Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson - Oct 2020 YA BOM - starts 16 Oct

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”

Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.

True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its grave. Someone has gotten away with murder.

The two interwoven mysteries of this first book in the Truly Devious series dovetail brilliantly, and Stevie Bell will continue her relentless quest for the murderers in books two and three.

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[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters 	%age		MPDQs
16 Oct		start - Ch6	24%		Lisa (Aussie Girl)
17 Oct		Ch 7 to Ch 14	50%		Judith
	*****BREAK DAY*****
19 Oct		Ch 15 to Ch 22	73%		Marie (UK)
20 Oct 		Ch 23 to end	100%		Jenny "good egg"

Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
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[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Volunteers
Lisa (Aussie Girl)
Judith
Marie (UK)

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I'll volunteer for DQ's - Team Tienuurtj . Thanks.

[Judith]

I'm in for DQs

[Marie (UK)]

volunteering for DQs dholes with Sole

[Aiswrya]

I'll be reading along :)

[Judith]

FYI - at least on US Amazon, this book is available on Kindle Unlimited

[Rachel]

i thought Albert was supposed to be already unconscious/dead on chapter April 13 1936, 7:15pm when he went by himself to the lake to deliver the 20k thousand dollars but how could he reappear on chapter April 13 1936, 8:00pm as if nothing happened to him on the previous chapter... could someone please explain this to me pleaaaaseeeeeeee?

[Katherine]

I'm looking forward to this.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

DQs assigned!

Any volunteers for the last section will be gratefully received!

[Jenny]

I can take DQs for the last section. Team Trouble

[Judith]

Thank you Jenny!!

[Jenny]

Judith wrote: "Thank you Jenny!!"

I suppose this means that I should actually read the book, yes?
Gah. Having to read a book in a bookclub. What's next? Getting together with one's quilting buddies at the bee and actually using a sewing needle? What is the world coming to?

(It is called a quilting bee, right? I am on my first cup of coffee.)

[Judith]

Well, since you have the last day, you might be able to come up with vague questions and skip reading it.

But if you don't read it, we don't get the bonus. Besides, it's on KU so you don't have to buy it.

[Jenny]

Yeah, I downloaded it a couple of weeks ago.

[Judith]

Jenny wrote: "Yeah, I downloaded it a couple of weeks ago."

Me too, I got paranoid it would come off of the KU library before this started.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I got the book a couple of weeks ago at the library... I see I'm first up with the Q's. No problem I'll start reading and have some questions posted a little later.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?

2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present?

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance?

[Jenny]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?
I think it starts the reader on the task of puzzle solving right away. The setting is going to be very important. I want to see that place now. And try to find some of the secret passages.

2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?
I think there is much more to it. Was the kidnapping staged there because it was Dottie's hiding place? Hmmm.

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?
I think that Stevie would really like to be privy to what we are reading. She is the expert, and already we know more than she does. I wonder if we get to find out what happened in the past so we can judge how well Stevie solves the mystery? Or, will there be a fresh kidnapping or murder and it will echo the past in some way that we as readers should try to figure out? Everybody put on their Miss Marple hats or wax your Poirot mustache.

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present?
I am hoping that the characters when they are fleshed out a bit more aren't cookie cutter high school stereotypes. So far, I think I will like a few of them.

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance?
I wonder if it has to do with identifying Alice. Other than that, a priceless diamond? Who knows?

[Marie (UK)]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?

I think the setting is vitally important as that is where everything happened. As for the map and e-readers (I am reading an electronic copy from my library) the problem is that the map goes over two pages and i would need a magnifying glass to see the detail. If I enlarged the map i would see less at a time and if I got it onto one page i would struggle even more with the detail. IMO the map is of no use. By the same token the author has painted a really clear picture of Ellingham in words which allows me to visualise what it looks like. The note is more interesting giving detectives lots of important information


2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?

Dottie is sure to feature more in the book she is the reason for our modern day Sherlock - Stevie Bell

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?

I am not necessarily a lover of dual timelines in books I often feel they are just an unnecessary writing trick. In this case i think it works and it will allow our modern day sleuth to shed new light on an old mystery

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present?

I think this is a really broad question - we have been introduced to some 16 - 18 characters already and I am sure we are not finished. I like the diversity in the characterisation and i think the author has done really well in achieving this. I am not sure how they will interact but I think their only common characteristics are their "Brains Trust type knowledge"

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance?

