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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

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Anonymous said…
The young adult mystery novel set at Ellingham Academy a prestigious boarding school in Vermont known for the odd students who attend and its rich history. Stevie Bell, a girl who aspires to be a detective, is determined to solve the cold case mystery of the kidnapping and murder of the Ellingham family. While adjusting to her new school, Stevie begins to uncover clues, but the mystery deepens when another murder with strikingly similar events occurs. Stevie digs deep into the case with caution.

I found this book on the shelves of the Glendale Library and fell in love when I skimmed the first page. To those who are fans of mystery books, I truly recommend this one! The plot is one of the most interesting that I have seen and the new murder thickens the plot even further. The historical mystery surrounding the disappearance of Albert Ellingham’s wife and daughter is intriguing and keeps the readers guessing as to who did it many, many years ago. I could not put the book down.

Reviewed by AN, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
February 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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