Crank up the suspense with our handpicked selection of 11 of the best enigmatic mystery books like Truly Devious. If you’re a sucker for dark academia or the mystery genre with intricate plots and compelling characters, you won’t want to miss these captivating reads. Dive into the world of puzzling mysteries, cunning detectives, and enigmatic settings as you explore these books that capture the essence of ‘Truly Devious.’
Books Like Truly Devious
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (2019)
by Holly Jackson
A riveting and suspenseful young adult mystery novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end, the plot of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a determined and resourceful high school student, who decides to investigate a local murder case for her senior project.
Pippa’s project revolves around finding the truth about Andie Bell, a popular girl from her town who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend five years ago. Despite the case being closed, Pippa believes there is more to the story and starts digging deeper. As she uncovers new evidence and interviews various suspects, the tension escalates, and the danger becomes palpable.
The book you should immediately pick up if you loved reading ‘Truly Devious,’ this novel will keep you guessing, unveiling twists and surprises that constantly challenge your assumptions.
Total Pages– 433 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.34
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 14 hours and 26 minutes to finish A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson.
The Inheritance Games (2020)
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs, a struggling young woman, unexpectedly inherits a massive fortune from a billionaire named Tobias Hawthorne, a man she has never met. However, there’s a catch: Avery must live in Hawthorne House and compete against the eccentric Hawthorne family for the inheritance.
In the novel, the author weaves a complex and intricate web of puzzles, riddles, and secrets within the sprawling mansion, creating a thrilling treasure hunt-like atmosphere. As Avery delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her inheritance, she forms unlikely alliances and uncovers shocking revelations about the Hawthorne family’s dark past.
‘The Inheritance Games,’ like ‘Truly Devious,’ is a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. A masterful blend of mystery, romance, and family drama, it is a captivating story that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its clever twists and turns, this novel is a delightful and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling puzzle-filled mystery.
Total Pages– 384 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.19
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 48 minutes to finish The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
Sadie (2018)
by Courtney Summers
This novel is told through two interwoven narratives: one from the perspective of Sadie, a determined and troubled teenager, and the other from a podcast host named West McCray, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Sadie’s disappearance.
It depicts Sadie as a fierce and broken protagonist who embarks on a mission to avenge her younger sister’s murder. As Sadie’s journey unfolds, the author deftly examines the harsh realities faced by vulnerable girls and the often-overlooked lives of those on the fringes of society.
The narrative structure, alternating between Sadie’s perspective and the podcast format, adds depth and suspense to the story. What makes ‘Sadie’ particularly compelling is its exploration of the impact of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit. The book tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity, shedding light on the systemic failures that perpetuate cycles of abuse and violence.
Total Pages– 308 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.06
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 16 minutes to finish Sadie by Courtney Summers.
One of Us is Lying (2017)
by Karen M. McManus
‘One of Use is Lying’ unfolds in Bayview High School, where five students—Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon—are brought together in detention. However, things take a sinister turn when Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies during the detention session.
As the investigation into Simon’s death unfolds, it becomes clear that his demise was no accident. Each of the remaining four students becomes a prime suspect, as they all had motives and secrets to protect. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel delves into the lives of these characters, unravelling their hidden truths and shedding light on their complicated relationships.
As the suspense builds, you will be kept guessing about who is responsible for Simon’s death. Secrets are exposed, alliances are formed and shattered, and the characters must confront their own vulnerabilities and past mistakes. In a race against time, they must uncover the truth before they are ensnared in the web of lies surrounding them. McManus expertly weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and friendship, which are sure to remind you of ‘Truly Devious.’
Total Pages– 416 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.95
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 52 minutes to finish One Of Is Lying by Karen M. McManus.
A Study in Charlotte (2016)
by Brittany Cavallaro
This is a captivating young adult mystery novel (part of a novel series) that puts a modern twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. The story follows Jamie Watson, the great-great-grandson of Dr. John Watson, and Charlotte Holmes, the great-great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes, as they become embroiled in a murder investigation at their prestigious boarding school in Connecticut.
Jamie, a budding writer, finds himself drawn to the enigmatic and brilliant Charlotte. When a fellow student is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Jamie and Charlotte become the prime suspects. Determined to clear their names, they team up to unravel the mystery and track down the true culprit. Along the way, they uncover dark secrets, navigate their complex family legacies, and develop a unique and intriguing friendship.
The book is an addictive read that will keep you up all night. The narrative is filled with suspense, clever deductions, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing, making it a compelling read for fans of ‘Truly Devious.’
Total Pages– 321 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.76
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 42 minutes to finish A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro.
People Like Us (2018)
by Dana Mele
Kay Donovan, a senior student and captain of the lacrosse team, becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deceit after receiving an anonymous message with a link to a disturbing online video.
As Kay investigates the video’s origin, she discovers a dark game being played among her classmates. When a fellow student is found dead, Kay realizes that she must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim. With the help of her loyal friends and the cunning use of technology, Kay delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her school, unearthing shocking revelations and confronting the darkness that lurks within her own past.
This novel, much like ‘Truly Devious’ explores themes of identity, friendship and power.
Total Pages– 378 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.52
Amazon Rating– 4.1
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 36 minutes to finish People Like Us by Dana Mele.
The Ivies (2021)
by Alexa Donne
A gripping young adult thriller set in the prestigious world of Ivy League universities, this novel follows the story of Olivia, a high-achieving student at Claflin Academy, who is determined to secure her spot at Harvard. However, when a series of suspicious events and murders start to occur among the school’s elite, Olivia becomes entangled in a dangerous game of secrets, betrayal, and rivalry.
