If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Reddit lately, you’ve probably noticed that Rosewood is having a massive resurgence. It’s wild. Even though the show ended years ago, a whole new generation is discovering that the order of the pretty little liars books is actually the secret to understanding the "real" story.
Most people don’t realize the books are a completely different beast than the TV show. Seriously. In the books, the stakes feel messier, the characters are arguably more "mean girl," and the mystery isn’t just a series of fake-outs—it’s a carefully constructed puzzle that spans sixteen main novels and a couple of essential extras.
If you try to read them out of order, you’ll be spoiled within five minutes. Don't do that. Here is the actual, non-confusing way to tackle Sara Shepard's masterpiece.
The Original Mystery (Arc One)
This is where it all starts. If you’ve seen the show, the first book will feel familiar, but things diverge fast. This first set of four books is basically the foundation. It introduces the core four—Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily—and the disappearance of their queen bee, Alison DiLaurentis.
- Pretty Little Liars (2006)
- Flawless (2007)
- Perfect (2007)
- Unbelievable (2008)
Honestly, Unbelievable has one of the best "A" reveals in YA history. If you only read these four, you’ve technically finished the first "season" of the story. But you won’t stop there. Nobody ever does.
The Stakes Get Weird (Arc Two)
After the first "A" is caught, life is supposed to get back to normal. Obviously, it doesn't. This is where the order of the pretty little liars books starts to matter even more because the mystery shifts from "Who killed Ali?" to something way more sinister involving the town’s history.
- Wicked (2008)
- Killer (2009)
- Heartless (2010)
- Wanted (2010)
Wait! There’s a catch. Somewhere around here, you might see a book called Pretty Little Secrets. It’s technically book 4.5. It’s a collection of stories set during a winter break between the first and second arcs. You don’t have to read it to understand the main plot, but it’s fun filler if you want more of the girls being, well, liars.
The Second Half (Arcs Three and Four)
By the time you hit book nine, things have jumped forward in time. The girls are older, the secrets are darker, and a new "A" is basically a professional psychological torturer.
The Third Arc
- Twisted (2011)
- Ruthless (2011)
- Stunning (2012)
- Burned (2012)
The Final Arc
- Crushed (2013)
- Deadly (2013)
- Toxic (2014)
- Vicious (2014)
Yes, sixteen books is a lot. But they’re quick. You’ll probably fly through them in a month because the cliffhangers are brutal.
Where Does the Prequel Fit In?
This is what most people get wrong. There’s a book called Ali’s Pretty Little Lies. If you look at the chronological timeline, it happens first. It's the "day zero" story.
Do not read it first.
I cannot stress this enough. If you read the prequel before you finish book eight (Wanted), you will spoil the single biggest twist in the entire series. Most hardcore fans suggest reading it after book twelve (Burned) or even right at the very end. It’s meant to be a "revelation" book, not an introduction.
Why the Books Are Better Than the Show (No Offense)
Look, I love the show's aesthetic, but the books are just... tighter. In the novels, the Liars aren't always best friends. They're kind of forced together by trauma and blackmail. It makes the tension feel more real. Also, the book version of "A" is significantly more terrifying because they don't have to worry about TV censors or keeping actors on contract.
One thing you'll notice if you buy new copies: they've been updated. The original books had references to flip phones and Sidekicks. The new "Gen Z" versions mention TikTok and iPhones. Honestly? Try to find the old ones at a thrift store. There's something about the mid-2000s vibes that just fits the Rosewood atmosphere better.
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A Quick Cheat Sheet for the Best Experience
To keep it simple, follow this flow:
- Read Books 1 through 4.
- (Optional) Read Pretty Little Secrets if you want some Christmas-themed drama.
- Read Books 5 through 8.
- (Recommended) Read Ali’s Pretty Little Lies now. You finally have enough context for it to make sense without ruining the surprise.
- Finish Books 9 through 16.
There is also an Audible-exclusive called The Liars which came out much later (2022). It catches up with the girls as adults. It’s a fun "where are they now" moment, but it definitely feels like a separate thing from the original sixteen-book run.
If you're diving in for the first time, take it slow. The mystery is actually solvable if you pay attention to the small details Sara Shepard drops early on.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your editions: If you want the authentic 2000s experience, look for the "doll" covers in used bookstores; if you want modern references, the new covers with minimalist designs are the ones for you.
- Track the "A" messages: Keep a note on your phone. In the books, "A" is much more consistent with their clues than in the TV series.
- Avoid the Wiki: Seriously, don't even search a character's name until you've finished book eight. The spoilers are everywhere.
The best way to start is simply grabbing a copy of the first book and seeing how long you can last before the first "A" text makes you want to buy the next three.