book review
"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus, throws the reader headfirst into the aftermath of a high school tragedy – or perhaps, a perfectly executed crime.
Five students enter detention, but only four walk out. Simon Kelleher, the creator of the school’s notorious gossip app, About That, dies under suspicious circumstances. Suddenly, the four remaining students – Bronwyn the brain, Nate the criminal, Addy the princess, and Cooper the athlete – become prime suspects in his murder.
What makes this book so compelling is how McManus masterfully weaves together the perspectives of these four very different characters. We’re given intimate access to their thoughts, fears, and secrets, which are slowly revealed as the investigation unfolds. Each character is more than just a stereotype; they’re complex individuals with their own struggles and motivations.
Bronwyn’s anxiety about maintaining her perfect academic record clashes with her growing suspicion of those around her. Nate’s troubled past and outsider status make him an easy target. Addy’s carefully constructed image of popularity crumbles as she grapples with newfound independence. And Cooper’s tightly controlled world as a rising baseball star begins to unravel under the pressure of the investigation.
The pacing is excellent, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that keeps you turning the pages. The mystery itself is cleverly plotted, with red herrings and unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. It’s not just a whodunit; it’s a “why-dunit,” exploring the motivations behind the crime and the secrets that people are willing to protect.
Beyond the mystery, “One of Us Is Lying” delves into the themes of social pressure, reputation, and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the damaging effects of gossip and the way it can shape perceptions and ruin lives. The book also explores the importance of empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to look beyond surface appearances and see the complexities within each individual.
While the ending might feel slightly rushed for some readers, the journey to get there is a thrilling and thought-provoking one. “One of Us Is Lying” is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and character-driven storytelling that will keep you hooked until the final page.
It’s a must-read for fans of young adult thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good, twisty mystery.
Although the fact that this book is a standalone is debatable, since there’s a second and third book that falls under the series called “One of us is next” and “One of us is back” but the book “One of us is lying can be still read as a stand alone since the book finishes the mystery it started by the end of it and yes the end is not what you would be expecting so you’ll be surprised.
I personally felt really satisfied by the end of the story and it had a calm and happy ending feeling to it even though it wasn’t really the end , rather was an open ending but satisfying.
It was enjoyable read to me and kept me on my toes. It isn’t long either, more like a novella than a novel. One of the things that annoys me about mystery books is that they can stretch the story in middle in a way that doesn’t provide much information and makes it slightly boring but that wasn’t the case with this book, it was a page turner from the beginning to the end. I loved it. And I’ll recommend it not just for young adults but it’s pretty safe for teenagers as well.
Stars: 4.5/5