Truly Devious
Truly Devious is a young adult mystery novel set at Ellingham Academy, a prestigious and enigmatic boarding school nestled in the mountains of Vermont. The story follows Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast, as she begins her first year at the academy with the ambitious goal of solving the infamous "Truly Devious" cold case – a decades-old mystery involving the kidnapping and murder of the school founder's wife and daughter. The narrative weaves between the historical crime of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigation, creating a dark academia atmosphere filled with riddles and secrets. The book is designed for a young adult audience, particularly those who enjoy intricate puzzles and a suspenseful plot reminiscent of Agatha Christie. It explores themes of friendship, finding one's place, and grappling with personal challenges like anxiety, all while a new death on campus suggests the return of the elusive killer. While dealing with mature themes like murder and kidnapping, the content is generally handled in a manner appropriate for its target demographic, with content warnings for elements such as underage drinking and panic attacks.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book features LGBTQ+ representation, including a gay main supporting character and a nonbinary minor character. There are mentions of romantic relationships between same-sex characters. The narrative also addresses the topic of misgendering, indicating a learning moment for the protagonist.
Janelle Franklin, one of Stevie Bell's closest housemates, is openly gay and enters into a romantic relationship with a queer character named Vi. The relationship is portrayed as 'cute together'. Additionally, Vi is identified as a nonbinary character. The protagonist, Stevie, initially misgenders Vi, but is corrected by Janelle, highlighting a point of education within the story.
Violence
MediumThe central plot revolves around two murder mysteries: a historical kidnapping and murder case, and a new death that occurs on campus. While violence is inherent to the mystery genre, descriptions are generally not overly graphic. However, later books in the series may include more explicit details.
The book's historical mystery involves the murder of Dottie Epstein, described as her head being 'bashed in by George with a metal pipe as a mercy kill' after an accident. In the present timeline, a new death occurs at Ellingham Academy when Hayes Major, a YouTube star, is found dead, later determined to be murder. The method involves dry ice in a tunnel, creating an ominous scene.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic relationships are present among the teenage characters, including kissing scenes and implied attractions. While the book is not primarily a romance, it contains some instances of physical intimacy. Some reviewers note that the broader series includes allusions to sex between minors.
Stevie Bell develops a romantic interest in David Eastman, another student, with their relationship involving 'definite attraction' and kissing scenes. Although the first book limits physical intimacy primarily to kissing, reviews of the series mention 'occasional allusion to sex between minors,' which some readers found uncomfortable.
Substance Use
MediumThe book includes instances of underage drinking among the student characters. This is explicitly noted as a content warning in various parental guidance resources.
The presence of underage drinking is mentioned in content warnings for the book, indicating that students at Ellingham Academy consume alcohol. These instances are highlighted as a specific content consideration for readers.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe story features a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, revolving around unsolved murders and a new death, which creates significant tension. The protagonist also experiences anxiety and panic attacks, which are depicted in the narrative.
The setting of Ellingham Academy and its history of unsolved crimes are described as creating an 'ominous, unsettling, slightly creepy' atmosphere. The protagonist, Stevie Bell, suffers from an anxiety disorder and experiences panic attacks, particularly when confronted with the realities of her investigations. For example, in Chapter 16, Stevie consciously works to manage her anxiety during a police interrogation following Hayes's death.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumCharacters, particularly the protagonist, display snarky attitudes and engage in typical teenage drama. There is also a subtle element of rebellion against parental figures, especially regarding differing political views.
Stevie Bell is characterized as a 'super clever and snarky main character', often using sarcasm and wit in her interactions and internal thoughts. Additionally, Stevie seeks to distance herself from her parents, described as 'obnoxious' due to their 'unfortunate political leanings,' reflecting a generational disconnect and subtle rebellion against their values.
Profanity
LowThe book contains minimal profanity. Some reader reviews explicitly state a near absence of traditional swear words. However, the term 'cr*zy' is noted as a content warning by some sources.
Multiple reader reviews and Q&A responses indicate that the book contains 'no swear words at all' or 'nearly no swear words'. However, Goodreads content warnings for the book do list the use of the word 'cr*zy'.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural occurrences present in the narrative. The mysteries are grounded in human actions and historical events.
The primary focus of 'Truly Devious' is on solving real-world crimes of kidnapping and murder through investigation and deciphering riddles left by the perpetrator. The story does not incorporate any magical elements, supernatural beings, or occult practices. The mystery relies on logic and evidence rather than mystical forces.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or sacrilegious acts. The narrative focuses on a secular mystery within a private school setting and does not engage with religious topics critically.
The plot of 'Truly Devious' centers on a murder mystery and character interactions within a unique academic environment, without incorporating any religious doctrine or anti-Christian messaging. There are no characters who openly mock Christian beliefs, perform sacrilegious acts, or promote ideologies that are critical of Christianity within the information available.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The book is recommended for readers aged 13 and older. This recommendation is based on the complex murder mystery plot, the presence of violence (though not overly graphic), instances of underage drinking, and discussions of anxiety and panic attacks experienced by the protagonist. The themes and content are generally consistent with young adult literature standards.
Additional Notes
The first book in the 'Truly Devious' series sets up a complex, interwoven mystery that continues across the initial trilogy. Readers should be aware that the central mysteries are not fully resolved in this first installment. The portrayal of the protagonist's anxiety is noted as being realistic and well-handled.
Related Reviews
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