I am definitely not the target demographic for this book, but it's still a solid thriller. Tiffany D. Jackson will always give you a good suspense story and her first foray into the middle grade level did not disappoint.

Tiffany D. Jackson is that author—every time she drops a book, I’m already mentally clearing my schedule. She’s been an auto-buy for me for years, and the second I got my hands on an advance reader’s copy of Blood in the Water, I was absolutely stoked.

Even though I wasn’t able to finish the ARC before it expired (life got in the way—don’t judge me!), I still wanted to leave a note of appreciation. Jackson’s signature voice is as sharp, immersive, and bold as ever. Her ability to blend suspense with layered social commentary is unmatched. From what I did read, it was already clear this book is about to take readers on another unforgettable, twisty, heart-wrenching ride—and I cannot wait to dive in once I have a full copy in hand.

Tiffany D. Jackson never misses. I’ll be first in line on release day.

Loved this middle grade debut by Tiffany Jackson. I haven't read any of her titles before, though I have seen they're popular on bookstagram. I flew through this in a weekend and would definitely recommend as a page-turning beach read. Though the characters are younger, the tone doesn't read as immature and they are still likeable even though I'm over double their age. No content that is too intense in nature and the Martha's Vineyard setting is perfect for summer.

This book is a RIDE! Although the intended audience is middle grades, the story is engaging and keeps you wanting to find out whodunit. Things and people are not always what they seem. Tiffany D. Jackson has entered a new realm of storytelling, and I think the kids are going to eat this up!

Okay wow! First of all, I’m an idiot. I saw Tiffany D Jackson’s name and immediately requested this on NetGalley. I didn’t realize it was her first book for middle schoolers! But don’t let that stop you, this had the same amount of twists as a YA or adult family drama/ thriller.

This book follows Kaylani who is struggling with the recent incarceration of her dad and being shipped off to Martha’s Vineyard to spend time with a family friend for the summer. She used to be friends with London Watson, but they grew apart and that girl is SPOILED and EVIL. While they’re all staying at Londons grandparents’ historic home, a local teenager is found dead on the small island. The girls all get involved in the case for different reasons and Kaylani is determined to find out what happened and make it off this messed up island.

Loved how observant Kaylani was. I would’ve beat London and Cassie’s a** the first time they talked to me like that. Would highly recommend for anyone who doesn’t love the super gory aspects of thrillers!! Anything by Tiffany D Jackson is a hit - thank you net galley and Scholastic for this copy!!

Kayla I is going to spend the summer in Martha’s Vineyard with family friends after her dad gets lock up for embezzlement. But soon there is a murder and more mystery. Jackson does a good job in her middle grade debut writing an age appropriate murder mystery. It wrapped up a bit too neatly for me but the target audience will likely enjoy it. Lots of great Black history tidbits too.

Jackson’s first venture into the middle grade genre and what a fun time it is! Eerie, atmospheric and full of complex characters like all her others, but with the perfect middle grade voice. Kaylani was so freaking cool. I loved her confidence in herself and how she refused to let London make her feel lesser than. I loved her inquisitiveness and how observant she was! Maybe a little too trusting at times, but that felt right for her age. I did think it could have been a bit longer to kind of flesh out a few of the details in the end because there were a few that were really interesting, but felt a little thrown in there without much context. I still really enjoyed it and thought it was a fun summer read!

Thank you to Scholastic Press for the digital reader’s copy!

Kaylani's father has recently been sent to prison, and now she is forced to leave Brooklyn to spend the summer on Martha's Vineyard with some family friends. She's initially hesitant and despite not fitting in right away, she starts to eventually connect with some of the local teens. However, a mysterious death that is declared a shark attack seems suspicious, so Kaylani decides to investigate. As she digs deeper, she uncovers sinister truths and secrets that will change her life forever.

This one is really hard for me to rate. When I was still a middle school teacher, I read a lot more in this genre so that I could help connect kids with books that resonated with them. However, Tiffany Jackson is an auto-read author for me, so I knew I wanted to read this one. On a personal level, I struggled to connect to this book because of the intentional simplicity of the writing to appeal to middle school aged kids. However, through an objective lens, this is a great book that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do for a middle grade audience. It has dramatic teenagers, a summer adventure, family secrets, and an engaging plot. Tiffany Jackson once again centers the experience of Black teenagers, and weaves social justice into the pages exceptionally well. This book offers a developmentally appropriate way for kids/teens to engage with social justice discourse around race, police, and socioeconomic status. I couldn't give it 5 stars, just because it is just a little simple, but I can easily give it 4 stars for its contribution to expanding diverse middle grade literature.

