One of Us is the gorgeous follow up to The Party. Elizabeth Day has done it again! She has steadily become on of my favourite authors and I can't wait for what comes next from her.

One of Us is a gripping and intricately woven tale of power, betrayal, and the quiet destruction wrought by privilege. With the tension of a psychological thriller and the precision of a social satire, Elizabeth Day delves into the dark heart of Britain’s political elite through the lens of one family’s unravelling.

At its core is Martin, a man once on the inside, now exiled from the dazzling world of the Fitzmaurice family after a mysterious fallout at Ben Fitzmaurice’s 40th birthday. Years later, he is unexpectedly drawn back into their lives just as Ben stands on the cusp of becoming the next Prime Minister. Martin’s return isn’t just about reconciliation; it’s laced with bitterness and a thirst for truth.

The story expertly dissects the inner workings of a family built on status and secrecy. Serena, Ben’s disillusioned wife, their activist daughter Cosima, the scandal-shadowed Richard Take, and Fliss, the family’s troubled outlier whose death casts a long shadow, all bring complexity to the narrative. Day handles each perspective with nuance, showing how personal fractures mirror a broader national discontent.

What sets this book apart is its unflinching look at the cost of power and the cracks that privilege often tries to paper over. Day is a sharp observer of class, legacy, and the masks people wear in public life. The writing is controlled and elegant, building suspense slowly and deliberately until it culminates in a quiet yet impactful reckoning.

One of Us is thoughtful, layered, and compulsively readable. It questions who really holds the power in our society, and what happens when the truth finally slips through the cracks. A perfect read for fans of slow-burn drama and literary suspense with a political edge.

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So I requested this arc not knowing it was a follow in so for me this book wasn’t the one! I did read it to the end and I can see if you had read the previous book it could and would be a fantastic read so for that reason I’m still giving a 4 star rating.

Follow up to the chilling simmering The Party. This was Saltburn before Saltburn. Fans of Day's twists and wit will not be disappointed with this. I would read the first outing The Party before reading this as it will help it flow. Very good follow up

Elizabeth Day’s One of Us is a gripping and psychologically rich novel that explores privilege, power, and the secrets we keep. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—Day’s storytelling is compelling, and I found it genuinely difficult to put the book down.

One of the standout aspects for me was the use of multiple narrative voices. Each perspective added depth and intrigue, offering fresh insights into the characters and the unfolding mystery. Day masterfully balances the pacing and tension, revealing just enough at the right moments to keep you guessing.

While the plot is dark and thought-provoking, it’s the complex characters and the shifting viewpoints that really elevate the novel. It’s a book that makes you question appearances and dig beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.

It’s an intelligent, addictive read that I’d definitely recommend.

This is an interesting book, which covers many aspects of 21st century concerns. It includes a range of well drawn characters, with their own doubts, insecurities and convictions. Martin, a lecturer who has never fully come to terms with his sexuality. Ben an ambitious and privileged politician. His sister, Jess, abused as a child and as an adult. Serena, trying to be the perfect, and thin, wife. Jarvis, a wealthy and obnoxious businessman man. Richard Tate, a flawed man, but possibly a reasonably honourable politician. Then there is Cosima, a passionate and honest teenager, who is angry about the way previous generations have neglected and threatened the environment. There are some wonderfully humorous passages, scathing political insights, pithy descriptions of modern day attitudes as well as reflective analyses of confused emotions. A very well constructed novel and a social portrait of life in the UK in 2025.

I love a book about privileged people doing bad things, and I loved the premise of One Of Us. It is shocking, about people at the heart of the establishment using their power and money to get what they want, and what happens when people who feel betrayed and let down have had enough, but it is so much more than that. It's about family and friendship, the sometimes almost unbearable divide between looking after the people you love and doing the right thing, and it's so much about identity too.

Despite everything that happens, there is only one character I felt absolutely no sympathy for. Everyone is so nuanced, their decisions so complicated, and I found myself warming to people who, at the beginning, I had thought were awful. It's satisfying on so many levels, there is darkness and scandal and comeuppance, but there are so many layers, a whole lot of tenderness too. A satisfying, scathing look at privilege and power in the UK establishment, and a sensitive, sometimes heartbreaking look at a family falling apart. It's a really powerful book, and I loved it.

Elizabeth Day's characters both fascinate and repel. Her attention to detail allows us to gain a clear picture of their entitlement and assumptions, of their extraordinarily flexible moral code - if one can even call it such.
This was a good follow up to ‘The Party' but readers do not have to be familiar with the latter to understand the former. Indeed, the author ensures that we are aware of how Ben and Martin's relationship has developed from childhood until the present day right from the outset of this novel.

One of Us is a sequel to The Party which I haven’t read and it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Day revisits the characters from the previous novel- Martin, once best friends with Ben has been ejected from Ben’s circle and now teaches at a minor university in Cambridge. Ben is the Conservative energy Secretary standing to be the next Prime Minister. After the death of Ben’s sister, Martin re enters Ben’s world and soon takes the opportunity to enact his revenge,
This was such a compelling read, I raced through it over the course of 24 hours and was completely caught up in the lives of the cast of mostly unlikeable characters. It’s fiction but it could easily be a factual representation of the lives of a group of Tory MPs and their appalling behaviour. It reminded me of the best of Jonathan Coe’s work and Day writes in the same effortless style that completely captures the details of the characters and their lives. A superbly written novel exposing the truths about the moneyed class that I would highly recommend. One of the best books I’ve read so far this year.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

‘One of Us’ is the sequel to Elizabeth Day’s ‘The Party’ but readers do not have to be familiar with the latter to understand the former. Indeed, the author ensures that we are aware of how Ben and Martin’s relationship has developed from childhood until the present day right from the outset of this novel.

Yet again, the focus is on ambitious, former public school and Oxbridge men, now with political clout, whose only desire is to increase their standing with their peers, their power and their wealth, whilst caring less than nothing about the ways in which they do so. Sounds familiar?

Ben is at the centre of this world and aiming for the top. Meanwhile, Martin, a lecturer in art history, is leading a quiet life in Cambridge until he receives an invitation to attend Ben’s sister’s funeral service. He accepts without knowing that the invitation has been sent by Serena, Ben’s long-suffering wife, to spite her husband after yet another of his unfaithful episodes.

Martin, back in the fold, but now viewing everyone and everything from a jaded perspective, begins to understand that the layers of toxicity run deep. Marriage and friendships are not as presented in the colour supplements and the generations are doing a grand job in passing down a blend of selfishness and callousness which permeates this wealthy clique. Except for one – Ben’s eldest daughter, Cosima, is determined to fight against her sheltered destiny.

Elizabeth Day’s characters both fascinate and repel. Her attention to detail allows us to gain a clear picture of their entitlement and assumptions, of their extraordinarily flexible moral code – if one can even call it such. Do the men at the centre eventually learn what really matters, what is truly of value? Possibly; only time will tell!

My thanks to NetGalley and 4th Estate for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

In spite of covering up his friend's drunken behaviour and taking the rap for the death of a young woman, Martin Gilmour has never really been accepted by the Fotzmaurice family. When they turn forty he is expelled from their privileged coterie forever. However an unexpected invite to the funeral of one of the family brings him back into their orbit and when the chance comes to wreak revenge he grabs it.

This is a fascinating novel about power and privilege and how class, even in this day and age, still holds sway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

As soon as I received the email inviting me to read this novel, I jumped straight into it and only just come up for air! Elizabeth Day has the ability to suck me into the characters and the plot immediately and One of Us certainly didn’t disappoint. From the minute I met Martin, an art lecturer in mandatory therapy, my intrigue around his life and circumstances was piqued. This was aided by the narrative style which spoke directly to his reader. What followed is a tale of betrayal, class divides, complex relationships and all centred around potential PM Ben Fitzmaurice.

I am a big fan of plots revealed through multiple POV, and this has plenty of voices to hear. From Martin, Ben, his wife, sister and daughter, there was never a lapse in pace or drama. Although none of the characters are particularly likeable, they are all strong yet damaged and make you question whether revenge or delivering “just desserts” is ever worth pursuing in the end.

Gripping, tense, emotional and sometimes disturbing (trigger warnings needed) this was a book I literally could not put down.

Thank you to the 4th Estates Team, author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the latest Day offering and I eagerly await the next!

