Moriarty, Liane-Big Little Lies-Informal Buddy Read;Start Date: November 9th 2014 ;Revisit May 29, 2018

[Louise]

Are we ready for this 🙂

[Christina]

I might start this one a day later since I still have another book to finish, but we'll see. I'm definitely joining soon! :)

[Christina]

Has anybody started yet? What do you think so far? :)

[Christina]

Chapter 1-12

I am actually surprised what a quick read this has been so far. especially since there are some quite short chapters I just kept going but had to stop eventually since I unfortunately also need to sleep at some point... :P

first of all, after Chapter 2 or 3 I started thinking (view spoiler)[Madeline is the one that something happened to? murder, obviously. but we'll just have to wait and see.

I feel like Madeline's secret is that they're not as wealthy as everyone thinks. at least not anymore.
Jane's.... maybe she has killed /had to kill Ziggy's dad? she's definitely struggling with something, maybe some mental health issues?
and why the f does Celeste already plan to leave her husband after their sons finish high school even though she still loves him /is still so attracted to him at least?

also, at first I believed Ziggy when he said he didn't choke Amabelle. I thought she was the one telling lies, or at least mistook him for another kid maybe, but the more I hear Jane and now even her mum say he would never ever do something like that the more I doubt him... (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

I’m starting this today! (From Team Bellatrix)

[Kaley]

Ch. 1-2

Apparently I didn't even read the synopsis fully (or remember it, anyway) before I picked this up because I had no idea it was about (view spoiler)[a murder (hide spoiler)]. I know I've wanted to read it for a while since it's a popular show now and my cousin recommended the author to me, and apparently that was all the convincing I needed. Super excited to see where this goes though!

I can soooooo relate to (view spoiler)[Martha rolling her ankle. I did that in a similarly embarrassing fashion a few months ago and I feel like I can actually feel her pain! Three months later and it still puffs up a little bit throughout the day as I use it...and I still can't crack it like I used to. Hopefully Martha heals up better! (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

Okay I've got the book. I've read up to chapter five. I'm probably going to read this slowly so sorry if I drag you guys behind!

I wanted to read this book as I want to read more Australian authors. I haven't read any of her books previously either.

@Kaley - I didn't read the synopsis either! I probably should have.

But, so far I am liking it. We've been introduced to quite a lot of characters so it might take me a while to get used to them and figure out who is who. The way it's written and the tone of the book are different that to what I'm used to. I think I like it though.

(view spoiler)[It seems like it's a bit suspenseful. I want to crack and read the end of the book to find out who was murdered and who did it. I don't handle these things well. Jane seems a bit shifty to me. Ziggy, a bit quite. Chloe seems like a handful. Madeline, I haven't made up my mind yet. (hide spoiler)]

How would you guys describe Madeline? Jane's description of 'glittery' doesn't say much to me.

[Kaley]

Ch. 3-12

I normally don't like multiple points of view, but I'm quite enjoying this one. Can't decide which is my favorite, but I think Celeste is my least favorite. I'm trying to figure out why (view spoiler)[Celeste is so set on leaving Perry when the boys are old enough. I wonder what we're missing. (hide spoiler)]

I'm also trying to figure out the situation with (view spoiler)[ Ziggy's dad. I'm pretty sure that Jane was raped and got pregnant with Ziggy by the way she said she doesn't know him and it was a one-time thing, and how she got so uncomfortable and was in such disbelief when Madeline asked her if it was fun. (hide spoiler)]

ETA: Also trying to figure out who (view spoiler)[died (hide spoiler)] in Ch. 1. My original theory was (view spoiler)[Madeline, Jane, or Celeste, but now I'm thinking Perry could be a strong possibility. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Christina wrote: "
Chapter 1-12


I am actually surprised what a quick read this has been so far. especially since there are some quite short chapters I just kept going but had to stop eventually since I unfortuna..."

One thing I love about buddy reads is such different theories! I like your thought that maybe (view spoiler)[Jane killed Ziggy's dad. That's so interesting! My theory was that she was raped, but I could totally see your way. Because I was thinking maybe she was so worried about Ziggy being violent because his dad was (as a rapist), or maybe she had to kill him in self defense because he was violent... but maybe she is worried about Ziggy becoming violent because SHE has killed someone. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Tina wrote: "How would you guys describe Madeline? Jane's description of 'glittery' doesn't say much to me. "

I just picture her as glamorous. I'm bad at descriptions so this probably doesn't help :-P But just very alert and active and wearing glittery, shiny clothes.

