In 'The Vanishing Stair,' Maureen Johnson crafts an engrossing sequel to her hit mystery, 'Truly Devious.' Picking up where the first book left off, the story continues to follow amateur detective Stevie Bell at the prestigious Ellingham Academy, where she attempts to unravel the complicated web surrounding a decades-old kidnapping and murder. The novel dives deeper into the enigmatic happenings of the school, intertwining past mysteries with present-day challenges Stevie faces, including deciphering cryptic clues and handling unforeseen dangers. Johnson weaves a narrative rich with suspense and intrigue, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The gothic setting and the multi-dimensional characters enhance the complexity of the plot, making it a thrilling read for fans of YA mysteries. Alongside the central theme of justice and truth, the book also explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the repercussions of uncovering deeply buried secrets.
About Truly Devious Series
Set at the elite Ellingham Academy, the Truly Devious series follows Stevie Bell, a true-crime aficionado determined to solve the school's infamous unsolved kidnapping and murder case from the 1930s. When new crimes begin unfolding during Stevie's time at the academy, she must untangle past and present mysteries. Combining clever puzzles, atmospheric settings, and layered characters, the series is a modern whodunit filled with intrigue, secrets, and suspense. Across five books, Stevie’s obsession with truth and justice drives her to uncover dangerous secrets that blur the lines between detective and target. It’s a must-read for mystery lovers.
About Maureen Johnson
Maureen Johnson is an acclaimed American author celebrated for her contribution to young adult fiction. Born on February 16, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Johnson grew up with a passion for storytelling, inspired by the rich literary landscape that surrounded her. She is best known for her bestselling 'Shades of London' series, which blends mystery and supernatural elements, captivating readers of all ages. Her debut novel, '13 Little Blue Envelopes,' showcases her unique ability to weave humor and heartfelt emotion into tales of adventure. Beyond writing, Johnson is an influential figure in the literary community, frequently engaging with fans and fellow authors on social media and through her podcast, 'Says Who?' Her works often explore themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with her audience and earning her numerous accolades. With a voice that combines wit and warmth, Maureen Johnson continues to shape the landscape of young adult literature, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers alike.
Other Books by Maureen Johnson
Truly Devious
Series: Truly Devious (#1)
Maureen Johnson's 'Truly Devious' is a thrilling dive into the world of elite boarding schools and unsolved mysteries. Set at Ellingham Academy, a school steeped in history and mystery, the novel follows Stevie Bell, a true crime aficionado, who is determined to solve the infamous cold case surrounding the disappearance of the founder's wife and daughter in the 1930s. With a narrative that expertly oscillates between past and present, the book weaves together intriguing plotlines and complex characters, keeping readers on their toes with every twist and turn. The beautiful yet eerie atmosphere of the academy adds an extra layer of allure, making this first installment in the series a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts. Themes of obsession, the pursuit of truth, and the search for identity are explored with nuance, making 'Truly Devious' both an engaging and reflective read.
The Hand on The Wall
Series: Truly Devious (#3)
In "The Hand on The Wall," Maureen Johnson concludes her gripping 'Truly Devious' trilogy with a masterful blend of mystery and intrigue. Set against the prestigious backdrop of Ellingham Academy, this novel threads together historical enigmas and contemporary mystery, unraveling secrets that have long haunted its halls. Protagonist Stevie Bell, with her tenacity and keen sense of deduction, finds herself enmeshed in a web of lies and murder, facing the challenge of connecting past crimes with present mishaps. Johnson’s adept storytelling sees each clue meticulously placed and every twist artfully executed, ensuring readers are enthralled till the very end. Themes of ambition, truth-seeking, and the cost of honesty are beautifully interwoven, making this finale both a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
The Box in the Woods
Series: Truly Devious (#4)
In 'The Box in the Woods,' Maureen Johnson continues the intriguing adventures of amateur sleuth Stevie Bell, from the 'Truly Devious' series, as she tackles a chilling summer mystery. Stevie is invited to a summer camp to solve an unsolved case from 1978 involving the gruesome murders of four camp counselors. Balancing elements of classic whodunit with modern sensibilities, Johnson deftly weaves a narrative filled with suspense, witty dialogue, and the atmospheric backdrop of a seemingly idyllic camp turned sinister. The novel explores themes of justice, the nature of truth, and the psychological impact of unsolved mysteries while showcasing the growth and determination of a young detective on her quest to unravel a decades-old crime. 'The Box in the Woods' stands as a captivating standalone read with echoes of Agatha Christie's masterful mysteries, ensuring readers are hooked until the very last page.
Similar Books
Sharp Objects
In Gillian Flynn's 'Sharp Objects,' readers are invited into a dark and twisted exploration of small-town secrets and the complexities of family dynamics. The protagonist, Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist with a haunting past, is sent back to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. As Camille delves into the investigation, she is forced to confront her own demons and unravel the disturbing truths that lie beneath the town's surface. Flynn skillfully weaves together themes of trauma, identity, and the destructive power of hidden histories in a gripping narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Cousins
In 'The Cousins' by Karen M. McManus, three teenagers—Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah—are unexpectedly invited to their grandmother's mysterious island for a summer. Each cousin comes with their own secrets and histories, but they share a common goal: uncover the truth behind their family's estrangement. As they dig deeper into their past, they uncover old family secrets that have the potential to change everything they thought they knew. McManus crafts a gripping narrative filled with suspense and strategic twists, perfectly weaving themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and self-discovery. The story keeps you on edge with its cleverly structured mystery and well-developed characters, making it an engaging page-turner that explores how past controversies impact the present.
The Final Gambit
Series: The Inheritance Games (#3)
Jennifer Lynn Barnes' 'The Final Gambit' is a riveting conclusion to her captivating Inheritance Games series. This young adult mystery novel continues to unravel the enigma left by the late billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. Protagonist Avery Grambs is set to benefit from a massive inheritance, but the cost of this fortune is a labyrinth of puzzles, secrets, and rival heirs who might not want her around. Themes of trust, betrayal, and identity underscore Avery's journey as she navigates through complex relationships and clandestine threats in a high-stakes game that risks not only her fortune but her life. Barnes expertly weaves tension and intrigue, ensuring each twist accelerates towards a gripping finale that will satisfy its audience. 'The Final Gambit' stands out with its sharp characterization and unpredictable plot, making it a page-turner that keeps readers on edge until the last revelation.
Killer Instinct
Series: The Naturals (#2)
Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a riveting installment in the Naturals series, weaving together elements of psychological thriller and mystery. Following protagonist Cassie, a natural profiler, and her teammates at a special FBI program for gifted teens, the story delves into a chilling case involving a notorious serial killer’s copycat. As they navigate the complexities of criminal minds, Cassie also battles her own demons and secrets from her past. The novel explores themes of identity, trust, and the thin line between hunter and prey, delivering twists that keep readers on edge. It’s an engaging exploration of the human psyche, masterfully blending suspense with character development.