Read One Of Us Is Lying Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 26, 2026

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In the realm of contemporary young adult literature, One of Us Is Lying has carved out a distinctive niche, captivating readers with its clever blend of suspense, character-driven drama, and high-stakes mystery. This series, written by Karen M. McManus, is not just a typical whodunit; it’s a layered exploration of high school life, peer pressure, secrets, and the sometimes devastating consequences of choices made under scrutiny. At first glance, the books might seem like straightforward thrillers, but beneath the surface, they delve into complex human emotions, social dynamics, and the pressures that shape adolescence. For readers who crave both intellectual puzzles and emotionally resonant storytelling, this series offers a compelling balance of tension, relatability, and surprise.

List Of One Of Us Is Lying Books In Order

More On One Of Us Is Lying Books In Chronological Order

1. One of Us is Lying (2017)

Okay, so let’s start with the big one! *One of Us is Lying* by Karen M. McManus hit the shelves in 2017, and it’s *such* a wild ride. The story kicks off with five high school students getting detention, and by the end of it, one of them ends up dead. Who did it? Well, that’s the catch-it’s a classic whodunit, but with a twist. The book delves deep into the lives of four suspects, each hiding their own secrets. The cool part? It’s told from multiple perspectives, so you get to see the mystery unfold through the eyes of everyone involved. Trust me, you’ll be glued to the pages, trying to figure out who’s lying and who’s telling the truth.

2. Two Can Keep a Secret (2019)

Now, let’s talk about *Two Can Keep a Secret*, which came out in 2019. While it’s technically not a direct sequel to *One of Us is Lying*, it shares that same eerie, suspense-filled vibe. This time, we’re in the small town of Echo Ridge, where high school senior Ellery starts digging into her family’s mysterious past, only to discover more secrets than she bargained for. And there’s a killer on the loose-again! The stakes are high, and the twists and turns keep coming. McManus nails that mix of small-town drama and danger, all while keeping you wondering, ’Is someone in this town hiding something?’

3. One of Us is Next (2020)

And then came *One of Us is Next* in 2020, the official sequel to *One of Us is Lying*! If you loved the first book, then this one is a must-read. Set a year after the shocking events in the first book, we’re back at Bayview High, but this time, it’s a new mystery-and a whole new set of players. A new game of ’Truth or Dare’ starts, but instead of harmless fun, it spirals into something far more dangerous, and people start getting hurt. With all the drama and intrigue you expect, the plot shifts focus between a few different characters, each bringing their own drama and secrets to the table. The tension is high, and the mystery? Just as gripping as ever.

4. You’ll Be the Death of Me (2021)

Next up is *You’ll Be the Death of Me*, which was released in 2021. This one brings a fresh set of characters into the fold, but the vibes are still very much in that *One of Us is Lying* territory. It follows three high schoolers-Ivy, Mateo, and Cal-who were once close friends but lost touch. They end up reconnecting when they decide to skip school together, and naturally, things go south very quickly. They stumble upon a murder scene, and guess what? Things get super messy as they each become suspects, caught up in their own web of lies. It’s a wild ride, and you’ll find yourself glued to each page, trying to figure out who’s guilty.

Background On One Of Us Is Lying Books

The One of Us Is Lying series debuted with the eponymous novel in 2017, introducing readers to Bayview High School-a seemingly ordinary setting that hides extraordinary secrets. The story centers on five students who walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. The narrative cleverly alternates between perspectives, offering insight into each character’s internal world while building suspense around the central mystery: who killed Simon? McManus’s writing style combines crisp dialogue, sharp social observations, and suspenseful plotting, creating a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is intellectually stimulating.

Following the success of the first book, McManus expanded the universe with sequels and companion novels, such as One of Us Is Next, which continues exploring similar themes while introducing new characters and challenges. The series explores themes of identity, trust, friendship, and the consequences of lies in a world dominated by social media and public perception. McManus’s unique ability to weave together mystery and character development makes the series a standout in contemporary YA literature.

Reading Order Explained

The One of Us Is Lying books are best experienced in the order they were published, as each installment builds on the world, relationships, and thematic explorations established in the first book. The suggested reading order is:

1. One of Us Is Lying (2017) – The original novel, which introduces the central characters, the school setting, and the core mystery.
2. One of Us Is Next (2020) – Set a few years after the events of the first book, this sequel presents new mysteries and expands on Bayview High’s universe while still connecting to the original story through familiar characters and unresolved threads.

While each book contains its own self-contained mystery, reading them in sequence allows readers to fully appreciate character arcs, subtle callbacks, and thematic continuity. Deviating from this order might dilute the emotional impact of certain revelations and reduce the satisfaction of connecting narrative threads across books.

What I Like About The Series?

The One of Us Is Lying series stands out for several reasons. First, the characters are multidimensional and relatable, each struggling with personal issues, social pressures, and ethical dilemmas. McManus doesn’t shy away from showing flaws, which makes the characters feel authentic and human. Second, the narrative structure-alternating perspectives and cleverly timed plot twists-keeps readers constantly guessing, making it impossible to put the books down.

Another highlight is the series’ thematic depth. It explores trust, the consequences of dishonesty, mental health challenges, and the complicated social hierarchies of high school life. McManus also touches on contemporary issues such as social media bullying and public shaming, providing both entertainment and a lens for reflection. Finally, the pacing is expertly crafted, balancing intense suspense with quieter moments of character introspection, making the series both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Should You Read One Of Us Is Lying Books In Order?

Yes. While it is possible to read One of Us Is Next independently, reading the series in order enhances the experience significantly. The first book establishes essential context, introduces critical characters, and sets up narrative patterns that pay off in the sequel. Reading out of order may result in spoilers, missed references, and a reduced sense of continuity. Additionally, witnessing character growth and the evolution of relationships over time is a central pleasure of the series, something that can only be fully appreciated in chronological order.