As the pressure to succeed intensifies, Olivia teams up with her closest friends, hoping to uncover the truth behind the crimes and protect themselves. The lines blur between friend and foe as they navigate the cutthroat world of academic competition and the dark underbelly of privilege.
‘The Ivies’ delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the toxic nature of perfection. It provides an inside look into the high-stakes world of Ivy League admissions and the lengths some are willing to go to secure their future. It highlights the moral dilemmas and consequences that arise when ambition turns deadly, making it a very thrilling read.
Total Pages– 312 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.71
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 24 minutes to finish The Ivies by Alexa Donne.
We Were Liars (2014)
by E. Lockhart
‘We Were Liars’ is a haunting and unforgettable read that will leave readers breathless with its twists and turns. The story centres around the Sinclair family, a wealthy and privileged clan that spends summers on their private island off the coast of Massachusetts.
The narrator, Cadence Sinclair Eastman, is the eldest grandchild of the Sinclair family, and the protagonist of the story.
Cadence, along with her two cousins, Johnny and Mirren, and a family friend named Gat, form a tight-knit group known as the “Liars.” They spend their summers on Beechwood Island, swimming, playing games, and trying to cope with the expectations and pressures of their privileged upbringing.
However, two years before the start of the novel, Cadence suffers a mysterious accident on the island and loses her memory of that summer. She is left with chronic migraines and amnesia, and the events surrounding her accident are shrouded in secrecy. The Sinclair family refuses to discuss what happened, and Cadence’s mother warns her not to return to the island.
When Cadence finally returns to Beechwood Island two years later, she is determined to piece together the truth of what happened that fateful summer. She reunites with Johnny, Mirren, and Gat, and together they embark on a journey to uncover the dark secrets and lies that have haunted their family for years.
As Cadence’s memories gradually resurface, she begins to question the truth of her family’s perfection and the motives of those around her. The novel explores themes of family, privilege, love, and the consequences of keeping secrets.
Total Pages– 242 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.69
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 4 minutes to finish We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.
The Diviners (2012)
by Libba Bray
A captivating historical fantasy novel set in 1920s New York City, ‘The Diviners’ is about Evangeline O’Neill, a young girl with a mysterious supernatural ability. Evie is sent to live with her eccentric uncle in Manhattan after causing trouble in her hometown.
As Evie settles into the bustling city, a series of gruesome occult murders begins to terrorize the streets. The police are baffled, and Evie’s uncle, who is the curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult, is drawn into the investigation. Evie becomes entangled in the hunt for the killer, using her unique powers to aid in unraveling the dark and twisted secrets behind the murders.
Along the way, Evie forms a diverse group of friends who each possess their own extraordinary abilities. Together, they discover that the murders are part of a larger, supernatural conspiracy with ancient roots that threaten the city and its inhabitants.
A spellbinding blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural, this book forms a part of a series with the same name, that delves into themes of power, identity, and the clash between modernity and tradition.
Total Pages– 578 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.94
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 19 hours and 16 minutes to finish The Diviners by Libba Bray.
The Cheerleaders (2018)
by Kara Thomas
The story centres around Monica Rayburn, whose elder sister and four other cheerleaders from her high school were found dead within a few weeks of each other. The deaths were ruled as separate incidents: two accidents, one suicide, and two murders. However, Monica can’t shake the feeling that something more sinister connects the tragedies.
Five years later, as Monica begins to uncover unsettling clues, she becomes determined to unravel the truth behind her sister’s death and the other cheerleaders’ fates. As she delves deeper into the town’s secrets, she uncovers a web of lies, hidden relationships, and unexpected connections that challenge her perception of the people she thought she knew.
Through Monica’s compelling narration, the novel navigates the complexities of small-town dynamics, high school hierarchies, and the haunting legacy left by the cheerleaders. It is a dark and gripping tale that will captivate fans of mystery and psychological thrillers, offering an immersive and chilling exploration of the blurred lines between innocence and guilt.
Total Pages– 384 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.77
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 48 minutes to finish The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas.
Ace of Spades (2021)
by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Set in an elite private school, Niveus Academy, the story follows two main characters, Chiamaka and Devon.
Chiamaka is a talented and ambitious student who is determined to succeed. Devon is a talented musician with a troubled past. Their lives take a dramatic turn when an anonymous texter, known as Aces, starts revealing their darkest secrets to the entire school.
As the relentless game orchestrated by Aces intensifies, Chiamaka and Devon must navigate the complexities of their personal lives while unraveling the mystery behind Aces. With the reputation and futures of the students at stake, they join forces to uncover the truth and confront the systemic discrimination that has infiltrated their school.
Total Pages– 470 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.20
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 15 hours and 40 minutes to finish Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
Conclusion to Books like Truly Devious
And that concludes the list for books like Truly Devious!
For all the mystery and dark academia lovers out there, the above is a list of 11 books like Truly Devious that you’ll devour in no time once you start making your way through it. The books in this list will keep you up all night in the excitement to know what’s going to happen next. So, grab your copies and get to reading, now!
However, if you want more books like Truly Devious beyond the list above, you should consider-
- A Place of Execution by Val McDermid
- The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
- Moskva and Nightfall Berlin by Jack Grimwood
- The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
- The Veronica Mars books by Rob Thomas
- Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
- Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
- Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
- If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio
- A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- S.T.A.G.S by M. A. Bennett
- They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
- The Swallows by Lisa Lutz
- Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
- The Orchard by David Hopen
- The Castle School by Alyssa B.
- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston