“The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.”
— Maureen Johnson, Truly Devious

Looking for a quick breakdown of “Truly Devious”? You’re in the right place.

Maureen Johnson’s thrilling mystery novel follows Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast who enrolls at Ellingham Academy to solve its most famous cold case.

In 1936, the school’s founder received a ransom note signed “Truly Devious” before his wife and daughter vanished. Now, Stevie’s determined to crack the case—until history starts repeating itself.

This summary will:

• Cover all major plot points
• Explain key characters
• Reveal the mystery (with spoiler warnings!)

I’ve read the entire Truly Devious series, so you’ll get insights from someone who understands what makes this story special.

No fluff, no complicated jargon—just a straightforward breakdown of this addictive YA mystery that’s captivated readers worldwide.

Plot Summary of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious

“The game is afoot. The pieces are in play.” — Maureen Johnson, Truly Devious

This line captures the essence of both the historic mystery and Stevie’s modern investigation. It reminds us that in this story, everyone is either a player or a piece on the board.

Storyline

Stevie Bell arrives at Ellingham Academy with one goal: solve the famous Truly Devious kidnapping case from 1936.

The prestigious school was founded by Albert Ellingham as a place where learning could be fun.

But tragedy struck when his wife and daughter were kidnapped after receiving a threatening letter signed “Truly Devious.” His wife’s body was eventually found, but his daughter, Iris, vanished without a trace.

Fast forward to present day. Stevie, obsessed with true crime, unpacks her detective skills at the same school. She makes new friends and begins investigating the cold case.

Then, something unexpected happens. A student dies under mysterious circumstances. Is it connected to the original crime? When another student goes missing, Stevie realizes the past might not be as buried as everyone thought.

Could Truly Devious be back? Or is someone using the old case to cover up new crimes?

Characters and Character Arc

• Stevie Bell starts as an anxious teen with a detective’s mind. I watched her grow from uncertain newcomer to determined investigator throughout the story. Her journey isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about finding where she belongs.
• David Eastman is the mysterious son of a senator. You never quite know what he’s thinking, which makes his relationship with Stevie complicated.
• Janelle Franklin brings warmth as Stevie’s talented engineer friend who builds amazing contraptions.
• Nate Fisher is a reluctant author struggling with writer’s block.
• Ellie challenges Stevie with her rebellious attitude.
• Hayes Major is the YouTube star whose sudden death kicks the mystery into high gear.

Each character hides secrets. Some are harmless; others could be deadly.

Themes and Plotline

The story weaves between 1936 and the present day, connecting dots across time. Major themes include:

• Truth versus perception – What we believe isn’t always what happened
• The price of ambition – How far will someone go to get what they want?
• Finding identity – Stevie’s search for herself mirrors her search for answers

The plotline builds with clever twists. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Johnson reshuffles the deck.

The past never stays buried for long. Evidence appears, disappears, and reappears with new meaning. Stevie’s detective work is complicated by her own personal struggles with anxiety and pressure from her parents.

The novel ends with some answers but leaves plenty of questions for the sequel. After all, the best mysteries keep you guessing long after you’ve turned the last page.

What Genre Is Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious?

Truly Devious fits perfectly into the young adult mystery genre with elements of thriller and suspense woven throughout.

I’d describe it as a modern whodunit that pulls you into not one but two interconnected mysteries. The book combines the cozy setting of a secluded boarding school with the tension of unsolved crimes.

What makes this mystery special? It plays with time. You get to investigate alongside Stevie in the present day while also witnessing flashbacks to the original 1936 crime.

Unlike adult mysteries that might overwhelm you with graphic details, this YA approach keeps things intriguing without being too intense.

Wait—there’s more. The story also incorporates historical fiction elements when exploring the original Ellingham case.

When you open this book, prepare for:

• Dual timelines that slowly reveal connections
• Red herrings that will lead you down false paths
• Genuine teen characters dealing with real issues beyond the mystery

You’ll encounter cryptic clues, unexpected deaths, and puzzles that seem impossible to solve.

The pacing builds slowly at first. Johnson takes time to establish the school and its unusual students. Then suddenly—things accelerate.

I found myself reading “just one more chapter” until it was way past midnight.

Fair warning: The book ends on a cliffhanger. You might want to have the sequel ready before you finish the last page.

Ratings and Reviews of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious

If you enjoy piecing together clues and questioning everyone’s motives, this genre blend of mystery, YA, and historical elements will keep you guessing until the end—and beyond.

Goodreads Rating

On Goodreads, Truly Devious holds a solid 4.0 out of 5 stars from over 95,000 ratings. That’s impressive for a YA mystery!

I checked the numbers myself, and it’s clear that readers connect with this story. Nearly a hundred thousand people can’t be wrong.

Goodreads

“I haven’t been this enthralled in a mystery in a long time. The characters felt real, the setting was atmospheric, and I genuinely couldn’t figure out who was behind it all until the reveal.” — BookLover92

“The dual timeline had me hooked from page one. Johnson weaves the past and present together seamlessly. My only complaint is the cliffhanger ending—I had to buy the second book immediately!” — MysteryFan2019

“As someone who devours true crime podcasts, I felt like Stevie was my spirit animal. Her anxiety felt authentic rather than used as a plot device. Five stars.” — ReadingRaven

Amazon

Amazon reviewers seem equally enthusiastic:

“My 14-year-old daughter couldn’t put it down, then I borrowed it and finished it in a weekend. It’s rare to find a book we both enjoy this much.” — ParentReviewer

“The boarding school setting reminded me of classic mysteries but with modern sensibilities. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying or The Inheritance Games.” — BookwormTeacher

“I bought this on a whim and ended up ordering the entire trilogy before I even finished the first book. The characters stay with you long after you finish reading.” — FictionFanatic

How Does the Book Set Itself Apart from Others?

