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The Fifth Letter
Best friends since the first day of school. Best friends, they liked to say, forever.
But now they are in their thirties and real life - husbands, children, work - has got in the way. So, resurrecting their annual trip away, Joni has an idea, something to help them reconnect.
Each woman will write an anonymous letter, sharing with their friends the things that are really going on in their lives.
But as the confessions come tumbling out, Joni starts to feel the certainty of their decades-long friendships slip from her fingers.
Anger. Accusations. Desires. Deceit.
And then she finds another letter. One that was never supposed to be read. A fifth letter. Containing a secret so big that its writer had tried to destroy it. And now Joni is starting to wonder, did she ever really know her friends at all?
But now they are in their thirties and real life - husbands, children, work - has got in the way. So, resurrecting their annual trip away, Joni has an idea, something to help them reconnect.
Each woman will write an anonymous letter, sharing with their friends the things that are really going on in their lives.
But as the confessions come tumbling out, Joni starts to feel the certainty of their decades-long friendships slip from her fingers.
Anger. Accusations. Desires. Deceit.
And then she finds another letter. One that was never supposed to be read. A fifth letter. Containing a secret so big that its writer had tried to destroy it. And now Joni is starting to wonder, did she ever really know her friends at all?
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2017
1341 people are currently reading
8654 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Moriarty
10 books1,297 followersNicola Moriarty lives in Sydney's north west with her husband and two small daughters. She is the younger sister of bestselling authors Liane Moriarty and Jaclyn Moriarty. In between various career changes, becoming a mum and studying teaching at Macquarie University, she began to write. Now, she can't seem to stop.
Hello there people in the world of books,
I Would love to hear from you either here on Goodreads or perhaps at Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/NicolaMoriart...
Hello there people in the world of books,
I Would love to hear from you either here on Goodreads or perhaps at Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/NicolaMoriart...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,442 reviews
August 27, 2020
When it comes to my reading experience with this book, there’s no other word to describe it but “lazy”.
I confess: I started this (mystery) book knowing that all the questions will be answered eventually and that, with time, I’ll find out who wrote the fifth letter and which from four letters belong to whom, so I didn’t bother.
I just read, the most relaxed as one reader can be, lazy to try to figure out myself.
Is it my fault for not getting invested into the book as much as the author probably wanted me to be?
Definitely.
But is it also the author’s fault for that, because her story didn’t make me want to know the answers right away?
I can’t say for sure.
But let me tell you: I liked this book. I don’t regret my laziness because I enjoyed reading this novel the way I did.
The story follows four friends who every year spend few days together on vacation. It is their tradition.
This year, they decide that each of them will write a letter in which they will tell a secret they haven’t told anyone before.
The idea sounds interesting and fun, especially because the letters won’t be signed.
What starts as a game turns into more serious situation after Joni finds the fifth letter, written by one of them, in which the one spells her bitterness and hatred for one of them.
I liked the premise of the story, and the idea of the plot, but if I’m being completely honest, I think that the content of the fifth letter wasn’t as disturbing (but then again, if I was one of four friends, maybe I’d think differently).
Also, in my humble opinion, some secrets should have stayed what they were in the first place – secrets.
Even though there was too much drama at time, I really, really liked what The Fifth Letter offered.
The main character, Joni, was the one I could relate to the most.
Trina was my second favorite, while I sometimes had problem separating Deb and Eden.
The Fifth Letter is written in third person. It is pretty easy to read, but at the same time it does not read quickly (at least it didn’t in my case).
Overall, The Fifth Letter is a solid, enjoyable read that I would recommend.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
I confess: I started this (mystery) book knowing that all the questions will be answered eventually and that, with time, I’ll find out who wrote the fifth letter and which from four letters belong to whom, so I didn’t bother.
I just read, the most relaxed as one reader can be, lazy to try to figure out myself.
Is it my fault for not getting invested into the book as much as the author probably wanted me to be?
Definitely.
But is it also the author’s fault for that, because her story didn’t make me want to know the answers right away?
I can’t say for sure.
But let me tell you: I liked this book. I don’t regret my laziness because I enjoyed reading this novel the way I did.
The story follows four friends who every year spend few days together on vacation. It is their tradition.
This year, they decide that each of them will write a letter in which they will tell a secret they haven’t told anyone before.
The idea sounds interesting and fun, especially because the letters won’t be signed.
What starts as a game turns into more serious situation after Joni finds the fifth letter, written by one of them, in which the one spells her bitterness and hatred for one of them.
I liked the premise of the story, and the idea of the plot, but if I’m being completely honest, I think that the content of the fifth letter wasn’t as disturbing (but then again, if I was one of four friends, maybe I’d think differently).
Also, in my humble opinion, some secrets should have stayed what they were in the first place – secrets.
Even though there was too much drama at time, I really, really liked what The Fifth Letter offered.
The main character, Joni, was the one I could relate to the most.
Trina was my second favorite, while I sometimes had problem separating Deb and Eden.
The Fifth Letter is written in third person. It is pretty easy to read, but at the same time it does not read quickly (at least it didn’t in my case).
