and a whole lot of secrets! Moriarty takes her trademark exploration of human nature to a remote resort where everyone’s got their own baggage. It’s part mystery, part drama, and part humor, but with a very sharp critique of the wellness industry. The quirky characters are what make this one so fun, and as always, Moriarty has a way of weaving in surprising moments that keep you hooked.

8. Apples Never Fall (2021)

In her latest novel, Moriarty returns to the theme of family drama, this time focusing on the Delaney family-tennis legends with some deeply buried secrets. When the mother of the family goes missing, suspicions fall on everyone from her husband to her children. The book explores love, betrayal, and the often messy dynamics that come with family. Moriarty’s sharp insights into relationships make this one of her best recent works.

Overview Of Liane Moriarty Books

Liane Moriarty has written ten novels, each exploring different aspects of human relationships, often focusing on the lives of women navigating complex emotional landscapes. Her stories frequently mix drama with moments of humor, creating a compelling narrative tension that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Some of her most famous works include:

1. Big Little Lies (2014) – Perhaps Moriarty’s most widely known novel, this book delves into the lives of three women in a small town, where their seemingly idyllic lives are disrupted by the death of a local man. The narrative uncovers the hidden struggles and secrets that each character harbors, leading to a shocking climax. The book was adapted into an Emmy-winning television series starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley.
2. The Husband’s Secret (2013) – This novel centers on a woman who discovers a letter from her husband that reveals a dark secret, forcing her to confront the consequences of his past actions. The story weaves multiple narratives, including those of her friends and family, to create a rich tapestry of emotion, guilt, and decision-making.
3. Nine Perfect Strangers (2018) – Set in a wellness resort, this novel follows nine strangers as they attempt to confront their personal issues under the guidance of an eccentric and mysterious health expert. The book combines elements of mystery, humor, and self-reflection, ultimately revealing the characters’ vulnerabilities and desires.
4. Truly Madly Guilty (2016) – Exploring the themes of guilt, shame, and the weight of unspoken decisions, this novel revolves around a single day at a barbecue that changes the lives of three couples. Moriarty examines how a seemingly small event can have profound, life-altering consequences.
5. The Hypnotist’s Love Story (2011) – In this novel, Moriarty presents a more unusual premise. The protagonist, a hypnotherapist, becomes involved with a man whose ex-girlfriend is stalking him. The book is a suspenseful exploration of love, obsession, and the complexities of human connection.
6. What Alice Forgot (2009) – This novel focuses on Alice, who wakes up after a fall with no memory of the last ten years of her life. As she unravels the life she no longer remembers, she discovers that she has become someone she doesn’t recognize. It’s a story of rediscovery, growth, and the passage of time.

While Moriarty’s books can be categorized under contemporary fiction and domestic thrillers, her storytelling often transcends typical genre boundaries. Themes of motherhood, marriage, and the search for personal fulfillment are omnipresent in her work, making her novels both relatable and thought-provoking.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

Liane Moriarty’s novels are largely standalone, meaning each book tells a unique story with distinct characters and settings. However, reading them in a particular order can enhance the experience, as it allows readers to witness the development of Moriarty’s writing style and themes over time.

A common recommendation for newcomers is to begin with Big Little Lies, which is arguably her most accessible and universally appealing book. It introduces readers to her signature style-deeply human characters caught in complicated emotional and social situations-and serves as a great introduction to the world of Moriarty.

From there, it might be best to follow the books in the order of their publication, as each new release reveals a slight shift in Moriarty’s narrative approach and thematic focus. This gives readers a sense of how her storytelling has evolved, particularly in the way she handles suspense, emotional depth, and character development.

Here is a suggested reading sequence:

1. What Alice Forgot (2009)
2. The Hypnotist’s Love Story (2011)
3. The Husband’s Secret (2013)
4. Big Little Lies (2014)
5. Truly Madly Guilty (2016)
6. Nine Perfect Strangers (2018)
7. Apples Never Fall (2021)
8. The Last Anniversary (2006)
9. The Family Next Door (2020)
10. Three Wishes (2003)

By reading her works in this sequence, readers can witness the natural evolution of Moriarty’s writing, from her early books with a more experimental tone to the more mature, tightly woven narratives in her later works.

What I Enjoy About The Series

Liane Moriarty’s ability to craft compelling, multi-dimensional characters is one of the standout features of her novels. Her characters are flawed, relatable, and often face moral dilemmas that force them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves. This authenticity makes them easy to connect with, and readers often find themselves emotionally invested in their journeys.

Another element I appreciate is Moriarty’s talent for blending suspense and humor. Her books are often filled with moments of lightheartedness and wit, which provide a refreshing balance to the more serious or suspenseful themes. This juxtaposition of tones makes for an engaging reading experience, where the pace remains compelling without becoming too dark or oppressive.

Her ability to explore complex relationships is another highlight. Whether it’s the dynamic between mothers and daughters, the tension in marriages, or the camaraderie among friends, Moriarty captures the nuances of human interaction with remarkable depth. Her books remind us that even the most perfect-looking lives have cracks beneath the surface, and she does this without ever resorting to simple stereotypes or clichés.

Finally, Moriarty’s plots are often unpredictable, with twist endings that provide readers with that satisfying sense of surprise, but also a sense of catharsis. These twists feel earned, as they always tie back to the character arcs and themes established earlier in the book, ensuring they don’t feel like mere shock value but part of the natural progression of the story.

Is It Important To Read Liane Moriarty Books In Order?

While Liane Moriarty’s books are not part of a traditional series, reading them in order can still provide a rewarding experience. As mentioned earlier, Moriarty’s writing style and thematic focus evolve over time, and reading her books sequentially allows you to appreciate the subtle shifts in her storytelling. However, it is not a strict necessity. Each book is a standalone narrative with its own distinct world, and you can enjoy them in any order depending on your personal preferences or interests.

If you’re drawn to a particular book based on its premise or adaptation (like the Big Little Lies TV series), there’s no harm in starting with that novel first. But for those who appreciate the gradual development of an author’s craft, starting from her earliest works and moving through to her more recent releases can be especially rewarding.

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