The Hand on the Wall

Written by Maureen Johnson

Narrated by Kate Rudd

New York Times and USA Today bestseller!

New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson delivers the witty and pulse-pounding conclusion to the Truly Devious series as Stevie Bell solves the mystery that has haunted Ellingham Academy for over 75 years.

Ellingham Academy must be cursed. Three people are now dead. One, a victim of either a prank gone wrong or a murder. Another, dead by misadventure. And now, an accident in Burlington has claimed another life. All three in the wrong place at the wrong time. All at the exact moment of Stevie’s greatest triumph . . .

She knows who Truly Devious is. She’s solved it. The greatest case of the century.

At least, she thinks she has. With this latest tragedy, it’s hard to concentrate on the past. Not only has someone died in town, but David disappeared of his own free will and is up to something. Stevie is sure that somehow—somehow—all these things connect. The three deaths in the present. The deaths in the past. The missing Alice Ellingham and the missing David Eastman. Somewhere in this place of riddles and puzzles there must be answers.

Then another accident occurs as a massive storm heads toward Vermont. This is too much for the parents and administrators. Ellingham Academy is evacuated. Obviously, it’s time for Stevie to do something stupid. It’s time to stay on the mountain and face the storm—and a murderer.

In the tantalizing finale to the Truly Devious trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson expertly tangles her dual narrative threads and ignites an explosive end for all who’ve walked through Ellingham Academy.

Praise for the Truly Devious series:

“Readers, hang tight: there’s one more round to come, and if the signs are right, it’ll be to die for.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“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

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jan 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9780062974556

Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson is the bestselling author of several novels, including 13 Little Blue Envelopes, the Truly Devious series, the Suite Scarlett series, and the Shades of London series. She has also written collaborative works such as Let It Snow with John Green and Lauren Myracle and the Bane Chronicles with Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan. Maureen lives in New York and online on Twitter @maureenjohnson or at maureenjohnsonbooks.com. 

Reviews for The Hand on the Wall

[Seanne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This trilogy was very intelligent and riveting. The protagonist is a teenage girl, but I am 53 and loved it.

[Kalgeo Denvil · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant finale
And a satisfying end to the masterpiece in itself
It's a stroke of genius
Till the end I kept guessing but couldn't find it
The way she wove this novel is simple yet masterful web of truth , lies , riddles and games .

[Kane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Truly Devious trilogy has its ups and downs but the ending is very good. I can't say I cared for the 'romance' but the mystery came to a satisfying end.

[Morgan Jones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this story so much! I didn't think the audio fit the characters at first but i got used to it and found i enjoyed her way of reading the story.

[muzmuz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a epic ending to an amazing trilogy... if you have not picked it up or you were waiting for this book to come out so you can binge the series... then now is the time ... JUST PICK IT UP.

[naomi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a great wrap up to the Truly Devious trilogy. It tied everything together nicely, moved along at a good pace and left me feeling satisfied when the story ended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jana Hamernikova · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing conclusion to the series. Everything wraps up nicely. Great tribute to Agatha Christie murder mysteries.
P.S. This series MUST be read in the correct order.

[Shalane Du Preez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Awesome series. I really enjoyed the books, quite sad it's over.

[Eb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you're a fan of Veronica Mars, high school detective, chances are you'll love this series.

[Cindy Robert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The connection between the past and present is brilliant! These amazing casts of characters are interesting. There are a lot of clues given and yet, i still couldn't pin point who is the culprit. The riddles made the mystery even more enticing. Also, I love Kate Rudd's narration! So soothing yet clear?

[Claudia ortiz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really good way to close out the case! Really enjoyed how everything was tied in together, can’t wait for the next book!

[Cristina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an exhilarating story, really enjoyed all three books. Unique story line, well thought out and well written.

[ria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

a must read , a page turner , extremely entertaining,

[Milly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an amazing book. I loved all the different characters

[Rebecca Dohrman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this series! The interesting and unusual characters, the intricate and overlapping plot lines, the dramatic setting, the dark humor — I truly admire how the author pulled this off. Teens (and adults) who like twisty mysteries will enjoy this. As for the audiobook narration, I thought it was excellent. Definitely read the books in order, starting with Truly Devious.

