“Pretty Little Liars are good at keeping secrets. But even better at keeping them from each other.”
— Aria's internal thought about the group's dynamic.
Archivist's Choice
Unbelievable
Sara Shepard (2008)
Genre
Thriller / Mystery / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
Track Your Reading
Sign in to track this book
Hanna fights for her life, while Emily, Aria, and Spencer deal with their own collapsing worlds, discovering that knowing too much can be a death sentence in their perfect town.
Synopsis
Hanna is in a coma after a car hit her. The other Pretty Little Liars — Emily, Aria, and Spencer — deal with growing problems and 'A's continued harassment. Emily is sent to Iowa, struggling with her sexuality and being away from her friends. Aria feels guilty about her boyfriend Ezra's arrest, which she caused. Spencer becomes more paranoid, suspecting she might have blacked out and been involved in Alison's murder. As Hanna recovers, memories return, hinting at who hit her and who 'A' is. The girls keep getting tormenting messages, pushing them to their limits. Maya, Emily's girlfriend, disappears, adding to Emily's stress. When Hanna's memory fully returns, she remembers that Mona Vanderwaal, her best friend, is 'A' and the one who ran her over. The girls confront Mona, leading to a dramatic chase where Mona falls to her death. They find Alison's diary, which reveals Alison had a twin sister named Courtney, who was institutionalized and switched places with Alison, becoming the 'Alison' they knew before her death. The book ends with the girls realizing they still do not know the full truth about who killed the real Alison.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Dramatic, Mysterious, Intense
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced YA thrillers with constant twists, secrets, and a focus on friendship dynamics under extreme pressure.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike cliffhangers, teenage drama, or stories with a large cast of characters and intricate, often convoluted, plotlines.
Plot Summary
Hanna's Hospitalization and Aftermath
The book opens with Hanna Marin in the hospital, badly hurt after a car hit her. She remembers nothing of the accident or who 'A' is, which both frustrates and protects her. Her friends, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, and Emily Fields, visit her. They deal with their own problems and the fear that 'A' is still out there, targeting them. Hanna's temporary amnesia means important information about 'A' is lost, increasing tension and making the girls more vulnerable as they try to figure out what happened and who hit Hanna, all while facing their own individual crises.
Emily's Exile to Iowa
Emily Fields' parents, horrified by her relationship with Maya St. Germain, send her to live with her strict cousins, the Bulters, in Iowa. Her time in Iowa is very different from her life in Rosewood. She attends church regularly, follows strict rules, and is constantly watched. Her cousins, especially Caleb, are suspicious and judgmental. Emily feels alone and stifled, missing Maya and her friends. She tries to find a way back to Rosewood, feeling punished for being herself and fearing she will be stuck there forever.
Aria's Guilt and Ezra's Arrest
Aria Montgomery feels terrible after her boyfriend, Ezra Fitz, is arrested for statutory rape because their secret relationship was exposed. She feels responsible for ruining his life and struggles with the legal and social fallout. Meanwhile, her parents, Ella and Byron, surprisingly start to get along again, finding common ground in dealing with Aria's scandal and the stress it brings. Aria resents their renewed closeness, feeling it is a direct result of her misery. She struggles with Ezra's absence and public scrutiny, all while 'A' continues to torment her.
Spencer's Murder Suspicions
Spencer Hastings worries that she might have been involved in Alison DiLaurentis's murder. She has fragmented memories and blackouts, especially about the night Ali disappeared. Her sister, Melissa, makes her more paranoid with cryptic comments and suspicious behavior. Spencer begins to investigate her own past, desperate to find out what happened that night. She fears she could be a killer or that someone is trying to frame her. Her mental state worsens under the pressure, making her question her sanity and memory.
Hanna's Return and Memory Recovery
After a tough recovery, Hanna leaves the hospital and goes home to Rosewood. She still cannot recall all the details of the accident, but she starts to have vivid, fragmented flashbacks and dreams about the night she was hit. These flashes suggest she saw 'A's face and was close to finding out who they were. She becomes determined to regain her memory, realizing it is the key to unmasking her tormentor. 'A' continues to send her unsettling messages, reminding her that her memory loss will not protect her forever.
The Girls' Individual Torments Continue
Even after Hanna's accident, 'A' does not stop bothering the other girls. Emily receives messages playing on her isolation and desire for Maya. Aria is taunted about Ezra and her parents' renewed relationship. Spencer is pushed further into her paranoia about Ali's murder, with 'A' sending her clues that seem to implicate her. The messages are made for each girl's deepest fears and insecurities, ensuring that even with Hanna's memory loss, the fear and psychological torture continue, reminding them that 'A' is always watching and knows their every secret.
Maya's Disappearance and Emily's Resolve
Maya St. Germain, Emily's girlfriend, disappears, making Emily even more desperate to leave Iowa. Unable to contact Maya and fearing for her safety, Emily makes a daring escape from her cousins' house, hitchhiking back to Rosewood. Her journey is dangerous and uncertain, but her love for Maya and loyalty to her friends drive her. Upon her return, she immediately tries to find Maya, only to discover that Maya's disappearance is more serious than she first thought, adding another layer of mystery and danger to the girls' lives.
