Excellent middle grade novel.

I have long been a fan of Tiffany D. Jackson's young adult novels and was very excited to read this one. It has an engaging story sure to capture the interest of younger readers wanting a sophisticated, yet approachable mystery.

Kaylani McKinnon lives in Brooklyn and her father is in prison. She is headed to Martha's Vineyard for the summer to stay with some friends of their family. Just as Kaylani is settling in and attempting to make friends, an older teenager is found dead. Was it an accident? Shark attack? Or is something more sinister going on?

I warmed to Kaylani right away, and admired that she wanted to tell the truth and have the truth told to her. She's smart and doesn't suffer fools. I liked how the mystery is laid out within the story and how the twists helped keep the reader involved throughout. The solution to the mystery is surprising and I really liked the ending, it gave me a great feeling of satisfaction when everything came together.

Jackson's ability to communicate the nuances of class, race, and the stigma of having an incarcerated parent is brilliant, and she gives a true sense of place and setting that helps the reader to visualize what is happening in every scene. Even readers like me who have never been to Martha's Vineyard will be able to feel as if they are right there.

If you're a fan of this author, then make sure to pick this up for the tween and teen reader in your life--adults will probably enjoy this book as well. Maybe create a family book club to read and talk about this book this summer.

Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another emotional thriller with her first middle grades novel! I was so excited to read this novel and have an age appropriate Tiffany D. Jackson to hopefully add to my classroom library. Thank you to the publishers & NetGalley for the ARC; I will certainly be purchasing a copy for my classroom library when it becomes available.

Blood in the Water is set in Martha's Vineyard, where Kaylani, a girl from Brooklyn, will spend her summer. She is there to spend the summer with family friends in a town full of Black history. She feels that she does not fit in and aches to go home. However, when a popular teenager is found dead, Kaylani is determined to solve the mystery. While some think shark attack, she truly believes he was murdered. Her investigation leads her to uncover shocking secrets about the family she is staying with and her own life as she knows it. A wonderful, age appropriate mystery, with twists and turns to the very end.

I've enjoyed everything I've read by Tiffany D. Jackson so when I saw she was venturing into MG, AND saw the word "shark," I knew I wanted to give this one a go. I'm really glad I did but will say do not expect many sharks to pop up on this reading journey.

Kaylani's father has been recently incarcerated for a white-collar crime she knows he didn't commit. Family friends have offered to have Kaylani visit Martha's Vineyard for a few weeks while their grandchildren are visiting as they all used to be friends. However, London, who is Kaylani's age, has clearly adopted the Vineyard lifestyle and attitude and doesn't want to entertain her old friend for the summer. Soon after Kaylani's arrival, there is a mysterious death on the island. Chad used to date London's sister Cassie last summer. Initially they believe Chad was a victim of a shark attack but soon everyone learns that isn't the case. Kaylani and Chad's brother start investigating, but will they regret their actions and will one of them be the next victim?

I'm clearly not the target audience for this MG book but I have to admit, that didn't keep me from enjoying this thriller and experiencing a few "aha" moments while reading it. I loved Kaylani and how committed she is to prove her dad's innocence and even though London was an extremely annoying character, managed to show some character-growth as the novel progressed. For a MG book, the ending was kind of shocking, and my only real complaint is there wasn't enough sharks. However, sharks are referenced quite a bit and there are several mentions of the movie Jaws being filmed there so it was fitting for release this July.

If you enjoy MG thrillers or the author in general, I don't think you will go wrong by giving Blood in the Water a try. It's an extremely quick read and one I found quite enjoyable for my summer vacation.

Blood In the Water is Tiffany D. Jackson's middle grade debut. This book does what it set out to do. I think this will be an fun, creepy little murder mystery for it's intended age group. I liked the setting. I felt like I could visualize Martha's Vineyard as if I was there with Kaylani. The book does cover some serious themes but it's done in a way that is super age appropriate and relatable especially to anyone experiencing similar situations. Overall a quick, engaging, murder mystery. I ordered copies for my nieces who like to read as I am often on the lookout for age appropriate and fun books for the children in my life and I think they will love this one. The ending did feel a bit rushed but I was there for the twist and the ultimate reveal. The Watson's were something else. Themes/discussions of: incarcerated parent, race, class, privilege. Thank you to Scholastic and Netgalley for the eArc.

This book was so good and great for middle school age kids and older. I enjoyed the story and the mystery. I’ll be recommending this to every tween/teen I know. Tiffany is one of my favorite authors and I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed all of her other books!

I've been following Jackson for quite a while now. When I found out this was a middle grade, I was curious on how she'd mold her intense, horror heavy prose for a middle school audience. But, not too unsurprisingly, it worked for the most part.