Overall, The Fifth Letter is a solid, enjoyable read that I would recommend.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
July 17, 2017
3.5 stars
Four friends. One holiday trip. Five letters. Who is lying?
The premise is simple enough: four women who have been friends since high school go on holiday together as they've done almost every year since they were twenty-one. They come up with the idea to each write an anonymous letter revealing secrets inside. They will read the letters as a group. The idea is for the activity to restore their waning friendship a bit.
Only problem is...why is there a fifth letter found in the fireplace? It isn't quite burnt up and is filled with a hate. Someone is harboring this nasty deep-rooted, loathsome grudge. Who wrote it? Why did they try to destroy it? And who is the letter about?
Joni finds the letter and doesn't know what to do. She decides to confess to a priest in an attempt at finding out who wrote the letter.
I especially enjoyed the guessing game of who wrote the letters. We aren't just trying to match the fifth letter, but also who the original four letters belong to. This adds a little more mystery. I really liked the chapter set in 1993 when the girls become friends and when the ladies discuss the things they did when they were younger including their journal of letters, which is actually what we'd call a slambook. Me and my closest friends had one of the same.
This is a story of friendship, secrets, and lies. Everyone has different things going on in their lives, whether in their relationships or with their families. The idea of an old friendship still lasting, but you maybe not quite knowing the person as well as you thought - it's all rather intriguing.
Nicola Moriarty has found her way on my radar. Her writing holds such promise in this US debut. It doesn't hurt that I'm a big fan of her sister's books.
“It’s chilling isn’t it? The idea that within a close group of four women, one of them could hate another one so much that she thinks about hurting them.”
Four friends. One holiday trip. Five letters. Who is lying?
The premise is simple enough: four women who have been friends since high school go on holiday together as they've done almost every year since they were twenty-one. They come up with the idea to each write an anonymous letter revealing secrets inside. They will read the letters as a group. The idea is for the activity to restore their waning friendship a bit.
Only problem is...why is there a fifth letter found in the fireplace? It isn't quite burnt up and is filled with a hate. Someone is harboring this nasty deep-rooted, loathsome grudge. Who wrote it? Why did they try to destroy it? And who is the letter about?
Joni finds the letter and doesn't know what to do. She decides to confess to a priest in an attempt at finding out who wrote the letter.
I especially enjoyed the guessing game of who wrote the letters. We aren't just trying to match the fifth letter, but also who the original four letters belong to. This adds a little more mystery. I really liked the chapter set in 1993 when the girls become friends and when the ladies discuss the things they did when they were younger including their journal of letters, which is actually what we'd call a slambook. Me and my closest friends had one of the same.
This is a story of friendship, secrets, and lies. Everyone has different things going on in their lives, whether in their relationships or with their families. The idea of an old friendship still lasting, but you maybe not quite knowing the person as well as you thought - it's all rather intriguing.
It’s a funny truth that you can never fully know everything there is to know about a person, regardless of how close you think you are. Because people will always have certain secrets that they will keep to themselves, for as long as they can.
Nicola Moriarty has found her way on my radar. Her writing holds such promise in this US debut. It doesn't hurt that I'm a big fan of her sister's books.
March 12, 2017
There is an old saying "With friends like these you don't need enemies" which fits this book perfectly. I would hate to be friends with any of the four women depicted but is sure is fun to read about them!
Joni, Eden, Deb and Trina are four thirty something women who have been besties since high school. The story is told by Joni who is the one most desperate to stop their foursome breaking up as they get older and want different things from life. One unfortunate holiday together causes all manner of amazing developments.
Apart from the fact that Joni is the kind of person I hope never to meet and also that all four of them behaved like teenagers instead of mature women, the book was totally fun to read. Nicola writes in very similar style to her big sister Liane. Based on this book she should have a similarly successful future:)
Joni, Eden, Deb and Trina are four thirty something women who have been besties since high school. The story is told by Joni who is the one most desperate to stop their foursome breaking up as they get older and want different things from life. One unfortunate holiday together causes all manner of amazing developments.
Apart from the fact that Joni is the kind of person I hope never to meet and also that all four of them behaved like teenagers instead of mature women, the book was totally fun to read. Nicola writes in very similar style to her big sister Liane. Based on this book she should have a similarly successful future:)
February 7, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Liane Moriarty's work, so I found it thrilling to see her sister, Nicola, has ventured into women's fiction. Even though I knew Nicola would have her own voice and style, I was hoping it would be reminiscent of her sister's, and it was. Double the Moriarty books?! I'm game! The Fifth Letter was filled with fun, sass, friendship, and intrigue. I especially enjoyed the pop culture references as I was in high school around the same time. It was quite a ride figuring out who wrote the fifth letter. Moriarty fans rejoice!
Thanks to the publisher, I won a copy of this book. This is my unsolicited and honest review.
Thanks to the publisher, I won a copy of this book. This is my unsolicited and honest review.
August 11, 2018
3 1/2 *
I won this book on a publisher's giveaway. I was very excited to read this story. Nicola Moriarty's debut novel was quite good.
