One of Us Is Next

In the amazing sequel to the twisted Breakfast Club thriller One of Us Is Lying, there’s a new manipulative gossip-monger at Bayview High School. A group text to all students announces a truth-or-dark game, participation mandatory. Dares seem like harmless teen-movie pranks, while truths reveal horrible secrets in the group text. Obviously, the correct choice is to be pick dare,  until a dare kills a student.

One of Us Is Next, by Karen M. McManus, is told in rotating perspective, just like the first book. I don’t love this, because it usually interferes with my ability to connect with a character. This isn’t too bad here, it works in such a plot-focused book, since each person moves the mystery forward. Also the shifting narration means readers can see Maeve and Knox’s relationship from both sides. However, there are a lot of minor-character siblings and classmates in this story, and it can be hard to keep all the relationships straight.

There is one fairly obvious baddie, and one that absolutely stunned me. (Link contains full spoilers, watch out!)  I loved how the ending was revealed, in full, wild drama, but with the characters behaving consistently with their established personalities.  A great follow-up to One of Us Is Lying.