The Steps

by Wendelin Van Draanen

Riverdale meets The Queen’s Gambit in this fun, twisty thriller by an Edgar Award-winning author, featuring a deliciously dysfunctional family with dark secrets and shifting alliances.

Fourteen-year-old chess whiz Ruby Vossen tries to keep to herself. She refuses to be a pawn in her wealthy family’s web of deception.

But ever since Ruby’s mother and aunt died in a car wreck, the battle lines drawn within the Vossen clan have ruled her life. Ruby’s father and uncle became irreparably estranged, and within months, Ruby’s cousin/BFF was banished from her life, her father remarried, and she wound up with a gold-digging stepmom who has two teens of her own—The Steps.

So when strange and dangerous things begin happening on the Vossen estate, Ruby sees only one logical explanation: The Steps are scheming to inherit the Vossen fortune. And as things get more and more intense, it seems like killing is in their playbook.

Luckily, Ruby has her own playbook, and she’s not about to go down without a fight. She’ll even break her dad’s rules to get her cousin back on her side of the chessboard . . . It’s time to check-mate The Steps before they can finish the Vossens off.

Secrets, lies, and lethal threats abound in this clever, quirky thriller by the award-winning, bestselling author of Flipped and the Sammy Keyes mysteries.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Middle Grade, Fiction, Drama

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

Wendelin Van Draanen has written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, and became a Warner Brothers feature film with Rob Reiner directing. Her novel The Running Dream was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.

Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.

Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.

Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast paced YA thriller and the audiobook was excellent. The narration was really well done. This is a short book with family secrets and drama, and was entertaining and suspenseful. This one does feel more YA than some recent YA books I've read, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, just wanted to mention that. Be warned that there are some triggers like a parent and animal death. I'm happy I got to listen to this one.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mitzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendelin is both an amazing person and an amazing author. I especially have enjoyed her Sammy Keyes series and most recently her Mr. Whiskers book as well as The Peach Rebellion. But while I loved the gorgeous cover for this new book, the story just didn't meet my expectations this time. The Steps is a mystery embedded within the trials and tribulations of a very wealthy but dysfunctional family. Maybe part of my disillusionment was that I didn't get a good feel for where this book fell in terms of middle grade versus young adult. In my opinion it seemed a little 'harsh' for middle grade yet not quite complex enough for young adult (for which the book was intended, I believe.) It won't keep me from reading more of Wendelin's books, however, because I have loved her other books that I have read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good mystery for middle school! The intensity was there, the plot was intricate, and the characters were interesting. I was fully invested the whole way through, and it was a quick read. I'm excited to recommend this to students!

Much better than Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson (the highly praised middle grade mystery that came out in July) in my opinion.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report: The Steps

4.5 ⭐️

At First Glance: I love how eerie this cover is 🖤

The Gist: Riverdale meets The Queen’s Gambit in this fun, twisty thriller by an Edgar Award-winning author, featuring a deliciously dysfunctional family with dark secrets and shifting alliances.

My Thoughts: As someone who has really enjoyed Wendelin Van Draanen’s past work…I was excited to dive into The Steps. This YA mystery didn’t disappoint. Van Draanen brings her trademark charm and character-driven storytelling…but this time with a twisty plot set against the backdrop of a wealthy family and their sprawling estate. One of the highlights for me was the setting…it’s rich (not just in terms of money) but in atmosphere. The dynamics within the family were intriguing…with plenty of surprises along the way that kept me turning the pages. While it's marketed as a YA novel I can easily see middle grade readers enjoying it too…especially those who like mysteries with heart, humor, and a bit of drama. The Steps is another solid read from Van Draanen. One that blends mystery, family and self-discovery in a way that both new readers and longtime fans will appreciate.

My Question for Wendelin: The estate in the book feels so vivid and almost like a character itself. Was it based on a real place, or purely imagined?

