The Vanishing Stair

New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller!

In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnsons second novel in the Truly Devious series, there are more twists and turns than Stevie Bell can imagine. No answer is given freely, and someone will pay for the truth with their life.

The Truly Devious case-an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936-has consumed Stevie for years. Its the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime.

Stevies willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious 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, and the guy who lied about his identity-Edward Kings son.

But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? Whats the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind? And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair? The Ellingham case isnt just a piece of history-its a live wire into the present.

* Junior Library Guild Selection * Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best Books of 2019 * Hypables Best Books of 2019 *

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? Theres that same sense of magic in the introduction of teen Sherlock-in-training Stevie Bell." -USA Today (four stars)

"Be still, my Agatha-Christie-loving beating heart." -Bustle