One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
**4.5-stars rounded up**
It’s been a year since Simon’s death and the events of One of Us is Lying.
The Bayview Four have been cleared and mostly moved on with their lives. Trying to put that traumatic period behind them.
For the kids remaining at Bayview, those times are never far from their minds. A assortment of gossip apps have popped up since then, trying to take Simon’s place, but no one has the goods. Until now…
A school wide text gets sent out inviting everyone to play a game. Truth or Dare. With players seemingly chosen at random, everyone is nervous about being the one picked next.
The truths are so harsh, turning family and friends against one another. Individuals feel pretty much forced to take the dare, rather than become a social pariah in the eyes of their peers.
But when the dares turn deadly, all bets are off.
Some of the kids decide to team up to figure out who the mastermind of the game is, before it’s too late for all of them. This includes Bronwyn’s little sister Maeve, as well as recent outcast Phoebe, and boy next door, Knox.
The intensity of this continues to build up throughout the story and again, I think McManus did an excellent job of keeping the story fun and compelling.
I was so excited to be back at Bayview High for another mystery. The amateur sleuthing was super entertaining, full of twists and red herrings.
I will continue to pick up anything McManus writes. I cannot wait to see what’s next. Her signature style of characters and pacing works so well for me!