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  • The Vanishing Stair

  • Truly Devious Series, Book 2
  • By: Maureen Johnson
  • Narrated by: Kate Rudd
  • Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (119 ratings)
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The Vanishing Stair cover art

The Vanishing Stair

By: Maureen Johnson
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
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Summary

New York Times and Publishers Weekly best seller!

In New York Times best-selling author Maureen Johnson’s 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. It’s 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 sayShe must move past this obsession with crime.

Stevie’s 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 King’s son.

But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? 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.

* Junior Library Guild Selection * Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2019 * Hypable's Best Books of 2019 *

©2019 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

“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? There’s 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)

What listeners say about The Vanishing Stair

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A truly devious mystery

I am not the target audience for this YA mystery series by a long chalk but the first book (Truly Devious) was enjoyable enough to inspire me to keep going and I am so glad I did. If you love mysteries and classic detective stories then you have something in common with the heroine, Stevie, who carries you along through this modern homage to the genre in a very engaging way. The first book presents an intriguing cold case, a death under suspicious circumstances and introduces a deliciously chilling undertone to the overall theme of teenagers in peril. The Vanishing Staircase continues in the same vein, ramping up the tension and sense of jeopardy as Stevie continues to discover pieces of the puzzle. There are some genuinely creepy moments along the way and, as ever, it ends rather neatly on another disturbing development that will keep you coming back for more. I especially love the interwoven commentary on detectives (both real and fictional) and the dissection of how mysteries work. It adds an intriguing element to the way Stevie approaches the investigation. In addition, I would also like to give a nod to the narrator. Kate Rudd is an extremely good match for the story she is telling which is another big positive for me. I am off to listen to the third and final book in the Truly Devious trilogy and am inspired to look at other books by the same author.

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Mysterious

An Amazing book, I couldn't out it down! An incredible story, I loved it so much. Some how it always leaves you on a cliff hanger. Can't wait to start the next book! I recommend to all people 13+ , just outstanding!

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Good

How annoying is David! He can go. Loved the reveal at the end very smart. Will be continuing with this series

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The Vanishing Stair

I think that I found another Amazing Author I literally couldn’t stop listening to this series it’s only been two days and I’m already done with the second book and have the third book downloaded and ready for me to listen too the story line the characters the writing OMG the writing Maureen Johnson does this thing we’re she can go from writing in the point off view off the main character then switch to third person as narrator in the same paragraph with ease While making sure everything still makes perfect sense and Described in great detail she also makes you really understand the main character her thoughts and feelings. If you like Detective mystery novels or if you’re interested but don’t know where to start you should definitely pick this series up I also need to tip my hat off to Kate Rudd for her Performance she was wonderful she has a really nice voice.

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Amazing story!

I love this series, the story is so gripping, love all the twists and turns

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