Read Karen Mcmanus Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 15, 2026

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Karen M. McManus is a name that has resonated with readers of young adult thrillers, mystery, and suspense since the release of her debut novel, One of Us Is Lying, in 2017. With her skillful blend of intrigue, sharp character development, and mind-bending twists, McManus has earned a dedicated following. Her books are filled with hidden secrets, unreliable narrators, and tense situations that keep readers hooked from the very first page. But with multiple books in her collection, how should you approach them? Should you read them in order, or can you dive into them at random? This article explores McManus’ books in-depth, helping you decide the best way to enjoy her captivating stories.

List Of Karen Mcmanus Books In Order

More On Karen Mcmanus Books In Chronological Order

1. One of Us Is Lying (2017)

This is where it all started for Karen McManus and it’s a wild ride from the get-go! Picture this: five high school students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Who did it? Everyone’s a suspect, and McManus takes you on a twisting journey as we unravel the truth about the secrets these teens are hiding. It’s a tense, twist-filled mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. You’ll find yourself flipping pages, trying to figure out who’s telling the truth and who’s hiding a dark secret!

2. Two Can Keep a Secret (2019)

If you thought ’One of Us Is Lying’ was good, you’re going to love this one. Set in a small, eerie town where secrets seem to be the foundation of everything, ’Two Can Keep a Secret’ centers on two teens, Ellery and Ezra, who find themselves in a web of mystery after moving to their mom’s hometown. Ellery, with her true crime obsession, quickly realizes that this town has more skeletons in its closet than anyone’s ready to admit. Between missing girls, a family with a complicated history, and a growing sense of danger, McManus knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.

3. The Cousins (2020)

Okay, so if you like family drama, mystery, and all sorts of twists, ’The Cousins’ is going to get you hooked. It follows three cousins-Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah-who are invited to spend the summer at the family estate by their estranged grandmother. None of them know why they’ve been cut off for years, but once they arrive, things start to get weird. Secrets surface, family dynamics shift, and before long, they’re all in a deep, tangled mess of lies and danger. McManus doesn’t just craft a plot-she builds an entire atmosphere of suspense and tension that makes you second-guess everyone’s intentions.

4. You’ll Be the Death of Me (2021)

Picture this: three high school friends reunite, only to end up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. ’You’ll Be the Death of Me’ dives into the story of Ivy, Mateo, and Cal, who accidentally find themselves witnessing a murder, throwing them into a mess of trouble they didn’t sign up for. With McManus’ knack for creating relatable yet flawed characters, you’ll find yourself rooting for these friends while also feeling the growing dread of the danger that’s closing in. Expect tension, suspense, and a whole lot of unexpected twists!

5. The Cousins (Special Edition) (2021)

In case you couldn’t get enough of ’The Cousins,’ this special edition brings even more to the table. It’s got extra content-think behind-the-scenes info, deeper looks into characters, and more juicy details that expand on the original story. If you’re a fan of the book and want to dive deeper into the mystery and the characters’ psyches, this is the version for you!

6. Nothing More to Tell (2023)

Set in a prestigious prep school, ’Nothing More to Tell’ revolves around a murder case that was closed years ago, but is suddenly reopened when a former student, Brynn, returns to town as a journalist. She was friends with the victim before he was killed, and she’s determined to figure out what really happened. As she uncovers secrets and more lies, you start to realize that everyone is hiding something. The suspense builds page by page, and as the truth comes to light, it’s nothing like you expect. This book is packed with drama, mystery, and the kind of twists that McManus is known for!

Background On Karen Mcmanus Books

Karen McManus, an American author known for her psychological thrillers, achieved widespread recognition with One of Us Is Lying, a novel that blended high school drama with a gripping mystery. Since then, she has become a prolific writer, releasing more books that share similar themes of suspense, secrets, and betrayal.

Her work is mostly categorized as young adult (YA) fiction, but with a sophisticated narrative style that appeals to readers of all ages. McManus has been praised for her ability to craft complex characters with rich backstories, making her novels stand out in the crowded YA genre. Her writing doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy topics like guilt, loss, social pressure, and the darker sides of human nature, but it does so in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The premise of most of McManus’ books revolves around a central mystery, often framed by a group of teenagers who find themselves entangled in a web of secrets. What sets her apart, however, is her ability to keep the mystery unfolding, layer by layer, until the final, jaw-dropping revelation.

