One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, is a popular young adult mystery/thriller published in 2017. McManus, who grew up in Massachusetts and developed a love for literature at a young age, holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University. One of Us is Lying, her debut novel, quickly became a New York Times best-seller. 

The novel combines elements of thriller with high school drama. Set in Bayview High, the story begins when five students–Bronwyn, Nate, Simon, Cooper, and Addy–find themselves in detention together. The situation takes a turn for the worse when Simon, the founder of a gossip app, dies suddenly during detention. Each of the remaining students becomes a suspect, as they all have secrets that Simon plans to expose.

The entire book centers around the mystery of Simon’s unexpected death and the investigation that follows. With each chapter, readers learn more about the characters and their secrets. McManus created relatable, well-developed characters, each fitting a typical high school stereotype:  popular Addy, mutinous Nate, athletic Cooper, and smart Browyn. 

Each character faces problems relatable to teenagers. For example, Addy is a popular girl with an overcontrolling boyfriend, often living for others. Throughout the book, she breaks free and learns independence. Nate, initially perceived as a “bad boy” with a troubled family life, is revealed to be loyal and protective as the story unfolds. Cooper, the talented athlete or “jock,”  reflects themes of acceptance and authenticity. Lastly, Bronwyn comes from a wealthy, loving family and is a star student, but her sister’s battle with leukemia has left her physically weak. Bronwyn’s journey revolves around accepting her imperfections. 

McManus’s alternating points of view give each character a unique voice and make them more understandable. This narrative choice adds suspense as readers experience the investigation from different perspectives while trying to determine who might have committed the murder. The author explores themes of peer pressure, the lengths people go to protect their reputations, and, most importantly, the impacts of secrets. The book does an excellent job of portraying realistic teenage issues, exploring topics like friendship and integrity while offering a thrilling reading experience.

One of Us is Lying is perfect for anyone seeking a high school-based mystery. McManus’s writing is well-paced, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Ultimately, this book delivers an engaging story that tackles real issues faced by teenagers.