One Of Us Is Lying

I picked this up for the plot. It's an interesting idea, and pretty original. Five strangers wind up in detention. In that hour, Simon dies by consuming a drink laced with peanut oil (he's allergic). The story alters between the remaining four characters. All are suspects in his potential murder.

The book is marketed as a suspense, but it's actually mostly a drama as we navigate through the woes of each character's personal life. Weirdly, the title doesn't make sense, because, as it turns out, they are all lying about something.

Speaking of the characters, they aren't very memorable. McManus's writing style is stilted, and everyone sounds the same. They're all pretty shallow. There's some curse words throughout as well.

**SPOILERS**

I can't really comment without bringing this in. We learn a secret that involves a 13 Reasons Why type of answer, and yet, those who were aware of this secret never confess it, and the topic isn't dealt with.

The characters just don't really react much. Their thoughts and actions and responses are just so dry, almost unfeeling.

The story line works for the most part. The pacing is good. It keeps you going, but that's really all it has working for it, which just isn't enough.