"One of Us Is Lying" is a young adult enigma novel by Karen M. McManus, published in 2017. The story is set in a high school and revolves around the mysterious death of a student during detention, with four classmates as the main suspects. . Here is a detailed review:
Plot Summary
The novel begins with five students from Bayview High School walking into detention:
Bronwyn Rojas: The astute, Yale-bound overachiever.
Addy Prentiss: The pretty, glorious girl who seems to have it all.
Nate Macauley: The bad boy on probation for dealing drugs.
Cooper Clay: The star athlete with a promising future in baseball.
Simon Kelleher: The outcast and creator of a notorious gossip app called About That.
During detention, Simon suffers a severe allergic reaction and dies. The police quickly determine that her death was not accidental and suspect foul play. The four students detained with him became prime suspects, as Simon would post secrets about each of them on his app.
Characters
Bronwyn: Ambitious and academically focused, her secret involves cheating on a test.
Addy: Struggles with self-identity and independence, her secret is infidelity.
Nate: A troubled teen with a difficult home life, his secret relates to his drug-dealing past.
Cooper: Seen as the perfect athlete, his secret challenges societal expectations.
Themes
Secrets and Lies: The novel explores the impact of hidden truths and the lengths people go to protect their secrets.
Identity and Perception: Each character grapples with how they are perceived versus who they really are.
Friendship and Trust: The suspects must navigate their mistrust and work together to uncover the truth.
Social Media and Gossip: The story examines the power of social media in spreading rumors and the consequences of online bullying.
Strengths
Engaging Mystery: The whodunit plot keeps readers guessing with multiple twists and red herrings.
Character Development: Each character is well-developed, with distinct personalities and growth arcs.
Multiple Perspectives: The alternating viewpoints provide insights into each character's thoughts and motivations.
Relevant Themes: Addresses issues relevant to young adults, such as peer pressure, mental health, and the consequences of gossip.
Weaknesses
Predictability: Some readers may find certain plot twists predictable or familiar.
Stereotypes: While the characters are developed, they initially fall into high school stereotypes, which can feel clichéd.
Overall Impression
"One of Us Is Lying" is a compelling and well-crafted mystery that successfully combines suspense with a deep exploration of the inner lives of its characters. Karen M. McManus delivers a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, making her a standout in the young adult genre. The book's exploration of serious themes through the lens of a high school murder mystery resonates with readers, offering both entertainment and reflection.
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