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The Liars Society #1
The Liars Society
NYTimes and USA TODAY bestselling series!
Weatherby is a fish out of water. When she lands a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School, she’s excited to be in the same world as her dad, whom she’s never met, and make real friends. But Weatherby has a secret she’ll risk everything to protect, one that could destroy her new life.
Every member of Jack’s wealthy and privileged family has made their mark at the Boston School. Everyone, that is, except for Jack, who is entirely mediocre. He’s desperate to prove his worth to his influential father. But Jack has a secret of his own . . . one with the power to ruin everything. When the money for their school trip to a private island―exclusive to Boston students―is stolen, Jack and Weatherby are invited to play a high-stakes game and solve the mystery of the missing money. If they win, they’ll be selected to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world―and they’ll be Boston royalty forever. If they lose . . . well, they better not lose.
- American Booksellers Association’s Best Books for Young Readers
- Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year (So Far)
- Barnes & Noble Bookseller Favorite
- Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection
- Indiana Young Hoosier Award Nominee
- Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Book Award
- Vermont Golden Dome Book Award
- Roku Best Book of the Month
- Bookshop's Favorite New Books
- YA Book Central - Buzzworthy Books of 2024
- Indigo Books (Canada) Staff Pick
- Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN) Staff Pick
- Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, TX) Staff Pick
- Book People - New and Noteworthy
- Books & Co. Kids Advisory Pick
- Red Balloon Bookshop Staff Pick
Weatherby is a fish out of water. When she lands a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School, she’s excited to be in the same world as her dad, whom she’s never met, and make real friends. But Weatherby has a secret she’ll risk everything to protect, one that could destroy her new life.
Every member of Jack’s wealthy and privileged family has made their mark at the Boston School. Everyone, that is, except for Jack, who is entirely mediocre. He’s desperate to prove his worth to his influential father. But Jack has a secret of his own . . . one with the power to ruin everything. When the money for their school trip to a private island―exclusive to Boston students―is stolen, Jack and Weatherby are invited to play a high-stakes game and solve the mystery of the missing money. If they win, they’ll be selected to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world―and they’ll be Boston royalty forever. If they lose . . . well, they better not lose.
- American Booksellers Association’s Best Books for Young Readers
- Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year (So Far)
- Barnes & Noble Bookseller Favorite
- Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection
- Indiana Young Hoosier Award Nominee
- Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Book Award
- Vermont Golden Dome Book Award
- Roku Best Book of the Month
- Bookshop's Favorite New Books
- YA Book Central - Buzzworthy Books of 2024
- Indigo Books (Canada) Staff Pick
- Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN) Staff Pick
- Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, TX) Staff Pick
- Book People - New and Noteworthy
- Books & Co. Kids Advisory Pick
- Red Balloon Bookshop Staff Pick
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
192 people are currently reading
6017 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Gerber
6 books322 followersAlyson Gerber is the NYTimes and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Liars Society series and critically acclaimed, middle grade novels. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. Follow her @AlysonGerber and at alysongerber.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
December 18, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“Truth before trust,” he says.
I nod. “Truth before everything.”
If Alyson Gerber hoped that The Liars Society would be a good example for kids who are interested in reading The Inheritance Games trilogy, but can't because, y'know, the age factor, then I think, she did a commendable job. Aside from the obvious homage to The Westing Game, I was quite happy to learn that this was a solid and well-written start to what could potentially be a very memorable middle-grade mystery series. 👏🏻👏🏻
Ah, this was surprisingly so much fun to read! The narrative alternates between Weatherby, a young girl who's pretty much been deprived of all good things by being stuck in the school system, when her luck magically changes when she's offered a free ride to the prestigious private Boston School, and Jack Hunt, the rich kid whose father is pretty much the man of the hour and runs Boston School like it's his playground - literally. Though the two clash as sailing opponents at the start of the story, as they become more involved in the ongoing at their school - from sailing competitions, to secret society pledges, and invested reasons for visiting Jack's family island, Hart Isle, more twists and secrets are revealed that make the two of them realize that there may be something more that binds them together than they wouldn't have expected. 🫣
“Trust Before Truth. Truth Before Tradition— and I’ll be in Last Heir too.”
And I just loved how it all played out! 🤩 Honestly, in a way, it was much better than the Inheritance Games! The writing was clever and sharp and funny! It fit exactly the voice of what would work for younger audiences and it generously and favorably portrayed very well-fleshed out friendship dynamics. Very easy to understand, a smooth and engaging flow, an intriguing mystery that offers plenty of shocks and surprises, with an interactive cast of youngsters that welcomed me into their little world. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 From being the odd girl out, from being the one prone to cause trouble, from being the one with a hidden agenda, everything played out so seamlessly and creatively. I appreciated how the plot was moving at such a seamless pace, that you could feel layers of the mystery slowly peeling away as the story deepened. I was genuinely perplexed myself as to what was actually going on, and that's always a plus point for me! Weatherby and Jack's perspectives were also each unique and interesting and I was invested in both their stories. 😥
Jack, in particular, started off with such a chip on his board - trying to please his father and live up to his esteem, that he was more than eager to do anything to bend the rules - find out the truth and simply seek what it means to be a Hunt. 'Being a Hunt comes with magic powers. We make big problems go away.' 🥺 Simultaneously, we also get Weatherby's eagerness to know just what exactly is her own personal connection to this school - what role does her absentee father play in all this, while still trying to determine and find her place in a new setting of rich people - knowing and feeling that she's still the odd one out. 'I just want to know who he was and what he was like.' Even though, they started off on the wrong foot, it's that gradual and believable way in which they navigated their course towards each other - becoming friends and confidantes and much more that I really enjoyed how their character growth developed so well. 🤍
“No secrets among friends.”
