Middle Grade Review: Blood in the Water

Kaylani's having a hard year. Her father's is in prison. Her friends have dropped her. Now it's summer. She's been invited to Martha's Vineyard for the summer with family friends. She's never been there before and she's not sure she really wants to go. But she goes for her father.

Oak Bluffs is nice; there are a lot of wealthy Black people with summer homes. Kaylani's staying with the Watsons and their two granddaughters. She's sharing a room with London. London is not thrilled with the idea, but she does show her guest around. 

The two girls run into London's older sister Cassie sneaking out to a party. They beg to go. The party gets busted up by the cops. Kaylani and London end up separated from Cassie on the way home. 

The next day, they learn about the death of a boy at the party. His death was made to look like an accident, but someone killed him. 

My Thoughts: I almost didn't read this one because it's described as a horror novel. And it's not. It's a thriller. I'm so glad that I read it because I tore through this book. I loved it. I loved that it was summer on Martha's Vineyard. I wanted to give Kaylani a hug for all the struggles. She was brave and strong; I admired her. I didn't like London or Cassie; they were jerks. But I did like Miles. I loved the cameo from the library. 

Cover Thoughts: So good!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended thriller for your middle grade school and public library collection.