2.5 stars?

I am all over books like this. I'm a huge fan of a whodunnit and coupled with this synopsis and a sort of nod to The Breakfast Club, I was excited to start it. Sadly, I spent most of the book bored.

There are 4 MCs and they all take turns getting a POV. While it is helpful to find out everyone's side, all of their inner monologues sounded the same. I did like Bronwyn and Nate. They were the strongest characters and most of the reason I kept reading.

There are a lot of background characters, yet instead of creating a pool of suspects, it was just noise. I never got that layer of tension and suspense I was expecting. The pacing is slow without a build up or explosion and the few reveals fizzled.

Overall, it was a promising idea, but this just wasn't for me.

**Huge thanks to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**

I really enjoyed this book. I love that it took on the concept of the breakfast club and turned it into a murder mystery. Throughout the whole book I was trying so hard to figure out the murderer before the cops could and I was having so much trouble (although I must admit, I don’t think the cops were doing a very good job of it themselves.) I swear at one point I probably thought every single one of the main characters was a suspect.

I read this book in one sitting because I just had to know who was the real murderer.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Will update with links to where I posted my review online closer to the release date. (Final review might change slightly but will have the same basic message).

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Pay close attention and you might solve this.
On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.
Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.
Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.
Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.
And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them

My thoughts:
4.5
First off if you like the movie The Breakfast Club then you might like this , because in some ways it kind of does remind the reader alittle bit of that movie, which is why I requested it from NetGalley in the first place​ and I want to see how much was like the movie. And while there is a little reminder it's total different . The Breakfast Club:
1: athlete
2:beauty/ princess
3:criminal
4:brain
5:outcast
Now for the differences and the reminders
Reminders
1:And just like the movie they end up in detention and of course the teacher that's o watch over the detention hall leaves the room
Differences
The brainy
Outcast
LQTB character

The same:
Reble/ criminal
beauty/ princess
athlete
Plus this story has a lot of twist and turns and secrets that have a way of coming out, with that said I would like to say thinks to NetGalley for giving me the chance at reading this in change for my honest opinion, on that note to see and find out what the secrets are, as well as who is the LQTB character , who's dating who and what happened to Simon and what he was going to tell everyone at school ,well you're​going to have to read this for yourself.

Wow. Well this book was a pleasant surprise, more than I hoped and a fantastic edge of my seat read. I didn't figure it all out before the end and I loved discovering new things around every corner just like the characters. This is a story that starts off quickly and grabs the reader. Five kids are serving a detention for having cell phones in class (those darn phones!) and they are upset because the phones aren't there phones. While in detention, one of the characters dies and the story that continues is full of mystery, intrigue and lies. The story is told from all four perspectives of the kids who are still alive. Bronwyn the outstanding student, Nate the drug dealer with a single alcoholic father, Cooper the baseball star and Addy, the perfect popular girlfriend. No one know who is responsible for the death of the other student, Simon, who has created a gossip app that has caused (and continues to cause) a lot of damage to his peers.
Through the story, each of the characters is developed with great care and their secrets come to light, changing the way that they are viewed by others and the way they view themselves. There are friendships and relationships that are tested, as well as family dynamics that add to the tension and drama of the story. I couldn't put this book down and I loved reading it. I know my high school students will love this book too!

Excellent! Giving ups to social media and high school life. This book has something for every person who is dealing with or trying to deal with teens and their willingness to let social media lead their lives. I like how the author let you make your own assumption through out the story, only leaking small bits about the "Who Dunit" aspect of the story. This is also one of the few books that would work well as a young adult group read. .

This book is incredibly addictive and fun! I thought I would be able to solve the mystery before the end but the twists and turns kept me off track. The characters are all very dynamic and realistic. Such a fun read, it's no wonder everyone keeps talking about this book prior to its release! I received a free copy through NetGalley but will definitely order for my library and recommend to my students.

Intriguing, and kept me on edge from start to finish!

"One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide."

This blurb from GoodReads really boils down the essence of this book into a nice, concise statement.

When the four main characters are each found with a cell phone in their bag, they earn an afternoon detention. Oddly, the cell phones didn't belong to them, and while they are serving their time, one of the attendees, Simon, dies. It all appears to be a tragic accident, until the police begin investigating them for murder. The investigation uncovers some incriminating evidence. It seems Simon was planning to publish each of their darkest secrets under the guise of juicy gossip. This reveal turns them from witnesses into suspects.

This was such a great reading experience for me. The story pulled me in from page one, and I just wanted to keep reading and collecting clues. I did develop a hypothesis, which ended up being correct, (*pats self on back*) but that's half the fun when I read a mystery. I have seen that this was pitched as "Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars" and I have to say, that is a great description for this book.

