Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is best for ages 14 and up. It’s a teen murder mystery with strong language, underage drinking, implied sex, a character being outed as gay, cyberbullying and suicide themes, so it’s better for older teens.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 14+
Reading level: Teen
Genre: YA mystery and thriller
Published: 2017
Main concerns: Suicide themes, sexual references, bullying, language
TV rating: Peacock series rated TV-MA
One of Us Is Lying is often described as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars. It’s a fast, twisty mystery that hooks reluctant readers, told from four points of view. It also deals with mature issues, including suicide. This guide explains what’s in the book so you can decide when your teen is ready.
Table of Contents
What Is One of Us Is Lying About?
Five students walk into detention at Bayview High: Bronwyn, the brain; Addy, the beauty; Nate, the criminal; Cooper, the athlete; and Simon, the outcast who runs a gossip app. Only four walk out alive.
Simon dies after an allergic reaction, and the police discover he was about to post damaging secrets about each of the other four. All four become suspects, and as they try to clear their names, their secrets come out.
Check price of One of Us Is Lying on Amazon
Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Death and suicide | Significant | Simon’s death is investigated as murder, and suicide becomes part of the solution. |
| Sexual content | Moderate | Implied sex and cheating, but no explicit scenes. |
| LGBTQ themes | Present | A character is outed against his will, which is shown as harmful. |
| Language | Strong | Frequent swearing. |
| Drinking and drugs | Moderate | Teens drink, and drug dealing is part of one character’s story. |
| Positive messages | Strong | Breaking stereotypes, honesty, friendship and standing up for others. |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is One of Us Is Lying a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | Not recommended because of suicide themes, sexual references and language. |
| 13 | Possible for mature mystery fans. |
| 14 and up | The sweet spot. |
| Adults | A fun, twisty read. |
Why Teens Love It
The four narrators are classic high school types who turn out to be much more complex. Readers enjoy switching between them and trying to work out who’s lying.
The book also explores pressure to be perfect, online gossip and the harm of outing people, which gives families plenty to talk about.
Is One of Us Is Lying Okay for a 12- or 13-Year-Old?
Some mature 13-year-olds read it, but the suicide themes, outing and sexual references can be heavy. For 12-year-olds, it’s usually better to wait.
The sequels, One of Us Is Next and One of Us Is Back, are similar in content.
What Parents Should Know
- The solution involves suicide. Be ready to discuss it.
- The outing storyline matters. It’s handled with sympathy.
- The TV series is TV-MA. It’s more mature than the book.
- It’s great for reluctant readers. Short chapters and twists.
- McManus has many more thrillers. Most are similar in content.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for One of Us Is Lying
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of One of Us Is Lying.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
A Simple Plan for Reading One of Us Is Lying Together
- Before reading: look at the cover and blurb together and ask what your child expects from One of Us Is Lying.
- While reading: check in every few chapters with one open question, such as “What surprised you?”
- After a hard scene: ask how it made them feel rather than what it means.
- After finishing: talk about the ending, then let your child choose what to read next from the suggestions below.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- Which character surprised you most?
- How do labels like “the brain” or “the criminal” hide who people really are?
- Why was Simon’s gossip app so harmful?
- How did the friends support each other?
- What would you do if a secret about you was posted online?
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US).
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These mysteries suit different ages.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: ages 10 and up. Sixteen heirs compete to solve a millionaire’s puzzling will. This Newbery Medal mystery is clever and clean.
Check price of The Westing Game on Amazon
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: ages 12 and up. A girl inherits a fortune and must solve a billionaire’s puzzles. It’s twisty and fun.
Check price of The Inheritance Games on Amazon
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus: ages 14 and up. The sequel brings a deadly game of truth or dare to Bayview High.
Check price of One of Us Is Next on Amazon
Related: what age A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is appropriate for and best book club books for teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is One of Us Is Lying appropriate for?
One of Us Is Lying is best for ages 14 and up.
Is there sex in One of Us Is Lying?
There’s implied sex and cheating, but no explicit scenes.
Does One of Us Is Lying deal with suicide?
Yes. Suicide is part of the mystery’s solution.
Is One of Us Is Lying scary?
It’s suspenseful rather than scary.
Is the TV series appropriate for teens?
The Peacock series is rated TV-MA and is more mature than the book.