We chat with author Alyson Gerber about The Liars Society, which is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerous family secrets—think The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade!
Hi, Alyson! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
My name is Alyson Gerber. I write books for readers 8 to 14. I’m obsessed with mysteries, audiobooks at x1.7, Maine, and my family. I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, right in the heart of boarding school territory, where I was a struggling reader with undiagnosed ADHD, and now, I live in New York City. I’m so excited to be launching my dream project—THE LIARS SOCIETY—a middle grade mystery set at a New England prep school, like KNIVES OUT for the whole family.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
My whole life I wanted to be an actor. During a semester at NYU, I took a playwriting course, and I loved it. I literally couldn’t stop writing. I found myself in the back of my acting classes reworking my dialogue. At some point in the semester, the professor brought in professional actors to read our work. After Molly Ringwald finished reading my scene, she looked up at me and mouthed, “That was really good.” It was the first time I felt like a writer, like I could be one.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Baby-Sitters Little Sister #1: Karen’s Witch
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Westing Game
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Secret History
Your latest novel, The Liars Society, is out February 6th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
“No Secrets Among Friends.” But if I can have six words, they’d be: “Trust Before Truth. Truth Before Tradition.”
What can readers expect?
The Liars Society is a thrilling edge-of-your-seat mystery, a fun adventure, and a game.
Where did the inspiration for The Liars Society come from?
I couldn’t get the idea of a middle grade mystery set at a New England prep school out of my head. It really is the strangest and most unfamiliar environment for anyone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand, and I wanted to pull back the curtain for my readers and let them into this strange world.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
The Liars Society is told from two very distinct points of view. Jack is the ultimate insider at the prestigious Boston School, and Weatherby is a fish-out-of-water, scholarship student, an outsider in this strange and mysterious world. I loved uncovering the mystery through both perspectives, and building the quirky cast of characters was the best part.
What’s next for you?
Many more secrets and lies!
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
Karen M. McManus has a new YA mystery coming out in July called Such Charming Liars. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy from my local bookstore!
