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A review by ashction
The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson
3.0
While I still found this book enjoyable and suspenseful, it wasn't quite all I imagined it to be. 3.5 stars is probably the accurate rating; Maureen does some great writing even if I wasn't totally satisfied.
This is definitely a standalone novel. Though Stevie's work on the Ellingham case is name dropped, you don't need to have read the original trilogy to understand this book. That being said, ironically I'm not sure you can really enjoy this one without having familiarity for the characters from the Truly Devious trilogy. There's a lot of quick one-off explanations for David, Janelle, and Nate, and they feel pretty hollow as characters here. To be honest, Stevie also seemed less than her usual self, and that disappointed me. That, combined with the fact that the mystery occurs really just in the last quarter of the book, I felt underwhelmed by a story that could have been stronger. Especially given the setting! How was a small town, summer camp murder not more interesting!?
And the twist, the big reveal? Oddly unsatisfying, very left field, just kind of bizarre. It works, but... there wasn't enough build up. Maybe it's because the TD books being a trilogy spoiled me into expecting more of a slow build up, and I was partially hoping this series would continue as a series. But this mystery is self contained and quickly solved, even if the ending feels a bit too soon.
I guess I'm vaguely intrigued to see if Maureen writes another. The ending hints to Stevie possibly taking her skills across the Atlantic, but who knows if that'll be? Also, David STILL SUCKS. Stevie doesn't need a romantic interest but she deserves someone more interesting.
Anyway this is a really negative review for a positive rating! The book was fine. I wanted and expected more, but it's still a mostly decent story for fans of Truly Devious, but certainly not the place to start if you want the best experience.
I received a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me access!
This is definitely a standalone novel. Though Stevie's work on the Ellingham case is name dropped, you don't need to have read the original trilogy to understand this book. That being said, ironically I'm not sure you can really enjoy this one without having familiarity for the characters from the Truly Devious trilogy. There's a lot of quick one-off explanations for David, Janelle, and Nate, and they feel pretty hollow as characters here. To be honest, Stevie also seemed less than her usual self, and that disappointed me. That, combined with the fact that the mystery occurs really just in the last quarter of the book, I felt underwhelmed by a story that could have been stronger. Especially given the setting! How was a small town, summer camp murder not more interesting!?
And the twist, the big reveal? Oddly unsatisfying, very left field, just kind of bizarre. It works, but... there wasn't enough build up. Maybe it's because the TD books being a trilogy spoiled me into expecting more of a slow build up, and I was partially hoping this series would continue as a series. But this mystery is self contained and quickly solved, even if the ending feels a bit too soon.
I guess I'm vaguely intrigued to see if Maureen writes another. The ending hints to Stevie possibly taking her skills across the Atlantic, but who knows if that'll be? Also, David STILL SUCKS. Stevie doesn't need a romantic interest but she deserves someone more interesting.
Anyway this is a really negative review for a positive rating! The book was fine. I wanted and expected more, but it's still a mostly decent story for fans of Truly Devious, but certainly not the place to start if you want the best experience.
I received a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me access!