I thought this was an EXCELLENT conclusion to the Bayview series! We got great POVs from Nate, Addy and Phoebe plus some flashback POVs from some past villains, which I thought were top notch. There was plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and keep things interesting. The pacing was pretty much perfect: not too fast, but steady enough to keep things moving along. Honestly, this was probably the best of the three, in my opinion. I absolutely tore through this one. All the characters we know and love were there and at their found family best. There were lots of sweet and funny moments amongst the more serious ones and I loved seeing all the different friendships and relationships at play, in particular Addy and Nate’s friendship and Knox and Phoebe’s growing relationship. As far as the mystery goes, I definitely had no clue where it was headed and it absolutely took me by surprise, which was fantastic. Overall, great conclusion (if it is a conclusion…)
TW: death, murder, violence

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Bayview Crew is back again and there’s a new revenge game afoot, but this time its involving the entire group and they’ll have to figure out whats going on before more bodies begin to drop. In the third and finale book in the One of Us is Lying trilogy, it combines the original Bayview Four and now the crew from the second book. It’s been almost two years since Simon died and everyone’s home in Bayview for the summer... but then a mysterious billboard appears that says “Time for a new game, Bayview” and when members of the Bayview crew begin disappearing... they know the game has just begun.. it doesn’t help that Jake has been released from prison and is roaming around... and he definitely has a reason to target them. Bronwyn. Cooper. Addy. Nate. Maeve. Phoebe. Knox. Luis. Kris. All of them could be a target and with no clue as to what’s going on and why they’ll have to try and figure out who could be behind it and which one of them is going to be targeted. Told from the perspective of Addy, Nate, Phoebe, Simon, and Jake, this is going to be an unforgettable summer and a killer ending to the series. I have always enjoyed this series and was so happy to see my Bayview Four back again and grown up from the first book. I loved getting to see more Nate and Bronwyn relationship moments and getting to see just the original four friends and their friendship. I loved getting to see Addy cope with the aftermath of everything she went through and endured in her relationship with Jake and how she’s grown stronger and I was so proud of her. Honestly, it was a fun summer mystery and a sweet ending for the Bayview Crew!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

The Bayview Crew is BACK for the third and final installment of the “One of Us Is Lying” series, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen M. McManus. I have been eagerly awaiting this book, and it did not disappoint!

It’s been almost two years since Simon Kelleher died in detention and the Bayview Four had to prove their innocence. Then, a new generation of Bayview students had to outwit a copycat seeking revenge. Now, the entire crew is back in Bayview for the summer and ready to move on. But then, a mysterious billboard appears: Time for a new game, Bayview. At first, it seems like a bad joke, but when a member of the Bayview Crew disappears, it’s clear this “game” is serious. Everyone is a target, and when someone from the Bayview Four’s past resurfaces, history begins to repeat itself, and things could get deadly. Simon was certainly right about one thing: secrets all come out eventually.

They say the third time is the charm, and “One of Us Is Back” certainly proves that. Another exciting YA thriller from the master of the genre. If McManus writes it, I will read it. Told from the points of view of Nate, Addy, and Phoebe, this final chapter perfectly entwines the original Bayview Four with the new members of Bayview Crew. The plot is solid, with plenty of twists, red herrings, and shocking secrets to keep you on the edge of your edge. The final reveal was unexpected, but it was a satisfying end to an incredible trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was not my favorite of the Bayview series. I felt like because I didn’t remember every detail of the previous books I was a little lost. That’s on me, not the author. I think the cast of characters has gotten so huge that I had trouble getting into the groove as it switched POVs. Is it worth the read for fans of the first two books, sure. But it wasn’t the best of the bunch. Thanks Netgalley for an ARC.

The third in the series! I cannot tell you much about it because it has all of the characters in books 1 & 2 and starts off with something that will make fans of the first two books so mad, but they will also just love this book. Has the same vibe as the first two–a great read!

4.5 stars
When I finished this book, I read the acknowledgments and One of Us is Lying was supposed to be a standalone. This third book was the ending I didn't know I needed for the original Bayview 4 in particular. It was such a full circle story and actually answered questions I didn't even know I had.
The first book was about the original 4, and then in the second book we got a new cast, though they were related to the original 4 and the original 4 were also in it. In this one, they all merged together to figure out one of the biggest mysteries yet. I love how much of a tight knit group they became.
Despite being so tight knit, there were still secrets between themselves, particularly Phoebe's secret of her brother Owen continuing the Truth or Dare game that got Brandon killed even though her sister Emma took the fall for it. We even got more secrets from Simon that connected to the current goings on.
Everything in this book flowed nicely together. I was always on the edge of my seat for one reason or another. People are disappearing, there is a hacked billboard hinting at a new "game," cars following the group, Jake getting a new trial. There was always a reason for someone to look over their shoulder.
This was just a satisfying closure for these characters that I'm really glad ended up happening.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC in exchange for my free, unbiased opinion!

