Pretty Little Liars Books in Order Your Spoiler Free Reading Guide
Overview
Introduction
You picked up your first Pretty Little Liars book and got completely hooked. The secrets, the lies, the mysterious "A" kept you turning pages until 2 a.m.
Now you want to read everything. But here is the thing: the Pretty Little Liars books are not just one simple series anymore.
The Pretty Little Liars franchise has grown into a sprawling universe. It now includes two separate book series, four television shows, and a web series, according to the franchise overview on Wikipedia. That is a lot of material. And if you do not know the correct reading order, you could easily miss important plot details or accidentally spoil major twists for yourself.
This is a real problem. Many readers jump into the main novels only to discover later that prequels, companion books, and spin-offs existed all along. Sound familiar? You are not alone. This confusion is exactly why people searching for "pretty little liars books" often feel frustrated instead of excited to start reading.
Think about other big universes you might love. Whether you enjoy untangling the timelines of the Dune books or diving into the rich worlds of Sarah J. Maas books, every sprawling series needs a solid roadmap. The Pretty Little Liars universe is no different.
This guide gives you a clear, spoiler-free reading plan for every Pretty Little Liars book. We cover the main series, the prequel, the companion novels, and everything in between. No more guessing. No more missed books.
If you like having a structured reading plan, you might also enjoy our guide on the The Witcher books in order so you can tackle another big fantasy series with confidence. And once you finish this guide, browse our recommendations for more curated reading lists tailored to what you love.
Let us start with the books that began it all: the original Pretty Little Liars novels.
Understanding the Pretty Little Liars Book Series Universe
So exactly how big is this universe? It might feel overwhelming at first, but it breaks down into a few clear parts. Let us map it out together.
The Original Series
The heart of everything is the original 16 book series by Sara Shepard. It started in 2006 with the novel Pretty Little Liars and ended in 2014 with Pretty Little Liars: Vicious. These books follow four friends, Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer, as they deal with threats from a mysterious figure named A after their friend Alison goes missing.
Each book has a single word title like Flawless, Perfect, and Unbelievable, according to the series reading order guide. It is a complete story arc with a satisfying ending.
The Prequel Novel
Before the main series kicks off, there is one essential prequel you need to read. It is called Ali’s Pretty Little Lies. This book shows you exactly what happened the summer before Alison disappeared. It reveals her secrets and the events that led to the mystery of the main series. Reading it first gives you a richer understanding of the characters from the start.
Companion Novels
Between the main books, Sara Shepard also released several companion novels. These are shorter stories that fill in gaps during the main timeline. For example, Pretty Little Secrets takes place between books four and five. They are not required to follow the main plot, but they add fun details and extra drama for diehard fans.
Spin-Off Series
The universe expands beyond Rosewood with two spin-off book series. The first is The Lying Game, which has six books following a girl named Sutton who is trying to uncover her own identity. The second is The Perfectionists, a three book series about a group of friends in a new town who face their own stalker. These spin-offs connect loosely to the main Pretty Little Liars books, but you can enjoy them separately without spoilers.
How It All Fits Together
Think of the universe like a tree. The original 16 books are the trunk. The prequel and companion novels are roots and branches that add depth. The spin-offs are separate smaller trees growing nearby.
You can start with the main series, catch up on the extras later, and then explore the spin-offs. No matter which path you choose, you will get a great story. If you love diving into big universes, you might also enjoy our guide on books like Percy Jackson to read after you finish the series for more adventure filled recommendations.
Now that you understand the full picture, you might want a clear list of every book in the exact reading order. That is exactly what we cover next. You will never wonder which book comes first again. Ready for the complete list? Browse our recommendations for more curated reading guides like this one.
The Correct Reading Order for Pretty Little Liars
Alright, you have the universe map from the last section. Now comes the practical part. You want to know exactly which book to pick up first.
Let me save you some confusion.
The short answer is simple: read them in publication order. That is what most fans and even the Pretty Little Timeline reading order guide recommends for first time readers.
Why? Because Sara Shepard wrote the clues and twists in a specific sequence. Reading them the way they came out keeps the mystery alive. You get the full experience without accidental spoilers.
Here is the publication order for the main series according to Goodreads:
- Pretty Little Liars (2006)
- Flawless (2007)
- Perfect (2007)
- Unbelievable (2008)
- Wicked (2008)
- Killer (2009)
- Heartless (2010)
- Wanted (2010)
- Twisted (2011)
- Ruthless (2011)
- Stunning (2012)
- Burned (2012)
- Crushed (2013)
- Deadly (2013)
- Toxic (2014)
- Vicious (2014)
Now, where do the extra books go? The prequel, Ali’s Pretty Little Lies (book 0.5), actually works best after you finish the main series. It tells the story of what happened before Alison disappeared. If you read it first, it spoils some big reveals. The Pretty Little Liars Wiki confirms it was published in 2013, years after the series started. Save it for dessert.
The companion novel Pretty Little Secrets fits between books 4 (Unbelievable) and 5 (Wicked). The publication timeline from Hey, I’m Reading shows it released in 2012. You can slip it in there or skip it and come back later. It adds flavor but does not change the main plot.