A List Of Her Major Works

1. One of Us Is Lying (2017)
2. Two Can Keep a Secret (2019)
3. The Cousins (2020)
4. You’ll Be the Death of Me (2021)
5. Nothing More to Tell (2022)

Each of these novels stands on its own, but McManus has often been praised for weaving thematic elements and similar narrative techniques throughout her works, making them feel connected even when they aren’t part of the same series.

Reading Order Explained

For those who want to dive into McManus’ world, understanding the reading order is crucial. However, it’s worth noting that the author’s books are not part of an overarching series. Each one is a standalone novel, featuring different characters and settings. That said, there are certain ways you might want to approach reading them.

1. Start with One of Us Is Lying

   One of Us Is Lying is often considered McManus’ magnum opus and the perfect entry point for new readers. This novel became an instant sensation due to its compelling plot and memorable characters. It centers around five high school students who find themselves in detention, but one of them ends up dead. As the story unfolds, readers are taken through a labyrinth of motives, lies, and secrets. It’s a great introduction to McManus’ style of storytelling, filled with twists and an immersive narrative.

2. Move on to Two Can Keep a Secret (2019)

   This book is a bit of a departure from One of Us Is Lying in terms of setting, but it retains the same essential formula. Two Can Keep a Secret is set in the small town of Echo Ridge, where two high school girls become entangled in the mystery surrounding the disappearances of two teenagers. The book is packed with suspense, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy McManus’ knack for slowly unwrapping dark secrets.

3. The Cousins (2020)

   This novel explores the strained relationships between three cousins who are invited to their estranged grandmother’s island estate. The invitation is wrapped in mystery, and what follows is a story about family secrets, betrayal, and the things people will do to protect or expose their pasts. The atmospheric setting and the family dynamic make it an excellent next read after Two Can Keep a Secret.

4. You’ll Be the Death of Me (2021)

   Here, McManus returns to the high school setting, but with a new set of characters and a fresh mystery. Three students skip school and end up witnessing a murder. The plot is filled with plenty of twists, and the novel’s characters are forced to confront their personal histories and the consequences of their actions. This book would be a natural follow-up for fans of One of Us Is Lying.

5. Nothing More to Tell (2022)

   The most recent of McManus’ releases, Nothing More to Tell brings readers into the world of a podcast journalist investigating a crime that occurred years earlier. This novel, like McManus’ others, explores themes of guilt, justice, and the need for answers, and would appeal to readers who love a mix of present-day investigation and flashbacks to the past.

What I Like About The Series?

McManus’ books are a treasure trove of what I love most in thrillers: complex characters, unreliable narratives, and dark secrets that unfold at the perfect pace. Her ability to craft characters who are multi-faceted and morally ambiguous is one of her greatest strengths. Even when characters make poor decisions or behave in ways that are frustrating, they always feel authentic. It’s easy to empathize with them, which makes the twists and reveals all the more impactful.

Another thing I admire is her mastery of suspense. She knows how to weave a mystery that keeps you guessing but never feels manipulative. There’s a consistent air of tension in her books, even during seemingly quiet moments, which keeps the reader on edge. And when the plot does take a twist, it’s never too outlandish but always shocking and satisfying.

Finally, the themes McManus explores-guilt, betrayal, the desire for justice-resonate deeply. These aren’t just surface-level topics; they’re examined with nuance, and they give her books a weight that makes them memorable long after the last page.

Should You Read Karen Mcmanus Books In Order?

While McManus’ books are not connected by a continuous storyline, there are still reasons to consider reading them in order. Firstly, reading them chronologically can give you a sense of the evolution of her writing style. As she continues to write, her characters become even more complex, and the mysteries even more intricate. Starting from One of Us Is Lying allows you to appreciate her growth as an author.

However, since each book is a standalone novel, you don’t necessarily have to read them in order. Each story is self-contained, so if you’re more drawn to one book based on its premise or setting, feel free to start there. McManus’ novels all carry the same sense of suspense, so even if you dive into Nothing More to Tell first, you’ll still get the full McManus experience.