If you love books packed with drama, betrayal, and a bit of murder, “One of Us Is Dead” by Jeneva Rose should be on your reading list. It’s a gripping, scandalous thriller that gives off serious Real Housewives meets Big Little Lies energy—but with even more deceit and deadly consequences. Set in the posh neighborhood of Buckhead, Atlanta, this book follows a group of wealthy women who thrive on social power games. Friendships turn into battlefields, secrets unravel, and someone doesn’t make it out alive. Sounds juicy, right? Let’s dive in.
Plot Overview (No Major Spoilers!)
The story revolves around a group of wealthy, high-society women whose relationships are built on status, money, and carefully crafted appearances. Their go-to salon, Glow, is where they gossip, spill secrets, and maintain their carefully curated personas. At the center of it all is Jenny, the salon owner and unofficial keeper of everyone’s dirty laundry.
The core group includes:
- Shannon – The former queen bee of Buckhead, who is unceremoniously dumped by her politician husband, Bryce. But Shannon isn’t the type to go down without a fight.
- Crystal – Bryce’s younger, newer wife. She’s an outsider trying to fit into the cutthroat social scene, but she may not be as clueless as she seems.
- Olivia – Ambitious, sharp-tongued, and always ready to take someone down if it benefits her. She’s the woman you love to hate.
- Karen – The quieter one of the bunch, but she’s hiding secrets that could shake up everything.
As the tension builds, friendships crack, alliances shift, and one of them ends up dead. The big question? Who dies, and who is responsible?
What Makes This Book So Addictive?
1. Messy, Dramatic Characters
This book thrives on its messy, manipulative, and entertainingly flawed characters. No one is completely innocent, and everyone has their own agenda. Shannon is power-hungry and desperate to maintain her relevance, Crystal is naive but learning fast, Olivia is a master manipulator, and Karen is quietly navigating the storm.
Jenny, the salon owner, is the best narrator because she’s watching the chaos unfold from the sidelines, making observations without directly getting involved (but let’s be real, she knows everything). It’s fascinating to see how each woman’s choices lead to their downfall.
2. The Ultimate Guilty-Pleasure Read
This book reads like a reality TV show in the best way possible—full of catty arguments, shocking betrayals, and backstabbing friendships. If you’re a fan of books like The Wife Between Us or Pretty Little Liars, you’ll love how the drama escalates with each chapter.
3. Fast-Paced and Unpredictable
Jeneva Rose knows how to keep readers hooked. The short chapters and alternating perspectives give us little breadcrumbs of information, keeping the mystery fresh. You’ll keep turning the pages, wondering, Who’s going to crack first? Who’s lying? And, most importantly, who ends up dead? The twists are sharp, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, something shifts.
4. A Dark Look at Power and Status
Beyond the murder mystery, the book does a great job exploring the toxic nature of high-society circles—how women are pitted against each other, how power and status dictate friendships, and how desperation can drive people to make horrifying choices. It’s not just about the murder; it’s about what people are willing to do to maintain their image.
Things That Could Have Been Better
While this book is an absolute page-turner, a few things might not work for every reader:
- Most of the characters are morally gray (or just plain awful). If you’re looking for a protagonist to root for, you might struggle because almost everyone has their own selfish motives. But if you enjoy flawed, complex characters, you’ll love this.
- The ending is divisive. Without giving anything away, some readers felt that the final reveal could have been stronger. It wraps things up well, but it might not be the shocking jaw-dropper some expect.
- It’s heavy on drama. This book is not a deep psychological thriller—it’s more about the scandal, gossip, and messy entanglements. If you’re looking for something more intense and dark, this might not be your cup of tea.
Final Verdict: Should You Read It?
Absolutely, yes—especially if you love thrillers filled with drama, betrayal, and unexpected twists. It’s the kind of book that keeps you entertained from start to finish, and you’ll want to talk about it the moment you’re done.
This isn’t just a murder mystery; it’s a peek into the lives of wealthy women who will do anything to stay on top. It’s scandalous, sharp, and downright entertaining. If you enjoy books that feel like watching an episode of Desperate Housewives or Gossip Girl, “One of Us Is Dead” is the perfect read for you.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Would I read another Jeneva Rose book? 100% yes. She knows how to craft a story full of intrigue, tension, and unforgettable characters.
Have you read One of Us Is Dead? Let me know your thoughts! Did you guess the ending, or were you shocked? Let’s discuss! 👇📖💬