Thank you Holiday House for the gifted copy

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt sorry for Ruby, the only person who seemed at all likable in this extremely dysfunctional family. Her father has forbidden her to speak to or have any contact with her cousin/best friend because he's fighting over money and property with her cousin's father. Her rich grandmother requires her to do menial labor at her mansion on the hill every day, and she's been taken out of her school and away from all her friends and sent to a new school where she knows no one. Her mother and aunt recently died in a car crash, and she's been missing her terribly ever since and feeling quite alone. Oh, and her father remarried right away and moved her stepmom, and step siblings in with them. The stepmom hates her, the stepsister bullies her, and the stepbrother ignores her. There are also tons of secrets, lots of lying, murder, attempted murder, and just some really awful, evil, and non-redeemable people. I'm really not sure who this book would be suited for. It seems too grown up for middle grade readers and not quite there yet for YA readers. I've loved all of Wendelin's previous books, especially her Sammy Keyes series which I totally adore. I just really don't know what to think about this one.

[Beatriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 37 of 2025 - ✅! Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Wendelin Can Draanen for an ALC of The Steps by Wendelin Van Draanen and narrated by Rachel Yong in exchange for my honest review.

The Steps by Wendelin Van Draanen instantly reminded me of the sort of book I would have been drawn to in middle school - the mystery, the family dynamics, a female-centric cast.

With Riverdale & The Queen’s Gambit constantly being used as comps, this YA family drama-mystery about a young chess prodigy and her step-family moves quickly, as our protagonist, Ruby Vossen, thinks they’re trying to steal her family’s money. What starts off as more of an interpersonal drama becomes a mystery-thriller as the story culminates. The ALC was beautifully read by Rachel Yong - she truly brought the story off the page.

A spice rating is not relevant since this is YA, and I’d give it 3.5/5⭐️ overall. ♟️🎒💰 #NetGalley #TheSteps

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE STEPS by Wendelin Van Draanen in exchange for my honest review.***

Looks can be deceiving.

Ruby and her cousin Sterling are as close as sisters until their mothers are killed in an accident. Now their estranged fathers ban communication between the cousins speared in by Ruby’s manipulative, wealthy grandmother. When her grandmother’s three million ring goes missing, everyone is suspect. Ruby begins investigating, soon realizing her life may be in danger from those in her family.

THE STEPS involves young high school students, though probably appeals more to middle grade readers due to lack of character complexity. Most of the bad characters have no redeeming qualities or sympathetic motivations for their actions.

I do recommend THE STEPS, despite the murder of a dog by his owner. I don’t think pet murder is ever necessary to tell children and teen stories.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to libro.fm and the publisher for the educator ALC!

3.5 This book is special in that it is filling the niche for upper middle grade/young YA that we desperately need, but otherwise it is pretty unmemorable. Still, I can think of a couple of my own middle school students who would eat this up just for it being a mystery suited to their age group.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, engaging YA mystery. This story has a lot of characters and a lot going on there. There are so many people who could be responsible for the crimes that were committed. I enjoyed the setting of the old mansion. Old mansions are always creepy!

Ruby was a likable character, but I found her to come across young for her age. Her friendships were all so complicated. Made me happy to not be in high school anymore. Poor girl had all the friendship drama to go along with the endless amounts of family drama too.

Overall, an interesting YA mystery. I thought the ending was great, a little quick, but still good. If you pick this one up, I definitely recommend the audiobook! The narration was great!

[Lisa Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

OverallI enjoyed this YA mystery, but I felt that at times the plot could have been fleshed out a bit more to generate a little more suspense along the way. Van Draanen is an eclectic writer, writing across genres and ages, but what remains consistent is her development of character and setting. I am a fan of all the characters she creates.....even those that I love-to-hate. In this particular book, I enjoyed the relationship between Ruby and her aunt. The wrap up for this one came on fast, and it felt a bit out of left field to me (but not completely out of the realm of possibility - I just wish the plot had developed a bit more ahead of time so that I could buy into in a bit more). The audio was well done, and I think this one would be equally enjoyed whether in print or audio.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Steps earns four stars for atmosphere, suspense, and for being that hard-to-find blend of older kid protagonist that I can hand to my middle school horror-lovers. VanDrannen is a good writer and kids will sympathize with the main character (regardless of her rather outrageous backstory), but so much is rushed, glossed over, and assumed in the development of this thriller. The reader just needs to go with it to enjoy the ride.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the BEST mystery until it wasn't. Such an interesting premise, a great protagonist, a loyal group of friends...and then just such an unlikely awful family that the reader just loses the plot. Such a shame because mysteries are the rage right now.

Grades 7 and up.

