YA Thriller Books Like One of Us Is Lying

If you devoured Karen M. McManus’s One of Us Is Lying and can’t stop thinking about the Bayview Four, you’re not alone. This addictive YA thriller proved that teen readers are hungry for smart mystery novels with authentic high school drama, complex characters, and twists that keep pages turning. These 20 books capture the same irresistible blend of mystery, romance, friendship, and social media drama that made One of Us Is Lying a phenomenon.

What Makes One of Us Is Lying So Addictive?

Understanding what readers love about McManus’s breakout hit helps identify similar books that deliver the same thrills:

Key Elements That Hook Readers:

• High school setting with authentic teen voices: Characters who sound like real teenagers
• Multiple POV structure: Story told from several characters’ perspectives
• Social media integration: Technology woven naturally into the plot
• Mystery with red herrings: Clues that mislead readers until the big reveal
• Romance subplots: Love interests that complicate the main mystery
• Social commentary: Issues like cyberbullying, stereotypes, and mental health
• Diverse friend group: Characters from different backgrounds and social circles
• Page-turning pacing: Short chapters and cliffhangers that demand “just one more page”

Why Teens Love This Formula:

• Relatability: High school problems amplified into life-or-death situations
• Empowerment: Teen characters solving problems adults can’t handle
• Social validation: Explores themes of belonging, identity, and reputation
• Emotional complexity: Balances humor, romance, friendship, and danger
• Justice themes: Bad behavior has consequences, truth eventually wins

The 20 Best YA Thrillers Like One of Us Is Lying

Organized by similarity and appeal to McManus fans

Tier 1: Perfect Matches (Most Similar to One of Us Is Lying)

1. One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

• Why it’s perfect: Direct sequel featuring new Bayview students
• Similar elements: Same school setting, truth-or-dare app, multiple POV
• New appeal: Fresh characters while maintaining familiar atmosphere
• Age recommendation: 14+ (same as original)
• Perfect for: Readers who want more Bayview High drama

2. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus

• Why it’s perfect: Same author’s signature style with small-town mystery
• Similar elements: Dual POV, family secrets, romance, social media
• New appeal: Homecoming queen murders and family legacy mysteries
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: McManus fans ready for different characters but same style

3. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

• Why it’s perfect: Family mystery with trademark McManus twists
• Similar elements: Multiple perspectives, secrets, complex family dynamics
• New appeal: Mysterious grandmother and family inheritance drama
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: Readers wanting family mystery over school-based drama

4. Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus

• Why it’s perfect: Returns to school setting with unsolved teacher murder
• Similar elements: Investigation club, school secrets, multiple suspects
• New appeal: Cold case mystery with podcast elements
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: True crime podcast fans who loved the investigative elements

Tier 2: Excellent Alternatives (Different Authors, Similar Vibes)

5. Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

• Why it works: Reverse chronology mystery with unreliable narrator
• Similar elements: Complex female friendship, wealthy teen characters
• Unique appeal: Story unfolds backwards, revealing shocking truth
• Age recommendation: 15+ (more complex themes)
• Perfect for: Readers who want more sophisticated narrative structure

6. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

• Why it works: Privileged teens with devastating family secrets
• Similar elements: Unreliable narrator, shocking twist ending, romance
• Unique appeal: Literary writing style with mystery elements
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautiful writing alongside mystery

7. They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodwin

• Why it works: Secret society investigation at elite prep school
• Similar elements: School hierarchy, investigation, romance, friendship drama
• Unique appeal: Secret society elements and class privilege themes
• Age recommendation: 15+ (darker themes)
• Perfect for: Readers fascinated by elite school culture and secret societies

8. The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

• Why it works: Investigation into deaths of former cheerleaders
• Similar elements: High school mystery, multiple suspects, dark secrets
• Unique appeal: True crime feel with cheerleading culture backdrop
• Age recommendation: 15+ (mature themes around death and trauma)
• Perfect for: True crime fans who want high school setting

9. Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

• Why it works: Best friend disappearance with multiple theories
• Similar elements: Missing person mystery, toxic friendships, small town secrets
• Unique appeal: Explores how well we really know our friends
• Age recommendation: 15+
• Perfect for: Readers interested in friendship dynamics and loyalty questions

Tier 3: Similar Themes, Different Approaches

10. Sadie by Courtney Summers

• Why it works: Teen investigating sister’s murder
• Similar elements: Strong female protagonist, family secrets, justice themes
• Unique appeal: Podcast format interwoven with narrative
• Age recommendation: 16+ (mature themes including sexual assault)
• Perfect for: Older teens ready for serious social issues

11. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

• Why it works: Teen caught between worlds after witnessing police shooting
• Similar elements: Social issues, authentic teen voice, moral complexity
• Unique appeal: Important social justice themes and cultural authenticity
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: Readers wanting social consciousness with compelling storytelling

12. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

• Why it works: Teen accused of murder tells her story
• Similar elements: Multiple perspectives on truth, justice system critique
• Unique appeal: Unreliable narrator with shocking revelations
• Age recommendation: 16+ (heavy themes around abuse and violence)
• Perfect for: Mature readers ready for challenging moral questions

13. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

• Why it works: Best friend investigates disappearance everyone ignores
• Similar elements: Friendship loyalty, investigation, systematic failures
• Unique appeal: Social services critique and community responsibility themes
• Age recommendation: 15+
• Perfect for: Readers who want mystery with social awareness

14. I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe

• Alternative for teens: What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
• Why it works: Small-town teen discovers family secrets during summer
• Similar elements: Class differences, family mysteries, romance
• Unique appeal: Contemporary issues with family drama focus
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: Romance fans who want mystery elements

Tier 4: Expanding the Genre (Slightly Different but Still Appealing)

15. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

• Why it works: Teen vigilante seeking justice for sexual assault
• Similar elements: Justice themes, high school setting, moral complexity
• Unique appeal: Darker take on teen empowerment and revenge
• Age recommendation: 16+ (graphic content)
• Perfect for: Mature readers ready for feminist themes and violence

16. Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power

• Why it works: Family mystery with supernatural elements
• Similar elements: Secrets, family dysfunction, unreliable information
• Unique appeal: Horror elements mixed with family mystery
• Age recommendation: 15+
• Perfect for: Readers who want supernatural elements with mystery

17. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

• Why it works: Teen criminal profilers solving cold cases
• Similar elements: Multiple POV, romance, investigation, teamwork
• Unique appeal: FBI training program for gifted teens
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: Readers who love procedural elements and crime solving

18. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

• Why it works: Student solves historical murders at elite boarding school
• Similar elements: School setting, multiple mysteries, romance subplot
• Unique appeal: Dual timeline with historical and contemporary mysteries
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: History buffs who want boarding school atmosphere

19. The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis

• Why it works: Companion to The Female of the Species with different POV
• Similar elements: Small town secrets, multiple perspectives, justice themes
• Unique appeal: Shows same events from different character’s viewpoint
• Age recommendation: 16+
• Perfect for: Readers who loved The Female of the Species

20. You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

• Why it works: Three former friends skip school and stumble into murder
• Similar elements: Friendship dynamics, mystery, multiple POV
• Unique appeal: Single day timeline with escalating danger
• Age recommendation: 14+
• Perfect for: McManus fans who want faster-paced thriller

Comparison Chart: Books Like One of Us Is Lying

Book	School Setting	Multiple POV	Romance	Social Media	Mystery Rating	Age Rec
One of Us Is Next	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	9/10	14+
Two Can Keep a Secret	✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	8/10	14+
They Wish They Were Us	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓	✓	8/10	15+
The Cheerleaders	✓✓	✓	✓	✓	7/10	15+
We Were Liars	✓	✓	✓✓	✓	9/10	14+
Genuine Fraud	✓	✓	✓	✓	8/10	15+
Sadie	–	✓✓	✓	✓	9/10	16+
The Naturals	✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓	8/10	14+

Legend:

• ✓ = Present
• ✓✓ = Strong
• ✓✓✓ = Central element

Reading Path Recommendations

If You’re New to YA Thrillers:

1. One of Us Is Lying (start with the original)
2. We Were Liars (beautiful writing, not too dark)
3. Two Can Keep a Secret (familiar author, different setting)
4. The Naturals (procedural elements, team dynamics)
5. Truly Devious (boarding school mystery)

If You Want More Karen M. McManus:

1. One of Us Is Next (direct sequel)
2. Two Can Keep a Secret (small-town mystery)
3. The Cousins (family secrets)
4. You’ll Be the Death of Me (friendship thriller)
5. Nothing More to Tell (return to school mystery)

If You Want Darker, More Mature Themes:

1. Sadie (sister’s murder investigation)
2. The Female of the Species (vigilante justice)
3. Allegedly (teen accused of murder)
4. They Wish They Were Us (secret society)
5. The Cheerleaders (multiple deaths investigation)

If You Love Romance with Mystery:

1. Two Can Keep a Secret (homecoming queen mystery)
2. What I Thought Was True (summer secrets)
3. We Were Liars (tragic love story)
4. The Naturals (FBI training romance)
5. Truly Devious (boarding school romance)

If You Want Social Issues with Thrills:

1. The Hate U Give (police shooting witness)
2. Monday’s Not Coming (missing friend)
3. Sadie (violence against women)
4. The Female of the Species (sexual assault justice)
5. They Wish They Were Us (privilege and class)

Age and Content Guidance

14+ (Similar to One of Us Is Lying)

Content: Dating, mild language, underage drinking, bullying, anxiety themes Books: Most Karen M. McManus works, We Were Liars, The Naturals Parent note: Good introduction to YA thrillers without extreme content

15+ (Slightly More Mature)

Content: More serious relationships, stronger language, death, trauma themes Books: The Cheerleaders, They Wish They Were Us, Burn Our Bodies Down Parent note: Addresses serious topics but age-appropriately

