50 pages • 1 hour read
Truly Devious
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Book Brief
420
Novel • Fiction
Vermont • 1930s
2018
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast, who enrolls in Ellingham Academy hoping to solve a 1936 cold case involving the kidnapping and murder of the founder's wife and daughter. As Stevie acclimates to her new school, she befriends fellow students and investigates another modern-day crime, intertwining past and present mysteries. The book addresses themes of anxiety and mental health challenges and contains references to murder and kidnapping.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Adventurous
Dark
Reviews & Readership
165,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson is lauded for its engrossing mystery, compelling dual timelines, and complex protagonist. Critics praise the atmospheric setting and intricate plot. However, some find the pacing slow and the ending abrupt, potentially frustrating readers expecting resolution. Overall, it's well-regarded for its creativity and engaging narrative.
Who Should Read Truly Devious?
Readers who enjoy Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson likely appreciate intricate mysteries, boarding school settings, and witty, determined protagonists. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska and E. Lockhart's We Were Liars will find similar themes of teen sleuths uncovering dark secrets. The novel blends suspense with sharp dialogue and complex characters.
165,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Albert Ellingham
Albert Ellingham
The founder of Ellingham Academy, a wealthy industrialist known for his love of games and learning, whose family's tragic past casts a shadow over the school.
David Eastman
David Eastman
A second-year student at Ellingham who becomes Stevie's love interest, known for his mysterious background and connections to political power.
Hayes Major
Hayes Major
A second-year student at Ellingham and a YouTube star, whose showbiz aspirations and manipulative tendencies complicate his relationships with his peers.
420
Novel • Fiction
Vermont • 1930s
2018
YA
14-18 years
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