Still reeling from We Were Liars? Here’s what to read next!
By: Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia, Social Media Specialist
Back in the summer of 2014, over a decade ago, I stumbled upon a book that would shape my high school reading life: We Were Liars, by E. Lockhart. It had everything my 16-year-old self was looking for – mystery, summer romance, coming-of-age drama and an ending so unforgettable, I still remember exactly where I was when I finished it.
With its dream-like setting, lyrical writing and twist that left me speechless, We Were Liars quickly became a personal classic. It’s the only book I’ve made a tradition of re-reading every summer. I even visited Martha’s Vineyard because of it.
So, when I found out that my favorite book was finally getting a screen adaptation, I was ecstatic. And now that the We Were Liars TV series has officially dropped…I’ve already binged it (and I bet your students have too).
So what now? If your teen readers are asking, “What do I read after We Were Liars?” we’ve got you covered. Here are eight books that give us the same summery chills, secrets, and suspense.
8 We Were Liars read-alikes
One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus
A deadly mystery unravels in a high school detention room. Think The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars!
One of Us Is Lying – Ebook | One of Us Is Lying – Audiobook
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
A high schooler reopens a closed murder case for a class project…and quickly realizes the truth was buried on purpose.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Ebook | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Audiobook
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
An ordinary girl inherits a billionaire’s fortune, IF she can solve the riddles he left behind. Twisty, high-stakes, and full of secrets.
The Inheritance Games – Ebook | The Inheritance Games – Audiobook
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Another personal favorite! This one follows a true crime-loving teen who investigates a decades-old mystery at an elite boarding school.
Truly Devious – Ebook | Truly Devious – Audiobook
Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
A girl tries to fit into her new town, until one of her friends goes missing and suspicion creeps in from every corner.
Little Monsters – Ebook | Little Monsters – Audiobook
Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power
Creepy family secrets and a haunting rural setting blend for a slow-burn, gothic summer mystery.
Burn Our Bodies Down – Ebook | Burn Our Bodies Down – Audiobook
The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
A grief-stricken teen infiltrates an elite summer camp to uncover the truth about their sister’s death, and discovers a surreal, chilling world beneath the surface.
The Honeys – Ebook | The Honeys – Audiobook
They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
At a ritzy prep school, a secret society might be hiding the real story behind a student’s murder.
They Wish They Were Us – Ebook | They Wish They Were Us – Audiobook
So go ahead… add these to your Sora shelf. And if your students ask how any of them end?
Just lie.
About the author
Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia is a Social Media Specialist for OverDrive, the creator of the Libby library reading app. When she’s not working, she’s most likely reading or creating bookish content for her bookish blogs @NahomysLibrary. Nahomy’s current favorite book is Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez.