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A review by samanthampg
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
5.0
I cannot stress enough how much I adore this series and this book!
I'm emotionally unstable from the ending of this novel but in the BEST way. I have such a strong connection to the character Stevie, her love of true crime, her struggle with anxiety, I love her. I love reading her journey, I would literally read her doing her grocery shopping if Maureen wanted to write it. So knowing that this was the ending of this series was super emotional for me.
ALSO I KNOW THERE IS GOING TO BE A FOURTH STAND ALONE BOOK WITH STEVIE BUT IT WAS SAYING GOODBYE TO ELLINGHAM AND EVERYTHING WE WENT THROUGH THERE THAT REALLY GOT ME
The mystery of this novel, the twists and turns is great! I know that YA Mystery gets a lot of hate because it's usually basic and boring but I enjoyed this series / mystery more than I've ever enjoyed an adult mystery novel. The story is well thought out and well plotted, Maureen gives away only what she needs to, even when we as readers think we know it all BAM another layer is added. It's a glorious three dimensional puzzle of a mystery.
The friendships, relationships, characters and over all atmosphere of this story were all amazing as well. I know I keep singing this books praises but it's because it deserves it. Stevie's relationship with Nate is adorable, he's supportive of her like nobody else. He takes everything she says and deals with it, he never over reacts, he stands by her when she needs it and he is the only person Stevie's confides in with her biggest secrets. I know she calls Janelle her best friend but I would argue it's really Nate. However, Janelle is an amazing character and fantastic friend to Stevie. The whole cast of characters is amazing and offer a good selection of representation. As always there could always be more diversity but the diversity we did have was: Janelle is a woman of colour and a lesbian, her partner Vi is non-binary, there is a minor muslim girl and another girl in a wheelchair. We also see Stevie struggling with anxiety and going in depth on how she handles her day to day anxiety as well as her panic attacks. I'm sure there are others that I'm not remembering off the top of my head and just because there is a few characters who provide some diversity I would have liked to see more.
The romance in this book was *chefs kiss*! I've adored the couples in these books from Truly Devious. I was so mad at David, I wanted Stevie to just stand up for herself and explain her situation so many times but I was so happy with the way things ended up unfolding. I know that Stevie's strength is her belief in what she's doing has s greater purpose and that explaining her actions to David wouldn't help the bigger picture. It's another reason I love her. Regardless I love these two, they made me swoon on more than one occasion.
Anyways, if you've made it this far I'm assuming you've read this book, hopefully you've at least read the first two. I cannot recommend this book enough !
I'm emotionally unstable from the ending of this novel but in the BEST way. I have such a strong connection to the character Stevie, her love of true crime, her struggle with anxiety, I love her. I love reading her journey, I would literally read her doing her grocery shopping if Maureen wanted to write it. So knowing that this was the ending of this series was super emotional for me.
ALSO I KNOW THERE IS GOING TO BE A FOURTH STAND ALONE BOOK WITH STEVIE BUT IT WAS SAYING GOODBYE TO ELLINGHAM AND EVERYTHING WE WENT THROUGH THERE THAT REALLY GOT ME
The mystery of this novel, the twists and turns is great! I know that YA Mystery gets a lot of hate because it's usually basic and boring but I enjoyed this series / mystery more than I've ever enjoyed an adult mystery novel. The story is well thought out and well plotted, Maureen gives away only what she needs to, even when we as readers think we know it all BAM another layer is added. It's a glorious three dimensional puzzle of a mystery.
The friendships, relationships, characters and over all atmosphere of this story were all amazing as well. I know I keep singing this books praises but it's because it deserves it. Stevie's relationship with Nate is adorable, he's supportive of her like nobody else. He takes everything she says and deals with it, he never over reacts, he stands by her when she needs it and he is the only person Stevie's confides in with her biggest secrets. I know she calls Janelle her best friend but I would argue it's really Nate. However, Janelle is an amazing character and fantastic friend to Stevie. The whole cast of characters is amazing and offer a good selection of representation. As always there could always be more diversity but the diversity we did have was: Janelle is a woman of colour and a lesbian, her partner Vi is non-binary, there is a minor muslim girl and another girl in a wheelchair. We also see Stevie struggling with anxiety and going in depth on how she handles her day to day anxiety as well as her panic attacks. I'm sure there are others that I'm not remembering off the top of my head and just because there is a few characters who provide some diversity I would have liked to see more.
The romance in this book was *chefs kiss*! I've adored the couples in these books from Truly Devious. I was so mad at David, I wanted Stevie to just stand up for herself and explain her situation so many times but I was so happy with the way things ended up unfolding. I know that Stevie's strength is her belief in what she's doing has s greater purpose and that explaining her actions to David wouldn't help the bigger picture. It's another reason I love her. Regardless I love these two, they made me swoon on more than one occasion.
Anyways, if you've made it this far I'm assuming you've read this book, hopefully you've at least read the first two. I cannot recommend this book enough !