Every time I start writing reviews, I have so many thoughts and feelings about the book that are sometimes hard to put into words. However, for this book, I can sum it up to just one: excellent.

This book follows the POVS of two of the original Bayview Four, Nate McCauley and Addy Prentiss, and one of the newest additions to the Bayview Crew, Phoebe Lawton. Originally I was a little skeptical about the picks (I am a big Maeve and Bronwyn Rojas fan) but I loved it by the end. Firstly, each character goes through emotional and mental growth from their first appearance to the last, learning how to navigate all of their emotions, family, trauma, etc. Secondly, it just made sense for the story. I enjoyed hearing their point of view of the events and I loved the characters even more by the end. Especially Nate... I love the found family trope executed in this book, they even call themselves "the Bayview Crew" or "the Murder Club". It is made up of couples (I LOVE THE COUPLES IN THIS BOOK), friends, family, etc but they all are one family and I loved it. It was fun to see all of them interact and get more scenes of the couples- Bronwyn+Nate is still my favorite but some of the others *almost* topped them.

Now, what we all came here for... the plot. I was not immediately pulled into the book (there is no BIG death scene like the first one, understandably) but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. I started reading around 4:30 p.m. and did not put it down till 12:30 a.m. I do not want to give anything away so I will not talk about the details, but there was drama, red herrings, murder, mystery, and so much more. The ending was shocking and had me going back through going "How did I miss this" or "I knew that was suspicious".

Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I am excited to see what everyone else thinks!

A Thrilling Return to Bayview

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus, the third installment in the One of Us Is Lying series, delivers another gripping mystery that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Building upon the success of its predecessors, this novel brings back the beloved characters of Bayview while introducing new twists and turns that will leave readers breathless.

Set two years after the events of the previous books, the aftermath of Simon’s death continues to haunt the Bayview Four. As the crew returns home for the summer, hoping to move on, a mysterious billboard appears, heralding the beginning of a new game in Bayview. But when one of the crew members goes missing, it becomes clear that this game is deadly, and the rules, if there are any, are kept hidden.

McManus once again demonstrates her talent for crafting intricate plots and complex characters. The narrative is fast-paced, with each chapter ending on a suspenseful note, compelling readers to keep turning the pages. The author skillfully balances multiple storylines and perspectives, providing insight into each character’s experiences and secrets, making them all potential targets in this dangerous game.

The strength of One of Us Is Back lies in the development of its characters. Bronwyn, Cooper, Addy, Nate, Maeve, Phoebe, Knox, Luis, and Kris are all brought back with depth and authenticity, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level. The evolution of their relationships and the exploration of their individual struggles make for engaging reading. The dynamic between the characters, filled with tension and mistrust, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

The element of mystery is expertly maintained throughout the book. McManus skillfully plants clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing and questioning the true identity of the game’s orchestrator. The reveal is satisfying and unexpected, although some readers may find certain aspects predictable, detracting slightly from the overall impact.

One of Us Is Back is an engrossing addition to the series, showcasing Karen M. McManus’s ability to craft captivating mysteries. Fans of the previous books will appreciate the return to Bayview and the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of their favorite characters. Newcomers to the series may find it beneficial to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the character development and overarching narrative.

One of Us Is Back delivers a thrilling and suspenseful story that will satisfy fans of the series. Karen M. McManus weaves together a complex web of secrets and danger, keeping readers invested until the final page. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, this installment is an enjoyable and worthwhile read for lovers of YA mystery and suspense.

Amazing addition to the Bayview series!

The Bayview Crew are together again for the summer, but when a billboard advertises another game to play and Jake Riordan is released on bail, things start to get weird again.

I loved seeing the follow up from the first two books! Just when I thought Simon's influence was done with, here it comes again.

This one just reinforces my love of YA thrillers.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

It’s been two years since the original Bayview Four had to prove they were innocent in Simon’s death. Then the next generation had to play their way through a deadly game of truth or dare. Now, everyone is home for the summer and ready to move on with their lives.

But someone else has different ideas. When a strange message shows up on a billboard in Bayview, at first no one thinks anything of it. However, when a member of the Bayview Crew disappears, they realize this is serious. A new game has surfaced. And everyone is a target.

Thanks to Delacorte and NetGalley for an advanced copy of One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus to review! I had to round out the trilogy, just to see how McManus ends it. Fans of the first two books will be pleased with this ending, giving everyone a send off in the most Bayview way possible.

