Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Release Date - January 16, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  432 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson weaves a delicate tale of murder and mystery in the first book of a striking new series, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart.

Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”

Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.

True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its grave. Someone has gotten away with murder.

The two interwoven mysteries of this first book in the Truly Devious series dovetail brilliantly, and Stevie Bell will continue her relentless quest for the murderers in books two and three.

Disappearances, murder, boarding schools, and romance. Truly Devious has all the makings of a great YA mystery read. It starts with a intense first chapter and quickly sets up what is an intriguing mystery. That is, however, all this book really does - it sets up the next two installments in this series..

This is the type of book that is really a small piece of a larger story arc. This installment doesn't wrap up any plot points in a nice little bow. It doesn't have a conclusion by the end of the novel. It's not a novel that could stand on its own. It does, however, set up the next two books in this series rather well. This means that the overarching plot is only moved forward a bit, and that pacing may feel slower to some people as a result. It's a story that involves patience to reach the payoff, but the potential is there for it to be worth the investment..

Stevie Bell is pretty much anyone who is interested in true crime. She listens to true crime podcasts. She analyzes and categorizes her surroundings. She's smart and a little awkward. You'll pretty much love her immediately. She uses her mind to work out problems, and get out of situations. I am eager to see that continue to grow and her have a battle of wills with "Truly, Devious" as the story progresses.

Part of what makes the mystery element of this novel work is the setting. Ellingham Academy is filled with tunnels, hidden rooms, and a feeling of isolation. Locked room mysteries (aka mysteries where the suspect cannot be an outsider) are some of my favourites and this one has that feel. The remoteness of the school, mixed with the overall creepy atmosphere make the logical suspects those within the school. It creates an instant case of unease because one of the characters we're getting to know is, obviously, hiding something. This element of the story is done incredibly well with the tone being perfectly captured.

The two interconnected mysteries compliment each other seamlessly, and increases the chance for a least one of them to pull off a genuine surprise twist. I liked the 'flashback' chapters filling in the older mystery while we saw the pieces to this new mystery start to fall into place. It's done well and helps add to the atmosphere of the novel.

Mystery fans will delight in having two puzzles to unravel and eagerly theorize possible suspects until the next book is released. I think this series might be one to binge read in one sitting, but fans eager for another novel from Maureen will not be disappointed.

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare (and others)

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date - November 11, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 528 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A Collection of Ten Short Stories centred around Magnus Bane. Each short story is going to be published as an ebook followed by a Full Single Print Coming 2014

Ever wondered about the enigmatic, mysterious warlock Magnus Bane? The only character to appear in every Shadowhunter book, Magnus has a past even more shrouded in mystery than his present. I’ve teamed up with acclaimed YA writers Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan to create the Bane Chronicles, the back (and front) story of Magnus told in ten linked tales.

Look for short stories like Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale; The Rise and Fall of the Hotel Dumort; Saving Raphael Santiago and What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway). Each story will be available as an ebook on a monthly basis starting April 16 with the tale of What Happened In Peru. 

Each story will be released monthly online for the next ten months — and then for those who don’t read e-books, the full print collection will be available in bookstores and wherever else books are sold after the Chronicles have been finished

Magnus Bane is one of my favourite characters. Not just in this series, but EVER. His relationship with Alec is my official ship of the Shadowhunter series, and I was immediately thrilled when I heard this novel was going to be a thing. I was not prepared for the roller coaster ride that comes within these pages. I was left a puddle of Herondale angst and Magnus feelings by the end.

Rather than a full review I am going to discuss some of the short stories I especially loved and what made me love them. All you really need to know is that the essence and tone that is so integral to Cassandra's books are here. The characterization, humour, emotion and the little inside jokes are woven into each short story.

#3: Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

This novella proves that all Herondale men are attractive, broken and/or cursed. Edmund's story is one of sadness and left me angry. It left a lasting impression (particularly towards the end) and makes you think of the Clockwork series a little differently.

#4: The Midnight Heir

Once again proving those Herondale boys like their angst and heartbreak. This is, hands down, my favourite out of all the short stories. This one left me speechless. This made me BEYOND excited for The Last Hours and getting to see everyone from the Clockwork series was entirely bittersweet. This one left me curled up in tears for many reasons, and I already adore James Herondale and want to punch people for hurting him.

#6: Saving Raphael Santiago

I was not prepared to not hate Raphael Santiago. This story is one of determination, kindness and an unlikely bond (I wouldn't call it a friendship). There is plenty of little surprises, and this adds layers to Raphael that I did not expect. 

#9: The Last Stand of the New York Institute

Any big fan of this series will devour this and immediately want the rest of this story. Getting to see the rise and fall (the short version) of Valentine and the Circle was breathtaking. Magnus' role was not unexpected, and it all ends with another wink to the Mortal Instruments series itself.

#10: The Course of True Love (and First Dates)

Alec and Magnus' first date is EXACTLY what you would expect. It's funny, and awkward and perfect for them. It's the emotion that sucker punches you towards the end that made me get teary and hug the book. At the end of all these short stories we see what Magnus has had to endure, and the hope that still is within him is beautiful. We see how his long life made him into what he is, and that he's never given up. He's always retained that sliver of optimism and that is what this collection shows you. Magnus has had unspeakable tragedy and sorrow during his many years. He's lost countless loved ones, seen generations of the same family line come and go, and yet always makes new connections. He hasn't shut himself away from that. He endures. The wistful moments when he's seeing someone (like when he meets James Herondale) for the first time, and the feelings he had for people connected to them creep up on him are some of the most beautiful moments in the book. Magnus has a lot to be wistful about, and we feel every single ache (even if it's dulled to a bittersweet fondness).

