A review by tsnhjhn
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was not expecting to like the sequel (or more of a spinoff, since this book focuses on a different cast of characters related to the Bayview four) as much as I did.

18 months after the events of the original story, comes a knockoff Truth or Dare game inspired by Simon's page. I was initially disappointed that the sequel wouldn't be focused on the original loveable cast, but I quickly grew to love this new cast: Maeve (Bronwyn's younger sister), Knox (Maeve's ex and best friend), and Phoebe. All of the cameos from the other four were super satisfying.

Bronwyn is at Yale and she and Nate are now in an on-and-off relationship
but they are endgame omg so so good
, Cooper is amazing at college baseball and is still with Kris, and Addy is still in town and her sister, Ashton, and Eli (the lawyer from Until Proven) are getting married!!

The mystery part was, admittedly, not as thrilling as the first book because we spend time just catching up with old characters and reading all the drama play out between the new ones, but I honestly didn't mind at all. McManus is GOOD at fleshing out characters and making you root for them, and there was no shortage of character flaws here (Addy and Phoebe are foils to each other in their questionable actions), but the character and relationship development (not just romantic, but platonic ones--Phoebe and Maeve, Maeve and Knox, etc,--and familial ones--Phoebe and Emma, Knox and his dad--were done so well).

This book was also just a step up from the last one in terms of humor and writing; there were some moments in the last one that just felt slightly dated and cringe, but this book was not like that at all.

Now for the actual mystery plot twist oh boy:
Jared being the one sending Eli death threats but also being Unknown and Intense Guy was just wow. I admit, I kinda didn't like that he wasn't a Bayview student bc I was like what is the point then, but his motives made sense, and Emma kinda satisfied that itch of having a traitor in the midst. And the brief moment where everyone was like oh no is Phoebe really the one is she not who we thought she was--THAT got me I absolutely did not want that to be true and I'm glad it wasn't. BUT OMG WHO saw the Owen thing coming?? The whole bizarre/bazaar thing--my jaw dropped when I saw that, now THAT was an amazing plot twist and one that needed few words (only a single one) to reveal who continued where Emma left off. I am just so so sad for their father that was a tragedy that never should have happened and tbh? Brandon's death felt like an eye for an eye and a part of me felt satisfied. But Phoebe is way more mature than me when she was like no that wasn't right. The other thing is that these kids are really emotionally mature for their age regardless of the mistakes they make at the beginning, and it's nice to read.


Honestly, I just really appreciate all the full circle moments McManus adds to tie up every loose plot thread because she never adds a single little scene without it having some greater significance later on (e.g. endgame, bazaar).

Can't wait for Book 3!!
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