15 Thrilling Books Like One of Us Is Lying to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

If you loved Karen M. McManus's One of Us Is Lying, you're in for a treat. From dark secrets and jaw-dropping twists to high school drama and complex characters, these 15 books deliver all the suspense and intrigue you crave. Whether you're after another gripping whodunit or a story filled with messy friendships and lies, this list has something for every mystery lover.

1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Looking for books like One of Us Is Lying with a determined, teen investigator? Pip Fitz-Amobi is a high schooler who decides to reopen a closed murder case for her senior project. But what begins as academic research turns into a dangerous hunt for the truth. With its smart, tenacious protagonist and twisty mystery, this book is a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

2. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Secrets, lies, and a haunting twist—this atmospheric novel is perfect if you enjoy psychological thrillers with emotional depth. Cadence Sinclair comes from a wealthy family that summers on their private island. But as fragmented memories resurface, she begins to uncover a devastating truth about what really happened there. Prepare to be blown away by the ending.

3. They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman

At Gold Coast Prep, everything looks perfect from the outside—good grades, beautiful students, and glittering futures. But when a murder rocks an elite secret society, cracks in this facade begin to show. Packed with privilege, betrayal, and toxic friendships, this one delivers a Gossip Girl-meets-thriller vibe.

4. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

From the queen of YA thrillers herself, The Cousins takes you on another rollercoaster of secrets and lies. Three cousins are invited to their estranged grandmother's estate, only to discover the dark truth behind their family’s fractured history. Like One of Us Is Lying, this book is full of surprises you won't see coming.

5. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

What if you inherited a billionaire’s fortune—but had no idea why? Avery Grambs is thrust into the world of the Hawthorne family, where puzzles, riddles, and dark secrets rule. This Knives Out-style mystery is a masterclass in tension, keeping you hooked with its blend of twists, family drama, and a sharp-witted heroine.

6. The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

Years ago, five cheerleaders died under mysterious circumstances in Sunnybrook. Now, Monica, the younger sister of one of the victims, begins to suspect those tragedies weren’t accidents. With its small-town setting, layered mystery, and chilling revelations, this one will keep you up all night.

7. Sadie by Courtney Summers

This heart-wrenching thriller follows Sadie as she seeks revenge for her sister’s murder. Told in dual perspectives—Sadie’s journey and a true-crime podcast—it’s a unique and emotionally raw story. Perfect for fans of suspense with deeper, more poignant themes.

8. People Like Us by Dana Mele

Boarding school drama meets murder mystery in this gripping novel. Kay Donovan, a popular soccer star, gets tangled in a deadly scavenger hunt that exposes everyone’s secrets—including her own. If you love cutthroat settings and morally gray characters, this is the book for you.

9. The Ivies by Alexa Donne

College admissions are a blood sport in this high-stakes thriller. At Claflin Academy, a group of friends will stop at nothing to secure spots at Ivy League schools. But when one of them is murdered, secrets unravel, and everyone becomes a suspect. Think Pretty Little Liars meets Big Little Lies.

10. This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

Told from multiple perspectives, this harrowing thriller captures 54 minutes of chaos during a school shooting. It’s a tense, emotional story about survival and how tragedy connects lives. If you’re looking for something intense and deeply affecting, this one delivers.

11. You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

Another McManus gem! Ivy, Mateo, and Cal skip school for a nostalgic day together, but their plans are derailed when they stumble upon a murder. Old grudges and new secrets come to light as they become suspects. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and impossible to put down.

12. One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

Can’t get enough of Bayview High? This sequel picks up a year after the events of One of Us Is Lying, with a deadly game of truth or dare targeting students. Suspense, scandal, and shocking reveals make it a worthy follow-up to the original.

13. White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig

Rufus Holt has one night to solve a murder—and clear his ex-boyfriend’s name. With a fast-paced plot, LGBTQ+ representation, and plenty of shocking twists, this thriller is equal parts emotional and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful.

14. Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

Spring break turns deadly in this dark, addictive mystery. Anna’s best friend is murdered, and she becomes the prime suspect. Told through flashbacks and courtroom scenes, this novel explores betrayal, obsession, and how far someone will go to protect their secrets.

15. Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This Southern mystery combines debutante drama with a good dose of scandal. Sawyer Taft, a mechanic from the wrong side of town, is pulled into her estranged family’s elite society—but their polished facade hides plenty of dirt. Fans of social intrigue and layered mysteries will love this one.

Find Your Next Addictive Read

Each of these books delivers the same gripping tension, juicy secrets, and shocking twists that made One of Us Is Lying so unforgettable. Whether you’re into investigative teens, dark family dramas, or high-stakes thrillers, these stories are sure to keep you hooked. So, which one will you read first?