As per usual, Jackson's prose is on point here. I particularly loved the details she put into describing Martha's Vineyard, for it was very clear she adored the place and wanted to showcase its Black history with great joy. I also loved Kaylani as the main character. Her struggles with her dad's false imprisonment and the skills of observation and lawyer thinking she displays throughout the story make her a strong lead for the kids reading this.

The big thing that brings this story down was the fact this should have been longer. There should have been more clues and buildup to the final reveal. I also think Kaylani and London's relationship should have more progression before the end, especially because London was pretty mean to Kaylani throughout a lot of the book; it was forgiven all too quick after the big climax. I just feel like middle school readers should be given a lot more credit, 'cause they probably have more fortitude to invest in longer books than adults nowadays.

All in all, this was a decently good middle grade debut for Jackson, and I can only hope she continues to write more for the demographic in the future.

Although I have only read a few books by Tiffany D. Jackson, I would consider her one of my favorite thriller/horror authors because one of her books got me back into reading in 2021 and was a 10⭐️ book for me.

‘Blood in the Water’ was no exception and was a fun read for the start of summer. Although this genre was middle grade and is not one that really aligns with my reading tastes at this time in my life, I still had fun. The book definitely evoked some emotions, albeit most of them being of anger 😂.

I do have just one critique, and it is that (in my own personal opinion,) the other genres listed that categorize the book do not match up. I did not get any thriller/horror vibes from this book at all, and to me it was simply more of a murder mystery.

Thank you so much to both Netgally and Scholastic Press for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Excellent ya mystery that reads like an adult book. Tiffany Jackson writing skills are top-notch and she addresses critical issues with clarity and ease for the reader. Also her writing style allowed me to visualize visiting Martha's Vineyard. 4.5 stars!!

Jackson pulled NO PUNCHES with this book!
I really enjoyed this book, loved the writing style and plot.
The characters were engaging and very entertaining.
A thrilling middle-grade mystery debut.
I can’t wait for my daughter to start reading these books!

Rating: 🥰/5
Source: #netgalley
Review: Tiffany D. Jackson is perfection - now in middle grade too. She writes characters you love to cheer for and ones you hate with everything in you so well. Again she’s taken tough subject matter and made it accessible to everyone.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻

4.5 Stars

Wow... I feel like Tiffany D Jackson can write anything at this point. I have read most of her books and I am never disappointed. This was such as solid debut into the middle grade genre. I really hope she continues as my children are starting to get to this age where we are moving up to middle grade books and its hard to figure out which ones to start with.

The setting of this book was great in Martha's vineyard. The bougie rich environment. This is supposed to be a time for Kaylani to enjoy the summer, rest and have some fun however it turns grim when a teenager turns up dead. This book then turns into a mystery/thriller as she tries to figure out what happened.

The pacing of this book is pretty well done. Except the ending did feel like it was a bit rushed. It might just be how the genre is, the books are not generally that long so at 270 pages it is a little difficult to pull off the perfect pacing. Giving enough detail but keeping the story moving along.

Once my kids are big enough I plan to add this to our list of middle grade books to read together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

This is my kind of beach read. An idyllic beach town, an endearing, memorable lead, and … a possible murder. Tiffany Jackson nails the middle grade voice (I loved Kaylani) and gives us a compelling mystery. It’s one of those books that immerses you in it’s setting. You feel like you’re there in Martha’s Vineyard with Kaylani. I also loved that the Jaws movie plays a part in this story (an iconic summer story on its own). This is Tiffany Jackson’s middle grade debut and I hope she writes many more like it!

PS The beach pictured is not Martha’s Vineyard, but it’ll have to do until I can visit one day!

Thanks to Scholastic Press and @netgalley for the ARC

———————

After Kaylani’s father goes to prison, her parents decide to send her to stay with old family friends, the Watsons, in Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. The trip is supposed to help Kaylani relax, be a kid, and have fun for the summer but between studying law to help her dad, and her mean girl hosts, London and Cassie, Kaylani’s not sure much fun will be had. Then a shocking death happens. Everyone claims it’s a shark attack but Kaylani suspects it’s something more sinister and is determined to solve the mystery.

Blood in the Water, Tiffany D. Jackson

This was a digital advanced reader copy that I received from NetGalley. This is Jackson's first foray in writing for middle grade audiences and she succeeds. Kaylani McKinnon is about to go spend part of her summer on Martha's Vineyard with family friends the Watsons, whom her father use to work for, but is currently imprison for embezzelment, but he and Kaylani both proclaim his innocense. The Watsons are a well to do african american family and shortly after she arrives a boy she just met and was the boyfriend of the Watson's granddaughter Cassie dies from a shark attack, but her investigative abilities kick in it is soon discovered that he was murdered. Kaylani works with Miles the brother of the murdered Chadwick Cooper and things are not what they appear on the island or with the Watsons. Recommend for 12-14 year olds who love realistic murder mysteries.

