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A review by junowo
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was just…fun! The plot is a great framing device for both mystery and character growth. I definitely rolled my eyes a bit with the Breakfast Club reference at the beginning, but I was surprised to find that this book played off of the idea of teenage stereotypes in a way that felt new and interesting.
I think the highlights of this book are 1) the roundness of every single character and 2) the agency the teenage characters had. YA books can often contain flat characters, and their protagonists can feel like teenagers that things are happening to, rather than teenagers doing things. This book gave depth and dimension to every one of its characters, as well as giving them a chance to make their own choices and stand their ground. I’m very impressed!
I think the highlights of this book are 1) the roundness of every single character and 2) the agency the teenage characters had. YA books can often contain flat characters, and their protagonists can feel like teenagers that things are happening to, rather than teenagers doing things. This book gave depth and dimension to every one of its characters, as well as giving them a chance to make their own choices and stand their ground. I’m very impressed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Mass/school shootings, Self harm, Violence, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer