A contemporary look at the Cask of Amontillado and a vivid portrayal of how friendship and betrayal can go horribly wrong for both parties. McGinnis has a talent for character, highlighting how those with despicable character are often masking inner struggles in order to survive. The tension between our two former friends as one gets bricked into the cellar, holds you until the very end. And you're still not sure if Tress will go through with it! The addition of the panther was an odd choice, but those chapters allow us to see a part of Tress's past that provides answers to questionable actions. It's role in The Initial Insult has a deep impact on the events of The Last Laugh. Recommended Grades 10+ for horror fans, those who can't get enough friend drama, and fans of Edgar Allan Poe.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Loved this one! Mindy McGinnis is quickly becoming a favorite for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

Mindy McGinnis is one of my favorite authors but this book was admittedly, kind of silly. Nevertheless, I do plan on reading the sequel.

Classic Mindy McGinnis--great characters, untenable situations--all wrapped in a creative homage to Edgar Allan Poe. Teen readers are absolutely eating this one up. This is a title we are considering as a possible 2024 Evergreen Teen Book Award nominee.

Thrilled that this is a duology. While adults may worry when kids pick up a dark/twisted book, KIDS LOVE THEM and devour them. I think the dark elements of this book will hook lots of kids and allow them to grapple with difficult things in life. Mindy McGinnis is a great author and I hope to read more of her books in the future.

This book was so intense and I loved it! As a fan of Poe's original story, I loved all of the references and I thought the way that McGinnis modernized the story was ingenius. Setting up the two main characters as former best friends with a complicated, sinister history between them realistically set the stage for the level of revenge needed in this story. Adding the flu component mirrored the plague element of the original story beautifully. The class separation was distinct and poignant, and the addition of the local family zoo was an unexpected twist. I was not prepared for such a major cliffhanger though! Be prepared to run out and grab book two immediately after reading book one.

Teens are going to eat this up!

I enjoyed this book. the writing style, the plot, and the characters were unique! This has gained popularity sicne it came out, and I'm glad that is has.

Mindy does it again with another gripping story with some strong female leads doing some morally gray things. Her novel “The Female of the Species” is my go to recommendation for high flying 8th graders who want something gritty. I’m excited to share “The Initial Insult” with my 9th graders after they read “the Cask of Amontillado” during their short story unit for ELA. This is a great retelling with a decidedly modern edge. I’m very excited for the sequel! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I purchased this book for my high school library. My students have enjoyed it. and it has circulated well.

When you pick up this book make sure you have a clear schedule. I could not put it down. McGinnis masterfully tells a story from three very different points of view without things become confusing or muddled. The setting and plot is very realistic. The best part is the subtle Poe references throughout.

I have elected not to read and review this book due to time constraints. Thank you for the opportunity.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Initial Insult. A blend of Poe and Mindy McGinnis's signature discomfort factor, I know this one will fly off the shelves with my students! Looking forward to reading The Last Laugh as well!

I found this book strange and underwhelming although I know there is an audience for it and look forward to recommending it to readers who would Enjoy it.

WOW WOW WOW. I couldn't stop flipping the pages as I was reading. This is a thriller that will stick with me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I am so very excited to recommend this one to thriller lovers at my library.

I am just not a fan of YA mysteries anymore. This was an okay story but I ended up just not caring.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book feels a little like Edgar Allan Poe in a modern setting with a little bit of bad families and small-town drama thrown in. Can't wait for the sequel.

Another killer novel by Mindy McGinnis!

Well-written and terrifying. Mindy knows her stuff! I'm so excited to real the sequel!

I am disappointed with this book. I was expecting one thing and received another. It had potential but it was not well written.

This is a book that really keeps you on your toes until the final moments. I think readers of all genre interests would enjoy this story as well. Mindy McGinnis has quickly become one of my favorite new authors and for good reason!