What makes Truly Devious special? I’ve read many mysteries, and this one stands out because:

• Dual mysteries – You get two compelling cases spanning different time periods
• Authentic teen characters – no annoying stereotypes here
• Realistic anxiety representation – Stevie’s struggles feel genuine
• The unusual setting – Ellingham Academy is like Hogwarts for geniuses but with murder
• No forced romance – The relationships develop naturally alongside the mystery

Johnson also does something clever with her structure. The book doesn’t follow the typical mystery formula. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, she changes direction.

You’ll appreciate how the author trusts you to keep up with the complex plot without over-explaining. She respects your intelligence while keeping the language accessible.

If you love puzzles, true crime, and characters who feel like real people, this book offers something fresh in the crowded YA mystery space.

Truly Devious is perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy solving puzzles alongside the protagonist. I recommend this book to several types of readers:

• Teen readers (ages 13-18) who want a smart, engaging mystery
• Adults who enjoy YA fiction with complex plots
• Fans of boarding school settings
• True crime enthusiasts
• Readers who appreciate strong female protagonists

The book works best for people who like stories that make them think. If you enjoy putting together clues and making predictions, you’ll find this book satisfying.

But it’s not for everyone.

Age and Content Warning

This book is marketed for ages 14 and up, which feels right to me. Content warnings you should know about:

• Death and murder (not graphically described)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Some mild language
• References to drugs and alcohol
• Mild romantic content

I think it’s important to mention that Stevie’s anxiety is portrayed realistically throughout the book. This might be helpful for teens experiencing similar feelings but could also be triggering for some readers.

The murders happen “off-screen” without gory details. Johnson focuses more on the mystery than the violence.

If you’re a parent wondering about this book for your teen, the content is comparable to a PG-13 movie. There’s nothing here that an average high schooler hasn’t encountered before.

The complex timeline jumping between past and present might confuse younger readers, but most teens will follow it just fine.

What do you think? Does this sound like a book you’d enjoy?

Similar Books if You Liked Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious

If you enjoyed the mystery, boarding school setting, and clever protagonist in Truly Devious, I’ve got some great recommendations for your next read. These books capture similar vibes while offering their own unique twists.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

This is the book I recommend most often to Truly Devious fans. Five students enter detention, but only four walk out alive. Each survivor becomes a suspect.

Like Truly Devious, it features:

• Smart teen characters with secrets
• A contained setting (high school instead of boarding school)
• Multiple perspectives that keep you guessing

The mystery unravels at a similar pace, with enough red herrings to keep you turning pages late into the night.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

If you liked the puzzle aspect of Truly Devious, The Inheritance Games will blow your mind.

Avery Grambs inherits billions from a stranger—but to claim the fortune, she must move into his mansion and solve the puzzles he left behind.

The massive house filled with secrets feels reminiscent of Ellingham Academy. The mystery spans generations, just like in Truly Devious.

Be warned. You’ll probably want the sequel immediately after finishing.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

This book follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, who investigates a closed murder case for her school project.

Sound familiar?

Like Stevie Bell, Pip is determined and smart. She refuses to accept the official story.

What sets this apart is the format—you’ll find interview transcripts, maps, and other evidence scattered throughout the pages.

The small-town setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where everyone is a potential suspect.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

For something a bit darker but equally compelling, try Sadie.

This book alternates between Sadie’s perspective as she hunts for her sister’s killer and a true crime podcast investigating Sadie’s disappearance.

The dual timeline approach will feel familiar to Truly Devious readers but with higher stakes and more emotional impact.

It’s slightly more mature than the others on this list, but if you’re ready for something with more edge, this is it.

What connects all these recommendations? Smart protagonists, layered mysteries, and stories that respect your intelligence. Each book offers the same satisfaction of piecing together clues alongside characters you’ll grow to care about.

Which one sounds most interesting to you?

About the Author Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson is a New York Times bestselling author who knows how to blend mystery, humor, and authentic teen experiences. Born in Philadelphia, she now lives in New York City with her dog, Dexter.

I find her writing style both accessible and clever. She doesn’t talk down to her young adult audience.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Johnson worked several interesting jobs. She was a literary agent’s assistant, a waitress, and she even managed a London theater. These varied experiences show up in the rich details of her stories.

Johnson is active on social media, especially Twitter, where her witty observations have earned her a large following. You might enjoy following her for book updates and her takes on everything from writing to current events.

She’s also known for her advocacy work in the YA community, often speaking up about the importance of diverse books and supporting new authors.

Conclusion

Truly Devious delivers exactly what mystery lovers crave – intelligent puzzles, atmospheric settings, and characters who feel like friends.

If you enjoy piecing together clues and solving cases alongside a determined protagonist, this book belongs on your shelf.

I’ve read the entire series twice now. The way Johnson weaves together past and present narratives still impresses me.

Will you figure out the mystery before Stevie does? Maybe. Maybe not.

That’s the joy of a well-crafted mystery like this one.

Remember, this is just the first book in a trilogy, plus a standalone sequel. If you find yourself invested in Stevie’s investigation (and I bet you will), you’ve got more adventures waiting.

Happy reading, fellow detectives. The game is afoot at Ellingham Academy, and Truly Devious is calling your name.