The Search for Ali's Killer Intensifies
As the girls continue to be tormented, the police investigation into Alison's murder speeds up. Detective Wilden, who has always suspected the girls, seems to focus on a new lead. Hints and clues suggest that the killer might be someone closer to home than previously thought. The girls become more anxious, fearing that one of them, or someone they know, will be wrongly accused or that the true killer will never be found, allowing 'A' to continue their terror.
Hanna's Memory Returns
After many intense flashbacks and a very vivid dream, Hanna remembers everything about the accident. She remembers being hit by a car and seeing 'A' behind the wheel. The shocking revelation is that 'A' is Mona Vanderwaal, her best friend. This memory is both a relief and a terrifying betrayal. Hanna must now convince her friends that Mona, who has been by her side during her recovery, is their tormentor. This revelation will shatter their view of their world.
The Confrontation with Mona
Hanna, along with Aria, Spencer, and Emily, confronts Mona in a dramatic showdown. Mona drops her innocent act, confessing to being 'A' and revealing her deep resentment and jealousy towards Ali and, by extension, the girls. She admits to hitting Hanna to silence her after Hanna discovered her identity. Mona explains that she found Ali's diary, which contained all the girls' secrets, and used it to torment them, driven by a desire for revenge and to prove herself better. The revelation is devastating, especially for Hanna, who trusted Mona completely.
Mona's Fall and Ali's Diary
During the confrontation, Mona becomes increasingly agitated and attacks Spencer, trying to push her off a cliff. In the struggle, Mona falls to her presumed death. Before her fall, however, she reveals that she found Alison's diary. It contained not only the girls' secrets but also information about Alison's own dark past and secrets. This diary is a crucial piece of the puzzle, suggesting that Mona's torment came from Alison's past and that the diary might hold the key to finding Alison's killer and other mysteries.
The Aftermath and New Suspicions
The girls are left shaken by Mona's death and the revelation that she was 'A'. While the immediate threat seems over, they are haunted by the events. The police investigation into Mona's death begins, and the girls are questioned. Despite Mona's confession, Alison's murder is still not fully resolved, and the contents of Ali's diary hint at deeper, darker secrets. The ending leaves the girls uneasy, realizing that even with 'A' gone, their lives are forever changed, and new threats might still be present.
Principal Figures
Hanna Marin
The Protagonist
From a popular but insecure girl, Hanna becomes a survivor, regaining her memory and confronting her tormentor, solidifying her strength and resilience.
Aria Montgomery
The Protagonist
Aria grapples with the consequences of her forbidden love and her family's issues, growing to understand the complexities of adult relationships and the weight of her choices.
Spencer Hastings
The Protagonist
Spencer confronts her deepest fears about her past and her potential role in Alison's death, learning to trust her own instincts amidst the chaos.
Emily Fields
The Protagonist
Emily navigates forced separation and the disappearance of her girlfriend, growing in self-acceptance and resilience as she fights for her own happiness and identity.
Mona Vanderwaal
The Antagonist
Mona is revealed as 'A', transitioning from a supportive friend to a manipulative, vengeful tormentor, ultimately meeting her demise.
Alison DiLaurentis
The Mentioned
Her past actions and secrets are continually revealed, posthumously influencing the present events and leading to the unmasking of 'A'.
Ezra Fitz
The Supporting
Ezra faces the legal repercussions of his relationship with Aria, demonstrating the real-world consequences of their illicit affair.
Maya St. Germain
The Supporting
Maya's disappearance forces Emily to take drastic action and confront her family's disapproval, highlighting the strength of their bond.
Detective Wilden
The Supporting
Wilden continues his investigation, slowly closing in on a suspect for Ali's murder, which adds external pressure to the girls' internal torment.
Themes & Insights
The Price of Secrets
This theme is central to the entire series, and in 'Unbelievable,' it grows dramatically. The girls' individual secrets—Aria's affair with Ezra, Spencer's possible involvement in Ali's murder, Emily's sexuality, and Hanna's past struggles—are used by 'A' to torment them and cause internal conflict and external problems. Hanna's memory loss about 'A' directly results from her knowing too much, while Emily's exile to Iowa shows the devastating impact of her secret being exposed. The constant threat of exposure forces the girls to live in fear, showing how secrets, even when kept to protect oneself or others, can lead to pain and vulnerability.
“Never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret.”
Betrayal and Trust
The theme of betrayal reaches its peak with Mona's reveal as 'A'. The girls, especially Hanna, trusted Mona immensely, making her betrayal particularly devastating. This shows how betrayal can come from unexpected sources, shattering ideas of friendship and loyalty. Emily's parents sending her away also feels like a betrayal of trust. The constant questioning of who to trust, and the painful results when that trust is misplaced, drives the story, forcing the girls to rely on their shrinking circle of trust.
“I thought I knew you. I thought you were my best friend.”
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Emily's story best explores this theme. Her struggle with her sexuality and her parents' disapproval, ending in her forced move to Iowa, highlights the challenges of self-acceptance when faced with societal and familial judgment. Her journey to reunite with Maya shows her growing resolve to embrace her true self, regardless of the consequences. Spencer's fear of being a killer also forces her to confront her own identity and what she is capable of. The girls constantly re-evaluate who they are under the pressure of 'A's torment.
