Review: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

The allure of a good mystery often lies not just in the unravelling of secrets, but in the very atmosphere of their conception. Maureen Johnson’s *Truly Devious* plunges us headfirst into such an atmosphere, a rarefied world where privilege, academia, and a decades-old unsolved murder intertwine with the urgency of adolescent ambition.

At its heart, *Truly Devious* is the story of Stevie Bell, a prodigious, mystery-obsessed teenager who transfers to the prestigious Ellingham Academy for the express purpose of solving the cold case that haunts its halls: the brutal murder of the school’s founders and their guest, sixty years prior. But Ellingham is more than just a picturesque boarding school; it’s a place steeped in secrets, where the past refuses to stay buried and the present is riddled with its own brand of intrigue, all while Stevie navigates the complexities of newfound friendships and the disorienting reality of being a scholarship student among the scions of wealth.

What makes *Truly Devious* so captivating is its masterful blending of old-school whodunit sensibilities with a modern YA voice. Johnson’s prose is crisp and intelligent, imbued with a dry wit that perfectly captures Stevie’s precocious nature. Stevie herself is a triumph of characterization – a relatable bundle of neuroses and brilliance, whose intense focus on solving the case often blinds her to the more immediate social dynamics unfolding around her. The setting, the Ellingham Academy, is practically a character in its own right, a sprawling, slightly eerie testament to eccentricity and hidden histories, reminiscent of the atmospheric settings found in authors like Donna Tartt’s *The Secret History* or even Agatha Christie’s more secluded estates. The dual timelines, alternating between Stevie’s investigation and the events of 1936, are handled with a deft hand, each era feeding into the other, creating a palpable sense of suspense that keeps the reader eagerly turning pages.

I found myself particularly impressed by how Johnson managed to weave Stevie’s personal anxieties and her burgeoning relationships into the fabric of the mystery. The introduction of the "Tru Lansford" trio, a group of charming but enigmatic students who seem to know more than they let on, adds a delightful layer of ambiguity and potential misdirection. Their dynamics with Stevie are complex and believable, a testament to Johnson’s skill in portraying teenage social strata without resorting to clichés. The slow burn of the mystery, punctuated by moments of genuine danger and startling revelations, is expertly paced, drawing the reader deeper into the labyrinthine secrets of Ellingham.

If there’s an area where *Truly Devious* might falter for some readers, it’s perhaps in the sheer ambition of its plot. With the introduction of a new, contemporary mystery alongside the sixty-year-old cold case, the narrative can occasionally feel a touch overstuffed. While the parallel mysteries are compelling, the resolution of the latter, in particular, might feel slightly rushed for those who have become deeply invested in the historical puzzle. Additionally, while the ensemble cast is generally well-drawn, a few of the adult figures within the school can lean towards archetypes, serving more as plot devices than fully realized characters, a minor quibble in an otherwise richly populated world.

Ultimately, *Truly Devious* is a superb start to what promises to be an engrossing series. It’s a book for anyone who delights in intricate plots, sharp-witted protagonists, and the lingering echoes of unsolved crimes. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted mystery, proving that sometimes, the most compelling secrets are those hidden in plain sight, wrapped in the ivy-covered walls of an old academy. You’ll close the final page eager for Stevie’s next investigation, left with the satisfying chill of a puzzle expertly solved, and the tantalizing promise of more to come.