Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
Safe for the age band
Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.
Sign in to save your wishlist and reading history across devices.
- Published
- 2018
- Ages
- 14–18
About the book
About the book
A true-crime aficionado tries to solve a cold case at her Vermont boarding school, but a modern-day mystery unfolds around her.
AI summary
A true-crime aficionado tries to solve a cold case at her Vermont boarding school, but a modern-day mystery unfolds around her.
Why parents choose this book
What makes Truly Devious worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 14–18 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Mystery.
- Personality fit: puzzle-solvers who like to figure things out.
Parents love this book because
- Age-appropriate content for the 14–18 band with no significant flags.
- Written by Maureen Johnson, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Truly Devious if they…
- Enjoy solving mysteries
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 14–18 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: cartoonish or off-page action.
- Language: clean language throughout.
- Sexual content: essentially none.
Reading commitment
Similar books your child may love
- The Thief · Megan Whalen Turner
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder · Holly Jackson
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time · Mark Haddon
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- The Cousins · Karen M. McManus
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- You'll Be the Death of Me · Karen M. McManus
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- Two Can Keep a Secret · Karen M. McManus
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- One of Us Is Lying · Karen M. McManus
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
- The Book Thief · Markus Zusak
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 14–18.
Why we recommend it
We think Truly Devious is a confident pick for the 14–18 age band. It leans into mystery in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Maureen Johnson's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
Genres
You'll probably like
Books parents also bought
Similar authors