10 Best Books Like Truly Devious
If you loved Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.
Quick Answer
The best books like Truly Devious are:
When true-crime obsessed Stevie Bell arrives at elite Ellingham Academy, she becomes determined to solve the school's most famous cold case—the 1936 kidnapping that shut down the school's founder
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Detailed Recommendations

The Inheritance Games
Start of Inheritance Games seriesby Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why you'll love it:
This mystery shares a clever and suspenseful tone that will resonate with Truly Devious fans.
Quick Comparison: Books Like Truly Devious
| Book | Author | Rating | Year | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Good Girl's Guide to Murder | Holly Jackson | 4.5 | 2019 | 399 | Closest match |
| The Inheritance Games📚 Series starter | Jennifer Lynn Barnes | 4.5 | 2020 | 400 | Start a new series |
| One of Us Is Lying | Karen M. McManus | 4.5 | 2017 | — | Similar vibes |
| We Were Liars | E. Lockhart | 4.2 | 2014 | 505 | Similar vibes |
Authors Who Write Like Maureen Johnson
If you enjoy Maureen Johnson's writing style, explore these similar authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are most similar to Truly Devious?
The most similar books to Truly Devious are A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, The Inheritance Games, One of Us Is Lying.
What should I read after Truly Devious?
After finishing Truly Devious, readers most commonly pick up A Good Girl's Guide to Murder next.
Who writes books like Maureen Johnson?
Authors similar to Maureen Johnson include Clayton Rawson, Stuart Turton, Rex Stout, Richard Osman, Agatha Christie.
What genre is Truly Devious?
Truly Devious is a Mystery novel by Maureen Johnson, published in 2018. It features elements of School, Cold Case, Amateur Detective.
How long is Truly Devious?
Truly Devious varies in length depending on edition.
About Truly Devious
When true-crime obsessed Stevie Bell arrives at elite Ellingham Academy, she becomes determined to solve the school's most famous cold case—the 1936 kidnapping that shut down the school's founder. Johnson crafts compelling YA mystery that weaves together past and present cases while exploring the psychology of crime-solving and academic pressure. The first in a trilogy featuring one of YA's most engaging amateur detectives, this novel explores themes of justice, obsession, and finding your calling while featuring intricate plotting, boarding school atmosphere, and a protagonist whose passion for solving mysteries drives both her greatest strengths and potential downfall.


