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A review by jennifermreads
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
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.