Titles in This Set:
Truly Devious: A Mystery [Paperback]
The Vanishing Stair [Paperback]
The Hand on the Wall [Paperback]
The Box in the Woods [Paperback]
Nine Liars [Paperback]
The Velvet Knife (Truly Devious) [Hardcover]
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Mixed Format
ISBN: 9789124178949
Overview:
This complete Truly Devious 6-Book Collection brings together every entry in Maureen Johnson's beloved young adult mystery series. You receive five paperback editions and a premium hardcover version of the stand-alone sequel, offering exceptional value for any teen mystery lover. The set follows Stevie Bell, a gifted teenage detective enrolled at Ellingham Academy, a mysterious boarding school filled with riddles, secrets, and twisted gardens. Originally designed by industrialist Albert Ellingham as a place where "learning is a game," the academy becomes the backdrop for an unsolved 1936 triple murder and kidnapping that consumes Stevie from the very first page. This box set captures the full arc of Stevie's journey, combining sharp suspense, compelling romantic subplots, and clever puzzle-solving. It is ideal for readers who crave binge-worthy sleuth fiction with emotional depth. Collecting all six titles ensures you never miss a single clue or character development beat. Whether you are introducing a new reader to the genre or gifting a dedicated fan, this volume guarantees hours of gripping entertainment.
What Makes This Collection Special:
What sets this set apart is how it evolves beyond simple whodunits into a deeper exploration of identity, ambition, and the messy reality of growing up. Stevie Bell is far more than a detective; she is a teenager navigating friendship fractures, distant relationships, and the pressure of senior year. Each book introduces a new puzzle while advancing her personal story, creating a satisfying long-form reading experience. The series masterfully blends the charm of a prestigious school setting with the tension of true-crime-inspired cases. Fans appreciate Maureen Johnson's vivid storytelling and period-fluent writing, which makes each case feel historic yet immediately relevant. Including the hardcover edition of The Velvet Knife adds collectible appeal, marking the transition from the core academy trilogy to the expanded Sunny Pines storyline. This collection rewards readers who invest in a character-driven mystery universe. It stands out as a thoughtful gift choice for BookTok favourites and young adults who enjoy unraveling complex plots alongside their favourite sleuth.
Books Included in This Collection:
Truly Devious: A Mystery
Sixteen-year-old Stevie Bell secures a scholarship to Ellingham Academy, a prestigious Vermont boarding school celebrated for its inventive architecture and intellectual rigor. Founded by tycoon Albert Ellingham, the campus features hiding places, riddles, and underground tunnels meant to make learning an adventure. Yet beneath the playful design lies a dark secret. In 1936, three students vanished and a fourth was murdered in circumstances that remain completely unsolved. Stevie arrives determined to solve this decades-old case, believing she can uncover what previous investigators could not. Her keen instincts quickly turn academic curiosity into a genuine obsession. As new dangers emerge within the walls, Stevie must learn when a pursuit of truth becomes a threat to her own safety. This opening title establishes the perfect tone for a mystery that is both puzzle-packed and emotionally resonant.
The Vanishing Stair
A classmate is found murdered at the academy, shattering Stevie's sense of security and validating the fears held by her family. Concerned about her fixation on crime scenes and the risks she takes during investigations, Stevie's parents step in and withdraw her from school for her own protection. Forced to step away from the institution that consumed her youth, Stevie confronts the conflict between her detective drive and her need for a normal childhood. She must grapple with questions about whether some mysteries should remain buried and how obsession can distort judgment. The narrative balances suspense with poignant moments of reflection as Stevie navigates the fallout from her previous triumphs. Readers will appreciate the realistic portrayal of parental worry and the challenge of stepping out of one's comfort zone while retaining one's passion.
The Hand on the Wall
Ellingham Academy begins to feel cursed as a string of fatal incidents rocks the community. Three lives are claimed in rapid succession: one death results from a prank gone wrong, another from misadventure, and a third from a tragic accident in Burlington. What unnerves Stevie most is the timing; all three occur at the exact moment of her greatest investigative successes. The pattern suggests a supernatural curse, but Stevie suspects foul play orchestrated by someone watching closely. The proximity of death to her victories raises uncomfortable questions about cause and effect. As tensions rise among staff, faculty, and students, Stevie works to separate coincidence from malice. This installment heightens the psychological thriller elements while maintaining the claustrophobic atmosphere unique to the academy setting.
