An enjoyable read that gives a lovely insight into human nature. It tackled lots of difficult areas, grief, depression and loss but it did also have a light hearted look at life which I think everyone could relate to in some part. The story did have some bizarre moments but it wasn’t hard to suspend real lift and just go with the flow.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Written by the same author as the book Big Little lies, this novel was like a large selection box of chocolates. Something for everyone and lots of variety.
An eclectic mix of people brought together during their stay at a health resort. Each character was well developed, with their own interesting, sometimes sad history and background, told with empathy and understanding. The experience during this stay impacted all of their lives in some way.
A bit far fetched for me in places but still enjoyed reading it.

I like to keep a little collection of incomprehensible sentences (I will do a blogpost one day **), and this one will join it:
Napoleon parted the wild horse’s mane three times both sides.
Though, fair play, Moriarty makes it instantly clear what it means, and we already know that Napoleon is a guest at a spa, not either a French Emperor or a pig from Animal Farm.

This is a confounding and great book. The publishers’ tagline is this:

One house. Nine strangers. Ten days that will change everything . . .

And it is a great setup – these people are all attending a health/wellness spa retreat, in the middle of nowhere, in Australia. So in one sense you know what kind of book this is, but in another you really don’t. I’m hamstrung writing about it, because part of the enormous enjoyment I got from it was that I had absolutely no idea in which direction it was heading. I’ve read many Liane Moriarty books, so I knew it would be funny, have pitch perfect observations, and might have a crime/thriller element, and would definitely contain surprises. And really it’s best to leave it like that, and let readers find out for themselves.

I think the setting is original: Old-style health farms and hydros turn up in books set or written in the past (and yes of course we have featured them on the blog), but it's surprisingly uncommon for a modern setting, and just asking to be exploited...

Moriarty is such a talented writers that she introduces the characters perfectly. I usually hate too many characters, and abhor books in which they are at first introduced by description, names only revealed later – but she gets away with it, completely failed to annoy me.

The descriptions of the place and the activities are hilarious and sharp and very recognizable – I have been on a retreat which (in some ways only… ) resembled this one, and her descriptions are spot-on and hilarious.

I liked Frances the middle-aged writer being told that by the end of the retreat she would be saying ‘I am changed in ways I could never have imagined.’

What a load of crap, thought Frances, while simultaneously thinking, Please let it be true.

The participants want the spa to solve all their problems – mental issues, bereavements and romantic disasters, depressions and misery. And make them thinner. But – and this is so true to life – when these rich, pampered people miss one meal they start going berserk, and can’t stop talking about it. This is strange behaviour on about three different levels, and is absolutely spot on: that is how people react.

The book of course brings you the backstories, and Moriarty writes extraordinarily well about the kind of problems and horrors that can hit the nicest families – I already admired her very much, but was very impressed with her discussion of addiction and bereavement in what was essentially not a heavyweight novel: completely real, and convincing, and actually helpful.

And her little comments along the way – here a husband overhears a comment by his wife which ‘hurt because it was both a malicious lie and the shameful truth’:
He could find hatred in his heart for [his wife] too, if he went looking for it. The secret of a happy marriage was not to go looking for it.
There is an intensely clever counterpoint of tension and creepiness in the plot, the growing sense of something very wrong, but in the kind of way that happens in novels, versus the genuine feeling, and sadness, and bereavement. I don’t know of anyone who does exactly that as well as Liane Moriarty, and this is a prime example of her marvellous books.

Highly recommended.

For more of Liane Moriarty, click here.

** The Guest Blogger found an excellent difficult sentence for this recent post:

He spoke some of the sifting history did.

(It is possible to work out what it means... )

Here’s one I’ve been treasuring for years, from a literary novel of 1988, set in contemporary London, explaining how two people met:
‘Apparently she’s broke, she went to a vernissage, mostly for something to eat, got picked up by one of those wide-boys with a line in new masters of frigates in the spume, and, to cut a long story, woke up in the chambers opposite Tertius’s.’
Thirty years later – no, still no idea.

