Imagine being on a flight and a stranger tells you exactly how and when you will die. In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the latest fiction novel from bestselling Australian author Liane Moriarty (creator of Big Little Lies and The Husband’s Secret): Here One Moment.

Join us as we unpack the gripping premise of this 2024 psychological thriller. We follow the aftermath of a Hobart to Sydney flight where a mysterious psychic medium—dubbed “The Death Lady”—walks the aisle predicting the demise of her fellow passengers. We discuss how the characters grapple with these morbid prophecies, exploring whether they try to cheat fate, accept it, or completely change their lives—especially after three of the predictions oddly come true.

We also explore Moriarty’s personal inspiration for the book, which is rooted in her own reflections on mortality following her family’s battles with illness and her father’s passing. Is the book a taut thriller or a deep dive into the psychology of human ephemerality? We break down the varied critical reception, from praise by The Washington Post and The New York Times for its gentle humor and focus on midlife, to critique from The Guardian calling the plot “far-fetched”.

Finally, we delve into the novel’s unexpected but fascinating themes. We discuss the author’s personal skepticism of psychics and her extensive research into the tricks of the trade, as well as the book’s profound exploration of mental health, including accurate portrayals of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and “smiling depression”.

Whether you’re looking for your next book club pick, love a good Liane Moriarty book review, or just want to know if you can truly fight fate, this episode covers it all. Tune in for our full discussion of Here One Moment!