[Christina]

Kaley wrote: "Ch. 1-2

Apparently I didn't even read the synopsis fully (or remember it, anyway) before I picked this up because I had no idea it was about [spoilers removed]. I know I've wanted to read it for a..."

just before I started the book I read through the back of its cover again to make sure I know what's going on ha!

[Christina]

Tina wrote: "Okay I've got the book. I've read up to chapter five. I'm probably going to read this slowly so sorry if I drag you guys behind!

I wanted to read this book as I want to read more Australian author..."

I agree about the amount of characters! it all seems a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll know who's who quite quickly, especially since it keeps coming up /they keep getting explained and you keep get reminded ;)

I am actually surprised that Madeline is so different than what I pictured her being like in the first few pages. not just the 'glittery' part because let's face it, she's definitely a girly girl and all fancy, but I honestly expected her to be (view spoiler)[stuck up and only likes to associate herself with people like herself; wealthy and glamorous and who care about makeup and clothes and wotnot... (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Or I guess, I just thought of this, but Reese Witherspoon plays Madeline in the show so I picture her pretty similar to Reese...but I don't think I actually picture Reese. The only one I picture the actress for is Jane/Shailene Woodley so far...but even that isn't quite exact. It's hard to explain. I picture them pretty close to the actresses though (just because I was curious about which actress played which character as I started reading).

[Kaley]

Christina wrote: "I agree about the amount of characters! it all seems a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll know who's who quite quickly, especially since it keeps coming up /they keep getting explained and you keep get reminded ;)"

I agree with this. I *think* I've got a lock on most of the characters now, though there are still a few names I haven't officially "met" yet I think that I'm not really keeping straight...but I assume once their school year starts I will.

[Kaley]

Also, I LOVE reading a book set across the world (and in another hemisphere) from where I live. I find it so interesting how life is so different there regarding schedules, like the school year starting in January and summer being in December.

[Christina]

Chapter 13-18

just before I went on with the book I got spoilered by something our tv magazine wrote about the tv show, they printed ONE SENTENCE Nicole Kidman said about her time while filming, and suddenly I was like "NO No no, why did I just read this????" but thankfully what Nic said came up in ch13 already.

I guess we all could have known somehow (view spoiler)[that Celeste's husband hits her. right? maybe that's why she doesn't wear makeup, to not attract attention and upset her hubby, who's oh-so-perfect. not. or maybe she just doesn't like makeup... but the way she acted in the first few chapters already makes so much more sense to me now! (hide spoiler)]

I feel sorry for (view spoiler)[Madeline with everything that's happened /happening with her ex-husband and their shared daughter. of course she's a teenager and wants to make her own decisions, but I really like Madeline so I don't want her to get hurt :(
also her ex being all "aw my little girl is in school now, I've never had this experience before", when obviously he already had a daughter who started school 8 years or so ago and he just wasn't there for it /her back then.
it is cute though that Abigail and Bonnie get along so well - I hate when stepkids and stepparents don't even respect each other. even if it hurts Madeline, but then again she can't properly dislike Bonnie either since she's such a nice and lovely person. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Done through Chapter 18 now!

@Christina, was what you saw that Nicole Kidman said in Chapter 13 about (view spoiler)[the abuse, then? I'm pretty sure I had heard that one of the MCs was in an abusive relationship (and that's ALL I knew about this book. Just three friends and one was abused. I thought it was about their friendship and didn't even know it was a mystery. I just assumed it'd be Jane. So does Celeste hit him back? It sounds like she does, but it's never been explicitly said from what I remember. (hide spoiler)]

Also, I feel bad for (view spoiler)[Chloe of all people, because of Amabella's party and Madeline deciding she can't go just because she wants to stick it to Renata. I kind of get why it'd be important to not have Chloe go because Ziggy wasn't invited, like teaching her not to single out/leave anybody out... but that could affect Chloe becoming friends with other students as well. I don't know, I'm not a parent, so it's probably over my head. (hide spoiler)]

Final thought for now: At the end of Chapter 18, (view spoiler)[man, multiple assaults? I guess I didn't realize what a full-out brawl it was in Ch. 1. Also, for some reason I was thinking that we knew Renata was alive, but I don't think we did....so now I'm curious if she ends up dead at the end. I feel like it'd be too obvious at this point though, so probably not. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Ch. 19-22

It breaks my heart that (view spoiler)[Celeste talks down about the abuse she suffers. "It could be worse." And then talking about "proper" domestic violence victims, as if she isn't one, or isn't a "real" one. I kind of am now HOPING it's Perry that ends up dead. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Ch. 26

Ok, now it really sounds like it's (view spoiler)[either Renata or Madeline who dies. Based on Samantha's comment at the end of the chapter. But who knows, that could still be to throw us off (hide spoiler)].

