Book Review: The Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson

For a long time, I have been trying to find an engaging series to read. Something that makes me fall in love with the characters and makes me want the series to not end at all. It is often easy to find a good book, but a great series is hard to come by.

The Truly Devious series transported me to a world that I had dreamt of as a kid. The ideal school where exams are not as important but passion is. A school with numerous tunnels, castles, and mystery lurking around the corner. It is the perfect setup, not just for children or young adults, but for all age groups!

Here is a detailed review of an enjoyable series!

Disclaimer: No spoilers ahead!

Plot

The Truly Devious series deals with murder mysteries in an enchanting place known as Ellingham Academy. It is no ordinary place of learning. Only the brightest minds of the country make it to this famous school in Vermont. The crime of the century took place in the school grounds and remains unsolved until a young detective named Stevie Bell joins the academy. While she wants to solve the cold case, things take a new turn and history repeats itself. Only, this time it gets worse. Stevie witnesses a series of murders that are made to look accidental. While the school battles to stay open, Stevie is resolved to pin down the bad guys.

Characters

The chart summarizes some of the significant  characters in the series. Maureen goes in detail while describing them that you end up being very familiar with the characters of both the past and the present. The depth she adds helps justify their unusual actions. Albert Ellingham stands out in the whole series. Being the founder of a school "where learning is a game",  his fascination for riddles, tunnels, and mysteries makes him an interesting character. My personal favorites include Stevie, Albert Ellingham, Leonard Nair (weirdly intriguing), and Janelle. 

Highlights

• The descriptions of the academy and the day to day life there make you want to be a student all over again.
• The excessive use of riddles and the "Truly Devious" letter add to the charm of the mystery.
• The past and the present are interwoven brilliantly. The references from the past while solving the murders in the present keeps the cold case alive.
• Albert Ellingham's character deserves a special mention.

Lowlights

• While the references to Sherlock and other famous detectives were used to support Stevie's interest in criminology, it went overboard in the subsequent parts of the series. The deliberate justification of every action was distracting.
• Edward King and his political/personal drama diluted the essence of the main plot
• Overall, the series could have been shorter with lesser fillers.

Favorite Quotes

"There is nothing so serious as a game."

"The wonderful thing about reality is that it is highly flexible. One minute, all is doom; the next, everything is abloom with possibility."

"So much of anxiety was anxiety about having anxiety."

"Where her books were, she was. Get the books right and the rest will follow."

"The world is a door. Books are the key."

Verdict

Overall, The Truly Devious series deserves a 4/5. The plot was predictable at times, nonetheless, a wholesome entertainer.

If you haven't read this series yet, check it out and let me know how you liked it!

Happy Reading!😁