One of Us is Lying 4⭐️/5

One of Us is Lying - Karen McManus

4⭐️/5

I burned through this book quicker than I imagined I would. This story has been done before in different iterations, but I enjoyed the ride all the same!

The perfect, fast-paced, YA mystery (would definitely not label this one a thriller) that combines the dark, sexy, crime-filled edges of other teen dramas like Pretty Little Liars, Riverdale, or even The Breakfast Club.

I loved the multiple POV with the Bayview Four. I thought the plot was executed masterfully through the lens of these four teens. I enjoyed their perspectives and felt each had a strong, narrative voice. Though the characters a bit stereotypical, something one of the characters themselves comments on at one point, I think that’s part of the fun!

Though, the cliched teen parents did become distracting at times: The Criminal has the deadbeat Dad and “crazy” mom, the The Beauty has the vapid mother who dates younger men, The Brain had strict parents, and The Athlete has a dad who only sees him as such. Tropes are not a bad thing! But I felt the adults were so laughably hollow and weren’t really developed, which meant certain plot points involving the parents felt predictable.

This could be a product of YA books in general (the kids are supposed to be the developed/complicated ones because they are the focus), so I understand this observation may be a critique of the genre. However, I thought the adults in “The Hate U Give” and “Firekeeper’s Daughter” or even “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” (all YA books published around the same time) were more thoughtfully done.

Overall, I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a fast read with a few twists and turns, unexpected romance, damaging secrets, and an entertaining binge!