One of Us Is Lying
For my fifth blog post, I will be reviewing the book One of Us Is Lying, by Karen M. McManus. It tells the story of 4 high schoolers, all of which are prime suspects in the murder of a student.
WARNING: HAS SPOILERS (although does not say who did it)
Plot:
The plot of this book is quite convoluted, but I will try to keep it simple. Simon has a talent for finding secrets of his peers and spreading them on a mobile app. One afternoon, Simon and 4 of his classmates are in detention. Three of these students are rarely on this app, (Addy, Bronwyn, and Cooper), but one of them is constantly on there (Nate). All of them have detention for having their phones is class, which all of them claim were planted there. While the detention teacher is outside the room checking on a car crash outside, Simon takes a sip of water and immediately collapses later to be confirmed dead.
The police seem to think that this death was not an accident, but rather was murdered. Files are found on Simon's computer that reveal that Cooper is actually gay, and has been cheating on his girlfriend with a man named Kris. The reader also learns that Addy cheated on her boyfriend over the summer and slept with a different boy, and Bronwyn cheated on an exam as well as had a feud with Simon for making fun of her sister with cancer. Finally, Nate is the well known troublemaker, selling drugs and constantly getting into and leaving relationships. Each character has a clear motive as to why they would kill Simon, but nobody knows who did it. One of them is lying.
Review:
It's a bit redundant to write a book review on a book with nothing to critique, but here I am. This book is masterfully written. The whole time the reader is unsure of who is the killer. Your opinion is constantly changing as more pieces of evidence are revealed. I must have told my sister who already read the book that each individual character was the murderer at least twice. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing. However, for a book about so much distrust and accusations, you really do form a connection with each character. The book switches perspectives constantly, allowing you to know what they're thinking. You feel their struggles, as they try to keep their secrets private without seeming suspect. The whole time reading the book, I felt upset thinking that one of these characters actually killed Simon, regardless of his moral character. If I had one critique, it would be the romance in this book, but it also helps develop and deepen the plot so I'd say its alright. 10/10.
I had only recently heard about this book while voting in the March Madness book tournament, and after reading your review of the book, I regret voting the other book over this one. It sounds like an absolutely amazing book from the way you described and rated it, especially with your description of accusing each of the individual characters twice of being the murderer throughout the process of reading the book. It sounds like a fun experience, and I look forward to reading it in the future.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing this book in the march madness voting, I'm certainly more interested in it now than I was before, I'll definitely check it out now!
ReplyDeleteThis book checks multiple aspects that I love. Not only am I a big fan of mystery, but I also love books that are told from multiple perspectives. All the characters sound incredibly complex, and it seems like the book is written well. I have only heard great things about this book so I will definitely consider it! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI've heard about this book before, especially around the release of the television show, but I was never exactly sure of the plot. However, this review is very intriguing and definitely sounds like something I would enjoy! Great post, I'll certainly be adding this one to my list :)
ReplyDeleteLike Maryalice I have heard about this book before and I think there was a t.v. show too (I may be wrong). It seems like a really cool story and the way that you review allowed me to understand on a basic level what this story is about and the fact that I still don't know major details. Great job on the review and summary and I will be sure to check out the book and t.v. show, if it exists!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I used to love reading mysteries when I was younger but have not read one in recent years. Hopefully I will be able to change that by reading One of Us Is Lying. You provided a great plot overview without revealing any major details. If this book is even half as good as you say, then I am sure I will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI recently read this book as well, and did a blog post on it! I agree, despite doing a cliche plot, it does it very masterfully. Good review!
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