[Anna Juline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4! As a lifelong Sammy Keyes fan, I loved reading a new mystery from Wendelin. It was fast-paced and engaging but a little too over the top and rushed at the end for me.

[Emily Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down, mostly because some twists near the end just feel so unbelievable. That being said, I had an absolute blast reading this book!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good middle grade mystery.

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

I approached The Steps with modest expectations for what I assumed would be a straightforward middle-grade mystery, only to find myself completely absorbed by Wendelin Van Draanen’s sophisticated exploration of how adolescent minds process trauma and betrayal. This is young adult fiction that respects its audience’s intelligence while never forgetting to deliver the emotional satisfaction that makes the genre so enduring. Van Draanen has crafted something that operates successfully on multiple levels—as family drama, psychological thriller, and coming-of-age story—without sacrificing depth for accessibility.

Ruby Vossen immediately commands attention as a protagonist who defies the typical mold of YA heroines. Rather than relying on romantic entanglements or social hierarchies for dramatic tension, Van Draanen grounds Ruby’s character in intellectual pursuits that feel authentic rather than merely quirky. Her passion for chess serves as more than characterization flourish—it becomes a genuine framework for how she processes the increasingly complex and dangerous situations surrounding her. I found myself impressed by how Van Draanen uses Ruby’s strategic thinking as both strength and potential weakness, showing how the same analytical skills that help her navigate family politics can also lead her toward paranoid overthinking.

The family dynamics Van Draanen creates feel disturbingly plausible, rooted in the kinds of financial and emotional complications that tear real families apart. The aftermath of the car accident that killed Ruby’s mother creates a landscape of grief that manifests differently in each character, leading to conflicts that feel inevitable rather than contrived. Van Draanen demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how trauma can fracture family systems, how financial disputes become proxies for deeper emotional wounds, and how children often bear the brunt of adult failures to process loss constructively.

What struck me most about the novel’s structure was how Van Draanen balances the mystery elements with genuine character development. The theft of the pink diamond serves as catalyst rather than mere plot device, forcing Ruby to confront not just external threats but internal questions about trust, loyalty, and her own perceptions. The way Van Draanen reveals information feels organic rather than manipulative—each revelation emerges naturally from Ruby’s investigations while simultaneously deepening our understanding of the family’s psychological landscape.

The introduction of the stepfamily creates tension that extends beyond typical evil stepmother tropes. Van Draanen is too skillful a writer to rely on simple antagonism; instead, she explores how blended families navigate competing loyalties and conflicting interests in ways that feel nuanced and realistic. Ruby’s suspicions of her stepsiblings feel both paranoid and justified, creating the kind of narrative ambiguity that keeps readers guessing while forcing the protagonist to examine her own motivations and biases.

Van Draanen’s prose strikes an effective balance between accessibility and sophistication. She writes with the kind of clarity that serves younger readers while never talking down to them, incorporating complex themes of grief, financial manipulation, and family betrayal without overwhelming the narrative’s momentum. Her dialogue feels authentic, particularly Ruby’s internal monologue, which captures the rhythm of adolescent thought patterns without becoming either precious or artificial.

The chess metaphor threading through the novel deserves particular recognition for how seamlessly it integrates with both character and plot. Rather than feeling forced or overly clever, Ruby’s strategic thinking becomes a legitimate lens through which to examine the power dynamics and hidden motivations surrounding her. Van Draanen uses the game’s language and logic to illuminate aspects of family relationships that might otherwise remain abstract, making complex emotional dynamics accessible to readers who might struggle with more traditional psychological analysis.

I was particularly impressed by how Van Draanen handles the novel’s darker elements—including financial fraud, emotional manipulation, and genuine physical danger—without sanitizing them for younger readers or exploiting them for cheap thrills. She maintains appropriate boundaries while still acknowledging the real stakes involved, creating suspense that feels earned rather than manufactured. The threats Ruby faces feel genuinely concerning without becoming overwhelming or inappropriately intense for the target audience.

The supporting characters avoid the flatness that often plagues mystery novels focused primarily on plot mechanics. Sterling, Ruby’s cousin and closest friend, feels like a genuine person rather than a convenient ally, with his own motivations and emotional responses that complicate rather than simplify Ruby’s situation. Even the adult characters carry enough complexity to avoid pure villain or victim categorization, creating a world where moral choices exist in shades of gray rather than stark black and white.

