What do you think?
Rate this book
Pumpkin Falls #2
Yours Truly
Another wild mystery needs to be solved and it’s up to the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes to solve it in this hilarious follow up to the heartwarming middle grade mystery, Absolutely Truly.
Even Truly Lovejoy has to admit that teeny-tiny Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, has its charms—like the annual maple festival, where tourists flock from all over to sample the local maple syrup, maple candy, maple coffee, and even maple soap! But when someone tries to sabotage the maple trees on her friend Franklin’s family farm, Truly has to rally the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes to investigate.
Meanwhile, she uncovers another, more personal mystery under the floorboards of her very own home—a diary written centuries ago by her namesake, the original Truly Lovejoy…and it might just prove her family’s ties to Pumpkin Falls run deeper than anyone ever could have imagined.
Even Truly Lovejoy has to admit that teeny-tiny Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, has its charms—like the annual maple festival, where tourists flock from all over to sample the local maple syrup, maple candy, maple coffee, and even maple soap! But when someone tries to sabotage the maple trees on her friend Franklin’s family farm, Truly has to rally the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes to investigate.
Meanwhile, she uncovers another, more personal mystery under the floorboards of her very own home—a diary written centuries ago by her namesake, the original Truly Lovejoy…and it might just prove her family’s ties to Pumpkin Falls run deeper than anyone ever could have imagined.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2017
66 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
June 6, 2020
3 stars.
While the mystery of the hidden diary was interesting in this sequel, there was quite a few parts I was disappointed about. Mainly Truly's attitude towards her younger sister and her attitude towars her cousin when she gets all of the boys' attention. Truly dealt a lot with jealousy and annoyance in this book--and while she learns her lesson at the end of the book, it's literally in the last chapter, so we do not get to see her growth. This was disappointing only because I was looking forward to Truly learning that her attitudes where wrong and hurtful towards those she loves and it being a lesson in the book.
Content:
A couple mentions of a Jewish family.
Truly, her cousin, and a couple siblings sneak out of the house at night even though they know they would get in big trouble if caught (they are not caught, however, and avoid punishment for breaking a rule); Truly is quite mean to her younger sister calling her a pest and being spiteful; Jealousy; Mentions of thinking Bigfoot is real; 1 'darn', 1 'dumb', 2 'idiot', 3 'heck', 3 'moron', 8 'duh', 17 'stupid'.
A boy randomly kisses Truly; Many mentions of boys, boy crazy girls, liking someone, crushes, and kisses.
While the mystery of the hidden diary was interesting in this sequel, there was quite a few parts I was disappointed about. Mainly Truly's attitude towards her younger sister and her attitude towars her cousin when she gets all of the boys' attention. Truly dealt a lot with jealousy and annoyance in this book--and while she learns her lesson at the end of the book, it's literally in the last chapter, so we do not get to see her growth. This was disappointing only because I was looking forward to Truly learning that her attitudes where wrong and hurtful towards those she loves and it being a lesson in the book.
Content:
A couple mentions of a Jewish family.
Truly, her cousin, and a couple siblings sneak out of the house at night even though they know they would get in big trouble if caught (they are not caught, however, and avoid punishment for breaking a rule); Truly is quite mean to her younger sister calling her a pest and being spiteful; Jealousy; Mentions of thinking Bigfoot is real; 1 'darn', 1 'dumb', 2 'idiot', 3 'heck', 3 'moron', 8 'duh', 17 'stupid'.
A boy randomly kisses Truly; Many mentions of boys, boy crazy girls, liking someone, crushes, and kisses.
August 7, 2023
Yay! The sequel was as good as the first! And the historical parts about the Underground Railroad were fascinating.
It’s on to book three, “Really Truly”!
It’s on to book three, “Really Truly”!
January 20, 2018
Just like Absolutely Truly, the second installment includes not one but two mysteries to solve and a recipe at the end. It is a treat to spend time in Pumpkin Falls with the Lovejoy family and their neighbors and see them all work together in a crisis. There are elements such as budding teenage puppy love, kittens galore, books and more books, a hidden 19th century diary, birdwatching and everything maple. Highly recommended for middle grades and would make an entertaining classroom readaloud.
