If you’re anything like me, you probably tore through One of Us Is Lying in a single sitting—questioning everyone, trusting no one, and trying (but failing) to solve the case before Karen M. McManus revealed the truth. Right after I finished it, I went hunting for books like One of Us Is Lying that had the same gripping secrets, unreliable teens, and high-stakes twists that make the genre so addictive.
If you’re craving that same rush, I’ve put together a list that blends mystery, dark academia, teen drama, and the kind of tension that keeps you up long past midnight.
Why Do Readers Look for Books Like One of Us Is Lying?
There’s something irresistible about a thriller set in an everyday teen environment. The lockers, classrooms, friend groups, and school drama feel familiar—but then you add a crime, layers of secrets, and a tangled web of motives, and suddenly the world becomes electrifying.
Fans of One of Us Is Lying tend to love stories that include:
- A “who-did-it” mystery at a school or tight-knit community
- Multiple POVs filled with secrets
- Twists that reward you for paying attention
- Characters who aren’t what they seem
- That addictive blend of YA voice + psychological suspense
If this is your reading vibe, you’re definitely in the right spot.
Best Books Like One of Us Is Lying for YA Mystery Lovers
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
If there’s one book that captures the same energy as McManus’s world, it’s this one. The story follows Pip, a teen who reopens a murder case in her small town and quickly realizes nothing—and no one—is as innocent as they seem.
The investigative podcast-style elements and real-time clues make it perfect for readers who love interactive mysteries.
Why you’ll like it:
- High-school setting
- Layered secrets
- A protagonist who won’t let anything go
2. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
If you loved her writing style, stay with the author! This standalone thriller takes you to a creepy small town with a deadly homecoming tradition. When teens start disappearing, the secrets unravel fast—and dangerously.
Why you’ll like it:
- Same author, same addictive pacing
- Small-town secrets + eerie atmosphere
- Plot twists that land hard
3. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This one mixes classic mystery vibes with a modern boarding school setting. Stevie Bell, a true-crime obsessed teen, enrolls at a famous academy where an unsolved kidnapping still haunts the halls. She’s determined to close the case—but a new murder complicates everything.
Why you’ll like it:
- Dark academia vibes
- Smart, clue-filled mystery
- A balance of suspense and humor
4. They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
If you enjoy elite prep schools, secret societies, and scandals hiding behind perfect Instagram-ready lives, this is your pick. When Jill uncovers the truth behind her best friend’s murder, everything she thought she knew about her school’s privileged world starts to collapse.
Why you’ll like it:
- Gossip, privilege, and pressure
- High-school murder mystery
- Fast-paced, bingeable writing
5. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Though not a traditional murder mystery, the psychological twist in this book is one you will never forget. Wealthy families, a private island, and a tragedy shrouded in silence—it’s emotional, atmospheric, and absolutely unforgettable.
Why you’ll like it:
- Big secrets + summer drama
- Emotional storytelling
- A shocking reveal
More Books Like One of Us Is Lying (Quick Picks)
If you want a few more titles to add to your stack, here are bonus reads that deliver similar thrills:
- The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
- The Ivies by Alexa Donne
- One of Us Is Next (McManus’s sequel—read it if you haven’t!)
- The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
- People Like Us by Dana Mele
These all hit the sweet spot: secrets, lies, tension, and plots that mess with your head in the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I read after finishing One of Us Is Lying?
Start with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or Two Can Keep a Secret. Both mimic the fast pacing, teen drama, and twisty mystery style that fans love.
2. Are there adult books similar to One of Us Is Lying?
Yes! Try The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins or The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. They have more adult themes but offer the same unreliable-narrator suspense.
3. Is One of Us Is Lying appropriate for younger teens?
It’s usually recommended for ages 14+. It includes mild violence, romantic tensions, and mature themes but nothing graphic.
4. Which book feels most like One of Us Is Lying in tone and structure?
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is the closest match in terms of school setting, clues, drama, and pacing.
Conclusion: Your Next YA Thriller Adventure Starts Here
If you’re craving gripping, character-driven suspense, these books like One of Us Is Lying are perfect next steps. Whether you love dark academia, high-school scandals, or twisty investigations, each book on this list taps into that same irresistible blend of secrets and suspense.
So go ahead—your next obsession is waiting.
If you want a moodier psychological ride after this list, you may also enjoy exploring books like Verity or other jaw-dropping thrillers with unreliable narrators.
