The Tontine Caper

By: Jamie Steinberg

Eleven-year-old Nico Lombardi is an orphan who has been forced into servitude at a remote mountain inn after his grandfather passes away. He has dreams of escaping, but just as he is about to enact his plan the remaining family members that own a “tontine” book a stay at the inn. Whatever family members live the longest get a cash prize. When odd things begin happening during their visit, Nico finds himself in the middle of a family fight for financial control. The Tontine Caper by Dianne K. Salerni is a cute middle grade read that will entice anyone who loves a good mystery.

Nico has been tormented by the owner of The Precipice Inn for years now. Nico and his grandfather, a painter, had been staying there when his grandfather passed away, giving Gunther – the owner – the idea to make Nico work off his “debts” for room and board. Before Nico can finally break out of his servitude and runaway, the remaining members of a “tontine” (a common fund where shares increase upon the death of those involved until the final surviving member receives the whole amount of the income) come together at the inn to discuss terminating the scheme. With each party looking to access the fortune, as soon as possible, Nico finds himself in the middle of each person’s attempt at accessing the funds for their own financial gain.

Author Salerni crafts an intriguing story with an endearing character at the center. Readers desperately want Nico to make his way out of the mayhem, but you also enjoy uncovering the lengths the family staying at the inn will go to for the money. Add in some great drawings by illustrator Matt Schu who helps put a face to the characters involved to give a greater picture of the players at hand. Salerni also adds a sort of “choose your own adventure” option at the end of the book so readers can find out how they would fare in the caper. There is a little Q&A as well to determine which of the characters the reader most resembles.

Mystery fans will find themselves turning the pages of The Tontine Caper faster than the family can get their hands on the funds to dissolve it. Be ready to wrap your arms around Nico and hope that Salerni writes more in this series.