The Last Laugh

Written by Mindy McGinnis

Narrated by Lisa Flanagan, Matt Pittenger and Brittany Pressley

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 *

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063220959

Mindy McGinnis

Mindy McGinnis is the author of several young adult novels, including A Long Stretch of Bad Days, The Last Laugh, The Initial Insult, Heroine, The Female of the Species, and A Madness So Discreet, winner of an Edgar Award. She writes across multiple genres, including postapocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy. While her settings may change, you can always count on her books to deliver grit, truth, and an unflinching look at humanity and the world around us. Mindy lives in Ohio. You can visit her online at mindymcginnis.com.

Reviews for The Last Laugh

[Melissia Lenox · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the first book in this series but something was missing and held me back from 5⭐. McGinnis more than compensated with this book. She accomplished something that I have found even the very best writers struggle with at times— tying a story up well, ending it more than satisfactorily. So many books, especially in series, no matter how amazing the rest of the book might be, are brought to a tonally different, rushed conclusion. After riding so high on the first 9/10 of the book, many authors quickly turn off the lights and get ghost. McGinnis mastered ending a series without haste, without rushing to end it. Her characters are well fleshed out, 3D. I look forward to reading more of Mindy McGinnis' work.

[Melanie Beaulieu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Very raw. Keeps you engrossed until the very end .

[Michele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I always love Brittany Pressley—she has really opened my eyes to the timeless storytelling of Mindy McGinnis. I liked the modern touches of today interlaced with the darker elements of Poe’s style.