Tiffany D. Jackson continues to prove that she is the true queen of YA….and now Middle Grade too. This book has some mystery, history, and summer fun with twists. You could read it all at once, as it is hard to put down. I think the protagonist, Kaylani, is admirable and has qualities I would want a middle school student to look up to. Entertaining, well-written, and easy to read.

I've enjoyed Tiffany D. Jackson's YA books, so I was excited to learn she wrote one for the middle grade audience! This is pretty suspenseful and twisty, and I think it will satisfy fans of The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown, which was the Mark Twain Award Winner in my state this year. I love that thrillers/horror are having a moment with middle grade kids, and they'll enjoy the suspense of following Kaylani's trip to Martha's Vineyard with a mysterious family and a murder to solve.

Blood in the Water is the first middle grade novel that I've read in a while, and I very much enjoyed Jackson's style being applied to this age group. The story focuses on Kaylani McKinnon and her visit to Martha's Vineyard to get away from her hometown of Brooklyn for the summer. However, her visit becomes tragic after the death of a young man - is it murder? A shark attack? And what does it have to do with her hosts and her father?

Jackson does an excellent job of creating a narrator who feels realistically middle grade. Although smart, Kaylani isn't always as mature as some of Jackson's other YA protagonists - at one point, she imagines meeting the Obamas and wonders if the former president could help pardon her dad (which an adult reader can recognize as a hopeful childish fantasy). Kaylani has a clear sense of self and of justice, and reading this as an adult, I could easily imagine a young reader identifying qualities in Kaylani that they want to develop within themself. The characters in the novel are complex; none of the characters are without depth and most have hidden motives and hopes that the reader discovers along with Kaylani.

This was a quick paced read and definitely worth it (especially if you catch the fun Martha's Vineyard references!)

Hey, hey, my favorites 😁 ❤️

Tiffany Jackson delivers another heart-pounding, thought-provoking masterpiece in Blood in the Water. This gripping novel explores themes of systemic racism, injustice, and survival through a compelling and tragic narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Jackson’s ability to blend suspense with deep emotional resonance is truly remarkable, as she highlights the dangerous truths that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary situations.

The story centers around an intense and devastating event, examining the ripples of trauma and the fight for truth. The characters are complex and layered, each dealing with their own personal struggles while navigating a world that is often unfair and unforgiving. The writing is sharp, emotional, and raw, making it impossible to put the book down.

Jackson doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, and Blood in the Water is no exception. It challenges readers to reflect on the societal issues it addresses, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. The pacing is perfect, and the twists and turns throughout the book will leave you reeling until the very last page.

I want to take a moment to thank NetGalley for providing me with a gifted copy of this incredible book. Tiffany Jackson has once again proven her place as one of the most powerful voices in contemporary literature. Blood in the Water is a must-read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. Highly recommend! ⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tiffany D. Jackson, known for her sharp, socially conscious YA work , makes a strong move into middle-grade fiction with Blood in the Water. The story follows Kaylani, who is invited to spend the summer on Martha’s Vineyard with family friends. Initially unsure of how she fits in, she finally begins to find her place, when suddenly the mysterious death of a beloved teen shocks the community. Determined to investigate, Kaylani and her new friends discover secrets that some people will go to dangerous lengths to keep hidden.


Jackson weaves real history into the mystery in a way that’s both natural and compelling. The island’s past becomes a crucial part of the present, enriching the story and educating the reader & the characters without slowing the plot. The setting is vivid and immersive, and I loved following Kaylani - a smart, curious, and observant protagonist.


One of the my favorite aspects of this book is how seamlessly the author adapts her writing for a younger audience. The writing is easily accessible for middle-grade readers, yet mature enough to keep adult readers fully engaged. There’s a sophistication to the plot and character development and Jackson’s signature style never feels "toned down”, just smartly adjusted for age-appropriate suspense. The thriller elements are well-calibrated for middle-grade readers. Keep in mind for more sensitive readers, there is a murder, but the content remains clean and appropriate, avoiding anything graphic or gratuitous. For young mystery and suspense readers looking beyond the world of Nancy Drew, this is a perfect next read.



Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tiffany Jackson keeps the twists and turns coming in this middle grade thriller. This book is just as gripping as her YA thrillers, but for a younger audience. Students who enjoy books like Spin by Lamar Giles will love this book.

Kaylani has been in a funk since her father went to prison. When she is invited to Martha's Vinyard for the summer she finds herself in whole new world of Black high society. When a popular teenager turns up dead in the water, Kaylani uses her powers of observation to try and crack the case. She uncovers surprising connections between the crime, her hosts, and her father's case.

Blood in the Water is an engaging and fast paced middle grade murder mystery. It is perfect for mystery fans who are ready for greater stakes and grimmer stories.

Arc Review: NetGalley
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
No spoilers (Whatever I mention will also be in the book’s summary)

You are probably thinking, dude, why are you reading a middle-grade mystery novel? I’m glad you asked that question. I requested it for three reasons:

1. The author is Tiffany D. Jackson
2. The cover looks outstanding.
3. I wanted to see what the author could do with a middle-grade mystery book.

This book is about a 12-year-old girl from Brooklyn named Kaylani. A summer with friends and family takes an unexpected turn when she becomes involved in a murder investigation. I am going to leave it at that.

I assumed that this was going to be too elementary for me, and I was wrong. It was enjoyable. I loved the protagonist’s intelligence, devotion to her parents, and commitment to the investigation. She is a favorite author of mine, and this book did not disappoint. I think preteens will love it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

I was nervous about Tiffany D. Jackson popping down to middle grade, but she hit it out of the park! An excellent MG murder mystery that doesn't dumb down to its audience, but remains "school appropriate" throughout. A fish out of water story solving a mystery surrounding rich folks on Martha's Vineyard, this is a great recommendation to all the 5th and 6th graders begging for an actual MURDER mystery instead of another middle grade treasure hunt.

This was my first TDJ book and it did not disappoint. Although I am in my mid 30’s- the book was captivating and held my attention. The plot, the characters, incorporating so much of the black elite wrapped into MV— it was so good! Ms. Jackson has gained a fan in me.

Publishes July 1st and follows Kaylani who is sent to spend her summer in Martha’s Vineyard with family friends following the arrest of her father. When a young boy ends up dead rumors circulate - was it a drowning? A shark attack? Or something more sinister? Kaylani is determined to find the truth.

Now, this is a YA (it’s not) mystery and while I typically shy away from YA (not YA) because they can read very young (it’s in the name) I wasn’t expecting this one to read as YA (not YA)as it does considering the last book I read by this author (The Weight of Blood) didn’t... come to realize it’s NOT a YA book but a MIDDLE GRADE book and I didn’t realize when requesting it. That being said, it’s a middle grade book and so I cannot in good conscience rate it lower because it read like one.

All that said, the storyline itself is intriguing. We have a girl who is an outsider thrown into a new environment surrounded by other kids that know each other well and then one of them ends up dead.

The plot was fast paced, drama filled, and emotionally charged. I will say and this could have everything or nothing to do with the fact that it’s YA, I felt this book was missing some of the filler details - like sometimes I felt it was missing chapters because of how plot forward it was. I legitimately finished this book in less than an hour and a half and felt a little like someone had read the book and then was summarizing it for me… but I also think this is largely due to it being middle grade

Overall, a solid middle grade mystery that was incredibly easy to get through and I ultimately enjoyed the story. 3.5

In my video review I call it a YA book and was informed later that it’s middle grade, so my bad lol

Jackson does it once again. This is a compelling, suspenseful novel with an appealing protagonist and a clever story arc.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this one – I had a blast with it! Blood in the Water is the perfect creepy beach read for young readers who are ready to dip their toes into the world of middle grade horror. It’s a fast-paced, twisty thriller that had me guessing right along with the characters, and I think it will be a hit with fans of R.L. Stine and other classic kid-friendly horror.

📝 Why I Think Kids Will Love It:
⚡ Quick, Engaging Pacing – This one grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. It’s a perfect summer read for kids who love a good mystery.
🕵️‍♀️ Whodunit Vibes – The story keeps you on your toes, with plenty of twists and turns to keep young readers guessing until the final reveal. It’s the kind of book that has you side-eyeing every character, looking for clues.
🌊 Atmospheric Setting – The Martha’s Vineyard backdrop adds a layer of summer vibes and seaside tension that makes the story feel both fresh and familiar, perfect for a warm-weather binge read.
🖤 Mature Themes for Middle Graders – It’s not afraid to push the boundaries a bit, introducing “adult” themes in a way that feels age-appropriate but still thrilling for younger readers.

