Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious #1

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 11/2/23 - 11/7/23

    Ellingham Academy, a renowned private school in Vermont, was founded by Albert Ellingham as a haven for brilliant minds and creative souls. However, the school's history is marred by tragedy. Shortly after its opening, Ellingham's wife and daughter were kidnapped, leaving behind a cryptic riddle signed by the mysterious "Truly, Devious." The case became an enduring unsolved mystery.

    

    Enter Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast, embarking on her first year at Ellingham Academy with a bold mission—to solve the decades-old cold case. However, as she navigates the challenges of her new school life and interacts with her eclectic housemates, a twist of fate brings Truly Devious back into the picture. Death once again haunts Ellingham Academy, and the past resurfaces with a chilling revelation. Someone has gotten away with murder, and Stevie is determined to uncover the truth.

    

    “Of course I worry too much,” Nate said. “But I’m usually right. The people who worry are always right. That’s how that works.”

    "Truly, Devious" is a total mystery rollercoaster where you're constantly trying to guess who the real villain is and how everything connects. It's got so many twists and turns that'll keep you hooked, making it hard to put down. Now, I have to admit, there were some parts where the story felt a bit slow, especially in the beginning. But let me tell you, I loved this book! The characters are interesting, the setting is cool, and the mystery itself had me gripped right from the get-go. The back-and-forth between the present day and the 1930s added this extra layer that I totally loved.

    Now, most characters were kinda average, except for Nate, I loved him so much. Stevie, the main character, is a bit meh, but I enjoyed being in her head while she was solving stuff. Although, her taste in guys, especially David, didn't sit right with me. Seriously, David felt like he just showed up to mess things up. But overall, I'm all in for the next book!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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