Van Draanen’s exploration of wealth and privilege adds another layer of sophistication to what could have been a simple mystery. She examines how financial security can become both protection and prison, how inherited wealth creates obligations and expectations that shape family relationships in destructive ways. Ruby’s position as heir to the Vossen fortune becomes a source of vulnerability rather than pure advantage, illustrating how privilege operates in more complex ways than typical YA fiction often acknowledges.

The pacing maintains excellent momentum throughout, building tension through character revelation rather than relying solely on external plot developments. Van Draanen understands that the most effective suspense often comes from watching characters make difficult decisions under pressure rather than from pure action sequences. Each chapter advances both the mystery and Ruby’s emotional journey, creating the kind of page-turning experience that serves story rather than mere sensation.

What makes this novel particularly effective for its target audience is how it validates the intelligence and emotional complexity of young readers while providing genuinely satisfying resolution. Van Draanen doesn’t offer easy answers or neat conclusions, but she does provide the kind of character growth and plot resolution that feels both realistic and hopeful. Ruby’s journey toward greater self-understanding and family connection feels earned rather than convenient.

For readers who like:
- Young adult fiction
- Family mysteries
- Character-driven mysteries

Final Verdict
The Steps represents middle grade and young adult mystery fiction at its most sophisticated and engaging, proving that books for younger readers can tackle complex themes without sacrificing either accessibility or entertainment value. Wendelin Van Draanen has created something genuinely impressive—a novel that works as pure page-turner while offering deeper insights into family dynamics, grief processing, and adolescent psychology. This is the kind of book that might inspire young readers to think more strategically about their own relationships and challenges, while providing the kind of satisfying reading experience that creates lifelong genre fans.

Grateful to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Wendelin Van Draanen for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This was so gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was happening and why. I did feel like the twists were predictable, but it was still a fun ride. My main issue was that I don't think the motives were that strong or built up well. I definitely wanted more. And the step family didn't play as big as a role as I wanted from the title. Definitely a fun ride though.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Ruby Voss appears to have a privileged existence, living on the grounds of her grandmother's estate with her father, stepmother Vivian, and stepsiblings Brielle and Liam. Under the surface, however, tensions roil. After the car accident death of her mother and aunt, her father and uncle had a tremendous falling out over the insurance payout, since the uncle maintained that Ruby's mother caused the accident, and therefore he should get some of the much larger insurance payout for Ruby's mother. Ruby is not supposed to talk to her cousin and best friend, Sterling, because of this, and the two girls even help out their grandmother, Oma, on separate shifts so they don't see each other. When Sterling shows up, knocking on Ruby's second floor window like she used to, Ruby is surprised. She follows her cousin to Oma's, where they find that their grandmother has been bound and gagged, and her pink diamond engagement ring has been stolen. Sterling helps her grandmother, but Ruby hides so that her presence isn't detected. Despite the drama that unfolds in the afftermath of the robbery, with her father and uncle renewing their fighting, Ruby still has to go to high school. Without Sterling, it's been hard, but she's made a a good friend in Izaan Ray. He invites her to join the chess team, and the advisor, Mr. Archambeau, tells her that he is tutoring Oma in French in exchange for being able to stay at the French chateau Ruby doesn't even know Oma owns. Back at home, her Aunt Katrina stops by, and provides some calm support for Ruby, who gets so little support from her father and Vivian that she's been living on coffee and Twinkies. Since Oma's ring is worth three million dollars, the police question everyone. When Ruby's room is ransacked, and some of the tools she keeps in her room to make herself feel safe (a hatchet, saw, and rope!) are taken, things look grim, but the police officer who is investigating is helpful. As Ruby and Sterling try to find out what really happened, and why Ruby seems to be targeted now, family secrets galore are revealed. I don't want to reveal any of the twists and turns that this action and suspense packed novel takes, but it's a good thing that Ruby has the support of her Aunt, as well as for the members of her school chess team, who help save the day!
Strengths: Van Draanen is an author who consistently turns out well crafted books, and this stand alone novel had several things that will make it instantly appealing to middle grade and high school readers. Ruby is a troubled but privileged character who is in high school. She's struggling to make her life work even though she has adults in her life-- she's essentially on her own. I recently read a book where there was a similarly menacing character and a tense situation that was NOT as exciting as it should have been. The last third of this book was quite the nail biter, and Ruby was constantly in danger. The inclusion of Izaan and the chess team was important, but hard to properly describe. There were lots of cliff hangers, reveals of evil doers, and even some strategic fire poker wielding that was all well done.
Weaknesses: At least the mother's death was important to the plot, but I still could have done without it. I'm not being facetious when I say that about half the books I read deal with parents who have died, and surviving parents, like Ruby's father, who aren't dealing well with the situation in various ways. It gets wearing even as an adult, and can't be great for young readers' moods, either. Perhaps it would have been more interesting if Ruby's mother had been committed (wrongly!) for mental health issues and then reunited with Ruby after all of the situations with the family were resolved.
What I really think: The story had shades of Barnes' popular The Inheritance Games, Cavalancia's Mystery Royale, and Gerber's The Liars Society. The cover has the type of illustration aimed at older readers, which is so important, and it's a good length. I was even impressed by the somewhat distinctive san serif font. This is definitely a must purchase title that will circulate extremely well!