If you have a good literary incomprehensible sentence, please do send it to me.

I really enjoyed reading this book .Nine Perfect Strangers is about nine strangers who book into a very expensive health resort in Australia.Each has their own story and reason for being there .There is mystery ,suspense ,it is a little bit scary and I enjoyed finding out each characters story as it slowly unfolds ,very compelling ,very hard to put down .Each person gets a lot more than they bargained for ,very well written I think I liked Frances the most with Masha a close second .Many thanks to the Publisher ,The Author and NetGalley for my review copy in return for an honest review .

Nine people enrol on a ten day retreat at a health spa which specialises in creating a 'new you'. There for various reasons (weight loss, relationship counselling, etc), the guests begin to realise that things at the spa aren't quite as they seem.

I was surprised to discover that I've read one of Moriarty's previous books as I couldn't remember it at all. I found that this book started off well and promised much, but failed on the execution and ending. The book deals with some intense issues: suicide, body image, etc but, as the reader, I felt very removed from it all as the characters were difficult to connect with. All a bit of a letdown, I'm afraid.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, for the opportunity to review an ARC.

I absolutely devoured this book. Moriarty's main strength lies not (just) in the absolute compelling need to know how the story will end but in the perfectly crafted characters and a mix of humour with social observation. One of the best writers around.

This book started off really well with the introduction of the various strangers and also other characters from the health resort. There is a good deal of intrigue built around all these characters, with key facts alluded to but not fully revealed at first, which gives each character a mystique that plays nicely for the reader. Many of the strangers are relatable and most of them are appealing enough to capture a reader's interest.

I felt that the reveal of the big secret being kept by the health resort was a bit of a let down and that the book lost its way somewhat at that stage. I also felt that the ending was rather unsatisfactory. We were given a glimpse of the future for some characters but not others and there was too much ambiguity about some of the things hinted at. It also felt a bit rushed to me.

Despite this, I did enjoy the book and it did hold my interest. If you're a fan of this genre, it's worth giving it a try.

This was a completely different read - I am not sure what genre I would put it under but a good story. I loved the beginning and I loved the way the ending came together, the middle was completely bizarre but still compelling reading. The characters were fantastic - so well written I feel like I would recognise them on the street! Some wonderful humour. Another great read from Liane Moriarty.

This book turned out to be anything but what I expected!

As the title suggests, the story focuses around nine strangers who sign up for a 10 day health retreat in the middle of nowhere at the exclusive Tranquillam House. Owned and ran by ex-corporate executive Masha whose own health problems were the catalyst to her starting her unique getaways. She is ably assisted by Yao, the paramedic who saved her life, and her trusty PA from her corporate days, Delilah. They now act as personal wellness consultants and are on hand to welcome the new set of guests.

All nine guests have their own reasons for attending the retreat -

Frances is a romance novelist who has been badly burned by an online catfishing scam, as well as having her latest manuscript refused and starting to show signs of starting the menopause. Her friend had recommended this retreat as a place where she could heal and find her balance again.

Married couple and recent lottery winners, Ben and Jessica who have drifted apart since the win and are in desperate need of some marriage guidance.

Napoleon, his wife Heather and their daughter Zoe. They spend each January away from home in an attempt to escape the anniversary of Zoe's twin brother taking his own life.

Divorced mother of four, Carmel is still struggling to come to terms with her husband leaving her and, after struggling as a single Mum, needed to get away as he finally took the children on the dream holiday they had always talked about going on.. with his new wife.

Divorce Lawyer Lars is well-practiced in health retreats having done most of them. He is struggling with his partners wishes to have a baby when he really doesn't want one.

Lastly, retired sportsman Tony. Despite a brilliant sports career and having a successful business afterwards, Tony is miserable. His wife left him, his kids barely talk to him and his dog has just died. He is hoping the retreat will be the boost he needs to get him back on track.

