Hardcover, 384 pages
English language
Published Dec. 3, 2020 by Delacorte Press.
of One of Us is Lying. In case you're wondering, this has nothing to do with the second season of the TV series, it's a completely different story.
3.5 but rounding up so I don't hurt the average. Fun YA mystery... I was worried the author would simply recreate the premise of the first book in the series, but she took this one in a slightly different direction. It wasn't AS good as the first one, but still had a "Westinghouse Game" vibe to it.
Jolly good follow up for One of us is Lying. I liked the ending and I really like it that the author didn't drag it on and spend time explaining etc. Just went to here's who done it, no further, which many a author sadly do. A book don't have to end on a silver plate, I enjoy when you can go - I wonder who/what/when/where after you had read The End.
One of Us is Next had such a slow start. The nice things about sequels is that you don't have to spend time getting to know anyone...but here the main characters are new, or had minor roles in One of Us is Lying. Also I think the Breakfast Club angle in the first book helped with getting to know the characters. The book does open with a list of all the characters and who they are, which is quite helpful, but also I'm wary when a book needs this.
The point of view characters are Maeve, Knox and Phoebe. Maeve is Bronwyn's little sister, and is trying to hide the signs that her leukaemia is back. Her ex Knox is interning for the lawyer Eli. Since her dad died, Phoebe's life has been downsized, her sister barely speaks to her and her little brother is just, well, annoying. The game …
One of Us is Next had such a slow start. The nice things about sequels is that you don't have to spend time getting to know anyone...but here the main characters are new, or had minor roles in One of Us is Lying. Also I think the Breakfast Club angle in the first book helped with getting to know the characters. The book does open with a list of all the characters and who they are, which is quite helpful, but also I'm wary when a book needs this.
The point of view characters are Maeve, Knox and Phoebe. Maeve is Bronwyn's little sister, and is trying to hide the signs that her leukaemia is back. Her ex Knox is interning for the lawyer Eli. Since her dad died, Phoebe's life has been downsized, her sister barely speaks to her and her little brother is just, well, annoying. The game creates rifts in all their lives, but also brings them together.
The truth or dare game didn't seem that threatening, and it's only really in the second half where things get exciting. Whilst they have suspicions over which Simon-wannabe started the game, it takes tragedy to spur them into really finding out who is responsible.
I wanted to bash Maeve over the head for ignoring her symptoms... and I wasn't that invested in Phoebe and Emma's little spat over their truth. I felt the story wasn't really going anywhere for so long. I did enjoy the second half though, but I generally feel Karen McManus hasn't managed to replicate the success of her debut yet.
