Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Murder, addiction, and ghosts mix in satisfying prequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
FAMILY OF LIARS is set in the summer of 1987, as teen sisters Carrie, Penny, and Bess Sinclair, along with their cousins Yardley and Tomkin, return to spend another summer on their family's private island off the coast of Massachusetts. This summer they've been joined by Penny's friend Erin and three college- bound boys invited by Yardley. But what should have been a time filled with picnics on the beach, Brie and tomato sandwiches, sailing, and games of croquet and charades is not working out that way for Carrie. After surgery on her jaw that her parents insisted was medically necessary but she knew was all about how she looked, Carrie's become addicted to codeine. She's still grieving the drowning death of her 10-year-old sister, Rosemary, and she's discovered a long- buried family secret that could easily turn her life upside down. When Rosemary's ghost appears to Carrie, she first thinks it's a dream as she doesn't believe in ghosts. Or doesn't until Rosemary appears. There's finally a bright note for Carrie when she begins a first romance with one of the boys, Lawrence "Pfeff" Pfefferman. But this seemingly idyllic summer is soon shattered by betrayals, heartbreak, and eventually murder.
Is It Any Good?
This is a compelling story of murder, betrayal, scandal, addiction, and family loyalty set against a background straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Family of Liars initially unfolds at a leisurely pace with its wealthy teen characters spending their time playing croquet and tennis, picnicking on the beach, and going sailing. But then the story takes a very dark turn and becomes an unexpected and surprising whodunit. Teens who haven't read We Were Liars should be alerted that the story is filled with spoilers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the secrets people kept in Family of Liars. Is it ever OK to share a secret you've promised to keep?
How do you think Carrie's addiction to codeine affected the choices she makes in this story?
Do you believe in ghosts? Has anyone you know ever seen a ghost?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School ) , Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : May 3, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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