whitneydaniell

by: Karen M. McManus
published: May 30, 2017
genre: Young Adult, Mystery
368 Pages, E-Book
GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention: Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon. Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. Which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose? Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

I. The Story / Plot

If ‘The Breakfast Club‘ collided with ‘How to Get Away With Murder,’ the result would be “One of Us Is Lying.” Set against the backdrop of a picturesque high school campus nestled in a sleepy beach town in the suburbs of San Diego, the story unveils a shocking murder within the seemingly idyllic high school, orchestrated by its own students.

Despite the tranquil setting and the beautiful students that grace the campus, the idea of murder occurring within the hallowed halls is inconceivable. Notably, the twist is that the students themselves are the architects of the crime.

The narrative deftly explores every high school archetype, leaving no trope unturned. From the jock to the beauty queen, the smart but mysterious girl with glasses to the out-of-place nerd, a myriad of obvious and stereotypical characters take center stage. However, the overarching question looms: What ties them together, and could they all be capable of committing murder? Unsurprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes, as each character harbors secrets and conceals aspects of their lives. The quintessential high school mix of hormones and dopamine renders them all capable of deceit, making the plot a tantalizing exploration of teenage duplicity.

II. The Characters

Bronwyn, the intelligent yet enigmatic girl adorned with glasses, found favor among her peers. Despite her unassuming nature, she was an overachiever, driven by an unwavering commitment to meet her parents’ exceptionally high standards. Initially perceived as pretentious and annoying, her character evolved throughout the narrative.

Addy, the quintessential beauty queen, possessed such allure that her intelligence seemed secondary. Her character arc stood out as the most compelling, and the irony of the conclusion did not escape my notice.

Nate, the rebellious bad boy, chuckled at his high school drug dealer persona. His turbulent family background, with an alcoholic father and complex relationship with his mother, mirrored a stereotypical storyline that evoked strong disapproval, reminiscent of John Bender from The Breakfast Club.

Cooper, the athletic jock on the verge of baseball stardom, presented a predictable storyline that I saw coming from a mile away. While acknowledging that the book was published in 2017 (uncertain about the writing date), the familiarity of his arc in 2107 felt a bit dated.

Simon, the self-conscious nerd who outwardly downplayed his desire for acceptance, bore similarities to Brian Johnson from The Breakfast Club, evident in his internal struggles.

Beyond the “Bayview Five”, a diverse array of side characters added depth to the narrative. Ashton, a standout, fearlessly spoke the truth and received a well-deserved ending. Her intervention on Addy’s behalf, in light of their challenging mother, showcased her admirable character. Conversely, Jake’s unsettling presence left an uncomfortable impression, and the aftermath of his actions hinted at the need for Addy to seek therapy. Maeve, the unsung hero, silently contributed to the story’s fabric, leaving a lasting impact.

III. The Writing

This is my initial experience with a McManus book, and I found the writing to be skillfully executed. The dialogue was precisely crafted, and the vivid scene descriptions effortlessly transported me to Bayview, allowing me to visualize the houses and characters. The writing maintained an engaging quality, holding my attention throughout. While it didn’t grip me to the point of being unable to put it down initially, by around page 200, the narrative gained momentum. At that point, I became determined to unravel the plot, making it difficult for me to put the book aside.

IV. My Final Thoughts

I think this is a great book for young readers – I’m in my thirties – so this story didn’t resonate with me the way it would a young person. I also decided to read because, I had started season one of the Peacock series, based on this book, and I wanted context from the book first.

I don’t think I’ll pick up the sequel but, I will continue watching the series.