For a re-read, try chronological order. Start with the prequel, then the main books, and throw in the companion novels in story time order. This approach is fun because you already know the twists. You notice details you missed the first time. If you enjoy organizing your reads like that, you might also like our guide on The Witcher books in order for another multi book series.
A quick note on the spin-offs. Books like The Lying Game and The Perfectionists take place in the same world but do not require reading the original 16 first. You can read them anytime. But if you want the full Rosewood experience, finish the main series before jumping into spin offs.
So start with Pretty Little Liars (book one), follow the list above, and you will never feel lost. The mystery builds exactly as Sara Shepard intended. Ready to explore more book series like this one? Browse our recommendations for curated reading guides tailored to your taste.
Character Guide: Navigating Rosewood’s Players
Now that you know the reading order, let’s talk about who actually drives this story. Because to be honest, the pretty little liars books are nothing without their characters. Sara Shepard built a world where every person has secrets. And tracking who is who makes the whole experience much richer.
You will meet four main characters right away:
Spencer Hastings is the competitive one. She pushes herself hard to be the best. Her family expects perfection, and she often cracks under that pressure.
Hanna Marin starts as the "ugly duckling" who transforms into the popular girl. She cares a lot about appearances but has a loyal heart underneath.
Aria Montgomery is the creative soul. She is artistic, thoughtful, and often caught between what she wants and what her parents expect.
Emily Fields is the athlete. A swimmer who struggles with her identity and her feelings. Her story touches on some heavy themes that many readers connect with.
Then there is Alison DiLaurentis, the girl who started everything. She is not a main narrator in the early books, but her shadow hangs over every page. The Wikipedia entry for the series describes her as the "queen bee" whose disappearance sets the whole mystery in motion.
Supporting characters like Caleb Rivers, Toby Cavanaugh, and Ezra Fitz show up as love interests and allies. But here is the tricky part: their book versions differ from the TV show. So do not assume you know their stories just because you watched the series.
Character arcs change a lot across 16 books. Spencer grows less controlling. Hanna learns that popularity is not everything. Aria becomes more confident. Emily finds her voice. Watching these shifts is one of the best parts of reading the series in order.
If you enjoy tracking how characters grow across long series, you might like our guide on reading path guides for other big series like The Witcher books in order. The same satisfaction applies here.
A simple tip: Keep a mental note of who lies to whom. The pretty little liars books are built on trust that gets broken again and again. Every character has a reason. Every character has a secret. That is what makes this series so addictive.
Ready to dive into Rosewood? The characters are waiting for you. And if you want more curated guides like this one, check out our recommendations.
Exploring Spin-Offs and Related Series
Once you finish the main 16 pretty little liars books, you might wonder what comes next. The good news is that Sara Shepard built a bigger world around Rosewood, and there is more to explore.
The most notable spin-off is The Lying Game. This series follows twin sisters Sutton and Emma Mercer. Sutton is a popular girl who goes missing. Emma must step into her life to uncover what really happened. The mystery feels just like the original pretty little liars books. That makes sense because the same author wrote both series. The Lying Game has 7 books plus several novellas. It delivers that same addictive mix of secrets and suspense that hooked you in the first place. Fans who want more of Shepard’s signature style will feel right at home.
Another related work is The Perfectionists. Like the original, this story takes place in the same fictional universe. It follows five friends who all wish someone would disappear. When that person actually dies, they all become suspects. This series only has 2 books, but it still got a TV adaptation. The shorter length makes it a quick read after finishing the longer main series.
How do these spin-offs connect? They share the same tone and style. You get small-town secrets, constant second-guessing, and layered mysteries. The Wikipedia entry for the franchise covers how the brand expanded beyond the original books. But these spin-offs do not cross over directly with the Rosewood characters. They feel like cousins to the original series, not direct sequels.
If you enjoy the pretty little liars books, you might also like other mystery-driven series. Fans of long, twisty stories often enjoy sarah j maas books or even dune books for their complex plots. And if you like fantasy romance series books, there are plenty of options to explore once you finish with Rosewood.
For more reading ideas, check out our guide on books like Percy Jackson if you want similar binge-worthy series. Or you can browse our full list of recommendations to find your next favorite series.
Tips for New Readers: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Starting the pretty little liars books is exciting. You have 16 books ahead of you. But even the most eager reader can hit some bumps. Here is how to avoid them.
Watch Out for TV Series Spoilers
Here is the thing. The Pretty Little Liars TV show ran for seven seasons. It changed a lot from the books. Characters died in the show who stayed alive in the books. Some plot twists are totally different. If you watched the show first, you might think you know what happens. You probably do not.
Be careful when searching for fan art, reading reviews online, or scrolling social media. According to a 2026 Local Consumer Review Survey, 97% of consumers read reviews before making decisions. That includes book reviews. And reviews often contain spoilers. Stick to spoiler-free discussions until you finish each book.
