This gripping novel takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the seemingly perfect lives of a group of mothers and their children in a small coastal town.
However, don’t be fooled by the idyllic setting; this book is packed with drama, secrets, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
As you turn the pages, you’ll be drawn into the complex relationships between the characters, their struggles with motherhood, marriage, and friendship, and the mounting tension that threatens to unravel their carefully constructed lives.
Not only that but as the story builds to a shocking climax, you’ll be left wondering how well you really know the people in your own life.
With its sharp wit, relatable characters, and suspenseful plot, Big Little Lies is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery!
If you love Big Little Lies, then you should definitely read books like The Husband’s Secret, The Silent Wife, The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Little Fires Everywhere, The Nest, The Nightingale, The Immortalists, The Woman in the Window, Behind Closed Doors, Truly Madly Guilty, The Perfect Couple, The Family Upstairs, An American Marriage, and The Big Sky.
Themes In Big Little Lies
Motherhood
The theme of motherhood is central to Big Little Lies.
The characters in the book struggle with balancing their own needs with those of their children, and the book provides a nuanced portrayal of the joys and difficulties of motherhood.
Friendship
Another major theme in Big Little Lies is friendship.
The book explores the complex dynamics of female friendships, including jealousy, competition, and loyalty.
The characters in the book are deeply interconnected, and the story examines the ways in which friendships can be both supportive and toxic.
Domestic Abuse
The issue of domestic abuse is a major theme in Big Little Lies.
The book tackles this difficult topic with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the ways in which it can be difficult to recognize and address abuse, and the impact it has on families and communities.
Secrets
The theme of secrets is central to the plot of Big Little Lies.
The characters in the book all have secrets, and the story explores the ways in which these secrets can cause harm and create tension between people.
The book raises questions about the ethics of keeping secrets and the impact that they can have on individuals and society.
Social Expectations
Big Little Lies also explores the theme of social expectations, particularly in relation to gender and class.
The book highlights the pressures that women face to conform to certain standards of beauty, behavior, and success, and the ways in which these expectations can be harmful and limiting.
Truly Madly Guilty is another novel by Liane Moriarty, and it has all the same qualities that make her writing so compelling.
The novel centers around three couples who attend a backyard barbecue, and the events that unfold after that day change their lives forever.
Like Big Little Lies, this novel also explores complex relationships, secrets, and the impact of the past on the present.
Through richly-drawn characters and a gripping plot, Moriarty delves into the intricacies of human nature and the ways in which we navigate the challenges that life throws our way.
Pros
Complex characters
Multiple plot twists
Engaging writing style
Cons
Slow pacing
Themes: friendship, betrayal, secrets, guilt, marriage
Another of Gillian Flynn’s books you would enjoy reading is Sharp Objects.
A dark and intense read, this psychological novel follows the story of a journalist who returns to her hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls.
Like Big Little Lies, Sharp Objects explores themes of family, trauma, and the impact of our choices on our lives.
Flynn’s writing is sharp and evocative, and the characters are complex and deeply flawed.
Pros
Tense atmosphere
Complex characters
The unique, atmospheric setting
Masterful character development
Cons
It contains some graphic and disturbing content
Themes: family dysfunction, mental illness, self-harm, trauma
If you loved the drama and intricate relationships in Big Little Lies, you have to read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
This novel is a riveting family drama that explores themes of motherhood, race, class, and identity. Set in the 1990s in suburban Ohio, the story centers around two families and the ways their lives become intertwined.
Ng’s writing is captivating, and the characters are richly drawn, each with their own secrets and complexities.
The novel delves deep into the characters’ inner lives, providing a nuanced look at the impact of our choices on our relationships and our sense of self.
If you’re a fan of family drama and complex relationships, The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is another great read for you.
This novel follows the story of four adult siblings who are eagerly waiting for their inheritance, “the nest,” to be released.
However, their plans are derailed when one of the siblings gets into a scandal, and their inheritance is at risk. Like Big Little Lies, The Nest explores themes of family, money, betrayal, and the inner workings of human relationships.
The characters are complex, flawed, and relatable, and the story is both heartbreaking and hilarious.
Pros
Witty and entertaining
Well-crafted characters
Clever humor is woven throughout
Cons
May leave you feeling unsatisfied as it doesn’t offer clear resolutions to all of its characters’ issues
Themes: family dynamics, wealth, privilege, identity, aging, mortality
If what hooked you in Big Little Lies was its powerful theme of female relationships and resilience, you’ll love The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
This historical fiction novel is set in Nazi-occupied France and follows the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who are forced to navigate the dangers of war and the consequences of their choices.
The Nightingale is another book that explores themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the impact of our choices on our lives and the lives of those around us.
Hannah’s writing is both lyrical and emotionally charged, and the characters are deeply moving and unforgettable.
Pros
Poignant and immersive writing
Well-developed characters
The historical context is thoroughly researched and adds a layer of realism to the story
Cons
Its heavy subject matter may be too emotionally draining
For a thought-provoking read that explores the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of our choices, you should definitely check out The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin.
This novel follows the story of four siblings who visit a psychic who tells them the date of their deaths, while the story then follows each of them through their lives and how they deal with this knowledge.
