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TL;DR: Stevie Bell, a true-crime fan, wins a place at Ellingham Academy in Vermont, a school for gifted students where, in 1936, the founder's wife and daughter were kidnapped. Stevie hopes to solve the cold case. When a student dies, the past and present collide.
Table of Contents
Truly Devious at a Glance
| Author | Maureen Johnson |
| First published | 2018 |
| Type | Young adult mystery |
| Best for | readers who like boarding-school mysteries and cold cases |
Truly Devious is a novel by Maureen Johnson, first published in 2018. It is the first book in a series, and it ends on a cliffhanger. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Stevie arrives
Stevie Bell is a self-described detective. She joins Ellingham Academy, a school that allows students to pursue their passions. Her roommate and new friends are quirky and creative.
The 1936 case
The school was founded by Albert Ellingham, a rich man. In 1936, his wife Iris and daughter Alice were kidnapped, and a ransom letter signed “Truly, Devious” was found. Albert died, and the case was never solved.
Stevie digs in
Stevie begins to investigate the old case in her free time, using old documents and the school's archives. She is serious about it, and her friends tease and help her.
A death
A student dies in what looks like an accident. As the weeks go by, Stevie suspects that the death may be related to the secrets of the school, and the present-day story begins to echo the old one.
Friends and suspects
The story brings in a group of students, including David, Nate and Janelle, who might have reasons to hide things. Stevie must work out whom to trust.
The cliffhanger
The ending reveals some answers but leaves the main mystery open. It leads directly into the next book.
The setting as a character
Ellingham Academy, with its hidden corners, old archives and stories of what happened in 1936, is more than a backdrop. The school's history and its present-day students shape how the mystery unfolds and how Stevie sees herself.
5 Key Takeaways
- Curiosity can drive a person to learn, but it can also put them at risk.
- Old mysteries can reflect present-day dangers.
- Friendship and teamwork can solve problems that one person cannot.
- A school can be a place to belong, even if you feel like an outsider.
- Not every mystery resolves in one book.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Stevie's anxiety is part of her character, and the book treats it with sensitivity.
- The two timelines build tension.
- The unresolved ending is deliberate.
Who Should Read Truly Devious?
Read it if you like puzzle mysteries, cozy settings and series that unfold slowly. Be aware that you will need the next book for closure.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Truly Devious:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (2018)
- Type: Young adult mystery
- Best for: readers who like boarding-school mysteries and cold cases
- Main idea in one line: Curiosity can drive a person to learn, but it can also put them at risk.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Truly Devious is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Truly Devious, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not.
Check price of Truly Devious on Amazon
What to Read Next
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus: a YA mystery with several suspects
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson: a YA true-crime mystery
- The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: a puzzle-filled YA mystery
Related: 15 Books Like Truly Devious You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Truly Devious part of a series?
Yes. The Truly Devious series has three main books.
What happens at the end?
The book ends on a cliffhanger, with the main mystery unresolved.
Who is Stevie Bell?
A teenage true-crime fan who investigates the Ellingham case.
What age is it for?
It is usually read by ages 12 and up.
Is Truly Devious worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like boarding-school mysteries and cold cases. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Truly Devious?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.