Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Stevie Bell is extremely surprised when she is accepted into Ellingham High, a prestigious private school for people who are geniuses at what they do. Stevie feels out of her depth - she hasn't done anything important, but she's an expert on the kidnappings that had happened to the Ellingham family eighty years ago. When one of the students at her school dies mysteriously, and none of the facts seem to add up, Stevie jumps on the case.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was a well written mystery and very tense in some places. The author did a good job of creating this mystery, and also utilized flashbacks to when the Ellinghams were kidnapped to tell more of the story. The characters were all well fleshed out and believable, and the main character, Stevie, was likable. The mystery was very fun to read and think about. However, the story ended off unfinished - but it is continued in a sequel. Overall, I think this is a great book if someone wants a good mystery written in a YA-style novel.

Reviewed by NK, Grade 10

Montrose Library