I recently finished reading One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, a book that’s not only a #1 New York Times Bestseller but has also been highly praised as one of the ten best books of the year by various outlets. The premise truly drew me in — a gripping mystery reminiscent of “Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club,” where five students walk into detention, but only four come out alive. As a fan of young adult thrillers and mysteries, I was excited to dive in and see how it all unfolded.
The story effectively introduces characters Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon — each fitting neatly into their high school archetypes. The character development was one of the book’s strengths; their backstories were rich and well fleshed out. I found that I initially struggled with some parts of the narrative, much like Noriko mentioned in her review. The detailed exploration of the characters’ emotional lives and conflicts felt drawn out at points, and I craved more of the mystery elements early on. However, as I pushed through the first half, I began to appreciate the slow build-up, especially when significant secrets were unveiled.
The tension escalated as Simon’s tragic death, triggered by a peanut allergy, set the stage for a web of suspicion among the four surviving students. Each character emerged as a suspect, each hiding secrets that added layers to the plot. This aspect kept me guessing, and I found the alternating perspectives really effective. Each chapter shed new light on the mystery, echoing the sentiments expressed by MrsLeif, who described the plot as engaging and reminiscent of The Breakfast Club. It genuinely felt like I was watching a movie unfold.
The writing itself was commendable. McManus’s ability to weave the characters’ internal dilemmas with the overarching mystery was commendable, and just like other reviewers noted, the emotional stakes kept me invested. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the weight of secrets resonated well, making the read not just entertaining but thought-provoking.
However, I did share some of the concerns that other readers voiced. The plot did feel somewhat predictable at times, with certain twists that I saw coming well before they were revealed. Noha H. also pointed this out, emphasizing that while the book had a gripping premise, the suspense didn’t consistently hold her attention. I think it’s important to manage expectations when you pick up a thriller, as we all have our different thresholds for surprises.
Another minor critique came from the portrayal of the police procedural elements which felt lacking at times. There were moments I thought, “No way could the investigation be this sloppy!” This detail didn’t ruin my experience but did pull me out of the narrative temporarily.
Despite its slower start and some predictable moments, the emotional depth and character arcs made up for those drawbacks. By the end, I couldn’t put it down and read the last 30% in one sitting. The resolution was satisfying, and like Amanda 🙂 noted, it achieved a balance between the thrilling murder mystery and character development that was truly engaging.
To conclude, One of Us Is Lying is a must-read for YA mystery enthusiasts. While the pacing might challenge some readers initially, trust me when I say that it rewards your patience. The intricate interplay of secrets, consequences, and character growth culminates into a thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you’re in search of a captivating mystery with relatable characters, I highly recommend picking this book up.
“Unravel the mystery in One of Us Is Lying and discover who you can really trust.” >>