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wendelin Van Draanen’s “The Steps” is a fast-paced, twisty YA mystery that delivers a potent mix of family drama, deadly secrets, and the sharp logic of a teen chess prodigy determined to outwit those who wish her harm. I would recommend this book for younger YA readers as well as MG readers, though be aware there is a dog death (occurs off-page via poison, but the main character, Ruby) discovers the body.

At the heart of the story is fourteen-year-old Ruby Vossen, a fiercely intelligent and refreshingly unique protagonist who prefers chess strategies to social drama. She lives on her wealthy grandmother’s estate, seemingly surrounded by privilege, but beneath the surface lies a family in chaos. Following the tragic death of her mother and aunt in a car accident, Ruby’s family has splintered. Her father and uncle are bitterly estranged over an insurance payout, and Ruby has been forbidden to see her cousin and best friend, Sterling. Her home life only grows more complicated with the arrival of her calculating stepmother, Vivian, and her stepsiblings Brielle and Liam known as “The Steps” who Ruby suspects may be plotting for the Vossen fortune.

Ruby’s paranoia seems justified when Sterling unexpectedly reappears and the cousins stumble upon their grandmother bound and gagged, with her priceless pink diamond engagement ring stolen. The robbery ignites a chain of sinister events that put Ruby and Sterling on a collision course with dangerous truths. Rooms are ransacked, threats escalate, and family secrets bubble to the surface, revealing just how treacherous the Vossen family can be.

Ruby’s narration is as engaging as it is authentic. She is prone to overthinking, anxiety, and the occasional overreaction, but her vulnerability makes her a compelling heroine. Her obsession with chess and math provides a clever through-line, helping her connect seemingly unrelated clues and strategize her way through a complex web of lies. While Ruby sometimes feels isolated, her chess club friends and a caring aunt form a much-needed support network, offering loyalty and warmth amid the turmoil.

Van Draanen crafts a thrilling plot filled with cliffhangers, unexpected reveals, and plenty of red herrings. There are moments of genuine suspense and danger, including threats that escalate toward violence, which keep you flipping pages at breakneck speed. Despite the serious stakes, there’s humor and heart woven through the story, and Ruby’s voice shines with resilience and wit.

The book explores weighty themes such as grief, trust, betrayal, and the corrosive power of greed while remaining accessible for middle grade and younger YA readers. The family dynamics are intense, sometimes bordering on melodramatic, but they feel true to the tangled emotions of a teenager caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts.

While some of the mystery’s twists may be a touch predictable for seasoned thriller readers, Van Draanen’s storytelling keeps the ride engaging. The conclusion ties the many plot threads together satisfyingly, ensuring that Ruby finally receives the support she needs and offering a glimmer of hope beyond the chaos.

Overall, “The Steps” is a clever, high-energy mystery featuring a standout protagonist whose sharp mind and big heart make her easy to root for. With a combination of dangerous secrets, family feuds, and chess-inspired sleuthing, it’s a gripping read. Highly recommended for middle grade and younger YA readers who love their mysteries smart, emotional, and full of surprises.