“It's not a choice, Mom. It's who I am.”
The Illusion of Perfection
Rosewood, with its beautiful houses and seemingly perfect families, sets the scene for this theme. The girls themselves, first seen as 'pretty little liars,' embody this illusion. 'A's torment constantly strips away this facade, revealing the dark sides of their lives and families. Aria's parents' reconciliation, born from crisis, and Spencer's family secrets all contribute to the idea that perfection is a carefully built illusion that can easily fall apart. The book consistently shows that beneath the polished surface, everyone has flaws and secrets.
“In Rosewood, nothing is ever as perfect as it seems.”
Justice and Revenge
While 'A' claims to seek justice for Alison, their methods are clearly driven by revenge. Mona's revelation as 'A' exposes her motives as being rooted in jealousy and a desire to punish the girls for their perceived wrongs and for being part of Ali's exclusive group. This blurs the line between justice and vengeance, showing how a desire for retribution can consume a person and lead to destructive actions. The ongoing police investigation into Ali's murder represents the pursuit of legitimate justice, contrasting with 'A's twisted form of it.
“I'm just giving you what you deserve.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Amnesia
Hanna's temporary memory loss of the accident and 'A's identity.
Hanna's amnesia serves as a critical plot device, initially creating suspense and delaying the reveal of 'A'. It heightens the stakes, as the girls know vital information is lost, making them more vulnerable. It also allows for a slow, piecemeal recovery of Hanna's memories, building tension and providing fragmented clues until the shocking full reveal. This device effectively prolongs the mystery while keeping Hanna at the center of the immediate danger.
The 'A' Messages
Anonymous, threatening messages sent to the girls.
The 'A' messages are the primary driver of the plot and the source of constant torment for the girls. They are tailored to each girl's deepest secrets and fears, demonstrating 'A's omniscience and adding psychological terror. These messages serve to remind the girls that they are always being watched, keeping them on edge and forcing them to confront their secrets. They also provide clues (and red herrings) that propel the investigation into 'A's identity.
Alison's Diary
A diary containing Ali's secrets, discovered by 'A'.
Alison's diary is a crucial MacGuffin and a powerful plot device. It explains how 'A' (Mona) gained access to all the girls' deepest, darkest secrets, providing a logical explanation for 'A's extensive knowledge. It also hints at Alison's own manipulative nature and hidden life, suggesting that the mystery of her murder is far from over. The diary's contents fuel Mona's revenge and provide a foundation for future plot developments, revealing that Ali was not as innocent as she seemed.
The Blackout/Fragmented Memories
Spencer's recurring blackouts and fragmented memories surrounding Ali's disappearance.
Spencer's blackouts and fragmented memories serve to create internal conflict and external suspicion. This device makes Spencer question her own sanity and whether she could be a killer, playing into her deepest fears. It also provides 'A' with a means to manipulate her, further driving her paranoia. These unreliable memories are a classic thriller trope, keeping both Spencer and the reader guessing about the true events of Ali's disappearance.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“We were all so busy trying to be someone else that we forgot who we really were.”
— Spencer reflecting on the girls' identities and their attempts to fit in.
“Some secrets are meant to stay buried. Others, well, they just refuse to.”
— A general reflection on the nature of the secrets the girls are hiding.
“Every lie we tell creates a debt to the truth. Sooner or later that debt has to be paid.”
— Hanna's realization about the repercussions of their dishonesty.
“It’s amazing how much you can hide in plain sight when no one is really looking.”
— Emily observing how easy it is to conceal things when people aren't paying attention.
“Sometimes the person you trust the most is the one who betrays you.”
— Aria's painful realization after a betrayal.
“We all have a past. The trick is not letting it define your future.”
— Spencer's internal struggle with her family's history and her own choices.
“Fear can make you do things you never thought you were capable of.”
— Hanna contemplating her actions driven by fear.
“There's a difference between a secret and a lie. A secret is something you keep. A lie is something you tell.”
— Emily trying to distinguish between different forms of deception.
“Maybe some things are better left unsaid. Or maybe, some things just need to be screamed.”
— Aria's internal conflict about whether to reveal a truth.
“You can never truly escape your past. It always finds a way to catch up.”
— Spencer's recurring problem with past events resurfacing.
“Love isn't supposed to hurt this much. Is it?”
— Emily questioning the pain in her romantic relationships.
“Sometimes the truth isn't what sets you free. Sometimes it's what locks you in.”
— Hanna's cynical view of the impact of revealing secrets.
“We were all just pieces of a puzzle, trying to fit into a picture that was constantly changing.”
— A general reflection on the girls' struggle to find their place.
Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score
Key Questions (FAQ)
In 'Unbelievable,' the four main characters—Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hanna—find their lives spiraling into individual nightmares after the events of previous books. Emily is sent to Iowa, Aria's boyfriend is imprisoned, Spencer fears her involvement in Ali's murder, and Hanna is in critical condition, having been hit by a car.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