May 9, 2017
3.5 stars.
This book, like the first in the series, is sweet (literally, with emphasis on the local maple sugar run) and filled with a loving family and friends and adventure. I continue to like the same things that drew me to the first book: the realistic portrayal of a not-perfect family, the certainty that everything would work out, the interesting cast of side characters, the gentleness without being boring. That said, this book felt more cluttered than the other: cousin Mackenzie's visit from Texas, sibling rivalry with little sister Lauren, boys (boy!boys!boys!), a sap thief, a knitting class, boys (boys!boys!boys!), a town-wide fight AND baking contest, a family mystery, a long-lost journal, a lost child. There was just too much. But it was still a fast, fun read, and I look forward to more stories about this not-so-quiet little town.
This book, like the first in the series, is sweet (literally, with emphasis on the local maple sugar run) and filled with a loving family and friends and adventure. I continue to like the same things that drew me to the first book: the realistic portrayal of a not-perfect family, the certainty that everything would work out, the interesting cast of side characters, the gentleness without being boring. That said, this book felt more cluttered than the other: cousin Mackenzie's visit from Texas, sibling rivalry with little sister Lauren, boys (boy!boys!boys!), a sap thief, a knitting class, boys (boys!boys!boys!), a town-wide fight AND baking contest, a family mystery, a long-lost journal, a lost child. There was just too much. But it was still a fast, fun read, and I look forward to more stories about this not-so-quiet little town.
August 9, 2017
I like how this book pulls together so many different themes. There's mystery, sibling and friendship troubles, small town life (did I mention that Pumpkin Falls sounds like an adorable place, and is the perfect setting for this story?!) nature, entrepreneurship, sports, the large family experience, and even history! To top it all off, Truly navigates the whole thing like a realistic, relatable teenager!
(Also, there's a recipe for Aunt True's Bookshop Blondies in the back of the book, and you NEED to make those!)
(Also, there's a recipe for Aunt True's Bookshop Blondies in the back of the book, and you NEED to make those!)
April 17, 2019
This second book of the Pumpkin Falls Mystery was just as awesome as the first! Truly is sweet, fun, and the book is light-hearted. I really enjoyed reading Yours Truly. Heather Vogel Frederick is a really great author, and I love reading her books. I think the theme of this book is be proud of your family. Truly discovers a secret diary in her house from the first Truly Lovejoy. However, Truly doesn't understand everything in the diary. She and her family discovers that the original Truly was quite involved with the Underground Railroad. I thought it was cool how the house had a secret passage they just discovered, and was used a long time ago to help the African Americans. Truly is amazed at all the good deeds her family did.
Is Heather Vogel Frederick writing a 3rd book to this series?
Is Heather Vogel Frederick writing a 3rd book to this series?
January 24, 2018
"Yours Truly," by Heather Vogel Fredrick, is a good, light, mystery novel. Fredrick does a great job of enhancing and elevating the novel by constantly unfolding more scenarios, problems, and interactions. This book is the second mystery in the two book series, following "Absolutely Truly," both being read through the lense of the same protagonist, Truly, who is a joy and delight to follow throughout both novels. I gave this book four stars because it was a great read, and quite enjoyable. While I really enjoyed reading it, it did not really challenge my thinking, or cause me to relate it to a bigger scheme in the world. After reading a heavier book like "The Martian" it was great to have a lighter book that is easier to enjoy. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the first book, and wants some more Truly Lovejoy, or even if you have not read the first mystery, to still enjoy this easy read, and enjoy getting to know this amazing character.
December 13, 2025
This was a very pretty good book! I liked the plot but there were some parts where it was just pages and pages of history and learning that didn’t add anything to the story at all. Other than that it was good! I liked to references to the authors other books! I would recommend, but not highly.
February 20, 2017
I fell IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! (more with Calhoun but LOVED the book too.)
Love the ways she writes her books! CANNOT WAIT FOR THE THIRD BOOK!!!!!
