Meet New Books

Books Like...

Truly Devious - Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Truly Devious
Book 1 in the series:Truly Devious

In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.

Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.

If you liked Truly Devious, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
    Save:

    In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, high school senior Pippa Fitz Amobi takes on a cold case to prove the innocence of Sal Singh in the murder of his girlfriend Andie Bell. With a mix of diary entries, interviews, and investigative work, the story unfolds as Pip delves into dark secrets and dangerous truths, blurring the lines between past and present while facing obstacles and threats to her life.

    The book is a smart and suspenseful YA mystery where Pip's determination to uncover the truth leads her through twists and turns, uncovering layers of the case that go beyond a simple murder mystery. Through creative storytelling techniques and engaging plot development, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Pip navigates through a complex investigation that challenges her perceptions and puts her in harm's way.

    Their home was like the town’s own haunted house; people’s footsteps quickened as they walked by and their words strangled and died in their throats. Shrieking children would gather on their walk home...

  2. #2

    One of Us Is Lying - One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
    Save:

    "One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the aftermath of a classmate's death during detention. The story follows four students who find themselves under suspicion for the murder, each with their own motives and secrets. Through multiple perspectives, readers delve into the intricate web of lies, drama, and high school dynamics as they try to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. The book skillfully combines elements of suspense, teenage drama, and unexpected plot twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The writing style of "One of Us Is Lying" is praised for its fast-paced narrative, engaging multiple points of view, and clever use of alternating perspectives among the characters. The author effectively builds tension and intrigue by delving into the minds of each suspect, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage life.

    A sex tape. A pregnancy scare. Two cheating scandals. And that’s just this week’s update. If all you knew of Bayview High was Simon Kelleher’s gossip app, you’d wonder how anyone found time to go to c...

  3. #3

    The Inheritance Games - The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
    Save:

    The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student with a tough life who suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House and solve a series of puzzles and riddles left behind by Hawthorne. As Avery navigates the challenges of living in the mansion alongside Hawthorne's four grandsons, she must unravel the mystery of why she was chosen for the inheritance, all while facing threats and intrigue from those who feel entitled to the fortune. The book is described as a fast-paced YA mystery with elements of suspense, puzzles, and a touch of romance, keeping readers engaged till the very end.

    The Inheritance Games is praised for its engaging plot filled with twists and turns, appealing to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, and puzzle-solving. The book is noted for its well-crafted characters, particularly Avery and the Hawthorne brothers, each with unique personalities that add depth to the story. The writing style is described as addictive, with a mix of suspense and tension that keeps readers guessing along with the protagonist, creating an immersive reading experience that culminates in a cliffhanger ending, setting the stage for the sequel.

    I made it to school on time but barely. I had a habit of cutting things close. I walked the same tightrope with my grades: How little effort could I put in and still get an A? I wasn’t lazy. I was pra...

  4. #4

    Sadie by Courtney Summers
    Save:

    'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.

    The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.

    I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he...

  5. #5

    A Study in Charlotte - Charlotte Holmes by Brittany Cavallaro
    Save:

    In "A Study in Charlotte," the modern-day descendants of Holmes and Watson, Charlotte Holmes and James Watson, meet at a New England boarding school and find themselves framed for murder. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with young adult romance, offering a fresh twist where Charlotte is portrayed as a troubled drug user and Jamie as a rugby player. The plot progresses with a mix of Sherlock Holmes references and a dark, contemporary narrative, exploring themes of drug addiction, mystery-solving, and teenage relationships.

    THE FIRST TIME I MET HER WAS AT THE TAIL END OF ONE OF those endless weekday nights you could only have at a school like Sherringford. It was midnight, or just after, maybe, and I’d spent the last few...

  6. #6

    The Naturals - The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
    Save:

    Seventeen-year-old Cassie, a natural at reading people, is recruited by the FBI to join a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to solve cold cases. The Naturals program consists of gifted teens with unusual skills working together to crack infamous cases, including a current serial killer on the loose. As Cassie delves deeper into the program, she realizes that danger looms closer than she ever imagined, with twists, suspense, and a lethal game of cat and mouse with the killer.

    The book 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Cassie and her fellow Naturals as they navigate through profiling, mysteries, and chilling revelations. The plot intertwines elements of psychological thrillers, crime-solving, and teenage dynamics, offering a fast-paced narrative filled with engaging characters, intriguing cases, and a final twist that leaves readers hooked and eager to uncover more.

    The hours were bad. The tips were worse, and the majority of my coworkers definitely left something to be desired, but c’est la vie, que será será, insert foreign language cliché of your choice here. ...

  7. #7

    I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You - Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter
    Save:

    'I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You' is a young adult novel that follows Cammie Morgan, a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school for spies in training. Cammie navigates the challenges of balancing her secret spy life with her first crush, a normal boy named Josh, whom she meets during a covert ops mission. As she struggles to keep her identity hidden from Josh, Cammie relies on her friends and spy skills to maintain the facade of a typical teenager while unraveling the complexities of first love and espionage. The writing style is described as light-hearted, humorous, and engaging, blending elements of romance, action, and teenage drama within the backdrop of a unique spy school setting.

    The plot of 'I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You' is praised for its originality, combining the familiar themes of first crushes and teenage drama with the exciting twist of a spy school. The characters, especially Cammie and her friends, are highlighted as relatable and well-developed, adding depth to the story. The book is commended for its fun and entertaining narrative, filled with humor, action, and light-hearted moments that appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly teens and young adults.

    Of course, technically, the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a school for geniuses—not spies—and we’re free to pursue any career that befits our exceptional educations. But when a scho...

  8. #8

    The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
    Save:

    The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a YA mystery that follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that was disbanded five years ago after multiple deaths within the team. Monica finds her sister's cell phone and starts investigating the accidents, uncovering inconsistencies and secrets. The book alternates between past and present, revealing the dark events that led to the disbandment of the cheerleading team and Monica's relentless pursuit of the truth.

    This house was made for someone without a soul. So I guess it makes sense that my mother wanted it so badly. I can imagine how her eyes lit up when she walked through the five-bedroom, three-and-a-hal...

  9. #9

    The Name of the Star - Shades of London by Maureen Johnson
    Save:

    Rory Deveaux, a teenager from Louisiana, moves to London to attend a boarding school where she becomes entangled in a modern-day Jack the Ripper copycat murder mystery. Rory's unique ability to see ghosts leads her to be the only witness to the crimes, putting her in grave danger as she tries to unravel the truth behind the murders. The book is a blend of suspense, paranormal events, and government conspiracies, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as witty, engaging, and full of humorous one-liners that add depth to the characters and the storyline.

    IF YOU LIVE AROUND NEW ORLEANS AND THEY THINK a hurricane might be coming, all hell breaks loose. Not among the residents, really, but on the news. The news wants us to worry desperately about hurrica...

  10. #10

    Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
    Save:

    Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide is a gripping and timely YA thriller that follows the lives of two Black students, Chiamaka and Devon, at the prestigious Niveus Academy. The story delves into themes of racism, classism, homophobia, and the pressure to succeed in a predominantly white institution. As the two protagonists navigate the cutthroat world of Niveus, they must join forces to uncover a stalker's identity and face the dangerous repercussions of the secrets being revealed.

    The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and social commentary, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through rich characterization, tight plotting, and thought-provoking discussions on race and sexuality, Ace of Spades offers a chilling portrayal of the impact of white supremacy and systemic discrimination on marginalized individuals.

    Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for structure. Ask any of my friends. Correction—friend. I’m pretty sure that, even though I’ve been here for almost four years, no one else knows I exist. Just Jack, who g...

Page 1 of 10Next Page