The Cousins

By: Karen M. McManus

Narrated by: Sarah Skaer, Kate Reinders, David Garelik, Julia Whelan

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Number one New York Times best seller • From the best-selling author of One of Us Is Lying comes your next obsession. You'll never feel the same about family again.

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised...and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point - not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious - and dark - their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over - and this summer, the cousins will learn everything. 

Fans of the hit thriller that started it all can watch the secrets of the Bayview Four be revealed in the One of Us is Lying TV series now streaming on NBC's Peacock!

©2020 Karen M. McManus (P)2020 Listening Library

Critic Reviews

“Every twist is gasp-inducing... Another McManus novel worth pulling an all-nighter for.” (Kirkus Reviews)

"McManus (One of Us Is Lying) once again crafts a taut, multilayered mystery....[She] weaves past and present to take readers on a well-paced, twisty ride that will hold readers rapt till the last page.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A slow-burn, uneasy beginning ultimately makes way for a frantically paced end peppered with twists that genre fans will happily take in stride.... Fans of McManus' previous offerings and of mysteries steeped in family dramatics will be eager for this." (Booklist) 

Decent

It was ok. It might have been Overhyped to me. I didn’t really like a single character, as they were snobs, or had bad attitudes. The story was kind of forced. I like this author, but this book seems rushed.

Not worth the time

I have not been this annoyed at the end of a book in a long time. At first, the book just drags on and nothing interesting happens and then in the last hour and a half all the things happen back to back. The only reason I am giving two stars instead of one is because the twist was semi-interesting. The conclusion of the book was anti-climatic and justice was never really served either. Don’t waste your money or credits on this book.

Amazing as always

At first I was afraid I’d be bored by the concept of cousins going on an island but this book was amazing. It kept me on my toes the entire time. I would definitely recommend if you’ve read Karen’s other books and enjoyed them.

Great Book Annoying Ending

I am a sucker for family drama and family secrets and this hit all the markers for a great story, but that ending upset me so much. Now I dont know if there is going to be a part two to this story, but that doesn't seem to be the case regardless please don't end stand-alone books like there is going to be a follow up book. please and thank you. other than that. 10 out of 10 for me.

A decent distraction

I enjoyed the book for the story line... sort of. The change up between voices while welcome at first got more distracting then useful by the end of the book. Although I did finish the book, it didn’t have many things to keep someone interested and the story line followed a pretty generic path.

Another Great Book

Karen M. McManus has definitely become one of my top favorite authors. I've read all 4 of her books and I've loved everyone of them. I love all(the ones we are supposed to) the characters in this story and I also enjoyed the ending and twist. Hoping for a sequel! I loved the audio on this book as well. The narrators did an amazing job being this story to life.

10/10

This was a great book! I couldn't put it down. I loved all of the different characters.

Honestly disappointing

This one sounded like it'd be so good! What a letdown. The story suffered from not spending enough time throughout planting the seeds for the "plot twists" at the end. The result? A slow, thrill-free thriller with a sloppily rushed finale.

The narrators were okay. Each were really great at doing their own character's voice but pretty bad when having to voice other characters' dialogue.

I thought family feud was a wholesome television show

Just another enthralling title from this author. Loved every second of it and it definitely keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen there was a twist in the plot that I never saw coming. You learn to love and hate all of the characters at the exact same time with the best part of them and their flaws peeking around each corner. Money, lies, popularity and backstabbing artist some of the major milestones you will experience during this roller coaster of a ride. The author says it best when you might not know everything that you think you know about your family, and some secrets are best left unsaid. I got a chance to listen to the audiobook version and it was a full cast production. It was amazing, each voice was chosen very well and fit perfectly within the storyline. The performers voices sounded young when they needed to and also sounded adult like when needed to. Tone and inflection were very well use and you could always tell the emotions the characters were showing. Just a great way to end the year on my book tracking and book journey!

An Entertaining Read Start to Finish

I really enjoyed this book. There were different narrators for each part which was really great!