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Truly Devious
615 pages
A chilly, atmospheric puzzle-box of a mystery where true crime obsession meets eccentric boarding school secrets.
What it feels like
Reading this feels like stepping onto a frost-covered campus where every shadow hides a secret and every statue holds a clue. It perfectly captures the cozy yet chilling atmosphere of a remote boarding school, blending the golden-age charm of a classic whodunit with the sharp, wry anxieties of modern adolescence. The dual timelines weave together seamlessly, pulling you back and forth between a glamorous, tragic past and a tense, high-stakes present. The prose is snappy and observant, grounded by a protagonist whose true-crime obsession and relatable imposter syndrome make her an instantly endearing guide. It is a brisk, delightfully clever read designed for anyone who loves a meticulously constructed puzzle-box, eccentric suspects, and the creeping thrill of a cold case suddenly running hot.
- Mood
- atmospheric
- chilly
- cloistered
- puzzle-box
- Tone
- wry
- observant
- suspenseful
- clever
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- true crime obsession · weight of legacy · imposter syndrome · unsolved puzzles
- The writing
- Sharp, accessible, and laced with dry humor, balancing atmospheric descriptions with snappy dialogue.
- The arc
- Begins with eager curiosity and deepens into genuine, chilling suspense as historical ghosts bleed into present dangers.
- Who it's for
- True crime aficionados and dark academia fans who love a clever, eccentric protagonist and a meticulously crafted puzzle.
Content notes
- murder
- kidnapping
- panic attacks
- anxiety
About the book
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. 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.'
Description from Open Library.
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