Exploring themes of family, fate, and the impact of our choices on our lives, you can understand it’s got many things in common with Big Little Lies!
Pros
A well-crafted plot that interweaves the stories of four siblings
Thought-provoking
Raises philosophical questions and has some depth other books of this genre lack
Cons
Slow paced at times
Themes: family dynamics, coming of age, self-discovery, mortality
Another gripping psychological thriller, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn follows the story of Anna Fox, a psychologist who is struggling with agoraphobia, a fear of leaving her home.
When Anna witnesses a crime from her window, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous and twisted plot. The novel explores themes of truth, perception, and the fragility of the human mind.
If you have watched the homonymous film but haven’t read the book yet, then expect a writing that is sharp, suspenseful, and will keep you till the very end, even if you know who’s behind it all!
Pros
A mystery that keeps you engaged throughout
Multi-dimensional and interesting characters
Compelling protagonist
Cons
The story’s reliance on classic thriller tropes might be predictable
Themes: trauma, mental illness, addiction, the unreliability of memory
A poignant and heart-wrenching read that explores complex relationships and social issues, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones tells the story of a young African American couple, Celestial and Roy, who are torn apart when Roy is falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison.
The story explores themes of love, race, injustice, and the human condition. Jones’ writing is both lyrical and raw, and the characters are so well-drawn that you feel like you know them personally.
Of all these recommendations, this book is probably the one that will make you think and feel deeply, so it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.
Pros
Thought-provoking exploration of racial inequality
The powerful emotional depth of the characters
Nuanced writing style
Cons
Rather slow paced
Themes: race, injustice, love, family, marriage, social class, the American justice system
If you are looking for that smart and engrossing mystery of Big Little Lies in other books, then Big Sky by Kate Atkinson is one to add to your “to-read” list.
This novel follows the beloved detective Jackson Brodie as he investigates a series of interconnected cases involving human trafficking, abuse, and corruption.
Atkinson’s writing is witty, insightful, and unflinching in its examination of the darker aspects of society, while the themes of redemption, family, and the fragility of human connections are woven throughout the novel, making it a complex and satisfying read.
Pros
Well-developed characters
Masterfully tackles themes of trauma, loss, and human resilience.
Engaging writing style
Cons
The multiple-character storylines can be overwhelming
Themes: family, loss, identity, trauma, justice, the passage of time
Another psychological thriller worthy of your time is The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham.
The novel follows two women from vastly different backgrounds, both harboring secrets that could destroy their lives.
As their paths begin to cross, the tension and suspense escalate, leading to a shocking and satisfying conclusion.
Themes of motherhood, trauma and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones are all explored in this gripping and intense read, with Robotham’s writing being as sharp and insightful as ever!
Pros
Engaging plot
Great Character development
Suspenseful writing
Cons
Slow start
Themes: motherhood, class, social status, deception, secrets
If what you need is a domestic suspense novel that delves into the secrets and lies of suburban life that shares a lot of things in common with Big Little Lies, then look no further than The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth.
The story revolves around a group of moms living on Pleasant Court and the various secrets they keep.
From hidden affairs to parenting problems, the book explores the facade of perfection that suburban living can create.
The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that even the most well-versed in this genre will not be able to figure out!
Pros
Gripping and suspenseful story
Well-developed characters and an intriguing plot
A dual-perspective narrative style that adds depth to the characters and their motivations
Cons
Some sensitive topics and difficult subject matter explored in the novel could be triggering
Liv Constantine is another writer to add to your list of authors to explore, starting with her book The Last Mrs. Parrish.
The story follows Amber, a woman who sets her sights on a wealthy and handsome married man, Jackson Parrish, and begins to insinuate herself into his life.
But things aren’t always as they seem, and as the story unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected twists are revealed.
The themes of deceit, manipulation, and the façades that people put up are similar to those in Big Little Lies, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.
Pros
Fast-paced and suspenseful
Well-written characters
The dual narrative structure adds depth and complexity to the story
Cons
The story’s reliance on certain thriller tropes makes it somewhat predictable
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is a gripping and atmospheric psychological thriller set in a decaying mansion in London.
The story revolves around a wealthy family with a dark past and a young woman who has been searching for answers about her own history.
The themes of family secrets, betrayal, and psychological manipulation are explored through multiple perspectives, building a tense and suspenseful plot.
Just like in Big Little Lies, the characters in The Family Upstairs are flawed and complex, making the story all the more compelling.
Pros
Engrossing and atmospheric story
Intriguing and well-developed characters
Skillful exploration of family secrets
Multiple perspectives offer a well-rounded view
Cons
Slow paced at times
Themes: control, power, childhood trauma, family secrets, identity, and the feeling of belonging.
Final Thoughts
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that explores the secrets and lies that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most picture-perfect lives.
If you enjoyed reading it, there are a number of other novels that you might also find engaging and these 18 books we have just recommended are all worth a read, so give them a go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Else Writes Like Liane Moriarty?
Several authors share similar styles and themes with Liane Moriarty. Some great examples are Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and A.J. Finn.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
