So somehow I missed out on the hype surrounding Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series. I know. I know. Now, though, after finishing Death at Morning So somehow I missed out on the hype surrounding Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series. I know. I know. Now, though, after finishing Death at Morning House, I promise to rectify that misstep ASAP. After all, thanks to a finely layered plot, deliciously dark humor, and some truly addictive characters, I just couldn’t get enough of Ms. Johnson’s fabulous locked room whodunnit—times two. Complete with an evocative setting and dual storylines bracketing nearly a century, there wasn’t a thing missing as I inhaled page after page.
The characters, as I’ve mentioned, were amazing. They were also—in a word—fun. If this book was proof positive of how well this author can bring to life teenagers and their not quite adult behaviors, then I’m 100% won over. And despite it having been quite a while since I was one myself, their faulty logic and overly brave actions were nailed, in my humble opinion. Marlowe, though, was easily my favorite. Realistically flawed yet also a dynamite main character as she sniffed out the truth, she was everything I wanted and more in this YA tale of mystery and suspense.
Stuffed to the brim with deftly obscured clues, rising unease, and head-snapping twists, it was the prose that guaranteed that this was a winner from beginning to end. Coming across as though Marlowe was speaking directly to me, it was both familiar and complex. The latter was likely down to the dual timelines and multiple POVs. And while I can easily see this one appealing to almost any teen, it also worked just as well for this far from teenage adult. Utterly original, I can only hope that it too will turn into a series. So come one, come all, this is one unputdownable mystery you’re definitely going to want to solve right along with Marlowe. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.
With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.
Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?
Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.
All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first.
Thank you to Maureen Johnson and Harper Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: getting drugged, house fire, mention of: death of a friend, drowning...more
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everyIt’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying… She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A terrifyingly realistic tale of dark romantic suspense, Everything We Never Said kept my eyes pinned to the pages. From characters that felt genuine and true to a plot that twisted and turned until a final timely reveal, the entire plot was quite chilling for even this adult reader. For that reason, while billed as a YA thriller, I think it was much more aligned to NA given the topic. Thanks to relatively explicit intimate scenesand a plot line that made a trigger warning essential, portions of this would have even been much more appropriate for an adult audience. It was only the characters’ ages kept it in the realm of NA.
Back to the winning attributes to this blindingly good book, though. A quick, easy read despite the heavy themes, I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going for much of the slow burn first half. So you can imagine my surprise when a twist to end all twists arrived on the scene. Shocking but also perfectly set up by the storyline, it took a straightforward tale and turned it on its head. Add in the adrenaline-fueled climax and smile-inducing conclusion, and this book hit all the right chords. Was it just a bit over-the-top? Well, yes—but given the age range, it made perfect sense.
My only hang up with this book was down to the genre. Namely, the strong romantic streak running throughout. Granted, I should have realized before I even picked this one up, but I was expecting something more akin to B.A. Paris, I guess. Instead, I found a twisted love story paired with a second half filled with plenty of thrills and chills. Ultimately, however, my discomfort with this was no fault of the plot. It was all down to me and my mostly anti-romance leanings.
All said and done, though, this was a story that all teens should read. Sometimes toxic relationships happen and kids—just like adults—need to be willing to lean on others for help. From seeing red flags and then acting on them to learning to trust one’s instincts, multiple lessons were illustrated that are important for all ages to hear. I also got lost in the multiple POVs, authentic teenage behavior, and dark secrets. So much so, in fact, that I read this in just a single sitting. So if you’re looking for a book meant for more than one age group that addresses hard to tackle topics as well as possessing a killer plot, this is the one for you. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Sloan Harlow and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers/Penguin Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 28, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, domestic abuse, mention of: teen pregnancy...more
Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, OliMost people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect…until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
Fast-paced, action-packed, and with a definite horror movie feel, Two Sides to Every Murder also shocked me to my core. A clever plot that would be perfect for fans of Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus, the only hint that this was a YA thriller was the age of the characters. After all, the plot was finely layered with shrewd observations about people and their behaviors. Altogether, it made the whole book feel much deeper than you’d expect a slasher-esque storyline to be given how thought-provoking it ultimately was.
The plot itself was truly impressive. From the creepy setting of a storm-riddled summer camp long left abandoned to the multiple twists and turns that kept me firmly in the dark, there wasn’t a thing not to love. I mean, the ever ratcheting tension and adrenaline-pumping action just didn’t let up. Essentially one long climax from beginning to end, it was no surprise that I inhaled this whole book in just one single sitting. So I’m not kidding when I recommend not picking it up until your chores are complete and you have no plans in sight. Otherwise, you’ll surely end up ignoring them all just to read one more page more times than you can count.
