13 books like Truly Devious

13 books like Truly Devious

January 27, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, bookworms! If you're into mystery novels that'll make you want to stay up all night, then you're in for a treat. Today, I'm going to give you the lowdown on one of my all-time favorite series, Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Imagine a secluded and prestigious boarding school nestled in the mountains of Vermont. Now, add a notorious unsolved murder that took place there back in the 1930s. Intriguing, right? Well, strap in, because Truly Devious is not your ordinary whodunit. When our protagonist, Stevie Bell, enrolls at Ellingham Academy with a burning desire to solve the cold case, she soon finds herself caught up in a series of mysterious events. Think secret passageways, cryptic clues, and a cunning killer who just might strike again. Now here's the thing about Truly Devious: it's a dual timeline story that will keep you guessing from page one. As you dive into Stevie's present-day investigation, you'll also unravel the story of the original Ellingham mystery through flashbacks. Johnson's writing is so engrossing that you won't be able to put the book down. And lucky for us, Truly Devious is only the first installment in a trilogy. So, get ready for more thrilling mysteries, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of nail-biting suspense. If you're a fan of Truly Devious, fear not! I've got a bookish arsenal of recommendations at the ready for you. So, stick around and keep scrolling to discover more captivating mysteries that will satisfy your craving for thrilling reads. Trust me, I've got you covered.
The Book Cover Image for Truly Devious
The Book Cover Image for Truly Devious
Mystery
Thriller
Young Adult

One of Us is Lying

"One of Us is Lying" is a suspenseful young adult novel that follows the story of five high school students who enter detention, only to have one of them end up dead. As secrets and motives come to light, the remaining students must uncover the truth and try to stay alive.
Author
Karen M. McManus
Year Written
2017
Read Time
One of Us is Lying
Mystery
Psychological

The Secret History

"The Secret History" is a gripping novel that follows a group of college students who become entangled in a dark and secretive world. As they delve deeper into this mysterious realm, their actions have far-reaching consequences that ultimately lead to a shocking and transformative climax.
Author
Donna Tartt
Year Written
1992
Read Time
10h59m
The Secret History
Mystery
Adventure

The Westing Game

"The Westing Game" is a suspenseful mystery that follows a group of sixteen unlikely heirs as they compete to solve the puzzle left behind by the eccentric millionaire, Samuel W. Westing. With clever twists and turns, this intricately plotted novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Author
Ellen Raskin
Year Written
1978
Read Time
3h12m
The Westing Game
Mystery
Drama
Family

We Were Liars

"We Were Liars" is a haunting and suspenseful story that revolves around a group of wealthy friends known as the Liars. Set against the backdrop of a private island, the book explores themes of privilege, family dysfunction, and the consequences of hidden secrets.
Author
E. Lockhart
Year Written
2014
Read Time
We Were Liars
Mystery
Paranormal
Young Adult

The Name of the Star

"The Name of the Star" is a gripping young adult mystery set in modern-day London, where a series of gruesome Jack the Ripper copycat murders shakes the city. The story follows American teenager Rory as she navigates the paranormal mysteries surrounding the crimes and finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Author
Maureen Johnson
Year Written
2011
Read Time
6h40m
The Name of the Star
Adventure
Historical Fiction
Mystery

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" is a captivating story about a young orphan named Hugo who lives in the walls of a Paris train station, where he tends to its clocks while secretly working on a mysterious invention. This beautifully illustrated tale explores themes of friendship, magic, and the power of imagination, taking readers on a heartfelt journey through the intersections of art, history, and destiny.
Author
Brian Selznick
Year Written
2007
Read Time
8h53m
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Mystery
Thriller
Suspense

And Then There Were None

"And Then There Were None" is a captivating psychological mystery that follows ten strangers stranded on an isolated island, where they are slowly and mysteriously killed off one by one. As their numbers dwindle, the remaining survivors struggle to uncover the identity of the killer among them before it's too late.
Author
Agatha Christie
Year Written
1939
Read Time
4h16m
And Then There Were None
Mystery
Supernatural
Historical

The Diviners

"The Diviners" is a thrilling blend of mystery and the supernatural set in the 1920s. As a group of individuals with extraordinary abilities known as "Diviners" are drawn together, they must unravel a series of grisly murders that seem to be connected to dark forces lurking in the shadows of New York City.
Author
Libba Bray
Year Written
2012
Read Time
9h52m
The Diviners
Thriller
Mystery
Podcast