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I loved it!! Brilliant storyline with excellent characters. I didn't realise it was a follow on from the party, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This enjoyable novel from the reliable Elizabeth Day adopts the viewpoint of several individuals each of whose lives are linked in various different ways. We meet Serena, a semi-aristocratic beauty, all too conscious that her looks are fading as she enters middle-age and unhappily married to Ben Fitzmaurice, the minister for Energy and a rising Tory star who has set his sights on Downing Street. But Ben may face trouble from Martin, a university lecturer who has recently been cancelled after being accused of racism. Martin and Ben were once close friends, to the extent that Martin once took the wrap to save Ben from criminal prosecution over a tragic accident for which Ben was, in fact, completely to blame for. Then, there is Cosima, Ben and Serena's teenaged daughter who is secretly an active member of an underground environmental movement, basically a cross between Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. Finally, there is Felicity or Fliss, Ben's sister, bohemian, somewhat troubled and often treated as an outsider by the rest of the wider, powerful wealthy Fitzmaurice family.
Elizabeth Day weaves these lives together expertly, producing a story which only proves dramatically satisfying but which satirises many aspects of British society in the 2020s.

Really enjoyed this current affairs novel/political satire.. It could well refer to members of any political party who think they are above the law and can get away with any behaviour they seem fit.

Loved the characters and found it a great study of people and politics. Great read

One of Us is a pacey, political thriller about the ease at which the social elite can obtain power thanks to ‘the old boys’ network’ and their access to money and associated privileges. It is also an entertaining social satire with a range of characters that are vividly and humorously brought to life. A very enjoyable read!

A truly British novel, set among the establishment. Martin and Ben were friends for years until they were torn apart in the wake of a scandal. Following different characters, all well drawn and complex, this novel really explores the meaning of politics, power and loyalty. Beautifully written.

Absolutely brilliant thriller with an immersive narrative and a slew of authentic characters.

The themes of privilege, toxic masculinity and friendship was handled deftly and succinctly.

Such an emotionally charged storyline with the perfect set of twists to keep the reader engrossed until the last page.

Highly recommended

I loved The Party and One of Us is even better. The people at the heart of this story may be considered part of the elite and privileged. Rather like the Cazalets, they aren’t quite nobility but they are a cut above the hoi polloi and turning the microscope on them proves fascinating. Elizabeth Day has a sharp eye for every detail; names, actions, characters and motivations. This is a complex tale of public and private faces, power and privilege.
Martin and Ben, from the Party, meet again. Ben has climbed the political greasy pole with PM his next stop. But behind the veneer and facade, there are gaping cracks. Martin is still struggling with who he is and Ben’s family are a volatile mix.
This is really a story for our times; it feels a realistic reflection what goes on behind closed doors and taps in to all the hidden insecurities and secrets. It’s a real page turner, with moments of humour, a lot of insight and tension. Plenty of food for thought and so well written. Elizabeth Day is definitely one of my favourite contemporary authors and I can’t wait for more.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved this book. Characters are great and really invested in them. I didn’t realise this book is a follow on to the party but I didn’t feel it took anything away from the book, great story line.
Can’t wait to buy for friends and family.

I loved this book. Political intrigue, scandal and deception.
School boy dynamics played out on a national scale. Highly entertaining, great characters. I will be reading more from Elizabeth Day that is for sure.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy to review.

This follow up to The Party is a gripping Political read and is just perfect.

It is both gripping and with a sense of reality it held my attention and I really enjoyed reading about martin and his exile from the most influencial families and how it affects his life.

it is well written and brilliantly told and I loved it

Ms Day is fast becoming one of my fav authors..

Obsessed!! I LOVED The Party so when i heard about this follow on I was so excited I cannot begin to explain!
Firstly I think that you do have to have read the Party to fully appreciate this book as it refers a lot to events in the past . The same bunch of characters are there and you will hate them even more than you di in the first book! It's satirical in parts, a thriller sort of read in parts and also a sort of coming of age novel . It's also a very 'British' book and if you enjoy reading about the upper classes, about wealth and privilege and are not easily offended then pick this up . I would love to see both novels adapted for the screen as it shouts binge watch!
A great read

What an absolute TREAT to get to read this before publication?! I am SUCH a fangirl. I am so grateful to be allowed to immerse myself in the grimy world of Elizabeth’s creation; get up close to the cast of complicated characters and fully appreciate the clever plotting involved in this political saga. I was absolutely HOOKED and really enjoyed piecing the satisfying threads together. Themes include ecological protest, obnoxious sleazebags and unearned political power. IT CAN ONLY BE 2025! This will be another well-deserved smash hit - no question.

Ben Fitzmaurice is a cabinet minister, and when the PM resigns he's in line to replace him. Martin, an academic at a minor university, was at school with Ben and they were best friends (or so he thought) until they had a terminal but-up at Ben's 40th.This is a story of family and political intrigue which doubles as a satire of the last days of the Conservative regime and a gripping story. Thoroughly entertaining - highly recommended.