4 friends; Joni, Eden, Deb and Trina venture out on a girl's weekend getaway. They have been friend's since high school. Now, married and 3 of the friends have children, they find that they have "drifted" apart. On the girl's getaway they decide to write anonymous letters to each other confessing a secret that they have never told each other. One of the friends finds a Fifth letter. Discarded and partially burned in the fireplace. It has some distressing things in it. So becomes the quest of finding out which friend wrote the letter.
This was an interesting story about friendship, lies, deceit and forgiveness. Each friend is facing their own problems and obstacles. Their stories are interesting but I'm not sure I fully connected with the friendships. The writing is good although at times it was a bit confusing as it would switch from past to present to different person. I liked the mystery about the letter. It was not easy to guess who actually wrote it. There was just enough clues to tie up the loose ends nicely.
There is a lot of promise in Nicola Moriarty's writing. I would definitely read another book by her.
I won this book on a publisher's giveaway. I was very excited to read this story. Nicola Moriarty's debut novel was quite good.
4 friends; Joni, Eden, Deb and Trina venture out on a girl's weekend getaway. They have been friend's since high school. Now, married and 3 of the friends have children, they find that they have "drifted" apart. On the girl's getaway they decide to write anonymous letters to each other confessing a secret that they have never told each other. One of the friends finds a Fifth letter. Discarded and partially burned in the fireplace. It has some distressing things in it. So becomes the quest of finding out which friend wrote the letter.
This was an interesting story about friendship, lies, deceit and forgiveness. Each friend is facing their own problems and obstacles. Their stories are interesting but I'm not sure I fully connected with the friendships. The writing is good although at times it was a bit confusing as it would switch from past to present to different person. I liked the mystery about the letter. It was not easy to guess who actually wrote it. There was just enough clues to tie up the loose ends nicely.
There is a lot of promise in Nicola Moriarty's writing. I would definitely read another book by her.
August 28, 2017
Enjoyable light read, and a nice break in between my many crime fiction novels;-)
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
August 27, 2016
This book was incredibly disappointing. Very unrealistic premise from the get-go (the way their friendship is explained is a bit ludicrous to be honest) and the dialogue even more so. I would read large passages of dialogue thinking it was exposition until I saw the end-quote. People just don't talk like that. On the flip side of that coin, the author seemed to overcorrect and insert lines of dialogue that were cheesy or juvenile. The characters were cookie-cutters and the story un-compelling. I had high hopes for this book but it really seems they are depending on the author's relation to Liane Moriarty to sell this book. Interesting idea, needed way more editing and objectivity.
August 11, 2018
A very entertaining read that I got lost in over a few hours. Great women's fiction! Pure escapism via a book. This is a great beach/bed/sofa/armchair/anywhere read! Great to get stuck with.
Four best friends come together for a holiday to connect with each other after busy lives have kept them apart for a while. Years of friendship are with these ladies in the one location. One of the women has an idea in the hope of some of the ladies opening up a bit more - each woman will write an anonymous letter, sharing with their friends the things that are really going on in their lives.
I knew it was going to go horribly wrong from there. Sharing secrets? Secrets that you have obviously not wanted to tell these very close friends for years. But now? Out they come. Each letter is read out at different moments on their holiday and the fall-out, guessing games and trouble really begins. This is a book that really explores the depths and loyalties of true friendship. I liked the way it kept my brain in gear at all times.
I whizzed through this novel, it was highly entertaining, it's a great book to escape reality with. I found the plot to be interesting and bit different for women's fiction and each of the ladies is very different from the others. The Fifth Letter is the bit you really want to read...oh yes! It gets good! Sparks might fly.
I think this book will appeal to a broad range of readers who enjoy women's fiction, I know I did. Recommended for it's unique plot and sheer page-turning pace. Will YOU be able to match each letter to the right woman? 4 stars from me!
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own and this is a totally unbiased review.
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
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Four best friends come together for a holiday to connect with each other after busy lives have kept them apart for a while. Years of friendship are with these ladies in the one location. One of the women has an idea in the hope of some of the ladies opening up a bit more - each woman will write an anonymous letter, sharing with their friends the things that are really going on in their lives.
I knew it was going to go horribly wrong from there. Sharing secrets? Secrets that you have obviously not wanted to tell these very close friends for years. But now? Out they come. Each letter is read out at different moments on their holiday and the fall-out, guessing games and trouble really begins. This is a book that really explores the depths and loyalties of true friendship. I liked the way it kept my brain in gear at all times.
I whizzed through this novel, it was highly entertaining, it's a great book to escape reality with. I found the plot to be interesting and bit different for women's fiction and each of the ladies is very different from the others. The Fifth Letter is the bit you really want to read...oh yes! It gets good! Sparks might fly.
I think this book will appeal to a broad range of readers who enjoy women's fiction, I know I did. Recommended for it's unique plot and sheer page-turning pace. Will YOU be able to match each letter to the right woman? 4 stars from me!
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own and this is a totally unbiased review.
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my VIP book reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
To enquire about my varied and affordable book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
February 5, 2017
3.5 stars. Disclaimer: I received this ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Although this is not my usual genre, I enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story of four friends who have been close friends since the seventh grade but end up discovering after 20 years of friendship, they really don’t know each other nearly as well as they thought they did. The letter mystery kept me intrigued enough that I had to finish the book in one sitting.