All in all, the binge-worthy premise was everything it promised and more. Told via dual POVs and with plenty of flashbacks, this plot will keep you on the edge of your seat whether you’re fifteen or fifty. I do wish the conclusion had had a bit more meat to it in the end, but all of my questions were answered before the last page. Ultimately, it was a masterclass in suspense and foreboding that had my fingers utterly flying, so do yourself a favor and grab your copy today. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Danielle Valentine and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Michael Linden, otherwise known as Linden to his closest prep school friends, has been invited to spend the last days of his summer vacation at his clMichael Linden, otherwise known as Linden to his closest prep school friends, has been invited to spend the last days of his summer vacation at his closest friend’s posh Martha’s Vineyard vacation home: August House. Arriving at the massive Victorian, Linden does his best to fit in. After all, he’s had plenty of practice hiding his less than wealthy home life from all of his boarding school pals.
When someone is found floating unconscious in the pool following a nighttime of partying, however, everyone is quick to brush it under the rug as just an accident. Even the cops seem decidedly underwhelmed by the scene. Linden, though, has an unnerving feeling that something seems unmistakably off.
Unsure what to do with his complicated feelings, Linden reaches out to the one person who will know just what to do: Holiday Proctor, his old childhood friend. After all, she is the one person on the island who knows the unvarnished truth about Linden. She also just so happens to be a rather good detective and perhaps that’s just what the doctor ordered.
Meeting her one afternoon, Linden fills her in on everything that has happened, partly hoping to hear her laugh at his outlandish suspicions. To his dismay, however, she not only agrees, but is determined to root out who the potential murderer might be on their very own. Because if there’s one thing Holiday seems sure of, it’s that there’s a killer on the island. And according to her, it’s now down to the two of them to figure out who.
A fresh take on one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels (The Mysterious Affair at Styles), Liar’s Beach was aptly named. After all, with secrets, lies, and plenty of hidden agendas buried deep within its pages, there were plenty of unexpected details left to uncover.
While billed as a YA mystery, I personally found this one decidedly more along the lines of a crime fiction novel geared towards teens. Following in Christie’s brilliant footsteps, the plot unwound with one twist after another, although perhaps a bit more predictably than the Grand Dame of Mystery herself. I was, however, thoroughly pleased to find the much required dénouement at the very end where all of the suspects gathered for the final reveal. Even better, I didn’t, for the life of me, sniff out what really happened until Holiday delivered her spiel.
The one glaring issue I found was with that conclusion, though. After all, when I turned the last page, there was one unanswered question. Now perhaps this will be addressed in a sequel, as I would truly love to follow this dynamic duo through about investigation, but I have a bad feeling that this book was a one off. So, inevitably, I’m somewhat disappointed with the lack of that nice, pretty, little bow at the end. Sigh, guess you can’t have everything you want, though, right?
Now back to the pluses, as I also have to applaud Cotugno on the well-developed, truly top-notch characters. Each of them were so much more than who I initially thought they were, including Linden himself. But the best bit was easily how each had their own unique identity. While some of them weren’t necessarily well fleshed out, they all did manage to capture my attention wholeheartedly despite some rather unlikable traits. But then, perhaps that was partly why they each felt so genuine and true-to-life.
All said and done, Liar’s Beachworked equally well for this decidedly not teenage reader. A quick, fun read that was just made for the beach, I had a blast following Linden and his wealthy friends around Martha’s Vineyard. With evocative descriptions and some rather witty dialogue, not much was missing. Granted, it was far from groundbreaking, but just the same, it was the perfect escapist read that was a nice departure from my much loved hard-hitting thrillers. So if you’re looking for something like that, this will most definitely hit the spot. Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: drug and alcohol use, mention of: infidelity, financial crimes...more
Maylee Hayes came up with the fun idea of an overnight camping trip to Salvation Creek with four of her friends. Hoping to enjoy some unsupervised aloMaylee Hayes came up with the fun idea of an overnight camping trip to Salvation Creek with four of her friends. Hoping to enjoy some unsupervised alone time with her boyfriend, John, she floated the idea to her parents and got the green light. Next up was persuading John, who already wasn’t a big fan of the great outdoors. Joining them were Abigail, Petra, and Nolan, each of whom were looking forward to huddling around a crackling campfire with hot dogs, s’mores, and plenty of laughs.
But when things started to go off the rails, all of them began to wish that they hadn’t accompanied her into the wilderness. Especially when things went from bad to worse. For it seems that somewhere around midnight, Maylee disappeared from her tent. Even John, who was sleeping right beside her, had no idea where she went. Left alone with no cell service or nearby help, the four remaining friends desperately tried to find her in the cold, dark night.
