For lovers of Karen M. McManus's One of Us Is Lying series, it is time to rejoice as the third and final installment, One of Us Is Back, once again lets readers visit Bayview as another mystery engulfs the community.
The Situation: It is summer break, and the Bayview Four...well, actually, they are more like the Bayview Crew now since there are more than four of them, are back together, and hoping to enjoy a drama free summer. The original group - Bronwyn, Cooper, Addy, and Nate - are now joined by Maeve, Phoebe, Knox, Luis, and Kris, before everyone once again goes their separate ways. Some will go back to college, others will be working, while a few of them still need to finish high school. Addy is excited to be leaving for a Peru in a few weeks, but right now, she cannot help but watch the news coverage concerning the return of someone they all remember well.
The Problem: Jake Riordan is speaking at his former high school, which is something that many, not just the Bayview Crew, are having a hard time coming to terms with. He is back in town, and it is not long before a local billboard begins to display a disturbing and cryptic message: TIME FOR A NEW GAME, BAYVIEW. The common belief is that the billboard was hacked, and while some are dismissive, others are more than worried. And when one of the Bayview Crew goes missing, it becomes clear to everyone that this game is serious, and with real consequences. It seems there are still some secrets that Bayview needs to reveal, and someone is intent on making it happen.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in the small community of Bayview somewhere in southern California. The original four characters from the first book are still front and present, and are joined with five more characters who were given more attention in the second book, One of Us Is Next. While this third installment follows the familiar structure of having the narration switch between different characters, this time it is Addy, Nate, and Phoebe who guide the readers through the events that happen between June 22 and July 30. After the appearance of the mysterious and disturbing billboard message, it is a team effort to uncover who is now looking for revenge in a town that is all too familiar with it, and what can be done to finally give Bayview some peace.
My Verdict: It would have been entirely possible for the first book to remain a standalone novel, but McManus was able to continue the story through two more novels, and each one contains its on mystery. The familiar faces are there, with the inclusion of a few new ones, and the three different narrators once again not only allows for different perspectives and bits of information, but also a wider range of events to occur across more area. Clues are meted out at a pace that is not too slow but also not so fast that details are lost. And as for concluding what has become a beloved series, not everything is tied up with a neat bow, which may frustrate some readers. But it is thought-out, not rushed, and gives a well-loved series a satisfying send off.
Favorite Moment: There are more than a few moments when Phoebe has to come face to face with her own naivete, selfishness, and lack of discernment.
Favorite Character: Nate Macauley has received the short end of the stick for most of his short life. This book opens up with him working too jobs and managing to live in his own place (with a lot of roommates), and also maintain a healthy relationship with Bronwyn. He has been through a lot, but is still holding it together.
Recommended Reading: Lovers of YA fiction will enjoy any of McManus's books, and The Cousins remains one of my favorites outside of the One of Us Is Lying series.
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