This is the perfect beach read book and while I’m not a usually a huge fan of contemporary chick lit in general and found the four friends often unsympathetic shallow and hard to emotionally invest in at times and the plot twists pretty implausible in places, it was a overall pretty fun read and a promising first effort by the author.
Although this is not my usual genre, I enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story of four friends who have been close friends since the seventh grade but end up discovering after 20 years of friendship, they really don’t know each other nearly as well as they thought they did. The letter mystery kept me intrigued enough that I had to finish the book in one sitting.
This is the perfect beach read book and while I’m not a usually a huge fan of contemporary chick lit in general and found the four friends often unsympathetic shallow and hard to emotionally invest in at times and the plot twists pretty implausible in places, it was a overall pretty fun read and a promising first effort by the author.
March 2, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Fifth Letter, is the third novel written by Australian novelist Nicola Moriarty. Moriarty gets to the bottom of friendship in her latest novel, exposing the raw truths, deep seated secrets, rivalries and loyalty that exists within a long standing friendship circle. Expect plenty of drama, a few laughs, some moments of sadness and a touch of romance from Nicola Moriarty.
The Fifth Letter revolves around a friendship circle that began way back in the first year of high school, in the year 1993. Joni, Deb, Eden and Trina all shared surnames with the same initial in high school, along with the same star sign. Their friendship was born and along the way, they suffered through teenage angst, heartache, bullying and times apart. Since they left school, the women, mostly through the help of ringleader Joni, try to catch up for an annual beach getaway. Despite the differences in their lives, this foursome still enjoy reconnecting. In an effort to regain some of their closeness, Joni suggests that each member of the friendship circle reveal a secret via an anonymous letter. The results are quite awful, especially when a fifth letter makes its appearance. Joni is determined to get the bottom of who is responsible for writing this letter, which is littered with feelings of hatred and threats of violence. As Joni gets closer to the truth, this friendship circle seems forever changed by the fifth letter.
This is my first experience with the work of Nicola Moriarty. I can see she is the author of two previous novels and after finding myself rather glued to the pages of this new novel by Moriarty, I’m keen to explore her previous two novels.
Moriarty’s novel rips apart and exposes the wounds of a long standing friendship circle that was forged in high school. This is a novel that immediately got me thinking about my own friendships. It released a litany of questions inside my head. Do we really know our friends? Do they have deep secrets? Do our friends truly like us? Are my friends envious of my life? This book seems to have ignited so many questions! Initially, it made me feel a little jealous at the fact that these four friends are still in touch, since high school days. I know this isn’t the case for me personally. The girls I was friends with in high school all live on the other side of the world to me and although I catch up with them via Facebook updates, I’m not sure we would be in the space to embark on a getaway! But, Moriarty gives the reader plenty of friendship fodder and dynamics to consider in her new novel.
The initial concept of a series of secrets, revealed in the form of an anonymous letter intrigued me very much. It kept the pages turning and my speed increased when Moriarty introduced the fifth letter into the fold. The mystery ramps up at this point and doesn’t seem to let go until the final few pages of this novel.
As I am very close in age to the four women in this novel, so I found it very easy to connect with them on a personal level. I am sure many readers will find some semblance between what these women are going through in terms of marriages, family issues, parenting, careers and mental health issues. It is all very relevant and relatable, thanks to Moriarty.
Moriarty’s character list is varied and colourful. Each of these women is completely contrasted, yet somehow they find they still share a connection built from high school. Moriarty builds on her characters very well indeed and I was struck by the way each responded in a way I would expect, based on their differing personality types. Joni is the lead of the story and many of the passages of the book are about her personal journey. The book swings back and forth in time. It moves from the current day (2016) back to the past and reveals significant moments in the four women’s lives. This is a narrative device that I feel worked well structurally for this novel, adding in some level of astonishment at the turn of many events in the novel. For added interest, there is an extra source of narration, Joni’s conversation or confession with a priest who also happened to be a psychologist in the past. This added layer to the story is gently woven into the tale and offers a poignant reflection on the events featured in The Fifth Letter.
The Fifth Letter concludes in dramatic fashion but Moriarty carefully steers her ship away from too much sentiment, instead, a poignant wrap up of events occurs. Moriarty serves up one last late twist to the book but be rest assured, the final turn of events closes off in a positive manner. The Fifth Letter is a book I easily recommend, especially if you are a fan of domestic fiction or the burgeoning field of life lit. I’m keen to explore more work from Nicola Moriarty based on my response to The Fifth Letter.
The Fifth Letter is book #19 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Fifth Letter, is the third novel written by Australian novelist Nicola Moriarty. Moriarty gets to the bottom of friendship in her latest novel, exposing the raw truths, deep seated secrets, rivalries and loyalty that exists within a long standing friendship circle. Expect plenty of drama, a few laughs, some moments of sadness and a touch of romance from Nicola Moriarty.
