15 Books Like One of Us Is Lying
If you enjoyed “One of Us Is Lying” and are looking for similar books that blend mystery, suspense, and teen drama, you’re in the right place!
Here’s a list of captivating reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages for more thrilling twists and turns.
Books Like One of Us Is Lying
1. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
This gripping novel by Karen M. McManus, who also authored “One of Us Is Lying,” takes readers to the small town of Echo Ridge, where secrets run deep and the past shadows the present. When Ellery moves to town, she’s quickly drawn into the mystery of a missing girl, which seems eerily connected to the disappearances that have haunted her family for generations.
As Ellery digs deeper, she realizes that in Echo Ridge, everyone has something to hide, and uncovering the truth could be deadly.
Major Similarities: Like “One of Us Is Lying,” “Two Can Keep a Secret” is a mystery that combines elements of suspense, young adult romance and drama, and the unraveling of small-town secrets. Both novels are penned by Karen M. McManus, ensuring a similar writing style and approach to character development and plot twists. The stories revolve around high school students who find themselves entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and murder, making both books compelling reads for fans of teen mysteries.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
In “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” readers meet Pip, a high school senior who decides to re-investigate a closed murder case for her final year project.
The case, involving the supposed murder of a schoolgirl by her boyfriend who then commits suicide, is not as straightforward as it seems. Pip’s determination to uncover the truth leads her down a dark path filled with unexpected twists and turns. With each clue she uncovers, the danger grows, revealing that some secrets are meant to stay buried.
Major Similarities: This book shares the young adult mystery genre with “One of Us Is Lying,” focusing on a high school setting where the protagonist takes on the role of an amateur detective. The themes of investigation, secrets, and the impact of the past on the present are central to both stories. Readers who enjoy the mix of suspenseful storytelling, engaging character arcs, and the unraveling of complex mysteries in a school setting will find “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” similarly captivating.
3. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
“We Were Liars” is a sophisticated, suspenseful novel that delves into the complicated dynamics of a privileged family spending their summers on a private island. The story is centered around Cadence Sinclair, who suffers from selective amnesia following a mysterious accident.
As Cadence struggles to piece together what happened, the narrative takes readers on a journey through themes of love, loss, and the devastating consequences of secrets kept within families.
Major Similarities: Though “We Were Liars” leans more towards the psychological aspect than “One of Us Is Lying,” both novels are anchored in the themes of youth, secrets, and the transformative power of truth. The atmospheric tension and the focus on a tight-knit group of characters navigating complex relationships and uncovering buried secrets are common elements. Both books effectively use suspense and the element of surprise to keep readers engaged until the very end.
4. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
“Pretty Little Liars” is the first book in a series that follows the lives of four girls – Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily – who drift apart after the disappearance of their friend and group leader, Alison.
However, they are brought back together by mysterious messages from someone named “A,” who threatens to expose their deepest secrets. The girls must uncover the truth behind Alison’s disappearance and the identity of “A” before their secrets destroy their lives.
Major Similarities: Like “One of Us Is Lying,” “Pretty Little Liars” combines the mystery and thriller genres within a high school setting, focusing on a group of students with secrets to hide. Both novels are built around the theme of secrets, lies, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets or expose the truth. The element of a mysterious figure who knows too much about the protagonists’ private lives adds a thrilling layer of suspense to both stories.
5. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
“The Cousins” by Karen M. McManus tells the story of Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story, three cousins who barely know each other but are summoned to work at their wealthy grandmother’s resort for the summer.
Their grandmother, who disowned their parents years ago without explanation, now seeks to reconnect. But as the cousins start working and living together, they uncover family secrets that are darker and more complex than they could have imagined, leading them on a path to discover the truth about their family’s past.
Major Similarities: This novel shares the intrigue of uncovering family secrets and the dynamics of relationships within a complex narrative, much like “One of Us Is Lying.” Karen M. McManus’s signature style of blending mystery, drama, and the process of piecing together puzzles from the past is evident in both works. “The Cousins” explores themes of family, betrayal, and the quest for truth within a suspenseful storyline, appealing to readers who enjoy unraveling mysteries with deep-seated secrets at their core.
