The Velvet Knife

Truly Devious #6

by Maureen Johnson

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?

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published September 29, 2026

Reviews

[lisa ★]

if david doesn't bite the dust in this book i don't want it

[Anna Quarterman]

ALREADY THE NEXT ANNOUNCEMENT??? MAUREEN PLS

If David doesn't grovel within the first 50 pages, OR end up happy, I'm gonna cry

[emma · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

i'm going to keep reading this series as long as it keeps coming. to my eternal detriment.

or i was, until this book.

i cannot bring myself to do this anymore.

(review to come / thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[megs_bookrack]

ARC 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!!

[sanije · Rating 5 out of 5]

if this book isn’t about david’s murder i’m gonna scream

[:3]

cryingggg all the reviews on this right now are just everyone threatening david

[Audrey]

Mystery idea for this book: David dies and Stevie spends the whole book figuring out who killed him just to reveal it was her

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[kai ☆ [hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope Stevie decides to plot someone's (David's) murder instead of solving it.


(iykyk)

[Sylvie]

THE 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

[niyya نية]

If David isn't brutally murdered by the next killer, this will be the start of my villain era #JusticeforStevieBell

[˗ˏˋ saoudia! ˎˊ˗]

need her NOWWWWW

[Your.average.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[Anvita (anvitascorner)]

18 feb 2023: I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW I JUST FINISHED NINE LIARS AND IM NOT OKAY

[tay]

david is dying in this book. (im the gun)

[warda]

David I hope you choke you awful menace (davidstevie endgame pls and more nate content 🙏😢)
🥰🥰🥰

[Noah]

Honestly? I don't know if I can read another one of these if David is the sole focus...

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Aisvarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

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😮‍💨

[kenzo]

maureen johnson redemption era?

[Claire Poppleton]

i’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.

[Maias.reading🫶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Leah Mae]

If 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

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[veska]

David better die🎀❤️

[Chloe Frizzle · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️

ARC Review

Publication Date: 09/29/26

This book pissed me off to no end…

🫧Minority & Rant Review🫧

I disliked this book with every ounce of passion within me. The amount of anger and frustration that I am feeling right now…like seriously…UUUGGGHHH!!!

To every reader who has enjoyed this series from the beginning, I truly envy you. There is a part of me who wishes that I could just love Stevie, Nate, and David with my full heart. This same part of me wishes that she could consider Maureen Johnson an auto-buy author and feel some pride. Unfortunately, this part only amounts to 20% of my human nature. The other 80% of me is officially DNFing this series, especially after finishing whatever this was supposed to be. Seriously, out of all the books in this series, The Velvet Knife is the worst and it’s the straw that broken my camel’s back!!!

Where in the world should I begin?!?!

Rant #1: Stevie Bell is the WORST Female Main Character to ever be created. I hate being in her head. I hate that she is the main character. I hate that she is a cardboard box of a woman. And most of all, I HATE THAT SHE IS A DOORMAT FOR DAVID!!! I feel embarrassed by Stevie. Stevie is a one trick pony who has no self-esteem what so ever. It’s cool that she can solve murders and think outside the box. What isn’t cool is THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO HER!!! In this book, Stevie spends the whole time pinning over David. The girl literally finds a dead body and then goes: “But wait. I need to see if David responded to my comment.” Like what?!?! It isn’t until David shows up that she remembers that there is a murder and she can then finally solve it. What I got out this whole book was that Stevie isn’t capable of being “The Great and Wonderful Detective” unless she has David in her life. Uh. No!!! Talk about annoying, frustrating, and plain stupid. It angers me that a female author created a FMC that cannot do anything but cry over a boy and solve murders. Again, I just feel so embarrassed as a woman right now.

Rant #2: Nate Franklin was disturbingly annoying and for NO GOOD REASON!!! Nate spends this entire book in a mood that made no sense. He even had the audacity to blame his friends for why he has spent these last 5 years unable to finish the sequel to his book. He literally cries about in a Diner and then makes Stevie pay for his food. Like wait a minute. You blame me and our friends for your writers’ block and then expect me to pick up the check too?!?! None of that makes sense. And I JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT HIS BOOK ANYMORE!!! Either have him write and finish the book or don’t. Like Stevie, Nate is one dimensional and annoying. And honestly, it’s time for YA authors to stop writing about “moody” teenagers without giving readers a valid reason for their moods. UUUGGGHHH!!!!

Rant #3: The fact that Maureen Johnson still thinks that David’s behavior is cute makes me scared for her real life friends. No offense but, she might not be the one to take dating advice from. I still don’t understand why no one on her team has criticized her for writing David in a toxic manner and selling it as YA. David’s behavior isn’t cute nor is it funny. Like Stevie, David is a one trick pony. He constantly fails to take responsibility for his actions and then has the audacity to put all of his mistakes on Stevie. I don’t care that David is a teenage boy. His excuses make no sense and he is just a pure headache. The fact that Stevie was so willing to run back to him makes me worried about the future of dating. Again: WHY DOESN’T STEVIE HAVE ANY STANDARDS?!?!? Honestly, I am just done!!!

Rant #4: Why was everyone in this book dirty?!?! The amount of time Maureen Johnson focused on hygiene and then discussed how unimportant it was scared me. I mean, here we sit 6 years into this series and Stevie is still taking trips in dirty underwear. Laundry is piling up and we are just grabbing dirty clothes and traveling to a different state with them. Showers were mentioned but for whatever reason someone or two would skip them. The Velvet Knife made it seem like New York is just full of dirty people (although I know it’s not true.) It makes me sad that this might be how an author views a very fun and interesting state. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️.

Rant #5: Compared the previous 5 books, The murder mystery in this book takes a major backseat. While flashback chapters are placed within every few present chapters, The Velvet Knife mainly focuses on Stevie and David’s break up. It takes 39% of the book for Stevie to find the first dead body and then 85% the find the second one. Because a reader is constantly pulled away from the cold case with Stevie’s continuous whining and stalking David on Social Media, one can forget about the murder mystery aspect altogether. Out of all my issues with this book, not being able to read and enjoy the strongest part of this series brings me nothing but disappointment. While Maureen Johnson has failed to create a strong FMC, she normally makes up for it by creating a really good murder mystery. Looks like she failed this time on both ends.

Rant #6: WHY DID THE PUBLISHERS CHANGE THE AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR?!?!

The only redeeming quality about this book was Janelle. She is a friend that I wish I had growing up. The girl did everything she could to remind Stevie about her power and self-strength. Anyone who has a Janelle in their life (that friend that can tell you the trust and still love you) is a big winner in this game we call life.

If I ever find myself curious about anything Maureen Johnson writes in the future, I will just look up spoilers. Seriously, The Velvet Knife needed some serious editing or something because it missed the mark completely. Well, it did for me anyway. I am surprised my eyes aren’t stuck in the back of my head from all of the rolling they were doing. 🤭🤭🤭.

Wishing Maureen Johnson all the best in her future endeavors, especially her writing career!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

[hq]

screw david

[lea ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ngl after waiting 3 years this was a bit underwhelming. no mystery whatsoever but at least i got my steviedavid back i guess

[Mallory!!]

I hope David dies.
That or I’ll kill him myself