Love the ways she writes her books! CANNOT WAIT FOR THE THIRD BOOK!!!!!
Read
May 10, 2020I’ve been so indecisive about ratings these days but it’s 3.5 or 4 stars
rtc
rtc
November 29, 2018
These books were enjoyable, but also slightly disappointing. This sequel started off really well, but as it progressed the beginning plots just get lost and weakly wrapped up. They had so much potential, but I feel like instead of going just a tad deeper and adding an extra layer of depth to the relationships, situations, and characters, everything stayed on the shallow end. More so in this book than the last. I really liked the setting of Pumpkin Falls and its quirky residents. I like the history behind Truly's name, and the whole Lovejoy family dynamic. I also like the premise of a group of friends solving mysteries in a picturesque small town. (Trixie Belden/Nancy Drew/Hardy Boy fan here.) I think another book would round-out the series nicely, but some things rang hollow in Yours Truly.
The main sabotage mystery was solved and never dealt with again. The whole town was feuding and picking sides, but once it's figured out it's like that never happened? No apology, but no hard-feelings in a blink of an eye?
Truly likes a boy, but was never shown to have any interaction with his character in this book beyond brief group settings. His character is only used to amp up drama between the cousins. You don't even get a scene between Truly and him to clear-up a misunderstanding that happens at the beginning. Nope, another character conveniently does that for her when she's not there.
Most of the book focused on drama between the sisters/cousin. I would've rather it been more about the group of friends solving the mysteries instead of mainly focusing on the petty way the cousins/sisters were acting toward each other.
So many things were going on in this book, but nothing was ever given enough attention or depth to feel satisfactorily wrapped up. I didn't dislike the book, but it definitely had potential to be even better. It also left open room for another one, so maybe the author will eventually write a third book?
The main sabotage mystery was solved and never dealt with again. The whole town was feuding and picking sides, but once it's figured out it's like that never happened? No apology, but no hard-feelings in a blink of an eye?
Truly likes a boy, but was never shown to have any interaction with his character in this book beyond brief group settings. His character is only used to amp up drama between the cousins. You don't even get a scene between Truly and him to clear-up a misunderstanding that happens at the beginning. Nope, another character conveniently does that for her when she's not there.
Most of the book focused on drama between the sisters/cousin. I would've rather it been more about the group of friends solving the mysteries instead of mainly focusing on the petty way the cousins/sisters were acting toward each other.
So many things were going on in this book, but nothing was ever given enough attention or depth to feel satisfactorily wrapped up. I didn't dislike the book, but it definitely had potential to be even better. It also left open room for another one, so maybe the author will eventually write a third book?
September 7, 2020
Truly is excited for spring break and her cousin Mackenzie's visit, plus her birthday. But her birthday gets preempted by a maple emergency and that's just the start of the hiccups in Truly's spring break. Someone is stealing syrup from two maple farms and the families are accusing each other, which may ruin the maple festival that week. The Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes are on the case. Truly's little sister Lauren is driving her crazy. The knitting class mom signed Truly up for is a disaster. The swim coach is making them get up early during spring break for two a days. All the boys seem to think she's invisible when Mackenzie around. And Truly and Mackenzie discovered a hidden journal from the original Truly Lovejoy but the history department at the university wants to steal it away before Truly can figure out what her ancestor was writing about.
Truly's issues are all very relatable even if she lives in a super small town and it has somewhat exotic problems. Many readers will relate to having siblings drive you crazy, jealousy over the attention friends get, and weeks when you feel invisible. I really liked the mysteries that came up. The maple sugar theft had a surprising conclusion that I felt was very creative (and all too possible). The inclusion of the Underground Railroad in the journal mystery was nice in that it brought to light important historical issues. Even though Truly's family was driving her crazy, I still really like spending time with them. They are loving and feel so real, complete with all the real faults and foibles. There's a good resolution to the sibling and friendship issues too. Highly recommended to those who enjoy contemporary stories and mysteries. This feels like a good bridge novel too between middle grade and young adult as Truly deals with growing up.
