Hey folks, Steve here! If you love messy families, juicy secrets, and the kind of plot twists that will have you suspiciously eyeing your own relatives, you’re in for a treat with this review. I got my hands on this book, read it cover to cover (while snacking and yelling at my friends about what just happened), and now I’m ready to spill the good, the bad, and the tennis-obsessed. Ready for some family drama? Let’s get to the review!
In a nutshell
‘Apples Never Fall’ is a twisty family drama by famous author Liane Moriarty. She knows how to keep you on your toes! This book falls right into the mystery and suspense genre, packed with secrets that pop up at the worst moments (as they do in good families).
The story follows the Delaney family. They seem normal on the outside—big tennis fans, a little too close, even competitive at family board games. But when the mom, Joy, goes missing, the whole family is tossed into confusion and everyone’s secrets start to surface like unclaimed socks after laundry day. Themes of trust, family pressure, love, and how much we really know each other run through the book.
It’s a mix of drama, laughs, tense moments, and the kind of relatable family fights that make you want to both hug and throttle your siblings. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil any of the big reveals. If you like smart mysteries with a side of messy family feels, Moriarty might be your next favorite author.
Family Dynamics and Secrets in ‘Apples Never Fall’
If you have ever tried to play board games with your family, you know we all have a quirky crew. In ‘Apples Never Fall’ by Liane Moriarty, the Delaney family takes quirky to a pro level. You think your cousin is a sore loser at Monopoly? Wait until you meet Joy and Stan, and their adult kids who carry more baggage than my entire last vacation. This book delivers a buffet of family drama, with secrets popping up like popcorn at the movies.
I noticed right away that the Delaneys have more hidden stories than my uncle at Thanksgiving. Each member holds onto a secret or two, from small fibs to the kind of bombshells that blow up family dinners. Moriarty nails the little moments—snarky comments, awkward silences, and those “did you just say that out loud?” glares. It made me remember the time I accidentally told my sister about her surprise party… in front of her. Oops.
The author is not afraid to show the ugly side of love. The Delaneys care about each other, but their trust is shaky, and you can feel it seeping out from the start. Secrets ripple through their lives, building suspense and keeping you guessing about who’s hiding what. I’ll admit, sometimes I wanted to yell at the book, “Just talk to each other!” But then again, without secrets, where’s the fun?
Next up, I’ll look at how Moriarty brings these tangled characters to life and whether the Delaneys are actually likable or just good at hiding it—stay tuned for the juicy stuff on character development and relationships!
How the Characters in ‘Apples Never Fall’ Keep Us Guessing (and Laughing…and Crying)
Let me just say, ‘Apples Never Fall’ does a cracking job when it comes to character development. Each person in the Delaney family is crafted with enough quirks to fill a fruit bowl. Stan, the grumpy tennis coach dad, is like every coach I ever had—tough on the outside, but when you crack that shell, oh boy, he’s a marshmallow. His wife Joy is the kind of mum who will serve you apple pie with a side of guilt-tripping. But she’s also smart, sharp, and not afraid to throw a curveball.
The kids? Let’s just say I could see my siblings in all of them. There’s Amy, Jonah, Logan, and Troy—each with their own set of dreams, secrets, and mess-ups. They’re not cookie-cutter good or bad. Instead, we get shades of grey. The author, Liane Moriarty, makes their flaws shine through and that feels pretty darn real. I found myself rooting for all of them, even when they made some wild choices. (Trust me, you’ll want to shake them sometimes.)
The relationships in this book remind me of a family Christmas dinner after someone mentions politics—sticky, awkward, and sometimes hilarious. The fights, the banter, the random deep talks at midnight—all ring true. But there’s also tenderness and loyalty, which kept my faith in this nutty bunch.
The only thing that bugged me a bit was sometimes I wanted more from a few of the side characters. They felt like the apple peel—nice, but I wanted more of the juicy bits.
Next up, let’s see if the plot twists in ‘Apples Never Fall’ left me with my jaw on the floor—or just looking for another snack.
Surprises Around Every Corner: Plot Twists and Pacing in Apples Never Fall
Reading Apples Never Fall made me question if I’d somehow signed up for a family drama or a missing person mystery—or maybe a fruit basket subscription with a side order of secrets. To be honest, I kind of loved not knowing! The plot twists pop up like uninvited relatives at Christmas, and just when you think you’ve figured everyone out, BAM!—another surprise barrels in. It’s like the book itself is playing hide and seek with your brain.
The pacing is pretty snappy too. I rarely got bored. Instead, I felt like I was being led on a brisk walk through the Delaney house, tiptoeing past arguments and peeking into closets full of family secrets. Sure, sometimes the story slows down for a cup of tea and a little soul-searching (especially when we get deep into everyone’s emotions), but mostly things keep moving faster than the speed of a grand slam serve. I found myself reading far past my bedtime, promising just one more chapter…for like, five chapters straight.
Some readers might find the constant shifts between timelines a bit confusing, but I found them exciting. It kept me guessing and prevented the story from feeling stale. It’s like the author is tossing plot apples at you from all directions, hoping you’ll catch them all. (Spoiler: I dropped a few, but that’s on me.)
Next up, let’s grab our rackets and talk about how tennis smashes its way into every corner of the story—because trust me, in this book, tennis is much more than a game!
Tennis: More Than Just a Game in Apples Never Fall
If you thought this book was only about missing people and suspicious fruit, think again! In Apples Never Fall, tennis is everywhere—like glitter after a kid’s birthday party. The Delaney family does not just like tennis, they eat, sleep, and even seem to breathe those yellow fuzzy balls. Most families bond over board games or Sunday roasts. Not these folks! Their shared love for tennis weaves them together and, at times, rips them apart like a well-worn net.
I loved how the author uses tennis to show the Delaneys’ highs and lows. There’s victory and loss, but most importantly, there’s a constant feeling that life is a bit like a tennis match. You’re up one minute, and then your mom disappears, leaving you to guess if you’re serving or receiving. The tennis club setting gives us great scenes where secrets fly faster than tennis balls at Wimbledon. Plus, you get a real sense of competition and pressure—totally relatable if you’ve ever tried to beat your sibling at Mario Kart and lost your cool (not that I’d know…).
On the flip side, if you hate tennis, some of these scenes might drag. I found myself tempted to skip a page or two when a match went into a fourth set. Still, the theme ties neatly with the family’s struggles and triumphs.
Do I recommend Apples Never Fall? Yes! Even if you are more about football or chess, the tennis in this book keeps things bouncy. Game, set, match to Liane Moriarty.
Conclusion
Well folks, that’s a wrap on my review of Apples Never Fall. This book had me guessing, laughing, and yelling at a tennis ball more than once. The Delaney family is weird in the best way, with secrets that make your own family look pretty normal. The plot kept me on my toes, even if some tennis bits made my mind wander to snacks. If you like twisty family mysteries with juicy secrets and a few racket-smashing moments, this one’s worth a shot. Just don’t expect every character to jump off the page. All in all, it’s a fun and clever read that makes you appreciate your own messy relatives. That’s all from me—my review is now officially done!
