The Fitzmaurice family are used to covering up scandals, after all, years before they bribed the police to not press charges in a road accident, and paid Ben's friend Martin to take the blame.
Ben is now the Energy Secretary and vying to become Prime Minister so can little afford any further scandals to come his way. But with a daughter who is an eco warrior, and Martin back in the bosom of the family but still resentful, can things be plain sailing.
I hadn't realised this was a sequel to The Party, but it didn't detract from the storyline. The main characters didn't particularly have any redeeming features, but such was the skill in the writing, by the end you had to feel a touch of empathy for them, apart from one, which will become obvious.
It's a story of power and revenge, privileged people who think they can get away with anything.
It's not a quick read but it is an enjoyable one
I'm grateful to Netgalley and 4th Estate for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I have left my review on Goodreads, Bookmory, Storygraph and Fable now and on publication day will post to Amazon and Waterstones

One of Us is an odd sort of sequel; eight years on from The Party, Elizabeth Day shifts tone entirely, leaving behind the tight, claustrophobic character study of the first book for something aiming at Jonathan Coe–style state-of-the-nation satire. Unfortunately, it feels dated and often veers into cringe, without the sharpness or voice to really land its social commentary. The biggest misstep is the immediate retcon of Martin’s character: the ending of The Party is essentially rewritten so that he emerges here as far more likeable, which blunts the original’s impact and makes it feel like the author doesn’t fully understand her own creation. It’s as if the novel is designed to work better for readers who never touched the first book, which is frustrating if you were invested in what came before. I was excited when I first heard about this, but the lack of bite, the tonal mismatch, and the softening of its most interesting character make it a disappointing follow-up.

I loved Magpie, so I was excited to get my hands on this one, and it delivered. Five POVs, all unlikeable characters (both tricky to pull off), but Day makes it work. I wasn’t rooting for anyone, yet I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There’s something fascinating about peeking into the lives of the powerful, the wealthy, the privileged, and this book leans right into that.

I enjoyed this book but I hadn't realised that it was a follow up book to a book called 'the party'. I think I would have got more out of it if I had read the original book. Having said that I was still engrossed in the story. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and executed. It very much had saltburn vibes. I think I will read the original book now and any others by this author.

I did not realise that this was a sequel. However, it did not in anyway limit the story or the enjoyment. The characters were each interesting in their own right and reflective of many today, particularly Ben, the politician around whom the story revolves It was highly contemporary reflecting a lot of issues. in the news at the moment. Quite a bit of humor kept it light when needed. A fun read

This was a tricky one to rate, parts of it I loved, others not so much - but overall I did enjoy it. It’s full of morally grey characters, not a single truly likeable one in sight, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make it harder to connect or root for anyone.

The tone and setting will feel familiar to anyone who’s followed UK politics over the last decade, with certain plot points clearly inspired by real events. At times, those parallels pulled me out of the story a little, but the intrigue and sharp character work pulled me back in.

Although it’s technically a sequel to The Party, it works perfectly well as a standalone. The web of relationships is easy enough to untangle, and the mix of personal ambition, family drama and political manoeuvring makes for an addictive blend. It’s very much an “old boys’ club” atmosphere, laced with manipulation, betrayals and shifting loyalties.

The pacing is uneven in places, but once it hits its stride, it’s a compelling and cynical look at power, privilege and the lengths people will go to secure their place at the top.

This, I have to say, is my favourite novel of the year so far. It's an expertly written genre-mix of contemporary political shenanigans/thriller/family drama. I loved the multi-narrative approach, which I think shows Day's brilliance and versatility as a writer and her expertise at creating really complex characters, and the plot threads and secrets were beautifully played out, and the ending is definitely worth getting to. There are, as I mention (probably too) often, a bunch of writers (and reviewers, which always surprises me) who don't like 'unlikeable' characters. But, look, the way that a character is drawn and created by the writer is only one element of the whole novel. The characters in this novel are all, in their own ways, unlikeable, and (possibly, therefore) they're compelling. You don't have to *like* these pretend elements, you just have to see what they're doing to the overall story, and here, their unlikeability is absolute perfection. Superb in every way. My grateful thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC. Highly, *Highly* recommended.

I've not read any books by Elizabeth Day before and didn't realise One of Us was the follow up to a previous book. Luckily I don't think it mattered too much. I still enjoyed reading One of Us very much. Very 'Saltburn'. Very satirical. At times very funny. Some horrible characters who behaved exactly as you expected them to behave. I loved the way the story unfolded from the POV of different characters so the reader sometimes has more information than the characters do. I definitely think I'll go back and read the author's other books. A very enjoyable read with a satisfying if something of a clifftop finish. Recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Although I liked the idea for the book, and liked some of the witty asides to the reader, it wasn't a book I warmed to. I really wanted to and could appreciate how well written it was , but the self serving worlds of politicians and aristocracy put me off and o found I didn't care what happened.
Sorry just not for me.