I thought it was less information about Iris than maybe some information Iris had about her - I could be wrong - I often am but i think there is something in the compact that will reflect badly on Flora


DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?

to be honest I thought it was a bit of a non-event dominated by Ellie's antic and David's attitude

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?

I am not sure that I would want to go or send my child there - it feel a bit like they need to constantly compete not just in their chosen fields but in personality etc. I think there is a lot to be said for high attaining children to be part of a mentoring process for those less able it enables both the mentor and the mentee

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Hindenburg Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Alice being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Hindenburg baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?

i don't know the case you are talking about but i would find it difficult to believe Alice is alive.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?

I hadn't even registered this as being anything to do with the mystery i think it was just Stevie trying to show she has a mind of her own

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?

His is the character I most dislike and mistrust. He is unlike any of the others what does Ellie see in him? I think he may have something to do with the events happening at school - the new message etc.

[Judith]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?
It puts the mystery front and center of in the reader's mind before they know anything about anything. And it sets a tone of suspicion. I think the isolated setting will be everything and key to the plot/mystery.

2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?
I think there is more to it. Otherwise it would just be a really strange way to start the story. Though I'm not sure if Dottie is the important part or if it is where Dottie WAS that is the important part.

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?
I think it will help the reader know when Stevie is on the right track. Or know when she's in a dangerous spot maybe? And I agree with Jenny, it may be to provide the reader with the backstory the Stevie knows but also some things she might not know.

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present?
I think we'll end up with a band of meddling kids led by Stevie. So far I think I will like most of the characters we've been introduced to. But I'm sure there will be some to hate, it is high school after all.

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance?
Maybe Flora was the one having an affair? Drugs? Maybe Flora ran with her daughter and the kidnapping is staged?

[Judith]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Lindbergh Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Alice being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Lindbergh baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?

EDIT: fixed the autocorrect error of Hindenburg (not a kidnapping case) to Lindbergh (the actual kidnapping case).

[Judith]

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Chapter Breakdown

20 Oct Ch 23 to end 100% Jenny "good egg"
"

Hehe, I just noticed this :)

[Judith]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?
I thought it was a bit weird and made me glad I am an adult because I do not miss those types of events. Adults have their own versions, but the seating, alcohol and food are much better so it's easier to tolerate.
The mysterious David showed up, the redhead seems to be set up to be the mean girl. Honestly I just want to learn more about these kids especially Janelle and Nate.

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?
It is certainly a strange setup but for the right student I could see it being just the type of environment they need to thrive. That being said, I don't think I am one of those people. As cool as some aspects are of that school, I don't and certainly didn't and 15/16 years old have the focused drive needed for that type of learning environment. Depending on a wide range of circumstances, I might send my son there. At least, I wouldn't give it a hard, immediate no way.
But it would probably be best to leave the yurt off the parent tour.

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Hindenburg Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Alice being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Hindenburg baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?
I hope she survived, not sure if Alice is still living due to old age. Makes me wonder what happens to the funds if it gets to the point where she could still be alive.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?
This has come up a few times and makes me wonder if he's important for some reason. But then books like this need their red herrings to surprise readers in the end. So it could still just be that too.

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?
I'm wondering if he has some connection to the Senator somehow. Maybe she saw him at some event her parents made her attend? Not sure what his deal is with Stevie though.

[Jenny]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?
It reminded me a bit of some high school parties I went to. Cliques formed, cliques forming. The moment when Stevie is talking about the case, and those around her are distracted by a different shiny object hit home. I hate it when that happens.
None of the characters introduced at the party struck me then.

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?
I would be interested in going there, sure. Being able to pursue an interest beyond what most normal high schools can accommodate would be fabulous. My issue at that time was that I was interested in about ten wildly different big topics.
I think that if I had kids, I would want them to go to a great school. I went to great public schools, so I am prejudiced in that direction, but I know schools have changed a lot since I went. After a lot of research, I would be ok with my fictional kids going there.