This collection made me fall in love with this world, this character, and everything all over again. The subtle way that your feelings would overtake you as you're reading these stories prove how deep this series becomes a part of you. This is one for the fans, a love letter if will, that teases what's to come, and shows you just how Magnus became the fabulous warlock we all love.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I was sort of spoiled with all the awesome book that made their way into my book closet this week

Ashes To Ashes by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian (goodreads)
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)
 Brazen by Katherine Longshore (goodreads)
The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Kelly for snagging me Ashes to Ashes! I have already read it, and felt it was an enjoyable end to the season.

A big thank you also goes out to Simon and Schuster Canada for The Bane Chronicles. I adore Magnus (he's my favourite character in these books) and cannot wait to read more about him.

And I got one e-galley that I am VERY excited about. If you haven't read Dangerous Girls make it your top read of the summer.

Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas (goodreads)

I want to think Abigail for the opportunity to help promote this book in August! After Dangerous Girls I am obsessed with starting this book immediately.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star (Shades of London # 1) by Maureen Johnson
Release Date – September 29, 2011
Publisher – Putnam
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 370
My Rating- 9/10
*obtained from Book Expo America for an honest review*

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I’ve read a few Maureen Johnson books and was curious to see what she would do with this. I am thrilled to say it’s AWESOME.

Here is where I admit I have a bit of an interest in criminal cases. I had considered going into Criminology when I left high school. I am, of course, intrigued by Jack the Ripper’s case (especially as it was never solved). This immediately made me want to read this book.

Rory is a fish out of water in the beginning. She moves to London and into a boarding school. She seemed just like a typical teenager which is refreshing. We meet her roommate Jazza who I really liked. She was fun, and amidst creepy factor of the book provided some normalcy to the story. Jerome also provided this as well as having a crush on Rory. Alistair was also a favourite. I liked seeing him whenever Rory would go into the library.

We meet Callum, Stephen, and Boo. I really liked Boo. She’s brass, loud, and funny. She will hopefully provide some much needed humour in the next books as well. I loved Stephen. He is the swoony boy from the book. I felt for him, and the story he tells Rory later on in the book is sad. I think we’re just beginning to find out about him. I also suspect a bit of a triangle with Rory/Stephen/Jerome. Callum is a bit more reckless, and headstrong than Stephen. I enjoyed his sense of humour as well. Now, Callum, Stephen and Boo make up the Shades of London. I don’t want to give away exactly what they do, or how they work, but it’s unique.

The Jack the Ripper element provides a scary undercurrent to the whole story. I was legitimately scared for some of the characters in the book. The pay off with the story coming together at the end is excellent, and having everything tie together worked really well.

I loved the feeling of hype, fear, and paranoia that existed in the book. It really is like a media circus with some of these criminal cases. Networks, newspapers, etc sensationalize things like this and often do create “stars” out of the murders. Maureen was able to show this, and you could feel it along with the characters. It was a nice touch having it be a copycat of a murder from the past and have him copycat the exact dates. It gave them dates to obsess over, and to build the hype around.

The ending of this book was crazy. It sets up the second book in the best way. I have so many questions from just the last few paragraphs that I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. You may think you’ve read something like this but Maureen makes it fresh, exciting and dare I say...fun!

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I got 2 books from the library this week




The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen (goodreads)
Hourglass by Myra McEntire (goodreads)

I also received a nice surprise in the mail this week. A big thanks to Maureen Johnson for this awesome button!



What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday - The Name of the Star

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Here is the Goodreads synopsis-

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

A new series with references to Jack the Ripper, set in current London and mixing in romance - I WANT THIS NOW! It sounds AMAZING. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Expected release date is September 29, 2011.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Release Date – Oct 1, 2006
Publisher – HarperTeen
Pages - 336
My Rating- 7.5/10

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

I love Europe. Europe and I have stories, and fond memories. I would visit constantly if I could. When I heard about this book I was thrilled. I thought it would be a fun read. I am glad I decided to pick it up.

Ginny’s trip through Europe is the kind I wish I would have taken when I was 20. The over planner in me would never be able to do it but I would have loved to try. It would be really freeing to see where the trip might take you. This brings me to my main (and really only) issue with this book - the lack of parents. Ginny is very young and while I am not a parent I can’t imagine very many letting their daughter go off like Ginny does. I would have insisted she took a phone, extra money and have more of a solid plan. This seems to be a common trend in the YA genre - the disappearing parent syndrome as I call it.

I found the storyline with the letters from her Aunt really sweet and looked forward to actually reading the letters. It was that storyline more than her trek across Europe that kept me turning the pages. It helped me get invested in the characters and want to keep reading.

I have to mention Keith. He’s one of the characters I really liked. I could totally see why Ginny was interested in him. I think a lot of women who visit Europe have a fantasy of meeting a hot guy with an accent. Ginny and his romance is sweet and I hope there is more in the second book.

After reading this I now want to hop on a plane and take off for Europe (Greece sounds lovely and I haven’t been yet). It’s the kind of book that gives you the travel bug. I am looking forward to getting my hand on The Last Little Blue Envelope to see what happens to these characters next. I want to know what was in that last envelope!