If you’re captivated by gripping mysteries, emotional family dramas, and jaw-dropping plot twists, E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars series is a must-read. This young adult sensation, known for its haunting storytelling and TikTok fame, has left readers buzzing with its secrets and surprises. Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting Beechwood Island, you might be wondering about the We Were Liars books in order. You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the We Were Liars series order, offer reading recommendations, and share why this series is a favorite among YA fiction fans.
Overview of the We Were Liars Series
The We Were Liars series by E. Lockhart is a modern, sophisticated blend of mystery, thriller, and family drama. Set on the private Beechwood Island, it follows the wealthy Sinclair family, whose perfect facade hides secrets, betrayals, and tragedies. The series centers around Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit group of friends and cousins, known as the Liars, whose summers are filled with love, rebellion, and devastating consequences.
The first book, We Were Liars (2014), became a #1 New York Times bestseller and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction, praised for its unpredictable twists and emotional depth. The prequel, Family of Liars (2022), dives into the previous generation’s secrets, adding layers to the Sinclair legacy. A third book, We Fell Apart, is set to release in November 2025, promising more intrigue. Fans of YA mystery books like One of Us Is Lying will find this series irresistible.
We Were Liars Books in Order
Here’s the complete list of the We Were Liars books in order, based on publication date, to help you navigate the series:
- We Were Liars (2014)
This is the gripping first book in the series, introducing Cadence Sinclair Eastman, the eldest grandchild of the wealthy Sinclair family. Every summer, the Sinclairs gather on their private island off Massachusetts, where Cadence and her cousins Johnny, Mirren, and friend Gat—collectively known as the Liars—spend idyllic yet tumultuous days. After a mysterious accident in “Summer 15,” Cadence struggles with amnesia and crippling migraines, piecing together what happened two years later. This novel is a masterclass in unreliable narration and shocking twists, perfect for readers who love emotional, suspenseful stories. - Family of Liars (2022, Prequel)
This prequel takes readers back to 1987, focusing on the Sinclair sisters—Penny, Carrie, and Bess—Cadence’s mother and aunts. Set on the same windswept Beechwood Island, it explores their teenage years filled with romance, betrayal, and secrets that echo into the events of We Were Liars. Described as a “perfect beach read” by The Boston Globe, it’s a compelling companion that deepens the family’s complex history without spoiling the original’s twists. - We Fell Apart (November 2025)
The upcoming third book introduces a new story in the We Were Liars universe. It follows Matilda, who visits her reclusive father’s seaside home, Hidden Beach, and uncovers secrets involving her brother Meer, former child star Brock, and enigmatic Tatum. Promising the same “beachy gothic atmosphere” and high-stakes drama, it’s set to be another unmissable addition.
Reading Order Recommendations
For the best experience, we recommend reading the We Were Liars series in publication order: start with We Were Liars (2014), then read Family of Liars (2022), and save We Fell Apart (2025) for last. This order preserves the emotional impact and plot twists of We Were Liars, as the prequel Family of Liars contains context that could lessen the original’s suspense if read first. Publication order also aligns with how E. Lockhart crafted the narrative, building on the first book’s revelations with the prequel’s backstory.
Alternatively, you could read in chronological order (Family of Liars first, then We Were Liars, and finally We Fell Apart), but this might dilute the mystery, as Family of Liars assumes familiarity with the original’s twists. Stick with publication order for the full E. Lockhart We Were Liars experience, especially if you love being surprised by unexpected plot turns.
Why Read the We Were Liars Series?
The We Were Liars series stands out for its lyrical prose, unreliable narrators, and gut-punching twists that leave readers reeling. E. Lockhart masterfully weaves themes of privilege, family dynamics, and the consequences of secrets, making it a favorite among YA mystery fans. We Were Liars is “thrilling, beautiful, and blisteringly smart,” as John Green praised, with a twist that “will sear itself into your memory”. The series appeals to readers who enjoy books like The Secret History by Donna Tartt, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, or One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, offering a mix of suspense, romance, and psychological depth. Its TikTok popularity and recent Prime Video adaptation (June 2025) have brought new fans to the series, making it a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re drawn to character-driven stories or love unraveling mysteries, this series delivers.
FAQs About the We Were Liars Series
How Many Books Are in the We Were Liars Series?
As of July 2025, the We Were Liars series includes two published books—We Were Liars (2014) and Family of Liars (2022)—with a third, We Fell Apart, set for release in November 2025.
Do I Need to Read Family of Liars to Understand We Were Liars?
No, We Were Liars is a standalone novel, and Family of Liars is a prequel that enhances the story but isn’t required. Reading We Were Liars first is recommended to avoid spoilers.
Are There Other Books by E. Lockhart Related to the Series?
While We Fell Apart is the only upcoming addition to the We Were Liars universe, E. Lockhart’s other works, like Genuine Fraud and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, share similar themes of deception and privilege, making them great follow-ups.
What Is the Genre of the We Were Liars Series?
The series blends young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and contemporary drama, with a touch of gothic atmosphere. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy emotional, twist-filled stories.
Conclusion
The We Were Liars books in order are We Were Liars (2014), Family of Liars (2022), and the upcoming We Fell Apart (November 2025). This series by E. Lockhart offers a captivating mix of mystery, family secrets, and unforgettable twists, perfect for YA fiction fans. Start with We Were Liars to dive into Cadence’s haunting journey on Beechwood Island, then explore the prequel for more Sinclair family drama. Have you read the We Were Liars series? Share your thoughts in the comments.
