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gingerhalfling's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
When Stevie solves the Ellingham mystery at the end of The Vanishing Stair, I thought “Well, that’s interesting.” I mean, solving the big mystery in the second book of a trilogy? Not an expected move for sure. But it was because there was so much more to untangle. So much more.
Am I satisfied with the conclusion? Well, I am with the “Truly, Devious” mystery – not as much with the modern-day deaths. Maybe after I have some time to mull the book over? I don’t know. Seems kind of a reach. Plus, Stevie’s reaction to the revelation at the end? Who would do that? It, too, seems to be quite a stretch of character. But …
Ultimately, I was fascinated with the setting. Not just Vermont and its fall colors, snow, and breaking spring at the end. But also, the remoteness of the school’s location, the vastness of the property, the seemingly unending network of secret tunnels. Pictures were painted and they were quite vivid for me – though I do admit to being quite happy there was a map in the book!
And I LOVED that these characters were so real, so flawed. For those who have panic attacks: trigger warning! Maureen Johnson nailed the description of anxiety and panic attacks. Anyone wondering what is like when a friend has one should read the descriptions in this trilogy; you will finally understand. I loved Nate’s social awkwardness, Janelle’s brilliance, Vi’s passion, and David’s … what is David … let’s go with dickhead and cocky. It was like looking in a mirror of my high school hallways: every player was present and accounted for.
How much did I like Stevie? Well, I diving immediately into The Box in the Woods. I’m just not ready to leave Stevie’s orbit yet.
The dual-timeline and double-mystery plus location & characters I could love and not love led this to a worthy and enjoyable read. The final ending though? Just puzzling enough, and unsettling enough, to bump it from absolutely-best-read level.
Am I satisfied with the conclusion? Well, I am with the “Truly, Devious” mystery – not as much with the modern-day deaths. Maybe after I have some time to mull the book over? I don’t know. Seems kind of a reach. Plus, Stevie’s reaction to the revelation at the end? Who would do that? It, too, seems to be quite a stretch of character. But …
Ultimately, I was fascinated with the setting. Not just Vermont and its fall colors, snow, and breaking spring at the end. But also, the remoteness of the school’s location, the vastness of the property, the seemingly unending network of secret tunnels. Pictures were painted and they were quite vivid for me – though I do admit to being quite happy there was a map in the book!
And I LOVED that these characters were so real, so flawed. For those who have panic attacks: trigger warning! Maureen Johnson nailed the description of anxiety and panic attacks. Anyone wondering what is like when a friend has one should read the descriptions in this trilogy; you will finally understand. I loved Nate’s social awkwardness, Janelle’s brilliance, Vi’s passion, and David’s … what is David … let’s go with dickhead and cocky. It was like looking in a mirror of my high school hallways: every player was present and accounted for.
How much did I like Stevie? Well, I diving immediately into The Box in the Woods. I’m just not ready to leave Stevie’s orbit yet.
The dual-timeline and double-mystery plus location & characters I could love and not love led this to a worthy and enjoyable read. The final ending though? Just puzzling enough, and unsettling enough, to bump it from absolutely-best-read level.
alexikakon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bethsreading's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
jtbolscher's review against another edition
3.0
the inevitable ending to the trilogy coming from a mile away, the book less a book than an act three to a longer novel. my main issues with this book are on a writer-technical level, which feels both very presumptuous and hypocritical coming from me (person noted for never having completed a full draft of a novel, let alone someone who could live off of their writing). nevertheless, i can't ignore that this feels so much like a paint-by-numbers trilogy, starring contrivances that lead to stilted scenes meant to fulfill a very specific purpose, an endless parade of cliched characters (including my absolute least favorite incarnated in the form of david) and the most tell-not-show approach to storytelling this side of veronica roth.