The Fifth Letter revolves around a friendship circle that began way back in the first year of high school, in the year 1993. Joni, Deb, Eden and Trina all shared surnames with the same initial in high school, along with the same star sign. Their friendship was born and along the way, they suffered through teenage angst, heartache, bullying and times apart. Since they left school, the women, mostly through the help of ringleader Joni, try to catch up for an annual beach getaway. Despite the differences in their lives, this foursome still enjoy reconnecting. In an effort to regain some of their closeness, Joni suggests that each member of the friendship circle reveal a secret via an anonymous letter. The results are quite awful, especially when a fifth letter makes its appearance. Joni is determined to get the bottom of who is responsible for writing this letter, which is littered with feelings of hatred and threats of violence. As Joni gets closer to the truth, this friendship circle seems forever changed by the fifth letter.
This is my first experience with the work of Nicola Moriarty. I can see she is the author of two previous novels and after finding myself rather glued to the pages of this new novel by Moriarty, I’m keen to explore her previous two novels.
Moriarty’s novel rips apart and exposes the wounds of a long standing friendship circle that was forged in high school. This is a novel that immediately got me thinking about my own friendships. It released a litany of questions inside my head. Do we really know our friends? Do they have deep secrets? Do our friends truly like us? Are my friends envious of my life? This book seems to have ignited so many questions! Initially, it made me feel a little jealous at the fact that these four friends are still in touch, since high school days. I know this isn’t the case for me personally. The girls I was friends with in high school all live on the other side of the world to me and although I catch up with them via Facebook updates, I’m not sure we would be in the space to embark on a getaway! But, Moriarty gives the reader plenty of friendship fodder and dynamics to consider in her new novel.
The initial concept of a series of secrets, revealed in the form of an anonymous letter intrigued me very much. It kept the pages turning and my speed increased when Moriarty introduced the fifth letter into the fold. The mystery ramps up at this point and doesn’t seem to let go until the final few pages of this novel.
As I am very close in age to the four women in this novel, so I found it very easy to connect with them on a personal level. I am sure many readers will find some semblance between what these women are going through in terms of marriages, family issues, parenting, careers and mental health issues. It is all very relevant and relatable, thanks to Moriarty.
Moriarty’s character list is varied and colourful. Each of these women is completely contrasted, yet somehow they find they still share a connection built from high school. Moriarty builds on her characters very well indeed and I was struck by the way each responded in a way I would expect, based on their differing personality types. Joni is the lead of the story and many of the passages of the book are about her personal journey. The book swings back and forth in time. It moves from the current day (2016) back to the past and reveals significant moments in the four women’s lives. This is a narrative device that I feel worked well structurally for this novel, adding in some level of astonishment at the turn of many events in the novel. For added interest, there is an extra source of narration, Joni’s conversation or confession with a priest who also happened to be a psychologist in the past. This added layer to the story is gently woven into the tale and offers a poignant reflection on the events featured in The Fifth Letter.
The Fifth Letter concludes in dramatic fashion but Moriarty carefully steers her ship away from too much sentiment, instead, a poignant wrap up of events occurs. Moriarty serves up one last late twist to the book but be rest assured, the final turn of events closes off in a positive manner. The Fifth Letter is a book I easily recommend, especially if you are a fan of domestic fiction or the burgeoning field of life lit. I’m keen to explore more work from Nicola Moriarty based on my response to The Fifth Letter.
The Fifth Letter is book #19 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 30, 2017
I'm sorry but this was so bad. 'Her mind was a lasagna of thoughts.' WTF?! Writing, plot and pacing problems.
March 2, 2017
I was lucky to receive an email from NetGalley offering first approval for 200 members if you were interested in receiving a digital ARC for read and review. As I am trying to read more adult fiction in preparation for returning to education as an adult student, I decided to give this a try. The story follows four women, all who have known each other since childhood that go on holiday together. As some sort of a careless joke, each of them write anonymous letters, spilling out confessions that no-one else saw coming. Things start to get out of hand when a fifth letter comes into the picture that portrays the chilling thoughts of one of the women's minds but the question is who?
The issue I had was not with the plot but with the ARC itself. The formatting on my iPad (Using Kindle Mobi) was dodgy, paragraphs were bunched together, there were missing capital letters, full stops. I've edited essays and stories for others in the past and I understand that this was an ARC but for me, I found the story difficult to read. It also dragged for me in places. Had the ARC been well-formatted, this was would have been at least a three star read for me.
The issue I had was not with the plot but with the ARC itself. The formatting on my iPad (Using Kindle Mobi) was dodgy, paragraphs were bunched together, there were missing capital letters, full stops. I've edited essays and stories for others in the past and I understand that this was an ARC but for me, I found the story difficult to read. It also dragged for me in places. Had the ARC been well-formatted, this was would have been at least a three star read for me.
April 26, 2017
Four friends are gathered for a yearly holiday at the beach. The women, now in their 30s, have been friends since primary school. With jobs and young children, it is getting harder to spend time together. Joni, the organizer of the group and the only one with no children, is committed to keeping them all close. On a dare, and too much wine, the women all write letters in which they share a secret, to be read, one each night, with the writer to be kept annoyomus. But someone wrote a fifth letter, with a rather dark secret. Joni finds it and is determined to figure out which of friends harbors such deep resentment. Can the four friends keep each other's secrets, or will the secrets tear them apart?