"'She's a princess and you're a jock,' he says. He thrusts his chin toward Bronwyn, then at Nate. 'And you're a brain. And you're a criminal. You're all walking teen-movie stereotypes."

Each of the four main characters do fall into one of those typical high school cliques, but as the story plays on, we find out that there is a lot more beneath the surface of each character. They were all quite layered and well constructed. They all had such depth, and I thought McManus did a great job developing them throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters as they dealt with the investigation and their secrets being revealed.

I know having your deepest, darkest secrets unveiled publicly is not a positive thing, but the outcome for these characters was. Each of them was forced to admit the truth ,and face the consequences of the fallout once others learned of it. One character found her inner strength and independence, while another was able to feel more comfortable in his own skin. Two found love, while most of them found acceptance on some level. Some developed a reinforcement or renewal of family ties, but all of them experienced growth, and it was a positive growth. All four characters were a better version of themselves at the end of this book, and I always find that the mark of great YA story.

Another great outcome, was that the four bonded together. This group of disparate teens became "the Bayview Four", and they were there for each other. In their quest to clear their names, they found friendship and more.

And yes, there is a romance. *heart-eyes* Sorry, not sorry, but I always want a little romance. I don't care what kind of book I am reading, a little romance is always a good thing. This was a wonderful and meaningful romance, and by no means took away from the overall plot. It was well integrated, and a ship worth shipping. Seriously, at one point, about 63% through the story, the heroine goes on this rant about why she wants to try dating the hero, and it is the cutest, most adorable thing ever. I liked her already, but I loved her after that outburst.

Overall: A riveting mystery filled with twists and turns, which had me hooked from page one.

Nearly every review you read about this book will compare it to The Breakfast Club, that iconic, coming of age, John Hughes film from the 80's - stereotypical high school students sentenced to detention. As with the characters in that movie, the characters in One of Us Is Lying are so much more than what they appear on the surface, and as this story progresses, their layers are gradually peeled away and you discover none are quite what they appear on the surface.

Early on I was sure I knew who'd killed Simon - and then I'd decide it was someone else. Which is one of the best things about this book - it keeps you guessing with its twists and surprises. With the story told in four different perspectives, each character's inner thoughts, viewpoints, and feelings regarding their lives and Simon are revealed. The character development is outstanding, with one character in particular undergoing a considerable transformation.

I couldn't quite buy into the way law enforcement was portrayed - leads not pursued, obvious questions ignored, and assumptions without investigation. Suspension of disbelief is required in some areas.

Clever, gripping, and unpredictable, this is a suspenseful YA mystery and one of my best reads this year so far.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Wow, this book is well done. I'm seriously impressed. It's been a long time since I wanted to keep reading something so much that I found random moments throughout my day to pick up the book. The premise is five people go into a classroom for detention, and only four come out. The person who was killed had serious dirt on the other four people in detention. Who killed him? This was fast paced and kept me on my toes. I had no idea how it would end until everything was revealed.

Cover:
I love this cover, with the cut out faces and sharpie it looks like a defaced yearbook and it is great.

Characters:
All the characters are unique, and their voices are distinct. I did find my self most drawn to Bronwyn's POV but since I relate most to her that's understandable. I like that they all begin to defy their stereotypes throughout. And that their is diversity sprinkled through without a big deal being made about it. Everyone has different home lives, and not every character is straight and white. I liked he side characters and sibling relationships a lot. And I like that the romances were varied, none the main focus, and nine were instalove or an instant fix to anyone's problems.


Plot:
There is foreshadowing like crazy and I loved it. The story is fast paced and intriguing all the way through, and lots of little details and side plots for each character really tie it together. I guessed part of the ending before he characters did, but not the whole think, and I like that it was able to surprise me. I had some issues with the legality of some of the police actions and certain things that seemed overlooked by adults irked me, but these were all things addressed later on in the story and it was good.

I was fully engaged throughout this entire novel. The description is spot on, and I was guessing till the end. Definite purchase.

**Thank you Netgalley, for giving me this awesome book, in exchange for an honest review.**

... I LOVED this book ...

It is by far the one of the best thrillerish/suspense novels I have ever read (LOL I've only read like three.) And is definitely one of my favorite releases of the year, y'all are going to LOVE this one ... hopefully.

Karen McManus, you my friend, are an absolute mastermind.

Plot:
One of Us Is Lying starts off with five high school students who have been placed into detention due to a cell phone scam. All five have been caught having phones that weren't their's and their real phones were in their lockers or never confiscated. It's apparent that their detention was a set up and hoax, and no one knows why. Then one student, Simon, goes to get some water during his detention time, and DIES. This all happens super fast, and you're instantly thrown into the crazy storyline.

