Last Shot by John Feinstein enjoys praise for its engaging, sports-focused mystery that appeals to young readers, though some critics find the plot predictable. The characters and setting, deeply rooted in the basketball world, resonate well with sports enthusiasts, yet the writing sometimes lacks depth. Overall, it’s a thrilling read for middle-grade audiences.

Readers who appreciate Last Shot by John Feinstein are likely sports enthusiasts, particularly of basketball, and enjoy young adult mysteries. Comparable to fans of Mike Lupica’s Travel Team and Tim Green’s Football Genius, they seek engaging stories with a blend of sports action and investigative intrigue.

In John Feinstein’s novel Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, young journalists Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson uncover a plot to fix the 2005 college basketball Final Four while reporting on the event in New Orleans. As they investigate, they navigate various challenges, ultimately exposing the scheme and ensuring the integrity of the sport. The book explores themes such as teamwork, the influence of money on ethics, and the power of media. The story includes themes of blackmail and implications of violence.

**Steven Thomas / Stevie**  
Stevie is the main character, a determined 13-year-old who aspires to be a top college basketball journalist. His journey primarily involves learning about the complexities of college basketball and developing his relationship with Susan Carol.

**Susan Carol Anderson**  
Susan Carol is a confident and mature 13-year-old aspiring journalist who works alongside Stevie during the championship event. She uses her charm and intelligence to navigate the challenges they face.

**Chip Graber**  
Chip is a star college basketball player for Minnesota State, who becomes central to the mystery Stevie and Susan Carol attempt to solve. His character is initially mysterious, and he works closely with the young reporters.

**Benjamin Wojenski**  
Wojenski is a former dean associated with Minnesota State, whose character plays a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery.

**Steve Jurgensen**  
Jurgensen is perceived as a threatening figure but ultimately becomes an ally to Stevie and Susan Carol. His character's evolution is central to the plot's mystery.

**Thomas R. Whiting**  
Whiting is a professor and the faculty representative for Minnesota State's athletic department, involved in the scheme affecting Chip.

**Stuart M. Feeley**  
Feeley is a wealthy individual whose financial issues lead him to be involved in the storyline's intrigue.

**Tony Kornheiser**  
Kornheiser is a real-life sports journalist whose fictionalized version in the story interacts with Stevie, reflecting themes of journalism and media.

**Mike Krzyzewski / Coach K**  
Coach K is the real-life Duke coach depicted in the story, offering an insight into the contrast between perception and reality.

**Dick Vitale**  
Vitale is a real-life sports personality characterized by his exuberant and larger-than-life persona.

**Dick Weiss**  
Weiss is a real-life sportswriter acting as a mentor to Stevie during the championship.

**Bill Brill**  
Brill is another real-life sportswriter who mentors Susan Carol, supporting her understanding of college basketball.

**Bill Thomas**  
Thomas is Stevie's supportive father who accompanies him on the trip and offers guidance on his interactions with Susan Carol.

**Don Anderson**  
Anderson is Susan Carol's father, a minister, who is supportive and trusting of his daughter's endeavors.

**Earl Koheen**  
Koheen is the president of Minnesota State, whose aspirations make him a key figure in the narrative.

**Rick Applebaum**  
Applebaum is an FBI agent representing law enforcement figures in the story.

**Gary**  
Gary is Feeley's assistant whose character adds an element of unpredictability to the unfolding events.

**Alan Graber**  
Alan is Chip's father and coach of Minnesota State, whose integrity is important to Chip and the story's developments.

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