Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place” he said, “where learning is a game.”
Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym, Truly Devious. It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.
True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its grave. Someone has gotten away with murder.
Truly Devious Review
There’s nothing but a good mystery every once and a while. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Truly Devious and while it isn’t my all-time favourite mystery, I still enjoyed it!
Truly Devious follows Stevie, a true-crime aficionado. Once she starts attending an elite boarding school, she tries to solve the mystery of a kidnapping that happened in the 30s. As she’s trying to solve the case, it seems as though Truly, Devious has returned!
Stevie is a really interesting main character. There are times that I really enjoy her but sometimes she’s a bit annoying. I really enjoyed the accurate representation of anxiety, though! I’m sure a lot of people will love this added representation, especially if you can personally connect to it.
I also enjoyed the side characters in this book. They’re all quirky and certainly bring up moments of suspicion throughout the book. It’s always a question of who could be directly involved with the mystery.
The plot of the book is also really enjoyable. My favourite part is definitely the flashbacks to the 1930s. Quite honestly, it’s the 1930s mystery that kept me turning the page. I’m not extremely invested in the present-day mystery but I’m hoping that changes with the next book!
The cliff hanger at the end of this book is a bit disappointing because it doesn’t make me crave the next book. But, I’m a sucker and am curious to hear more about the first Ellingham murder. Seriously … those flashbacks are my favourite!!
Overall, Truly Devious is a fun young adult mystery but it didn’t live up to my expectations. But, I do plan on reading the sequel to see how things continue!
If you’re a fan of mysteries or just want to introduce yourself to the young adult mystery genre, then certainly give Truly Devious a try!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favourite Quote
There is nothing so serious as a game.
About the Author
Maureen knew from an early age she wanted to be a writer. She went to high school at an all-girls’ Catholic school and graduated from University of Delaware with a degree in writing. She now lives and writes in New York City. Many of the adventures Maureen’s characters face in her books are based on real-life stories. Maureen has traveled all over Europe, and is a Secret Sister to vlog brothers Hank and John Green.
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