Prime Member Exclusive Offer
3 months free
$0.00
  • For a limited time, get Audible Premium Plus free for 3 months.
  • You'll receive 1 credit a month to pick ANY title from our entire premium selection to keep forever (you'll use your first credit now).
  • You'll also get UNLIMITED listening to select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
  • After 3 months, $14.95/mo. Cancel online anytime.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
List Price: $24.74
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s Conditions Of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company

Apples Never Fall Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Liane Moriarty (Author), Caroline Lee (Narrator), Macmillan Audio (Publisher)
Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
See all formats and editions

2021 AudioFile Best Audiobooks

2021 Washington Post Best Books of the Year

From Liane Moriarty, the number one New York Times best-selling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, comes Apples Never Fall, an audiobook that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest.

The Delaney family love one another dearly - it’s just that sometimes they want to murder each other....

If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?

This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings.

The Delaneys are fixtures in their community. The parents, Stan and Joy, are the envy of all of their friends. They’re killers on the tennis court, and off it their chemistry is palpable. But after 50 years of marriage, they’ve finally sold their famed tennis academy and are ready to start what should be the golden years of their lives. So why are Stan and Joy so miserable?

The four Delaney children - Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke - were tennis stars in their own right, yet as their father will tell you, none of them had what it took to go all the way. But that’s okay, now that they’re all successful grown-ups and there is the wonderful possibility of grandchildren on the horizon.

One night a stranger named Savannah knocks on Stan and Joy’s door, bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend. The Delaneys are more than happy to give her the small kindness she sorely needs. If only that was all she wanted.

Later, when Joy goes missing, and Savannah is nowhere to be found, the police question the one person who remains: Stan. But for someone who claims to be innocent, he, like many spouses, seems to have a lot to hide. Two of the Delaney children think their father is innocent, two are not so sure - but as the two sides square off against each other in perhaps their biggest match ever, all of the Delaneys will start to reexamine their shared family history in a very new light.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of September 2021: Stan and Joy Delaney, partners both in life and on the tennis court, are the parents of four grown children: Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke. Each child, former tennis players themselves, suffers from their own successes and demons. But jealousy is piqued when a mysterious young woman named Savannah shows up at their parents’ house and begins living with them, filling in as the perfect domestic daughter they never had. Then Joy goes missing and Savannah is MIA, and the most obvious suspect is the stormy and physically dominant Stan. Moriarty’s flair for domestic dysfunction paired with mystery is on full display, and the symbolism of including a sport where love equals zero makes this read even more delicious. Apples Never Fall will be a grand slam with the author’s fans and enchant new readers alike. —Sarah Gelman, Amazon Editor

Review

#1 New York Times Bestseller
SOON TO BE A PEACOCK LIMITED SERIES starring Annette Bening

“Liane Moriarty hits an ace in Apples Never Fall.” ―The Associated Press

"Game, Set, Murder. . . . Liane Moriarty's next blockbuster novel Apples Never Fall [is] a high-wire act that blends marital drama, a long con, a potential murder―and competitive tennis. Everything Liane Moriarty touches turns to gold. . . . The Australian author's next project, which is already destined for the small screen, is a throwback to her best-known―and most beloved―material: family secrets."―Entertainment Weekly

"Moriarty tells a great story, understands her characters and cares about them, too. Readers who have kept up with her books will adore Apples Never Fall, and readers just discovering Moriarty will seek out her previous titles after savoring this fresh, juicy tale."― The Washington Post

"Do yourself a favor and read this ASAP 'cause it'll likely be everyone's next binge-worthy TV obsession by next year. The author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers returns with another unputdownable book about what it really means to be family."―E! Online

"[Liane Moriarty] cements herself as a master of mystery, using every detail in her tangled narrative web to keep the reader guessing until the final shocking twist."―Vulture

"Combines domestic realism and noirish mystery. . . . The structure follows the pattern of Big Little Lies by setting up a mystery and then jumping months into the past to unravel it. Funny, sad, astute, occasionally creepy, and slyly irresistible."―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Moriarty is at her best. . . . No clue is left abandoned, not even in the chilling final chapter."―Booklist (starred review)

"I loved it. An absolute page-turner with all the wit and nuance that put Liane Moriarty head and shoulders above the crowd. Liane Moriarty shows once again why she leads the pack."―Jane Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Dry and The Survivors

“Moriarty has an eye for the telling details that rivals Anne Tyler’s―and a knack for building suspense. This tale of a tennis mom gone missing will keep you guessing.”―People Magazine, "Best Books Fall 2021 Must-Reads"

