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    Young Adult

    Books Like One of Us is Lying: 12 Reads You'll Love

    If you want more of One of Us is Lying's mystery, start with A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

    Updated July 2026

    Books like One of Us is Lying: 12 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder to Ten.

    Okay, so you devoured One of Us is Lying, right? And now you've got that particular itch—the one where you need another tangle of secrets, suspicious friends, and a mystery that just won't let you put the book down. You’re not alone! That feeling of being thrown into a pressure cooker with a group of teens, watching their carefully constructed worlds shatter, is incredibly addictive. You're looking for that next lightning strike of a story, and frankly, you deserve it. Karen M. McManus really nailed what makes a YA thriller sing. It wasn't just the 'whodunit' that kept you hooked in One of Us is Lying; it was the *how* and the *why*. The way she drip-fed you secrets, making everyone a suspect, and the shifting perspectives that had you constantly re-evaluating who you could trust. The prose itself was direct, no-nonsense, and kept the pacing relentless, like a steadily ticking bomb. And let's not forget the emotional gut punches—the unexpected vulnerability beneath the tough exteriors, the loyalty tested, and the sheer terror of being falsely accused. It’s that masterful blend of character-driven drama and plot-fueled suspense that elevated it beyond a simple mystery, making you genuinely invest in these flawed, compelling teenagers. So, what are you truly chasing in Books Like One of Us is Lying? It's more than just a genre; it's a mood. You're craving that delicious tension, the kind that makes your palms sweat and your heart pound. You want stories where the stakes are incredibly high, where every character is hiding something, and the truth is buried under layers of secrets and lies. You're probably after that unique vibe where the familiar setting of high school becomes a powder keg, and social dynamics are as dangerous as any physical threat. Think psychological suspense, intricate puzzles, and a cast of characters who feel entirely real, even when they’re making terrible decisions. This list is curated mostly for older teen and young adult readers, generally ages 14 and up. Expect mature themes like intense situations, death, social pressure, and complex moral dilemmas. While there might not always be explicit content, these books dive into the darker side of human nature and interpersonal relationships, so be prepared for some serious feels and thought-provoking scenarios. We built this list by hunting for books that share that special DNA with One of Us is Lying. We looked for stories with compelling mysteries, high school settings that feel both authentic and menacing, and ensemble casts where everyone's a suspect (or a potential victim). You'll find a mix of well-loved thrillers that everyone talks about, alongside a few hidden gems that you might not have discovered yet. Get ready to dive into more gripping narratives, twisty plots, and characters you won't soon forget. These Books Like One of Us is Lying are waiting to mess with your head in the best possible way. Happy reading, fellow mystery lover!
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    12 books like One of Us is Lying

    A ranked list of books similar to One of Us is Lying — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.

    2

    Ten

    by Gretchen McNeil

    This book brings that classic slasher movie premise to a modern YA setting, hitting that high-stakes suspense and isolated group dynamic just like One of Us is Lying. Ten friends are trapped on an island during a storm, and one by one, they start dying. It’s a gripping, fast-paced ride that’s perfect for readers who enjoy a good old-fashioned whodunit with a body count.

    3

    The Cousins

    by Karen M. McManus

    Since you loved One of Us is Lying, why not dive into another masterful mystery from Karen M. McManus herself? This one focuses on three estranged cousins summoned to work at their grandmother's resort, only to uncover a dense web of family secrets and a long-held grudge. It brings that same addictive blend of interwoven narratives and shocking revelations you crave.

    4

    Truly Devious

    by Maureen Johnson

    Set at a private school famous for an unsolved murder, this book perfectly combines historical mystery with a contemporary investigation, echoing the clever deductions and atmospheric setting of One of Us is Lying. Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast, enrolls determined to solve the baffling cold case. It's a great pick if you love a boarding school vibe and a very smart protagonist.

    5

    Sadie

    by Courtney Summers

    For fans who connected with the raw emotion and gritty realism beneath the surface of One of Us is Lying, this intense thriller follows a young woman seeking justice for her murdered sister. Told through dual narratives, including a podcast transcript, it’s a darker, more emotionally charged journey. This book is for you if you're ready for a truly immersive and heart-wrenching quest for truth.

    6

    The Inheritance Games

    by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    If you enjoyed the intricate puzzles and the ensemble cast dynamic of One of Us is Lying, you'll get a kick out of this one! A broke teenager inherits billions from a stranger, but only if she plays his elaborate, puzzle-filled game. It’s a bit lighter in tone but absolutely packed with mind-bending twists and turns. Perfect for those who love a clever mystery with eccentric characters.

    7

    We Were Liars

    by E. Lockhart

    This book shares that same sense of psychological suspense and families with deep, dark secrets that made One of Us is Lying so compelling. A wealthy family spends summers on a private island, and a terrible accident occurs, the details of which are lost to amnesia. It's a beautifully written, atmospheric read with a truly unforgettable twist. Consider this if you appreciate literary flair with your thrillers.

    9

    None Shall Pass

    by L.E. DeLano

    This lesser-known gem brings the 'locked room mystery' vibe to a whole new level, echoing the suspicion and confined setting feel of One of Us is Lying. A group of high school seniors on a college visit get trapped in a snowstorm, and then one of them turns up dead. Everyone’s a suspect, and secrets are forced into the open. It’s got that classic high-stakes, everyone-is-a-liar energy.

    10

    Small Favors

    by Erin A. Craig

    If the unsettling atmosphere and hidden dangers lurking beneath a seemingly normal surface in One of Us is Lying appealed to you, you might enjoy this darker, more atmospheric pick. A small, isolated town descends into paranoia after strange creatures appear in the woods and dark deals are made. It blends mystery with a touch of folk horror, perfect for those who like their thrillers with an extra layer of creepy.

    11

    Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812: The Official Book of the Broadway Musical

    by Dave Malloy

    Okay, this is a wild card for you! While not a thriller, if you loved the character-driven drama and feeling of being totally immersed in a story in One of Us is Lying, this unique book (based on a Broadway musical) gives you an intimate, almost voyeuristic look into a slice of 19th-century Russia. It’s a rich, sensory experience, perfect if you appreciate deep character dives and a story that truly transports you, even without the murder.

    12

    They Wish They Were Us

    by Jessica Goodman

    This book really nails the exclusive, secret-society vibe and high-stakes drama reminiscent of One of Us is Lying, but with a much darker undercurrent. Jill's sister died years ago, and now Jill's in the secret society her sister was in, uncovering unsettling truths about the past. It’s got a great mix of prep school intrigue, murder, and buried secrets. Perfect if you enjoy stories about the dark side of privilege.

    Why readers loved One of Us is Lying

    Okay, so you devoured [One of Us is Lying](/book/one-of-us-is-lying), right? And now you've got that particular itch—the one where you need another tangle of secrets, suspicious friends, and a mystery that just won't let you put the book down. You’re not alone! That feeling of being thrown into a pressure cooker with a group of teens, watching their carefully constructed worlds shatter, is incredibly addictive. You're looking for that next lightning strike of a story, and frankly, you deserve it.

    Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: mystery, thriller, suspense. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.

    Shared themes & tropes

    The threads that connect these recommendations to One of Us is Lying.

    Who this list is for

    Age group

    Young Adult
    New Adult

    Genre fit

    Thriller / Mystery
    Historical
    Literary Fiction
    Horror

    Perfect for readers who want…

    • mystery — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.
    • thriller — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.
    • suspense — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.
    • family secrets — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.
    • investigation — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.
    • high school drama — without losing what made One of Us is Lying special.

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