But that was hours ago. Now, they find themselves at a police station answering questions while search and rescue continue to look for Maylee. But the longer she’s gone, the worse her chances are. As the cops begin to unravel what happened the night before, the truths and the lies begin to come to light. Do any of them know what really happened out there? Was it a stranger living up to the dark rumors that are whispered about Salvation Creek? Or, unthinkably, could one of them be responsible?
Well, Tell Me What Really Happened was certainly a rather mixed bag for me. Between the ingenious, completely original format and the steadily ratcheting suspense, I found myself wrapped up from the start. Granted, this one definitely came off geared more for teens than some other YA thrillers that I’ve read which can easily do double duty with adults, but I still raced through the pages nonetheless.
I know I touched on it earlier, but the best aspect of this novel was easily the structure. Told exclusively through police interviews of the four remaining friends, it creatively wove together all of their POVs into a cohesive plot that took me on quite the ride. And with each chapter, the tension got thicker and my pulse got higher. Unfortunately, one of the pieces of the plot that didn’t rock my world was the conclusion which felt decidedly anticlimactic.
Some other aspects that didn’t thrill me were how similar all of the characters felt. None of them rang with their own identity and I found myself repeatedly having to flip backwards to check on who was speaking. I also didn’t enjoy the constant talk of Bigfoot. By the end, I found myself skimming Nolan’s sections when they were mentioned. Yes, there’s a definite purpose behind their inclusion in the plot, but it felt overdone for sure.
Ultimately, as an adult reading this novel, I was blown away by the accuracy of how fallible one’s memory can be in the midst of stress. I could easily see how four teenagers would spin tales for investigators to hide things they’d rather not share, but also have diarrhea of the mouth. I didn’t, however, connect to any of the characters, which was unfortunate. Whether this was due to my age in relation to theirs (and my limited memory of what it was like to be a teen) or the writing, I can’t be sure.
Despite all of the inherent flaws, however, I had a blast reading this book. If you love a good YA mystery/thriller, be sure to pick Tell Me What Really Happened up. It’s a great, quick, easy read that worked well as a palate cleanser of sorts between harder hitting thrillers. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Two years ago, Simon Kelleher and his gossip app had Bayview High in its grip. So when he died of a mysterious allergic reaction during detention, it Two years ago, Simon Kelleher and his gossip app had Bayview High in its grip. So when he died of a mysterious allergic reaction during detention, it inevitably became the talk of the town.
One year ago, an anonymous individual held the school spellbound as they played the ultimate game of Truth or Dare. One by one, secrets were again exposed, leading up to one massive near miss of a disaster.
Now, with all of the newly renamed Bayview Crew back home for the summer, they all just hope to enjoy some downtime together. But, of course, life in their small town is never simple—and rarely uneventful.
So when a billboard is spotted in town that reads “Time for a new game, Bayview” all thoughts turn to the past. But everyone hopes that surely this is just a prank. In bad taste, sure, but it can’t be anything more beyond that.
Then one of the tight knit group goes missing. With nothing to go on and no rules to reference, everyone is afraid of what this might mean. Who is behind the disappearance? And what else are they planning?
Yet again, however, it falls to the Bayview Crew to solve the mystery. Bronwyn. Cooper. Addy. Nate. Maeve. Phoebe. Knox. Luis. Kris. Any one of them might just be next. And with someone both old and new back in their midst, things could certainly become deadly once again.
After all, there was one thing that Simon was right about all along. Secrets have a way of working their way to the surface. And Bayview still has plenty left to behold.
If there’s one thing I know going into any Karen M. McManus book, it’s that it’s going to be one kick ass ride. For the most part, One of Us Is Back didn’t spoil the streak, but there were some very real disappointments at the same time. Perhaps, however, it was merely because I had such high, high expectations that it just didn’t quite live up to first two in the series.
Let’s start with the pluses though, shall we? Starting more or less where One of Us Is Next left off, the character development was truly divine. After all, we got to watch these teens grow up, learning unbearably hard lessons along the way. Through a handful of POVs, the gaps from the first two books were filled in and one altogether deep, dark secret was laid bare. But it was those characters that truly had me from hello. Complex and mostly true-to-life, I connected with one and all.
The plot itself was somewhat of a deviation from the first two in the series, with a definite lack of ugly secrets threatening to be exposed. Don’t worry, there were plenty, but without an app or game of Truth or Dare, the inherent danger of someone’s worst actions being made public somewhat lessened the overriding foreboding. Once the climax showed up, however, the slow burn trickle turned into an explosion of a reveal.
