The Tontine Caper

Publication Date: April 22, 2025
llustrated by Matt Schu

Eleven-year-old orphan Nico Lombardi has been unfairly indentured as a servant at a remote mountain inn for five years, working off a DEBT he can never repay.

Just as Nico decides to escape the dastardly inn-keeper by pilfering valuable items from the guests, the inn gets booked by the remaining members of a “tontine,” an investment scheme where a cash prize is awarded to whomever lives the longest. Every guest wants access to the fortune. Preferably as soon as possible and by any means necessary.

Arch humor and a cast of strange and calculating characters keep the pages turning in this Wes Anderson-esque mystery filled with midnight shenanigans and comically disastrous plots. After all, what would you do for $150,000?

With illustrations, a hotel map, character dossiers, a personality quiz, and a test to see how YOU would fare in a tontine caper, this read is perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and The 39 Clues series.

Reviews & Honors

“Tiptoeing toward truth without any on-page murder, this middle-grade novel mixes Clue, The Westing Game, and Knives Out with a cast of unique characters of all ages. With fast-paced chapters, character illustrations, and intriguing mysteries to unwind and unlock, the Tontine Caper brings Salerni’s unique voice, lilting prose, and curiosity to this historical mystery, which feels like it could be set just off the trail of the modern day Poconos.” ~ Booklist

“The distinct, eccentric characters—some lovable, some loathsome, and some in the middle—are all intriguing as readers catch glimpses into what they’re each scheming. The historical setting is necessary for some plot points, but mostly this reads like a modern or timeless story focused on the characters and their antics. Charming, droll, and widely appealing.” ~ Kirkus

“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.” ~ Publishers Weekly

• Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection 2025