One of Us Is Dead

Jeneva Rose • Crime fiction, Thriller, Suspense

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose Summary: Book Characters & Analysis

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose, an internationally bestselling author, New York Times recognized writer, and bestselling author, is a juicy psychological thriller filled with gossip, betrayal, and murder in an upscale Atlanta suburb. This fast paced novel is a binge worthy escape and a super fun read for anyone who loves sensational, scandal-filled stories. This article includes a full summary, character guide, and analysis of its darkly entertaining themes.

Summary of the Novel

The elite, wealthy women of Buckhead live glamorous lives — perfect husbands, wealth, beauty, and influence. But beneath the polished surface of their exclusive world is competition and personal ruin waiting to erupt, especially within the walls of Glow, the high-end beauty salon and hair salon that serves as a hub for secrets, gossip, and social maneuvering.

The story revolves around Jenny, who owns Glow and is the popular salon owner trusted by Buckhead's elite. Her beauty salon is where the town's secrets are exchanged among the wealthy women, making her a confidante and a neutral observer in their tangled lives. She becomes entangled in conflict between:

• Shannon, who has lost Shannon's crown as the queen bee after being pushed aside following her divorce from her politician husband, congressman Bryce Madison
• Crystal, the innocent Texan girl and much younger woman who replaced Shannon as Bryce's new wife, now navigating the treacherous social scene
• Karen Richardson, a power-hungry social climber struggling with her own unfulfilled desires
• Olivia, beautiful but dangerous — and holding volatile secrets

Alliances shift, scandals unravel, and revenge spirals out of control… until one of these women turns up dead.

Detective Frank Sanford is assigned to investigate the murder, delving into the secrets and scandals hidden beneath Buckhead's luxurious exterior.

The question becomes: Who killed her — and why?

Told from alternating perspectives, the truth slowly emerges that privilege and perfection hide deadly motivations.

Setting

The glittering world of One of Us Is Dead unfolds in Buckhead, Atlanta—a neighborhood so lavish it’s often called the “Beverly Hills of the East.” Here, the privileged and pampered elite live in huge houses, drive luxury cars, and maintain the illusion of the perfect marriage. But beneath the surface, this world is a ticking time bomb of juicy secrets and vicious drama.

At the heart of Buckhead’s social scene is Glow, the most exclusive salon in town, owned by the ever-observant Jenny. This isn’t just a place for blowouts and manicures—it’s the unofficial headquarters for gossip, plotting, and power plays. The salon’s plush chairs and endless champagne set the stage for all the elements of an incredibly fun suspense: whispered betrayals, shifting alliances, and the kind of scandal that would make even the Real Housewives blush.

Jeneva Rose uses the setting to full effect, making Buckhead feel both glamorous and dangerous. The exclusive salon is where the women’s facades crack, revealing the desperation and rivalry simmering beneath their polished exteriors. Olivia Petrov, the unofficial queen of Buckhead, rules this world with a perfectly manicured fist, her every move watched and envied by the rest of the privileged circle.

As the story races toward its explosive conclusion, the setting becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, amplifying the stakes and keeping readers wildly entertained. With its blend of luxury, lies, and lethal ambition, Buckhead is the perfect playground for a devilishly fun romp like One of Us Is Dead. If you love the over-the-top drama of Desperate Housewives or the irresistible intrigue of Real Housewives, you’ll find yourself right at home in this world of pure entertainment loaded with secrets, suspense, and style—right up until the final page.

Main Characters

• Shannon — furious after losing the life she built
• Crystal — new wife struggling to survive the social elite
• Karen — desperate to control the narrative
• Olivia — deceptive, manipulative, and unpredictable
• Jenny — the observer who knows too much

Themes & Analysis of this Riveting Thriller

• Wealth and corruption
• Female rivalry and image pressure
• Secrets as currency
• Friendship as a weapon

Rose’s writing blends thriller tension with sharp social satire — perfect for fans of suburban drama with twists.

Recommended For

Readers who enjoy:

• Big Little Lies
• Desperate Housewives
• Dramatic thrillers with multiple narrators