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Plot:

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a Young Adult mystery/thriller novel that follows a classic mystery premise; a murder, a group of suspects, paranoia, and a touch of high school

drama. The cast of characters include some of the most common high school tropes: the beauty,

the brains, the jock, and the bad boy. Each of the four students have a secret that they are trying

to hide; a secret that each student feels will ruin or change an aspect of their life that they want to

remain “normal.” As the plot progresses, the four characters become suspects to the murder of

Simon – a loner student with the ability and platform to reveal each of their secrets. That gives

the motive. Doubt, mistrust, fear, anxiety, and alliances form among the students as they work to

prove themselves innocent. As they grow closer and closer, the trauma binding them into a

misshapen friend group, it becomes more difficult to investigate in fear of finding the answers

and pointing a finger. Their secrets may still be on the verge of becoming not-so-secret anymore.

And how will revealed secrets change the student’s lives? And alibis?

Thoughts:

The characters that McManus creates are shallow, due to their one trait and “identifiable”

characteristic that defines them throughout. It causes the four characters to feel written. There are

no major plot twists, and the ending is definitely the weakest element of the story. One of Us Is

Lying has an interesting premise, decent writing, and a cast of high school tropes that work their

way through the story while infuriating the reader. One of Us Is Lying showcases heartwarming

sibling and friend dynamics that make the reading more enjoyable and humanizing. The recipe

and plot of this book has doses of originality, however, I would characterize it as a YA

contemporary with mystery/thriller elements. The “high school” drama and perspectives of each

of the characters captures the struggles and issues that current high school students face. Each

chapter follows one of the four students and delves into their own homelife and relationships

with side characters, the other three, and their secret. I enjoyed reading One of Us Is Lying more

than it’s sequel, One of Us Is Next. This was a fast-paced and addictive read. If you are looking

for heavy intrigue, thrilling or frightening elements, and a severely suspenseful/serious novel,

this book will disappoint. Thriller/mystery/suspense is one of my favorite genres, so revisiting

One of Us Is Lying feels small in comparison to adult suspense that is more graphic, intriguing,

and descriptive in characters and plot elements. However, I would recommend this to anyone

looking for a modern day Breakfast Club / YA story that explores high school characters and

drama with a touch of mystery and friendship.

Check out One of Us is Lying from the Newport Beach Public Library!