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Team Sprout. Just started and up to ch 6.

(view spoiler)[I was surprised by the excerpts from people in the present. Plus not knowing who was murdered. It is an interesting peek into another world as I don't have children, plus I'm in the US. (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Up to Ch. 32

Finally, we get the truth about (view spoiler)[Ziggy’s dad. Poor Jane :( she is still struggling, probably because she hasn’t real dealt with it and she refuses to see herself as a victim, even though she was (hide spoiler)].

[Kaley]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Team Sprout. Just started and up to ch 6.

[spoilers removed]"

The little excerpts are so catty but I love them!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 7-12

(view spoiler)[Wow, my head is reeling with information overload, but at the same time, there is so much I don't know yet.

Did Ziggy hurt Amabell? Sounds like Perry beats Celeste, but does she hit him back? Who died? I might have guessed Bonnie, but she is giving statements. Madeline seems like she has a great home life with the exception of sharing her eldest daughter with the ex and stepmother

(hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 13-18

(view spoiler)[So I think I know who the victim is now (view spoiler)[Renata is on Jane and Madeline's bad side so I guess she will end up on Celeste's as well so they will all be suspects (hide spoiler)]

Handing out invites to a 5 year old's party to everyone but one child in view of them is just cruel.

I feel for Madeline as it sucks her ex is finally stepping to the plate as a father with his second child and now her teenage daughter has forgiven him (hide spoiler)]

[Christina]

Kaley wrote: "Done through Chapter 18 now!

@Christina, was what you saw that Nicole Kidman said in Chapter 13 about [spoilers removed]..."

basically, yeah. she said (view spoiler)[ she had bruises from filming the violent scenes and found herself crying in her bathtub. it must be horrible even if you're only acting getting abused :( (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Kaley wrote: "Ch. 19-22

It breaks my heart that [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, that was hard to read.

[Christina]

Chapter 19-28

Renata is (view spoiler)[acting like such a child, omg! "no, Bonnie definitely came in first" lol. I feel sorry for her :D I don't think being Madeline's enemy will be much fun, but I don't think she is who got murdered. like Kaley said, it's too obvious (gosh, now I have to go through all the comments again to make sure she's still alive and I haven't just made a fool of myself) (hide spoiler)]

I hate hate hate (view spoiler)[reading from Celeste's point of view. my heart breaks every single time she either gets hurt or blames herself. it is not her fault that her husband hits her. you can leave him, baby. but she still loves him. and she sometimes ends up being violent towards him as well because she doesn't know what else to do. and blames herself even more :( (hide spoiler)]

[Christina]

Kaley wrote: "Also, I LOVE reading a book set across the world (and in another hemisphere) from where I live. I find it so interesting how life is so different there regarding schedules, like the school year sta..."

oh my god I know right???? I didn't even realize the book was set in Australia until it was first mentioned in the book! I always wondered if the school year starts around September there (like here in Austria /Europe), or after the summer holidays. Now I know :P

[Tina ❣]

I've read up to chapter 20.

So, at the start I was a bit iffy on the book. Now I like it. Madeline has got me to laugh out loud a few times as well as her husband. She's grown on me. She'd be an amusing friend to have. You'd either join in on her antics or shake your head and support her because you know she means well.

Jane - (view spoiler)[Something is not right with her. However Ziggy came into her life, was not in a positive way (hide spoiler)]

Celeste - (view spoiler)[From how Moriarty describe Celeste's thoughts (insecure) I had a feeling that she was being hurt some way. The more I read on, the more I thought it was her husband domestically abusing her. Then I read up to where Ziggy tugged on her arm in public and she was in pain, I realised I was right. (hide spoiler)]

Abigail - (view spoiler)[I have a feeling she's going to regret not spending time with her mum (Madeline) if Madeline indeed is murdered (hide spoiler)]

I did a bad thing. I skimmed the last two chapters because I couldn't take it anymore. I sort of know what happens. I feel bad but No Regrets!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Christina wrote: "
Chapter 19-28


Renata is [spoilers removed]

I hate hate hate [spoilers removed]"

I know, you would think Renata would be too busy with her professional life to be so petty.