And that's definitely a motto worth living by, and the one that shines the strongest and loudest in the end. The friendships forged were excellent - a unique blend of different working class, but somehow each inclined by truth and righteousness. Each of the characters brought a little something to the table for Jack and Weatherby to learn something from and also help get them closer to their own truths. 👍🏻👍🏻 Their friendship, in particular, was very nice to see develop; the level of sincerity of knowing that their dislike for each other was so unwarranted, when they see how good a person they are, when they can be. I loved all the reveals that happened on Hart Isle - uff, so skillfully and cleverly captured, I was riveted! 🥹
Like a key cracking open a puzzle - I was just - so excited at how the clues were laid out and so very much impressed by the author's ingenuous way in revealing them, too! 😌 The excitement over uncovering the truths was as palpable for me as it was for the characters, and I cherish that feeling - always! If I were ever to be addicted to anything - it's that heady rush of a mystery being solved - it has a smell (I know, it's not possible, but bear with me) so tangible, I can taste it. And the final moments here were deliciously written, I was very happy at how it all played out, and it makes me excited to know what awaits them in their next chapter. ☺️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“Truth before trust,” he says.
I nod. “Truth before everything.”
If Alyson Gerber hoped that The Liars Society would be a good example for kids who are interested in reading The Inheritance Games trilogy, but can't because, y'know, the age factor, then I think, she did a commendable job. Aside from the obvious homage to The Westing Game, I was quite happy to learn that this was a solid and well-written start to what could potentially be a very memorable middle-grade mystery series. 👏🏻👏🏻
Ah, this was surprisingly so much fun to read! The narrative alternates between Weatherby, a young girl who's pretty much been deprived of all good things by being stuck in the school system, when her luck magically changes when she's offered a free ride to the prestigious private Boston School, and Jack Hunt, the rich kid whose father is pretty much the man of the hour and runs Boston School like it's his playground - literally. Though the two clash as sailing opponents at the start of the story, as they become more involved in the ongoing at their school - from sailing competitions, to secret society pledges, and invested reasons for visiting Jack's family island, Hart Isle, more twists and secrets are revealed that make the two of them realize that there may be something more that binds them together than they wouldn't have expected. 🫣
“Trust Before Truth. Truth Before Tradition— and I’ll be in Last Heir too.”
And I just loved how it all played out! 🤩 Honestly, in a way, it was much better than the Inheritance Games! The writing was clever and sharp and funny! It fit exactly the voice of what would work for younger audiences and it generously and favorably portrayed very well-fleshed out friendship dynamics. Very easy to understand, a smooth and engaging flow, an intriguing mystery that offers plenty of shocks and surprises, with an interactive cast of youngsters that welcomed me into their little world. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 From being the odd girl out, from being the one prone to cause trouble, from being the one with a hidden agenda, everything played out so seamlessly and creatively. I appreciated how the plot was moving at such a seamless pace, that you could feel layers of the mystery slowly peeling away as the story deepened. I was genuinely perplexed myself as to what was actually going on, and that's always a plus point for me! Weatherby and Jack's perspectives were also each unique and interesting and I was invested in both their stories. 😥
Jack, in particular, started off with such a chip on his board - trying to please his father and live up to his esteem, that he was more than eager to do anything to bend the rules - find out the truth and simply seek what it means to be a Hunt. 'Being a Hunt comes with magic powers. We make big problems go away.' 🥺 Simultaneously, we also get Weatherby's eagerness to know just what exactly is her own personal connection to this school - what role does her absentee father play in all this, while still trying to determine and find her place in a new setting of rich people - knowing and feeling that she's still the odd one out. 'I just want to know who he was and what he was like.' Even though, they started off on the wrong foot, it's that gradual and believable way in which they navigated their course towards each other - becoming friends and confidantes and much more that I really enjoyed how their character growth developed so well. 🤍
“No secrets among friends.”
And that's definitely a motto worth living by, and the one that shines the strongest and loudest in the end. The friendships forged were excellent - a unique blend of different working class, but somehow each inclined by truth and righteousness. Each of the characters brought a little something to the table for Jack and Weatherby to learn something from and also help get them closer to their own truths. 👍🏻👍🏻 Their friendship, in particular, was very nice to see develop; the level of sincerity of knowing that their dislike for each other was so unwarranted, when they see how good a person they are, when they can be. I loved all the reveals that happened on Hart Isle - uff, so skillfully and cleverly captured, I was riveted! 🥹
Like a key cracking open a puzzle - I was just - so excited at how the clues were laid out and so very much impressed by the author's ingenuous way in revealing them, too! 😌 The excitement over uncovering the truths was as palpable for me as it was for the characters, and I cherish that feeling - always! If I were ever to be addicted to anything - it's that heady rush of a mystery being solved - it has a smell (I know, it's not possible, but bear with me) so tangible, I can taste it. And the final moments here were deliciously written, I was very happy at how it all played out, and it makes me excited to know what awaits them in their next chapter. ☺️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2023
As a middle school teacher, there are often times that my students do not want a younger middle grade book but are not ready for young adult, and it is so hard to find books for them that fit what they’re looking for—The Liars Society is going to fit a need that I’d been searching for when it comes to my readers who want to read Jennifer Lynn Barnes or Karen McManus but aren’t there yet. And, as a mystery fan, I can recommend in confidence because I didn’t figure out the twists, so I know middle school readers are going to be blown away by what happens also. I CANNOT wait to get this book into readers’ hands (and it is going to be so hard to wait for book 2)!!
August 20, 2023
“Truth before trust. Truth before everything.”
🏫
Weatherby is an accomplished sailor, which lands her a scholarship to Boston School, a prestigious private school for the richest of rich. She feels like she doesn’t belong, but she also knows her father was a legacy there and she wants to know more about the man who she never met. Jack Hunt, another sailor, is probably the richest kid at Boston. He’s trying so hard to prove himself to his dad and older brother, but he has a secret he’ll do anything to protect. When Weatherby and Jack are tapped for a secret society, they start discovering secrets about those closest to them and start to wonder if anyone is telling the truth.