Sadie

"Sadie" is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of a young girl named Sadie who disappears, and her determined older sister who sets out on a journey to find her. This haunting and beautifully written novel explores themes of loss, justice, and the raw power of love and determination.
Author
Courtney Summers
Year Written
2018
Read Time
Sadie
Thriller
Suspense
Young Adult

The Naturals

The Naturals is a thrilling YA novel about a group of teenagers with unique abilities, who are recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. As they delve deeper into the mysteries, they must navigate complex relationships and dangerous situations that test their skills and trust.
Author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Year Written
2013
Read Time
5h20m
The Naturals
Adventure
Mystery
Fantasy

The Secret Keepers

The Secret Keepers is an exhilarating middle-grade adventure where a young boy named Reuben discovers a magical watch that grants him the power to become invisible. As he unravels the secrets of the watch, Reuben finds himself caught up in a dangerous quest to outsmart a sinister and powerful foe.
Author
Trenton Lee Stewart
Year Written
2016
Read Time
8h32m
The Secret Keepers
Fantasy
Mystery
Romance

The Archived

"The Archived" is a captivating novel that follows Mackenzie as she navigates the mysterious world of the dead and the forgotten, filled with secrets and haunting memories. It interweaves elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance to keep readers engaged until the very end.
Author
Victoria Schwab
Year Written
2013
Read Time
5h52m
The Archived

FAQ

Overview

Welcome to Ellingham Academy, a prestigious boarding school hiding a dark secret. In Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious, we follow the brilliant and determined Stevie Bell as she embarks on a quest to solve an unsolved murder that took place at the school in the 1930s. With secret passageways, cryptic clues, and a cunning killer, this twisty dual timeline mystery will keep you hooked from start to finish. The story seamlessly weaves together Stevie's present-day investigation and the haunting past of the Ellingham mystery. Johnson's captivating writing style and suspenseful plot make it nearly impossible to put the book down. Plus, if you're a fan of series, you're in luck: Truly Devious is just the first installment of a thrilling trilogy that will leave you craving for more. Get ready for an immersive and addictive reading experience as you dive into the enigmatic world of Truly Devious.

Length of Read

Main Characters

- Stevie Bell: A true crime enthusiast and amateur detective, she is determined to solve the mystery of the infamous Ellingham Academy kidnapping and the present-day murders that seem to be connected to it. - Edward King: The enigmatic and wealthy owner of Ellingham Academy, he has a complicated past and holds many secrets that may hold the key to the mysteries Stevie is trying to unravel. - Hayes Major: Stevie's roommate and best friend at Ellingham Academy, he is a talented artist with a mysterious demeanor, making him an intriguing character in the story. - David Eastman: A brilliant and charming student at Ellingham Academy, he becomes one of Stevie's closest allies as they work together to uncover the truth behind the crimes. - Dottie Epstein: The headmaster's daughter, she is a popular and outgoing student at Ellingham Academy, but there's more to her than meets the eye, and her involvement in the mysteries becomes increasingly important. - Ellie Winters: A ghost from the past, Ellie was one of the victims in the original Ellingham Academy kidnapping, and her story is intricately woven into the present-day events, adding a haunting layer to the narrative. Each character brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, making them essential in unraveling the secrets of Ellingham Academy and keeping readers engaged in the thrilling twists and turns of the story.

Ending & Meaning

Hold on tight, folks, because we're about to dive into the thrilling conclusion of Truly Devious! As Stevie Bell gets closer to uncovering the truth behind the Ellingham murders, the tension reaches its peak. With shocking revelations and unexpected twists, the final pages will leave you gasping for breath. Without giving too much away, let's just say that the ending of Truly Devious will leave you hungry for more. Johnson expertly ties up some loose ends while leaving others tantalizingly unresolved, setting the stage for the next installment. As you turn the last page, you'll find yourself contemplating the themes of obsession, truth, and the lengths we're willing to go to uncover secrets. Truly Devious invites readers to question the blurred lines between justice and revenge, and the price one is willing to pay for the truth. So buckle up, my fellow mystery enthusiasts, because Truly Devious will take you on a wild ride that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next book in the series. Get ready to join Stevie Bell on her relentless quest for answers and prepare to be captivated by the lingering questions that will keep you guessing long after you've finished the final chapter.
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