The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious, 2)

New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller!

In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson’s 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 case—an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936—has consumed Stevie for years. It’s 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.

Stevie’s 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 identity—Edward King’s son.

But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? What’s the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind? And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair? The Ellingham case isn’t just a piece of history—it’s 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? There’s 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

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384 pages

Average rating: 8.03

61 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

readwithinsoul
Dec 11, 2024
10/10 stars
The Vanishing Stairs by Maureen Johnson is a gripping sequel; it's the second book in the Truly Devious series.

This book delves deeper into the mysteries of Ellingham Academy. Stevie Bell returns, determined to uncover the truth behind the school's infamous cold case and the recent death that has everyone on edge. The author masterfully intertwines past and present mysteries, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The suspense and intrigue only intensify, making it impossible to put down.

The Vanishing Stairs is a must-read for fans of thrilling, clever mysteries.
MidnightCharcuterie
Nov 27, 2024
4.0
blewballoon
Nov 21, 2024
6/10 stars
I guess I'm along for the ride and these mysteries and cliffhangers are working on me. It's like when you're watching a show and you don't think you love it, but you can't stop watching it. David is driving me nuts though, I'm in agreement with everyone from the first book who was tired of his shenanigans.
Anonymous
Nov 18, 2024
8/10 stars
Enjoyed this one a lot more, great ending!
Anonymous
Aug 22, 2024
10/10 stars
"Maybe he understood how terrifying it is to do the thing you meant to do. Maybe he could see the monsters in the night." Stevie is thinking about herself, and the he is Nate, and they're sitting in the end of the book with the information that Stevie has discovered about the first crime..... It's crazy!

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