16+ (Mature YA)

Content: Sexual content, graphic violence, heavy trauma, mature themes Books: Sadie, The Female of the Species, Allegedly Parent note: Discuss themes beforehand; deals with serious social issues

Why Parents Should Feel Good About These Books

Positive Messages:

• Friendship loyalty: Characters support each other through difficulties
• Justice matters: Truth and accountability are important values
• Diversity appreciation: Characters from different backgrounds work together
• Problem-solving skills: Teens use intelligence and cooperation to solve problems
• Emotional growth: Characters learn from mistakes and develop empathy

Real-World Benefits:

• Critical thinking: Mystery plots encourage logical reasoning
• Media literacy: Shows how social media can be used positively and negatively
• Social awareness: Addresses important issues like bullying and mental health
• Reading engagement: Page-turning plots encourage sustained reading
• Discussion opportunities: Complex themes provide family conversation starters

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these books appropriate for middle schoolers? A: Books rated 14+ (like most McManus works) are generally appropriate for mature 8th graders. Younger teens should start with We Were Liars or The Naturals.

Q: Do I need to read One of Us Is Lying first to understand the sequels? A: One of Us Is Next works better after reading the original, but other McManus books are standalone. Each tells a complete story.

Q: Are there any books on this list without romance? A: Sadie, Monday’s Not Coming, and The Cheerleaders focus primarily on mystery with minimal romantic elements.

Q: Which books have the most realistic high school settings? A: Karen M. McManus books, They Wish They Were Us, and The Hate U Give capture authentic teen experiences and school dynamics.

Q: Are there any books with LGBTQ+ characters? A: You’ll Be the Death of Me and The Initial Insult include LGBTQ+ representation. Many others feature diverse characters and inclusive themes.

Q: What if my teen wants something scarier than One of Us Is Lying? A: Try The Female of the Species, Burn Our Bodies Down, or They Wish They Were Us for darker themes while maintaining YA appropriateness.

Q: Are there any books that deal with mental health issues? A: Many of these books address anxiety, depression, and trauma. One of Us Is Lying, We Were Liars, and Monday’s Not Coming handle mental health sensitively.

Q: Which books work best for reluctant readers? A: Karen M. McManus books, The Naturals, and You’ll Be the Death of Me have fast pacing and short chapters that keep reluctant readers engaged.

The Appeal of Teen Whodunits

Why This Genre Resonates with Young Readers:

Empowerment Fantasy: Teens solve problems adults can’t handle, giving readers a sense of agency and competence they may lack in real life.

Social Navigation: These books explore complex social dynamics, helping readers understand friendship, loyalty, and trust in their own lives.

Justice Seeking: The focus on truth and accountability appeals to teens’ strong sense of fairness and moral development.

Identity Exploration: Characters questioning who to trust and who they really are mirrors teens’ own identity development process.

Technology Integration: Social media and digital communication feel natural to teen readers, making stories more relatable and contemporary.

Emotional Validation: These books acknowledge that teen problems feel life-or-death important, taking young readers’ experiences seriously.

Building a YA Thriller Reading List

For Maximum Enjoyment:

1. Start with McManus: Read One of Us Is Lying first to establish expectations
2. Vary the intensity: Alternate darker books with lighter mysteries
3. Try different authors: Don’t stick to just one writer’s style
4. Consider series: The Naturals and Truly Devious offer multi-book experiences
5. Mix standalone and series: Balance quick reads with longer commitments

Creating Discussion Opportunities:

• Book clubs: Many schools and libraries have YA mystery book clubs
• Family discussions: These books provide natural conversation starters about ethics and decision-making
• Online communities: Goodreads and social media offer places to discuss plot twists and theories
• Writing inspiration: Complex plots can inspire creative writing exercises

Conclusion: The Perfect Next Read Awaits

If One of Us Is Lying left you hungry for more intelligent YA thrillers, these 20 books offer the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and authentic teen drama that made McManus’s debut so addictive. Whether you want to stay in the Bayview universe with direct sequels, explore McManus’s other works, or discover new authors who capture that same irresistible combination of thrills and heart, your next obsession is waiting on this list.

The best YA thrillers don’t just entertain—they validate the intensity of teenage emotions while providing empowering fantasies where young people solve complex problems, seek justice, and navigate complicated social dynamics. These books prove that teens are ready for sophisticated storytelling that respects their intelligence while delivering the page-turning excitement they crave.

Whether you’re looking for your next solo read or building a classroom library that will get students excited about reading, these books deliver the perfect combination of entertainment and substance. They’ll keep you guessing until the final page while providing the emotional satisfaction that comes from seeing justice served and truth revealed.

So pick your next read, prepare for plot twists, and get ready to fall in love with a whole new cast of characters who will keep you reading long past bedtime. The mystery genre has never been more exciting for teen readers, and these books prove that the best whodunits are the ones that make you care as much about the characters as you do about solving the crime.