City News

The next bayview four is here - well, maybe the Bayview three? Maeve the smart one,

Phoebe the hot one, and Knox the sweet one. After the recent calamity with Simon Kheller and

the original Bayview four in Karen Mcmanus’s book “One of us is lying” this new “generation”

has its own troubles in Bayview in the sequel, “One of us is next”. After Simon’s death, there

have been many copycats at Bayview High, none quite up to par with the gossip circle that

Simon ran. However, when “Anonymous” issues a Truth or Dare game through text to the entire

school, it piques the students’ interest. Nasty truths come out about those who refuse to

participate, and it seems that glory comes to those who are foolish enough to play along. But,

things take a deadly turn when popular kid, Brandon Weber dies surrounded by mysterious

circumstances. Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox, suspect that the game and Brandon’s death are

related. It is up to the three friends to find his killer and the person behind Truth or Dare before

anyone else gets hurt.

“One of us is next” is an absolutely thrilling book. With romance, mystery, friendships,

secrets, and depth that is surprising in such a quickly paced and high-stakes story. Even when

investigating such a crucial case, you see so much in each character. Each has unique

situations, and unique ways in which they see the world, and through McManus’s unique style of

writing, we are able to see the situation through all of their eyes, throughout the book. If there is

anything to learn from Maeve, Phoebe, Knox, it is that how the world perceives you and how

you perceive the world are two vastly different things. That, and perseverance is key. Knox,

though he shows his soft side with his friends, has a tough time with his father, who questions

his ambitions. Maeve had leukemia as a child, and fears that everyone pities and

underestimates her for it. Phoebe’s father passed away recently and her mother has never been

the same. Despite all of this however, the characters are able to overcome their hardships and

find refuge in each other, making the story so much more fun to experience, and as a teenager,

it is inevitable that at least one of these characters will act as a mirror to you, and you will be

able to find solace in them.

The “One of us is lying” series has been one of my favorites this far. With unpredictable

twists and turns, mysterious circumstances, unlikely friendships and incredible endings.

However, hold on tight because there is more to come. The third book in the series is set to be

released in 2023, titled “One of us is back”. So if you love a good mystery with wonderful

character development, an amazing “whodunit” chapter, and more content to come - look no

further.

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