You’ll find a lot of the classic Karen McManus elements in this book, with hidden family secrets, a few twists and turns, and of course, high stakes. I did like that as narrators, we got a mix of the original four and some of the characters in the second book. It added a nice variety, and help with the overall mystery of the story.

We also get some flashbacks in this one, which don’t make sense until the end of the book. I don’t think McManus will be returning to this set of characters, but I guess you never know! It did feel more final than the other two stories, though. Plus, McManus built on the character development from the previous two books, and I think that works to her advantage.

Do I think the story in this one was maybe a little far fetched? Perhaps, but I think that’s because this didn’t necessarily need to be a trilogy (but I get why it was). All in all, fans of McManus’s other books will still devour this story, and it acts as a good send off for these characters.

The Bayview Crew is back and solving another mystery or two. This third installment was just as good as the first two, and possibly a tiny bit better as I really liked the mystery and the final twist at the end. My only disappointment was that we only had three points of view from the Crew, but we had bonus ones that we had never heard from before.

The story is told from the POVs of Nate, Phoebe and Addie for the most part. It was wonderful spending time with them again, especially Nate. It was nice to see Nate given more page time and to see that he is turning his life around for the better. Phoebe is still struggling with the fallout from the second book, especially with her brother’s issues. And that of course is affecting her relationship with Knox. Addy is the final point of view and she is also struggling a bit emotionally. All of the rest of the gang are still in the picture and it is of course a group effort to figure out what is going on.

We do have some flashbacks from two characters we have never heard from before, and I found these to be fascinating and perhaps one of the best things about this book. I won’t say who, as that might be a bit of a spoiler, but if you are familiar with the books you can probably guess who they are.

As usual, the plot is very well done. Lots of nice twists and unexpected happenings. We learn a lot more about Bayview and some of the secrets many people have been keeping in this town. The pacing is at time fast and furious, but there are a few down times so that we get to a chance to catch our breaths. I love this author’s writing style and it is always a pleasure to read her books.

If you read the first two books and enjoyed them, I am certain that you will like this one too. If you have not yet picked up this YA mystery/thriller yet, now would be a good time as the series is done and you can binge read them.

I am a big fan of Karen McManus and One of Us is Lying is one of my favorite books. I was looking forward to this book and I did enjoy it but not as much as the others. I think there are too many people mentioned from the previous books and it became confusing to keep all the names and stories together. That took away from the enjoyment of the overall plot. I still thought it was a good mystery and I enjoyed how they all came together with their own talents to catch the culprit. Thank you #NetGalley for my early copy.

This book had a slow start, but had a great finish! It kept me interested and entertained the entire time and I really enjoyed the characters and the story. A really great YA series!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the arc of this book.

Karen M. McManus has done it once more with the third book in her series. As a devoted fan who has eagerly consumed all her previous works, I can confidently say that this latest addition lives up to expectations. With its intricate plot and skillful character development, McManus continues to shine as a talented storyteller.

McManus excels at crafting complex narratives, and this book is no exception. The story delves deeper into the overarching mystery, introducing new layers of intrigue. The pacing is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and eagerly guessing at every twist and turn. McManus effortlessly weaves together multiple storylines, ensuring a satisfying resolution to all the intricate threads. The complexity of the plot adds an exciting depth to the reading experience, leaving readers craving more.

The characters in this installment are as authentic and relatable as ever. McManus has a remarkable ability to breathe life into her protagonists and supporting cast. Each character possesses their own unique strengths, flaws, and motivations, making them feel like real individuals. The friendships depicted within the story are captivating, showcasing McManus' talent for capturing the complexities of human connections. The genuine and compelling relationships elevate the overall reading experience.

As an enthusiast of the English language, I found immense pleasure in reading this book in its original form. McManus' writing style is engaging and eloquent, effortlessly drawing readers into the narrative. The dialogue is sharp, and the descriptions are vivid, painting a clear picture of the story's settings. The beauty of the English language enhances the suspense and emotions embedded within the pages.

While translations can broaden accessibility, I believe reading McManus' works in English allows readers to fully appreciate the nuances of her storytelling. The original language captures the intricacies and subtleties that may be lost in translation, adding an extra layer of depth and enjoyment to the reading experience.

In conclusion, the third book in Karen M. McManus' series is a captivating installment that showcases her exceptional storytelling abilities. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and engrossing friendships, this book is a worthy addition to the series. McManus continues to prove why she is a favorite among young adult authors, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Whether you choose to read in English or through translations, this book is a must-read for fans of thrilling and intricately woven tales.