🤫
Wow! Fans of The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying will love this slightly younger MG mystery. I read it in one sitting because I was so invested in the characters, their secrets and the twists that kept coming. Also, I’m thrilled one of the main characters shares my last name 😉 This book is going to change the game when it comes to middle grade mystery books. I have so many students I’m going to recommend this to when it releases February 6! I’m thrilled there’s going to be a sequel because I have to know what happens next!
CW: parental abandonment, theft, illness
🏫
Weatherby is an accomplished sailor, which lands her a scholarship to Boston School, a prestigious private school for the richest of rich. She feels like she doesn’t belong, but she also knows her father was a legacy there and she wants to know more about the man who she never met. Jack Hunt, another sailor, is probably the richest kid at Boston. He’s trying so hard to prove himself to his dad and older brother, but he has a secret he’ll do anything to protect. When Weatherby and Jack are tapped for a secret society, they start discovering secrets about those closest to them and start to wonder if anyone is telling the truth.
🤫
Wow! Fans of The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying will love this slightly younger MG mystery. I read it in one sitting because I was so invested in the characters, their secrets and the twists that kept coming. Also, I’m thrilled one of the main characters shares my last name 😉 This book is going to change the game when it comes to middle grade mystery books. I have so many students I’m going to recommend this to when it releases February 6! I’m thrilled there’s going to be a sequel because I have to know what happens next!
CW: parental abandonment, theft, illness
October 5, 2024
Not a whodunit mystery, this is the story of secrets. Five students at the Boston School; Weatherby, Jack, Pres, Iris and Harper are tapped by the Lost Heir to join a secret society. Told from Weatherby and Jack's viewpoints, can the five trust each other? They are all hiding secrets. In addition to the secrets the five carry, who or what is behind the Lost Heir? What secrets will be unveiled?
Give this to those who are interested in secret societies or boarding school stories.
Give this to those who are interested in secret societies or boarding school stories.
January 1, 2024
My first read of 2024 was incredible!
Told through the voice of two narrators, The Liars Society will be a huge hit with fans of middle grade mystery.
Weatherby is a skilled sailor thanks to her next-door neighbor, “Uncle” Skip. When her skills get her noticed at a local race, she lands a scholarship with the same prestigious Boston prep school that her dad (whom she’s never met) attended. Wanting to learn more about her dad, Weatherby must hide a secret to keep her scholarship safe.
Jack’s also a decent sailor thanks to his wealthy and privileged family (who basically run the school). He’s desperate for his father’s approval and knows if his secret gets out, it has the power to ruin everything.
Though Weatherby and Jack initially clash, they are eventually paired as sailing partners and have to work out their issues, especially when the money for a school trip to a private island is stolen. Suddenly, both kids are tapped for a secret society at the school IF they can solve the mystery of the missing money.
Full of an intriguing cast of secondary characters and twists and turns, readers will fly through the pages trying to figure out who is responsible.
While I’m already eagerly waiting to hear of a sequel, this is one to pre-order now. Publishes February 6th.
Told through the voice of two narrators, The Liars Society will be a huge hit with fans of middle grade mystery.
Weatherby is a skilled sailor thanks to her next-door neighbor, “Uncle” Skip. When her skills get her noticed at a local race, she lands a scholarship with the same prestigious Boston prep school that her dad (whom she’s never met) attended. Wanting to learn more about her dad, Weatherby must hide a secret to keep her scholarship safe.
Jack’s also a decent sailor thanks to his wealthy and privileged family (who basically run the school). He’s desperate for his father’s approval and knows if his secret gets out, it has the power to ruin everything.
Though Weatherby and Jack initially clash, they are eventually paired as sailing partners and have to work out their issues, especially when the money for a school trip to a private island is stolen. Suddenly, both kids are tapped for a secret society at the school IF they can solve the mystery of the missing money.
Full of an intriguing cast of secondary characters and twists and turns, readers will fly through the pages trying to figure out who is responsible.
While I’m already eagerly waiting to hear of a sequel, this is one to pre-order now. Publishes February 6th.
February 4, 2024
Middle grade GOLD! This mystery series starter will be super popular!!! I’m obsessed w Weatherby and Jack (and the snooty, secretive, private -and invented- Boston School). I can’t wait to find out what secrets the two protagonists uncover as this series unfolds. I’m already imagining how this will look on the shelf in my mystery section—planning to buy several copies!
May 5, 2024
Great read. Thank you Goodreads for the free book
March 21, 2025
“Truth before trust.”
This was a riveting story with twists around each and every turn! It’s perfect for anyone wanting a younger mystery that still intrigues an older audience.
This was a riveting story with twists around each and every turn! It’s perfect for anyone wanting a younger mystery that still intrigues an older audience.
July 12, 2024
I'll say it again and again, I LOVE middle grade mysteries! The puzzles and clues, new friends coming together, action and adventure. I'm happy I found this at my library, it's fun and a little intense at times. I really liked how everything came together and the ending left me needing more! Thankfully there's a sequel in the works!
November 4, 2025
"'This invitation is only for you.
An exclusive game for a select few....'"
✏️ Review ✏️
Blending a bit of mysteries, puzzles, and riddles, The Liars Society introduces a series debut that signals an exciting series ahead. The beginning of the The Liars Society starts off on the slower, less impressive side. But it does take-off with a engaging storyline after the halfway point and concludes with an ending that demands a promising sequel.
This story reminded me of a clean MG spin-off of The Inheritance Games, yet The Liars Society still possesses a distinctly different plot structure. Granted, The Liars Society's plot is not as absorbing and the characters not as developed when compared to The Inheritance Games. Readers will still be satisfied with this story, I'm sure, especially knowing that The Liars Society features a relatively clean story as opposed to the distinctly looser moral tone/content in The Inheritance Games.
While it does create some disconnect in the narrative at times, the story's dual-POV employment does stimulate further intrigue and variance within the storyline. Overall, The Liars Society delivers an intriguingly twisty mystery that sets the framework for what promises to be an exciting series.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The last one-half of the story — this part holds the most excitement and is where I became invested in the story.
• The dual-POV — it introduces more variance and breadth to the story's scope.
• The several important minor characters — they add a further layer of interest.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The beginning — it's slower-paced and didn't seem that impressive.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy contemporary mystery stories that feature puzzles, codes, and unsuspected twists.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
• (One use of "j**z.")
— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• A situation involving premarital sex is a prominently but nondescriptly discussed topic in the last one-fourth part of the story and is vaguely referenced a few times throughout other portions of the story as well.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
An exclusive game for a select few....'"
✏️ Review ✏️
Blending a bit of mysteries, puzzles, and riddles, The Liars Society introduces a series debut that signals an exciting series ahead. The beginning of the The Liars Society starts off on the slower, less impressive side. But it does take-off with a engaging storyline after the halfway point and concludes with an ending that demands a promising sequel.
This story reminded me of a clean MG spin-off of The Inheritance Games, yet The Liars Society still possesses a distinctly different plot structure. Granted, The Liars Society's plot is not as absorbing and the characters not as developed when compared to The Inheritance Games. Readers will still be satisfied with this story, I'm sure, especially knowing that The Liars Society features a relatively clean story as opposed to the distinctly looser moral tone/content in The Inheritance Games.
While it does create some disconnect in the narrative at times, the story's dual-POV employment does stimulate further intrigue and variance within the storyline. Overall, The Liars Society delivers an intriguingly twisty mystery that sets the framework for what promises to be an exciting series.
"Don't follow the rules. Make the rules work for you."
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The last one-half of the story — this part holds the most excitement and is where I became invested in the story.
• The dual-POV — it introduces more variance and breadth to the story's scope.
• The several important minor characters — they add a further layer of interest.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The beginning — it's slower-paced and didn't seem that impressive.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy contemporary mystery stories that feature puzzles, codes, and unsuspected twists.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
• (One use of "j**z.")
— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• A situation involving premarital sex is a prominently but nondescriptly discussed topic in the last one-fourth part of the story and is vaguely referenced a few times throughout other portions of the story as well.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
June 30, 2025
1,5 ⭐
Não gostei. Não odiei, só é ruim.
Ninguém é cativante ou legal (na realidade ela só te joga no meio da história e é suposto que se importe com os personagens), não liguei pro negócio de velejar e sei lá, o plot foi mal construído.
Não gostei. Não odiei, só é ruim.
Ninguém é cativante ou legal (na realidade ela só te joga no meio da história e é suposto que se importe com os personagens), não liguei pro negócio de velejar e sei lá, o plot foi mal construído.
June 15, 2025
Read with my 5th grade class - we liked it overall but thought it dragged a little
February 13, 2024
What a great way to end my reading year! The Liars Society is a fun, fast paced read full of secrets and mysteries. One of the most difficult parts of a mystery is giving the reader enough information and clues to back up the mystery solution without making everything too obvious or coming out of nowhere. Alyson Gerber does an excellent job of supporting the reader and I can see my middle schoolers solving the mystery with the main characters as they read. There was so much to love in this book outside the mystery as well. Plot points around what makes a family and who can you trust as well as fun side plots of sailing (which I knew nothing about and loved) and an inside look at a private school with secret societies that almost makes me want to be a middle schooler again! I can’t wait to share this book with my students!
This review is based off an advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley.
This review is based off an advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley.
January 16, 2024
3.5. “*One Of Us Is Lying* for middlegrade readers” captures the vibe. Slow start—voice and exposition felt awkward to me for the first two or three chapters—but really gets cracking about halfway in. With a kid in front of me, I won’t be *omg you HAVE TO READ THIS* but *ohhh, this was fun, you’ll like it*
(Read as digital ARC, thanks to Edelweiss Plus)
(Read as digital ARC, thanks to Edelweiss Plus)
December 2, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Scholastic for the advance Kindle copy of this 2.6.24 release. All opinions are my own.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Set in the world of the East Coast privileged at a private school, this mystery is perfect for middle school readers. It is told in alternating voices - Weatherby, a sailing star on scholarship at the elite Boston School, where her deceased father attended, and Jack, whose family practically owns the school but isn’t exactly honest or upstanding. The pair become sailing teammates against their wishes, and become entangled with their friends in something even more dangerous. I’ll be buying multiple copies for my library for sure. Recommended for grades 6-8.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Set in the world of the East Coast privileged at a private school, this mystery is perfect for middle school readers. It is told in alternating voices - Weatherby, a sailing star on scholarship at the elite Boston School, where her deceased father attended, and Jack, whose family practically owns the school but isn’t exactly honest or upstanding. The pair become sailing teammates against their wishes, and become entangled with their friends in something even more dangerous. I’ll be buying multiple copies for my library for sure. Recommended for grades 6-8.
July 20, 2024
This mystery is unlike any other middle grade novel -- it reads more like a young adult novel with its adventures of rich kids and their secrets. I guarantee this 5-star read won't stay checked in for long in my classroom library -- it's that good! Weatherby "earns" a scholarship to sail for a rich school, but she enrolls with a secret. Jack, the richest kid in school, has secrets of his own, and his path soon intertwines with Weatherby's. Just when you thought you had this book all figured out, it throws you one twist and then another. I think this is a start of a new series, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Gerber will write Book 2 soon!
October 4, 2023
"No secrets among friends"
REALLY good. There was so much I didn't know about the characters and the more I read, the more I wanted to get to the end and solve the mystery. And once you start reading, well, it's pretty hard to stop. There was truths and lies, friends and foes, on both land and sea. I can't wait for the next book!
T>T/ T>T
REALLY good. There was so much I didn't know about the characters and the more I read, the more I wanted to get to the end and solve the mystery. And once you start reading, well, it's pretty hard to stop. There was truths and lies, friends and foes, on both land and sea. I can't wait for the next book!
