The novel only touches upon this critical theme and fairly lightly delivered feminism that could have been explored more, but Phoebe’s ever growing character and social circle, from a kind hearted girl embarrassed to be seen with Knox to one who takes charge on a stake out presents critical changes. It is through Phoebe that McManus explores views of young women in society: from her pushy boyfriend to the slut shaming that follows her around school. Believing herself to be an open book she is shocked to find herself the first target of the Truth or Dare game and discovers the cruelty of game first hand.

Her character development is pivotal to the novel as she slowly let’s others in and her narrative is from the unique perspective of someone who has seen the damage gossip did to her sister last year, leaving her with little time or respect for the Truth or Dare game. Having grown up with leukemia Maeve struggles to let herself be loved and merely touches the surface of school drama and social circles: always unconsciously believing her cancer will return and not wanting to say goodbye. It’s through Maeve readers see a window into the old protagonists lives while still focussing on the current plot. Maeve is Bronwyn’s sister, a protagonist from One of Us is Lying now known as one of the “Bayview Four” after the media scandal a year ago.

One of Us is Next presents three protagonists and narratives: Maeve, Knox and Phoebe. But Truth or Dare may be covering up something far more sinister than rumours and secrets as Bayview discovers once again that everyone has something to hide. But as Maeve steps closer to uncover the shocking truth the game turns on her, revealing it’s not just Phoebe’s life the truths can destroy. The second convinces Bayview the game is harmless.

The first round reveals a shocking truth that destroys popular student Phoebe’s life. With the truth about Simon’s tragedy out Maeve, sister to murder suspect Bronwyn, knows more than anyone the toll last year had on Bayview’s targeted students and sees the danger more than anyone in the popular Truth and Dare game that suddenly surfaces. With a slightly cringe blurb and fear that nothing could live up to the hype, I was relieved to find One of Us is Next just as captivating.īayview High welcomes the return of its students after a year of speculation and investigations into the death of a student. Having polished off One of Us is Lying in one night, the impossible mystery and desperate characters hooking me in, I was only excited when I heard the announcement of its sequel.

Book after one of us is next