"A wifty tale of domestic suspense, and a satisfying, layered family drama where the tension comes from the treachery of memory, the specter of generational violence and the effects of decades’ worth of unspoken resentments that have curdled over time. . . . Moriarty once again shows her mastery with the inner working of women."―The New York Times Book Review

“Liane Moriarty devotees, rejoice!”―CNN

“Joy Delaney has gone missing ― and her husband, Stan, seems like the most likely suspect. Two of their grown children think he’s probably guilty, two think he’s innocent, and everyone seems to be squaring off against each other in this delicious family drama.”―New York Post

“With Moriarty’s trademark humor and smart insights about families, this entertaining, twisty read will keep you guessing until the final page.”―Real Simple

Must Reads for September:

Entertainment Weekly

Pop Sugar

People Magazine


Praise for Liane Moriarty's Novels

"A total pleasure."―The New York Times Book Review

"Funny and scary."―Stephen King

"Sharply intelligent."―Entertainment Weekly

"Like drinking a pink cosmo laced with arsenic."―USA Today

"Powerful."―The Washington Post

"God-smacking."―BookPage

"Irresistible."―People

"Superb."―Parade

"Gripping."―Oprah.com

"A wonderful writer."―Anne Lamott

"Expect lots of well-deserved interest."―Starred Booklist

"Simply exquisite."―Bookreporter

"Mesmerizing."―Family Circle

"Provocative."―Woman's World

"So, so good."―Jojo Moyes

About the Author

Liane Moriarty is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Big Little Lies, The Husband’s Secret, and Truly Madly Guilty; the New York Times bestsellers Nine Perfect Strangers, What Alice Forgot, and The Last Anniversary; The Hypnotist’s Love Story; and Three Wishes. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two children.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Listening Length
    18 hours and 3 minutes
  2. Author
    Liane Moriarty
  3. Narrator
    Caroline Lee
  4. Audible release date
    September 14, 2021
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Macmillan Audio
  7. ASIN
    B08V8939WY
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

Read & Listen

Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to Audible audiobook.
Add the audiobook for a reduced price of $9.49 after you get the Kindle book as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Product details

Listening Length 18 hours and 3 minutes
Author Liane Moriarty
Narrator Caroline Lee
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 14, 2021
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B08V8939WY
Best Sellers Rank #1,336 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#25 in Domestic Thrillers (Audible Books & Originals)
#61 in Family Life Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#91 in Women's Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
83,561 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and relatable. They also say the characters are well developed and the family dynamics are familiar. However, some find the pacing frustrating and the book length long. They feel the book is boring, too sprawling, and lacking in plot. Opinions are mixed on the storyline, with some finding it engaging and thoughtful, while others say it lacks plot.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityCharactersHumorStorylineOverall qualityEngagementPacingBook length
462 customers mention "Readability"339 positive123 negative

Customers find the book very entertaining, with beautiful prose that flows beautifully. They also say the author is brilliant and never disappoints.

"...The characters were relatable as was the story. Definitely worth reading." Read more

"Interesting and crazy book. You think you’ll guess it but you don’t. Great characters. Makes you think...." Read more

"...Definitely worth the read all the way to the very end." Read more

"...and all the British turns of phrase, I found the author’s writing to be mediocre at best. Very disappointing...." Read more

228 customers mention "Characters"164 positive64 negative

Customers find the characters well developed and familiar.

"...It's intriguing and I couldn't put it down. The characters were relatable as was the story. Definitely worth reading." Read more

"...You think you’ll guess it but you don’t. Great characters. Makes you think...." Read more

"...I was bored halfway through. Too many characters and not enough depth. Ending made me wonder if I had missed a few chapters." Read more

"...more secrets and it moved very slow I dragged to finished it nice characters sweet & nice family but it just wasn't what I expected and not enough..." Read more

38 customers mention "Humor"30 positive8 negative

Customers find the humor in the book serious but yet funny. They also say the author has a wonderful talent for entertaining her readers. Readers also mention the characters are relatable, clever, and have perfect dialogue.

"...Great tragic read." Read more

"...She is serious and thoughtful and throughout the novel, unexpectedly humorous. I will read her again...." Read more

"...Sometimes they were so funny and relatable...." Read more

"...It was a big let down, almost head-shakingly laughable...." Read more

449 customers mention "Storyline"306 positive143 negative

Customers find the storyline engaging, surprising, and life-lessons abound. They also appreciate the great characters and a glimpse into a complicated marriage. However, some customers feel the plot is lacking and disjointed.

