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    One of Us is Lying, by Karen M. McManus | Book Review

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor3 Mins Read Best Kids Stories Mysteries Teens: Young Adults
    One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus Book Review
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    The Children’s Book Review | January 23, 2018

    One of Us Is LyingOne of Us is Lying

    Written by Karen M. McManus

    Age Range: 14-18

    Hardcover: 368 pages

    Publisher: Delacorte Press (2017)

    ISBN: 978-1524714680

    What to Expect: Mystery, Friendship, High School, Murder, LGBTQ

    One of Us is Lying follows the intertwining lives of four high school students, Bronwyn (the Yale bound student), Addy (the popular girl with the perfect boyfriend), Cooper (the all-star athlete), and Nate (the drug dealer), after being accused of murdering their fellow classmate, Simon, during detention. All four students have motive for murdering him, yet all of them claim innocence. Simon’s school-wide app was due to publish very private and detrimental secrets about each of the “Bayview Four” until he is killed, and the posts are never published. Eventually, the truth finds a way out, and the four students must work together to not only clear their names and keep themselves out of jail but also protect their reputation and fix their lives from their havoc their mistakes have caused.

    Their stories show us that although none of these students are innocent, they aren’t guilty either proving that justice isn’t always black and white. This unlikely band of misfits are able to find their true selves in the process opening themselves up to adventure and unlikely love along the way. As the secrets of their lives begin to unravel, readers are shown the faults in a broken justice system as well as the results of holding biased views regarding innocence, sexuality, income, race, and status. Additionally, readers are shown that love knows no limits, and true happiness lies in being true to yourself no matter who thinks you are wrong.

    This story covers such topics as LGBTQ rights, domestic violence, and criminal activity such as drug dealing, and is a great introduction for high schoolers or children soon to be in the high school environment to see real life situations play out in a responsible yet realistic way. Highly recommended for anyone that loves plot twists, suspense, and thrilling mysteries.

    Available Here: 

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    About the Author

    Karen M. McManus’ debut young adult novel, ONE OF US IS LYING, was released from Delacorte Press/Random House in May 2017. The book is a New York Times and international bestseller, and is being translated into 30 languages. For more information, visit www.karenmcmanus.com or @writerkmc on Twitter.

    One of Us is Lying, by Karen M. McManus, was reviewed by Samantha Sheridan. Discover more books like One of Us is Lying by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Friendship, High School, Karen M. McManus, Murder Books, Mysteries, Suspense, and Young Adult Fiction.

    What to Read Next:

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    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Friendship High School Karen M. McManus LGBTQ Books Murder Books Mysteries Mystery Suspense Young Adult Fiction
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    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    2 Comments

    1. Taylor Sade on April 16, 2019 4:52 pm

      This has to be one of my favorite books this year. My top fave that I’ve read, some newly released are: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Over the Falls, and Blitzball by Barton Ludwig along with One of Us is Lying. Such great writers!

      Reply
      • Bianca Schulze on April 16, 2019 6:25 pm

        So glad you like this book, too! And thanks for sharing your other faves with us. Love that!

        Reply
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