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TL;DR: Five students go into detention at Bayview High, but only four walk out alive. Simon, the creator of a gossip app, dies after drinking from a cup of water. The other four, a brain, an athlete, a princess and a criminal, are suspects, and Simon had a secret post about each of them.
Table of Contents
One of Us Is Lying at a Glance
| Author | Karen M. McManus |
| First published | 2017 |
| Type | Young adult mystery |
| Best for | readers who like teen whodunits with several suspects |
One of Us Is Lying is a novel by Karen M. McManus, first published in 2017. The story is told from the four suspects' points of view. It was adapted into a TV series in 2021. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains bullying, a death and mentions of suicide.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Detention
Simon Kelleher, Bronwyn Rojas, Addy Prentiss, Nate Macauley and Cooper Clay are in detention. Simon has an allergic reaction and dies.
The suspects
The police learn that Simon was about to post secrets about the four. This gives each a motive.
Secrets
Bronwyn is a top student, Addy is a popular girl, Nate is a dealer and Cooper is a baseball star. Each has something to hide.
Pressure
The school and the media treat them as guilty. They start to bond.
Investigating
Bronwyn and Nate look into the case. They find that the story is not what it seems.
The truth
The solution explains the death and why the four were chosen. The ending resolves the mystery and the friendships.
5 Key Takeaways
- Labels hide complex people.
- Secrets can be used as weapons.
- Public opinion can punish before proof.
- Unlikely allies can emerge in crisis.
- Truth requires courage.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Four narrators keep the mystery moving.
- The book looks at social media and reputation.
- It borrows from The Breakfast Club.
Who Should Read One of Us Is Lying?
Read it if you like YA mysteries. It is fast.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of One of Us Is Lying:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (2017)
- Type: Young adult mystery
- Best for: readers who like teen whodunits with several suspects
- Main idea in one line: Labels hide complex people.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether One of Us Is Lying is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of One of Us Is Lying, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of One of Us Is Lying on Amazon
What to Read Next
- One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus: the sequel
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson: a teen investigates a murder
- Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: a boarding school mystery
Related: 15 Books Like One of Us Is Lying You’ll Love: Teen Mysteries With Secrets and Suspects · What Age Is One of Us Is Lying Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is One of Us Is Lying a series?
Yes. It continues with One of Us Is Next.
Is there a TV show?
Yes, a 2021 series.
What age is it for?
Roughly 13 and up.
Is One of Us Is Lying worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like teen whodunits with several suspects. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading One of Us Is Lying?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.