Use a Reading Checklist
A big series like this one is easy to lose track of. That is why a reading checklist helps so much. The 2026 State of Reading Report found that average reading streaks hit 29 days, with thousands of readers maintaining 30-day streaks. That habit works best when you know exactly which book comes next.
Write down the 16 books in order. Cross each one off as you finish. You can also use an app like StoryGraph to track your progress. Having a clear path keeps you from stopping halfway through.
Join Online Communities
Reading alone is fun. But sharing the ride with others makes it better. When you hit a shocking revelation in book 8, you will want to talk about it. Online book communities give you that space.
Check subreddits, Facebook groups, or Goodreads forums dedicated to the pretty little liars books. Just be careful with spoiler tags. For more reading ideas after you finish the series, check out our guide on books like Percy Jackson for similar binge-worthy series.
Get the Full Picture
These tips might seem small. But they save you frustration. You get to enjoy the twists without ruining anything. You stay on track through all 16 books. And you connect with people who love the story just as much as you do.
If you want more recommendations for your next series after Rosewood, browse our full list of recommendations to find what fits your taste.
Where to Find Pretty Little Liars Books and Community Recommendations
Now that you know how to avoid spoilers and stay on track, let’s talk about where to actually get the books. And how to find other fans who love the series as much as you do.
Where to Buy New, Used, or E-Book Versions
You have options. New copies are easy to find at big online stores like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. But if you want to save money, check used bookstores or websites like ThriftBooks and eBay. Many readers still prefer print. According to a 2026 Pew Research Center report, most U.S. adults still choose print over digital. But e-books and audiobooks are growing fast. The 2026 Reader Survey by Written Word Media found that more than 30% of readers read over 100 books a year. If you read that fast, e-books might be cheaper and easier to carry.
Your local library is another great option. Most libraries let you borrow e-books through apps like Libby or Hoopla. You can read the whole series without spending a dime.
Online Communities with Curated Lists
Communities are where the real magic happens. On Reddit, the r/PrettyLittleLiars subreddit is active with fans discussing both the show and the books. Goodreads has user-created lists like "Best YA Mystery Series" where the pretty little liars books rank high.
The 2026 State of Reading Report shared that average reading streaks hit 29 days. That kind of habit grows faster when you have a community cheering you on.
StoryGraph is another great tool. It tracks your reading and gives personalized recommendations based on your tastes.
You can also see what your friends are reading.
Get Personalized Recommendations
After you finish the 16 books, you will want something new. That is where a curated recommendation platform helps. Fiction And Fantasy Books offers tailored suggestions across fiction, fantasy, and sci fi. Whether you love the mystery of the pretty little liars books or want to dive into the epic scope of the dune books or the romance of a fantasy romance series books, they help you find your next read. For more series to binge after Rosewood, check out our guide on The Witcher books in order for another completed series with a passionate fanbase.
Ready to find your next adventure? Browse Recommendations and discover books tailored just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pretty Little Liars Books
You have questions about the pretty little liars books. You are not alone. Fans ask the same things over and over. Here are the answers to the most common ones.
What is the correct reading order?
Start with book one, Pretty Little Liars, and follow the numbered series. The 16 main books are all connected. You should read them in the order they were published. If you mix them up, you might hit spoilers. For other series that need a clear path, check out our guide on The Witcher books in order. It works the same way.
How different are the books from the TV show?
They are very different. The show changed a lot of the mysteries, characters, and even the final reveal. The books have darker twists and a different ending. Most fans say the books are better. If you loved the show, the books will still surprise you. According to a 2026 reading survey, 71% of readers find books through blogs and online review sites. Those reviews often point out the differences, so you know what to expect.
Where should a TV fan start?
Start with book one. Do not skip ahead. The show covers some of the same ground, but the books take a different path from the start. You will recognize the basic setup: five friends, a missing leader, and a mysterious texter. But the details change quickly. Read from the beginning to enjoy the full story. For a step-by-step guide on series order, internal guides like our timeless classic novels post show how reading order matters.
Are there any new Pretty Little Liars books planned?
As of 2026, author Sara Shepard has not announced new books in the main series. The original 16 books are complete. She has written spin-offs like The Lying Game and The Perfectionists, but nothing new for Rosewood. If you want more mysteries like PLL, try series like books like Percy Jackson or explore the best selling authors of all time for other gripping reads.
Ready to start your reading adventure? Browse Recommendations and find your next favorite series today.
Summary
This article is a spoiler-aware, practical reading guide to the entire Pretty Little Liars book universe, showing how the original 16-book series, the prequel, companion novellas, and spin-offs fit together. It explains why publication order is best for first-time readers, where to slip in shorter companion books, and when a chronological re-read can be more rewarding. The piece summarizes key character arcs, highlights differences between the books and the TV show, and gives tips to avoid spoilers, stay organized, and join online communities. You’ll learn exactly which book to pick up first, how to handle the prequel and extras without ruining surprises, where to find editions, and what spin-offs are worth reading next. By the end you’ll have a clear, spoiler-free roadmap to start or finish the series and find related reads afterward.