50 pages • 1 hour read
Maureen JohnsonTruly Devious
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast, who enrolls in Ellingham Academy hoping to solve a 1936 cold case involving the kidnapping and murder of the founder's wife and daughter. As Stevie acclimates to her new school, she befriends fellow students and investigates another modern-day crime, intertwining past and present mysteries. The book addresses themes of anxiety and mental health challenges and contains references to murder and kidnapping.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson is lauded for its engrossing mystery, compelling dual timelines, and complex protagonist. Critics praise the atmospheric setting and intricate plot. However, some find the pacing slow and the ending abrupt, potentially frustrating readers expecting resolution. Overall, it's well-regarded for its creativity and engaging narrative.
Who Should Read Truly Devious?
Readers who enjoy Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson likely appreciate intricate mysteries, boarding school settings, and witty, determined protagonists. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska and E. Lockhart's We Were Liars will find similar themes of teen sleuths uncovering dark secrets. The novel blends suspense with sharp dialogue and complex characters.