Return to the world of Truly Devious as Stevie Bell and her friends travel to New York to solve a murder in the next standalone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.

Stevie might be the greatest teenage detective Ellingham Academy and the world has ever seen, but even she can’t figure out what happened with her boyfriend, David. What she needs is a distraction: a good old-fashioned murder. Stevie is much happier dealing with dead people. They’re a lot less confusing—they don’t send cryptic texts and make out with other girls in British pubs.

But then Stevie gets exactly what she wanted when a dead body turns up in the middle of a Manhattan apartment complex, and this one is . . . complicated. Caught in a web of messy alive-people feelings, Stevie finds herself questioning all human connection. Is magnetism only manipulation? Can you trust anyone? Does anyone realize that they’re joining a cult—before it’s too late? And are things with David really over?

Published
September 29, 2026
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Truly Devious

The series

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In the Truly Devious series, Maureen Johnson masterfully blends suspense, wit, and a touch of dark academia to create a gripping mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. At the heart of this atmospheric tale is Stevie Bell, a brilliant, quirky teenager with an obsession for unsolved crimes. When she arrives at the prestigious Ellingham Academy, a school for gifted students, she’s determined to crack the long-unsolved mystery of the Ellingham kidnapping and murder—a crime that has haunted the academy for decades.

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As Stevie digs deeper into the past, unraveling clues and confronting long-buried secrets, she becomes entangled in her own modern-day mystery, one that is as chilling and perplexing as the one that first brought her to Ellingham. The series takes readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with suspense that lingers in every page, drawing them into a world where every answer only seems to lead to more questions.

Set against the backdrop of the eerie, almost cinematic beauty of the school, Truly Devious explores themes of genius, obsession, and the search for truth—blending historical intrigue with contemporary mystery. Stevie's intelligence, determination, and unique outlook on the world make her an unforgettable protagonist, navigating both the past and the present with a sharp mind and a strong will.

With its richly drawn characters, haunting atmosphere, and an ever-present sense of tension, Truly Devious is a series that will appeal to anyone who loves a good mystery, particularly those who enjoy intellectual puzzles layered with personal stakes. Each book deepens the mystery, drawing Stevie—and the reader—closer to discovering the truth behind the Ellingham crime... and potentially uncovering an even more dangerous conspiracy in the process. A thrilling, page-turning adventure that captivates from start to finish, Truly Devious is the perfect series for those who crave suspense, intellect, and a touch of the eerie.

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