In this mystery-filled young adult novel, Carol Snow, author of “Bubble World,” showcases her wit and dry humor in “The Last Place on Earth,” which is as funny as it is fascinating.

Daisy Cruz is used to her best friend Henry skipping school for unnecessary sick days. What she isn’t used to is Henry not answering her texts and his entire family disappearing without notice.

At first Daisy thinks maybe it has something to do with their last awkward* meeting. But the longer Henry is missing, the more Daisy worries — especially when she finds a note on Henry’s desk that says “Save Me.” Was it a sudden relocation* because of witness protection? An alien abduction*? Something even less plausible*? Could it have something to do with all of her classmates that are getting sick?

Following Henry’s trail leads Daisy into California’s wilderness and straight to Henry’s (and his family’s) biggest secret.

This is a strange little book where the mystery surrounding a missing friend quickly turns into a story about a plague*, survival, doomsday preppers, and a really awkward first kiss. Daisy is an enterprising and sincere narrator as her search for Henry moves in unexpected directions. Her humor and the “will they or won’t they” romance she has with Henry keeps the plot moving and adds heart to this unusual story.

Fans of survival stories and post-apocalyptic* tales will like it.

(SD-Agencies)