While the book is quirky, fun and rather over the top, it tackles some difficult issues.
A great summer beach read.
While the book is quirky, fun and rather over the top, it tackles some difficult issues.
A great summer beach read.
May 29, 2018
I bought my own paperback. This is my first book that I have read by Nicola Moriarty. I totally loved every page of The Fifth Letter. I thought the idea was amazing, fresh and different.
Four best friends since the first day of school. Best friends, they liked to say, for ever. Now in their thirties with husbands, children and work.
The four friends decide to go away together. While all the women are away, Joni has an idea to help them reconnect with each other. She actually think that it would be a good idea if each one them was to write down one thing that they want to share and one secret. Each letter will be anonymous none of them will sign their names.
One of the four letters will be picked out and read at different places they go and discuss what one of them have written. Tricky to keep your mouth closed while everyone is talking about what you want to share and your locked up secret that is now out in the open up for discussion.
One of the women finds part of another letter which would have been the fifth letter. One of them must have decided not to have their letter be read out for some reason and have destroyed it and done another letter in its place to share. But which of the four women did that first letter and destroyed it? And why did they change their mind and write another letter? Who is hiding something?
Now I know why this book is named The Fifth Letter. I'm looking forward to Nicola Moriarty's next novel. I am now following Nicola Moriarty on Goodreads.
Four best friends since the first day of school. Best friends, they liked to say, for ever. Now in their thirties with husbands, children and work.
The four friends decide to go away together. While all the women are away, Joni has an idea to help them reconnect with each other. She actually think that it would be a good idea if each one them was to write down one thing that they want to share and one secret. Each letter will be anonymous none of them will sign their names.
One of the four letters will be picked out and read at different places they go and discuss what one of them have written. Tricky to keep your mouth closed while everyone is talking about what you want to share and your locked up secret that is now out in the open up for discussion.
One of the women finds part of another letter which would have been the fifth letter. One of them must have decided not to have their letter be read out for some reason and have destroyed it and done another letter in its place to share. But which of the four women did that first letter and destroyed it? And why did they change their mind and write another letter? Who is hiding something?
Now I know why this book is named The Fifth Letter. I'm looking forward to Nicola Moriarty's next novel. I am now following Nicola Moriarty on Goodreads.
May 2, 2017
I read this novel quickly so I wouldn't have to read it any longer. This was made easier by the large chunks of redundant dialogue and narration that drew out an already tedious plot.
I genuinely wanted to enjoy The Fifth Letter, but the characters were all so unlikeable, especially Joni the narrator, and the slightly ridiculous ending was especially problematic in its depiction of mental illness.
I genuinely wanted to enjoy The Fifth Letter, but the characters were all so unlikeable, especially Joni the narrator, and the slightly ridiculous ending was especially problematic in its depiction of mental illness.
January 4, 2017
I thought (hoped) I was beginning a book that was going to be of a similar style to the writing of Sophie Kinsella - I couldn't have been more wrong.
Throughout the book the narrative flips between one of the four lead characters, and I found myself frequently losing track of who was talking, and who was who in general.
This is the story of four women clinging to an old friendship and sharing older secrets. The confessions of one to the priest feel like a way for the story to be explained more.
Yes someone ends up in hospital, babies are born but nothing really happens. This for me took me far too long to read about nothing and I'm left wishing I had giving up the fight after the first few chapters.
This was an ARC from NetGalley.
Throughout the book the narrative flips between one of the four lead characters, and I found myself frequently losing track of who was talking, and who was who in general.
This is the story of four women clinging to an old friendship and sharing older secrets. The confessions of one to the priest feel like a way for the story to be explained more.
Yes someone ends up in hospital, babies are born but nothing really happens. This for me took me far too long to read about nothing and I'm left wishing I had giving up the fight after the first few chapters.
This was an ARC from NetGalley.
March 4, 2018
Until I went through my list of read books I almost forgot I had read a Nicola Moriarty novel, it was quite a while ago, yet, reading the title of the book ‘Free-falling’ I’m reminded how much I enjoyed it and can still remember parts of the book. The Fifth Letter was equally enjoyable.
This book centres around four friends, Eden, Joni, Trina and Deb, though the story is narrated by Joni. The group of friends have been together since school and now as adults they do their best to meet up every year for a girls mini getaway. Secrets are revealed through nameless letters written by each friend. Each night one person chooses a letter to read out to the group.
Unusual, intriguing and a catchy storyline that hooks you right in. Plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
My favourite part for some reason which I can’t explain is when Joni was confessing to the priest. I thought that was cleverly done and added another layer to the story. The mystery and the drama regarding the letters kept me enthralled.
Personally, I truly loved this book and am a teeny weenie bit excited to read another of Nicola Moriarty’s books.
