Book Review: One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
Come on, Bayview, you know you’ve missed this. When I saw the announcement for One of Us Is Next, I had a flood of nostalgia wash over me. It’s been a journey since I first dove into One of Us Is Lying, and I remember the thrill of piecing together clues alongside those unforgettable characters. Karen M. McManus has an incredible ability to combine mystery with emotional depth, and I couldn’t wait to see how she would carry that magic into a sequel.
So, what’s this book about? Fast-forward a year and a half after Simon’s shocking death. The Bayview four have moved on—Cooper’s got love and a boyfriend, Bronwyn and Nick have their ups and downs, and Addie… well, let’s just say life has thrown her some curveballs. Enter our new trio: Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox, who find themselves in the crosshairs of a sinister game of Truth or Dare. The stakes are no longer just embarrassing secrets; they could cost lives.
Holy sh*t. It’s exhilarating how McManus intertwines the lives of her characters with such deftness. The pacing is spot-on, the tension builds steadily, and each revelation hits with the weight of a sledgehammer. As Maeve and Knox investigate the identity of the game’s puppeteer, I couldn’t help but feel on the edge of my seat, just like I did in the first book. McManus juggles not only the three main characters but also several side characters, giving each of them depth and motivation while still keeping the plot moving at a brisk pace.
What struck me most was McManus’ talent for creating characters who feel real, layered, and relatable. Maeve’s determination, Phoebe’s vulnerability, and Knox’s quiet strength are all beautifully crafted. It’s a testament to McManus that even supporting characters leap off the page with their own stories and struggles. Plus, the complexities of their relationships add a rich emotional layer.
The plot twist? It genuinely left me gasping. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it was the kind of reveal that made my heart race and was pivotal enough to elevate this book from a solid four-star read to a resounding five-star masterpiece. Don’t you just love when that happens?
Overall, One of Us Is Next is not just a sequel, it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the power of friendship amidst chaos. Its exploration of themes like love, trauma, and even forgiveness resonate deeply, making it not just a fun read, but a meaningful one.
This book will captivate fans of the first installment and new readers alike—if you love mysteries filled with twists, relatable characters, and that thrilling tension that keeps you turning pages well into the night, this is for you. Personally, reading it felt like reconnecting with old friends while diving back into the heart-pounding drama of Bayview High.
So grab your copy and discover what happens next—because trust me, you won’t want to miss this. 🌟
Discover more about One of Us Is Next (One of Us Is Lying, #2) on GoodReads >>