📚Target Age: 9-12
🍷Setting: Martha's Vinyard
❤️High stakes mystery/ Thriller
5🌟+ Book
This book is not just for the middle grades, it is great for anyone that loves suspense and thrillers.
Kaylani-- FMC, was determined to help free her dad, as well as since a murder of a friend on "cool guy," on Martha's Vineyard. Danger is closer than she thinks.
#ARC #Netgalley #BookReview #BookishBabe

At this point, I would read TDJ’s grocery list. This woman has written picture books, YA fiction, a YA biographical fiction, short stories in bios, and now a MG. She just doesn’t miss! And this one seemed like the perfect mix between mystery and MG murder lol You definitely won’t want to miss this one!

Kaylani doesn’t want to spend her summer at Martha’s Vineyard where the bougie are. She’d much rather stay home with her mom and talk to her dad when he can call. But no. Once she gets there she meets the Watsons and learns the rich history that can be found there. The shark attack that happens while she’s there tho? Completely unplanned.

Ok so I loved the mystery, but I did think the ending was abrupt. It was like here’s the whodunit, and then it’s over. It went so fast! But also, I’m not sure what else I would have added? TDJ is a beast and she can really write her ass off. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. And I actually learned a lot. She put so many facts in this book that I didn’t know about and ended up Googling.

The setting was amazing. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but I was born and raised on an island and I know the exact things she was dealing with. The summer people and the people who stay there year round, the things that only pop up during the summer, and so much more. It really made feel at home again. And yes I went to go look up the different things like the lobster ice cream and the Black History that was present in this. Definitely gave me everything that I needed to feel like I was on the island with them.

The characters were what made this story tho. I HATED London. Jackson wrote her too real because she annoyed the crap out of me. And what she did to Kaylani…. I do not condone violence, but please know that I will have been okay with whatever Kaylani had done to her lol And her sister was no better. Kaylani was the sweetest and she didn’t mess with anyone, but everyone was messing with her.

Kaylani was hella smart too. Idk how she figured out what happened and I didn’t. I thought for sure I had the right person. Definitely started figuring out what it was when she did lol Which is hilarious because I figured out all her YA books. This one is jaw dropping and has a creepy shark that I was terrified of while reading lol

This was so good. I can’t wait for tweens everywhere to get their hands on this to read and enjoy it. I need to know if y’all solve this like Kaylani did lol Because I was not prepared for what I found out.


Real Rating 4.5

I have been trying to read more middle grade books so I can recommend to our younger patrons. I was so excited to see that Tiffany D. Jackson was releasing a MG book. And it was so good! It had the perfect blend of mystery and action.

Loved it! It did start out slow, but not in a bad way. It kept me wanting to find out what is going on, what is going to happen next, when is the plot twist going to happen. Definitely kept me captivated and I read it in one sitting. It’s not over complicated to follow along which is great for middle schoolers

Jackson is about to become the Queen of Middle Grade horror with this one! This strikes the perfect balance between being a story about a gruesome murder, dangerous secrets, and the horrible things people will do for power and status within society while also giving Kaylani an authentic tween voice throughout.

The ultimate reveal of the murderer (and why) was delicious and there were some really good plot twists happening. Overall once started, this book was impossible to put down.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Scholastic, Scholastic Press in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t usually pick up middle grade novels, but I was all in for this one! The story was so well written for its intended audience, and it still had that signature Tiffany D. Jackson style that I love.

Kaylani made me want to pay closer attention to everything around me. She’s fearless, brave, and so sharp — I absolutely loved her character.

Even though I know it’s never the obvious character in a mystery, I still couldn’t figure out who was behind the murder!

I truly enjoyed this book and think everyone should give it a read. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to tell my husband we have to visit Martha’s Vineyard!

Thank you to Scholastic Press for the ARC!

I picked up this book expecting a thrilling summer YA read filled with actual sharks, but soon discovered that the sharks were more metaphorical than literal. Once I adjusted my expectations, I found the story had a deeper layer.
At its core, it's about a young woman named Kaylani, who is forced to deal with the fallout of decisions made by the adults in her life. When the wealthy island residents begin pointing fingers in her direction, Kaylani starts to uncover the disturbing truth behind why she was brought to this isolated place. This is a fantastic YA summer read with an incredible twist.


*Thank you to Tiffany D. Jackson, Scholastic Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.