(view spoiler)[I am wondering what happened with the nanny after one of the comments after the race about them liking to pretend she never existed (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

Christina wrote: "Tina wrote: "Okay I've got the book. I've read up to chapter five. I'm probably going to read this slowly so sorry if I drag you guys behind!

I wanted to read this book as I want to read more Aust..."

I see what you mean! I think I still don't know who the side characters are in the excerpts.

Thanks Christina! I just couldn't describe her in my head. I can understand more now about who she is

[Tina ❣]

Christina wrote: "Kaley wrote: "Also, I LOVE reading a book set across the world (and in another hemisphere) from where I live. I find it so interesting how life is so different there regarding schedules, like the s..."

I knew it was by an Australian author but I'm so used to reading books with the American or UK's school system. So, you guys start in September. It took me a bit to get my head back into the Australian school system.

Kindergarden to grade 6 in primary school- we start the school year in early February. We have four terms. At the end of each term, we have a two week break. We finish school in December just before Christmas and then we enjoy the weather and beaches before the next school year.
Private schools may differ on the days they start school and finish school as well.

In high school, it's the same except depending on your year level, you could finish in November or December.

I hope that gives you guys some perspective (coming from an Australian)!

[Tina ❣]

How do you all find the humour in the book so far? I think Australians have a darker sense of humour (I know I do)

[Tina ❣]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 13-18

[spoilers removed]

Handing out invites to a 5 year old's party to everyone but one child in view of them is just cruel.

I feel for Madeline as it sucks her ex is finally stepping to th..."

That was hard to read for me. I can only imagine what she went through.

It's healthy that her daughter has a healthy relationship with her dad and stepmother, but seeing it from Madeline's view is hard. (view spoiler)[Not only did her ex give up on her and their baby, but he forgot that Abigail had a first day at school. IN the past and IN the present (hide spoiler)]

I can see why this was made into a TV series. From what you guys have said, I'm tempted to watch it but after exams and after I've read the book.

[Tina ❣]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Christina wrote: "
Chapter 19-28


Renata is [spoilers removed]

I hate hate hate [spoilers removed]"

I know, you would think Renata would be too busy with her professional life to be so petty.

..."

True! Where'd she go? What was her name again? Haha

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Kaley wrote: "Up to Ch. 32

Finally, we get the truth about [spoilers removed]."

(view spoiler)[Yeah it seems like an overreaction, but that could be due to her not dealing with it or sharing it with anyone until now. She totally was a victim and needs some counseling. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Through Ch 43

(view spoiler)[Ok, not I don't think Renata can be the victim as they mention a boy putting a note on the coffin, and I think she just has the daughter...

I'm starting to think Chloe is the bully. Because really Madeline doesn't have anything as bad in her life as Jane and Celeste. Plus she just said she punched a boy who upset Ziggy.

And seriously, trying to expel a 5 year old who hasn't even been proven to do anything wrong is just so many levels of craziness.

I'm glad Celeste finally went and saw a counselor. She is still waffling about leaving and I think she is far to optimistic in her thoughts that Perry wouldn't try and get custody of the twins.

(hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Ch 36

Now I’m wondering who the heck (view spoiler)[ is hurting Amabella. I had thought Ziggy may have choked her in the beginning but now I think that would be too obvious. My money is on Juliette or Renata but the bite mark is throwing me off. Because they’d surely be able to tell the difference between a child’s bite mark and an adult’s. Maybe it’s one of Celeste’s kids? My money would be on Max, because Josh seemed gentler with the “maybe you should be more careful” like he knew about the abuse and was concerned... but maybe they both know and Josh is horrified with Max is re-enacting? (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

I finished. I couldn't study as my back was sore, so I was reading on my bed.

I'll try not to say to much so I don't give anything away.

I think this was a good read. Entertaining and mysterious and now I'm tempted to watch the TV series.

(view spoiler)[I'm glad the mothers came to an understanding about their children's behaviours and their own behaviour. I'm glad we got more out of Bonnie's character. I feel like towards the end of the book, we got to see the parent's be stronger in who they are and take action in being responsible for their children, which I did enjoy.
I'm thinking the excerpts were the other mothers talking to the journalist. I could be wrong.
I was wrong about who was murdered though (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 44-47

Oh Wow! (view spoiler)[I was totally shocked to learn Ziggy's father is Perry's cousin. Talk about bad blood in a family. I sure hope the twins don't inherit those tendencies. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 48-57

Celeste (view spoiler)[ has finally realized she is a battered wife and no different than all other battered wives and in danger of being killed by her husband. (hide spoiler)]

Jane (view spoiler)[I'm glad she realizes Ziggy isn't the bully. The psychologist visit should clear up her fears. But she probably shouldn't have confronted Amabella (hide spoiler)]

Madeline (view spoiler)[ finally finds out what Abigail did (the hints were there) when Nathan tells her about the site she setup to sell her virginity to help amnesty international. That is going to make things even more awkward between the exs. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Kaley wrote: "Ch 36

Now I’m wondering who the heck [spoilers removed]"

through ch 59
(view spoiler)[Great guess! You were right, it looks like it is Max, at least according to Ziggy. He called him the mean twin. This is going to break Celeste. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

through ch 75

Holy Crap!!! (view spoiler)[Perry is Saxton! He gave a false name. That means he is Ziggy's father.

Plus he found out about Celeste's apartment and knows she is going to leave him.

He is so the person who is going to die.

(hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Finished and wow, what an interesting story with so many twists and turns. I can see how it would make a good TV series - I might have to check it out.

(view spoiler)[Well Bonnie killing Perry accidently was unexpected. I was glad to see Abigail moved back home with her mom, but kept close ties with Bonnie. I think Madeline finally got over Nathan's betrayal.

Jane didn't even really get to confront Perry, beyond saying they met before as he considered her unimportant and was more concerned about Celeste's reaction. But she had already been healing and it was nice to see her with Tom.

I'm impressed Celeste agreed to share her experience. I would have expected her to still try and keep it hidden. Good for her!

(hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Ch. 45

Wait, so Perry (view spoiler)[and Saxon Banks are cousins?!!! Yikes. I should have known those ~bleeps~ were related. This is going to get quite interesting. I kind of have been wondering for a while if Saxon will show up at Trivia Night for some reason and HE is the one who will die, but since it’s only a week out I’m not sure how that’d happen (hide spoiler)].

[Kaley]

Still through ch. 45 😂 only a few pages into 46

All of a sudden, a WEIRD theory just hit me. (view spoiler)[Jane and Perry haven’t met, have they?! I just got a weird idea that maybe PERRY is the “Saxon Banks” that Jane knows. I mean, we know he is violent. I’m probably crazy but it just hit me... because I’d youre gonna be a scum bag AND you’re married and cheating... why would you give your real name?? I’m thinking since they’re at this wedding in Ch. 46 together maybe Perry got inspiration to give out his cousin’s name?!!!

Then again, maybe I’m thinking about this WAY too hard. (hide spoiler)]

ETA: I mean (view spoiler)[HE TRAVELS ALL THE TIME FOR WORK! He totally could be pretending to be Saxon (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

through Ch 51

I’m more convinced than ever of (view spoiler)[my weird theory about Perry being the “Saxon Banks” Jane knows. I mean... Jane is NOT at the assembly that Perry is, so she’ll meet him at Trivia Night? Mhmmmmm.

Unless I’m totally forgetting that they’ve met already. But I don’t think so.

And then maybe Celeste goes crazy and kills Perry in rage? Or Jane does? Perry is looking really good to be the one who dies, in my opinion. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Interesting theories Kaley

[Kaley]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Interesting theories Kaley"

I just want to know if I’m right or if I’m crazy 😂 but I’m only one day away from Trivia Night! So I’ll see soon I suppose.

[Christina]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Christina wrote: "
Chapter 19-28


Renata is [spoilers removed]

I hate hate hate [spoilers removed]"

I know, you would think Renata would be too busy with her professional life to be so petty.

..."

tbh my mind immediately went to (view spoiler)[adultery. either Renata's husband, or one of the other hubbys. Renata's would be the obvious 'choice' though (hide spoiler)]