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Hindenburg Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Alice being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Hindenburg baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?
I think exceedingly rich people should maybe just not have kids. No potential life destroying kidnapping or murders for them, and think of the charities that would benefit with no heirs in the frame. Sorry- off topic. I think Alice is going to show up in the story. Either alive now, or alive recently. Or, you know, not. Maybe Stevie will find her body.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?
I hadn't thought of that! I was thinking he was mentioned as a way to show that kids don't have to follow their parents' beliefs. But, now that you mention it, how did Stevie get onto the radar of the Ellingham recruiters?

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?
No clue why he is familiar, but that boy creeps me out. Perhaps she ran into him through her parents somehow. He doesn't seem to have a past. Or, he is someone that she corresponded with on one of her true crime communities. Or someone that was researched by one of the communities. A very young serial killer. Probably not that.

[Steven]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?
The author starts with this to hook you straight from the beginning, to draw you into the mystery. The setting is going to be very important, I think. I feel, after reading this chapters, a very strong connection between Ellingham and settings like the Overlook from Stephen King’s The Shining.

2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?
I really hope we’ll get to know more about this, as I liked her. :(

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?
The author is giving us bits of the past mystery just as she’s giving us bits of the modern one. She’s setting everything up to what I think will be a really fun mystery!

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present? It’s very reminiscent of Christie, but in a more young adult way. A big group of strange, diverse, over the top characters who will probably soon start being suspects.

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance? No, but that really intrigued me! And I’m also super excited to see how the secrets of Ellingham will play a role. I love secret passages and all of those fun things!

[Steven]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone pique your interest? Umm, at this point, I was intrigued by everyone because we're just meeting them and everyone seems to have their own specialization. I'm curious who the murder victim is going to be, mostly

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?
I think it seems really cool. I'm not sure I'm unique or special enough to get into a school like this. I certainly don't have a specialization like these kids do. But I would totally have gone if I could have back in the day. I might send my kid to this, depending on the kid and their personality.

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Hindenburg Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Dottie* being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Hindenburg baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?
I dunno. I think it wouldn't be much of a twist if Alice turned out to be alive, as I think that's what we're all expecting. But maybe my current working theory will turn out to be true by the end of book three? I'm wondering if Stevie is a descendant of Alice, who was raised as someone else.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring? I think it'll play a bigger role in the story but for different reasons, like maybe he will try to shut down the school after the murders that will supposedly happen current day.

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?
No idea why he's familiar, but I think he might actually be crushing on her or at least find her intriguing, and he's super socially awkward and doesn't know how to express it. And I think he probably doesn't know he's pushing her buttons in a BAD way. I think he thinks he's flirting and we're seeing Stevie, who is used to being slightly outcast, react without knowing that's what he's doing. Just a guess. I do like Jenny's idea that maybe he is related to the Senator and she's seen him at a party. That would definitely bring an interesting side of things to the discussion they had in this section where he asked if she liked the Senator. Now I am thinking Jenny is right! LOL

[Jenny]

I am having an Agatha Christie flashback. I read most of hers when I was a kid, and when I read the first few, I thought I should try to figure everything out before the big reveal. Then, once I found out that I am not brilliant at deduction with misleading clues, I started to just let the story flow over me, and I let the surprises come. These days I tend to really like the mysteries that leave me guessing.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?

It just seemed incredibly awkward to me. But the reason that the kids are at this school is that they are gifted and maybe that's par for the course. For any teenagers being in an unfamiliar social setting can difficult.

7.) What do you think about the overall setup of the school? Would you of wanted to go to a school like this for your last two years of high school? Would you send you kid to a school like this (your real or nonexistent kid)?

It does make sense for specialized schooling for gifted students where they can express their interests and excel in whatever their field of excellence is. The fact that it is free is also such a great thing so any child can have the opportunity. I'd certainly consider it, the personality of the child would have to be taken into account also. Some children would perhaps do better with more structure.

8.) The historic case seems very similar to the Hindenburg Baby case down to the multiple money drops, marked bills, questionable confessions, foreign suspects with limited English, random FBI agent involvement, and late introduction of the police. The biggest different is Iris being taken as well as Alice (plus Alice being 3). We now know what happened to Iris, do you think Alice has a parallel fate to the Hindenburg baby? Or do you think she's alive (or lived to adulthood anyway)?

I had to google the Lindbergh case to remember all the facts. There are some similarities, I have a feeling that Alice survived and Stevie will discover her fate. Or there maybe a major twist at the end, something like Alice has been secretly or unknowingly been a teacher at the school or something like that.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?

