The Vanishing Stair
Ratings148
Average rating4
**WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER REALLY THERE?**
**T**he Truly Devious case--an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1916--has consumed Stevie Bell for years. It's the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate Hayed Major was murdered, and though she identified his killer, her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her *safety*, they say.
Stevie's willingness to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be with her friends, and solve the 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, the guy she's conflicted about at all times,and the guy who lied about his identity--Edward King's son. But larger issues are at play. Was Hayes's death really solved? Where did his murderer hide away to? 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. The path to the truth has more twists and turns than Stevie can imagine, and moving forward involves hurting someone she cares for. In *New York Times* bestselling author Maureen Johnson's second novel in the truly devious series, someone will pay for the truth with their life.
This description comes from the publisher. *The Vanishing Stair* is the second book in the Truly Devious series, the first of which is *Truly Devious*.
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3 primary books#2 in Truly Devious
Truly Devious is a 3-book series with 3 released primary works first released in 2018 with contributions by Maureen Johnson.
Series
5 primary books#2 in Stevie Bell Mysteries
Stevie Bell Mysteries is a 5-book series with 5 released primary works first released in 2018 with contributions by Maureen Johnson.
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Pros:
- This book starts off right after the end of Truly Devious which is great because we were left with a horrible cliffhanger. Stevie is still on the case of the Ellingham murders, but she also has to deal with what is happening in the present at Ellingham. I continued to appreciate the juxtaposition between 1936 and the present throughout the book, but this book was definitely more focused on the present.
- Second books in series can often be challenging since there is so much hype and potential to live up to, but I'm happy to say this book still kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on and how everything was connected.
- The side characters in this series continue to be some of the best characters and really add so much to the story. I think they are what make this story great, it isn't just the mystery of Ellingham and Stevie trying to solve ALL THE CRIMES. It is also who she has around her and their life stories. I truly care about David, Janelle, Nate, and Vi and what is going on with them, even Mudge had some great moments in this one (I really wish we could learn more about all the other students that are there but we focus on Stevie's circle).
Cons:
- With the cliffhanger ending to this book, I am pretty mad that I have to wait another year to find out what actually happened. But based on what we learned in this installment, I have a few questions about it will take an entire book to solve everything that has happened. I feel like Maureen Johnson may have revealed too much too soon in this second book.
really disappointed by the big reveal. i knew they were sus. also, this book was so rushed.
Just as a good as the first. No, maybe better! Love this author's portrayal of anxiety, feels quite similar to my own experiences. The mysteries in these books keep me hooked.
