One of Us Is Next and Other Mystery Books Worth the Read
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From Tiffany D. Jackson to Holly Jackson, some authors are really thriving on the mystery train. Not only are mysteries thrilling to read, but they can be pretty informative. Fiction is notorious for using imaginative plots to represent reality and mystery novels are no different. I have learned a great ton about myself, an amateur detective by day, and the world of murder mysteries. I have read six mystery novels this year that we believe are worth the read.
One of Us Is Lying
One of Us Is Lying was a spectacular mystery filled with twists and diabolical turns that made it hard to stop reading. I listened to the audiobook and the different voices for the characters really helped set the scene.
Naturally, I had watched the tv show prior to reading the book and the show actually made me want to pick it up. I’m glad I did because it’s 10x better than the show. As it should be. The character development was spot on and I enjoyed how the mysterious death of one student created a murder breakfast club like atmosphere.
The story is filled with drama, suspense, and all the savory who dunnit moments you could ask for in a mystery. While I did like the book, there were some parts that rubbed me the wrong way. The reveal of what happened to Simon can be triggering for some. But without giving too much away I think it’s important to note that there are moments that had me saying “WTF? The editor let that slide??”
Also I wish the book was more inclusive and diverse in its characters. I guess people write what they know but if you are only around white people or white passing latines that’s not really something I’d want to brag about. In fact, there should be more of an effort to diversify your characters even when the author is white. This can be done without being tropey.
One of Us Is Next
This installment after One of Us Is Lying is way better than the first. That’s incredibly rare. But the drama, suspense, and mystery really makes it hard to put this one down.
One of Us is Next provides a thrilling adventure from the perspective of some different characters in the world McManus has built. We get a point of view from Maeve, Know, and Phoebe while they deal with the repercussions of a new violent game of Truth or Dare.
We Were Never Here
This is a classic murder mystery where you’re unsure who killed who and who manipulated who. As the story progresses you are unsure of who to trust. The first person narrator or the sketchy friend.
Kristen and Emily’s friendship started off on a tilt with Emily allowing Kristen to run the reigns as she had the past ten years of their friendship. But when another body pops up between them you start to see that friendship slide into a downward spiral.
It was no secret to me that the climax turned out the way it did. However, I would’ve thought it had played out a different way. I thought there would’ve been more of a struggle than there was. This is a good mystery with fair descriptions and a wild turntable of events. But this book is about two white women who commit a crime so keep that in mind when you read this.
Monday’s Not Coming
Monday Charles is missing and no matter how many times Claudia, her best friend, asks for help in finding her it’s like she’s hitting a wall each time. This story was mesmerizing and horrific, a realistic entanglement of fictional characters living the lives of real life Black folk in this country.
When Black girls go missing, you’ll find little to no effort in finding them. Reading this will have you biting your nails, cursing out some characters, and will leave you in a puddle of tears.
Searching for your best friend when you don’t know what’s happened to them is a daunting experience. I feel for Claudia as I have been in her position way too young to know more or know better. This story is more real than you may realize. A must read!
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
This mystery had you thinking anyone could be the murderer at every turn. And the person who it ends up being is not someone I would’ve thought of. This mystery takes you on a whirlwind of ups, downs, “why would you”s and so much more while Pipa and Ravi try to discover the mystery that is Andie Bell.
Who took her? Is she still alive? And was it really Sal who did it? Honestly, this is such a tantalizing read you might finish it just as quick as I did.
They Wish They Were Us
They Wish They Were Us is an enticing mystery full of back and forth on who killed Shaila Arnold. The Players is similar to that of a fraternity or sorority with all its hazing and intimidation tactics just to be offered some idea they are superior to everyone else not in the group. The Player's storyline seems to take over a good chunk of the book which is important in finding out how the characters get broken down.
It does take a bit to get into and is definitely a book full of white privilege. Even the characters who aren't rich like Jill are full of it. It is Gossip Girl meets Riverdale, season one. A murder mystery in a setting full of rich white kids in a white-washed school.
The corruption and the murder seem to go hand in hand in this enthralling mystery. I enjoyed it and was very proud of how my first guess at who the killer was turned out to be right. For a debut novel, Jessica Goodman did her thang with this one. I just hope she finds other adjectives besides the word relent to use.
If you’re looking for a thrilling read that will also teach you something, look no further than the mystery novel. These six books are just the tip of the iceberg – there are plenty of other great mysteries out there to keep your reading list full. What are some of your favorite mystery novels? Let us know in the comments and we might just add them to our reading list!
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