What do you think?
Truly Devious #6
The Velvet Knife
Return to the world of Truly Devious as Stevie Bell and her friends travel to New York to solve a murder in the next standalone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.
Stevie might be the greatest teenage detective Ellingham Academy and the world has ever seen, but even she can’t figure out what happened with her boyfriend, David. What she needs is a distraction: a good old-fashioned murder. Stevie is much happier dealing with dead people. They’re a lot less confusing—they don’t send cryptic texts and make out with other girls in British pubs.
But then Stevie gets exactly what she wanted when a dead body turns up in the middle of a Manhattan apartment complex, and this one is . . . complicated. Caught in a web of messy alive-people feelings, Stevie finds herself questioning all human connection. Is magnetism only manipulation? Can you trust anyone? Does anyone realize that they’re joining a cult—before it’s too late? And are things with David really over?
Stevie might be the greatest teenage detective Ellingham Academy and the world has ever seen, but even she can’t figure out what happened with her boyfriend, David. What she needs is a distraction: a good old-fashioned murder. Stevie is much happier dealing with dead people. They’re a lot less confusing—they don’t send cryptic texts and make out with other girls in British pubs.
But then Stevie gets exactly what she wanted when a dead body turns up in the middle of a Manhattan apartment complex, and this one is . . . complicated. Caught in a web of messy alive-people feelings, Stevie finds herself questioning all human connection. Is magnetism only manipulation? Can you trust anyone? Does anyone realize that they’re joining a cult—before it’s too late? And are things with David really over?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 547 reviews
Want to Read
February 11, 2023if david doesn't bite the dust in this book i don't want it
Want to Read
February 8, 2023ALREADY THE NEXT ANNOUNCEMENT??? MAUREEN PLS
If David doesn't grovel within the first 50 pages, OR end up happy, I'm gonna cry
If David doesn't grovel within the first 50 pages, OR end up happy, I'm gonna cry
Want to Read
March 17, 2023ARC received!!!
Thank you so much, Harper Collins Children's Books. I have been anticipating this book for so long. I had almost given up hope, but she's finally here!!!
Earlier:
WE HAVE A TITLE!!!
WE HAVE A COVER!!!
I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!
Original:
Here she is. Truly Devious #6!! We know nothing about her, but I still want to date her!!
I'm slightly obsessed with this series and the fact that we once believed it to be a trilogy, yet here we are at Book #6, makes me so incredibly happy!!
Thank you so much, Harper Collins Children's Books. I have been anticipating this book for so long. I had almost given up hope, but she's finally here!!!
Earlier:
WE HAVE A TITLE!!!
WE HAVE A COVER!!!
I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!
Original:
Here she is. Truly Devious #6!! We know nothing about her, but I still want to date her!!
I'm slightly obsessed with this series and the fact that we once believed it to be a trilogy, yet here we are at Book #6, makes me so incredibly happy!!
Currently Reading
August 30, 2023i'm going to keep reading this series as long as it keeps coming. to my eternal detriment
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
April 11, 2023
if this book isn’t about david’s murder i’m gonna scream
Want to Read
July 26, 2023cryingggg all the reviews on this right now are just everyone threatening david
Want to Read
September 27, 2023Mystery idea for this book: David dies and Stevie spends the whole book figuring out who killed him just to reveal it was her
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, I have to say that I am hopelessly devoted to this series. As someone who loves brilliant mysteries, true crime, and highly intelligent protagonists, Stevie has completely stolen my heart. Our girl is everything I want in a detective. And then there's Janelle—honestly, everyone deserves a best friend like her. She's fiercely honest, endlessly creative, incredibly capable, loyal, supportive, and simply unforgettable. Vi perfectly captures all of those qualities and makes her one of my favorite characters in the entire series.
And Nate... I've been rooting for Stevie and Nate from the very beginning. I sincerely hope they end up together. He's kind-hearted, thoughtful, endlessly patient, suffers from an all-too-relatable writer's block, can cook, and is basically every book lover's fantasy boyfriend. Somewhere along the way I even found myself cheering for Larry, who unexpectedly became one of my favorite supporting characters.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this series is because Maureen Johnson consistently delivers clever, addictive mysteries. They're smart, fast-paced, full of unexpected twists, and the dual timelines make every investigation even more compelling.
This installment takes us back to 1976, introducing Blue, an aspiring chef who finds herself under the disturbing influence of Dean, a charismatic Manson wannabe leading a strange commune inside an abandoned house. The group survives by living off whatever resources they can find while financing themselves through pickpocketing trips to New York City. Blue quickly realizes that what first appears to be a close-knit community slowly transforms into something much darker and far more dangerous.