Mmmm, it has been mentioned a few times, so it might play into the plot somehow. Usually when a seemingly unrelated fact is added and mentioned it does or in fact could be a red herring. We will see.

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?

Again there seems to be something there. Especially since on Stevie's investigation he seems not to exist as David. And the fact that initially Stevie seems uncomfortable around him. Future love interest maybe.. Again the jury is out on this one.

[Judith]

Oh my goodness I just realized autocorrect made it the Hindenburg baby instead of Lindbergh baby. *face palm*

Goes to fix DQs so people don't get confused.

[Marie (UK)]

Judith wrote: "DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why ..."

have I missed something about an affair - might have to reread that bit

[Judith]

Iris just made a comment about wishing her husband was having an affair so she'd overhear something interesting when she was listening to him in his office. Which seems like a bizarre thing for a wife to wish for, but uber-rich people are sometimes strange to me.

So far there hasn't be anything about Albert actually having an affair, sorry if my comment was confusing on that point.

[Marie (UK)]

Jenny wrote: "I am having an Agatha Christie flashback. I read most of hers when I was a kid, and when I read the first few, I thought I should try to figure everything out before the big reveal. Then, once I fo..."

Jenny I am just the same I am never right with my hunches. That is why I sometimes struggle with the questions because i do not try to think too far ahead. I find it ruins my reading rhythm

[Marie (UK)]

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every week?

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?

13. I like the point that Stevie makes about it being important to write everything down immediately. If you were Stevie and writing down what happened up to Hayes's death what would your list contain? What would be in your "brain attic" ?

14. Solving Riddles is no more my forte than solving crime. So who can solve the riddle "What is always on a staircase but never on a stair?"

15. Stevie is worried that her parents are going to withdraw her from Ellingham. How would you react as a student and / or a parent in this situation?

[Steven]

MARIE! Thank you for posting these so early. I've been dying to read the last section but wanted to wait until after DQs, so thank you :)

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every week?
I think the only significance of that was to show that Ellingham had a huge love of games that has become part of the culture of the school.

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?
I have no real idea, but part of me thought maybe it had to do with drugs for some reason? Not really had much of an indication of that, but the only other thing I could think of was that maybe she agreed to a deal where they broke it off so he could move on to that other girl for publicity?

13. I like the point that Stevie makes about it being important to write everything down immediately. If you were Stevie and writing down what happened up to Hayes's death what would your list contain? What would be in your "brain attic" ?
Oh that's a great question. I probably would be in too much shock to be able to remember everything correctly, and would be mentally filling in details that weren't details before I could get it all down. I have a feeling I'd be a terrible witness :(

14. Solving Riddles is no more my forte than solving crime. So who can solve the riddle "What is always on a staircase but never on a stair?"
So I pondered this for a while since I couldn't read the next section and find out. But I think the key is in the first part of the riddle: "Where do you look for someone who's never really there? ALways on a staircase but never on a stair."
It involves a person and being on a staircase but not on a stair. This led me to believe that:
(view spoiler)[it was referring the big painting of the family that is creepy and mentioned earlier on the book. It hangs on the staircase but doesn't touch the stairs, and you can look for the people who are missing in it. Makes me wonder if Leo has anything to do with the kidnappings, but to be fair, the book said he painted the picture a few years beforehand... but he could have been planning? (hide spoiler)]

15. Stevie is worried that her parents are going to withdraw her from Ellingham. How would you react as a student and / or a parent in this situation?
Well, I was a pretty obedient kid, so I'd probably have just went along with it sadly. If I knew what i know now though, and I thought that was the best place for me, I'd fight for my right to stay.

[Jenny]

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every week?
I think this wasn't explored as much as I thought it would be. The games didn't seem to be as important in the present day. Also, I think Ellingham just wanted to play every new game, and Monopoly was new.

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?
Hayes is a user of people, so it likely has something to do with that. Did he cadge a test or a paper from her? Money? Yes on it being important. (I have finished the book, so I am trying to answer as I was thinking at the time.)

