As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
To continue you need an active subscription to hbook.com.
Subscribe now to gain immediate access to everything hbook.com has to offer, as well as our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database, which contains tens of thousands of short, critical reviews of books published in the United States for young people.
Thank you for registering. To have the latest stories delivered to your inbox, select as many free newsletters as you like below.
No thanks. Return to article
340 pp.
| HarperTeen
| December, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-228704-5$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
In the final installment--really this time--of the long-running series, the PLLs face murder charges for killing (still-alive) Alison. Each girl makes impulsive choices during their trial, from running away to getting married. Though the story is resolved with more of a whimper than fans might expect, this is still a nicely plotted, fitting goodbye to Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.
326 pp.
| HarperTeen
| June, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-228701-4$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
After the drama of the previous installment, Deadly, this book is a bit of a letdown. The four PLLs experience significant personal and professional successes (Aria, for example, sells a painting for a fortune), but, of course, A is prepared to ruin everything. While fans might guess what's next, a few surprises--and the usual cliffhanger--will keep them coming back for more.
292 pp.
| HarperTeen
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-223336-3$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Ghost Sutton watches as her twin Emma uncovers secrets about her family in this fifth Lying Game novel. Their mentally ill birth mother, Becky, has reappeared--and could be dangerous. Did she kill Sutton? (Hint: There will be a sequel.) Though series fans might find the plot arc too familiar, they'll be sucked back in by the characteristically shocking ending.
340 pp.
| HarperTeen
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-219971-3$17.99
(3)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
This fifteenth PLL installment finally brings the suspense and action missing from many of its predecessors, as "A" makes good on some threats. Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily try to figure out A's identity (or identities) while dodging a private investigator. As usual, Shepard capably answers some questions (like what Aria did in Iceland) while tantalizingly creating others, keeping readers hooked.
308 pp.
| HarperTeen
| December, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-219974-4$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
In their sixteenth book, the PLLs confess that Ali is still stalking them, and they're given round-the-clock security. But as usual, A is one step ahead--and the girls are arrested for murder. The plot arc will be familiar to long-time fans (any new readers will be baffled), but Shepard delivers another suspenseful ending--and reveals another big secret.
450 pp.
| HarperTeen
| January, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-212591-0$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
This collection takes place between the fourth and fifth books of the long-running series (making anachronisms, like iPads, perplexing). Each of the four stories chronicles a Pretty Little Liar's misdeeds over junior-year winter break; three revolve around guys. There's no suspense or mystery, but fans awaiting the next installment will enjoy delving further into the minds of these well-established characters.
324 pp.
| HarperTeen
| December, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-208192-6$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
In Burned, the four friends set sail on a Caribbean cruise ship--with A aboard to torment them. Lies, a prequel, is told from the perspective of Courtney, the twin who stole Real Ali's identity. Hooked readers will need encyclopedic knowledge of the vast, long-running series to keep the PLL's misdeeds straight, but Shepard--again--leaves them wanting more. Review covers these Pretty Little Liars titles: Ali's Pretty Little Lies and Burned.
306 pp.
| HarperTeen
| June, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-208189-6$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
All the Pretty Little Liars continue to be terrorized and manipulated by "A," but Emily, who secretly gave up a baby for adoption, has the most to lose. The girls suspect, therefore, that their stalker is a woman who wanted Emily's baby. This twelfth installment answers few questions, but it's characteristically well paced and still contains some surprises (like a cross-dressing dad).
309 pp.
| HarperTeen
| July, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-208101-8$16.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily are back and hiding a secret from a spring break trip. Of course, an all-knowing (different?) "A" threatens to expose them. Twisted focuses on the PLL's crime, while Ruthless identifies a possible "A." The twists are familiar--it's now expected that nothing is as it appears--but Shepard still delivers conclusions that makes readers want more. Review covers these Pretty Little Liars titles: Ruthless and Twisted.
341 pp.
| HarperTeen
| December, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-208186-5$17.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily are back and hiding a secret from a spring break trip. Of course, an all-knowing (different?) "A" threatens to expose them. Twisted focuses on the PLL's crime, while Ruthless identifies a possible "A." The twists are familiar--it's now expected that nothing is as it appears--but Shepard still delivers conclusions that makes readers want more. Review covers these Pretty Little Liars titles: Ruthless and Twisted.
280 pp.
| HarperTeen
| January, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-156614-1$16.99
(3)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Readers say goodbye to the PLLs in these final books of the series. In Heartless, Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily find clues about Ali in Amish country, a mental hospital, and séances, while Wanted introduces the final, crucial plot twist. Some questions may remain, but the central mysteries surrounding A's identity and Ali's murder are resolved in a dramatic, gratifying conclusion. Review covers these Pretty Little Liars titles: Heartless and Wanted.
263 pp.
| HarperTeen
| June, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-156617-2$16.99
(3)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Readers say goodbye to the PLLs in these final books of the series. In Heartless, Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily find clues about Ali in Amish country, a mental hospital, and séances, while Wanted introduces the final, crucial plot twist. Some questions may remain, but the central mysteries surrounding A's identity and Ali's murder are resolved in a dramatic, gratifying conclusion. Review covers these Pretty Little Liars titles: Heartless and Wanted.
336 pp.
| HarperTeen
| July, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-156611-0$16.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Spencer thinks she's found her birth mom; Hanna competes with Kate for a guy; Aria has a crush on Ali's brother; and Emily continues her relationship with Isaac--even as the new "A" continues to send texts. Again, readers discover few answers to the series' central questions, but the startling twist ending will definitely keep anticipation high for the next installment.
335 pp.
| HarperTeen
| June, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-088739-1$16.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Hanna wakes from a coma, Spencer's repressed memories return, Aria is homeless (and boyfriendless), and Emily's exiled to Iowa. Throughout, "A" continues to terrorize the former BFFs. Readers focused on the unmasking of "A" and the killer might feel let down, but those concerned with the main characters' foibles and transgressions will be satisfied by this series ender.
313 pp.
| HarperTeen
| December, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-156607-3$16.99
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
It seemed that the series was over, but Wicked continues the story of the Pretty Little Liars, complicating Unbelievable's conclusions. A new "A" begins threatening the girls, and there's evidence that Ali's real killer is still unidentified. Following the same successful formula as the other books, this one focuses on characters but reveals few secrets, setting up yet another series entry.
(3)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
Shepard ramps up the tension in this penultimate series entry. A video made just before Alison disappeared is leaked to the press, a stalker lurks, "A" makes good on her threat to expose secrets, and the book ends with an apparent death. Though the characters remain paper-thin, Shepard's mix of humor and suspense, with a touch of social commentary, is tautly plotted.
330 pp.
| HarperCollins
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-088733-9$16.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-06-088734-6$17.89
(4)
YA
Pretty Little Liars series.
The story picks up where Pretty Little Liars left off. Alison's body has been found, and anonymous note sender "A" continues to terrorize Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna. Though the pacing is uneven, some of the first book's tantalizing questions are answered (readers now know what "The Jenna Thing" is). With its cliffhanger ending, Flawless doesn't stand alone.