It does not take long after they are all checked in for them to realise that Tranquillum House is not your average Spa. From the mandatory smoothies and noble silences to the starlight meditation sessions, it was definitely not turning out to be what they thought they had signed up for.

Told from a total of twelve character perspectives, it could have got a little overwhelming, but I found the story flowed really well and each character was given enough time to get to know them and understand their parts of the story. Like I said at the beginning, this story went a way that I was not expecting and despite being a touch on the far-fetched side, was enjoyable nonetheless!

This may come as a bit of a surprise considering the genres I usually read but boy, do I love me some Liane Moriarty. I was very excited to hear she had a new book coming out and couldn’t wait to get stuck into it.

Nine Perfect Strangers is rather hard to put a label on. It’s contemporary fiction in the way Liane Moriarty does best, but there’s also a touch of the psychological thriller vibe to it and it had me hooked from the start.

That was mainly due to the fabulous character of Frances, whom I adored from the minute I met her. Frances used to be a bestselling romance author but now she’s lost her way a little bit. Suffering from a bad back, a broken heart, menopausal symptoms and an awful paper cut, she checks herself into Tranquillum House for some pampering and a ten day cleansing. But not even the imaginative Frances could possibly predict the challenges that lay ahead.

There are quite a few characters in this delightful story. On top of the nine guests, we also meet the owner and her staff. Each one of these characters is so brilliantly introduced that it never gets confusing at all, even with chapters switching back and forth between them. Some are likeable from the start, some take a little getting used to but each one comes across as highly realistic and believable.

The guests are there for very different reasons and some parts made me feel quite emotional. It’s not all doom and gloom though. There are some fantastically witty moments and retorts, which made this a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. Even though some of the events involving the owner may have gone slightly over the top, I was so engrossed that it didn’t bother me at all.

I loved Nine Perfect Strangers from the outset. It may not quite have turned out the way I expected it to but I had a fabulous time meeting these characters, sympathising with them, rooting for them and it all leads to a wonderful conclusion. I have no doubt this one will do well and I look forward immensely to whatever Liane Moriarty comes up with next.

My favourite of hers yet.
Nine strangers spending time in a health resort. Nine strangers, each with their own reasons and demons for being there. Tranquillum House sounds perfect but it’s not at all what they expected.
I loved this book. The first half we meet the characters and are slowly drawn into their stories. Although it was a slower pace, I didn’t find that it dragged and I became engrossed in their world. But the second half.... well, I was not expecting the turn of the book and I loved every minute of it. Although I’m not sure I would like to experience the type of therapy they did.
I also really appreciated the last couple of chapters, I think that was the icing on the cake for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy to read.

Big Little Lies was some of the best television I saw last year, and when I backtracked to the book I could see why Reese Witherspoon had been so inspired to adapt (and, imo, slightly improve) it. So it was a no-brainer to request author Liane Moriarty’s new book, Nine Perfect Strangers, when it appeared on NetGalley.

Tranquillum is a health resort which promises to improve your life, changing it for the better in just ten days. Too good to be true? It’s alluring enough for a group of strangers to each head there, hoping to fix their marriages, their careers, or just themselves. At first the spa treatments and meditation, fasting and tai chi, are all par for the course. But Tranquillum’s owner, Masha, has some dark secrets in her own past…

Chapters switch points of view between the different guests, Masha and a few members of staff, giving different layers of insight into events that brought everyone together and add to their reasons for signing up for a ‘transformation’. Background is layered through the ongoing story, adding mini ‘reveals’ to rather more mundane mysteries that are every day – if not entirely ordinary – lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed Nine Perfect Strangers (although argument on the title, as they aren’t all strangers – there’s a couple and a family ;)). The mystery wasn’t quite what I’d guessed, but also didn’t surprise me too much – to be honest, it wasn’t quite as thrilling or shocking as I expected. In lesser hands that probably would have ruined the book for me, but the strength here is bigger than just the plot line. The characters are well-sketched – you don’t get too much time with any of them, considering – really drawing you in to their lives, their woes, and the reasons for them being here. In fact, almost 10% of the book is the ‘after’, which you’d think would be padding, but by this point I really wanted to know what happened to everyone.