No content issues.
Truly's issues are all very relatable even if she lives in a super small town and it has somewhat exotic problems. Many readers will relate to having siblings drive you crazy, jealousy over the attention friends get, and weeks when you feel invisible. I really liked the mysteries that came up. The maple sugar theft had a surprising conclusion that I felt was very creative (and all too possible). The inclusion of the Underground Railroad in the journal mystery was nice in that it brought to light important historical issues. Even though Truly's family was driving her crazy, I still really like spending time with them. They are loving and feel so real, complete with all the real faults and foibles. There's a good resolution to the sibling and friendship issues too. Highly recommended to those who enjoy contemporary stories and mysteries. This feels like a good bridge novel too between middle grade and young adult as Truly deals with growing up.
No content issues.
November 23, 2018
My four stars are the rating I think I'd have given this book if I had read it in elementary school, since I'm definitely no longer the intended audience. I think I would've loved this when I was young.
There were lots of things to enjoy: A fun and a bit ridiculous mystery, an interesting mystery with historical relevance, lots of nerdy interesting info on the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, a diverse cast, cute crushes (exactly the kind of romance I loved as a kid) and it was overall a pretty realistic portrayal of that weird time when you're not really a kid anymore, but not a proper teenager yet either (and especially how difficult the relationship with a not much younger sibling is at that time).
There were lots of things to enjoy: A fun and a bit ridiculous mystery, an interesting mystery with historical relevance, lots of nerdy interesting info on the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, a diverse cast, cute crushes (exactly the kind of romance I loved as a kid) and it was overall a pretty realistic portrayal of that weird time when you're not really a kid anymore, but not a proper teenager yet either (and especially how difficult the relationship with a not much younger sibling is at that time).
July 21, 2021
Loved this sequel to Absolutely Truly. I felt like I was going thru all the teenage emotions Truly was going thru and it took me back! Despite her crankiness thru pretty much the whole book, it painted the true life of a a 13 year old girl. I enjoyed the mystery as well and you get a little bit of a history lesson which I always find fascinating.
November 13, 2022
Like the first book in the series, this was just as charming to me as the first time I read it. This series is super fun. I really enjoy the mysteries in the books as well as the cast of characters in Pumpkin Falls. Great reads!
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the first book as the mystery was more interesting (the historical one, the contemporary one had a goofy outcome) and faster moving. Could have done without the boy drama but it did feel realistic for a middle grade novel. Looking forward to the next installment.
November 8, 2023
Such a cute series! Truly is a fun heroine. I love all the historical info as well.
February 6, 2017
Grade: B+
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for review consideration.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: This is the type of middle grade I would've loved when I was 10 to 13. It's fun and lighthearted, yet still delivers on some good themes. Yours Truly picks up not long after Absolutely Truly and takes place over the course of a week. Truly's cousin Mackenzie has come for a visit, and she's eager to join the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes.
I loved how family was so important to Truly. Even if she is annoyed by her younger sister and doesn't always want to do chores, she's concerned about her dad and she grudgingly does things with her mom and she doesn't think her older brothers are too annoying. In contrast, her friend group didn't feel quite as fleshed out. There's four boys and two other girls, and I had trouble remembering most of them from Absolutely Truly and I didn't feel any of them got extra characterization in this book. Finally, character-wise, there seemed to be a bit more coupling up/matchmaking in this book - not just with the young characters but also the adults (Aunt True and her guy, Belinda has a prospective suitor, Lucas's mom...). It was interesting to have such a focus on romance...without romance really mattering to the plot.
Speaking of plot, there's two mysteries the PFPE are trying to solve: who's tampering with the maple tree tapping and the original Truly Lovejoy's diary. I solved the first mystery fairly quickly, but the second had some fun secrets and really pulled in history. I didn't like the original Truly's diary entries, just because they sounded kind of fake. But they definitely introduced a lot of plot, and I'm sure middle grade readers would have a harder time puzzling things out than I did.
Yours Truly was super clean, just like Absolutely Truly. While Truly definitely worries more about boys, the most that happens is she gets an unexpected kiss.