Thank you NetGalley & Scholastic! Love this author and her writing style. I was completely wrapped up in this middle grade thriller! Kaylani is fierce, confident, observant and she’s alllll about her father’s innocence, we love it! #thatsonFAMILY. In a suspicious environment that constantly reminded her that she doesn’t belong, she kept it 100 and didn’t see a need to fit in with London or allow herself to be bullied by Cassie. Along with a good thrill, readers can expect to continuously root for our main character!

I did read this because I love Tiffany D. Jackson. I am not the target demographic, but overall I really enjoyed this book and think this would go over really well with a middle school audience! If you want a mystery/thriller to give to a middle schooler, this would be great.

The goods:
- I thought the prison subplot with Kaylani's dad was an interesting aspect to introduce in this book. Kaylani's motivations were clear and it helped her character be consistent.
- The introduction to the center mystery was done well and age appropriately. I was even hooked from that moment on!
- The family dynamics of the family Kaylani was staying with definitely added to the tension of the story, while also feeling realistic.
- I also like the tie in to the sharks with the title, they were definitely present here and there in the book which was nice to see!

The loss of a star:
- I will say, I wish there was a bit more hinting at the end? It felt a bit random and I feel like I still couldn't see the clues that were laid before the reveal.

Overall, if you have a middle schooler that wants to try a mystery/thriller, this would be a great first recommendation for them!

“Blood In The Water” by Tiffany D. Jackson is an extraordinary piece of literature that transcends its intended middle school audience. While marketed for younger readers, the novel captivates and resonates with readers of all ages due to its profound themes and compelling narrative.

At the heart of the story is Kaylani, a character whose journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Throughout the novel, Kaylani faces numerous trials that test her strength, courage, and moral compass. Despite these formidable challenges, her unwavering values act as her guiding light, keeping her grounded and ultimately saving her in countless ways. Jackson masterfully demonstrates how Kaylani’s integrity and resilience become her most potent survival tools, making her an unforgettable protagonist.

The setting of Martha’s Vineyard adds an intriguing layer of mystery and atmosphere to the story. Its seemingly idyllic charm hides dark secrets beneath the surface, mirroring the novel’s central themes of hidden truths and personal discovery. The element of sharks is woven seamlessly into the narrative, symbolizing both literal and metaphorical dangers lurking beneath calm exteriors. This motif amplifies the tension, serving as a constant reminder of the unseen threats Kaylani must navigate.

A compelling aspect of the novel is the contrast between Kaylani’s family and the Watsons. While Kaylani’s family is nurturing, grounded in strong values, and unified by love and support, the Watsons present a more complex dynamic filled with secrets and unspoken tensions. This difference highlights the varying ways families cope with adversity and the impact of familial relationships on personal growth.

Adding to the novel’s gripping quality is a plot twist that redefines the reader’s understanding of key events and character motivations. This unexpected revelation not only intensifies the emotional stakes but also challenges Kaylani’s perceptions, pushing her to confront truths she had not anticipated.

In conclusion, “Blood In The Water” is more than just a middle-grade novel; it’s a powerful exploration of values, identity, and perseverance, set against the enigmatic backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard. Tiffany D. Jackson’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a story filled with heart, struggle, mystery, and triumph.

Absolutely amazing!
I love the mystery thriller.
I enjoy feeling like I’m a middle schooler reading this book.
Didn’t even feel like a YA book.
It was a fast paced, it was so engaging , a great fun read.
It was filled with suspense, fun moments and twists that will leave your mind wild.
This is a great book to kick off summer reading vibes.
I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard after reading this book, so much history to learn.
I love the dad & daughter relationship that Kaylani had with her dad. She is his biggest supporter and going to ride for him no matter what! I love that!


I love Tiffany. Thank you Scholastic for the arc

Amazing ! As a woman in her 30’s I did not feel like I was reading a middle grade book. Tiffany has done it again , edge of the seat read centered in Martha’s Vineyard. Learning the history that’s all throughout the story while going through this terrible “vacation” with Kaylani , it was so amazing.

This is my bestie's (in my head lol) middle grade debut and as always my girl did her thang! This is a fast paced young amateur detective story about Kaylani who has to spend the summer in Martha's Vineyard with a family she barely knows. But she would rather stay home and wait for her father's phone calls and study for her law camp entrance exam. When she arrives there she's forced to befriend two stuck up sisters who want nothing to do with the girl from Brooklyn. But when the popular boy goes missing, Kaylant is the only one smart enough to know something isn't right with the wealthy people on the island.
@writeinbk sticks to the writing style we love her for with social commentary weaved into an intriguing plot but crafted for younger readers. I loved the history of Black presence in Martha's Vinyard. She also did a great job with conveying the nuance of preteens.
London was getting on my nerves but I understood she was just trying to fit in. Kaylani was smart and aware of her surroundings just like a true Brooklyn girl! Definitely gift this book to the young ones in your lives and for yourself!
Thank you @netgalley and publishers for digital ARC and a chance to read and review

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson is a middle grade debut that delivers. I’ll read anything Tiffany writes, and once again, she nails it- this time with a sharp, heart-filled mystery set against the backdrop of sun-drenched Martha’s Vineyard.

