ONE OF US IS BACK

A new game is starting in Bayview…but no one knows the rules in this latest installment in McManus’ bestselling One of Us Is Lying series.

After all they’ve endured, the Bayview Crew—made up of the original Bayview Four (Nate, Bronwyn, Cooper, and Addy); their successors (Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox); Cooper’s boyfriend, Kris; and Maeve’s boyfriend, Luis—attempt to move on with their lives. But Jake (Addy’s ex who tried to frame her for murder and almost killed her himself) has been released from jail and might even get a new trial. When a digital billboard in town ominously announces, “TIME FOR A NEW GAME, BAYVIEW,” the crew becomes vigilant, clinging to one another—because if they’ve learned anything since Simon’s death two years ago, it’s that everyone has secrets, and everyone is a target. While McManus, as expected, succeeds at engaging readers in another thrilling mystery, she focuses much attention on various characters’ challenges as they grow: Nate is determined to make himself worthy of Bronwyn’s love; Phoebe struggles to accept Knox’s affections while holding onto the secret of her brother’s involvement in Jared’s revenge on Addy’s brother-in-law; Addy must learn how to live in a world where she may have to encounter Jake again (despite the restraining order). And even from the grave Simon continues to have an impact on the community. Main characters read White; an earlier title describes Bronwyn and Maeve as Colombian American. (This review was updated for accuracy.)

A satisfying and hopeful closer in a masterful trilogy.