The Verdict: Such a fun middle grade series! If you haven't read Absolutely Truly yet, get your hands on a copy and then give Yours Truly a try.
P.S. There's another Mother-Daughter Book Club character cameo from a more recognizable secondary character who makes a big appearance in Home for the Holidays.
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for review consideration.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: This is the type of middle grade I would've loved when I was 10 to 13. It's fun and lighthearted, yet still delivers on some good themes. Yours Truly picks up not long after Absolutely Truly and takes place over the course of a week. Truly's cousin Mackenzie has come for a visit, and she's eager to join the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes.
I loved how family was so important to Truly. Even if she is annoyed by her younger sister and doesn't always want to do chores, she's concerned about her dad and she grudgingly does things with her mom and she doesn't think her older brothers are too annoying. In contrast, her friend group didn't feel quite as fleshed out. There's four boys and two other girls, and I had trouble remembering most of them from Absolutely Truly and I didn't feel any of them got extra characterization in this book. Finally, character-wise, there seemed to be a bit more coupling up/matchmaking in this book - not just with the young characters but also the adults (Aunt True and her guy, Belinda has a prospective suitor, Lucas's mom...). It was interesting to have such a focus on romance...without romance really mattering to the plot.
Speaking of plot, there's two mysteries the PFPE are trying to solve: who's tampering with the maple tree tapping and the original Truly Lovejoy's diary. I solved the first mystery fairly quickly, but the second had some fun secrets and really pulled in history. I didn't like the original Truly's diary entries, just because they sounded kind of fake. But they definitely introduced a lot of plot, and I'm sure middle grade readers would have a harder time puzzling things out than I did.
Yours Truly was super clean, just like Absolutely Truly. While Truly definitely worries more about boys, the most that happens is she gets an unexpected kiss.
The Verdict: Such a fun middle grade series! If you haven't read Absolutely Truly yet, get your hands on a copy and then give Yours Truly a try.
P.S. There's another Mother-Daughter Book Club character cameo from a more recognizable secondary character who makes a big appearance in Home for the Holidays.
May 2, 2019
This is the seciond of a series and like the first, presents great characters. My main complaint is, like the first, the jacket touts a mystery that is very much a sidelight to the story. The maple thief story was not so big a mystery as much as the diary she found. But this book is more about Truly who is a very interesting heroine. I only gave it 4 stars as I wish more time was spent on writing the back cover summary. I would have read it anyway (after the first one) but . . .
A side note to the author: If you want to continue this series but are stuck for a plot, you might consider Truly visiting her Peace Corps grandparents in Namibia.
A side note to the author: If you want to continue this series but are stuck for a plot, you might consider Truly visiting her Peace Corps grandparents in Namibia.
April 23, 2018
The mysteries in this book were more fun and interesting than the mystery in the first book, Absolutely Truly. Pumpkin Falls almost feels like a place out of time. I know it's set in present day, but apart from a few reminders of that, the town and the way everyone interacts feels very much of the past. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I had to keep reminding myself that this is contemporary.
June 5, 2019
2nd book in the series - if you liked the first one this continues the journey.
March 8, 2021
La segunda parte. Estan bastante cotorros.
February 15, 2024
Book 2 of the Pumpkin Falls mysteries was a warm and cozy, sweet a fresh maple syrup and as mysterious as what lurks in the dark of night. Loved every word, chapter, character and revelation. Can't wait to read book #3!
March 23, 2025
Truly enjoy this series 💜
February 2, 2019
Cute fun story.
August 10, 2025
Another cute one. I would have liked this series when I was young!
August 14, 2019
Another good book! 2nd in the pumpkin falls mystery series. I adored absolutely truly and this one was good too! I want to read it again now...😉
October 28, 2021
Couldn't get into this - too "junior-hi-ish" for me.
July 28, 2022
So true for a young teenager. I should know. I am one.
September 7, 2017
Frederick populates her books with well-rounded characters and enough local color to make anyone want to visit Pumpkin Falls (even during the mud season).
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews