Karen M. McManus is back with, "One of Us is Back" and she did a great job with book 3. Teens and Adults will love this one.

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

Finally, a murder mystery thriller that didn't entirely let me down and ruin a series (I'm looking at you, AGGGTM.) The Bayview Four is back, joined by the Murder Club, and bringing back one of our villains.

I personally enjoy multiple POVs, and I understand that's not for everyone; however, I was a little disappointed with the narrator choices this time around-mostly because some of my favorites were entirely left out.

At first, the pacing was a bit slow, but once I got into it, a sped through the book. The twists were a little obvious, but well done. I honestly enjoyed the series wrap-up, even though it wasn't perfect. I rate this book a 3.5, but on the higher side, so I'm rounding it to a four. And if I learned anything, it's that secrets always come out in the end.

I loved One of Us Is Lying and enjoyed One of Us Is Next, so I was excited to read the conclusion to the trilogy. Unfortunately, this one could not deliver. I appreciated that the characters' narration extensively summarized the previous two books — even though it collectively sounded absolutely bonkers — but that felt like the extent of the action in the first 25%. The mysterious billboard and subsequent game from the synopsis were barely mentioned and it felt like none of the characters even cared. Eventually, the huge cast, multiple perspectives and lack of plot made this a DNF for me.

The Bayview Crew is back and better than ever! It couldn't be truer that the third time's a charm, as this book is by far the best novel in the series. It masterfully brings together characters of two previous books as founders of the murder club with the original Bayview Four Members. Even the villains from the first book are back, with their own narrations. Fortunately, Simon is not returning as a ghost to haunt the Bayview Four, but we do get to read his narration from six years ago. The contribution of the villains is important in answering so many questions about the past and connecting them with the wrapping up of the new mystery.

At first, I had some hesitations about how the author would equally insert each character into the story, but I take back my words because she managed to do it impeccably. The main narrators are Phoebe from the second book, whose sister left the country after her connection with their father's killer's death was revealed, and Phoebe also discovered the ugly truth about her little brother's involvement in the murder. Nate, whom I would save from death if I had to choose two characters, Addy, who nearly got killed by her ex Jack and is now reviewing her sexual orientation while bonding with her sister who is expecting, and surprise surprise, we have narrations from Jack and Simon to reveal events from six years ago that may help us understand many unanswered questions from the entire series and look at the characters from different perspectives.

This time, the main mystery starts with a billboard hack displaying a bad joke and an eerie message that warns something earth-shattering is about to come out. On top of that, Jack gets an early release from prison and starts lurking around the Bayview area with his probation officer, giving Addy extra nightmares from their dark past. Then, one of the Bayview Crew is kidnapped during Nate's house party. Could Jack be involved in this kidnapping? Is he planning to make them pay for putting him behind bars?

With the Rojas sisters' research skills and Bronwyn's logical assumptions, Cooper, Nate, Kris, and Luis' muscle power, Addy and Phoebe's determination to release the past that holds them back, they make the perfect team to reveal the new mystery threatening their town.

I have to say, it was an amazing experience to spend more time with the characters I truly loved. I have soft spots for both Nate and Cooper! I couldn't guess the culprit until the end. The pacing was riveting and extra exciting, making me sit on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, barely gathering my composure, and stuffing popcorn into my mouth as if I were watching my favorite thriller movie. It's even more enjoyable than binge-watching the Scream series!

I'm not sure this will be the last time we see the Bayview Crew, and I never say no to another installment, but I'm telling you, this is the best book in the series, and you shouldn't miss it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Delacorte Press for sharing the digital copy of one of the most anticipated books of 2023 in exchange for my honest thoughts.

4 stars for One of Us is Back by Karen M McManus, the final book in the One of Us is Lying trilogy. Being that it doesn’t come out until July, that gives you plenty of time to read the first two books of the twisty YA thriller series. We are back to Bayview with the crew from the first two books. With the appearance of a mysterious billboard, it appears that someone is starting a new game in town, but is it harmless or sinister? If you enjoy teen shows such as Outer Banks or Stranger Things, I think you would like this book series. All three books have kept me guessing until the end, which I love! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC!

The Bayview Crew cannot catch a break. Everytime they think the drama from Simon is over, it rears its ugly head. The third book in the series brings all the old characters back, one year older, and sprinkles in some new faces. Tension, romance, secrets are afoot, but ultimately friendships, family, and trauma are the bonds that hold the characters together. Anything from Karen McManus never disappoints. Loved hanging out the the Bayview Crew again. Maybe the last one in the series? Recommended.

I don't know what it is about Karen M. McManus books, but they are total catnip for me. I don't read mysteries, thrillers, or crime. I don't read as much YA as I once did. But I gobble up every single book she writes in just a few hours. I, like most of her fans, particularly love The Bayview Four and the rest of the "Murder Club" from Book 2, and so I loved returning to this ragtag bunch and the latest mystery to engulf the town. While I think this was probably the weakest book plot-wise, I was nevertheless surprised by a couple of the big reveals and had so much fun spending time with all these characters again (and getting a Nate POV again, yes thank you) that I hardly noticed. If you're a fan, I think you'll enjoy this one!

So good, just like the whole series! I will always read new books from McManus. This was so engaging and surprising in many ways. One of my favorites from her for sure.

I was obsessed with the first book all those years ago but at little to no fault of the author this book reminded me of two things. First, a book should really be limited to so many main character POV's. Second, this is why I do not get involved in book series that are unfinished. I got one chapter in and had to wikipedia the plot to the first two to remember who everyone was and how they were all intwined.

In all honesty, the FBI should be involved in this town and every single one of these characters would have gotten in to any college of their choice given that they all had an amazing personal essay topic. But seriously how much more can they take??

A satisfying conclusion to the series that made me a McManus stan. The characters aren't these neat perfect little packages at the end but we see where they're going and they all have hope now. Truly wonderful.

The past will come back to haunt you…just not how you expect it. McManus hits another home run with her latest in the Bayview series…the original Bayview crew is back along with the Bayview Crew, now newly christened Murder Club. When one of their own goes missing, turning up with Practice written in sharpie on their arm, the hunt begins to find out who is after the group again and why. Let’s just say Karma truly comes around big time in this third installment.

The thing I really liked about this story is that the reader learns more about each character by diving into their lives more…we learn how they tick and how some have secrets the others don’t know about, which could lead to the downfall of the group. There is also a deeper look at family dynamics and relationships, how it’s important to be open with each other, not letting secrets destroy the family.

Tying up the loose ends in Bayview is hard work, but One of Us is Back does an excellent job. It’s nice to see the Four turn into the Crew. Secrets are exposed and nothing is ever what it seems. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

time for a new game, Bayview.
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The Bayview Four have been through it with Simon’s death. Then their siblings had to survive a copycat killer. Now the game is starting up again and all of the Murder Club are caught in the crosshairs. When one of their own disappears without a trace, they realize this person (or people) are playing for keeps. This time not everyone will make it out alive.
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This was the final installment in the One of Us is Lying YA trilogy that definitely wrapped things up in a satisfying way. I felt (at times) it was a bit too over complicated for no reason, but honestly, overall, these three books will stand the test of time as McManus is the queen of thriller books for young adults. This book releases July 25.

CW: death, blood, violence, drugging, kidnapping, stalking, sexual assault (mentioned), gun violence, hospitalization, alcohol, alcoholism, murder

4.25 ⭐️