We follow Kaylani, a Brooklyn girl who’s reluctantly sent to spend the summer with family friends on the Vineyard while navigating her feelings about her incarcerated father. But what should’ve been a peaceful escape quickly shifts into something darker when a local teen turns up dead, and Kaylani finds herself pulled into the center of a possible murder investigation.

This story blends real-world issues- class, incarceration, and identity- with a twisty plot that never talks down to younger readers. Kaylani is a standout: observant, determined, and fiercely loyal. I loved watching her grow, question the world around her, and challenge what she thought she knew.

The setting is so vivid, you can almost feel the salty breeze and hear the waves in the background. It’s layered, atmospheric, and quietly suspenseful in all the best ways. Whether you’re a middle grade reader or just a forever fan of Tiffany D. Jackson like me, this book is a summer must-read.

Out July 1- definitely one to grab for your bookshelf (or your favorite middle grade reader’s!).

Tiffany D Jackson never disappoints, I'm buying everything she writes! This is her first middle school book (but reads like adult fiction!) It was such a good, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller! Loved the characters and the story's premise, and I enjoyed learning about Martha's Vineyard African American History. I hope to visit Oak Bluffs one day! 📚🤩 #Books #Thriller #Author #MarthaVineyard #OakBluffs #History #Fiction

👏🏾👏🏾✨Tiffany keeps you guessing until the end in her signature way. Engaged from start to finish. This is a great read for its intended audience, middle grade, AND up. At Martha’s Vineyard, for Kaylani it’s high-stakes. New environment. Surface-level shine. And serious consequences.

Thank you to @scholastic and NetGalley for the ARC! This is my fourth book by Tiffany D. Jackson, and I can confidently say she’s become an auto-read author for me.

Blood in the Water is a middle grade mystery-thriller set in Martha’s Vineyard. It follows 12 year old Kaylani, who is spending the summer on the island while her father is incarcerated. When a local teen washes ashore, Kaylani finds herself at the center of a mystery and decides to launch her own investigation.

I loved reading the author’s note and seeing that this is Tiffany’s first time writing for a middle grade audience (ages 9–12). Many of her previous novels tackle heavy, complex topics geared toward high schoolers and up, so I was curious how this would read as someone well beyond middle grade lol. But Tiffany did not disappoint. She does a great job balancing between suspense and mystery for younger readers, without watering down the story.

The pacing was great, the twists kept me hooked from start to finish, and I even enjoyed learning about Martha’s Vineyard. I can easily imagine 10 year old Mel loving this book.

Make sure you pick up your copy next week! 🥳

I will read anything Tiffany D. Jackson writes. She could rewrite a phone book and I'd read it.

Blood in the Water is the first middle grade novel by Jackson. Like many of her young adult novels, Blood in the Water deals with a mystery. The body of a young man is found on Martha's Vineyard. It didn't take long for what was presumed to be an accident to be quickly changed into a homicide inquiry. Kaylani is spending the summer on the Vineyard with the family her father knew growing up. Shortly after the homicide, Kaylani and a group of new friends search to find out who the killer is.

Although I guessed the killer before the end, I think it's a perfect beach read mystery book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Classism is a big component of the novel, which written in a way younger readers could grasp. I read this book in an afternoon and didn't want to put it down. Jackson has a way to completely grab your attention and transport you to the destinations in her novels. I'll be curious to see if she writes any more middle grade novels in the future or if she'll stick to primarily YA novels.

Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic Press for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

OMG!!! A Must read for sure for middle grade children. Even with this being her first book for this age group it was done very well. I loved that Kaylani showed resilience and perseverance with supporting her father and believing in his innocence. Kaylani was a strong, intuitive and detailed person. This story gives mystery and Kaylani is the detective sent off to relax from her father’s recent problems she is now faced with helping proving her innocence and then also helping friends solve a crime. This book had me trying to guess and solve the weapons, the mystery, the person in the pic and shocked at that the main culprit. I also loved the historical parts of Marthas Vineyard and the importance that it has for the Black community, that was a super bonus. I really loved this book and have added it to my son’s TBR (6th grader). This book is good for adults and children. Thank you NetGalley, Tiffany Jackson and Scholastic/Scholastic Press for the early review.