One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a gripping young adult thriller that kicks off this bestselling series. Set in a seemingly ordinary American high school, the story follows five students who enter detention—Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon—but only four walk out alive. When Simon, notorious for his brutal gossip app, dies before the end of detention, suspicion immediately falls on the other four. Each of them has a secret Simon was ready to expose, and each now stands as both suspect and possible next victim. This clever whodunit thriller weaves mystery, dark secrets, and teenage drama into a tense, page-turning narrative.
The first novel unravels a tightly-plotted murder mystery, seamlessly blending crime fiction with contemporary young adult themes of peer pressure, reputation, and loyalty. Readers are invited to piece together clues as shifting perspectives reveal more about the characters’ complicated lives. The book’s engaging style and sharp dialogue made it an instant New York Times bestseller and secured its place as a fan favourite in the YA thriller genre.
The sequel, One of Us Is Next, picks up a year after the shocking events of the first book. Bayview High is still reeling when a sinister new game, Truth or Dare, starts targeting students. What begins as a cruel prank escalates quickly, threatening lives and unearthing buried secrets. With familiar faces like Maeve (Bronwyn’s sister) and new characters in play, the stakes are higher than ever. This follow-up delivers another sharp, twist-filled mystery, perfect for fans of suspenseful, character-driven fiction. Ideal for readers who loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or Pretty Little Liars, this series hooks you from page one.
