Summary
Family of Liars book review : Family of Liars serves as a prequel to We Were Liars, delving into the dark history of the Sinclair family decades before Cadence’s tragedy. Set in 1987, the story follows 17-year-old Carrie Sinclair as she recounts the events of a fateful summer on Beechwood Island to the ghost of her deceased son, Johnny. The novel explores addiction, grief, and betrayal, culminating in a murder cover-up that binds Carrie and her sisters in a web of lies. The narrative mirrors the atmospheric tension of its predecessor, with ghostly visitations and unreliable narration heightening the psychological drama .
Carrie’s summer spirals into chaos as she grapples with her addiction to painkillers, her attraction to the reckless Pfeff, and the haunting presence of her drowned sister, Rosemary. A violent confrontation leads to Pfeff’s death, which the sisters disguise as a boating accident. The twist reveals Carrie herself as the murderer, driven by jealousy and rage—a truth she confesses only decades later. The novel critiques privilege, showing how wealth shields the Sinclairs from consequences while corroding their morality .
Who Is This Book Suitable For?
This book is best suited for mature YA readers (ages 16+) due to its heavy themes, including addiction, murder, and sexual coercion. Fans of We Were Liars will appreciate the deeper exploration of the Sinclair family’s generational trauma, while newcomers can enjoy it as a standalone Gothic thriller. The novel’s exploration of sisterhood and moral ambiguity makes it ideal for readers who enjoy complex, flawed characters like those in Sharp Objects or The Secret History .
However, the graphic violence (e.g., Pfeff’s bludgeoning) and substance abuse may distress some readers. Common Sense Media notes the frequent use of strong language (“f–k,” “a–hole”) and depictions of underage drinking, advising caution for younger teens . Despite this, the book’s raw portrayal of grief and redemption offers valuable discussions about accountability and the cost of secrecy.
About the Author
E. Lockhart (Emily Jenkins) is renowned for her psychologically dense YA novels, including the We Were Liars series and Genuine Fraud. Her works often feature unreliable narrators, fairy-tale motifs, and critiques of privilege. Lockhart’s background in Shakespearean literature influences her themes of familial betrayal and tragic flaws, evident in Family of Liars’ exploration of the Sinclairs’ decay .
Lockhart’s writing process for this prequel involved nonlinear storytelling and lyrical prose to mirror Carrie’s fractured psyche. The novel’s success—debuting as a New York Times bestseller—cements her reputation for crafting “beautiful and devastating” narratives (Kirkus Reviews) . Her upcoming sequel, We Fell Apart (November 2025), will further expand the Sinclair saga.
Quotations from the Book
One haunting refrain underscores the Sinclair ethos: “Be a credit to the family.” This mantra justifies everything from Carrie’s coerced jaw surgery to the sisters’ cover-up of murder . Another poignant line reflects Carrie’s guilt: “I am a liar too. We all are. It’s the only way to survive this family.” .
The fairy-tale interludes, a Lockhart signature, are equally striking: “Once there was a king with three daughters. One was beautiful, one was clever, and one was dead.” This mirrors Rosemary’s ghostly presence and Carrie’s role as the “clever” sister burdened by truth .
Readers’ and Experts’ Opinions
Reviews praise the novel’s atmospheric tension and moral complexity. NPR calls it “an unexpected whodunit” with “superb character development,” while Kirkus’ starred review highlights its “unsettling yet striking” portrayal of guilt . Critics note the slower start compared to We Were Liars, but the payoff—Carrie’s confession—is “shocking and inevitable” (The New York Times) .
Some readers critique the privileged characters as unrelatable, with one Goodreads reviewer stating, “The Sinclairs’ wealth makes their pain feel distant” . However, others argue this detachment is intentional, exposing how privilege distorts morality. The Story Sanctuary praises Lockhart’s ability to make “terrible people compelling,” comparing Carrie to a tragic Shakespearean heroine .
Where to Buy or Download
The book is available in hardcover ($17.02 on Amazon), e-book, and audiobook formats. Major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org offer exclusive editions with bonus content, such as the Sinclair family tree . Libraries often carry copies, and the audiobook—narrated by actress Tavia Gilbert—enhances the novel’s eerie tone .
For international readers, platforms like Audible and Kobo provide translations. Prime members can access the Kindle version for free via Prime Reading. The upcoming 2025 TV adaptation may spur new print runs, so collectors should watch for special editions .