T>T/ T>T
August 22, 2023
So excited to read this one!!!! Alyson Gerber is phenomenal and bringing her talent for character to a more mysterious world is going to be incredible
December 27, 2024
This was actually really good and I can’t wait for the second one😝😝
August 12, 2024
This book is a perfect example of middle grade. It has an emphasis on friendship and the writing and material is definitely appropriate for that age group. But I am an adult and I enjoyed it a lot too. I loved the Boston setting, the super rich world, and the mystery. It had fun reveals and plot twists. My favorite part was the sailboat racing. I wish there was more of that. Also I absolutely loved Hart Isle. I am now invested in this story and I feel like I only got the tip of the iceberg with this book. I need the next book!!! Jacks and Weatherbys relationship development was so touching to read too.
SPOILERS and book notes:
The setting is Boston.
Weatherby competes in sailboat racing. And she is a natural. “Regatta is a day of boat races, like a swim meet.” “Every boat on the water today has two people—a skipper and a crew. The skipper is the driver. And the crew, that’s me. I’m the eyes of the boat, looking out for anything unexpected, and I’m really good at seeing things other people can’t.” She watches for “puffs” in the water to help them go faster: “I watch for puffs, dark spots in the water, that move as the wind blows from the shore.” Some puffs are “lifts” that bring you closer to the mark and finish line. She is really good at the “hiking” technique: “ (the action of moving the crew's body weight as far to windward (upwind) as possible, in order to decrease the extent the boat heels (leans away from the wind).”) “After I’ve been hiking upwind for more than a few minutes, my quads and hamstrings start to burn. Skip says my hiking stamina is stronger than anyone he’s ever met.” Come on weatherby be honest about your sails being accidentally too big! You will be blessed! JACK is the other perspective and he is a Hunt. Him and his older brother Ford lost to weatherby. “We’re winners. We’re Hunts. Getting to the top is in our blood. But I’m not like Dad or Ford. I’m not competitive enough. I love sailing for fun and being out on the water and racing boats with my team.” Ford and Jack are brothers that have each others BACKS. But they cheat and do anything to win. UGH I like the Boston school motto: “Non sibi. From Latin, meaning not for self. The school motto. I love it, and I plan to live by it.” hehehe: “The boy pushes his hair off his face. Blue eyes. Dimples. My stomach turns. Of course. The Hunt jerk who laughed at me.” No personal phones at the school. They use pay phones. Weatherby just wants a real friend. To not be alone. I love Teddie! She is on the sailing team too and was instantly nice to Weatherby. “She’s not trying too hard. But she sparkles so bright. Being pretty and good at things seems easy for her. It feels a little like she’s a rare gem, and if I get closer, her shininess might rub off on me.” MP or Iris seems cool too! “I’m going to be the first Korean Jewish female governor of Massachusetts. MP stands for Member of Parliament.” She is the class president. Harper is the other girl friend and she is more judgmental and rude. Hart Island: “Once we get to the island, we get our halls, which people say are these fancy, mythological-looking tree houses, a hundred feet off the ground. The only way in and out is by zip line. We sleep there and eat meals there. But your hall is way more than a place.” And it sounds like you get sorted into halls like hogwarts houses!! Oh man these kids are RICH. Especially jacks family. Their house is old with secret passageways and hidden compartments. Last Heir is a secret society that super rich people get initiated into. Jack is waiting for his turn. They hold the secrets of his family and their business. They have secret bunkers all over the world like football stadiums, bungalows in bora bora etc. I’m being introduced into the filthy rich world with country clubs etc. I’m worried bc the Last Heir club kind of sounds like the gadiantin robbers…. Swearing oaths and having secret combinations…. With all these rich prideful men… This is an interesting view that Jack has of himself: “I’m not a thief. I get that I stole, but I’m done. I’ve watched Pres go from a person who cheated to a cheater. I get making a mistake, but making the same mistake on purpose is a choice. I don’t want to be a person who makes bad choices and does bad things, because eventually people get hurt. But I still stole the letter. Sometimes I can’t stop myself. That’s a Hunt thing too.” I like that he says there is a difference between making a mistake and making the same mistake as a choice again. I think he wants to be a good person. He needs guidance and the gospel. This is NUTS bc I think Jack and his family is evil? But is he like Draco’s Malfoy trapped with a bad family?? He seems like he has more of a conscience. Jack and Weatherby get put as sailing partners and THEY CLICK. They work so good as a team. And they actually treat each other as team mates. AND they are lab science partners too. Haha “Jack is different on the water. Nothing at all like the jerk he is on land.” Aww Harper lied about being rich! She is poor and on scholarship!! And someone exposed her… The Last Heir secret society are testing five kids to see if they are worthy to join: Harper, Weatherby, Jack, Pres, and Iris. They are in a secret bunker. The note left by the society calls them Liar, thief, sneak, fake, and cheat. They don’t know who is who though!! They each have a secret though. Hart island is a sweet place! 3 small volcanoes and two hot springs and a mud bath. Two mountains in the shape of a V. With a forest. And then an enormous castle where the Hunt family stays on vacation called kingman cottage. Oxymoran. A zip line out of the castle that leads to the school side of the island. I knew the secret was a factory dumping hazard material making people sick!! But PLOT TWIST. Harper was the one that black mailed them and sent them here! NOT “the last heir society”. Bc her dad is sick and she new this was here! And Harper is the one who stole the Hart Isle money too!! “No secrets among friends.” Now they are all bonded as friends and have each other’s backs!!! So they create their own society. “A secret society of liars who fight for truth.” Nooo jacks brother betrays them!!! Yates Hunt (jacks uncle) is weatherbys DAD!! This was such a beautiful moment!!!! “Jack reaches over the seat and grabs on to my hand. And he doesn’t let go. When my heart slows down again, I open my eyes. Jack is looking right at me. His face lights up. A warm wave of certainty washes over me, thinking about how Jack and I just clicked on the boat. We were born knowing how to sail together. “We’re family.” My voice hitches, a sob caught somewhere deep in my chest. “We’re cousins.” Jack smiles at me, tears clouding his eyes. “I’ve never had a cousin.” “Me neither.” I’m smiling now too, beaming, as happiness bubbles up inside me. “We’re cousins.”” The anagram game in this book is unreal: ““Last Heir is an anagram,” I say. “And so is Hart Isle.” I’m seeing the truth clearly now. “Rearrange the letters in both, and you get … The Liars.” Jack inhales sharply. “They’re liars.” “They want us to be liars too,” I say.” I love that Jack and Weatherby became the true family for each other: “Before I realize what’s happening, Jack is hugging me. I hug him back. And he feels like family.”