What other bits and pieces were total home runs? Well, I can’t forget to mention the utterly top-notch twist that I absolutely did not see coming. Then there was the *chef’s kiss* redemption arc for villainess Vanessa and the warm and cuddly found family trope that is always a slam dunk for me. So whole this full-circle narrative did leave some pieces uncharacteristically up in the air, the finale did provide the perfect closing scene to be sure.
Now, unfortunately, for the not so great aspects. First and foremost, there were A LOT of characters to keep straight. But the real drag of the book was how contrived it all felt. I can’t really explain without providing at least one massive spoiler, but needless to say, it all felt decidedly too far-fetched by the end. Unlike the first two in the series which had their own twisted premises, most of this one was spent regurgitating the past. It almost felt like the events taking place were a subplot versus the star attraction itself.
All said and done, though, I still had a blast riding shotgun with the intrepid sleuths of Bayview High. With the series seemingly at an end, I will be sad to see such truly dynamic characters go, but I nevertheless look forward to more by McManus in the future. After all, she’s one brilliantly talented author who manages to craft YA thrillers that work just as well for adults as they do for teens. And while this book felt unquestionably more like crime fiction than any I’ve read by her before, it still provided a compulsively readable storyline that had me flying through the pages until the very last word. If there’s one thing I’m holding out hope for, it’s one more book in this series featuring none other than Owen himself! After all, he’s about ready to start high school… What would be better than another revenge filled Bayview year? Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: getting roofied, kidnapping, threats of violence, restraining order, stalking, assault, mention of: alcoholism, infidelity, death by gunshot...more
Following Simon’s death a year ago, the kids of Bayview High have been blissfully free from the taunting spread of gossip that Simon’s app About That Following Simon’s death a year ago, the kids of Bayview High have been blissfully free from the taunting spread of gossip that Simon’s app About That had broadcast with ease. Plenty of others have tried to fill the void following his death, but none seemed to know where to find the required secrets like Simon did.
But all of that is about to change when text messages from an unknown number begin making their way through the student body. This time, however, it’s a game of Truth or Dare behind the gossip. And everyone is in danger of being in the hot seat.
First up is Phoebe, but she doesn’t take it seriously and ignores the text come what may. This is a decision that will come back to haunt her when she learns that not playing isn’t an option. If the chosen ignores the question, they default to a truth. For Phoebe, this realization comes too late and her deep, dark secret is released to all.
The next few have taken the new rule to heart and gone with the dare. But when Maeve finds herself squarely in the mysterious gossipmonger’s sights, she too decides not to play. She remembers everything her sister Bronwyn went through the year before and doesn’t want to give this game any more attention than it’s already gained. But she really should know better. After all, she saw what happened to Phoebe. Even worse, this time the secret has a longer reach than she was quite prepared for.
By the time Knox finds himself called out as next in line, Truth or Dare has taken a dangerous turn. But he’s already learned that ignoring the person behind the texts is not the answer, so what is he to do? If they’ve all learned anything from what happened the year before, it’s that you can’t rely on the police to swoop in and save you. Once again, it’s down to them to find their way out of yet another dangerous situation. Because even though Simon is gone, the gossip game is just as deadly.
Wow. I truly don’t know how Karen McManus does it, but One of Us Is Next, an equally twisted sequel to One of Us Is Lying, managed to up the stakes even more. Perhaps the earth-shatteringly big twist wasn’t quite as spectacular this time, but it was darn close to be sure. So let’s get down to exactly why I fell so completely in love with this one as well, shall we?
Let’s start off with how perfectly paced and well organized the entire plot was. Told through three separate POVs with a large cast of characters, what could have been confusing and filled with too much detail was anything but. Instead, one narrator’s take flowed seamlessly into the next building a story that kept my attention firmly fixed on the slowly ratcheting suspense. Bravo, Ms. McManus, bravo!
Second up is an aspect I’ve noticed in all of this author’s novels: her unbelievable skill at crafting YA thrillers that work equally well for adults. Perhaps merely because of the high school setting and teenage characters, I can easily see how these books would work beautifully for teens, but, due to the masterful plots and mature topics, I found myself wrapped up from the get go as well. And I’m nowhere near my own high school days now!
The only teeny, tiny flaw I could find was through some armchair sleuthing, I was able to put some pieces together before they were revealed thereby ruining the shock-and-awe of one of the epic twists. But, have no fear, the final surprise had my jaw on the floor, which certainly made up for seeing through the cracks just the once.
