One of Us Is Next

April 28, 2020

Details

Length: 372
Story Build: Decent 
Character development: Decent 
Age Recommendation: 8th  and beyond 
Reasoning: language; romantic moments, revenge, murder 

Summary and Review

One of my friends leant me One of Us Is Lying a couple of years ago, and I devoured it. I also read her follow up novel, too, although it contained different characters. One of Us Is Next is the sequel to Karen M. McManus’s debut novel and has character overlap, which was a nice return to the setting and people from the original text. 

The story returns the readers to Bayview High School where, 18 months previously, Simon’s death took place and the subsequent fall of another character who was implicated in the mess that was created. At the center of this mystery is an anonymous texter who starts a deadly truth or dare game with members of the high school. 

The main players are Knox, Maeve, and Phoebe. While Knox and Maeve are friends, Phoebe is brought into the circle during the events of the novel. The point of view of chapters changes from each of the characters, which McManus always executes well. You are able to glean information and be kept in suspense based on what each character reveals. 

This mystery is definitely a bit more complicated than the first novel. You have a previous crime (or two) that are actually involved, which brings other characters into the ring that further complicates the narrative. 

Fans of the first text will be delighted to know that past characters make appearances. For starters, Maeve is Bronwyn’s younger sister, and Nate is still around as Bronwyn’s on and off again boyfriend. Furthermore, Phoebe lives near Addy and her sister, who is getting married to her boyfriend from the previous novel. Cooper makes occasional appearances as well. 

So the real question remains– who is starting up this dangerous game, who dies, and WHY is this happening again? 

Celebrations

I like McManus’s style of the multiple characters. It helps push the storyline along in really quick ways. 

Hesitations

Honestly, I liked her first novel better. The story seemed more believable, and I liked the characters more. This was a bit boring in its execution… ALTHOUGH, the ending was a bit of a surprise..