HBO has announced a second season of Big Little Lies, with Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman returning.

After months of speculation, the network confirmed that the Emmy-winning mystery would return for a seven-episode limited series, with the British director Andrea Arnold to direct.

“I’m thrilled to be bringing back this talented team of artists,” said Witherspoon. “It gives us the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these intriguing and intricate Monterey families and bring more of their stories back to the audience who embraced and championed them. I’m beyond excited to be working with talented and acclaimed director Andrea Arnold, who will be at the helm. Andrea’s unique storytelling style will be a welcome addition to the film-making team.”

Arnold’s credits include Fish Tank, Red Road and 2016’s American Honey. The previous season was directed by Jean Marc-Vallée, who is bringing the Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn’s novel Sharp Objects to HBO in 2018, with Amy Adams starring.

Liane Moriarty’s book was the basis for season one, while new scripts are based on a story from the author. HBO states that the season will be about the “malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode … the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom.”

David E Kelley will return as the show’s writer. According to Vulture, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz are also expected to return.

Big Little Lies won eight Emmys earlier this year, including awards for Laura Dern and Nicole Kidman. It told the story of a mysterious death in a small Californian community.