6. One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
This sequel to “One of Us Is Lying” continues the thrilling saga at Bayview High, introducing a new set of characters alongside familiar faces.
This time, the story revolves around a dangerous game of truth or dare that turns deadly, pushing students to their limits as secrets are unveiled and lives are changed forever. The stakes are higher, and the mysteries deepen as the past intertwines with the present, threatening to unravel the lives of everyone involved.
Major Similarities: Directly following the events of “One of Us Is Lying,” “One of Us Is Next” maintains the essence of its predecessor with a blend of mystery, suspense, and the complexities of high school life. The engaging narrative style, the theme of secrets and lies, and the high stakes involved in uncovering the truth are elements that fans of the original will find compelling. The book’s focus on a new mystery while still connecting to the overarching story of Bayview High provides a fresh yet familiar experience for readers.
7. They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
Set in the elite Gold Coast of Long Island, “They Wish They Were Us” follows Jill Newman and her friends in the exclusive secret society called The Players.
As Jill prepares for her senior year, she’s haunted by the murder of her best friend Shaila three years ago, a crime for which her boyfriend was convicted. However, Jill begins to question the truth behind Shaila’s death and the role The Players might have played, leading her on a dangerous quest for justice and the real story.
Major Similarities: Like “One of Us Is Lying,” this novel is a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a high school with elite cliques and secret societies. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets or uncover the truth. The combination of a compelling whodunit plot with the dynamics of teen drama and the quest for justice mirrors the engaging, suspenseful storytelling found in McManus’s work.
8. Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
“Little Monsters” is a chilling tale of how far some will go to keep their secrets hidden. The story centers around Kacey Young, a new girl in the small town of Broken Falls, who quickly becomes part of a tight-knit group of friends.
But when one of them, Bailey, goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Kacey finds herself at the heart of the investigation. As the truth begins to unravel, Kacey discovers that her friends might not be who she thought they were, and that the town hides darker secrets than she could have imagined.
Major Similarities: This book shares the gripping mystery and complex character dynamics seen in “One of Us Is Lying.” The narrative delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the facade of small-town tranquility, which masks the sinister realities beneath. The suspenseful atmosphere, coupled with the unfolding investigation through the protagonist’s perspective, mirrors the engaging, twist-filled plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
9. All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban
This thrilling debut by Diana Urban is a fast-paced read that combines elements of a locked-room mystery with high school drama.
The story begins with six students, each with their own secrets and connections, being invited to a scholarship dinner, only to find themselves trapped in a room with a bomb, a syringe filled with poison, and a note demanding they choose one person to kill to save the rest. As the clock ticks down, alliances form, and secrets spill, revealing the dark underbelly of their relationships and the true nature of their invitation.
Major Similarities: Similar to “One of Us Is Lying,” “All Your Twisted Secrets” presents a compelling mix of suspense, mystery, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The setting of a high-stakes situation where characters must confront their secrets and make impossible choices parallels the tension and drama of McManus’s narrative. Both books explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions, making “All Your Twisted Secrets” a captivating read for fans of teen thrillers.
10. The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
Five years ago, the town of Sunnybrook was shaken by the tragic deaths of five cheerleaders within a short span of time.
Now, Monica, whose sister was the last cheerleader to die, stumbles upon a series of unsettling clues that suggest these events were not just tragic accidents or isolated acts of violence. As Monica digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that many people in town want to stay buried.
Her quest for the truth puts her in danger but also brings her closer to understanding what really happened to the cheerleaders.
Major Similarities: “The Cheerleaders” shares with “One of Us Is Lying” a focus on high school dynamics, the impact of tragedy on a community, and the determination to uncover the truth behind events that have been seemingly resolved. Both novels adeptly weave together suspense and mystery with the emotional depth of their characters’ experiences, creating a narrative that explores the consequences of secrets and lies. The themes of investigation, the dark side of close-knit communities, and the quest for justice are prevalent in both stories, appealing to readers who enjoy complex, character-driven mysteries.
11. Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison
“Good Girls Lie” takes readers to the elite Goode School, an all-girls boarding school where the nation’s best and brightest are sent to become perfect ladies.
The school’s atmosphere of tradition and high standards masks a core of secrets and lies. When a popular student is found dead, the school’s facade begins to crumble, revealing that even the most innocent-looking students have something to hide.
The story delves into the complexities of teenage friendships, the pressures of legacy, and the dark actions taken to preserve one’s reputation.
Major Similarities: This novel shares the themes of secrets, elite schooling, and the facade of perfection with “One of Us Is Lying.” Both books explore the idea that everyone has something to hide, especially in a high-pressure environment. The tight-knit community, the unraveling of mysteries, and the focus on young adult characters navigating a web of lies and societal expectations resonate with readers who enjoy suspenseful stories set in academic settings.
12. People Like Us by Dana Mele
“People Like Us” is set at Bates Academy, where Kay Donovan finds a dead girl’s body in the lake.
The discovery leads to Kay receiving a computer-coded scavenger hunt, which implicates suspect after suspect in the murder. As Kay follows the clues, she must confront her own dark secrets and the realization that her perfect world is built on lies.
The story is a fast-paced thriller that examines themes of friendship, revenge, and the price of popularity and power.
Major Similarities: Similar to “One of Us Is Lying,” “People Like Us” combines the elements of a murder mystery with the dynamics of high school life.
The setting of an elite boarding school, the presence of complex female characters, and the exploration of themes such as identity, guilt, and redemption make both novels compelling reads for fans of young adult mysteries.
The use of technology and social media to unravel the mystery adds a modern twist to the traditional detective narrative.
13. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
In “The Inheritance Games,” Avery Grambs’ life changes overnight when she inherits a fortune from a billionaire she never met, under the condition that she moves into his mansion full of puzzles, traps, and his disinherited family who are willing to do anything to get their hands on the inheritance.
As Avery tries to solve the mystery of why she was chosen, she finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse within the mansion’s walls.
Major Similarities: This book shares the intrigue and mystery of “One of Us Is Lying,” with a unique setting that is rich in puzzles and secrets. The themes of unexpected twists, familial betrayal, and the pursuit of truth through a series of clues offer a similar appeal. The element of a protagonist navigating a new and complex world, where everyone has motives and secrets, echoes the complex character dynamics and plot twists that fans of McManus’s work enjoy.
14. This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher
“This Lie Will Kill You” tells the story of five students who are invited to a scholarship competition where they must confess their darkest secrets to win. However, the night turns deadly as they realize the game is a trap, meant to avenge a tragedy that occurred a year ago, which they all are connected to.
As the night progresses, the line between truth and lies blurs, and surviving the game becomes a matter of confronting their past.
Major Similarities: The novel’s premise of secrets, lies, and a deadly game parallels the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere of “One of Us Is Lying.” Both books involve a group of high school students with hidden connections and past events that haunt them, creating a compelling narrative that explores the consequences of actions and the power of the truth. The psychological depth, combined with the thriller aspect, makes this book a gripping read for those who appreciate stories where the past collides with the present in unexpected ways.
15. Killing November by Adriana Mather
“Killing November” is set in Academia Absconditi, a secretive school hidden away in an unknown location, where students are trained in the arts of espionage, assassination, and ancient codes.
November Adley finds herself at this school with no memory of how she got there and quickly realizes that the school is no ordinary institution.
As she navigates deadly classes, political intrigue, and her classmates’ suspicions, November uncovers she’s part of a much larger game—one that involves her mysterious family legacy and could be the key to survival or doom.
Major Similarities: Like “One of Us Is Lying,” “Killing November” offers a thrilling mix of mystery, intrigue, and a unique educational setting that hides dark secrets. Both novels feature strong, intelligent protagonists who must unravel the mysteries surrounding them while dealing with the complexities of teenage relationships and the dangers that lurk behind closed doors. The themes of secret societies, hidden agendas, and the quest for truth amidst a web of lies will resonate with readers looking for captivating, suspense-filled stories.
