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

[Shelby]

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 think her parents were probably more aware of the reality than she was. But also they liked seeing her behaving like a true teenager in their minds.

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?
Well in her circumstances I think it makes sense. Her entire brained is tuned to try to figure things out. And David is a mystery with no solution. She knows he's lying, but can't figure out the truth of it all.

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?
It wouldn't be a mystery if the lead investigator didn't keep things to themselves. ;) Basically going to Larry would be sensible, but not climactic. And she had no real proof so getting Ellie to admit things...that's important in her mind.

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?
There's definitely more than meets the eye going on. This more than anything peaked my curiosity. Riddles within riddles and games within games.

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'd had David's identity as a really, really strong leading possibility, especially after the parents lunch. And there are lots of unanswered questions for me. This book was only ok for me as it moves pretty slowly and the relationship development between the characters is pretty lack luster in my opinion. But I am really curious about the mystery and want to know whodunit...so yeah I'll probably read the next one.

[Louise]

DQs Day 2 - Oct 17
Chapters 7 through 14

6.) What did you think of the yurt party? Anything or anyone peak your interest?
• This was intriguing, couldn’t work out its purpose.

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)?
• These are gifted kids and could be lost in a general school environment. I personally wouldn’t have liked to this type of school but if I had a kid and the opportunity was there I would send them if I thouit was in their best interest.

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)?
• I’d like to think that Alice is alive, it would be interesting if we found out that she is related to one of the students.

9.) Do you think the Senator her parents work for is involved somehow, or just a red herring?
• I’ve reached the end. The Senator must be involved somehow.

10.) Any thoughts on David, what his deal is, and why he seems so familiar to Stevie?
• Reached the end so know the answer to this.

[Louise]

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?
• To be successful at games needs strategy and foresight, monopoly brings a financial aspect to it. Possibly preparing them for success in the business world.

12. What is Hayes hiding in his conversation with Gretchen? What does he owe her and do you think this is important ?
• I’ve already finished so I know the answer although I didn’t know at this point.

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" ?
Times, where everyone was, who talked to who and what about.

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?"
• Not sure, I did google it but don’t get it.

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?
• If I wanted to stay I’d plead my case

[Louise]

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 think David manipulated it to his benefit, I think Stevie needs to have a bit more self worth.

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?
• I don’t think she should have snooped, it’s not something I have done.

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 put herself in a dangerous situation, the game could have gone drastically wrong.

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?
Not a clue, there is definitely something in the Bonnie and Clyde photo, maybe Ellie’s grandparents.

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 hate cliffhangers, I will definitely be reading the next in the series