Truly, Devious

by Maureen Johnson
Truly, Devious cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 1348
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
books2door.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
brilliant 5.00

Truly Devious is a captivating mystery that blends personal growth with investigative intrigue. The protagonist, Stevie, navigates life at Ellingham Academy while trying to solve a cold case and a new murder, making it a compelling read that addresses relevant social issues.

Truly Devious is a fantastic blend of mystery and personal growth, centered around Stevie Bell, a young detective-in-the-making who attends the elite Ellingham Academy to solve a cold case. The story masterfully intertwines Stevie's personal struggles with her investigative endeavors, making it a relatable and engaging read. The book also tackles relevant social issues, such as the impact of political beliefs on young people, adding depth to the narrative. The mystery is gripping, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, the mystery is not resolved in this first installment, leaving readers eager for more. The character dynamics, especially Stevie's relationship with David, add an extra layer of complexity and entertainment. Overall, Truly Devious is a must-read for fans of YA mysteries.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book. It certainly earns a place on my list of five star reads.

    There’s nothing more satisfying to me than watching a seventeen year old girl solve a case that nobody else could crack.

    I really enjoyed the twisting, surprising world of Truly Devious.

allonsythornraxxbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
engaging 4.00

The reviewer praises the book for its intriguing mystery and engaging characters, though they found the pacing to be a bit uneven at times. The story's twists and turns kept them hooked, despite some predictable elements.

They were immediately drawn into the world of Truly, Devious, appreciating the clever plot and well-developed characters. The mystery was compelling, with several unexpected twists that kept them guessing. However, the pacing felt a bit uneven in places, and some parts of the plot were a bit predictable. Overall, it was an enjoyable read that they would recommend to fans of mystery and suspense. The reviewer also noted that the book's setting and atmosphere added to its charm, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    The writing is engaging and the characters are well-developed.

    The mystery is compelling with several unexpected twists.

    The pacing is a bit uneven, but the story keeps you hooked.

downthebookjar.com · Unknown · 2024-02-07
good 3.00

The Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson is a young adult mystery trilogy that follows Stevie Bell as she tries to solve a cold case at Ellingham Academy. The reviewer gave the series three stars, finding it enjoyable but not exceptional, with underdeveloped characters and a somewhat drawn-out plot.

The Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson is a young adult mystery that revolves around Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast who attends Ellingham Academy with the goal of solving a historic kidnapping case. The series is engaging and easy to read, making it a quick and accessible choice for fans of mysteries. However, the characters are not deeply developed, which is typical for young adult fiction. Stevie's character, in particular, falls short compared to classic detectives like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. The plot is intriguing but feels too long, with many loose threads that are eventually tied up in the final book. The reviewer enjoyed the series but did not find it exceptional, rating it three stars overall.

Quick quotes

    I gave each book (and the whole Truly Devious series) three stars. I am not mad that I read it, but it also didn’t blow me out of the water either.

    Stevie’s whole schtick and why she was admitted to Ellingham is that she’s a detective.

    I just felt like the series was too long maybe? The books themselves each made sense (mostly), but had lots of loose threads.

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