The Cousins by Karen McManus

THE COUSINS by Karen McManus (One of Us is Lying) is a fabulous mystery and a great chance to escape to a summer venue on an island like Martha’s Vineyard. Three cousins, Milly Takahashi-Story, Aubrey Story, and Jonah Story, barely know each other when they are all summoned by their estranged grandmother to work at her exclusive resort on Gull Cove Island. First mystery: when they arrive, she seems surprised to see them, so who invited them? Next, why did she disinherit their parents (and a childless uncle) so many years ago?  What caused that rift and what secrets remain after more than two decades? What do the local residents know and why is the family lawyer trying to convince Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah to leave? What surprises are the cousins hiding from each other? Can they sustain the bonds they have begun to form? Fans of Lockhart’s We Were Liars as well as McManus’ many readers will enjoy this new title which picks up the pace in the second half and offers a diverting, suspenseful adventure. Kirkus says, “Another McManus novel worth pulling an all-nighter for.”  I agree.