[Jamie Steinberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourteen-year-old Ruby Vossen has been through a lot in her short life. She lost her mother and aunt in a car crash, her dad remarried while she was away at camp, and she’s now saddled with a stepmother who comes with two annoying teenagers. Did I mention that both Ruby’s father and his brother are at odds over finances and refuse to let Ruby and her cousin Sterling see one another? Add in a demanding grandmother and you’ve got some serious stress. Things start to go from bad to worse though when the prized ring belonging to Ruby’s grandmother, Oma, goes missing. Thus begins a tale of mystery that leads to a murder investigation in the middle-grade new novel The Steps.

Ruby and Sterling both lost their moms in a car accident. Since then, both girls have been told to stay away from each other by their feuding fathers. Adding to Ruby’s misery is her new stepmother, Vivian, and new siblings Brielle and Liam – “The Steps” as Ruby calls them. Ruby’s father values The Steps comfort and happiness over those of his own daughter and has left any kind of care she needs in Vivian’s hands. One night Ruby receives a strange text from her cousin saying that she can’t get ahold of their grandmother, Oma. Ruby sneaks out of the house to lend a hand and when they arrive at Oma’s home, they find her tied up and her prized ring is missing. With no one to talk to and no one to turn to about what has happened, Ruby stumbles on the Chess Club at school – making friends (she dubs them “The Chessies”) with a rag tag bunch of boys who have her back when no one else does. To say anything further would only spoil the remainder of the story…

Author Wendelin Van Draanen quickly invests your heart into Ruby and her plight. She’s gotten a raw deal in life, and you wish you could hug and protect her. Readers will turn page after page to see how she navigates her sad situation and if her new pals The Chessies can help save her skin. My only qualm is that Van Draanen doesn’t explain the characters that have been given titles – such as “Oma” and “Tante Katrina.” It would have been nice to know what they mean and how the family’s ethnicity plays into their dynamics. Otherwise, readers will find themselves quickly engrossed in the story, trying to figure out who has stolen the ring and if Ruby earns a happy ending.

The Steps is a bittersweet crime drama with a dash of some serious family drama. All I can say is that readers will want to protect Ruby at all costs and certainly find themselves deeply invested in all the mystery this book holds.

[Diana Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Draanen's Sammy Keyes mysteries have long been favorites of my 5th- and 6th-grade students, but THE STEPS is a mystery I would hand to my 8th-grade students. Freshman Ruby Vossen has moved to the attic bedroom after her dad's remarriage so she can avoid "the steps" -- her stepmother Vivian, stepbrother Liam (an 8th grader), and stepsister Brielle (a junior). Ruby has never gotten over the death of her mother, who died in a car crash with her aunt, because of the fallout it caused between her father and her uncle. Both have gone so far as to forbid their daughters from seeing each other, so Ruby has started high school without the companionship of her cousin and former best friend, Sterling. All that changes the night Sterling shows up at Ruby's window to beg her to check on their grandmother who lives in the mansion on the estate where all 3 families reside.

That beginning starts a roller coaster of twists and turns involving thefts, attempted kidnapping, possible stalkers, and way too many family secrets. Things get even worse as Ruby comes to the conclusion that the Steps want to kill her and other family members to get their hands on the Vossen fortune controlled by Grandma. This is the type of over-the-top conniving mystery 8th graders will love, though I knocked a star off when the suspension of disbelief went a bit too far for me. In terms of content warnings, besides the violence and the tension of the events mentioned above, there is also a character who says she "took care of" an unwanted pregnancy. The callous psychopathic behavior of this character gets more disturbing from there, so sensitive readers are warned.

The audiobook version was excellent. The narration by Rachel Yong perfectly captured a clever, lonely teenage girl who fears for her life, yet is determined to survive her circumstances. Many thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for the Advanced Listening Copy.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated doesn't begin to describe Ruby's family. She had a pretty good childhood until she was eleven, growing up on an estate where she and her parents lived in one house, her cousin Sterling and her parents in another house, and their domineering grandmother lived in the manor house. Then, a car accident took Ruby's and Sterling's mothers, and their fathers remarried women who already had children--the Steps, as Ruby calls them. She loathes them, the feeling is mutual, and her father couldn't care less; he and his brother had a vicious fight about the difference in life insurance amounts after the accident, and Ruby was forbidden to have anything to do with Sterling, her best friend. So Ruby lost her as well. Both brothers dance attendance on Oma, their mother, in the hopes of inheriting the most money, and Ruby has to act as a maid for her. Ruby's also been exiled to an attic room with a dangerously looming tree outside, and that's where she is when she gets a text from Sterling, who is worried about their grandmother and wants Ruby's help to investigate. In the days that follow, Ruby has to use all of her cunning as a master chess player to try to figure out just what is going on in her family--and who really wants her dead.

