Is There A Romance In 'One Of Us Is Next'?

As someone who devoured both books back-to-back, the connection between 'One of Us Is Next' and 'One of Us Is Lying' is brilliant. The sequel picks up a year after the Bayview High scandal, with a fresh but equally deadly game of truth or dare. The original characters like Maeve and Knox return, but the focus shifts to new targets—Phoebe, Knox’s sister, and two others. The anonymous tormentor uses Simon’s old gossip app, Truth or Dare, proving his legacy still haunts the school. The tone is darker, with higher stakes—physical harm replaces secrets as punishment. What ties them together is the theme of consequences; the first book’s events directly fuel the second’s chaos, showing how trauma doesn’t just disappear.

In 'One of Us Is Next', the first character to die is Simon Kelleher, but here's the twist—he's already dead when the story begins. The book kicks off with his legacy haunting Bayview High through a dangerous game of Truth or Dare orchestrated by someone using his old gossip app. Simon's death in the previous book 'One of Us Is Lying' sets the stage for the chaos that follows. His presence looms large even though he's gone, like a ghost puppeteering the drama from beyond the grave. The real tension comes from watching the new targets—Maeve, Knox, and Phoebe—navigate the deadly consequences of his unfinished business.

In 'One of Us Is Next,' the narrative unfolds through three distinct points of view, each offering a fresh layer to the thriller's tangled web. Phoebe, Maeve, and Knox take turns steering the story, their voices sharp and unique. Phoebe’s chapters crackle with defiance—her wit is a shield against the chaos. Maeve’s perspective is quieter but no less compelling, her analytical mind piecing together clues like a puzzle. Knox, the reluctant hero, brings raw honesty, his chapters pulsing with urgency. The trio’s rotating POVs keep the tension high, ensuring every revelation lands like a gut punch. What stands out is how their perspectives clash and converge. Phoebe’s distrust of authority contrasts with Maeve’s methodical trust in logic, while Knox’s emotional stakes bridge both worlds. The multiple angles don’t just deepen the mystery—they paint a fuller picture of fear, loyalty, and the weight of secrets in a town still scarred by past tragedies.

As someone who devours thrillers like candy, I can confirm 'One of Us Is Next' hasn’t gotten the Hollywood treatment yet. The sequel to 'One of Us Is Lying' is ripe for adaptation—its deadly game of Truth or Dare practically screams cinematic tension. The first book’s TV series did well, so fingers crossed they greenlight this one too. The cast chemistry and Bayview’s dark secrets would translate beautifully to screen. Until then, we’ll have to settle for rewatching Season 1 and imagining the chaos. What makes the book adaptation-worthy? Its layered characters and twisty plot. A movie could dive deeper into the moral gray areas—like how far teens go to protect secrets. The eerie texting scenes alone would make for killer visuals. Plus, fans are already clamoring for Maeve and Knox’s dynamic to hit the screen. Studios would be smart to capitalize on the hype before the YA thriller wave fades.

I just finished 'One of Us Is Next', and that ending hit me like a truck. The big reveal is that Maeve, the seemingly innocent bystander, was orchestrating the entire game of truth or dare to expose the town's secrets. She wasn't just playing along—she created the chaos to punish those who wronged her sister in the past. The final twist comes when she voluntarily turns herself in, but not before ensuring everyone knows the truth. What makes it chilling is how ordinary Maeve appears throughout the story, making her mastermind role completely unexpected. The way she manipulated events while staying under the radar shows how brilliant the character writing is. It's a reminder that sometimes the quietest people have the loudest rage.

The ending of 'One of Us Is Lying' wraps up with a shocking reveal that Simon, the creator of the gossip app About That, actually planned his own death to frame the four suspects. The truth comes out when Addy finds Simon's hidden notes detailing his scheme. Each of the four main characters—Bronwyn, Nate, Cooper, and Addy—had motives, but none actually killed him. Simon ingested peanut oil, knowing he was severely allergic, and died in the classroom. The police eventually clear the four, but the aftermath shows how their lives are forever changed by the experience. Bronwyn and Nate grow closer, Cooper comes out as gay, and Addy gains independence from her toxic relationship. The ending leaves you thinking about the power of secrets and how far someone might go to expose them.

I tore through 'One of Us Is Lying' in one sitting and immediately needed more. Good news—there’s a sequel called 'One of Us Is Next', and it’s just as addictive. While the first book focused on the Bayview Four, this one introduces new drama with a deadly truth-or-dare game. The stakes feel higher, and the twists hit harder. Karen McManus keeps her signature style: sharp dialogue, messy relationships, and shocking reveals. If you loved the original’s murder-mystery-meets-high-school vibe, you’ll devour this. Bonus: some familiar faces return, adding continuity without rehashing old plots. For similar vibes, check out 'The Cousins'—another McManus page-turner with family secrets galore.

In 'One of Us Is Back', the killer is revealed to be Simon Kalivoda, a character with deep-seated resentment and a twisted sense of justice. Simon orchestrates a series of events to manipulate and punish the group, using their past traumas against them. His motives stem from feelings of abandonment and betrayal, which he masks under a facade of righteousness. The novel builds tension by keeping his identity hidden until the final act, making the reveal impactful. Simon’s methods are calculated and cold, reflecting his desire for control rather than mere chaos. The narrative cleverly ties his actions back to earlier events in the series, creating a cohesive and satisfying resolution. What makes Simon particularly chilling is his ability to blend in, appearing harmless until it’s too late. His psychological manipulation is as dangerous as his physical actions, leaving the characters—and readers—questioning who they can trust. The book delves into themes of revenge and redemption, with Simon serving as a dark mirror to the protagonists’ own struggles. His eventual downfall is both cathartic and tragic, underscoring the series’ exploration of guilt and consequences.