11 Books Like Big Little Lies
Did “Big Little Lies” leave you wanting more?
The blend of seemingly perfect suburban lives, hidden secrets, and simmering tension had us hooked from page one.
To all my fellow mystery and domestic drama enthusiasts, there’s a whole world of captivating stories waiting to be explored by you.
Delve into this collection and you are good to go.
Books Like Big Little Lies
1. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
This novel intertwines the lives of three women, Cecilia, Tess, and Rachel, as they navigate through personal crises and secrets that have the power to change their lives forever.
Cecilia discovers a letter from her husband, to be opened after his death, revealing a secret that shatters her perception of their perfect life. Meanwhile, Tess faces betrayal from her husband and cousin, and Rachel is haunted by the unsolved murder of her daughter.
Major Similarities:
Like “Big Little Lies,” “The Husband’s Secret” is also written by Liane Moriarty, ensuring a similar writing style and thematic focus on domestic settings and the complex lives of women.
Both novels masterfully blend mystery, drama, and the exploration of familial and societal issues, with secrets at the core of the narrative driving the plot and character development.
2. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
“Sharp Objects” features Camille Preaker, a journalist who returns to her small hometown to cover the murders of two pre-teen girls.
Battling her own psychological demons and a complicated relationship with her mother, Camille uncovers dark secrets about her family and the town. The novel delves deep into the psyche of its characters, revealing the disturbing nature of human behavior and the past’s influence on the present.
Major Similarities:
Both “Sharp Objects” and “Big Little Lies” involve a mystery element set within a tight-knit community, focusing on female protagonists with complex inner lives and troubled pasts.
The exploration of familial relationships, mental health, and societal expectations in both books provides a gripping and thought-provoking reading experience.
3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This thriller follows Rachel, a woman who fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she observes from the train every day, until she witnesses something shocking.
As she becomes entangled in the investigation, the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing unreliable narrators and dark secrets. The narrative explores themes of obsession, grief, and the blurry lines between truth and perception.
Major Similarities:
“The Girl on the Train” shares with “Big Little Lies” the element of suspense and mystery surrounding an event witnessed by the protagonist, leading to an unraveling of secrets within a community.
Both novels employ shifting perspectives to build tension and develop complex characters, making the reader question the reliability of narrations.
4. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Set in the planned community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, this novel explores the intertwined fates of the Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives.
The story delves into the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
Major Similarities:
“Little Fires Everywhere” and “Big Little Lies” both focus on the dynamics of suburban life, exploring themes of family, motherhood, and the impact of secrets.
The novels present a critical look at the façade of perfection in seemingly idyllic communities, with a narrative that slowly reveals the complexity and flaws of its characters.
5. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
This psychological thriller unveils the perfect marriage of Jack and Grace that is anything but. While they appear to be the embodiment of a happy and successful couple, the reality of their relationship is dark and twisted.
The story captures the tension and terror of Grace’s life behind the façade of marital bliss, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Big Little Lies,” “Behind Closed Doors” explores the theme of domestic life concealing dark secrets. Both novels delve into the psychological aspects of their characters, offering a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seat.
The emphasis on the contrast between public perception and private reality in both books highlights the complexities of personal relationships and societal expectations.
6. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
In this novel, Alice Love wakes up on the floor of a gym, thinking she’s a twenty-something newlywed, only to discover she’s actually thirty-nine, with three kids and in the midst of a bitter divorce.
As Alice struggles to reconcile her lost decade, she begins to question the life she’s built and the person she’s become. Through her journey, Alice discovers the importance of memory in shaping our identities and the possibilities of starting over.
Major Similarities:
“What Alice Forgot” shares Liane Moriarty’s signature blend of humor, drama, and keen observations of human relationships, much like “Big Little Lies.”
Both novels focus on the complexities of family life, the impact of secrets and revelations, and the exploration of women’s identities within their social and familial roles.
7. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” tells the story of Nick and Amy Dunne’s troubled marriage, which takes a dark turn when Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary.
Told from alternating perspectives, the novel explores themes of deception, media manipulation, and the complexities of love and marriage. As the investigation unfolds, the reader is led through a series of twists and turns, questioning the truth about Nick, Amy, and their marriage.
Major Similarities:
Like “Big Little Lies,” “Gone Girl” delves into the dark underbelly of a marriage and the facades people construct. Both novels feature complex, flawed characters and revolve around a central mystery that keeps the reader guessing.
The exploration of themes such as betrayal, the societal pressures on relationships, and the power of media scrutiny are prevalent in both stories.
8. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
“The Nightingale” tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, in France during World War II who face the German occupation. Each sister embarks on her own path of survival and resistance, showcasing the strength and resilience of women under the most harrowing circumstances.
The novel explores themes of love, war, sacrifice, and the endurance of the human spirit.
Major Similarities:
While “The Nightingale” differs in setting and historical context from “Big Little Lies,” both novels highlight strong female protagonists navigating challenging circumstances.
The themes of resilience, the complexity of family dynamics, and the profound impact of secrets and choices resonate in both stories.
9. The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
This thriller revolves around four women bound by a schoolgirl pact to never tell the truth about a night that changed their lives. Years later, when a body is discovered near their old school, they are forced to confront the lies that have kept them bound together.
The novel explores the durability of friendships, the weight of secrets, and the desperate lengths people will go to protect their lives.
Major Similarities:
“The Lying Game” shares with “Big Little Lies” a focus on the power of secrets, the complexities of female friendships, and the impact of past actions on the present.
Both novels are set against the backdrop of a close-knit community and utilize suspense and mystery to unravel the truth behind the characters’ facades.
10. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Set across different timelines, “The Secret Keeper” explores the mysteries surrounding Laurel Nicolson’s family, beginning with a violent crime she witnesses as a teenager during a family celebration.
Decades later, Laurel seeks to uncover the truth about that day, leading her to delve into her mother’s past during World War II. The novel weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, spanning generations.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Big Little Lies,” “The Secret Keeper” explores the impact of secrets and the quest for truth within a complex narrative structure. Both novels feature strong, multidimensional female characters and delve into the nuances of family dynamics and personal history.
The intertwining of past and present in the storytelling method adds depth and suspense to the unfolding mysteries.
11. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
In “Truly Madly Guilty,” Moriarty unravels the story of three couples who attend a barbecue that goes disastrously wrong. The event’s aftermath strains relationships, uncovers buried tensions, and reveals secrets that challenge their perceptions of friendship and marriage.
The narrative explores guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of adult relationships, with Moriarty’s characteristic wit and insight.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares Moriarty’s adeptness at dissecting suburban life and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, akin to “Big Little Lies.”
Both books showcase how a single event can unravel the fabric of seemingly stable lives, highlighting the themes of guilt, secrecy, and the quest for redemption.
The focus on the dynamics between friends and couples, along with Moriarty’s engaging storytelling, makes both novels compelling reads that delve into the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of adversity.
