The Vanishing Stair
Author(s): Maureen Johnson
New York Timesand Publishers Weekly bestseller!
In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnsons second novel in the Truly Devious series, there are more twists and turns than Stevie Bell can imagine. No answer is given freely, and someone will pay for the truth with their life.
The Truly Devious casean unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936has consumed Stevie for years. Its the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime.
Stevies willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious case. Even if it means making a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King. And when Stevie finally returns, she also returns to David: the guy she kissed, and the guy who lied about his identityEdward Kings son.
But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? Whats the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind? And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair? The Ellingham case isnt just a piece of historyits a live wire into the present.
Junior Library Guild Selection Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2019 Hypable's Best Books of 2019
Praise for Book One:
The Agatha Christie-like ecosystem pairs with lacerating contemporary wit, and alternating past and present scenes makes for a multilayered, modern detective story. New York Times Book Review
Remember the first time reading Harry Potter and knowing it was special? Theres that same sense of magic in the introduction of teen Sherlock-in-training Stevie Bell. USA Today (four stars)
Be still, my Agatha-Christie-loving beating heart. Bustle
Review(s):
In this second . . . installment, Johnson gives and she takes away: a few major
mysteries are satisfying solved, but other long-standing riddles remain tantalizingly indecipherable, and several new ones come into play by the enigmatic end.Readers, hang tight: theres one more round to come, and if the signs are right, itll be to die for.
"Ramps up the intrigue. As before, Johnson deftly alternates between Stevie's first-person narrative. Throughout this volume, Johnson's compelling would-be Sherlock proves to be as bad at personal relationships as she is adept at solving mysteries. Teen angst soars as Johnson delightfully conjures up more nefarious deeds from the mountain mist."
Johnson gives and she takes away: a few major mysteries are satisfying solved, but other long-standing riddles remain tantalizingly indecipherable, and several new ones come into play . . .Readers, hang tight: theres one more round to come, and if the signs are right, itll be to die for.
In this second installment of her marvelous Truly Devious series, Maureen Johnson offers thrilling suspense, sly wit, a memorable cast of characters and more pieces of her deliciously intricate puzzle.
Take it from the worlds most impatient reader: If the Truly Devious series is basically one long mystery book,
The Vanishing Stairis a middle part so enjoyable you wont even want to skip to the end.
Johnson judiciously doles out some satisfying partial answers to the historical case while (presumably) saving the big reveals for the next installment. This fulfilling second volume will gratify serious mystery fans; and many readers will enjoy seeing themselves reflected in Stevies diverse and eccentric group of friends.
Waiting for the next installment of Maureen Johnsons Agatha Christie-Sherlock Holmes-classic mystery homage series was torture, but
The Vanishing Stair is oh so worth it.
Praise for TRULY DEVIOUS: Jumping between past and present, Johnsons novel is deliciously atmospheric, with a sprawling cast of complex suspects/potential victims, surprising twists, and a dash of romance. Johnson remains a master at combining jittery tension with sharp, laugh-out-loud observations.
Johnson quickly sets the game afoot, skillfully introducing a Clue-like set of characters, laying out various motives, and hinting at long held secrets. Theres a delicious slow-burn element to the locked-room mystery in Stevies present, while the chapters on the kidnappings read like a true crime novel.
Johnson deftly twists two mysteries togetherStevies investigation is interspersed with case files and recollections from the Ellington kidnappingand the result is a suspenseful, attention-grabbing mystery with no clear solution. The versatile Johnson is no stranger to suspense, and this twisty thriller will leave plenty of readers anxious for more.
ISBN:9780062338099
