One of Us Is Lying
by Karen M. McManus
Mystery
Realistic Fiction
Suspense
Thriller
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Four high school students end up in detention together under false pretenses, and become suspects in a murder investigation when the only other teen in detention with them suddenly dies. Traces of peanut oil (he was highly allergic) are found on the cup he drank from and his epi pen is missing (as are emergency supplies from the school nurse’s office). As the story unfolds, you learn that each of these students has a good reason to want him dead. In fact, most of the student body hates him because of the website/blog he created, where he shared their secrets and brought shame and humiliation to countless classmates. Did any of the four murder him? Did all of them? The suspects decide to launch their own investigation into his death after the police fail to turn up any other suspects or leads. Gripping from the start, you’ll learn more about each of the suspects as events unfold from their individual points of view. Wraps up a little quickly, but still very satisfying. For high school teens.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
