Ellingham Academy, famous for its unique approach towards learning, holds a dark past. In 1936, the daughter and wife of the school’s founder, millionaire Albert Ellingham, were kidnapped to never appear again. The only clue towards their kidnapping was a frightening riddle signed with “Truly, Devious”. Now many years later Stevie Bell has been accepted to Ellingham. She doesn’t quite understand why, as the only thing she considers special about herself is an obsession with crime. But now that she’s there, it’s her plan to crack the still cold case. That is, until the past starts to repeat itself all over again.

Truly Devious is a great book that switches between 1936, current day, and articles about the kidnappings. You work to solve the case alongside Stevie, examining the evidence and testimonies of the suspects. An old private school in the secluded hills of Vermont is the perfect setting for a mystery, especially one as intricately plotted as this one.

Stevie is curious, smart, and just a little awkward. Her struggles with anxiety don’t stop her from working towards her dreams of solving crime and becoming a detective. She has great friends at the academy, from the sweet Janelle to the always frowning Nate. They support each other as they deal with the possibility of a murder on their campus. Stevie’s love of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie help her to get closer to who was responsible for the kidnappings, along with her inability to leave things be.

When the story switched to 1936, I enjoyed learning about the different characters present at Ellingham Academy at the time of the kidnappings. The characters were all eccentric and similar to those found in a game of Clue. By combining the glamorous past of the Academy with the current day, you could learn about the history and predict what would happen next.

Truly Devious discusses everything from internet fame to anxiety to politics. Hayes, a famous Youtuber attending Ellingham, dies from dry ice poisoning in an “accident”. He had to deal with his fame on the internet along with his life as a student at Ellingham. Stevie occasionally experiences anxiety attacks when she is without her medication. Finally, at the end of the book it is revealed that Stevie’s crush David, who had told her that his parents were dead, was in fact the son of Edward King, a senator that Stevie’s parents work for whose views are everything Stevie’s are not.

I liked this book because it was exciting, funny, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. With every new thing Stevie discovered about the case, I became more invested in her solving it. Stevie’s relationship with David was entertaining and they did they best work towards solving the case when they were together. The riddles and clues left behind for Stevie were well crafted and I enjoyed the mystery.

I would rate this book a ten out of ten stars. It is a story unlike any others I have read, and it is also one of the best. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Checkout Truly Devious from the Newport Beach Public Library.