So, perhaps not quite what I was expecting but thoroughly engrossing. I even quite fancy a spa/meditation/wellness retreat myself – although, probably not one like this ;)

This was a cool storyline and the characters were great, you could relate to every single one of them to be honest! I love Liannes books and this one didn’t disappoint either.

Nine people check into a health resort all for different personal reasons, they don’t exactly get what they bargained for!! It’s a really interesting book with lots of little stories from each character all interwoven into one really. I couldn’t imagine staying there I’d go insane, it’s hard to explain what the book is about really I guess you’ll have to just read it and find out, you won’t be sorry you did. It’s funny in parts as well as quite sad too and deals with some emotional topics, all done exceptionally well by the author.

In all a really good book, I finished it within the day!

I loved Big Little Lies so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Nine Perfect Strangers - and it didn't disappoint! I love Liane's writing, brimming with characters I recognise from real life (ouch!) and chock full of funny lines - the kind of thing we all think, but aren't brave enough to say out loud!

The story is about nine, not remotely 'perfect' strangers who meet up at a radical new health resort hoping to completely overhaul their lives. All have suffered some kind of loss in their life, from loss of a loved one to loss of self, and they mostly blame themselves. Each chapter is told from a different viewpoint but it is so skilfully done you don't become confused as to who is who. Yet despite the humour, some serious issues were touched upon in a sensitive way: dealing with grief, divorce, self-image, substance addiction, etc.

My favourite character was Frances, a middle-aged romantic novelist, whose confidence has been undermined after receiving a particularly vicious review. This is probably because I felt Frances was basically me! She thinks the same way, reacts the same way, even loves the same brand of chocolate! Although I suspect many women reading this book will feel the same way! This is a particular skill of this author, to create well-rounded, thoroughly believable characters we all recognise, can connect with and want to root for.

I absolutely adored Nine Perfect Strangers. I've recommended it to all my friends, and even read bits aloud to my long-suffering husband. One of my favourite books this year!


Thank you to Liane Moriarty and Michael Joseph (Penguin) for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

I’m a Liane Moriarty fan, so jumped at the chance to read her new book, Nine Perfect Strangers. Did it live up to expectations? You bet! By the end I felt I knew all nine perfect strangers really well. There’s the delightful romance writer whose latest offering has just been rejected, the filthy-rich young married couple, gorgeous handsome Lars, mum-of-four who’s been dumped by her husband for a younger woman, a former football star gone to seed, and a grief-stricken family of three. The author has a wonderful writing style that ensures her readers – this one, anyway – become totally invested in her characters, warts and all. The nine are all on a ten-day health retreat, for reasons ranging from saving their marriage to losing weight. Run by the impressive and striking Masha, a kind of Amazonian superwoman, Tranquillum House promises a transformational experience. And delivers! This is a quick, easy read that pulls you in – and then gently plays with your mind. Fabulous!

Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this read in exchange for a honest review.

This book follows the retreat at health-and-wellness resort Tranquillum House, that promises total transformation. Nine stressed city dwellers are keen to drop their literal and mental baggage, and absorb the meditative ambiance. Miles from anywhere, without cars or phones, they have no way to reach the outside world. Just time to think about themselves, and get to know each other. Watching over them is the resort's director, a woman on a mission. But quite a different one from any of the guests might have imagined. For behind the retreat's glamourous facade lies a dark agenda. These nine perfect strangers have no idea what's about to hit them.

I have really enjoyed most of this author's books so far, but unfortunately this one just wasn't as good as I expected. The plotline is definitely intriguing, mostly because I was in suspense most of the way through, but sadly the ending let this one down. With a rather slow-paced story, I was in wait for a shocking intense reveal but instead got a disappointing far-fetched ending that had no reasoning behind it.

I did, however, enjoy reading about the nine strangers. All came with their own interesting backstory and all are cleverly-written. I just didn't particularly like the staff at the resort.

