Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

September 19th, 2014 Kimberly Review 65 Comments

19th Sep
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Narrator: Caroline Lee
Length: 16 hours
Genres: Mystery, Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4.5 cups

Pirriwee Public's annual school Trivia Night has ended in a shocking riot. One parent is dead. The school principal is horrified. As police investigate what appears to have been a tragic accident, signs begin to indicate that this devastating death might have been cold-blooded murder. In this thought-provoking novel, number-one New York Times bestselling author Liane Moriarty deftly explores the reality of parenting and playground politics, ex-husbands and ex-wives, and fractured families. And in her pitch-perfect way, she shows us the truth about what really goes on behind closed suburban doors.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty narrated by Caroline Lee was an audiobook I simply devoured. Moriarty takes us into suburbia, parenting, playground politics and shares with us what happens behind the closed doors of several homes. It was a captivating mystery leading up to a school function that had the police questioning everyone. Riveting, funny, sad, and thought-provoking Big Little Lies held me spellbound.

Five Caffeinated Reasons to Grab Big Little Lies

  • The tale takes place near the sea in Pirriwee, a delightful little Australian town and centers around characters whose children attend the same elementary school. At their annual Parents Trivia Night a riot occurs, leaving one parent dead. The police suspect foul play and the school is horrified. This tale tells of events leading up to that evening as it takes us into the daily lives of the parents, children and school.
  • Fleshed out characters, realistic situations, bullying and an up close look into your neighbors seemingly perfect life. Moriarty brilliantly brought these characters to life, giving each a unique voice. I loved them, hated them and could not get enough of them!
  • The story gives us multiple perspectives allowing us insight into all of the key characters. Between the narrator and the author’s voice each one shares their story, drawing us closer, notching up the tension and had me wondering who dies and if any are responsible.
  • In between perspectives there are mini-interviews and police notes/thoughts pertaining to the Trivia Night that have us beginning to calculate who dies and by whom. It was clever and kept me guesses quite nicely.
  • Moriarty adds twists and turns, but all the while keeping the tale realistic as she weaved a tight, fascinating tale. Her descriptive style beautifully paints the seaside town, the school and the community. I loved the friendships, and the intimate look into each character.

Absolutely brilliant, Big Little Lies offers up a mystery with characters you will remember long after the story ends. Caroline Lee was a delightful narrator and one I want to listen to again. As for Liane Moriarty I cannot recommend her enough. Big Little Lies would make a perfect book club read.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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65 Responses to “Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty”

  1. Lauren at Bookmark Lit

    I am currently listening to this audiobook as well and am loving it!
    I devoured The Husband’s Secret and loved never knowing what was going on or who to trust. The same thing has been true so far of Big Little Lies. I need to read all of Moriarty’s other books ASAP!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Wahoo, and I have The Husband’s Secret on my audio wish list and cannot wait:)

  2. Kay

    It’s decided. I HAVE to read this on. I liked her book The Husband’s Secret a great deal, but I’m thinking I will like this one even more. Thanks for the review!

  3. Amber Elise

    I was sold at “Fleshed out characters.” So happy you enjoyed this one, sounds interesting as all hell, and I wan to read more about Australia! 🙂

    Amber Elise @Du Livre

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Amber, I loved the way the author allowed this story to unfold.

  5. Jeann

    I can’t wait to read this book, I love how it is a thriller but a grown up one if you know what I mean (and not YA). Sounds like it’s definitely worth a pick up with the exploration of suburbia! Great review Kimba.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee, I look forward to seeing your take on it Jeann. The audio was so well done!

  6. Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)

    I think I was in the minority on this one…I wasn’t a huge fan mainly because I couldn’t stand all the mommy politics. But, I think Moriarty is just not my cup of tea given this is the third book of hers I’ve felt this way about 🙁

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, I think after three books I would move on. Having been a suburban mommy..i found it all hilarious and realistic.

  10. braine

    First cupcakes now a big ass pretty lollipop?! You are killing me!

    Anyway, I love the sound of this. Australia is a great place to set this story and I love the seemingly suburban themes.

  11. Lily

    I’m actually dying to get my hands on this one and the authors prevouis book, The Husbands Secret (I think thats what it’s called) too since i’ve heard so many good things! Glad you enjoyed this one! Great review 🙂

  12. Carmel

    I think I would enjoy the multiple perspectives paired with the police interviews; it seems like this format would give a good overview of everyone involved, and how the investigation is progressing. Plus, if you AND Loupe say the narrator is good, then it must be true!

  13. Katherine

    I’m so glad you enjoyed the audio of this one! I’ve been wanting to try this author and I just saw the audio version of this book on my library’s digital site. Now I’m really looking forward to listening!

  14. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have been seeing this everywhere and have been curious about it. Oh I was wondering if I should seek this one out on audio. I might have to do that. BTW, love the little coffee cup bullet points. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Audio, audio, audio. Yeah one of the cools mods you can do with self-host

  16. Heidi

    I will have to try this on audio. I am a bit stuck on good audios, my last couple have been just okay.

  18. Jennifer

    Jonetta has this one on her to review list. I’ll have to check it out after you and Loupe raving about the narrator.

  19. Laura Thomas

    I’ve been looking for a book to purchase with a gift card I won and this is it! You’d never know how serious this book is by the cover art but after reading your review and the blurb, I see why it works. Thanks for sharing and off to Amazon I go. Enjoy your weekend!

  21. Rita

    Dang, I have it on my kindle and haven’t gotten to it yet. I really wanted to read it this summer and somehow it slipped through the cracks. Will remedy that soon. Thanks for a good review.

  22. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I read the book instead of listening to it, but it was a favorite of mine and will make the Top Favorites List for the year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts….glad you enjoyed it.

  24. Nick

    Oh wow! This sounds brilliant, Kim. I love the sound of the fleshed out characters.
    Great review!

  25. Mary

    I’m not quite sure this is the book for me but with a five-cup rating from you, it’s definitely worth a shot! Plus, always good to mix my reading up, yanno?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ya got to mix it up, the audio was fantastic, the narrator rocked it

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like listening to mysteries, and mutli-character books on audio 🙂

  29. Melliane

    I didn’t know about this one but it sounds really well done. I confess that I tried an audiobook but it’s finally too long for me, I’m faster with real books. I’m glad you had a good time with it, I’m curious to discover this mystery now.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love them because I can clean, walk, garden and still be reading 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You may have been the reason I accepted the audiobook for review my dear 🙂

  33. lupdilup

    I’m thrilled that you also loved this audio book.I totally agree with your wonderful review. The narrator truly put you there, I wholeheartedly enjoyed it!
    Great job Kimball 🙂