"I highly recommend this book! It's intriguing and I couldn't put it down. The characters were relatable as was the story. Definitely worth reading." Read more

"...You think you’ll guess it but you don’t. Great characters. Makes you think...." Read more

"...The story had a very long ending, way after the mystery of the mother, Joy’s disappearance was resolved...." Read more

"I never would have thought the book would end this way! Brilliant storytelling...." Read more

16 customers mention "Overall quality"10 positive6 negative

Customers are mixed about the overall quality of the book. Some mention it's better than expected, perfectly flawed, functional, suspenseful, and full of heart. Others say it seems to be going nowhere and that nothing is resolved at the end.

"...I was hoping for a bit more of a twist in the end, but it delivered pretty well. Good read, would recommend." Read more

"...Moriarty kept the story interesting, but did not resolve a major issue at the end, so it’s up for interpretation." Read more

"...It's a unique and interesting story of family dynamics that was fully developed...." Read more

"APPLES NEVER FALL is written by Liane Moriarty. Ms. Moriarty is a very successful, well-known Australian author...." Read more

171 customers mention "Engagement"21 positive150 negative

Customers find the book boring, pointless, and disjointed. They also say there's not enough story, it's distracting, unrealistic, and like reading soap opera that never ends. Customers also mention the book has too much negativity and poor development of the story line.

"...sweet & nice family but it just wasn't what I expected and not enough story - I am more of a thriller and suspense reader & that's probably why this..." Read more

"...But, I would put the caveat that a large part of the book is rather depressing. And the ending is absolutely bizarre! Be prepared for a ride!" Read more

"This novel was almost too sprawling to describe...." Read more

"...The “twist” was very anticlimactic and u feel that the book went on longer than it should have. I think the show might be better than the book." Read more

87 customers mention "Pacing"15 positive72 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book frustrating and drags in areas. They also love the characters.

"...horrible but I wanted more drama more story more secrets and it moved very slow I dragged to finished it nice characters sweet & nice family but it..." Read more

"I almost gave up on this book. It was so slow moving. I pushed through it and was surprised by the outcome. I’ve heard it will be a series...." Read more

"...Who did it? There are a couple of surprises but I found the book slow moving at times. And who is Savannah?" Read more

"...Admittedly, the beginning was slow. The twists expected but at the same time a shadow of uncertainty. Hope to enjoy more from this author!" Read more

48 customers mention "Book length"0 positive48 negative

Customers find the book length too long and drawn out. They say it drags on and on.

"...It was just very long. And the finale? Wow! I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that any time soon...." Read more

"...The “Apples” book was a little long in the middle but the twists and turn in the last 75 pages made up for it. Great damaged character...." Read more

"...end of the book, although the end of this novel was both rushed and too long...." Read more

"...Maybe a little too long, the middle was a bit slow but still kept me intrigued...." Read more

Had potential, but fell short
3 out of 5 stars
Had potential, but fell short
@ReaddrinkandbeMary𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 2 ½ ✨⭐️APPLES NEVER FALL🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: mystery/drama📖 467 pages𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🍎🎾🏓🚲🇦🇺😮❤️𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲❤️Woof. I went into this with an open mind since I had heard mixed reviews. I really need to be better about DNF books 😅, starting with this one.While it started hopeful as a mystery/thriller, 90% of the book ended up drowning me in mundane family drama 🥴 . I claim false advertising on this one 🤣 .The multiple POV & timeline jumps quite honestly left me dizzy & confused 😵‍💫I hope you enjoy tennis 😣 . The heavy focus on tennis & lack of resolution left me feeling unsatisfied & unengaged. I felt like there were so many holes.The story paints everyone as a suspect with a possible motive so it’s hard to know who & what to trust.I truly felt like nothing happened the entire book 😠 🤦🏼‍♀️. I felt like I’d learn something that I would wait to learn more about or see where it came into play, & then there was no point to it at all. It's a frustrating read with more questions than answers, making it hard to recommend.Recently watched the show on @peacock & liked it so much more! 🎬 imo I would just skip the book & go straight to the show!𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:◽️ tennis (lots of it)◽️ a complex family dynamic◽️ suspicious house guests◽️ dual timelines◽️ multiple POV𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: The Delaney siblings face a tough decision when their mother goes missing, wondering whether to involve the police when their father is the prime suspect. Stan & Joy, the parents, appear to have a perfect life, but hidden troubles emerge after selling their tennis academy. As successful adults, the Delaney children grapple with their family's secrets & their father's innocence. A stranger, Savannah, adds complexity to the situation, leading to further complications when Joy disappears. With conflicting beliefs about their father's involvement, the Delaneys confront their shared family history in a new & revealing way.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Pamela Gray
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this book! It's intriguing and I couldn't put it down. The characters were relatable as was the story. Definitely worth reading.
Helpful
 Report
Michelle Jenkins
4.0 out of 5 stars creative book
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Interesting and crazy book. You think you��ll guess it but you don’t. Great characters. Makes you think. Also reminds you there’s crazy people in the world but also there’s so many people suffering you don’t know about. And it reminds you to appreciate your family, yo pay attention, and to live life.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Little Michelle
5.0 out of 5 stars never would have guessed the ending!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
I never would have thought the book would end this way! Brilliant storytelling. I love how all the clues and misunderstandings end up getting explained. Definitely worth the read all the way to the very end.
Helpful
 Report
A. Thomson
3.0 out of 5 stars A little disappointing
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
Because is a Liane Moriarty book I expected more. The story wasn't horrible but I wanted more drama more story more secrets and it moved very slow I dragged to finished it nice characters sweet & nice family but it just wasn't what I expected and not enough story - I am more of a thriller and suspense reader & that's probably why this fell short for me
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JP
4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely the style of Moriarty’s more recent books
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
I have conflicting feelings about this book. It’s a strange story. Of course, it is Liane Moriarty, so…

