Books Like...
"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the aftermath of a classmate's death during detention. The story follows four students who find themselves under suspicion for the murder, each with their own motives and secrets. Through multiple perspectives, readers delve into the intricate web of lies, drama, and high school dynamics as they try to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. The book skillfully combines elements of suspense, teenage drama, and unexpected plot twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The writing style of "One of Us Is Lying" is praised for its fast-paced narrative, engaging multiple points of view, and clever use of alternating perspectives among the characters. The author effectively builds tension and intrigue by delving into the minds of each suspect, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage life.
If you liked One of Us Is Lying, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.
Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.
This resulted in a long pause. Stevie and her parents had had many conversations about the nature of truth and fact, and this might, on another day, have erupted into an argument. Not today. They seem... - #2
In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, high school senior Pippa Fitz Amobi takes on a cold case to prove the innocence of Sal Singh in the murder of his girlfriend Andie Bell. With a mix of diary entries, interviews, and investigative work, the story unfolds as Pip delves into dark secrets and dangerous truths, blurring the lines between past and present while facing obstacles and threats to her life.
The book is a smart and suspenseful YA mystery where Pip's determination to uncover the truth leads her through twists and turns, uncovering layers of the case that go beyond a simple murder mystery. Through creative storytelling techniques and engaging plot development, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Pip navigates through a complex investigation that challenges her perceptions and puts her in harm's way.
Their home was like the town’s own haunted house; people’s footsteps quickened as they walked by and their words strangled and died in their throats. Shrieking children would gather on their walk home... - #3
'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.
The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.
I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he... - #4
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student with a tough life who suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House and solve a series of puzzles and riddles left behind by Hawthorne. As Avery navigates the challenges of living in the mansion alongside Hawthorne's four grandsons, she must unravel the mystery of why she was chosen for the inheritance, all while facing threats and intrigue from those who feel entitled to the fortune. The book is described as a fast-paced YA mystery with elements of suspense, puzzles, and a touch of romance, keeping readers engaged till the very end.
The Inheritance Games is praised for its engaging plot filled with twists and turns, appealing to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, and puzzle-solving. The book is noted for its well-crafted characters, particularly Avery and the Hawthorne brothers, each with unique personalities that add depth to the story. The writing style is described as addictive, with a mix of suspense and tension that keeps readers guessing along with the protagonist, creating an immersive reading experience that culminates in a cliffhanger ending, setting the stage for the sequel.
I made it to school on time but barely. I had a habit of cutting things close. I walked the same tightrope with my grades: How little effort could I put in and still get an A? I wasn’t lazy. I was pra... - #5
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a YA mystery that follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that was disbanded five years ago after multiple deaths within the team. Monica finds her sister's cell phone and starts investigating the accidents, uncovering inconsistencies and secrets. The book alternates between past and present, revealing the dark events that led to the disbandment of the cheerleading team and Monica's relentless pursuit of the truth.
This house was made for someone without a soul. So I guess it makes sense that my mother wanted it so badly. I can imagine how her eyes lit up when she walked through the five-bedroom, three-and-a-hal... - #6
'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a story about a privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book follows Cadence, one of the Sinclair grandchildren, as she returns to the island after a traumatic accident during the summer of fifteen, trying to recover her memories. The plot revolves around the mystery of what happened to Cadence and her friends, known as the Liars, during that fateful summer. The writing style is described as beautifully written, haunting, and with a twist that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of privilege, family dysfunction, love, friendship, and secrets. The narrative unfolds delicately, revealing the story bit by bit as Cadence remembers the events surrounding her accident. The book delves into themes of race, power, greed, and features a shocking twist ending that catches readers by surprise, making it a captivating and heartbreaking read.
Dad was a middling-successful professor of military history. Back then I adored him. He wore tweed jackets. He was gaunt. He drank milky tea. He was fond of board games and let me win, fond of boats a... - #7
Anna is wrongfully accused of her best friend's murder on their group vacation. With a ruthless prosecutor on Anna's tail, her life is ripped apart turning her image into a monster in the eyes of the media and the public. Even her friends don't believe her. So begins her fight for freedom in a foreign country. What looms around the corner, put me into shock. As mentioned in title. It's missing one star due to more information required on a certain topic that needed a bit more fuel but I have to get vague not to spoil it.
The whole book is a character study, not just of Anna, but of every other person she knows. Her boyfriend, Tate. Elise. The other friends in their circle. Her lawyers. Her father. The media. It's an intense look at how awful people can be. I've been calling it in many ways the Gone Girl for Young Adults, because that's what I think of when I read this. These aren't perfect characters they are realistic, and every one of them is hiding something. Every one of them has messed up and is being selfish and horrible to their fellow human beings.
We yell it together, slamming our hands on the sticky wooden table. The dreadlocked waiter pours a row of something lurid, neon blue. It’s our first night on the island, and the music is almost too lo... - #8
'Pretty Little Liars' by Sara Shepard follows the lives of four teenage girls, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, who are dealing with their own set of problems while being haunted by a mysterious figure known as 'A.' The girls had drifted apart after their friend Alison went missing, but are brought back together when they start receiving messages from 'A' threatening to reveal their deepest secrets. As they try to uncover the truth about what happened to Alison and the identity of 'A,' the girls navigate through issues such as relationships, secrets, and the challenges of high school life. The story is fast-paced, addictive, and filled with twists and turns that keep the readers engaged.
“Someone finally bought the DiLaurentises’ old house,” Emily Fields’s mother said. It was Saturday afternoon, and Mrs. Fields sat at the kitchen table, bifocals perched on her nose, calmly doing her b... - #9
Seventeen-year-old Cassie, a natural at reading people, is recruited by the FBI to join a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to solve cold cases. The Naturals program consists of gifted teens with unusual skills working together to crack infamous cases, including a current serial killer on the loose. As Cassie delves deeper into the program, she realizes that danger looms closer than she ever imagined, with twists, suspense, and a lethal game of cat and mouse with the killer.
The book 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Cassie and her fellow Naturals as they navigate through profiling, mysteries, and chilling revelations. The plot intertwines elements of psychological thrillers, crime-solving, and teenage dynamics, offering a fast-paced narrative filled with engaging characters, intriguing cases, and a final twist that leaves readers hooked and eager to uncover more.
The hours were bad. The tips were worse, and the majority of my coworkers definitely left something to be desired, but c’est la vie, que será será, insert foreign language cliché of your choice here. ... - #10
Ellery and her twin brother, Ezra, move to their mother's hometown to live with their grandmother while their mother is in rehab. The town has a dark history of missing girls and murders, with Ellery becoming the focus of a new threat. As secrets unravel and mysterious events unfold, the siblings find themselves entangled in a suspenseful and intriguing mystery in the small town of Echo Ridge. The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
The story delves into themes of secrets, small-town mysteries, and the complexities of family relationships. With a fast-paced narrative, well-developed characters like Ellery and Malcolm, and a chilling setting, the book offers a thrilling and engaging read for fans of YA mystery thrillers. The author's writing style captivates readers with suspenseful plot twists, intricate storylines, and compelling characters, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of suspense, intrigue, and psychological thrillers.
My brother, Ezra, watches it pass us for the fourth time, leaning on the handle of his own oversized suitcase. The crowd around the carousel is nearly gone, except for a couple arguing about who was s...