And one of us is telling the truth?
It all started out as an innocent day in detention at Bayview High. Five students walk in, only four come out. Simon, the creator of the famous school gossip app, suddenly dies. In the classroom. And it wasn't an accident. Fingers are pointing at everyone in the room with him: Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper. In investigating the crime, each of these teens takes us into their minds to explain what really happened. The case reveals dangerous situations and teen humiliation showing their innocence. Secrets are uncovered, and people may not be who they seem to be. In trying to solve this case, the town has gone wild. Are these teens telling the truth? Is one of them lying? Have they been framed?
BTSYA / Teen Reader (16):
This is a mysterious and quite clever novel that I can say it left me a bit shocked in the end from guessing so much. Even just looking at the cover is fascinating. The detail of a simple red marker and the missing faces of the teenagers give it a different vibe. The characters have personalities distinct from each other and their stereotypes.
It isn't easy to split the points of view in a book and do it well, but One of Us Is Lying does it well. It is one of the best parts! I love that the different views illustrate that no matter how different you are, people go through the same difficulties even if it is a murder. I finished this book with jaw open because I did not figure it out. It is very easy to become attached to this book and the characters in it that you get so caught up and might miss a few clues along the way. This book is totally worth the read and I give it a solid ten out of ten rating. I would buy this book, so I can read it over and over again to see what I missed and go back into the minds of the characters I love.
BTSYA / Teen Reader (15):
It was such a journey reading this book. When I read the description I wasn’t sure this book would be my forte, but it sucked me in straight away. I am usually not a fan of mysteries unless it’s fantasy, but two pages in I wasn’t able to put it down until I finished the book completely.
Reading this book made me realize how strong high school stereotypes can be and how big an impact they have on people. Oftentimes we don’t realize that we are grouped into a specific category, and are expected to act a certain way. We don’t realize that because of the way we act, others can get hurt. Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper working together to clear their names and solve the mystery also showed me how important trust and friendship is.
What is truly amazing about this book is that it is for everyone from middle school to adults. Parents and children can read this, discuss, and reflect together. his is a great book to just sit down and follow the plot, families and friends can even read together and try to solve the mystery along with the characters.
If the cover doesn't grab you, page 1 will. Unique, distinct characters and a great mystery will have you reading this in one sitting. Put this murder mystery set in a high school on your list for high interest / low readability titles.
Note. This is a young adult novel, set in high school. Even though it is a lower reading level, the story is for mature readers. Characters use profanity, and there are sexual references and negative stereotypes in the plot.
This is a murder mystery set in a high school. Put this on your list for high interest / low readability titles.
This is a perfect choice for book clubs. Lots to talk about! In addition to labeling and stereotyping, One of Us Is Lying covers many typical millennial problems, like drug dealing, luxury lifestyles, entitlement, etc.
5.1
11 and Up
13 and Up
Teen STAR Review Team, Be the Star You Are!™ . Reviewer ages: 15, 16
Buy. The story is magnificent, and if you're not going to read it again you're going to share it with someone because you like it that much.
Title | One of Us Is Lying |
About | One of Us Is Lying, Book 1 |
Author | Karen M. McManus |
Publisher | Delacorte Books for Young Readers © 2017 |
ISBN | 9781524714680 |
Material | Hard Cover |
Cost | $17.99 |
Genres | Friendship, Mystery |