Joy and Stan are retired tennis players and coaches. Their children grew up in the tennis world, to the point of obsession. Their lives have been shaped by the competitive atmosphere and by how they perceived their own ability. No one has some minor quirk. Each adult child has serious problems that have a huge impact on the way they live their adult lives. It would have been nice if there was at least one person that seemed healthy. On the other hand, that seemed to be the point. We all have problems.

As the story progresses, we do see the adult children grow through their fears and phobias. It’s after their mother disappears and they have to deal with the possibilities of what happened. I won’t go into the details of that. No spoilers. I will say it’s a young girl who knocks on the parents’ door one night who changes everything, or maybe just brings everything to light.

The story had a very long ending, way after the mystery of the mother, Joy’s disappearance was resolved. It was good in the sense you get to see what happened to each person. It was just very long. And the finale? Wow! I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that any time soon.

In style, this book is more like Moriarty’s “Nine Perfect Strangers”. There’s a lot of characters to keep track of. Minor characters pop back up after not having been mentioned in several chapters and you’ll probably finding yourself searching to see who they are and how they fit in. (Read the kindle edition. It’ll make the search much easier.)

Would I recommend the book? Probably. After all, I did read the whole thing. But, I would put the caveat that a large part of the book is rather depressing. And the ending is absolutely bizarre! Be prepared for a ride!
17 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
S. Manning
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very well written. I think I related to each of them in some way. I didn't want the story to end, which is always the sign of a good book. I liked the way the chapters went back and forth between present and past. I highly recommend.
Helpful
 Report
Judy in NY
5.0 out of 5 stars wow, just wow!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
When will I learn my lesson? Every single time I read something by Liane Moriarty, I end up staying up late on consecutive nights to finish it, and this one was no exception. Absolutely brilliant story, brilliant character development, twists and turns, you name it. 10/10!!!
Helpful
 Report
WendiCity
4.0 out of 5 stars Another well written book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
The story line was very well written where each character was brought to life without any confusion in the role they played.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Lorraine Garant
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. Another hit by Liane Moriarty. Great storyline and the story moved along quite nicely with a surprising ending. I love this author's books. Well worth the read!
Report
Bento Jose Pereira Lira
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Brazil on May 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Grande livro
Report
Beatriz Rodríguez
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen drama familiar
Reviewed in Mexico on September 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Identifique a algunos personajes de mi propia historia
Report
Theresia M
5.0 out of 5 stars Lieblingsautorin
Reviewed in Germany on May 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Ich habe mittlerweile jedes Buch von Liane Moriarty gelesen, meistens im Originalfassung. Man kann jedes ihrer Bücher regelrecht verschlingen. Apples never fall hat einige andere Themen, als die meisten ihrer Bücher. Sie beschreibt die Beziehung zwischen Mutter und Vater dreier erwachsener Kinder, die aus der Perspektive aller fünf komplett anders wahrgenommen wird. Außerdem geht es um eine Mutter-Tochter Beziehung der ungewöhnlichen Art, die gar keine solche ist.
Report
AnnVer
5.0 out of 5 stars Never disappointed
Reviewed in France on May 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
Liane Moriarty knows how to write stories, she dives deep in human behaviour and psychology, and we instantly relate to and sympathise with each of the characters, recognisable from everyday life . Perfect holiday litterature !
Report