Kristen Arnett

Shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2025 'This novel is sweet, sexy, sad, articulate, and funny' VogueCherry Hendricks might be down on her luck, but she can write the book on what makes something funny: she's a professional clown who creates raucous, zany fun at gigs all over Orlando. Her life is a mess, but she's always hustling. Cherry's luck changes when she meets Margot the Magnificent - the most successful entertainer on the circuit. By pursuing Margot's mentorship and connections, Cherry is certain she can take her act to the next level. Plus, Margot is sexy as hell. But it's not long before Cherry must decide how much she's willing to risk for Margot, and for her own explosive new act. What kind of clown does she want to be under her costume?'Unique, weird as anything, but it's also so much deeper . . . While this book will make you laugh, the story is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings too' Daily Express'As much heart, humour, and gritty realness as can fit between two covers' People'A funny and heartfelt tale of one woman grappling with grief, love and how to move forward' New York Times

LONGLISTED FOR THE COMEDY WOMEN IN PRINT AWARD 2025From the New York Times bestselling author of Mostly Dead Things, a sparkling and funny new novel of entertainment, ambition, art, and love - for anyone who''s ever been called funny as an insultCherry Hendricks might be down on her luck, but she can write the book on what makes something funny: she''s a professional clown who creates raucous, zany fun at gigs all over Orlando. Between clowning and her shifts at an aquarium store for extra cash, she''s always hustling. Not to mention balancing her judgmental mother, her messy love life, and her equally messy community of fellow performers.Things start looking up when Cherry meets Margot the Magnificent - a much older lesbian magician - who seems to have worked out the lines between art, business, and life, and has a slick, successful career to prove it. With Margot''s mentorship and industry connections, Cherry is sure to take her art to the next level. Plus, Margot is sexy as hell. It''s not long before Cherry must decide how much she''s willing to risk for Margot and for her own explosive new act - and what kind of clown she wants to be under her suit. Equal parts bravado, tenderness and humour, and bursting with misfits, magicians and mimes, Stop Me If You''ve Heard This One is a masterpiece of comedic fiction that asks big questions about art and performance, friendship and community, and the importance of timing in jokes and in life.