A review by skiesarereading
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

adventurous challenging funny hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If you're looking for a murder mystery, I have to say that this book is not it.

If you're looking for a Knives Out / Murder on the Orient Express vibe with a Mean Girls high-school high-teen setting that comes with major character development, this is your book.

It's definitely character driven to the point that you get attached, and it most definitely deserves book two. It definitely deserves a TV adaptation, and even as I read it felt like it was written to be a show. It gave a good picture and idea of every incident and twist.

So don't get me wrong: it kept me on my toes, left me guessing and changing guesses with each chapter, but the one thing I disliked about the plot was, surprisingly, the build up,
and maybe that ending was so... not shallow, but so suddenly out of the plot of each character development.

It felt like the murder mystery was made just to get the bunch together and that's about it for that segment! Though it definitely is not irrelevant, just could have been better presented/told (eventhough Kris definitely is my favorite character)


It was character driven and at one point got too driven around that it got the mystery out and became one of the book's flaw (for me anyways).

The start was great. I definitely do not recommend this if you’re looking to get into the thriller/mystery genre. If you’re looking for a fast-paced book and am in the mood for something light and full of teen-drama like Mean Girls, then go ahead and grab it.


I have to say I was disappointed after finishing this book, even though I fell in love with the character and enjoyed the guessing game that came with it, it just didn’t have the thrill I was expecting (there was a bit, but that felt a but forced and out of place if i’m honest). It felt like the author realized it derailed in the middle because the characters took over but didn’t have the time/energy/opportunity left to rewrite it  to be something else that was already building up ... I hope that makes a bit of sense lol



Expand filter menu Content Warnings