Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what YA mystery should be: smart without being pretentious, dark without being gratuitous, and engaging without relying on love triangles to carry the plot.

Maureen Johnson clearly respects her teen readers' intelligence. The dual-timeline structure is ambitious, the clues are fair (you can actually solve along), and Stevie is the kind of protagonist who uses her brain as her superpower. The Ellingham Academy setting is deliciously atmospheric—a school literally designed as a puzzle is such a perfect backdrop for a mystery series.

The main caveat: this is a murder mystery, full stop. A student dies, there's a historical kidnapping/murder, and the whole vibe is true-crime podcast energy. It's handled in a YA-appropriate way (no gore, no graphic violence), but sensitive readers might find it intense. Also, it ends on a cliffhanger, so budget for the whole trilogy.

For teens who devour true crime content, love puzzles, or just want a smart page-turner that doesn't insult their intelligence, this is a solid pick. It's not going to change their life, but it'll keep them reading past bedtime, and that's worth something.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, though mystery-loving 12-year-olds who can handle murder themes would likely be fine. The writing is accessible and the mystery structure keeps pages turning, making it perfect for reluctant readers who think they don't like books.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

A mystery that centers on problem-solving and intellectual curiosity rather than violence or romance. The protagonist is driven, ambitious, and uses her mind to tackle challenges. Some teen relationship dynamics and a death occurs (Hayes' murder), but the tone remains focused on detective work. Models perseverance and critical thinking, though the murder mystery premise inherently involves darker themes.

Imaginative

88

Dual-timeline mystery structure is clever and engaging, weaving a 1930s cold case with present-day murders. The Ellingham Academy setting—a school designed as a puzzle with riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens—is wonderfully inventive. Stevie's amateur detective work invites readers to piece together clues alongside her. The 'Truly Devious' riddle itself is a creative hook that drives the narrative.

Safe

72

Appropriate for the YA audience (13+) but contains murders (including a student death at the school), kidnapping, and true crime elements that could be intense for younger or sensitive readers. Web search confirms parents recommend age 13+. No graphic violence, sexual content is minimal (some romance/kissing based on reviews), and language appears clean. The mystery premise is dark but handled in a YA-appropriate way without gratuitous detail.

Enriching

82

Encourages critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and attention to detail as readers follow the mystery. The dual-timeline structure teaches historical context (1930s America, the Depression era) while the protagonist's passion for true crime and forensics could spark interest in criminology. Character development around anxiety (Stevie has anxiety) provides representation. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply educational—it's a page-turner first, learning experience second.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely smart mystery that doesn't talk down to teens—you get to puzzle alongside Stevie as she connects dots across two timelines
Ellingham Academy is boarding school goals: a campus literally designed as a giant puzzle with secret passages and riddles everywhere
Stevie Bell is a refreshingly driven protagonist who channels her anxiety into detective work rather than romance drama
The 1930s cold case (kidnapping of the founder's wife and daughter) is genuinely intriguing and well-researched
Award-winning and beloved by the YA community—this hit multiple best-of-year lists for good reason

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What to Watch For

A student dies at the school in present day, and the historical case involves kidnapping and murder—not graphic, but definitely not light reading
This is book one of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for your kid to immediately demand books 2 and 3
Stevie has anxiety and it's portrayed realistically, which is great representation but might hit close to home for some readers
The mystery is the star here—character development and relationships are secondary, so if your kid wants deep emotional arcs, this might feel a bit plot-driven

Conversation Starters

"If you could design a school around one subject or interest (like Ellingham is built around puzzles), what would yours be?"
"Stevie is obsessed with true crime—what's something you're passionate enough about that you'd want to study it for years?"
"The book jumps between the 1930s case and the present-day mystery. Did you prefer one timeline over the other?"
"Would you want to go to a boarding school like Ellingham? What would be the best and worst parts?"

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