The Vanishing Stair
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Vanishing Stair
The Vanishing Stair is the second installment in Maureen Johnson's "Truly Devious" young adult mystery series. The story follows Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast attending the prestigious Ellingham Academy, as she delves deeper into a decades-old cold case involving a mysterious kidnapping and triple murder, alongside more recent fatalities at the school. This book builds on the suspense of the first, with Stevie investigating the disappearance of a fellow student and uncovering more secrets about the academy's founder. The narrative weaves between the present-day investigation and flashbacks to the 1930s, offering a complex and engaging puzzle. Targeted at young adult readers, the book explores themes of mystery, psychological suspense, and personal relationships within an elite boarding school setting.
Things to Consider
Scary & Intense Content
The book features an intense, suspenseful atmosphere driven by ongoing murder mysteries and psychological elements. Characters face perilous situations, and themes of anxiety and death are prevalent.
The plot is centered on an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder, along with new deaths, creating a consistently high-stakes environment. The protagonist, Stevie Bell, experiences anxiety and panic attacks, with the story detailing her struggles and coping mechanisms, including medication. The unexpected discovery of Ellie Walker's dead body within the school grounds is a significant, intense moment.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Age 14+ (Grades 9+) is recommended for "The Vanishing Stair." This recommendation is based on the book's complex mystery plot involving multiple murders, kidnappings, and themes of anxiety. It also includes elements of romance, mild profanity, and discussions of alcoholism, which are more appropriate for mature young adult readers. The suspenseful nature and psychological intensity of the ongoing murder investigation contribute to this age rating.
Good to Know
The book is part of a series (Truly Devious #2) and ends on a cliffhanger, meaning resolution for many plot points is deferred to later volumes. Parents should be aware that the overall series intensifies in complexity and stakes. The book explores mental health themes through the protagonist's anxiety. The historical mystery involves elements of crime and investigation that might be unsettling for younger readers.
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