Meanwhile, in the present day, a heartbroken Stevie joins Nate in Manhattan, staying at an apartment generously provided by Nate's agent so he can finally finish his novel. But, naturally, peace doesn't last long. A sudden death changes everything and pulls Stevie into another investigation involving the apartment's mysterious residents, hidden secrets, and a decades-old disappearance connected to human remains discovered near an accident site. As always, Johnson effortlessly weaves the past and present together until both mysteries collide in an immensely satisfying way.
But...
Yes.
There is one character.
One unbelievably infuriating character.
Not just in this book, but throughout the entire series.
David.
Bloody prick. Spoiled brat. Selfish cheater.
The same guy who absolutely detonated my heart in the previous book by suddenly dumping Stevie and kissing another girl at a pub.
How. Dare. He.
Thankfully, he doesn't dominate this novel, but somehow his negative energy lingers over nearly every page. Poor Stevie is clearly still devastated while trying to solve the cult mystery, and my heart genuinely hurt watching her carry around so much emotional pain. I kept wanting to shake her and yell, "Please move on! You deserve so much better!"
Then David shows up.
Again.
With explanations.
And excuses.
My blood pressure immediately skyrocketed.
I had to physically stop myself from screaming at the pages.
I'll avoid spoilers, but all I'll say is that the ending left me completely frustrated. Absolutely not. I refuse to accept it without protest.
That said, one terrible romantic decision isn't enough to make me abandon one of my favorite mystery series. I'll absolutely continue reading Stevie's adventures because these books are simply too entertaining to walk away from. More than anything, I hope college and a new chapter in her life broaden Stevie's perspective enough for her to realize that she never needed a spoiled, privileged, emotionally immature rich boy to validate her worth. She deserves someone who truly cherishes, respects, and values her—even if her own family often fails to make her feel that way.
As for my ratings...
The Blue and commune mystery? ★★★★☆
Getting to spend time with my favorite crew again—especially the amazing Janelle and the wonderful Nate? Another ★★★★☆
Every romance scene involving David?
★☆☆☆☆
Unfortunately, those romance developments dragged down my overall enjoyment, so I'm settling on three stars. Even so, I still had a fantastic time reading this installment, and I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book. Here's hoping it finally becomes the wake-up call Stevie desperately deserves.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an advance copy of this latest addictive installment in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to dive into Stevie's next adventure—and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book finally gives both Stevie and readers the satisfying emotional payoff we've been waiting for.
And Nate... I've been rooting for Stevie and Nate from the very beginning. I sincerely hope they end up together. He's kind-hearted, thoughtful, endlessly patient, suffers from an all-too-relatable writer's block, can cook, and is basically every book lover's fantasy boyfriend. Somewhere along the way I even found myself cheering for Larry, who unexpectedly became one of my favorite supporting characters.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this series is because Maureen Johnson consistently delivers clever, addictive mysteries. They're smart, fast-paced, full of unexpected twists, and the dual timelines make every investigation even more compelling.
This installment takes us back to 1976, introducing Blue, an aspiring chef who finds herself under the disturbing influence of Dean, a charismatic Manson wannabe leading a strange commune inside an abandoned house. The group survives by living off whatever resources they can find while financing themselves through pickpocketing trips to New York City. Blue quickly realizes that what first appears to be a close-knit community slowly transforms into something much darker and far more dangerous.
Meanwhile, in the present day, a heartbroken Stevie joins Nate in Manhattan, staying at an apartment generously provided by Nate's agent so he can finally finish his novel. But, naturally, peace doesn't last long. A sudden death changes everything and pulls Stevie into another investigation involving the apartment's mysterious residents, hidden secrets, and a decades-old disappearance connected to human remains discovered near an accident site. As always, Johnson effortlessly weaves the past and present together until both mysteries collide in an immensely satisfying way.
But...
Yes.
There is one character.
One unbelievably infuriating character.
Not just in this book, but throughout the entire series.
David.
Bloody prick. Spoiled brat. Selfish cheater.
The same guy who absolutely detonated my heart in the previous book by suddenly dumping Stevie and kissing another girl at a pub.
How. Dare. He.
Thankfully, he doesn't dominate this novel, but somehow his negative energy lingers over nearly every page. Poor Stevie is clearly still devastated while trying to solve the cult mystery, and my heart genuinely hurt watching her carry around so much emotional pain. I kept wanting to shake her and yell, "Please move on! You deserve so much better!"