So, as I wrap this review up, here are some other tidbits I loved. From the twisted Truth or Dare premise that was both addictive and delightful to the superb motive behind the evil deeds, there were plenty of aspects that knocked this sequel out of the park. And, while the first book was truly out-of-this-world, this follow up ran a very close second. Now I have to (impatiently) wait for the third in the series, One of Us Is Back, which comes out in July. Here’s hoping I’m lucky enough to get approved for it on NetGalley, shall we? Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: death of a father, bullying, alcohol abuse, death threats, cancer, assault, alcohol poisoning, bombing, mention of: suicide...more
Five teenagers walk into detention, but only four will walk out alive.
Bronwyn, the brainiac/good girl who has her sights firmly set on Yale.
Addy, theFive teenagers walk into detention, but only four will walk out alive.
Bronwyn, the brainiac/good girl who has her sights firmly set on Yale.
Addy, the stunner who is known for her long-term relationship with jock/baseball star, Jake.
Nate, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks with a drug dealing side hustle.
Cooper, the athlete who is set to break out in the MLB after he graduates from high school in the spring.
And Simon, the outsider known for his rumor spreading app coined About That.
Four of them, however, are hiding secrets that could wreck their lives. And Simon just may know what they are. But before detention is over, Simon is dead. And the police quickly come to the conclusion that his death wasn’t just a tragic accident, but potentially murder. Because hidden on Simon’s computer is a post that was about to go live pointing the gossip squarely at Bronwyn, Addy, Cooper, and Nate. Now the cops believe they were to blame for Simon’s sudden and very suspicious death. Is one of them truly behind the crime? Or has a savvy killer managed to craft the perfect murder complete with four patsies?
Holy guacamole! I know One of Us Is Lying has amazing reviews, but I wasn’t expecting it to be that out-of-this-world! Between the four stellar narrators, the truly mind-blowing twists, the righteous red herrings, and the top-notch twisted The Breakfast Club-esque premise, I was addicted from page one. And despite the fact that this was a YA psychological thriller, it kept this adult riveted throughout.
So what else did I love (because there was so much to adore)? Well, let’s begin with the thoroughly true-to-life, authentic characters that had me reliving my now distant high school years. On top of that, each of them had such genuine and distinctive identities that, despite a TON of characters, I didn’t have a bit of trouble following who said what.
Hmmm… What else? I can’t not mention constantly ratcheting suspense and foreboding that was simply perfection, of course. I also was thrilled by Karen M. McManus’s superb character development over the course of the story. It gave the entire book a certain adult feel that many YA books can’t seem to muster. Quite honestly, I think it could be purely the subject matter that makes this one prime for a juvenile audience because the writing certainly wasn’t dumbed down like they all too often are. I do have to say, though, that some of the triggers were no joke, so I suggest taking a perusal before reading (especially if you’re going to recommend this to a teen).
All things considered, One of Us Is Lying reminded me why I love this author so much. Somehow she is an absolute master at writing books for both young and old alike. She had me cheering for all four of the teens at the center of the story and shocked me but good with the totally unexpected final revelation. One that I totally should’ve seen coming, but so didn’t! Not that I’m complaining. So, if like me, you’re yet to pick this one up despite its bestselling status, use this review as your impetus to grab it ASAP. Now off to order a copy of book two in the series, One of Us Is Next! Rating of 5+ stars.
Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an earEllingham 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.
I didn’t get very far into this read, to be fair (hence the publisher provided synopsis). This wasn’t really due to any fault of the author’s, but because it was exactly what it claimed to be: a novel written for young adults. Often times, YA labeled books are perfectly suited for adults as well (I killed Zoe Spanos and The Cousins are prime examples), but unfortunately, this was not the case with Truly Devious.
Why, you might ask? An example includes the characters. They, such as Stevie Bell, are perfect for a teenager to identify with and, therefore, more difficult to relate to outside of a vague remembrance of a time now firmly in my past. I do, however, have to say that the descriptions are eloquent, drawing a perfect picture in my head of each and every scene. The same can be said for the dialogue. Not an easy feat on either count. Even the descriptions of the private school did not bother me (which is often the case considering I once attended one myself). An all around pretty good book. Just not for me.
So, while I DNFed this book, it has more to do with what I enjoy reading and significantly less to do with Maureen Johnson’s writing ability (which, from the brief amount I read, appeared to be rather impressive). Consequently, if you enjoy a good Teen/YA mystery novel, this is perfect for you. Sad to say, but I rate this one 2 stars (one star more than I normally give when I DNF a book). But again, this was mostly to do with me choosing the wrong novel to read in the first place.
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