Overall, a book that is a lot different then this author's usual stories, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.

I asked to review this book as I thought that the premise sounded interesting. What could potentially happen to 9 strangers on a spa holiday. It turns out that this was a spa holiday with a difference. I did wonder how it would work flitting back between all the different characters as you follow what happens on the spa holiday.

Overall I enjoyed this book.

It took me along time to read however, the premise behind the story was really interesting. A group of people place in what they think will be idyllic surroundings in the pursuit of wellness. A 'mad woman' that thinks her way is the only way and is even prepared to commit crime to ensure that she is right. Quite a messed up but enthralling theory.

A secluded retreat for stressed-out people complete with the promise to change your life in just ten days, pricy and exclusive and just what the doctor ordered for our willing candidates?

I am a fan of Liane Moriarty, she is one of those authors that has a real eye for shining a light on everyday situations and letting her readers see how absurd they are. In Big Little Lies she took the school gates as her starting point, this time we move to the more exclusive setting of a retreat at health-and-wellness resort Tranquillum House which promises total transformation for those who sign up. This story is completely bonkers but very entertaining.

Tranquillum House is run by Masha, a women we met in the prologue having a heart-attack in her corporate office. Masha is a Russian who moved to Australia as a young woman and following her near-death experience she has become evangelical about saving others from themselves. All the bad things are banned, including any electronics and replaced with healthy smoothies, massages, mindful walking and light fasting.
The first guest we meet is romance author Frances who is not only menopausal but has just had her latest book rejected, readers are falling out of love with romance and she’s obsessing about a bad review. She herself had a thriller in her bag, one which over the days at Tranquillum House she finds less than thrilling… it seems that Liane Moriarty knows her audience!
She is joined by rich young things Ben and Jessica, who come complete with a Lamborghini for him and various surgical enhancements for him. They have signed up for couple counselling in a bid to save their marriage.
There is a family of three, parents Napoleon and Heather along with their twenty-one year old daughter Zoe who are all cloaked in sadness, the cause of which is revealed later in the book. An aging football star Tony, a health junkie Ben and a divorce lawyer Lars complete the guest list. They are all in, and then Masha reveals the start of her innovative treatment plan.

Believe me the thought of being on a retreat doesn’t really appeal to this reader under what I imagine are normal circumstances but this one takes an ominous tone right from the start when the guests are given their orders so perhaps a healthy wariness and lack of funds is a good thing!

This is really a character study, not only of the guests, but of the owner and her chief of staff, former paramedic, Yao. With the guests under the spotlight and in the prime location to reveal their hopes and fears there is so much room for the author’s trademark wry humour, the poking of fun of those earnest health-junkies is tempered by some life-stories that can’t help but tug at the heart-strings! This book should be approached with the aim of enjoying the ride. I said earlier, it’s bonkers, it is but a well-written bonkers book that yet had one foot in reality reflecting society as well as the differences between the generations and one that had me chuckling in delight at regular intervals. If you can’t afford a retreat to make changes in your life Nine Perfect Strangers will go some way to giving you the best medicine, laughter.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the publishers Penguin UK for allowing me to read a copy of Nine Perfect Strangers prior to publication on 4 October 2018. This unbiased review is my thank you to them, and the author for such an entertaining read.

Having read a lot of literary fiction lately, this was like coming back to a guilty pleasure.

Big Little Lies is now Moriarty's best-known book and that's no surprise. It was so well-written and well-paced. There were others that did well, but for me didn't quite live up to that title - for example, Truly Madly Guilty. This book however grabs you right from the start.

The different characters are all very clearly drawn so that even though there are so many of them, you're never in doubt as to who is who.

Tranquillum House, the health retreat where the action takes place, is delightfully twisted. There is a sense of foreboding as each character discovers that the place isn't quite what they thought it was going to be...

This is one of Moriarty's best and if you liked Big Little Lies and the reveals in that book, then you will certainly enjoy this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Michael Joseph and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.