Then David shows up.
Again.
With explanations.
And excuses.
My blood pressure immediately skyrocketed.
I had to physically stop myself from screaming at the pages.
I'll avoid spoilers, but all I'll say is that the ending left me completely frustrated. Absolutely not. I refuse to accept it without protest.
That said, one terrible romantic decision isn't enough to make me abandon one of my favorite mystery series. I'll absolutely continue reading Stevie's adventures because these books are simply too entertaining to walk away from. More than anything, I hope college and a new chapter in her life broaden Stevie's perspective enough for her to realize that she never needed a spoiled, privileged, emotionally immature rich boy to validate her worth. She deserves someone who truly cherishes, respects, and values her—even if her own family often fails to make her feel that way.
As for my ratings...
The Blue and commune mystery? ★★★★☆
Getting to spend time with my favorite crew again—especially the amazing Janelle and the wonderful Nate? Another ★★★★☆
Every romance scene involving David?
★☆☆☆☆
Unfortunately, those romance developments dragged down my overall enjoyment, so I'm settling on three stars. Even so, I still had a fantastic time reading this installment, and I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book. Here's hoping it finally becomes the wake-up call Stevie desperately deserves.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an advance copy of this latest addictive installment in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to dive into Stevie's next adventure—and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book finally gives both Stevie and readers the satisfying emotional payoff we've been waiting for.
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March 21, 2023
I hope Stevie decides to plot someone's (David's) murder instead of solving it.
(iykyk)
(iykyk)
Want to Read
April 20, 2023THE ENDING!?!??!?!? I need this book now.
Although, I have some requirements:
1. NO MORE DAVID, just absolutely not
2. Stevie needs to pull her life together
3. I want to see more of Izzy
4. The focus needs to be more on the murders, not teen drama
Although, I have some requirements:
1. NO MORE DAVID, just absolutely not
2. Stevie needs to pull her life together
3. I want to see more of Izzy
4. The focus needs to be more on the murders, not teen drama
June 26, 2023
please let david and stevie be happy this book 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 & make him suffer a little for what he did to stevie at the end of 5
Want to Read
April 12, 2024If David isn't brutally murdered by the next killer, this will be the start of my villain era #JusticeforStevieBell
Want to Read
February 1, 2023need her NOWWWWW
April 1, 2023
PLEASE TELL ME DAVID IS NOT SERIOUSLY OVER WITH STEVIE!! I just finished Nine Liars and i can't believe we got left like that. They had their ups and downs but I'm still holding strong with them together 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Want to Read
February 18, 202318 feb 2023: I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW I JUST FINISHED NINE LIARS AND IM NOT OKAY
anticipated-release
May 3, 2023David I hope you choke you awful menace (davidstevie endgame pls and more nate content 🙏😢)
🥰🥰🥰
🥰🥰🥰
not-released
June 13, 2024david is dying in this book. (im the gun)
Want to Read
January 8, 2026Honestly? I don't know if I can read another one of these if David is the sole focus...
September 29, 2026
It's so sad when a new release you were super excited about ends up being a disappointment. I liked the past timeline and the mystery surrounding it, but David's constant presence (even when he is not on the page) in Stevie's life and how much it affected her, keeping her from being her usual self, was not something I liked reading about. And the ending made me hate this book even more😔
✨Pre-read:
Happy to be back with the gang cuz I love Stevie and her friends😍 I just wish we don't get to see more of her cheating bf, David, cuz not a fan of that guy (hated the last book cuz of him), and she deserves better😮💨
✨Pre-read:
Happy to be back with the gang cuz I love Stevie and her friends😍 I just wish we don't get to see more of her cheating bf, David, cuz not a fan of that guy (hated the last book cuz of him), and she deserves better😮💨
Want to Read
February 19, 2023maureen johnson redemption era?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars for the mystery that is solved, but rounded down because I hate David. I also hate Stevie and David together, and even though she is 18 and obviously not in her right mind, the author is not and she should realize that there are no readers who want these two together.
This book starts off right after the previous installment. Stevie and David are broken up. She is taking finals before Christmas break and cannot focus. She has to prepare for a retake after the break, and ends up staying with Nate in NYC because she's mad at her parents. She meets some interesting people in the apartment building where they are staying and when one ends up dead, Stevie learns about the woman's past in a cult. The narrative is divided between the events in the past and the present day.
I did like the parts centered in the past with the cult and how that mystery played out. I did not like Stevie mooning over David and when they eventually meet up I absolutely hated the way things concluded. Stevie girl, don't dull your sparkle over a stupid boy!