I've been a fan of Karen M McManus since One of Us Is Lying and this was a great wrap-up of the series. Twisty and page-turning.

A satisfying conclusion to the Bayview Crew's story! Fans of the One of Us is Lying series will enjoy this ending. I found it to be a quick, but engaging YA read. You could argue there are too many characters, but I appreciate what Karen McManus does in this book to tie everyone together from the first two books in the series. Bronwyn and Nate are still my favorites. Sad to see Bayview come to a close, but I can't wait to see what she writes next! I'll definitely buy a physical copy to complete my set. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 (just because the ending was a little out there...but I still loved it!)

• Thank you to #RandomHouse #DelacortePress and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is July 25, 2023.

“One of Us is Back” is the third book in the “One of Us is Lying” series, and arguably the best. Life hasn’t been easy for the Bayview Crew. First they had to prove they weren’t killers. Then a new generation had to outwit a vengeful copycat. Now, it’s beginning again.

Kirkus Reviews described it as “A satisfying and hopeful closer in a masterful trilogy” and "McManus keeps the cinematic plotting tight with plenty of twists, red herrings, and long-buried secrets as she entwines the mysteries from the first two books…Another solid thriller from a master of the genre."

Ms. McManus returns with another page-turning whodunit that will keep you hanging on the end of your seat!

McManus does an excellent job of bringing the Bayview Crew back together again to track down a killer that is (gasp) out for revenge! This story does a great job of addressing all of the unanswered questions from the previous two books and giving us a deeper dive into each character and their friendships.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an engaging and entertaining read. You will be glued to the pages as this mystery unravels and the story reaches a shocking conclusion that you will never see coming!

One of Us is Back kept me hooked and turning the pages. I was very much invested. I loved that we got to see both friend groups merge and see the dynamics with how the Bayview Four expands within the friend group. I love their friendship.

I absolutely love Nate, Bronwyn, Addy, Cooper and Kris so much so getting to see them again made me very happy. This story has been so interesting to me as each book progresses the story keeps evolving and creating more layers and mysteries to follow.

Overall this was a really great ending to the story and I cannot wait to grab my hands on a physical copy. This book comes out July 25, 2023! Thank you Penguin Teen Canada and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

CHARACTERS (IN CASE ANYONE NEEDS A BREAK DOWN):

The original Bayview four:
- Bronwyn Rojas: goes to Yale; Maeve’s sister; dates Nate.
- Cooper Clay: baseball star; dates Kris.
- Nate Macauley: dates Bronwyn; works at Knox’s dad’s construction (Myers Construction); injured in last book.
- Addy Prentiss: works at Cafe Contigo; Ashton’s sister; Eli’s sister-in-law; took time off after HS; dated Jake in book 1.

Members of Bayview crew:
- All the original Bayview 4 (see above)
- Maeve Rojas: Bronwyn’s sister; dating Luis; previously had leukemia
- Phoebe Lawton: sister of Emma & Owen; works at Cafe Contigo; interested in Knox
- Knox Myers: volunteers at Until Proven: interested in Phoebe

Other Characters:
- Ashton Prentiss: Addy’s sister; married to Eli
- Eli Kleinfelter: Married to Ashton; Addy’s brother-in-law; lawyer at Until Proven
- Jake Riordan: Addy’s Ex
- Keely Soria: Cooper’s Ex
- Kris Becker: Coopers’s bf
- Luis Santos: Maeve’s bf; works at Cafe Contigo (his family’s restaurant)
- Emma Lawton: sister of Phoebe & Owen
- Owen Lawton: sister of Phoebe & Emma
- Manny: Luis’s brother
- Simon Kelleher: Created About That; deceased; Mayor’s son.
- Janae Vargas: Simon’s best friend
- Vanessa Merriman: Bullies Addy in book 1; crush on Jake
- Evan Neiman: Bronwyn’s ex; dated in book 1 after Nate thought they weren’t compatible
- Jared Jackson: “Intense Guy”; book 2
- Jules: Phoebe’s “friend”; had crush on Nate; dated Sean.
- Sean: dated Jules.
- Derek: Emma’s ex; also hooked up with Phoebe
- Evie: new waitress at Cafe Contigo
———————
MY THOUGHTS
- I consider this series YA thriller. I enjoy some YA books from time to time. This is third & final book of the series. I recommend reading the books in order.
- There are definitely way too many characters.
- It’s an enjoyable read, but I don’t think a 3rd book was necessary in this series. At this stage, plot feels played out. Of the 3, I liked the first one the most.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️Moderately-paced YA thriller. 3rd and final book in series. Predictable, but enjoyable.

Thanks to Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on July 25, 2023.