SPOILERS and book notes:
The setting is Boston.
Weatherby competes in sailboat racing. And she is a natural. “Regatta is a day of boat races, like a swim meet.” “Every boat on the water today has two people—a skipper and a crew. The skipper is the driver. And the crew, that’s me. I’m the eyes of the boat, looking out for anything unexpected, and I’m really good at seeing things other people can’t.” She watches for “puffs” in the water to help them go faster: “I watch for puffs, dark spots in the water, that move as the wind blows from the shore.” Some puffs are “lifts” that bring you closer to the mark and finish line. She is really good at the “hiking” technique: “ (the action of moving the crew's body weight as far to windward (upwind) as possible, in order to decrease the extent the boat heels (leans away from the wind).”) “After I’ve been hiking upwind for more than a few minutes, my quads and hamstrings start to burn. Skip says my hiking stamina is stronger than anyone he’s ever met.” Come on weatherby be honest about your sails being accidentally too big! You will be blessed! JACK is the other perspective and he is a Hunt. Him and his older brother Ford lost to weatherby. “We’re winners. We’re Hunts. Getting to the top is in our blood. But I’m not like Dad or Ford. I’m not competitive enough. I love sailing for fun and being out on the water and racing boats with my team.” Ford and Jack are brothers that have each others BACKS. But they cheat and do anything to win. UGH I like the Boston school motto: “Non sibi. From Latin, meaning not for self. The school motto. I love it, and I plan to live by it.” hehehe: “The boy pushes his hair off his face. Blue eyes. Dimples. My stomach turns. Of course. The Hunt jerk who laughed at me.” No personal phones at the school. They use pay phones. Weatherby just wants a real friend. To not be alone. I love Teddie! She is on the sailing team too and was instantly nice to Weatherby. “She’s not trying too hard. But she sparkles so bright. Being pretty and good at things seems easy for her. It feels a little like she’s a rare gem, and if I get closer, her shininess might rub off on me.” MP or Iris seems cool too! “I’m going to be the first Korean Jewish female governor of Massachusetts. MP stands for Member of Parliament.” She is the class president. Harper is the other girl friend and she is more judgmental and rude. Hart Island: “Once we get to the island, we get our halls, which people say are these fancy, mythological-looking tree houses, a hundred feet off the ground. The only way in and out is by zip line. We sleep there and eat meals there. But your hall is way more than a place.” And it sounds like you get sorted into halls like hogwarts houses!! Oh man these kids are RICH. Especially jacks family. Their house is old with secret passageways and hidden compartments. Last Heir is a secret society that super rich people get initiated into. Jack is waiting for his turn. They hold the secrets of his family and their business. They have secret bunkers all over the world like football stadiums, bungalows in bora bora etc. I’m being introduced into the filthy rich world with country clubs etc. I’m worried bc the Last Heir club kind of sounds like the gadiantin robbers…. Swearing oaths and having secret combinations…. With all these rich prideful men… This is an interesting view that Jack has of himself: “I’m not a thief. I get that I stole, but I’m done. I’ve watched Pres go from a person who cheated to a cheater. I get making a mistake, but making the same mistake on purpose is a choice. I don’t want to be a person who makes bad choices and does bad things, because eventually people get hurt. But I still stole the letter. Sometimes I can’t stop myself. That’s a Hunt thing too.” I like that he says there is a difference between making a mistake and making the same mistake as a choice again. I think he wants to be a good person. He needs guidance and the gospel. This is NUTS bc I think Jack and his family is evil? But is he like Draco’s Malfoy trapped with a bad family?? He seems like he has more of a conscience. Jack and Weatherby get put as sailing partners and THEY CLICK. They work so good as a team. And they actually treat each other as team mates. AND they are lab science partners too. Haha “Jack is different on the water. Nothing at all like the jerk he is on land.” Aww Harper lied about being rich! She is poor and on scholarship!! And someone exposed her… The Last Heir secret society are testing five kids to see if they are worthy to join: Harper, Weatherby, Jack, Pres, and Iris. They are in a secret bunker. The note left by the society calls them Liar, thief, sneak, fake, and cheat. They don’t know who is who though!! They each have a secret though. Hart island is a sweet place! 3 small volcanoes and two hot springs and a mud bath. Two mountains in the shape of a V. With a forest. And then an enormous castle where the Hunt family stays on vacation called kingman cottage. Oxymoran. A zip line out of the castle that leads to the school side of the island. I knew the secret was a factory dumping hazard material making people sick!! But PLOT TWIST. Harper was the one that black mailed them and sent them here! NOT “the last heir society”. Bc her dad is sick and she new this was here! And Harper is the one who stole the Hart Isle money too!! “No secrets among friends.” Now they are all bonded as friends and have each other’s backs!!! So they create their own society. “A secret society of liars who fight for truth.” Nooo jacks brother betrays them!!! Yates Hunt (jacks uncle) is weatherbys DAD!! This was such a beautiful moment!!!! “Jack reaches over the seat and grabs on to my hand. And he doesn’t let go. When my heart slows down again, I open my eyes. Jack is looking right at me. His face lights up. A warm wave of certainty washes over me, thinking about how Jack and I just clicked on the boat. We were born knowing how to sail together. “We’re family.” My voice hitches, a sob caught somewhere deep in my chest. “We’re cousins.” Jack smiles at me, tears clouding his eyes. “I’ve never had a cousin.” “Me neither.” I’m smiling now too, beaming, as happiness bubbles up inside me. “We’re cousins.”” The anagram game in this book is unreal: ““Last Heir is an anagram,” I say. “And so is Hart Isle.” I’m seeing the truth clearly now. “Rearrange the letters in both, and you get … The Liars.” Jack inhales sharply. “They’re liars.” “They want us to be liars too,” I say.” I love that Jack and Weatherby became the true family for each other: “Before I realize what’s happening, Jack is hugging me. I hug him back. And he feels like family.”
