Vanishing Stair

In the second novel of the Truly Devious series, Stevie Bell returns to Ellingham Academy to solve a kidnapping and triple murder case that occurred in 1936. She must deal with the consequences of her obsession and make a deal with Senator Edward King, the son of the murderer. The case is not just a piece of history, but a live wire into the present, with larger issues at stake.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In the captivating sequel to New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious series, readers are in for a thrilling ride filled with more twists and turns than Stevie Bell could ever imagine. With no answer given freely and someone willing to pay the ultimate price for the truth, the stakes have never been higher.

The Truly Devious case, an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936, has been a consuming obsession for Stevie for years. It's the very reason she came to the academy, but when her classmate is murdered, her parents quickly pull her out of school, claiming it's for her safety. Determined to get back to Ellingham, be with her friends, and solve the case, Stevie is willing to make a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King.

Upon her return, Stevie reunites with David, the guy she kissed and the son of Senator King. But as she delves deeper into the investigation, she realizes that larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? What is the meaning of the riddle left behind by Albert Ellingham? And what is truly at stake in the Truly Devious affair?

The Ellingham case is not just a piece of history; it's a live wire that connects to the present. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and contemporary wit, this novel is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense. 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. Your heart will race, your mind will twist, and you won't be able to put this book down until the very last page." - School Library Journal (starred review)

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 205 x 141 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062338099