Although the mystery in each of these books stands alone, I think they should be read in order so you too can learn why we all hate David and think Stevie needs a backbone. I listened to this as an audiobook and Emily Ellet is the new narrator. It was kind of jarring to hear her voice after five books with Kate Rudd as Stevie's voice in my head, but she does a really good job. Her ability to voice the characters with the flu was pretty impressive although kind of off putting to listen to.
Please Ms. Johnson, for the love of all that is Stevie, have her meet someone new or at least give David the complete heave-ho.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own
This book starts off right after the previous installment. Stevie and David are broken up. She is taking finals before Christmas break and cannot focus. She has to prepare for a retake after the break, and ends up staying with Nate in NYC because she's mad at her parents. She meets some interesting people in the apartment building where they are staying and when one ends up dead, Stevie learns about the woman's past in a cult. The narrative is divided between the events in the past and the present day.
I did like the parts centered in the past with the cult and how that mystery played out. I did not like Stevie mooning over David and when they eventually meet up I absolutely hated the way things concluded. Stevie girl, don't dull your sparkle over a stupid boy!
Although the mystery in each of these books stands alone, I think they should be read in order so you too can learn why we all hate David and think Stevie needs a backbone. I listened to this as an audiobook and Emily Ellet is the new narrator. It was kind of jarring to hear her voice after five books with Kate Rudd as Stevie's voice in my head, but she does a really good job. Her ability to voice the characters with the flu was pretty impressive although kind of off putting to listen to.
Please Ms. Johnson, for the love of all that is Stevie, have her meet someone new or at least give David the complete heave-ho.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own
Want to Read
April 20, 2023i’m about ready for either david to die, or some really good david + stevie content since nine liars had way too much drama for my liking
also i swear this book is going to give me a concussion because imma bang my head too hard against the wall in frustration.
also i swear this book is going to give me a concussion because imma bang my head too hard against the wall in frustration.
May 26, 2023
IM MAD I NEED THIS NEXT BOOK😭 IM SO MAD AND DAVID I WANTED THEM TO STAY TOGETHER BUT NO DAVID HAD TO GO AND KISS SOME RANDOM PERSON IN THE BARRR 😭😭😭 SOME SADATE MEE
Want to Read
March 30, 2023If my boy david doesn’t grovel in the mirror beginning of this book or ends up happy whether it be with Stevie or not… we’re going to have a problem
October 5, 2026
Meh .. I had a hard time getting into this, and really hated that so much time was wasted on a teen romance and associated drama, yuk. The mystery was okay though and I liked the part set in the 70’s, but I am just not into all that young angst and it just pulled me out of the story so much
Want to Read
June 19, 2024David better die🎀❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted two things from this book:
1. An intriguing mystery
2. David to be thoroughly dumped AND SUFFER
Behold my 2-star rating and be warned. This book does not deliver.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
1. An intriguing mystery
2. David to be thoroughly dumped AND SUFFER
Behold my 2-star rating and be warned. This book does not deliver.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read
May 27, 2023Okay for this book I have some options:
David is one of the victims
David sees that Stevie glowed up and moved the London and got all successful, and didn't miss his cheating ****. And then is all in grovel mode....only for Stevie to reject him, and be with her true love Nate. (Yeah in my mind Nate lied about the asexual stuff to throw off Stevie. Ever notice that he's always the first to come with her protesting and all, but he comes).
But what is a no go for me.... Stevie should not ever go back to David....EVER!!!!!!!
While I love Janelle and Vi.... I don't see them staying with the group...unless if like the Nine they find a way to stay as a group.
Maureen.... It is Nate and Stevie's time!!! She gets him and he gets her.
David is one of the victims
David sees that Stevie glowed up and moved the London and got all successful, and didn't miss his cheating ****. And then is all in grovel mode....only for Stevie to reject him, and be with her true love Nate. (Yeah in my mind Nate lied about the asexual stuff to throw off Stevie. Ever notice that he's always the first to come with her protesting and all, but he comes).
But what is a no go for me.... Stevie should not ever go back to David....EVER!!!!!!!
While I love Janelle and Vi.... I don't see them staying with the group...unless if like the Nine they find a way to stay as a group.
Maureen.... It is Nate and Stevie's time!!! She gets him and he gets her.
Want to Read
May 27, 2023desperately need the old stevie to come back to me
Want to Read
August 31, 2023screw david
Displaying 1 - 30 of 547 reviews