January 31, 2026
Ini pertama kalinya aku baca novel yang latarnya anak SMP, mana misteri dan rumitnya sama kayak baca young adult pula hihi. But thats okay selama ceritanya seru.
Buku ini menceritakan tentang Weatherby yang pindah ke SMP swasta bernama Boston School karena memenangkan kompetisi berlayar. Namun, alasan Weatherby mengiyakan tawaran itu adalah ingin ke Hart Isle gara” baca jurnal lama ayahnya yang meninggal. Di situ dia ketemu saingannya bernama Jack Hunt, anak dari Charles Hunt yang merupakan donatur terbesar di Boston School. Suatu hari, uang buat study tour ke Hart Isle dicuri kemudian Weatherby dan Jack dapat surat kaleng dari perkumpulan rahasia. Saat menjalani proses pemecahan kode-kode tersebut, mereka menemukan sesuatu berbahaya di Hart Isle.
Plotnya sederhana, yang rumit adalah pemecahan kode-kode di surat-surat kaleng itu. Untung saja alurnya tetap enak untuk diikuti. Jack dan Weatherby tentu saja ada aura permusuhan”nya dulu, bahkan aku sebel banget sama Jack yang songong dan meremehkan Weatherby gegara apa? Kalah tanding. Maklum, anak remaja dengan segala kelabilannya. Belum lagi dengan urusan orang dewasa yang rumit, tapi syukurnya penulis bisa meramu kerumitan orang dewasa tersebut dengan mudah.
Novel ini menggunakan dual POV dari Weatherby dan Jack, sehingga ceritanya tidak melebar kemana-mana. Biasanya novel misteri itu pakai unreliable narator, tapi di sini malah ngajak pembaca curiga sama orang” sekitar duo ini. Perkembangan karakter mereka berdua juga smooth kok, padahal ini series.
Tidak hanya itu, karakter sampingannya juga tiga dimensi. Ada Presscot, bestienya si Jack yang tengil, Iris yang queen bee tapi setia, dan Harper yang kalem tapi rahasianya banyak. Porsi kemunculan mereka juga pas, apalagi pas bantuin pecahkan kode. Presscot bantuin pasang zip line ke Weatherby, dsb.
Plot twistnya, aku yang tetap kaget dengan rahasia Hart Isle. Memang, ya, orang kaya itu sisi nyebelinnya menyengsarakan orang lain.
Pokoknya kalau kalian cari bacaan remaja yg misteri bukan pembunuhan plus karakternya bukan anak SMA, tapi tetap pengen ikut pecahin kode, bisa kok tengok buku ini hehe.
Buku ini menceritakan tentang Weatherby yang pindah ke SMP swasta bernama Boston School karena memenangkan kompetisi berlayar. Namun, alasan Weatherby mengiyakan tawaran itu adalah ingin ke Hart Isle gara” baca jurnal lama ayahnya yang meninggal. Di situ dia ketemu saingannya bernama Jack Hunt, anak dari Charles Hunt yang merupakan donatur terbesar di Boston School. Suatu hari, uang buat study tour ke Hart Isle dicuri kemudian Weatherby dan Jack dapat surat kaleng dari perkumpulan rahasia. Saat menjalani proses pemecahan kode-kode tersebut, mereka menemukan sesuatu berbahaya di Hart Isle.
Plotnya sederhana, yang rumit adalah pemecahan kode-kode di surat-surat kaleng itu. Untung saja alurnya tetap enak untuk diikuti. Jack dan Weatherby tentu saja ada aura permusuhan”nya dulu, bahkan aku sebel banget sama Jack yang songong dan meremehkan Weatherby gegara apa? Kalah tanding. Maklum, anak remaja dengan segala kelabilannya. Belum lagi dengan urusan orang dewasa yang rumit, tapi syukurnya penulis bisa meramu kerumitan orang dewasa tersebut dengan mudah.
Novel ini menggunakan dual POV dari Weatherby dan Jack, sehingga ceritanya tidak melebar kemana-mana. Biasanya novel misteri itu pakai unreliable narator, tapi di sini malah ngajak pembaca curiga sama orang” sekitar duo ini. Perkembangan karakter mereka berdua juga smooth kok, padahal ini series.
Tidak hanya itu, karakter sampingannya juga tiga dimensi. Ada Presscot, bestienya si Jack yang tengil, Iris yang queen bee tapi setia, dan Harper yang kalem tapi rahasianya banyak. Porsi kemunculan mereka juga pas, apalagi pas bantuin pecahkan kode. Presscot bantuin pasang zip line ke Weatherby, dsb.
Plot twistnya, aku yang tetap kaget dengan rahasia Hart Isle. Memang, ya, orang kaya itu sisi nyebelinnya menyengsarakan orang lain.
Pokoknya kalau kalian cari bacaan remaja yg misteri bukan pembunuhan plus karakternya bukan anak SMA, tapi tetap pengen ikut pecahin kode, bisa kok tengok buku ini hehe.
March 10, 2024
I flew through this middle grade mystery on audio in two days, starting out entertained and ending up really pleasantly surprised. This is one of those stories that is completely unbelievable (pitched as Inheritance Games for MG, which fits) set at an elite private middle school in Boston and featuring a lot of privileged kids and families that are out of touch with reality. However, I ended up really liking the different spin on it; there was a lot of character growth and opportunity for friendships to blossom and second chances for multiple reasons. Plus a secret society with rhyming clues. The kids are all 12 and in 7th grade and it felt like a really authentic middle grade novel.
