One of Us Is Lying

Five students in after-school detention are told to get to work – Simon, who shares gossip; Nate, the drug dealer; Bronwyn, the smart one; Addy, the popular girl; and Cooper, the athlete. A car accident brings them all to the windows. Their teacher leaves to help, but in his absence, Simon goes into anaphylactic shock. The remaining four try to help Simon, dumping out his backpack and checking the nurse’s office for an Epipen, but they are all missing. Simon is taken from the room by an ambulance but later dies. The suspicion falls on the four remaining students. They all maintain their innocence, but who is the liar?

This mystery encompasses murder, gossip and lies, young love, hidden agendas, and more. Initially, it looks like a simple murder by a classmate, as each one of the four have reasons to hate Simon for the gossip he has shared through his app. With some digging and some clandestine meetings, the events that led to Simon’s death are revealed, and readers will be stunned by the conclusion. Recommended for readers who love unexpected endings, like in We Were Liars by E. Lockhart or Liar by Justine Larbalestier.