Apples Never Fall, Liane Moriarty’s newest novel dropped today, September 14th. I’ve had the novel preordered since July. Unfortunately, though, I won’t receive a copy until September 28th due to the very slow postal service out here in Oki. So, in anticipation, I’ve been reminiscing on Moriarty books of the past and have decided to share my thoughts with all you lovely people!

Liane Moriarty is an Australian author that I’ve been obsessed with since 2015. You may or may not recognize Moriarty’s name, but the HBO show Big Little Lies might ring a bell. It stars Reece Witherspoon (as well as a bunch of other big names) and is based on Moriarty’s novel of (the same name). Reece Witherspoon is actually the reason I picked out my first Moriarty novel, The Husband’s Secret. Browsing the book isles at target looking for books for an upcoming backpacking trip, I saw a little red sticker on the cover claiming this novel as part of the Reece Witherspoon Book Club collection. Now, I’m not entirely sure why I thought Reece Witherspoon and I would have the same taste in books, but I’m glad I didn’t put too much thought into my book purchasing decision. I’ve since read every Moriarty book to date (besides her young readers series) and can say it was a good shot in the dark.

So, since I am so clearly a Moriarty expert, here is a list of my top 3 favorite Moriarty books to get you started. Though, you might as well go out and buy her whole collection, because her novels are the kind you can blow through.

1. The Husband’s Secret

Maybe it’s because this was the first novel of Moriarty’s I read or maybe it really is the best but The Husband’s Secret to this day holds number 1 on my list. Moriarty is a master of turning the mundane thrilling and intertwining easy-feel-good with intense suspense. I guess the best way to describe her works would be chick-flicks with a dark twist. The Husband’s Secret is probably her darkest novel and that is most certainly why I love it the most! This novel blurs the lines between right and wrong, making you question your own judgment. The twists Moriarty comes up with, in this novel especially, prove her brilliance as an author.

2. The Hypnotist’s Love Story

As you might be able to deduct from the name, The Hypnotist’s Love Story brings a little bit of mysticism into the Moriarty world. In true Moriarty style, the simplicity of everyday life is mixed with nerve-stimulating events. I would say that this novel is less gritty than some but the air of devilishness the is found within the main character land this novel in my top 3. And, sometimes a more light-hearted read is just what you need. The twist at the end of the novel leaves you replaying the story long after it’s over. I love the unique feeling of the plot paired with Moriarty’s familiar style!

3. Big Little Lies

There’s a reason this book was turned into a hit HBO show with an A-Lister cast. It’s absorbing! If you’ve watched the show, you should still give this book a read. Like most paper-to-screen adaptations, some really good pieces got lost in translation. I’m not someone who can read the book after I’ve seen the movie/show but hopefully you are! This novel is full of drama and gets very intense. Big Little Lies is such an incredible reminder that everyone has their own demons. This novel hits a lot harder in the scope of reality than most of Moriarty’s other novels which makes the jagged parts of this novel that much more intense.

So there’s somewhere to get you started!

Go out and read those three. Then proceed to buy the rest of these books, after you thank me for the stellar author recommendation.

Moriarty’s bibliography:

• What Alice Forgot
• The Last Anniversary
• Three Wishes
• Truly Madly Guilty
• Nine Perfect Strangers (This one has been recently turned into a Hulu drama, but I have yet to watch it.)

Apples Never Fall

And of course, go get you that newest book! Who knows, it could be her best yet! However, if you do go get her new book and read it before I get my hands on a copy I will be jealous. So, kindly, don’t mention it. If you would like to be part of my book club (that I don’t actually have), I will be dropping the novel I’m currently reading on September 28th. My reading speed is currently at tired-mom pace, so keeping up shouldn’t be an issue. This is your formal invitation.