The Box in the Woods
Stevie receives an unexpected invitation from the current owner of Sunny Pines, formerly known as Camp Wonder Falls. In 1978, four camp counselors were brutally murdered in these woods, with their bodies arranged in a gruesome display that still terrifies locals. The new proprietor asks Stevie to visit and assist him with research for a true crime podcast centered on the infamous tragedy. This marks a shift from the academy grounds to the eerie location where the original horror began. Stevie delves into camp lore, interviews wary survivors, and uncovers layers of deception dating back decades. The story explores how the past refuses to stay buried and how communities rebuild around trauma. It ties directly into the wider conspiracy surrounding Stevie's family and the secrets hidden in the region.
Nine Liars
Senior year at Ellingham presents new challenges as Stevie faces the end of her student days. Her boyfriend David has relocated to London, leaving Stevie to navigate long-distance complications and shifting emotions. While friends become absorbed in college applications and future planning, Stevie feels unmoored now that the original academy murders are solved. She grapples with uncertainty about her path forward and whether crime solving offers a purpose worth pursuing. An invitation related to the Sunny Pines massacre draws her back into active investigation mode. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the stories we tell to protect ourselves. With its focus on adolescence and unresolved truths, this book expands the world significantly.
The Velvet Knife (Truly Devious)
Presented here in a special hardcover edition, this stand-alone sequel dives straight into Stevie's dual life as a world-class teen detective and a girl dealing with complicated romance. Even the sharpest investigator cannot decode the behaviour of her boyfriend, David. He sends cryptic texts and makes decisions that leave Stevie frustrated and confused. Realising she needs a distraction from emotional chaos, Stevie turns her attention to a fresh murder case instead. Decades earlier, a couple vanished near the town of Barlow Corners, leaving behind only a blood-stained journal and unanswered questions. Stevie's determination to find closure leads her into territory that crosses into local legend and dangerous secrets. This title showcases Stevie's professional competence while underscoring the personal costs of a life lived in the shadow of violence.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection targets young adult readers aged roughly thirteen to eighteen who enjoy mystery, thriller, and crime genres. Ideal recipients include teens inspired by detective fiction, true crime enthusiasts, and fans of series featuring intelligent heroines. The books suit classroom libraries for literacy programs focused on inference and non-fiction linkages, as well as home reading collections. Gift buyers will find this set excellent for birthdays, holidays, or milestones such as graduations. Students preparing for creative writing courses may appreciate the structural craft evident in the plotting. The series appeals strongly to audiences familiar with BookTok trends and popular YA adaptations because of its fast pacing and modern sensibilities. Teachers looking to engage reluctant readers will value the accessible language and cliffhanger chapters that keep momentum high throughout each volume.
Key Benefits:
-
Complete Reading Journey: Own every instalment including the acclaimed hardcover sequel for uninterrupted access to Stevie's story.
-
Strong Educational Value: Promotes critical thinking, deduction skills, and empathy through immersive character experiences.
-
Collector Appeal: Includes a durable hardcover addition suitable for display on shelves or desks.
-
Binge-Read Friendly: Short chapters and constant revelations create momentum perfect for weekend reading sessions.
-
Emotional Depth: Balances suspense with relatable themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery.
-
Distinctive Setting: Immerses readers in a uniquely atmospheric academy rich with architectural intrigue and hidden passages.
-
Great Gifting Option: Consolidates multiple valuable titles into one convenient purchase for teens who devour books.
-
Series Foundation: Introduces recurring clues and backstory that pay off across all volumes.
About the Author:
Maureen Johnson is a celebrated author whose work bridges fantasy, historical fiction, and young adult mystery. She is widely known for herLavender House series and her contributions to The Ghosts of Elsinore project. Johnson brings a refreshing contemporary voice to genre fiction, weaving sharp dialogue with rich historical detail. Many of her stories explore themes of identity, art, and rebellion against societal expectations. She holds advanced degrees in English literature and frequently lectures on urban fantasy and writing techniques. Her prose style is praised for its wit, emotional intelligence, and ability to construct intricate plot webs that reward attentive readers. Johnson shares her expertise through workshops and mentorship, supporting emerging voices in the industry. Her dedication to crafting diverse characters and compelling settings has earned her a devoted following among young adult readers worldwide.
Why You'll Love This Set:
Owning this Truly Devious collection means securing a premier piece of modern young adult mystery fiction. The combination of five paperbacks and a hardcover edition provides a tangible reward that grows with each re-read. You gain immediate access to a tightly plotted universe where every clue counts and no detail is wasted. The set eliminates the need to hunt for individual titles while ensuring continuity across the entire saga. Fans will cherish the chance to follow Stevie from her first day at Ellingham to her evolving role as a public investigator. Whether for personal enjoyment or sharing with fellow mystery enthusiasts, this bundle delivers lasting entertainment and exceptional literary value.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