13. I like the point that Stevie makes about it being important to write everything down immediately. If you were Stevie and writing down what happened up to Hayes's death what would your list contain? What would be in your "brain attic" ?
My list would be mostly fiction I am sure. I was in line at my bank when it was robbed at gunpoint. There were two (three?) robbers, caucasian (hispanic?) wearing t-shirts and jeans (jackets?) with black boots (tennis shoes?), wielding pistols (shotguns?). When I spoke to the police afterwards, I found out that I could not give a coherent description of what happened. After that experience, I tried for a while to notice random things better, but I am still pretty useless. What was the last customer in my shop wearing? How many people were in line at the post office? If I was making a list of what happened in what order to people that I knew, it might be different, but I doubt it. I am not that observant.

14. Solving Riddles is no more my forte than solving crime. So who can solve the riddle "What is always on a staircase but never on a stair?"
No idea. I like Steven's idea, but the "always" trips me up with that.

15. Stevie is worried that her parents are going to withdraw her from Ellingham. How would you react as a student and / or a parent in this situation?
I think I would try to stay, and convince my parents that it was good for me. But, not sure I would be successful. As a fictional parent, I would be freaked out for my kid, and if I was as conservative and anti-science and liberal education as Stevie's parents seem to be, I would get her out of there.

[Judith]

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every week?
I think it's to show how much he likes games and puzzles. But Monopoly itself is a game where someone is basically trying to take over and run the entire board. So I think it also shows that Ellingham likes to control the game and not just play. I'm wondering if the kidnapping is revenge from some sort of game gone wrong.

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?
I finished the book, so I have to skip this one.

13. I like the point that Stevie makes about it being important to write everything down immediately. If you were Stevie and writing down what happened up to Hayes's death what would your list contain? What would be in your "brain attic" ?
Not exactly sure. I think to think I'd be as calm and cool and Stevie was. But it would probably be something like "I noticed he was wearing white tennis shoes before I threw-up everything I ate all day into the bushes.

14. Solving Riddles is no more my forte than solving crime. So who can solve the riddle "What is always on a staircase but never on a stair?"
I think Steven might be right with what his guess is.

15. Stevie is worried that her parents are going to withdraw her from Ellingham. How would you react as a student and / or a parent in this situation?
I'd probably not fight whatever my parents wanted to do. Honestly, as a parent I'm not sure what I'd do aside from take my son's wishes in strong consideration before making a decision.

[Sarah]

DQS - DAY 1 - CHAPTERS 1-6

1. Upon starting the novel an illustration of Ellingham and a copy of a letter sent on 8 April 1936 are the first things the reader sees before they start the text. Why do you think the author starts with these and how important will the setting of Ellingham be in the novel?

I'm listening to the audio, so no map for me. :( Having a map is a very Agatha Christie thing to do, though. The setting is going to be very important, I'm sure.

2. We are firstly introduced to an intriguing character called Dottie who it seems unfortunately is not long for this world. It is just a case of wrong place, wrong time or do you think this scene will play a more important part in the resolution of the mystery?

Someone will find Dottie's pencil marking in the book... otherwise, poor Dottie; wrong time, wrong place indeed.

3. There appears to be a dual timeline in the novel detailing past and present. Why has the author written it this way? Does it add to the present storyline getting a perspective on the events in the past?

I don't mind the dual timeline, it's better than flashbacks. It helps the reader find out the things that Stevie already knows about the first murder, so it's not all Stevie telling the other students about what happened.

4. First impressions of the present day characters? How do you think they will interact in solving the crimes both past and possibly present?

Too early to tell, for me. The social media guy is going to be annoying. Someone will invent a gadget that helps, probably. Or something.

5. In the past time line, Flora has secret information about Iris. Any ideas of the significance of the hidden compact in light of Iris and Alice's disappearance?

I did wonder if it was drugs in the compact.

Anyway, I like the book very much so far, and the narrator is good. I'm looking forward to the mystery and have no hope of solving anything but of being blissfully baffled.

[Marie (UK)]

Jenny wrote: "DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every..."

Jenny I love your fictional list

[Marie (UK)]

Steven wrote: "MARIE! Thank you for posting these so early. I've been dying to read the last section but wanted to wait until after DQs, so thank you :)

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlie..."

love your thoughts on the riddle

[Steven]

Marie (UK) wrote: "love your thoughts on the riddle"

Thanks! Not going to lie, I laid there in bed thinking about it for almost half an hour! LOL

[Jenny]

DQs Day 4
Chapter 23 to End

(Serious spoilers to come. Do not read if you are not caught up.)