I loved that this featured a 14 year old, because that's so rare! It was well put-together, the characters are distinctive, the places are well-described. There's so much suspense in the entangled mystery that I ended up reading it backwards, but kids are braver than me! I liked that Ruby did find good people to help her out--her disinherited aunt, a cop, the nerdy chess club boys--and that she was still able to recognize help when it was offered. Highly recommended for 6th grade and up. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Riverdale meets the Queen's Gambit in this fun, twisty thriller by an Edgar Award winning author, featuring a deliciously dysfunctional family with dark secret and shifting alliances."

I love the main character a 14 year old Ruby Vassen, a math and chess wizard. She is from the very wealthy and privileged Vassen clan living in her grandmother Oma's estate. Her stepmother Vivian and her two children now live with them, but before them was her mother. When her mother and aunt were killed in a terrible car accident, she watched her family battle each other over an insurance policy, so she no longer can socialize with her cousin and best friend Sterling.
When the gold digging "Steps" move in, strange and dangerous occurrences begin to happen. It doesn't take long to realize their scheming is included with the family's inheritance. Secrets and lies begin to surface, uncovering a multitude of differences. There are red herrings dropped along the way diverting away from the true issues. It may be predictable as an adult, but not as a young adult.
Ruby's character makes this book. She can be calm, collective, and vulnerable but then dramatic as danger arises. When she puts puzzle pieces together, you will find humor and heart, and the serious side of her loss and resilience to bounce back. Danger is imminent with the people living under the same roof, as you will see greed and betrayal at its finest. The same author wrote Flipped and the Sammy Keyes Mysteries. What sets this apart from the rest is a nail biter and constant danger never ceasing. The twists and turns will appeal to all ages. Cinderella's "Steps" will appear gentle in comparison to Ruby's. Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for this incredible ARC in exchange for my review.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow—this book perfectly captured how much a mood reader’s experience can depend on timing and circumstance.

The first time I started the audiobook, I was distracted and not fully dialed in. Even though it kept playing in my headphones, I found myself checking out and eventually set it aside around the 36% mark. I was worried I might have to push through just to finish. But the next morning, I accidentally restarted from the beginning—and what a difference! With a clearer head and focus, I was immediately hooked. I went back through everything I’d already listened to, and I’m so glad I did.

Rachel Yong’s narration really elevated the story. Her pacing at 1x speed was excellent, her voice felt age-appropriate for the FMC, and she kept me engaged throughout. Thanks to her delivery, I was able to fully enjoy this fun and fast-paced YA thriller.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[Caradith Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Move over Sammy Keyes…here comes Ruby Vossen to solve the case. The quick-witted, logical thinking chess strategist is determined to unravel the intriguing and multi-layered mysterious and disturbing activities occurring within her flawed and unstable family.

Using reason and evidence to analyze situations and make rational conclusions to resolve problems are skills Ruby has developed as a chess enthusiast. She must now draw on those attributes with strength, courage, and boldness as she enters the “belly of the beast” to uncover the lies and deceptions of those within her inner circle. Is there anyone she can truly trust? Can she decipher the clues in time to figure out who are her loyal friends and who are her nefarious and unpredictable enemies? Will she be able to make the right moves? Her life and the lives of others will depend on it.

Wendelin Van Draanen gives her reading audience an entertaining, page turning mystery thriller with plots and sub-plots she meticulously weaves together to create a thrilling “who-done-it” that will keep her readers emotionally engaged until the final page.

The characters are as fascinating as the plot twists and turns. Wendelin has once again created unforgettable characters with a storyline that will leave you contemplating the underlying themes and depth of the story. Don’t miss out on this wild mystery journey destined to be another award-winning novel for Wendelin Van Draanen. It has young adult Edgar Award Winner all over it.

[Runaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been SUCH a winner for me if Ruby hadn't turned into such an unlikable brat by the end.

