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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
3.5/5
This installment of Stevie solving historical mysteries that the police couldn’t back then because of lack of technology all while only using the power of deduction herself was good but just missed the mark. It was a little too obvious and I guessed whodunnit from the very first fumble, it was just the why I didn’t know until Stevie unraveled that.
I really loved the London setting, it made me nostalgic for all the same places I’d traveled while studying abroad in London.
David is stupid. I kind of hate that that’s the direction the author went with him. Just why?
This installment of Stevie solving historical mysteries that the police couldn’t back then because of lack of technology all while only using the power of deduction herself was good but just missed the mark. It was a little too obvious and I guessed whodunnit from the very first fumble, it was just the why I didn’t know until Stevie unraveled that.
I really loved the London setting, it made me nostalgic for all the same places I’d traveled while studying abroad in London.
David is stupid. I kind of hate that that’s the direction the author went with him. Just why?
I was SO EXCITED to receive an ARC of Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson! I LOVED the Truly Devious series and thought it was a perfect young adult mystery. Nine Liars does not disappoint and is a great addition to the Stevie Bell saga.
In Nine Liars, Stevie has returned to Ellingham Academy for her senior year, but she is grappling with the uncertaintity of where she wants to go to college and also missing her boyfriend, David. David invites Stevie and her crew to come visit him for a short "study abroad" program and, as usual, shenanigans ensue. David's new friend Izzy has an aunt whose friends were mysteriously murdered back in the 90s. With David talking about Stevie's amazing crime solving abilities, Izzy asks Stevie to step in and help investigate the suspicious murders. As the story progresses we see Stevie push the limits of her friendships. While Stevie solves the mystery, Maureen Johnson leaves us with a relationship cliffhanger and I was ABSOLUTELY not ready. But you bet your bottom dollar I will be first in line for the follow up!
As previously mentioned, this is a young adult novel - so don't go in expecting brutal murders and love affairs. As Stevie is growing older, I can tell the books are growing with her, but they are still relatively tame. This lighter nature of the series makes them quick reads and I can usually finish them in a day or two. Sometimes in one sitting! Though - Nine Liars did seem a bit longer than the rest.
I enjoyed the change of scenery from the first few books. Being a home-grown New Englander I am very familiar with the areas of Vermont and Massachusetts, so having the characters travel out of country was great! I enjoyed the descriptions of Merryweather and the English country side, but there were a TON of settings in this book and sometimes it was hard to remember them all.
I appreciate the author's dedication to diversity. There are characters of various races and sexualities and Johnson makes it seem like no big deal - EXACTLY how it should be in real life. I appreciate the representation and, for that alone, I think these books can be impactful for young adult readers.
I am a little bit salty about the ending. I just want Stevie to be happy, especially in a time of such turmoil, so I am interested to see where Maureen Johnson goes with the next book.
4/5 stars from me!
In Nine Liars, Stevie has returned to Ellingham Academy for her senior year, but she is grappling with the uncertaintity of where she wants to go to college and also missing her boyfriend, David. David invites Stevie and her crew to come visit him for a short "study abroad" program and, as usual, shenanigans ensue. David's new friend Izzy has an aunt whose friends were mysteriously murdered back in the 90s. With David talking about Stevie's amazing crime solving abilities, Izzy asks Stevie to step in and help investigate the suspicious murders. As the story progresses we see Stevie push the limits of her friendships. While Stevie solves the mystery, Maureen Johnson leaves us with a relationship cliffhanger and I was ABSOLUTELY not ready. But you bet your bottom dollar I will be first in line for the follow up!
As previously mentioned, this is a young adult novel - so don't go in expecting brutal murders and love affairs. As Stevie is growing older, I can tell the books are growing with her, but they are still relatively tame. This lighter nature of the series makes them quick reads and I can usually finish them in a day or two. Sometimes in one sitting! Though - Nine Liars did seem a bit longer than the rest.
I enjoyed the change of scenery from the first few books. Being a home-grown New Englander I am very familiar with the areas of Vermont and Massachusetts, so having the characters travel out of country was great! I enjoyed the descriptions of Merryweather and the English country side, but there were a TON of settings in this book and sometimes it was hard to remember them all.
I appreciate the author's dedication to diversity. There are characters of various races and sexualities and Johnson makes it seem like no big deal - EXACTLY how it should be in real life. I appreciate the representation and, for that alone, I think these books can be impactful for young adult readers.
I am a little bit salty about the ending. I just want Stevie to be happy, especially in a time of such turmoil, so I am interested to see where Maureen Johnson goes with the next book.
4/5 stars from me!
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
**ARC finished in crossover of 2022-2023, but holding review whilst HC workers are on strike for fair pay.**
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is the latest (book 5) in the ‘Truly Devious’ series and I’d say the best one so far. The main characters are a bit older now (were high school aged in the first 3 books) so the tone has definitely matured and the plot line of this book also felt like it stepped up and was much more interesting. I really struggled through books 1-3 as they were so slow (one case spread across the three) but glad I persevered and made it through to books 4 & 5 as they were much more enjoyable