[Katie Swift · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing end to a brilliant series, a definite recommend.

[Rica Macugay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a ride! This is an incredible conclusion to a trilogy of brilliantly crafted mystery series! I love everything in this book. It's the best ending you could hope for.

You'll love it for:
- the plot twists.
- the flashbacks!
- the relationships between characters. They all stand out in this book
- Stevie with her passion and determination
- the writing and story and the way Maureen had meticulously created a manifestaion of her mind into a physical thing
- the satisfaction of solving the mystery and murders
- the moment you reliaze how wrong youve been to skip that person on your suspect list. Its great guys, its great!

[NicholaAnkeMillen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is mostly for the performance of the novel. I love Kate Rudd. She has an excellent and soothing voice.

[Katarína Hybenová Kocses · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent characters, interesting murder(s) case(s) 90 years apart. And bonus points for Vermont boarding school setting. Just read it!

[MOHINI SINGH · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a really difficult wait , but itvwas worth it , i loved the book sooo much , the book was a fast read and kept you involved till the end. A must must read if you love detective stories or murder mysteries ?

[cgalvin-774225 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Satisfying ending to a solid, entertaining trilogy.

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Solid end to the series, with a true to characters wrap up. Audio book delightful as usual.

[ftbooklover · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dr. Irene Fenton has been killed in a house fire that is being called accidental, although, Stevie questions this. Stevie is told that Dr. Fenton's nephew, Hunter is going to be allowed to stay in Ellie's old room until he can find a place of his own because "the school feels bad for him." When Janelle's semester project is sabotaged injuring a student, and with a major blizzard approaching, the school staff decides to send the students home, but when David returns to school with revelations about his father, he convinces Stevie and her friends to stay and help him find a way to derail his father's campaign for President. Meanwhile Stevie is on a quest of her own.
The Hand on the Wall brings all of the clues together and answers the questions of the 1936 kidnapping/murder as well as the recent deaths connected with the school. Stevie proves herself to be the extraordinary detective that has been suggested throughout the three books in the series, bringing together all of the parties in a ballroom for an Agatha Christie style ending where the detective reviews the clues and reveals the culprit. Overall, this is the very satisfying culmination of a wonderful young adult whodunnit series. I've read that there is to be another book in the series, starting a new mystery for Stevie to solve. I'm looking forward to it.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ellie’s mission is to solve the mystery of the kidnapping and murders that occurred in 1936, and see if any of it links to the present day deaths at the school. And to find the identity of Truly Devious. It’s a race against time and the coming mega-storm to save the school from closing and to prevent any more tragedies and deaths. But if she does solve it, will anyone believe her without solid proof? This tantalizing series concludes with this exciting book, but Stevie’s story continues on in the next book, “The Box in the Woods.” This series is a great one – well written with solid characters – and sure to please mystery readers of all ages.

[sarah220-732610 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Satisfying conclusion to a compelling trilogy. This had a bit more suspense to it but still had great characterization and two engaging mysteries.

[sleahey_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stevie's story continues in this final book of the trilogy, and the suspense and resolution are quite satisfying. We find out what happened during the kidnapping in the 1930's, and how that crime influenced events and crimes of the present at Stevie's Vermont school in the woods.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Johnson finally wraps up the mystery, but not before giving nods to the many mystery stories that have gone before with groups trapped by weather with a murderer in their midst! Stevie finally works out the Ellingham mystery as the reader gets to read the motivations behind the kidnapping gone wrong. But at the same time, Stevie becomes convinced that there is something tying the current deaths together. I loved the way her friendships evolve and yet continue to be her anchor.

[ansate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

taken together, these 3 books are a nice mystery. but the first two definitely leave cliffhangers and that is against the rules of mysteries! you can't set it all up and not tell me who done it. that's.... a chapter break.

i'm glad all the books are out now, and were before i started reading. even if i did have a library wait for the 3rd one.

[mrnattania72 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fantastic series. I'm not one for Realistic Fiction, but the two story lines had me. On the edge of my seat and rooting for the protagonist all the way. I lived this book and the series.

[paperdolllady · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last book of the Truly Devious trilogy, and well worth the wait. Intricate plotting in all three books made this such a compelling YA mystery series. I liked the way all things came together in this final episode/book.