The Last Kid Left

The minute he saw Emily Portis, Nick Toussaint knew it was love. Though Nick, 19, is three years older than Emily, their feelings are strong. But when readers first meet Nick, it's clear that things have gone wrong. Nick, exhausted, drunk, and hoping to reach the Mexican border, is driving an SUV with two corpses in the back. But during a moment's inattention, the car crashes into a neon cowgirl sign in New Jersey. Now Nick and Emily, who's back in their hometown of Claymore, NH, have a lot of explaining to do. But Nick is set on taking the blame. Newly retired police chief Martin Krug is convinced that the young man is innocent. But Nick is sent to Claymore to be tried, where the sheriff, Emily's father, is willing to accept Nick's guilt. Krug, though, takes an investigative job to find out the truth. Meanwhile, a floundering journalist from Claymore realizes that returning to her old high school could give her the best scoop. This is an excessively complicated novel, with subplots involving Emily's nude photos and Nick's alcoholic mother, all of which may distance teen readers from the epic love story. But those who enjoy twisted tales will appreciate these side trips.