We have a jock (Cooper), modern day Mean Girl (Addy), the typical nerdy goodie goodie (Bronwyn), and bad boy (Nate.) These four have all witnessed the death of fellow class mate, Simon and only one can be the killer. But they all have their own secrets. DUN. DUn. Dun. dun.

SOUNDS AWESOME RIGHT?? BECAUSE IT IS. These characters are so diverse and come from crazy different backgrounds and go through a lot of crazy crap due to the death of Simon. And just WOAH, this was a masterpiece. I honestly figured out the ending pretty early on in the story, but then a lot of things happen, and your opinion will change, and then go back and UGH I WAS EVERYWHERE TO BE HONEST.

The characters will pull you along the story though. They are such well thought out characters, and they seem so real and relatable. Nothing in this book seemed far fetched at all, because I could easily see this stuff happening in any high school. You get relationship drama, and just stupid teenagers. And honestly, I live for this stuff.

Something that made these characters great, is that the author breaks the boundaries of your typical high school students. The classic blonde girl who you expect to be shallow and dumb, is actually very intelligent and well rounded. She wasn't this idiot who ruined the story. The classic Jock is just ... just read it to figure it out because you won't be expecting the plot twist with him. The nerdy girl ... okay she was pretty much the typical goodie goodie. But the typical bad boy as well wasn't a complete jerk to everyone. He had depth and character, and he had a heart and I loved seeing the barriers being broke in this book.

There is some slight romance in this book but it was GOOD AND WELL PLACED. It didn't seem pushed and a horrid plot device. I will go down with my ship in this series, just saying. It was perfect.

Also, I know that this has been compared to the Breakfast Club .... and I've never seen that soo I definitely cannot say that it's true to that hype. BUT STILL READ IT BECAUSE IT'S SO GOOD. I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this when it comes out because it is a MASTERPIECE!!!!!

Mysterious "who dunnit" that will leave readers guessing. When the author of a high school "Gossip Girl" type blog dies, everyone wonders who might have killed him. Four students were with him when he died. Is one of them a killer? Once each of the four students' secrets start coming to light, readers will be anxiously turning pages to find out which one might be lying. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Definitely recommend!

This was done so incredibly well. It is not too often that I feel really wowed by a debut YA book but I came out of this feeling that way.

It totally is the Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, so shout out to whoever came up with that. The main reason I think this book was so great is that the character development was so well done. In a story like this you need background, you need to understand the characters and you get that with this story.

All of the characters have redeeming qualities that really add to the guessing game of who the murderer is. I tended to keep hoping it was none of them simply because I liked them. For every negative quality you saw a good one, or a softer side.

Overall a really incredible debut. I think fans across genres and ages will really like this book. If someone is smart this will turn into a tv show or a movie.

This book hit most of my 'favorite' buttons: multi-POV, mystery, romance. I liked how the teen characters were realistic, but the drama wasn't over the top. I found all the characters likable too, which is a nice bonus. A minor complaint: for a character who played a fairly important role, Kris was woefully underdeveloped and one-dimensional (imo). But that really is my only disappointment. I read a ton of Agatha Christie as a young teen, and this reminded me a lot of her style and plots. Definitely recommended. :).

It took me a moment to get into this book, but I think it's because I read it right after I read This Is Our Story by Ashley Elston, which has a similar plot in that one person dies in a place with a group of people, and those people become suspects. The tone and mood of books are totally different, and my brain just couldn't reconcile it with the premises being so alike. Really, though, the books are nothing alike when you get into them.

I enjoyed that the characters in One of Us... are not exactly what they seem, although even their secrets are sometimes stereotypical. Like another reviewer, I wish we'd been given more about the friendships between to the characters than the romance between two of them; however, I did enjoy the romance part. I can't say that I guessed what really happened with the murderer, but I didn't really try to guess either. It was "nice" surprise.

All in all, One of Us Is Lying is enjoyable and gives the reader a nice mystery to figure out. If I taught older students, I would definitely recommend this book to them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

When I read the premise of One of Us is Lying I thought it sounded like a book I would really enjoy. I like books with an air of mystery. Books that keep me guessing. One of Us is Lying did both. I liked that the characters were well written, no easy feat when you have several main characters. They all had their flaws, but all had redeeming qualities too. I found myself rooting that each of them had nothing to do with what happened and quickly believed that none of them did. I really enjoyed being kept on my toes until the end trying to figure out whodunit. I found the premise of this book refreshingly different and think that anyone who enjoys YA fiction or suspense novels would love this book.

I was very intrigued by the premise of this book. I was very invested until the end. As I read, I did some of the characters and situations cliche, but I did like the ending with Simon as the mastermind. I still didn't understand a lot of the logistics, like who planted the phones in everyone else's bag besides Addy, but overall I enjoyed the mystery and the twisted and turns.