💬 Final Take: This is a fantastic introduction to the world of middle grade horror, and I can see it becoming a staple for young mystery fans. If you’ve got a kid in your life who loves a good scare, this one’s a must-read.

Tiffany is one of my favorite authors - I truly love all of her stories.. this one was decent. I believe the age group it was written for will enjoy it a lot.

Kaylani wants to focus on getting her father out of prison - she truly believes he is innocent and wants to do what she can to help, but she is being sent to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer to “be a kid”. Then something terrible happens on the island..

Thanks Netgalley for the advance copy!

Can’t believe I was approved for a Tiffany D. Jackson novel. This is her middle grade debut and I was hooked. I loved this book.

First, I want to thank Scholastic and NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of Blood in the Water in exchange for an honest review.

Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another gripping masterpiece with Blood in the Water, a five-star middle grade thriller that’s impossible to put down. At the heart of the story is a strong, likeable female protagonist whose courage and smarts shine through every twist and turn. The plot is fast-paced and expertly layered, drawing readers into a mystery full of secrets, suspense, and heart-pounding moments, perfect for middle grade readers. Jackson masterfully balances thrills with emotion, and just when you think you’ve figured it out—another surprise hits. Engaging, chilling, and wildly entertaining, Blood in the Water is sure to be a bestseller and a favorite among young readers who crave stories with gutsy heroines and unforgettable twists.

This was the perfect length and amount of suspense for MG readers. In my opinion, as a reader and librarian, this is no easy feat. I'm grateful to have this book to add to our collection and to recommend to readers.

I love Tiffany Jackson books. This was a YA read that was a cute little mystery. Kaylani goes to visit Martha's Vineyard for the first time to get away from the city for the summer, and away from worrying about her dad being in jail. She is visiting with cousins London and Cassie who are teenage snobs that have spent every summer with their grandparents there.
Her focus is to study for law camp and see if she can help with her father's case. However, when an unexpected death happens, she finds herself in the middle of solving another mystery. This was a fun read and something I was able to relax and finish pretty quickly.
Thank you to #netgalley for this #arc.

Kaylani McKinnon is off to Martha's Vinyard for a few weeks over the summer, to her great dismay. Ever since her father went to prison, she has agonized by the phone desperate for the few minutes she gets to talk with him. She is invited by old family friends to their summer home in Martha's Vinyard, and Kaylani's mother believes it will be good for her to get out of the house and into a community where her father's situation doesn't haunt her.

Unfortunately, Kaylani's visit begins with a rough start. The Watson's are stuffy, and she doesn't have anything in common with their granddaughter London. Cassie, London's older sister, doesn't want anything to do with the younger girls, and Kaylani just wants to talk to her dad.

Things head up in the novel when a teenager on the island turns up dead from a shark attack. The situation is extremely suspicious, and Kaylani wants to get to the bottom of it.

When an author is as talented at Tiffany D. Jackson is at writing Young Adult fiction, I often worry when they write for Middle Grade. While there is overlap in the genres, it can often feel clunky to me. However, that was not the case here. Jackson has written an excellent Middle Grade thriller with historical ties that made me pull up Google as I read the book. It's always fun to read a book that makes you interested in history you never knew about, especially when you aren't expecting it.

We often get requests for thrillers for a middle grade audience at my library, and I am looking forward to recommending Blood in the Water to those kids.

4/5 stars.

I am a huge fan of Tiffany D. Jackson and was pretty excited to get a copy of Blood in the Water. Although I was a little skeptical, as this was a middle grade effort, this book did not disappoint! The story of a girl dealing with her father's arrest and traveling to Martha's Vinyard for the summer quickly grabbed my attention and sucked me in. So much so that I was shocked when a murder took place. Thanks, Ms. Jackson, for lulling me into a false sense of summer fun. The story took off from there and was filled with new friends, history, dark secrets and a story that I literally could not put down.

This is a great read that I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.