Truly Devious (2021) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The sexual content in this novel is mild and typical for young adult fiction, focusing on budding teen attraction and romantic tension. Characters like Stevie Bell and David Eastman share awkward glances, flirtatious banter, and a few instances of light kissing. There are no descriptions of sexual encounters or explicit anatomy; the focus remains on the emotional development of the relationship. Minor characters mention crushes or dating, but the mystery and intellectual pursuits take precedence over physical…

Violence centers on two distinct timelines: a 1930s kidnapping and a present-day accidental death that may be murder. Historical scenes describe the disappearance of Iris and Alice Ellingham and the discovery of a body in the woods, though these are not graphically depicted. In the present, a character named Hayes Major dies in a tunnel under suspicious circumstances, involving dry ice and suffocation. While the discovery of the body is tense and somber, the author avoids gore and focuses more on the forensic and…

The language is moderate with occasional use of profanity common in contemporary YA literature. Words such as 'sh*t,' 'hell,' 'damn,' 'ass,' and 'bastard' appear periodically throughout the dialogue between the students at Ellingham Academy. There is also occasional use of 'b*tch' and 'f*ck' but these are not used frequently or with aggressive intent. Most of the dialogue is academic or focused on the mystery, making the swearing feel reflective of modern teenage speech patterns. Younger readers may find the…

Substance use is present but portrayed as a rebellious or casual activity among the elite students rather than a central plot point. There are specific references to students drinking alcohol at a party and characters mentioning the use of marijuana, specifically in relation to Hayes and his social circle. Some scenes depict the after-effects of drinking, such as hangovers or sluggish behavior the next morning. However, the protagonist, Stevie, does not participate in these activities, maintaining an analytical…

The novel explores heavy themes including kidnapping, child disappearance, and the psychological impact of unsolved crimes. A significant focus is placed on Stevie Bell’s generalized anxiety disorder and her frequent, realistic panic attacks, which are handled with sensitivity and detail. There is an overarching theme of grief as the campus reacts to the sudden death of a classmate and the historical loss of a family. Social dynamics, the pressure of being 'gifted,' and the ethics of true-crime obsession are also…