16- In the aftermath of lunch with the parental units, Stevie is really pissed. What do you think about how David behaved, and her conclusion that her parents let her stay because of the “boyfriend" thing?

17- In Stevie’s first real relationship conversation, she almost finds out what opening up to another is like. Then, of course they are interrupted. Having her hide in closet seemed to just be a plot device. But, what do you think of what Stevie did next? Do you think she should have snooped? Would you have?

18- Stevie is a pretty good investigator it seems. She figures out that a murder has occurred. Should she have gone to Larry right away? What did you think of the silent dance and the game in Ellie’s room?

19- We have two unsolved murders in two timelines. Are you any closer to figuring out who done it in either time line? Are Bonnie and Clyde more red herrings? How is Ellie related to them?

20- A big reveal and a cliffhanger. Had you figured out who David was, and why Stevie recognized him? How many unanswered questions do you still have? Will you read the next book?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DQ's Day 3
Chapters 15 -22

11. I know this is much earlier in the book but it is bothering me. What is the significance of the Game playing - particularly Monopoly being compulsory at least every week?

I don't think there is much significance now that it hasn't come up three quarters to the end. Maybe it just highlights the quirky and enquiring mind of Albert Ellingham and the students he attracts to his school. And Monopoly is kinda addictive. I remember when I was a kid eons ago my sister and I playing it every week in the school holidays. That's before we had Netlflix and mobile phones to while away the hours, LOL.

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?

Mmmm, seems to be more than a coincidence that he was murdered hours later. So it's going to be important to the resolution I'm thinking... or maybe a red herring? We will see.

13. I like the point that Stevie makes about it being important to write everything down immediately. If you were Stevie and writing down what happened up to Hayes's death what would your list contain? What would be in your "brain attic" ?

Probably a list of everything that happened to all the players in the hours before the murder. Where they were, who interacted with who, that sort of thing.

14. Solving Riddles is no more my forte than solving crime. So who can solve the riddle "What is always on a staircase but never on a stair?"

Sorry, so not my forte... so I googled it. It's pretty clever.

15. Stevie is worried that her parents are going to withdraw her from Ellingham. How would you react as a student and / or a parent in this situation?

No way, will Stevie want to leave not. It seems her and her parents though are completely on a different page. Must be tough for her. They seem to love each other but they are totally different people. And because they don't understand her they would only be thinking about her safety and not what it means for her to stay there with like minded people. Difficult situation.

[Vish]

16- In the aftermath of lunch with the parental units, Stevie is really pissed. What do you think about how David behaved, and her conclusion that her parents let her stay because of the “boyfriend" thing?
David seems to have some kind of hidden agenda, either with her or with her parents. She seems to dislike having to stay on David's merit and not her own.

17- In Stevie’s first real relationship conversation, she almost finds out what opening up to another is like. Then, of course they are interrupted. Having her hide in closet seemed to just be a plot device. But, what do you think of what Stevie did next? Do you think she should have snooped? Would you have?
Personally, I wouldn't have, that would be an invasion of some serious boundaries for me. I understand why Stevie did it though. She is obsessed with crime and with David's suspicious nature, the note projected onto her wall and Hayes' murder, she has a right to be unsettled.

18- Stevie is a pretty good investigator it seems. She figures out that a murder has occurred. Should she have gone to Larry right away? What did you think of the silent dance and the game in Ellie’s room?
In a perfect scenario, going to Larry would have helped with the investigation but with Ellingham being such a high-profile school, false leads would end up doing more harm than good. The silent dance felt like a show put on for the students and observers.

19- We have two unsolved murders in two timelines. Are you any closer to figuring out who done it in either time line? Are Bonnie and Clyde more red herrings? How is Ellie related to them?
Nope, I still have no idea. There are too many facts still missing. I believe Bonnie and Clyde do have some significance. It seems that Ellie is either being blackmailed or being manipulated, just like Anton and Bonnie and Clyde might be a sign of the real Truly Devious.