#Book Bingo 2018: ‘A book with a number in the title’ - The Fifth Letter by Nicola Moriarty
This book centres around four friends, Eden, Joni, Trina and Deb, though the story is narrated by Joni. The group of friends have been together since school and now as adults they do their best to meet up every year for a girls mini getaway. Secrets are revealed through nameless letters written by each friend. Each night one person chooses a letter to read out to the group.
Unusual, intriguing and a catchy storyline that hooks you right in. Plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
My favourite part for some reason which I can’t explain is when Joni was confessing to the priest. I thought that was cleverly done and added another layer to the story. The mystery and the drama regarding the letters kept me enthralled.
Personally, I truly loved this book and am a teeny weenie bit excited to read another of Nicola Moriarty’s books.
#Book Bingo 2018: ‘A book with a number in the title’ - The Fifth Letter by Nicola Moriarty
May 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book about old friendships. This author, Nicola Moriarty, is the sister to Liane Moriarty and I love all books by Liane. This is a quick read.
July 19, 2019
I have discovered Nicola Moriarty recently ans absolutely love her writing. This book was light and fun with a hint of drama.
August 31, 2017
Zo, dat is echt een quick read.
Je merkt dat deze Moriarty geinspireerd is door de boeken van haar zus, een van mijn favoriete schrijvers, Liane Moriarty. Dat zou dus een slap aftreksel kunnen zijn, maar dat is het niet. Dit is GOED. Zodra ik eenmaal begonnen was, bleef ik lezen.
En wat is het een sterk plot zeg. Zo he. Ik ben onder de indruk, ik heb het boek echt met plezier verslonden. Ik vond alleen . Daardoor voelt het boek voor mij als een 4* max, maar die 4* zijn wel dik verdient want het is een goed plot!
Je merkt dat deze Moriarty geinspireerd is door de boeken van haar zus, een van mijn favoriete schrijvers, Liane Moriarty. Dat zou dus een slap aftreksel kunnen zijn, maar dat is het niet. Dit is GOED. Zodra ik eenmaal begonnen was, bleef ik lezen.
En wat is het een sterk plot zeg. Zo he. Ik ben onder de indruk, ik heb het boek echt met plezier verslonden. Ik vond alleen . Daardoor voelt het boek voor mij als een 4* max, maar die 4* zijn wel dik verdient want het is een goed plot!
September 8, 2017
It looks like that readers of The Fifth Letter seem to love this book or not get into it at all. I really enjoyed it and getting to know the four best friends who have gone away together for a four day break away from their husbands and children. Now in their thirties, we find that they all have had secrets over the years since they met in high school and decide for a bit of fun, to write down and share a secret, anonymously. I really enjoyed the storyline and the mystery of who wrote each secret letter, and then working out who wrote the mysterious fifth letter. I found this an easy, enjoyable read that Nicola has written very well and I am happy to recommend.
February 5, 2017
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
This wasn't a bad read, but it did struggle to keep my interest at times unfortunately.
I was interested in reading the letters that they all wrote, and seeing the reaction to them, but the majority of the book was quite dull for me unfortunately, and it dragged slightly because of it.
Overall, Dragged slightly, but an okay read.
This wasn't a bad read, but it did struggle to keep my interest at times unfortunately.
I was interested in reading the letters that they all wrote, and seeing the reaction to them, but the majority of the book was quite dull for me unfortunately, and it dragged slightly because of it.
Overall, Dragged slightly, but an okay read.
October 11, 2017
Dit boek was echt leuker en beter dan ik dacht! Ik verwachtte niet zoveel, maar het is echt een fijne pageturner en ook nog eens heel gelaagd en verre van voorspelbaar. Bijna een thriller, met alle geheime intriges. Pakkende, prikkelende schrijfstijl en een opbouw waar duidelijk goed over nagedacht is. Beetje Desperate Housewives-achtig: liked it a lot! Uitgebreide recensie: http://thebookreview.nl/recensies/rom...
March 9, 2017
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre: Women's Fiction
The Fifth Letter is a fantastic women's fiction novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Much like her sisters writing style and storytelling ability (she is Liane Moriarty's sister) the author takes mundane issues and blows them out of proportion. For some, this may be a major turn off but for me, I absolutely love it! With that being said, fans of Liane Moriarty who need their next fix should definitely check out this novel. Now, this doesn't mean that the author doesn't stand out on her own because I truly believe her stories do. However, if I were to describe the way the plot in handled in comparison to any other authors work it would be her sisters.
Within this story, we meet four friends who have known one another since primary school. All grown up, these woman get together on a yearly escape in order to have "girl time" and what not. And, to make things a bit more exciting I suppose, these women decide to write anonymous letters to each other spilling their deepest and darkest secrets. But one of the friends writes a fifth letter (the letter that sets off a whole bunch of events and makes the story super exciting) detailing some very unkind things. And the narrator, who is introduced as Joni, will stop at nothing to see which one is behind it.
This book is a great expose on dark secrets, the lies we tell, and how said lies can set off a chain of events that can change a persons life in an instant. It takes ordinary women with normal life issues and dramatizes them to a point where readers may find themselves gasping! Overall, it's just a really good book with some exciting and dark moments that will leave readers wanting to read it as fast as they can so they can see how everything turns out.
Now, while I truly enjoyed this story, one thing that really bothered me was the confusion I felt in getting to know the characters. There are four women, all of which have their own quirks, but are not so different in order for readers be able to fully tell them apart. Perhaps if the author set them apart in terms of personality a little bit more I couldn't have been confused on figuring out who is who within the book.
Other than this, I liked the story, I would read another by the author in a heartbeat, and I would recommend it to fellow readers!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Women's Fiction
The Fifth Letter is a fantastic women's fiction novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Much like her sisters writing style and storytelling ability (she is Liane Moriarty's sister) the author takes mundane issues and blows them out of proportion. For some, this may be a major turn off but for me, I absolutely love it! With that being said, fans of Liane Moriarty who need their next fix should definitely check out this novel. Now, this doesn't mean that the author doesn't stand out on her own because I truly believe her stories do. However, if I were to describe the way the plot in handled in comparison to any other authors work it would be her sisters.
Within this story, we meet four friends who have known one another since primary school. All grown up, these woman get together on a yearly escape in order to have "girl time" and what not. And, to make things a bit more exciting I suppose, these women decide to write anonymous letters to each other spilling their deepest and darkest secrets. But one of the friends writes a fifth letter (the letter that sets off a whole bunch of events and makes the story super exciting) detailing some very unkind things. And the narrator, who is introduced as Joni, will stop at nothing to see which one is behind it.
This book is a great expose on dark secrets, the lies we tell, and how said lies can set off a chain of events that can change a persons life in an instant. It takes ordinary women with normal life issues and dramatizes them to a point where readers may find themselves gasping! Overall, it's just a really good book with some exciting and dark moments that will leave readers wanting to read it as fast as they can so they can see how everything turns out.
Now, while I truly enjoyed this story, one thing that really bothered me was the confusion I felt in getting to know the characters. There are four women, all of which have their own quirks, but are not so different in order for readers be able to fully tell them apart. Perhaps if the author set them apart in terms of personality a little bit more I couldn't have been confused on figuring out who is who within the book.
Other than this, I liked the story, I would read another by the author in a heartbeat, and I would recommend it to fellow readers!
Rating: 4.5 stars
April 26, 2017
I finally gave up on this book at page 192, and that was more pages than I should have given it. I plodded through it and convinced myself this would get better...it didn't. A group of four unlikable friends, and I use this term loosely spend a weekend together. I would not wish any of these ladies to be my friends. It is chick-lit describing the lives of four 'shopping centre cougars ' with nothing more to do with their lives but visit the gym and tell everyone how beautiful their children are.
Definitely not recommended.
Definitely not recommended.
March 20, 2018
I totally loved it! I had pretty high expectations and this book actually met my expectations. I've read this book as a buddy read, so I couldn't fly through it. Otherwise, I'm sure I would have read it in just a few days. This book was so engaging, I really wanted to know who wrote the fifth letter, just as Joni did. The ending was really not what I expected, even though I kind of guessed who wrote the fifth letter. I would really recommend reading this book as it is well written and really engaging.
November 24, 2018
This was an easy read about four friends from high-school who try and maintain their friendship as they head into their late 30s and have families and life just...well... happens.
They go away for a weekend and think it would be a good idea to share a secret with eachother by writing it anonymously as a letter. Except it turns out there are five letters. So who wrote the fifth? And does that mean one of the original 4 letters was not true?
They go away for a weekend and think it would be a good idea to share a secret with eachother by writing it anonymously as a letter. Except it turns out there are five letters. So who wrote the fifth? And does that mean one of the original 4 letters was not true?
March 23, 2017
I have read a lot of YA books that sound more adult than this non - YA book. The narrator is supposed to be in her thirties, along with her friends, but she sounds like a high school girl. Definitely not for me.
August 11, 2018
Such a fun, easy read. I blazed through this book. I love a good story about lies and revenge and friendship groups with secrets but towards the end of the book, there was way too much things to keep up with.
March 27, 2018
Heerlijk! Wat een fijn boek is dit. Samen met mijn vaste buddies Shannon en Tatiana heb ik dit boek gelezen. superleuk om samen te gissen naar wie toch die vijfde brief geschreven heeft.
Het boek is realistisch geschreven en ik vind het ook wel erg leuk om een boek te lezen met personages die mijn eigen leeftijd ongeveer hebben.. en met dezelfde problemen e.d. te maken hebben die ik in mijn eigen vriendinnengroepje ook zie terugkomen. (oke niet alle problemen ;-))
Dit boek is zeker een aanrader als je de boeken van haar zus Liane Moriarty leuk vind! vijf sterren waard voor mij!
Het boek is realistisch geschreven en ik vind het ook wel erg leuk om een boek te lezen met personages die mijn eigen leeftijd ongeveer hebben.. en met dezelfde problemen e.d. te maken hebben die ik in mijn eigen vriendinnengroepje ook zie terugkomen. (oke niet alle problemen ;-))
Dit boek is zeker een aanrader als je de boeken van haar zus Liane Moriarty leuk vind! vijf sterren waard voor mij!
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