Friendships and secrets at the heart of this story , with betrayal, ambition and family twisted in the plot.
A tragic death covered up in the university years but loyalty is rewarded years later when political ambition takes precedent.
Disillusioned and hurt, finally confessing the truth to the police means that banishment from the social circle is complete for Maurice.
Welcomed back to the circle at the funeral of fliss, sister who was betrayed by those who should of protected her.
The rarefied world of country house's, lineages and politics with ambition and greed.
I enjoyed the characters even when I didn't like their actions.

I loved this book. Elizabeth Day writes this story with such an acerbic wit that at points had me howling with laughter. Having characters involved in politics and behaving in dubious ways provides the opportunity for humorous satirical fodder. Although fictional some of the comments are funny enough that you could believe them being said on Have I Got News For You.

The book begins with the outsider character of Martin Gilmour who finds himself on the outside looking in with old school friends, Ben Fitzmaurice is part of the establishment and a politician with a glittering career ahead of him who unceremoniously ended his friendship with Martin, The aftermath of Martin being reintroduced into the Fitzmaurice's lives leads to events unfolding and greater truths being known.

The premise of the book relates to the behaviour of the establishment, their behaviour and the impact actions can have on people. The book is narrated from multiple characters which adds to the story telling and helps understands the different motivations that the characters have throughout. Whilst not all the characters are likeable, their thoughts, feelings and actions seem realistic. I understand the behaviours of the characters within the book, despite not necessarily liking them I was compelled to keep reading.

Parts of the book have a slight mystery element to it, as the story unfolds all is revealed relating to the motivations of a suicide within the story. There is a small section of the book relating to sexual assault that is slightly graphic that I think its important readers to be aware of. It is not a predominant theme of the book but is a small section of the story that some people may find uncomfortable.

Will not restore your faith in politicians but a very good read. It demonstrates how shallow and self-serving they are and how their ambition is more important than anything else.

I highly recommend it.

A good story, and well-written. I didn't like any of the characters (but none of them is the sort of person I would warm to anyway) which made it difficult to care about what happened. Nevertheless, it is a compelling book.

A sharply incisive read from a talented author. I was gripped by this sequel which is, I think, even better than The Party. Elizabeth Day writes with wit, satire and humour. Most of the characters are not likeable but she had the ability to make us feel empathy and hostility towards them with a few well written sentences.
The plot is tight and there is plenty of suspense to make this a great page turner. The characters are well drawn and all too realistic blinkered in their world of wealth and irresponsibility. This series (and I hope there might be a third) would lend itself well to being filmed as Day writes in a visual and dramatic style.
I would strongly recommend this book. It can be read after The Party or as a standalone novel.

I’m afraid to say that I didn’t finish this book - I realised I’d got part way through and I wasn’t gripped and didn’t care what happened to any of the characters.

I put off reading this initially as I wanted to re-read The Party 1st but then decided to dive in. The start sums up The Party so well that this could easily be read as a standalone in my view.

Brilliant topical issues come to the fore in this novel and are explored and challenged with razor sharp characterization.

I did think there were too many different points of view and maybe keeping to 2 or 3 would have enhanced this for me.

Not as gripping as Magpie was, but wonderfully unlikeable characters that I loved to hate, and a new lens to look at people rising into power.

Elizabeth Day delivers again with One of Us—a sharp, compulsive, and fast-paced read that had me turning pages late into the night. Classic Day: effortlessly readable, thought-provoking, and deliciously layered.

What I loved most was the way the narrative switches between different characters’ perspectives. It allows the story to unfold in a nuanced and intimate way, giving us insight into their motives, secrets, and insecurities, while steadily building tension. Each voice is distinct and compelling, drawing you deeper into the tangled web of loyalty, power, and long-buried betrayals.

Set within the inner circle of a British establishment family, this is a story about what happens when privilege is pushed to its limits. Where can you hide a secret when everyone is watching? And what does love really mean when everything—family, reputation, even legacy—is at risk?

I was particularly struck by how Day portrays the darker, less redeeming qualities of her characters—flaws that ultimately shape their choices and dictate their fates. It’s captivating, at times uncomfortable, and always incisive.

The book is packed with scandal and gossip, but it also reads like a knowing wink to recent UK politics. There are sharp observations on class, generational divides, and the performative theatre of wokeism. Satirical, smart, and eerily familiar in parts, it’s both a mirror and a magnifying glass on modern British society.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven drama, with a side of scandal and social commentary.

I did not realise that this is a sequel to The Party which to me is the original 'saltburn' story. I enjoyed this immensely and it was captivating to read how some of the characters not so redeeming qualities overrule and dictate the outcomes in their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley & publisher for the book.

I love a dysfunctional family drama, and this was Dysfunctional with a capital D. A cast of mostly horrible characters with a few good eggs, all with too much money and some really dumb ideas. Perfect 👌🏻

I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting multi-layered novel. I particularly liked the characterisation and how chapters focused on one character with their own chapters throughout the book. The plot was seen by many people's eyes and opinions. It was very prescient, particularly the politics and climate change element.
Individuals stories were emotional, shocking yet inevitable in our modern society.
I would thoroughly recommend this, a great read