20- A big reveal and a cliffhanger. Had you figured out who David was, and why Stevie recognized him? How many unanswered questions do you still have? Will you read the next book?
I hadn't until Stevie realized that he was Edward King's son. I will read the next book, the identity of the killer and the truly bizarre natures of the other students are tantalizing.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

DQs Day 4
Chapter 23 to End

(Serious spoilers to come. Do not read if you are not caught up.)

16- In the aftermath of lunch with the parental units, Stevie is really pissed. What do you think about how David behaved, and her conclusion that her parents let her stay because of the “boyfriend" thing?

On the surface it seemed that David is doing the "good boyfriend thing." But there seems to be more to it, he is definitely playing some game or hiding something. Given what we know of Stevie and the relationship with her parents, no wonder she behaves like she does. She just wants to be herself and live on her own merits. Her worth should be her own not who she is with.

17- In Stevie’s first real relationship conversation, she almost finds out what opening up to another is like. Then, of course they are interrupted. Having her hide in closet seemed to just be a plot device. But, what do you think of what Stevie did next? Do you think she should have snooped? Would you have?

Curiosity killed the cat... but satisfaction brought him back!! The PC answer is no... of course she shouldn't have snooped. But the real answer is of course she was going to. She knew David was hiding something and now was her chance to find out for better or for worse.

18- Stevie is a pretty good investigator it seems. She figures out that a murder has occurred. Should she have gone to Larry right away? What did you think of the silent dance and the game in Ellie’s room?

She probably should have but that wouldn't have been true to Stevie's character. The silent dance didn't really do anything for me but I guess it let Stevie work things out.

19- We have two unsolved murders in two timelines. Are you any closer to figuring out who done it in either time line? Are Bonnie and Clyde more red herrings? How is Ellie related to them?

Is the Ellie thing related to the past or just an additional part of the story to prove Stevie's sleuthing techniques? I guess we will see, the reveal of the students possible involvement in the past murders does shine another light on the what could have happened.

20- A big reveal and a cliffhanger. Had you figured out who David was, and why Stevie recognized him? How many unanswered questions do you still have? Will you read the next book?

I guess it was pretty obvious in hindsight, Stevie having some hazy recognition about David's features and the link to her parents but I didn't pick up on it at the time. Heaps of unanswered questions. I don't mind a cliffhanger... if the next book is already published and my library has a copy. And if it's the next YA BOM, LOL.

[Marie (UK)]

DQs Day 4
Chapter 23 to End

(Serious spoilers to come. Do not read if you are not caught up.)

16- In the aftermath of lunch with the parental units, Stevie is really pissed. What do you think about how David behaved, and her conclusion that her parents let her stay because of the “boyfriend" thing?

I didn't like what David did, I don't really like David of all the characters he is the one i most mistrust. But it sent me to thinking more about Stevie's parents do they KNOW David already ???? I am assuming everyone reading this answer has reached the end and we know they know his parents so??

17- In Stevie’s first real relationship conversation, she almost finds out what opening up to another is like. Then, of course they are interrupted. Having her hide in closet seemed to just be a plot device. But, what do you think of what Stevie did next? Do you think she should have snooped? Would you have?

Like Lisa I think it was inevitable - it is her nature to be curious above all else

18- Stevie is a pretty good investigator it seems. She figures out that a murder has occurred. Should she have gone to Larry right away? What did you think of the silent dance and the game in Ellie’s room?

She wants to solve it herself, i think part of her knows she should go to Larry but her desire to be a great investigator overrides that. I didnt really put any importance on the silent dance at all

19- We have two unsolved murders in two timelines. Are you any closer to figuring out who done it in either time line? Are Bonnie and Clyde more red herrings? How is Ellie related to them?

I am suspiscious of several people but not sure if they are almost too easy to suspect

20- A big reveal and a cliffhanger. Had you figured out who David was, and why Stevie recognized him? How many unanswered questions do you still have? Will you read the next book?

I hadn't figured David out, although I did suspect he was not an orphan I didn't put him with the right parent. I hate the cliffhanger but will probably read the next book. I have looked and there are currently 4 in the series I sincerely hope we do not have to read all 4 before we find out what happens. I found this book great in places but with real patches where I lost interest and reading 4 to find out the answer seems like a long slog - of course I don't know it will be that long until we know.

[Marie (UK)]

Incidentally the second in the series is on Scribd for anyone who uses that and only £3.99 in the UK on Kindle

I am going to try and work it into my next challenges