and yet, despite my many annoyances and the very industry-line feel, the sheer competence of it all is undeniable. it's plotted well, the writing flows, the main characters do (eventually) have full arcs, the mystery is resolved in a satisfying way, and it leaves nothing hanging while obviously leaving room for more (as evidenced by the release of box in the woods). maureen johnson is clearly a very experienced writer, some might say even good, but i have to say i did hope for even a touch more.
and yet, despite my many annoyances and the very industry-line feel, the sheer competence of it all is undeniable. it's plotted well, the writing flows, the main characters do (eventually) have full arcs, the mystery is resolved in a satisfying way, and it leaves nothing hanging while obviously leaving room for more (as evidenced by the release of box in the woods). maureen johnson is clearly a very experienced writer, some might say even good, but i have to say i did hope for even a touch more.
lando's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
zhzhang's review against another edition
5.0
Yes. The trilogy of Truly Devious series ends with a great revelation. All the characters are fuller in this last book and the mystery is explained in very neatly-woven details. Well done. This is a great mystery for YA reader.
isabellerose17's review against another edition
4.0
Best book in the series but was a little disappointed at some of the mystery outcomes! 4⭐️
lt_tara's review against another edition
4.0
These books are worth the read trust me. I love young adult mysteries and this series is so great. It's intriguing, fascinating and has the best setting ever. I fell in love with the Ellingham Academy and the atmosphere it had.
This last book was one of my most anticipated reads and I was so excited to finally discover the ending of this mystery.
I think that this last book was a little slow and uneventful but it had a steady pace and I actually really enjoyed following subtle clues and seeing the story unfold knowing everything we learnt in the previous books.
Stevie is still a favorite of mine because she is so smart and pragmatic. I enjoyed seeing her brain work its magic and the last 70 pages were really amazing and fast.
She even had her Hercules Poirot moment at the end with framing the murderer and that made me so happy because it's my favorite part in every mystery.
I am actually very satisfied with how this story ended. I figured it all out just moments before it was revealed in the book and I loved piecing things together. The dual time line was just as interesting as ever.
It's so sad what happened to Alice, Iris and also Albert. The current time crimes were much more blurry to me and I needed to know how they would all tie together. I loved the end so much.
As always I adored the side characters. Janelle is such a smart little cookie and also a badass, Vi is a boss too and Nate is just the most awesome character. I also really liked Hunter and even my favorite Larry made a few appearances which of course I loved.
As for David, I don't know if I want to love him or strangle him. He was so annoying and rude but then again it's David so he has his way of winning me over. So he's an asshole we tolerate and sometimes stan.
I am so glad I got to read this series and I'm very much intrigued by the next story that awaits us with Stevie, I'm excited to see her solve many more mysteries.
This last book was one of my most anticipated reads and I was so excited to finally discover the ending of this mystery.
I think that this last book was a little slow and uneventful but it had a steady pace and I actually really enjoyed following subtle clues and seeing the story unfold knowing everything we learnt in the previous books.
Stevie is still a favorite of mine because she is so smart and pragmatic. I enjoyed seeing her brain work its magic and the last 70 pages were really amazing and fast.
She even had her Hercules Poirot moment at the end with framing the murderer and that made me so happy because it's my favorite part in every mystery.
I am actually very satisfied with how this story ended. I figured it all out just moments before it was revealed in the book and I loved piecing things together. The dual time line was just as interesting as ever.
It's so sad what happened to Alice, Iris and also Albert. The current time crimes were much more blurry to me and I needed to know how they would all tie together. I loved the end so much.
As always I adored the side characters. Janelle is such a smart little cookie and also a badass, Vi is a boss too and Nate is just the most awesome character. I also really liked Hunter and even my favorite Larry made a few appearances which of course I loved.
As for David, I don't know if I want to love him or strangle him. He was so annoying and rude but then again it's David so he has his way of winning me over. So he's an asshole we tolerate and sometimes stan.
I am so glad I got to read this series and I'm very much intrigued by the next story that awaits us with Stevie, I'm excited to see her solve many more mysteries.