Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
4.0 / 5 Stars
480 Pages
Originally Published in 2021
Finished Reading on July 8, 2024
If there’s one thing I love in a novel, it’s family drama wrapped in a mystery. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty delivered just that. A tangled web of secrets, sibling tensions, and a missing matriarch. Plus, as a Capricorn, I love for a slow-burn unraveling of long-held secrets. This book gave me just that.
“Joy had thought that empty nesting would be easy, but she never imagined she’d feel so… invisible.”
What I Loved
Moriarty has a way of making everyday family life feel both intimate and thrilling. The Delaney family – made up of retired tennis coaches Joy and Stan and their four grown children – feels so real with their grudges, affections, and misunderstandings. The tennis aspect was an interesting touch, adding layers to their relationships and childhood memories. Also, the way the novel bounced between perspectives kept the tension high. I absolutely love that in a thriller-style family drama.
“The problem with winning was that someone always had to lose.”
What I Didn’t Love
The pacing slowed down at times, and there were moments when I just wanted the mystery to pick up a little faster. Also, the characters, while complex and well-written, weren’t always the most likable. It made it harder to root for some of them.
“The hardest thing about family is knowing exactly where to poke to cause the most pain.”
Final Thoughts
At its core, this book explores family dynamics and what happens when long-held resentments simmer to the surface. It also touches on how parental expectations shape adulthood, and whether you every truly know the people you love. Other aspects explored include marriage, loyalty, and the weight of secrets.
As a mom, I found myself thinking about Joy’s role in the family and how women often find themselves losing their sense of identity when their children grow up. That hit home.
This book is for:
- Fans of slow-burn domestic dramas with a touch of mystery
- Readers who enjoy multiple perspectives and intricate family dynamics
- Anyone who loved Big Little Lies or The Husband’s Secret (also by Moriarty!)
While not my absolute favorite Moriarty novel, Apples Never Fall was a compelling read with plenty of twists to keep me hooked. The family drama, the tennis world backdrop, and the unraveling mystery made for an engaging read.
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars!
What do you think? Would you pick up Apples Never Fall? Or if you’ve read it, did you guess what really happened to Joy? Let’s chat in the comments!