The Truly Devious case, an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936, has consumed Stevie for years. It is the very reason she came to the academy. Then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime. Stevie is willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious case. Even if it means making a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King. In addition, when Stevie finally returns, she returns to David: the guy she kissed, and the guy who lied about his identity, Edward King's son.