Review: The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Vanishing Stair 

Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publishing Date:  January 22nd, 2019
Pages: 384

Genre: YA Mystery Thriller

Series:  Truly Devious #2
Source:  Audio

 

All Stevie Bell wanted was to find the key to the Ellingham mystery, but instead she found her classmate dead. And while she solved that murder, the crimes of the past are still waiting in the dark. Just as Stevie feels she’s on the cusp of putting it together, her parents pull her out of Ellingham academy.

For her own safety they say. She must move past this obsession with crime. Now that Stevie’s away from the school of topiaries and secret tunnels, and her strange and endearing friends, she begins to feel disconnected from the rest of the world. At least she won’t have to see David anymore. David, who she kissed. David, who lied to her about his identity—son of despised politician Edward King. Then King himself arrives at her house to offer a deal: He will bring Stevie back to Ellingham immediately. In return, she must play nice with David. King is in the midst of a campaign and can’t afford his son stirring up trouble. If Stevie’s at school, David will stay put.

The tantalizing riddles behind the Ellingham murders are still waiting to be unraveled, and Stevie knows she’s so close. But the path to the truth has more twists and turns than she can imagine—and moving forward involves hurting someone she cares for. In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson’s second novel of the Truly Devious series, nothing is free, and someone will pay for the truth with their life.

I was so totally excited for the second book in this series. I adored the first book so much. I think this was one of my most anticipated for 2019. It did not disappoint. There is something about this series that just draws me in. Great mystery, great writing, fun characters... but also there is a sense of nostalgia only for the fact it feels like a mixture between Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo for me. It's just fun. I loved it. I adored it. I can't wait for the next! 


In the first book... Truly Devious... we are introduced to to many things... one of which is a crazy mystery that is from years in the past and all that exists of any clues is a poem. Stevie Bell is crazy about mysteries. She find the poem, she invests in the mystery, and she solves a mystery... just not the one from the past. So in this installment, the original mystery continues. Stevie is back to the solving... with her friends in tow....and this  time just maybe Truly Devious will be figured out. 

I feel that this book was directly setup by the first book. It felt like a direct continuation and I mean really it was but I love how flawless it was. Right from the beginning the story dives right back to where it was and things just roll from there. 

Stevie Bell is just a great character. I think though she might not be as great of a character if it wasn't for her broken cast of friends that are always involved. I love the cast of characters in this book. I love David, I love Stevie, I love all their scenes together. Their relationship is complicated and built on some lies or maybe omissions.... but they kind of find their way back to each other. It's complicated. I do enjoy it though. 

I think one of my favorite things about this series... it's not just one mystery. It's many mysteries... they just keep on piling on top of each other. So while one seems to be getting close to being solved.... or is solved...there are so many other questions.  I was never bored and really the mysteries are done so well. I never know who to suspect and I love it when I have no idea whatsoever.  

I love the past and present writing. I love dual time lines and I think this book is one of my favorites of the dual time lines. I felt I was reading two different stories and I was so invested in each.I remember when it would switch, I would be upset... I wasn't ready to switch.. but then I found myself caught up in the present story and it was okay. I always just need a little bit more of each timeline. 

I really do love this series. I feel its not too deep or dark and I could say it's a light read.... but that isn't exactly right. There are layers, there is some depth...  but it's also a very fun and light hearted read. Its really both. I can't explain it. It's just good. I am a mystery lover and I think this is one of my favorite mystery series. I just love the old school mystery feel to these reads. 

I can't wait for the next one!!!!!! ARGH!

Its on my list of favorites. 

Maureen knew from an early age she wanted to be a writer. She went to high school at an all-girls' Catholic school and graduated from University of Delaware with a degree in writing. She now lives and writes in New York City.

Many of the adventures Maureen's characters face in her books are based on real-life stories. Maureen has traveled all over Europe, and is a Secret Sister to vlog brothers Hank and John Green.