Overview

A trendy, fast-paced mystery for fans of the Knives Out movies as well as Netflix's The Residence. Video game streamer Fallon joins a 1920s-themed murder mystery game, and the only thing more important than figuring out whodunit is who has the most fans. When seventeen-year-old up-and-coming video game streamer and content creator, Fallon, earns a coveted spot in the new murder-mystery reality game, SleuthIt, her objective seems pretty straightforward- play the game, solve the mystery, and win the million-dollar prize. The fact that she'll do it all on livestream with seven other young content creators only makes things better-after all, increased exposure is influencer gold, and winning will catapult her gaming channel to the next level. But unbeknownst to each other, the contestants are interconnected, and when one of them turns out to be Fallon's online gaming partner, Dante, she starts to doubt the objective of the game. The intrigue runs much deeper than Fallon ever thought-the eight contestants chosen for the show are not the only players in the game, and the interlopers have hidden agendas and competing interests. As secrets come out and the lines between ally and adversary blur, Fallon will have to figure out what game she's really playing, who might be playing her, and what she's willing to sacrifice in pursuit of fame and fortune. Because, in the end, no one can have it all. ""Utterly original and so fun to read! I couldn't resist the fun premise, and Richards delivers with a ton of wit and depth."" -Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Dial A For Aunties ""Last to Leave is a delightfully smart and entertaining caper with an engaging ensemble cast that jumps off the page. It's also a love letter to online gaming, family, and friendship that wears its heart on its sleeve while holding its clues behind its back. I loved this modern twist on a classic game of Clue, which kept me guessing, gasping, and frantically turning pages all the way until the final reveal."" -Lauren Thoman, author of You Shouldn't Be Here

Full Product Details

9781623546373

Table of Contents

Reviews

Seventeen-year-old streamer Fallon May has a complicated home life. She might be just an “average white girl from middle-of-nowhere USA,” but her mother is in rehab, and she’s currently sleeping on her brother’s couch. With her college fund going to her mom’s stint in Hope House, Fallon is counting on money from her gaming channel to pay for her future. The opportunity of a lifetime arises when she’s selected, along with other up-and-coming streamers and influencers, to participate in SleuthIt, a live-action Clue-like mystery game with a million-dollar prize at stake. In a mansion littered with clues and red herrings, the eight racially diverse young participants—Fallon, A’Nyah, Connor, Dante, Flip, Hudson, Macie, and Ravi—are assigned alter egos and backstories to fit the 1920s-themed murder mystery. They must solve the mystery while entertaining the viewers or risk getting sent home. Fallon thinks there’s more going on beneath the surface: Why do the contestants seem to have previous drama with each other, and why do the clues seem to change? Although the premise of a mystery reality show is engaging, the execution is convoluted, making the characterization the real star. Fallon’s journey from being distrustful, angry, and lonely to developing real self-awareness—plus the sweet romance that develops between her and a fellow contestant—will keep the pages turning and readers rooting for her happiness and success. A mystery that stands out due to its strong character growth. —Kirkus Reviews Fallon is a rising video gamer and content creator who applies to a murder-mystery-themed reality competition hoping to grow her audience and win a million-dollar prize. When she’s selected, Fallon discovers the game is a fully immersive, live-streamed experience set in the 1920s, centered on the murder of Ms. Cherry. SleuthIt unfolds inside a sprawling mansion, where Fallon and seven other content creators compete by uncovering clues, forging alliances, and staying in character throughout the game, all while letting fans in on their every move. As the competition intensifies, Fallon begins to realize that there’s far more at stake than solving a fictional crime. Caught among rival players, a demanding audience, and her drive to win, she unexpectedly discovers deeper truths about herself along the way. Richards has crafted a classic whodunit that immerses readers in a game of Clue reimagined through the eyes of modern content creators. This innovative blend of live-streaming culture with a fictional murder mystery set in the 1920s creates a fresh and compelling narrative. While the novel may particularly resonate with a younger YA audience, older mystery fans will find themselves eagerly solving the game alongside the characters. Beyond the competition ­itself, the story reveals ­unexpected emotional depth, exploring Fallon’s personal struggles and the lingering ghosts of her past. ­Fallon is presumed white, while the supporting competitors of the game represent a range of diverse backgrounds. VERDICT Highly entertaining and immersive, this murder-mystery will captivate genre fans as well as readers drawn to influencer culture and gaming. ­Recommended. —School Library Journal

Seventeen-year-old streamer Fallon May has a complicated home life. She might be just an “average white girl from middle-of-nowhere USA,” but her mother is in rehab, and she’s currently sleeping on her brother’s couch. With her college fund going to her mom’s stint in Hope House, Fallon is counting on money from her gaming channel to pay for her future. The opportunity of a lifetime arises when she’s selected, along with other up-and-coming streamers and influencers, to participate in SleuthIt, a live-action Clue-like mystery game with a million-dollar prize at stake. In a mansion littered with clues and red herrings, the eight racially diverse young participants—Fallon, A’Nyah, Connor, Dante, Flip, Hudson, Macie, and Ravi—are assigned alter egos and backstories to fit the 1920s-themed murder mystery. They must solve the mystery while entertaining the viewers or risk getting sent home. Fallon thinks there’s more going on beneath the surface: Why do the contestants seem to have previous drama with each other, and why do the clues seem to change? Although the premise of a mystery reality show is engaging, the execution is convoluted, making the characterization the real star. Fallon’s journey from being distrustful, angry, and lonely to developing real self-awareness—plus the sweet romance that develops between her and a fellow contestant—will keep the pages turning and readers rooting for her happiness and success. A mystery that stands out due to its strong character growth. —Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

Teresa Richards writes young-adult fiction and is a member of SCBWI and the Storymakers Guild. She's a California girl in Kentucky and loves hiking, playing the piano, and impromptu dance parties. Teresa and her husband have five kids and an anxious dog. When she's not busy writing or momming, she's probably singing or hiding in the house with a treat she's not planning to share. She's the author of Emerald Bound and Flippin' Skaters, and Last to Leave is her hardcover debut.

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