The Vanishing Stair

A Novel by Maureen Johnson

The Vanishing Stair is a young adult mystery novel by American author Maureen Johnson, published in 2019. It serves as the second book in the Truly Devious series, continuing the dual-timeline mystery that began with the first installment.

Plot Summary

The novel follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast and student at the prestigious Ellingham Academy in Vermont. The story operates on two interconnected timelines:

Present Day (2010s): Stevie has been forced to leave Ellingham Academy due to political pressure on her parents, but she’s determined to return and solve the decades-old Ellingham case. When a new death occurs at the school, Stevie finds herself drawn back into the mystery that has consumed her thoughts.

1936: The historical timeline continues to explore the kidnapping of Albert Ellingham’s wife Iris and daughter Alice, known as the “Truly Devious” case, revealing new clues about what really happened during that fateful time.

As Stevie investigates both the past and present mysteries, she uncovers connections between the historical crimes and recent events at the academy, bringing her closer to the truth behind the Ellingham riddle.

Main Characters

• Stevie Bell – The protagonist, a sharp-witted amateur detective with a passion for true crime
• David Eastman – A fellow student and Stevie’s complicated love interest
• Janelle Franklin – Stevie’s loyal best friend and roommate
• Nate Fisher – Another close friend in Stevie’s circle
• Dr. Charles Scott – The academy’s security chief
• Albert Ellingham – The academy’s founder (in flashbacks)

Themes

The novel explores several key themes:

• Justice and Truth: The persistent search for answers to unsolved crimes
• Class and Privilege: The dynamics of wealth and power at an elite institution
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds between students facing adversity
• Identity and Belonging: Stevie’s struggle to find her place in an elite academic environment

Reception and Impact

The Vanishing Stair received positive reviews for its intricate plotting and Johnson’s ability to maintain suspense across multiple timelines. Critics praised the author’s skill in developing both the historical mystery and contemporary character relationships.

The book successfully built upon the foundation established in Truly Devious, deepening the central mystery while advancing character development. Readers particularly appreciated Johnson’s attention to detail in both the 1930s period setting and the modern-day prep school environment.

Series Context

As the second book in the Truly Devious series, The Vanishing Stair serves as a crucial middle volume that:

• Advances the overarching mystery of the Ellingham case
• Develops romantic and platonic relationships between characters
• Introduces new complications and red herrings
• Sets up the resolution that comes in the series’ final installment

The novel ends on a cliffhanger, maintaining the series’ momentum and leaving readers eager for the conclusion in the third book, The Hand on the Wall.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)
• Publication Date: January 22, 2019
• Genre: Young Adult Mystery/Thriller
• Series: Truly Devious #2
• Format: Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats

The Vanishing Stair continues Maureen Johnson’s reputation as a skilled writer of young adult mysteries, combining historical intrigue with contemporary coming-of-age elements in a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.