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Pretty Little Liars

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Sara Shepard

Pretty Little Liars

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rosewood, Pennsylvania • 2010s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard follows four former friends—Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna—three years after their leader, Alison, goes missing. The girls, set in the town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, are haunted by secrets "A" threatens to expose, including dangerous actions and romantic entanglements. They are forced to confront their past when Alison's body is discovered and they realize "A" is still watching. The book includes references to bullying, eating disorders, and substance misuse.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.1

212,134 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars captivates with its blend of mystery and teen drama, set in a seemingly perfect town hiding dark secrets. Readers praise its suspense and engaging plot twists, though some critique its predictability and stereotypical characters. Ideal for fans of high school intrigue, but might lack depth for others.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pretty Little Liars?

A reader who would enjoy Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard is typically a fan of suspenseful young adult fiction with a strong focus on mystery, drama, and complex friendships. This audience often appreciates the intrigue found in series like Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar or The Lying Game by Sara Shepard.

4.1

212,134 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Alison "Ali" DiLaurentis

Alison is the charismatic and manipulative girl whose past friendship with the main characters anchors their current struggles and secrets.

Aria is a creative and introspective teen trying to find her identity, known for her striking appearance and complex relationship with her teacher.

Emily is a dedicated swimmer dealing with questions about her sexuality, influenced by her relationship with newcomer Maya.

Spencer is a highly competitive and ambitious girl living in the shadow of her older sister while navigating romantic entanglements.

Hanna is a girl who reinvented her image after a painful past, grappling with self-esteem issues while striving for popularity.

Mona becomes Hanna's glamorous and adventurous best friend, playing a pivotal role in Hanna's transformation.

Melissa is Spencer's competitive and seemingly perfect older sister, embodying the goals Spencer strives to reach.

Ezra is Aria's English teacher with whom she has a complicated and secretive romantic relationship.

Wren is Melissa's boyfriend who connects with Spencer, adding tension to the sisters' rivalry.

Maya is the vibrant and free-spirited new girl who forms a significant bond with Emily.

Ian is Melissa's ex-boyfriend who shares a flirtatious history with Spencer, creating ongoing complications.

Andrew is a seemingly innocent and diligent class president who represents stability amidst Spencer's chaotic world.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rosewood, Pennsylvania • 2010s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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