The Last Laugh

In the dark and stunning sequel to The Initial Insult, award-winning author Mindy McGinnis concludes this suspenseful YA duology as long-held family secrets finally come to light . . . changing Amontillado forevermore. Perfect for fans of Truly Devious and Sadie!

Tress Montor murdered Felicity Turnado—but she might not have to live with the guilt for long. With an infected arm held together by duct tape, the panther who clawed her open on the loose, and the whole town on the hunt for the lost homecoming queen, the odds are stacked against Tress. As her mind slides deeper into delirium, Tress is haunted by the growing sound of Felicity’s heartbeat pulsing from the “best friend” charm around her fevered neck.

Ribbit Usher has been a punchline his whole life—from his nickname to his latest turn as the unwitting star of a humiliating viral video. In the past he’s willingly played the fool, but now it’s time to fulfill his destiny. That means saving the girl, so that Felicity can take her place at his side and Ribbit can exact revenge on all who have done him wrong—which includes his cousin, Tress. Ribbit is held by a pact he made with his mother long ago, a pact that must be delivered upon in four days.

With time ticking down and an enemy she considers a friend lurking in the shadows, Tress’s grip on reality is failing. Can she keep both mind and body together long enough to finally find out what happened to her parents?

* Junior Library Guild selection * A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Title * A Kirkus Best Book of the Year *

• Modern Poe Retelling: Welcome to Amontillado, Ohio. In a town haunted by the names of Usher and Montor, a new cask of secrets is about to be opened.
• Multiple POV: Follow Tress, the murderer haunted by guilt and a festering wound, and her cousin Ribbit, a boy desperate for revenge after a humiliating viral video goes global.
• Unreliable Narrator: As Tress’s infection deepens, her grip on reality slips. Is the heartbeat from Felicity’s charm real, or is she losing her mind while a panther stalks the woods?
• Dark Family Secrets: Tress is desperate to learn the truth about her parents’ disappearance. But in Amontillado, some secrets are best left buried.