“One of Us is Lying” by Karen McManus
Who said that a YA novel can’t be a classic?
By: Shannon Brault
During the beginning of COVID, I decided that I was going to get back into reading. I jumped right in with books full of political and social commentary, which worked for me for months before I started to get a little burnt out with the election coming up and school being online. These books fascinated me, but they were all on heavy topics and I had been immersing myself in them for too long without a break.
My sister had been trying to get me to read “One of Us Is Lying,” a young adult mystery novel by Karen McManus, for about a year. I had refused because she described it as a fusion of “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty Little Liars.” Having the individuality complex that I do, it took a year of begging and desperation for me to read it for the first time. But it was dope as hell and one of the best books that I have ever read.
In this murder mystery, five students at Bayview High School end up in detention and only four walk out alive. All of them have some kind of secret. I swear it’s good, even though it sounds cringey. It’s hard to find a young adult mystery that is good as an adult, especially if you’re intentional about what you read.
This is one of the best mysteries I have ever read. McManus sets it up in a way that leaves you guessing and surprises you at the end. Her pacing is good and it doesn’t feel like you’re reading a YA book in the sense that the characters are very fleshed out.
The book is told from the viewpoints of the four students who walked out of detention and each character’s viewpoint is different. McManus did a great job at developing the characters and giving each of them their own voice. It feels like four distinct people and perspectives. They’re all connected in some way too, making it feel cohesive and webbed together.
My favorite part is the budding relationship between Bronwyn and Nate and if for nothing else, you should read it for them. Bronwyn is smart and driven and Nate is a bad boy with a hard upbringing. Although it’s a cliche, the two of them make me so gosh darn happy. The way they interact with each other makes the story and you’ll probably find yourself reading Addy and Cooper’s parts (while still great) faster so you can get to Bronwyn and Nate’s parts. That’s how it has been with every person who I have recommended this book to.
The characters also learn and grow as the book continues, which I like. None of them remain stagnant and some characters grow on you. You feel immersed in their world and like you’re living this nightmare with them.
The book was recently made into a show on Hulu, but I have not watched it. It is one of my favorite books and after watching the trailer for the show, I can tell you that they have changed a lot from the book.
I don’t know if I can bring myself to watch the show because I don’t want to ruin the perfection of this book in my mind. I know that I have not seen the show, but based on the trailer, I’m afraid that they didn’t do the book justice.
If you’re looking for a kickass mystery novel that will suck you in, surprise you, and isn’t too big of a time commitment, check out “One of Us is Lying.” It is so near and dear to my heart and I hope you give it a shot. It surprised me how much I loved it.