Mystery fans looking for a new author to binge will want to know the name Karen M. McManus, who hit the New York Times and International Bestseller Lists with her first three published mysteries One of Us is Lying, Two Can Keep a Secret, and One of Us is Next. Haven't heard of McManus and wondering why? It could be because her novels are published under the TEEN umbrella. But don't let that stop you from picking up a copy! McManus is a gifted mystery author who crafts top notch whodunits that are tightly plotted with gasp worthy twists! Just because her protagonists are teens, doesn't mean these mysteries are lacking any of the edge of the seat suspense mystery fans have come to expect from a great novel.
If you haven't read a McManus book, I'd recommend starting with her 2017 debut, which can best be described as The Breakfast Club with murder. Five teens, Bronwyn the brain, Addy the beauty, Cooper the jock, Nate the criminal, and Simon the outcast enter afterschool detention. It's your average school day until Simon leaves in a body bag, and according to the police, Simon's death was no accident. Which of the teens killed him? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out! USAToday called One of Us is Lying "no ordinary whodunit...surprising and relevant" and I wholeheartedly agree. This book had me turning pages at a breakneck speed and well into the night!
McManus's fourth novel, The Cousins, releases December 1st. I had the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this title and it sealed the deal for me. With four outstanding mystery novels that haven't hit a single wrong note, McManus is officially one of my new favorite mystery authors!