The Tontine Caper

Salerni (The Carrefour Curse) utilizes an omniscient POV and remote mountain setting to recount 11-year-old Nicodemo “Nico” Lombardi’s attempts to flee his unfortunate living situation—efforts derailed by a comedic murder mystery. Ever since his beloved artist grandfather died five years earlier, indebted to Gunther Hogg, pompous owner of the Precipice Inn in the Pocono Mountains, Nico has been locked in indentured servitude. As Nico plots his departure, three parties arrive, hoping to settle their long-standing tontine, a scheme that awards a cash prize to the final living investor. The theatrical Deetlebaums want to end the tontine early and divide the $150,000 pot three ways, though the Von Topp family’s two teenagers are keen on instead acquiring half by removing feeble-looking Mr. Ames from the running. The topsy-turvy plot deftly balances guffaw-inducing humor and shocking revelations, and guilt-ridden Nico’s thieving from guests to finance his escape makes for an emotionally propulsive read. Stark ink illustrations by Schu (Star and the Maestro) elevate the suspenseful atmosphere. Nico has an “olive complexion”; the rest of the cast cues as white. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary. (Apr.)