A review by myleejmiller
One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious reflective sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In the finale of the trilogy by renowned mystery author Karen M. McManus, the Bayview Murder Club is facing yet another problem in their messed-up hometown. After Jake's attempts at killing Addy, and the problems Phoebe and Knox faced in the sequel, news breaks: Jake's been released. And shortly after, people begin disappearing. It's up to the original Bayview four, and the new additions to their friend group, to solve the mysterious disappearances - before someone vanishes for good.

I am absolutely in love with Karen M. McManus (which is obvious, I hope, given that I've read all of her currently-published YA mysteries) and this book was a total knockout! I absolutely loved revisiting some of my favorite fictional characters of all time, and seeing the plot thicken. Mysteries abound in this bone-chilling finale. It's a master-class in tension, conflict, and characterization. I couldn't stop reading (and didn't want to). I can tell, with each book that McManus writes, she's getting better and better at writing mystery-led fiction. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!