One of Us is Lying entertains readers

“‘She's a princess and you're a jock,’ he says. He thrusts his chin toward Bronwyn, then at Nate. ‘And you're a brain. And you're a criminal. You're all walking teen-movie stereotypes.’”

If you ever wondered what would happen if a not secret “Gossip Girl” was murdered in The Breakfast Club, then One of Us is Lying is the book for you. The book by Karen M. McManus tells the story of a group of five different kids and the fateful detention they share. The group includes an athlete, a nerd, a beauty, a criminal, and a gossip. A normal detention takes a turn when the gossip has a deadly allergic reaction which is not an accident. All the teens in the room become suspects who are all investigated by the police.

This is one of the best books I have read. it is a great quick read. Each chapter switches narrator, which helps keep track of the characters. I would highly recommend this book. You are kept guessing throughout the entire book. It has the who-done-it intrigue. McManus doesn’t just focus on this aspect though; she explores the teens as their lives are turned upside down and torn apart. There is continuously a new thing being uncovered and the four dealing with the fallout. Teens are the target audience. I would suggest it to anyone who likes mystery or anyone who likes realistic fiction. It does not just focus on the murder, but it includes how the students’ lives are changed and how they deal with their secrets being out.

Even though it is a great book, I found one flaw. It deals with the ending. It was a little weak, sort of a let down. There is a big build up to learning the identity of the killer and once it is revealed there isn’t a big shock.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book. If you’re looking for a short, intriguing story, One of Us is Lying is the novel for you. The reveal may be a let down, but the entire book is definitely not.