Reviews for One of us is lying (J/Book)
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Detention takes a dark turn when the student behind Bayview High's infamous app About That dies from a peanut allergyand every witness has a different reason for wanting him gone.Although McManus' debut initially feels like a rehashing of The Breakfast Club, with five teens from disparate social circles brought together through detention, there is no bonding through library dance parties or atypical lipstick application. Instead, Bronwyn, Nate, Cooper, and Addy witness Simon collapse and ultimately die after taking a sip of water. When police discover the drink was laced with peanut oiland that Simon was going to reveal life-ruining secrets about all four students on his gossip app the next daythey go from unfortunate witnesses to top murder suspects. With each teen ("brain," "criminal," "jock," and "princess," respectively; "walking teen-movie stereotypes," as Simon says) narrating alternating chapters, the novel offers insights into common adolescent strugglesfrom the pressure to succeed to an alcoholic, out-of-work fatheras well as an unlikely romance and opportunities for self-reflection as the investigation escalates. Although their suburban San Diego high school is a multicultural place, with the exception of Latina Bronwyn, the principal cast is white. Although the language and plot sometimes border on clich, this fast-paced blend of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and classic John Hughes will leave readers racing to the finish as the try to unravel the mystery on their own. (Thriller. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
