YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

After solving the case of Truly Devious, Stevie Bell investigates her first mystery outside of Ellingham Academy in this spine-chilling and hilarious stand-alone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.

Amateur sleuth Stevie Bell needs a good murder. After catching a killer at her high school, she’s back at home for a normal (that means boring) summer.

But then she gets a message from the owner of Sunny Pines, formerly known as Camp Wonder Falls—the site of the notorious unsolved case, the Box in the Woods Murders. Back in 1978, four camp counselors were killed in the woods outside of the town of Barlow Corners, their bodies left in a gruesome display. The new owner offers Stevie an invitation: Come to the camp and help him work on a true crime podcast about the case.

Stevie agrees, as long as she can bring along her friends from Ellingham Academy. Nothing sounds better than a summer spent together, investigating old murders.

But something evil still lurks in Barlow Corners. When Stevie opens the lid on this long-dormant case, she gets much more than she bargained for. The Box in the Woods will make room for more victims. This time, Stevie may not make it out alive.

25% (view spoiler)[ Stevie is so funny and I love that Nate just wants to live up in a tree, away from everyone. This is so great (hide spoiler)]

I'm so excited. I loved the first three books in this series and am eager to see what other mystery will occur here.

First quarter - (view spoiler)[Tell me why I was so shocked that an actual box was found in the woods, despite it clearly being stated in the title lol. I didn't read the synopsis before beginning this and so everything was an exciting surprise.

I had the impression that something sinister would befall Sabrina and Eric. The former seemed tense but nice and the latter goofy but sweet. I liked them both and was eager to learn more about them but after bonding with Dolores in the first few pages of Truly Devious I knew not to trust Maureen Johnson lol.

The first few pages in Stevie's perspective did a great job of quickly filling me in on the events in the previous three books and catching up with what she had been up to inbetween then and now. Her new job in the 'murder camp' sounds spooky! (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "I'm so excited. I loved the first three books in this series and am eager to see what other mystery will occur here.

First quarter - Tell me why I was so shocked that an actual box was found in th..."

Agreed! It gave a quick reminder of the last book and then easily told us what we needed to know.

50% (view spoiler)[ I wonder if the same killer is back or if it's a copycat? Or maybe the owner guy is generating buzz for the camp?

I feel so bad for Sabrina's sister. She never let go of what happened and now has this shrine to Sabrina. I hope she can get closure.

I'm glad David is coming, he's funny and up for investigating things (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[ I think Stevie overreacted. Whatever David chose, they weren't going to be in the same place in fall since he graduated. The England opportunity seems really good.

So Carson did some of those things to 'set the mood' or whatever but who killed Alison? I'm excited to see Stevie put everything together. (hide spoiler)]

I'm a bit confused you guys, thought we were starting the second book today?

Aly wrote: "25% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I loved seeing the gang back together but in a new setting. Fun yet mysterious vibes all round! (hide spoiler)]

Bayan wrote: "I'm a bit confused you guys, thought we were starting the second book today?"

Hey Bayan :) It looks like there is a BR for book 2 starting today as well :) I've already read the first three books so I'm only reading this one.

Dannii wrote: "Aly wrote: "25% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Yes, me too!

Dannii wrote: "Bayan wrote: "I'm a bit confused you guys, thought we were starting the second book today?"

Hey Bayan :) It looks like there is a BR for book 2 starting today as well :) I've already read the firs..."

I noticed right after commenting lol :3
I'll join in here later

100% (view spoiler)[ Wow I could have never solved that. Really no one could until you got the diary information. That whole thing with a Nazi in hiding was crazy.

This was fun and I really liked seeing Stevie and everyone again. I didn't like the mystery quite as much but still a fun book. I'd read 10 more books about this group! (hide spoiler)]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I love how more details of the case are continually being uncovered. I have no doubt Stevie will solve it but can't see quite how, at this point. The information provided from the baker (who name I have forgotten) provided a different angle on the individuals involved in the unsolved case.

I had forgotten how these books also included such great advice for mental health. (hide spoiler)]

Aly wrote: "50%"

(view spoiler)[Sabrina's sister made me so sad :( I have no clue the direction this story is going to but I'm having such fun attempting to figure it out. (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - I love how more details of the case are continually being uncovered. I have no doubt Stevie will solve it but can't see quite how, at this point. The information provided from the ..."

Yes, lots of clues but unsure how they fit together at this stage

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[Oh damn, so Carson left the message on Stevie's wall. That's pretty sick!

The details on how Diane, and Eric died were pretty sad. They also revealed that Sabrina was the outlier, yet again. (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[Poor Stevie was in the wars, during this last quarter. Her and Nate showed great bravery and the discovery of Sabrina's diary was their reward. I'm glad she managed to patch things up with David after this too.

The mention of the specific song played on the guitar was the small clue that allowed Stevie to unravel the mystery. I loved seeing these seemingly pointless facts work together to create a final picture pointing to the culprits. The diary was what was needed to implicate Mr Horn though. (hide spoiler)]

Aly wrote: "100% Wow I could have never solved that.."

Same! This series needs to never end. I never anticipated how it was all going to come together but loved seeing Stevie work to solve everything, despite the broken bones received and continual danger she put herself in!

Dannii wrote: "Third quarter - Oh damn, so Carson left the message on Stevie's wall. That's pretty sick!

The details on how Diane, and Eric died were pretty sad. They also revealed that Sabrina was the outlier, ..."

Nate really stepped up in this one! I so enjoy his character

Can't believe I didn't spot you were both reading this - sounds like it's as good as the others.

It's really good!

Karen wrote: "Can't believe I didn't spot you were both reading this - sounds like it's as good as the others."

I hope you love it, Karen. It really does measure up :)

Dannii wrote: "I'm so excited. I loved the first three books in this series and am eager to see what other mystery will occur here.

First quarter - Tell me why I was so shocked that an actual box was found in th..."

Really like the idea of this - the mystery certainly sounds interesting too.

Aly wrote: "25% [spoilers removed]"

Wouldn't be the same without her friends tagging along.

Chapter 1-4
(view spoiler)[ really happy about this. Been a while I read something interesting. Stevie is back and it is time to solve the camp murder case that happened decades ago. Nothing much yet except a build up of the characters
Eric (pot dealer). Sabrina ( town's good girl), Todd (mayor son) and Diane (the not too bright one) all murdered and case still unsolved. Well Team Stevie is there which means there is hope (hide spoiler)]

First quarter. The camp owner is creepy, but someone in this place knows something, for certain. Stevie’s mystery sensors are working overtime!

Second quarter. Up to ch16. Fairly sedate attempt to create drama for Stevie, but with David arriving I think we’ll start to move the discoveries forwards.

Karen wrote: "Second quarter. Up to ch16. Fairly sedate attempt to create drama for Stevie, but with David arriving I think we’ll start to move the discoveries forwards."

I love that David came to camp

Aly, I agree with your comment about David. I feared what might happen, but things got resolved fairly well.

Finished. A must-read for fans of the series, and it was certainly good fun even though the original crime was a little tamer than I initially predicted (in terms of reasons for doing it).

Karen wrote: "Finished. A must-read for fans of the series, and it was certainly good fun even though the original crime was a little tamer than I initially predicted (in terms of reasons for doing it)."

I felt exactly the same as you :)

Aly wrote: "50% I wonder if the same killer is back or if it's a copycat? Or maybe the owner guy is generating buzz for the camp?

I feel so bad for Sabrina's sister. She never let go of what happened and no..."

This was definitely a town where people were struggling to let go of the past. Hardly surprising!

izzy wrote: "Chapter 1-4
really happy about this. Been a while I read something interesting. Stevie is back and it is time to solve the camp murder case that happened decades ago. Nothing much yet except a bui..."

I really liked the way we got Stevie's investigation alongside the details of what happened in 1978.

Karen wrote: "Finished. A must-read for fans of the series, and it was certainly good fun even though the original crime was a little tamer than I initially predicted (in terms of reasons for doing it)."

Yes I totally agree

Chapter 5-11
(view spoiler)[ I think Carson is weird. I might be wrong but I think he is the one who did the 'surprise' and 'doll thing' to make things look interesting for his podcast. He really wants to make money off a crime??? (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "Chapter 5-11
[spoilers removed]"

He's very odd for sure

Karen wrote: "izzy wrote: "Chapter 1-4
really happy about this. Been a while I read something interesting. Stevie is back and it is time to solve the camp murder case that happened decades ago. Nothing much yet..."

Yes, very cool. I need to get back to the CAMP!

Why do I feel relief that David is here?
Chapter 12-19
(view spoiler)[ it's getting hot!. Allison is dead. I can't believe it. What if the Vet Doctor had a hand in it? Or PATTY. I was right about weird Carson. (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "Why do I feel relief that David is here?
Chapter 12-19
[spoilers removed]"

I was so happy to see him appear in the story too :)

I am done and it was wow!
And I was right though. Good feeling. Maybe I will be a detective lol. Stevie is my Darling

Final thoughts
(view spoiler)[ well well well. Stevie always amazes me. I was scared and in awe. Nate is finally writing again. But God,Patty?. Such is life. People choose family over friends in most cases. But this was extreme. Thank you Maureen (hide spoiler)]

izzy wrote: "I am done and it was wow!
And I was right though. Good feeling. Maybe I will be a detective lol. Stevie is my Darling

Final thoughts
[spoilers removed]"

Loved reading your thoughts :) Stevie is such a great protagonist to read from, isn't she!? I also really loved (view spoiler)[all the Nate content in this book too. His beginning to write again at the end was just the extra dose of happiness this already satisfying conclusion needed. (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "Karen wrote: "Finished. A must-read for fans of the series, and it was certainly good fun even though the original crime was a little tamer than I initially predicted (in terms of reasons for doing..."
It is one of the good books I read this year. Stevie is an amazing investigator. She is articulate and trusts her guts

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Date changed. Restarting June 13th 2023. Happy Reading ☺

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Can we do a certain number of chapters everyday or shall we go at our own pace?

Poppy wrote: "Can we do a certain number of chapters everyday or shall we go at our own pace?"

I was going to go at our own pace.

Alright, im cool with that

Starting this now.

Prologue (view spoiler)[ Well this started off with a bang. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ wow! Stevie totally manipulated her mom into letting her go the the camp. Even having Carsen sending a second email. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ The flashback in the chapter is freaking creppy. The killer literally put them in a box, and wrote a note that said "Surprise". Freaking creepy as hell. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ Wow Carson is really invested in this murder. Stevie and him should get a long pretty well. (hide spoiler)]