Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson 5 Books Collection Set - Young Adult - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Nine Liars
Truly Devious
The Vanishing Stair
The Hand on the Wall
The Box in the Woods

Format: Paperback

Overview:
Dive into Maureen Johnson’s gripping Truly Devious series in this complete 5-book collection. Set at the enigmatic Ellingham Academy in Vermont, the five novels follow Stevie Bell as she chases a decades-spanning mystery that blends genius-level puzzles with high-stakes danger. This paperback set brings together the atmospheric, puzzle-driven storytelling and fast-moving twists that have captivated YA readers and adult fans of clever whodunits alike. Across the titles, readers are drawn into a world where every corridor, portrait, and riddle could conceal a truth—and every choice Jason-like clue could tilt the balance between uncovering the past and risking the present. With richly drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and a suspenseful pacing that never lets go, this collection offers an immersive reading experience that rewards careful observation and patient decoding. Fans of intricate mysteries, campus secrets, and relentless heroines will find a complete, satisfying arc in these five novels.

What This Collection Covers:
This collection spans the full arc of Stevie Bell’s journey as she unravels the infamous Truly Devious case alongside Ellingham Academy’s haunting history. The books explore themes of memory, trust, and the lure of a perfect puzzle, while tracking Stevie’s growth from a curious student into a determined investigator. The nine-decade mystery threads through contemporary danger, blending dual timelines, unreliable narrators, and cleverly placed clues. This is a masterclass in suspense writing for young adults and adult readers who enjoy multi-layered puzzles. The set also serves as an excellent entry point for readers new to the series, as the installments progressively deepen the lore while delivering satisfying twists and character-driven moments. It’s a gift set for mystery lovers who crave atmosphere, wit, and a carefully constructed social tapestry of friends, rivals, teachers, and secret-keepers.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Nine Liars
Nine Liars picks up with Stevie Bell continuing her pursuit of Ellingham Academy’s tangled past. The narrative artfully weaves present-day tension with hints from the long-ago Truly Devious case, inviting readers to test theories alongside the sleuth herself. With new suspects, shifting loyalties, and a labyrinth of clues, the pace stays brisk as Stevie navigates trust, danger, and the ever-present question: who can you believe when everyone has something to hide? Johnson keeps the stakes high while maintaining the wit and warmth of Stevie’s voice, ensuring a pulse-pounding reading journey that rewards careful attention to detail.

Truly Devious
The series opens with Stevie arriving at Ellingham Academy, a private school famed for its cryptic puzzles and storied past. When Stevie encounters the location’s infamous Truly Devious case—the kidnapping and murders of the Ellingham family decades earlier—she becomes obsessed with solving the mystery. The book crafts a moody, atmospheric setting—vaulted halls, secret passages, and a student body full of capable, imperfect characters. It’s a tightly plotted debut that blends classic whodunit intrigue with modern YA sensibilities, offering a strong heroine who analyzes clues with curiosity, courage, and a touch of vulnerability.

The Vanishing Stair
In The Vanishing Stair, the mystery intensifies as new secrets surface and old ones refuse to stay buried. Stevie returns to Ellingham Academy to pursue leads that could crack the case wide open, while a present-day danger looms nearby. The narrative deepens the world-building, introduces fresh suspects, and tests Stevie’s nerve as puzzles become more personal and perilous. Johnson’s signature blend of academic atmosphere, suspenseful plotting, and witty character interactions keeps readers guessing and turning pages, balancing chilling moments with witty banter among friends and rivals alike.

The Hand on the Wall
The Hand on the Wall heightens the tension as multiple chilling events converge. Stevie confronts risks that blur the line between clever deduction and real-world danger, while the Ellingham legacy presses in from every corner. The stakes expand beyond the mysteries of the past to touch present-day consequences, and new revelations challenge loyalties. Johnson sustains a labyrinthine puzzle structure while grounding the drama in emotional beats and believable relationships, ensuring that readers remain invested in Stevie’s quest for truth as twists accumulate.

The Box in the Woods
The Box in the Woods brings the series to a gripping, highly anticipated close. The site of the notorious Box in the Woods murders becomes the stage for revelations that tie together decades of secrets, friendships, and betrayals. Stevie’s determination to unveil what happened at Sunny Pines—and who was responsible—drives a final act filled with suspense, emotion, and a sense of closure for long-running questions. The book honors the series’ love of puzzles while delivering character growth and a satisfying arc that rewards longtime readers with clarity after a complex web of clues and alternate possibilities.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for YA readers who relish intricate mysteries, campus settings, and puzzle-solving narratives, as well as adult readers drawn to clever whodunits with strong, relatable protagonists. It’s a superb gift for fans of suspenseful series that unfold across multiple volumes, great for book clubs that enjoy discussing theories and plot twists, and perfect for readers who love atmospheric settings, strong female leads, and clever clues that reward careful reading. The five-book arc makes it a compelling binge read, a standout gift set for birthdays or holidays, and a strong addition to classroom or library collections where mystery fiction and character-driven storytelling are celebrated.

Key Benefits:

• Complete five-book collection for seamless binge-reading and comprehensive series experience
• Atmospheric setting with a campus mystery vibe that appeals to YA and adult mystery fans
• Engaging, multifaceted characters with witty, sharp dialogue
• Thoughtful puzzle design and layered clues that reward careful reading
• Ideal gift set for mystery lovers and book clubs seeking discussion-worthy twists
• Paperback editions for comfortable, immersive reading and portable grade-school-to-adult appeal

About the Author:
Maureen Johnson is a prolific YA author known for her clever plotting, vivid characters, and ability to blend suspense with warmth. The Truly Devious series showcases her knack for architectural mystery—where clues are as much about people as they are about puzzles. Johnson’s storytelling balances wit and emotional depth, drawing readers into a world where a single hint can unlock a cascade of revelations. With a distinctive voice that resonates with both teen and adult readers, she crafts memorable heroines who confront danger with intelligence and heart. Her work across multiple novels and series has earned a dedicated following, and Truly Devious stands as one of her most celebrated creations, beloved for its originality and intricate world-building.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you crave a multi-volume mystery that unfolds like a scavenger hunt across a vivid fictional universe, this collection delivers. Owning the complete set means seamless access to Stevie Bell’s evolving investigation, rich with twists, thematic depth, and re-readable clues. The paperback format makes it a practical, portable choice for reading on commutes or cozy weekends, while the cohesive arc rewards readers who enjoy following a long, meticulously crafted mystery from start to finish. It’s a thoughtful gift for readers who savor character-driven suspense, clever puzzles, and the satisfying sense of resolution that comes from completing an acclaimed series.

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.