Without ever being heavy handed this book managed to touch on themes of prejudice, honesty, integrity, and family secrets, as well as environmental and business ethics. The plot had a few thin places for me as an adult reader, but everything else pulls the story along that by the end I didn’t care. Plus there’s a great setup for a sequel. The audio was really fun because the book is told from both the female and male main characters’ perspectives, and the narrator changed based on the perspective.
Without ever being heavy handed this book managed to touch on themes of prejudice, honesty, integrity, and family secrets, as well as environmental and business ethics. The plot had a few thin places for me as an adult reader, but everything else pulls the story along that by the end I didn’t care. Plus there’s a great setup for a sequel. The audio was really fun because the book is told from both the female and male main characters’ perspectives, and the narrator changed based on the perspective.
September 27, 2025
Ahhh I’m so happy I finally made time to read the beloved middle grade The Liars Society and had such a fun time with it 📚✨At the heart of this story are two kids…Weatherby a scholarship student with a secret she’ll do anything to protect and Jack a legacy student trying to prove himself to his powerful family (all while hiding a secret of his own) When money for a class trip goes missing…the two are pulled into a dangerous game tied to the school’s most powerful secret society. This was such a fun twisty middle grade mystery full of secrets…suspense and stakes 🔍🤫Middle grade mystery fans…if you haven’t picked this one up yet… what are you waiting for? And that ending 👀🔥 I’m itching to start book 2!
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February 18, 2024
My kids and I are so excited to be hosting a spot with @jaimerockstarbooktours and @scholastic for the opportunity to read and review on this booktour. My 👧🏻 enjoyed this one!
👧🏻 review: when I read the blurb, I thought the book channeled a bit of Karen McManus’ books and I love love it! This is my favorite genre and the twists and turns between Weatherby and Jack were absolutely incredible! I was turning the page as fast as I can because I was so vested to know the next chapter. The ending was unexpected and I really enjoyed this book!
👧🏻 review: when I read the blurb, I thought the book channeled a bit of Karen McManus’ books and I love love it! This is my favorite genre and the twists and turns between Weatherby and Jack were absolutely incredible! I was turning the page as fast as I can because I was so vested to know the next chapter. The ending was unexpected and I really enjoyed this book!
January 5, 2025
Oh my. That was crazy. Twists are twisting. This book definitely surprised me - in the good way.
"𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭," 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐈 𝐧𝐨𝐝. "𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠."
꒰main characters꒱
•𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆: by the way, can we talk about this name? Soo cute. Anyway, I really liked her, she was smart, good at sailing and she knew what's right.
•𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸: boy, I am sorry for you. And I love you.
꒰thoughts & story overall꒱
I loved dual POV. Characters were amazing, and the vibes? Private school-old money-history background-secrets and twists? Count me in.
┆☎️✉️🏫┆
"𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭," 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐈 𝐧𝐨𝐝. "𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠."
꒰main characters꒱
•𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆: by the way, can we talk about this name? Soo cute. Anyway, I really liked her, she was smart, good at sailing and she knew what's right.
•𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸: boy, I am sorry for you. And I love you.
꒰thoughts & story overall꒱
I loved dual POV. Characters were amazing, and the vibes? Private school-old money-history background-secrets and twists? Count me in.
┆☎️✉️🏫┆
May 13, 2025
Not only is this the best middle grade book I’ve read in a while, it’s also the best all-around book I’ve read in a while! The audio narration was amazing, with a dual narration between protagonists Weatherby and Jack. The book initially caught my attention when the promotion compared it to The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying but for a younger audience. Well, it was right up there with The Inheritance Games, and better than One of Us is Lying. The book was filled with intrigue and mystery. I cannot wait to listen to the sequel, which came out in April of this year!
November 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some say this is the middle-grade version of the Inheritance Games, but I don’t really think so. Yes I can see where that’s coming from, but the plot was pretty hard to follow, as well as not fleshed out to its fullest potential. I liked our characters, but they mostly seemed to be just existing in their own world and had nothing to do with me, it seemed. I did like the set up and background - that was developed well, as well as some of the friendship-growing-up aspects that were explored. However, I felt like she was trying to do too many things, which resulted in them feeling a bit too haphazard. The premise for the next book seems interesting, so I’ll definitely catch that when it comes out.
Some say this is the middle-grade version of the Inheritance Games, but I don’t really think so. Yes I can see where that’s coming from, but the plot was pretty hard to follow, as well as not fleshed out to its fullest potential. I liked our characters, but they mostly seemed to be just existing in their own world and had nothing to do with me, it seemed. I did like the set up and background - that was developed well, as well as some of the friendship-growing-up aspects that were explored. However, I felt like she was trying to do too many things, which resulted in them feeling a bit too haphazard. The premise for the next book seems interesting, so I’ll definitely catch that when it comes out.
June 4, 2025
It was good!
Good read-aloud for the kids because there was definitely advanced language and imagery that needed to be explained. Although the ending was definitely abrupt but set up very well for the next book! I also will say that the surprises and twists were done very well and made the kids gasp and act shocked!!
Good read-aloud for the kids because there was definitely advanced language and imagery that needed to be explained. Although the ending was definitely abrupt but set up very well for the next book! I also will say that the surprises and twists were done very well and made the kids gasp and act shocked!!
June 6, 2025
This was such a fun mystery to read!! I’m so happy it’s a series so I can keep reading the books. It was very action packed and loved getting to read all the secrets that were getting uncovered! I also loved envisioning the adventures at Hart Isle and the suspense of finding out what was on the other side of the fence. I really enjoyed how there were prominent environmental issues brought up in this book and the friendships made were also really sweet! The sailing aspect was interesting too because I don’t know much about sailing! I can’t wait to keep reading more!
August 23, 2023
I was so excited to read The Liars Society and it did not disappoint! This book is the first in an incredible new series by Alyson Gerber, introducing Weatherby and Jack and the mysteries surrounding their connection to the Hunt family, the Boston School, and the Last Heirs. Middle grade readers will devour this page-turning, heart-pounding adventure with twists and turns around every corner. Can't wait for the next book!
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