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A review by jillkaarlela
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A thrilling boarding school murder mystery about a school that is famous for a murder that happened in the 1930s. I really liked this! It was super exciting and page turning, and even as I reread this, I still really enjoyed it! There are some pretty unexpected plot twists.
The protagonist, Stevie, is such a complex, yet relatable character, who, as the book goes along, I really feel that I am getting to know. The author pulled back the curtain to show every part of this character, which so many books lack. The reader gets a front-row seat to exactly how she processes the world and how the gears turn to figure out the giant twists. That is really what makes these books so special for me. We see this complex, fascinating, ambitious female character, yet she is also completely human and flawed. We get to see her struggle with her mental health and her battle to stay alive in a school full of secrets and mysteries. I love how accurately and candidly Johnson portrayed Stevie’s mental health. It was so real/honest and raw. I think many people could benefit from reading these even just to see the struggles that those with anxiety face on a daily basis. It was very comforting to see someone else going through similar mental battles to know that it’s not just me. I think many others who struggle from mental health issues will find comfort in reading this accurate depiction of anxiety and panic attacks. I would recommend this series for those who love YA mysteries! I like how it’s told in a dual perspective of back in the 1930s and now. Also, there’s romance and you know I had to pick taylor songs for this book, and they are “the way I loved you (TV)” and “the other side of the door (TV)”.
Age rating: 13+
The protagonist, Stevie, is such a complex, yet relatable character, who, as the book goes along, I really feel that I am getting to know. The author pulled back the curtain to show every part of this character, which so many books lack. The reader gets a front-row seat to exactly how she processes the world and how the gears turn to figure out the giant twists. That is really what makes these books so special for me. We see this complex, fascinating, ambitious female character, yet she is also completely human and flawed. We get to see her struggle with her mental health and her battle to stay alive in a school full of secrets and mysteries. I love how accurately and candidly Johnson portrayed Stevie’s mental health. It was so real/honest and raw. I think many people could benefit from reading these even just to see the struggles that those with anxiety face on a daily basis. It was very comforting to see someone else going through similar mental battles to know that it’s not just me. I think many others who struggle from mental health issues will find comfort in reading this accurate depiction of anxiety and panic attacks. I would recommend this series for those who love YA mysteries! I like how it’s told in a dual perspective of back in the 1930s and now. Also, there’s romance and you know I had to pick taylor songs for this book, and they are “the way I loved you (TV)” and “the other side of the door (TV)”.
Age rating: 13+
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Cursing and Death
Brief cursing, but not very much. Since this is a murder mystery, it focuses on the murder mystery, and it discusses dead bodies. It isn’t gory or graphic, as it is YA