Book Summary
“One of Us Is Next” is the thrilling sequel to McManus’s international bestseller, “One of Us Is Lying.” The story is set at Bayview High, a year after the events of the first book. The school is grappling with the aftermath of Simon Kelleher’s death and the revelations of his gossip app, About That. The narrative follows three main characters: Maeve Rojas, Phoebe Lawton, and Knox Meyers. Maeve, Bronwyn’s younger sister, has been through a lot and is now battling leukemia, Phoebe is a popular girl struggling with family issues, and Knox is a nerdy guy attempting to come out of his shell. Their relatively normal lives are turned upside down when a sinister game of Truth or Dare starts circulating among the students of Bayview High. It starts innocently, but when truths that could ruin reputations are revealed and a student ends up dead following a dare, it’s clear this is more than just a game. In their quest for answers, the trio gets tangled up in a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and a deadly revenge plot. The game doesn’t stop, the stakes are high, and no one is safe. “One of Us Is Next” is an electrifying roller coaster ride of a book, filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Author Intro
Karen M. McManus
Karen M. McManus is a New York Times bestselling author known for her young adult thriller and mystery novels. Her debut, “One of Us Is Lying,” was an international bestseller, translated into more than 40 languages. McManus’s works are praised for their intricate plotting, realistic characterizations, and the suspenseful twists that she masterfully weaves throughout the narrative.
Book Reviews
In “One of Us Is Next,” Karen M. McManus delivers another captivating young adult thriller. The narrative is gripping, the plot twists are surprising, and the characters are incredibly well fleshed out. The addition of a sinister game of Truth or Dare was a masterstroke, turning the story into a riveting whodunit. McManus’s skill in seamlessly weaving the narratives of the three protagonists makes the story even more intriguing. The way she explores their personal struggles along with the main mystery plot adds depth to the characters. If you loved “One of Us Is Lying,” you’ll find “One of Us Is Next” an equally exciting and satisfying sequel.
“One of Us Is Next” builds on the suspenseful foundation of McManus’s debut while introducing a fresh cast of characters. The book opens with the Bayview Four trying to move on after Simon’s death, but the past refuses to stay buried. The new Truth or Dare game, which exposes deep secrets and leads to a deadly incident, is an effective plot device that heightens the tension. The shifting perspectives between Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox provide a comprehensive look at the dynamics at Bayview High. McManus uses this narrative structure to effectively explore themes of friendship, trust, and the pressure of societal expectations.
Karen M. McManus’s “One of Us Is Next” offers a suspenseful sequel, complete with a deadly game of Truth or Dare and a shocking murder. However, despite the solid premise, the execution leaves something to be desired. The book fails to recreate the same level of tension and intrigue as its predecessor. The characters, although compelling, often feel distant. Their voices are not distinct enough to create a strong individual presence, and at times, they blend into one another. That being said, the exploration of Bayview High’s undercurrents of secrets and lies is commendable.
While “One of Us Is Next” does have moments of suspense and a fairly intriguing premise, it unfortunately falls flat in comparison to “One of Us Is Lying.” The plot seems to rely too heavily on the success of its predecessor and doesn’t offer enough novelty to stand on its own. The characters, although they have potential, are not as engaging or as fully developed as the original Bayview Four. Their voices and experiences often blur, making it difficult for the reader to connect with them on a deeper level.