I get that this is fully justified for what the story puts her through, but there are limits, too. Making fun of someone with a terrible injury? That's really low, regardless of the circumstances, and actively works against the smart and mature person she had spent the book being. Not even attempting to include Liam into her group after seeing how much shared trauma they have in common? That's also awfully weird for her character and what she claims to be about (yes, the possibility is left open, but this isn't an "in-between" kind of thing). And she really sours towards Sterling despite the fact that they really should be equally bitter about each other, considering she's motherless because of Ruby's dad's actions.

I was really having fun drawing parallels with Van Draanen's very own Wild Bird (one of my favorite books ever), as Ruby struck me as a "What If" version of Wren, the one who hadn't thrown her life away... But ends up being just that.

Also... Chess is not even such an important part of the book, which is honestly shocking.

But this IS a good story, and I loved almost every other detail. Such a shame that it tried to kill itself towards the end for basically no reason.

[gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Wendelin Van Draanen, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review.*

4.75 stars
Wow. Just, wow. This book was incredible—I highly recommend! The setting, the plot, the chess references… Everything was *chefs kiss*. It bridges the gap between middle grade and young adult fiction perfectly.
I loved our 14 year old main character Ruby. She felt refreshing her own age. The other characters were perfectly ambiguous, which added all the more mystery to our plot.
As I said before, perfect for those kids who are too old for middle grade but not quite old enough for YA. Or adults like me who love both! The plot wasn’t overly complicated, but also such a beautifully layered mystery at the same time, and it’s all tied up with a satisfying ending. I loved the layered mystery, there was the main plot with Ruby’s Grandma, but also the mystery of her mother and aunt’s death, her tante, the steps, and her cousin.
Rachel Yong’s narration was wonderful, also. It really felt like I was listening Ruby’s thoughts in real time.
The only reason it isn’t a full 5 stars is the lack of diversity. Although it’s implied that some of the chessies are POCs, they’re a minor part of the story.

[Bookish_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I approached this book apprehensively because I wasn't sure what to expect from a young adult novel and from this writer who was unfamiliar to me. I was pleasantly surprised and hooked from the beginning! The narrator for the audiobook was a great fit and I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the book.

Ruby is a chess-wiz teen who is dealing with many normal teen challenges - school, social relationships, and fitting in - all while grieving the sudden loss of her mother. Her life only gets further complicated when she's cut-off from her cousin and best friend and father remarries an evil stepmom and they are now a blended family bringing with her step siblings that are equally sus.

As Ruby works to uncover the deceit surrounding her, she reveals some ugly truths but also learns valuable lessons along the way and finds her true people. I enjoyed this and recommend it for teens and adult audiences! Thank you to #netgalley #holidayhouse #wendelinvandraanen for the ARC!

[Margaret Schoen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a review of an ARC from Edelweiss.

Ruby Vossen is a pawn in her family's games. After her mother and aunt died, her family broke into pieces - her father and uncle no longer speaking, a new step-mother and step-siblings who hate her, and her grandmother ruling everything from her estate at the center of their compound. When her cousin breaks the silence to ask for her help, it looks like it might be a way out, only for old secrets to come to the surface and deadly motives to be revealed.

I know Van Draanen as a children's book writer, and I think that was my main problem here. The plot is intense - lots of attempted murders, attacks, plotting, etc., with some pretty graphic sections - and the writing feels very middle grade? So much so that I worried the story was too intense. I'm not really sure who this book was for. And while the plot is heavy, the tone of the writing is generally light, and not in a "dark humor" kind of way - it's just kind of a mis-match.

[Beth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through the audiobook of The Steps and found it compulsive and didn't want to stop listening!

I'm always especially interested in novels for teens without mature content and this is a fantastic one that is part mystery, part psychological thriller, full of twists and jaw dropping moments, and also great emotional depth. The main character is 14 and a freshman in high school and this book reminded me how few books feature characters that age!

The Steps is a book that I would have loved as a teen: a strong female character to root for who is a bit awkward and just making the best of some pretty crappy situations, layers of mysteries, plus plenty of characters that you aren't quite sure you can trust (but some who are obviously good).

This is a great option for vibes of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or The Inheritance Games because it is very suspenseful but also one I'd hand to 12+ while many YA books read much older.