“One of Us Is Lying” is a young adult mystery novel by Karen M. McManus. The story revolves around five high school students who end up in detention, but only four of them make it out alive. The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, secrets, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Plot Summary
The story is told from the perspectives of four students: Bronwyn, Nate, Addy, and Cooper. They all attend Bayview High School, where they are known as the brain, the criminal, the beauty, and the athlete, respectively. Simon, the fifth student, is the outcast who runs a gossip app called About That. One day, during detention, Simon dies under mysterious circumstances, and it soon becomes clear that he was murdered. The four remaining students become suspects in the case and are forced to work together to clear their names and uncover the truth.
One of Us Is Lying Characters
Bronwyn is a straight-A student who has her sights set on attending Yale. Nate is a bad boy who is on probation for selling drugs. Addy is a popular girl who is in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend. Cooper is a star athlete who is struggling with the pressure to perform. Simon is the outcast who runs the gossip app.
One of Us Is Lying Themes
One of the main themes of the novel is the idea that actions have consequences. Each of the main characters is dealing with the aftermath of their actions in some way. Another theme is the idea of perception versus reality. The characters all have certain labels or reputations that they must live up to, but their true selves are often quite different.
Writing Style
The novel is written in the first-person point of view, with each chapter switching between the four main characters. The writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, with short chapters that keep the story moving at a brisk pace.
Conclusion
“One of Us Is Lying” is a compelling and engaging mystery novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the themes explored in the novel are universal and thought-provoking. Karen M. McManus has crafted a suspenseful and entertaining story that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.