Secrets, lies, and detention—what could possibly go wrong? In Bayview High, the answer is murder.
When I picked up One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, I thought I was just diving into another YA mystery novel. But by the first chapter, I was hooked. A group of students walk into detention. One of them doesn’t make it out alive. Suddenly, Bayview High isn’t just about homework and drama—it’s about uncovering the truth.
As I read, I couldn’t stop asking myself: if I had been in that detention room, would I have been a suspect too?
This is my One of Us Is Lying book review, where I’ll share the plot summary, the themes that stayed with me, and why this YA thriller deserves a spot on your reading list.
One of Us Is Lying Plot Summary
The story begins with five students in detention: Bronwyn, the brain; Nate, the criminal; Addy, the beauty; Cooper, the athlete; and Simon, the outcast who runs Bayview High’s gossip app. But before detention ends, Simon is dead.
What shocked me wasn’t just the murder—it was the fact that each of the four surviving students had a reason to want Simon gone. He was about to post secrets that could destroy their reputations.
Reading this felt like stepping into a teenage version of an Agatha Christie mystery. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Karen McManus added another twist that kept me second-guessing.
One of Us Is Lying Characters Explained
Each character in One of Us Is Lying brings a different layer to the story:
Bronwyn hides academic pressure beneath her perfect-student image.
Nate is the classic “bad boy,” but with more depth than I expected.
Addy struggles with her identity and self-worth in ways I found deeply relatable.
Cooper faces expectations that go far beyond the baseball field.
Simon, though gone early, lingers like a ghost, shaping the narrative with his secrets.
I loved how every chapter gave me a new perspective. Just when I started to trust someone, a new revelation made me doubt them again.
Themes in One of Us Is Lying That Stuck With Me
The Danger of Secrets
The novel reminded me that secrets always come at a cost. From hidden relationships to lies about identity, the characters prove that the truth eventually finds its way out.
Identity and Expectations
As someone who’s felt the weight of expectations, I really connected with Bronwyn and Cooper. Karen McManus captures the struggles of being seen one way while feeling something entirely different inside.
Social Media’s Power
Simon’s gossip app shows just how destructive social media can be when used to spread rumors. It felt eerily real, like something I could imagine happening in any school.
One of Us Is Lying Ending Explained (Spoiler-Free)
Without giving too much away, the ending was a gut-punch. Karen McManus ties everything together in a way that made me rethink every clue I’d picked up along the way. It’s clever, shocking, and makes you want to reread the book just to spot the hints you missed the first time.
Why This YA Mystery Novel Appeals to Everyone
Even though One of Us Is Lying is marketed as a young adult thriller, I never felt it was limited to teenagers. The suspense, the lies, and the moral questions at its heart are things adults grapple with too. Whether you’re in high school now or long past it, the book hits hard.
One of Us Is Lying Netflix Adaptation vs Book
The One of Us Is Lying Netflix adaptation brought Bayview High to life, but I’ll be honest—the book still wins for me. The pacing, the tension, and the way Karen McManus builds suspicion are sharper on the page. Still, if you’re curious to see the characters visualized, the show makes for an interesting companion.
Books Similar to One of Us Is Lying
If you enjoyed this story, you’ll probably love:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (read my blog review here)
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
All of these books share the same addictive mix of secrets, suspense, and shocking twists.
FAQs About One of Us Is Lying
Is One of Us Is Lying worth reading?
Absolutely. If you enjoy YA mystery novels with strong characters and shocking twists, this one is a must-read.
Is One of Us Is Lying like Pretty Little Liars?
Yes, it has a similar secrets-and-scandals vibe, but it’s tighter and more focused on one central murder mystery.
Who dies in One of Us Is Lying?
Simon, the creator of Bayview High’s gossip app, dies in detention. The rest of the story revolves around who killed him and why.
What are the main themes of One of Us Is Lying?
Secrets, identity, social pressure, and the dangers of gossip and social media.
Do I need to read the sequels?
Not necessarily. The first book stands alone well, but the sequels (One of Us Is Next and One of Us Is Back) expand the story.
For me, One of Us Is Lying was more than just a YA thriller—it was a reminder of how fragile reputations are and how easily lies can spiral out of control. Karen McManus gave me a story that was gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down.
Now I’m curious—if you were one of the Bayview Four, what secret of yours would you be most afraid of Simon exposing?