One of Us Is Lying meets Knives Out—with beasts, murder, and magic—in this first book in a thrilling locked-room whodunnit YA fantasy duology by Andrea Hannah and New York Times bestseller Rebecca Mix. After a decade of war, the kingdoms of Avendell and Istellia have finally agreed to peace. As nobles and magic wielders from both countries arrive at remote Castle Avendell for a historic all-night masquerade to celebrate, King Costis summons an unlikely group to his the crown prince, his Istellian bride-to-be, his personal guard, a wild beast teamer, and the palace’s questionable new healer. But before Costis can reveal why he has gathered them, the castle goes dark. When the lights come back, the king is dead—murdered with the princess’s knife, in a weak spot only his guard knew of, and with venom from one of the beast tamer’s monsters lacing the blade. With no clear killer—and everyone a suspect—they make a risky Tell no one until the treaty is signed. But when a winter storm seals everyone inside and someone aware of the king's untimely death begins to pick off guests one by one, the six suspects must work together to discover who killed the king . . . before one of them is next.
Publication Year: 2025
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~~Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!~~
4.5/5 stars rounded down!
The only feeling I had going into this book was good faith. I didn't enjoy Hannah's works, but I've loved everything I've read of Mix's. I was curious how the combined effort of these specific two author would turn out, especially with the fact there's six POVs in the book.
Turns out, this inspired Clue fantasy mystery worked out pretty well.
Despite all of the story taking place in the castle, the worldbuilding was so detailed and thought out; it's definitely my favorite element of the book. It helps that there's a link between this book and Mix's middle grade duology (If you know, you know), but the core of the mystery revolves entirely around the world's history and religion in order to solve it. I personally found it very clever, seamlessly weaving together worldbuilding and the mystery without making the necessary exposition paragraphs feel too dumpy. The fantasy elements aren't high, only enough for you to know and understand what's going on, which I thought was the right amount, given how heavy the story leans toward mystery.
The characters are pretty charming, too. The progression between near strangers sussing each other out from murder to them forging a found-family-like connection (As the story was taking place over a single night) was done as well as it could have. Some relationships were rushed, but the dynamics formed were still entertaining and well thought out. There were also Weekend at Bernie's scenarios that provided some lights of comedy in the midst of a serious murder mystery.
All in all, this was a pretty good read. The end left a few lingering concerns for the world and the characters, and since I'm seriously hoping for more substantial ties to Mix's middle grade, I will definitely be reading the next book!
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