The author is clearly very well educated on the land the story is set on as well as the nature of sharks. I felt like I was learning a lot as I was reading, without it feeling heavy handed or dry. I think that attention to research and detail really added a great layer to the story.
Minnow was an interesting main character, who felt realistic and easy to follow along with right away. I liked that there was a subtle mystery aspect to the story, as well as a look into science in general and what academia can be like for women.

4 / 5 Stars
Who has two thumbs and got emotional reading a book about sharks? THIS GAL! Set in 1998, “The Shark House” centers on Minnow, a biologist who specializes in shark research, who is called to Hawai’i to investigate three recent shark attacks. Incidents with humans and sharks are rare so Minnow is tasked with figuring out what prompted these attacks and if the same shark is behind them. As fear grows within the community, both of the sharks and of their impact on tourism and money, Minnow works against the clock before a shark hunt begins. As Minnow explores, she starts to relive and rethink her father’s death many years ago. Part mystery, part cool facts about sharks, and part exploration of family and grief, this had me hooked from the first chapter.

You will probably like this book if you like:
🦈 Women’s literature with a romance subplot
💙 Facts about sharks
🦈 Learning more about the history and culture of Hawai’i
💙 Complicated family dynamics
🦈 Explorations of grief

I really enjoyed Minnow. She is strong, kind, and smart and deals with a ton of sexism (it is DR. Minnow Gray to y’all. Put some respect on that PhD). Minnow has an innate connection to the ocean, nature, and sharks. She can hear and sense things that most people can’t (a shark’s heartbeat, the sound of fins) which make her feel different but are truly her superpower. Her relationship with Luke was slightly confusing at times because that man was evading her questions like she was the FBI. But she does say that the “dangerous unknown had always appealed to her” so she had a much higher risk tolerance than I do. I guess if you can swim with sharks, you can fall for Luke. In the end, I did end up liking their relationship even if I couldn’t exactly explain why.

Minnow’s relationship with her mother, father, and her father’s death were also very well done. Minnow’s father died from a shark attack when she was very young and she blames herself for the loss. While in Hawai’i, she is reprocessing and reliving the events while also learning new information about her father and mother (who has also passed). It really added to her character growth and the nuances of family dynamics in a powerful way.

The writing was really atmospheric and captivating. Even though it centers on two really grand topics (sharks and Hawai’i), it always felt grounded. Even with the mystery element of trying to figure out the shark attacks, the writing was always evenkeeled and powerful in its quietness. It felt like being floating in the ocean – it could feel overwhelming being in something so big but instead it felt like being lulled and comforting. Occasionally, some of the dialogue was a bit awkward, but that might get ironed out. And I LOOOOVED the information about sharks and Hawai’i. It all flowed really well and never felt like it was just being jammed in.

My biggest gripe was with the timeline of Minnow’s journal entries. Each chapter ends with an entry from Minnow’s journal from different parts of her life, mostly from 1993 and 1996 when she was conducting research and some from 1998 as she was actively in Hawai’i. The entries always related to the chapter but because they were out of order, it was sometimes hard to tell where Minnow was in her life journey and what was happening when. I would have to go back and only look at the journal entries to really map her emotional progression chronically to really digest and understand it and I don’t have the time or energy to do that.

I would highly recommend this book if you have even the smallest curiosity about sharks, the ecosystem of the ocean, nature, Hawai’i, or a badass lady scientist.

Thank you Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 13, 2026

I have enjoyed Ackerman's books so far, and this is only the third by her so far. The prior reads were more historical fiction than this one, which is set primarily in present day minus a few years. With that in mind, I was going into this one a bit more on the fence. First of all, not sure I wanted to read something about sharks and shark attacks in Hawaii, because I love Hawaii and am already a chicken when it comes to swimming in the ocean there (or anywhere). So, this book could have tipped the scale towards me never getting in the water there again.

Overall, the book is well written and structured. The story flows and I was excited to see how all the pieces would come together. The characters are solid, with Minnow of course being front and centre from start to finish. Everyone else is there to support her journey and her investigation into what is going on. There were no huge surprises but I was still looking forward to to the conclusion and how we got there.

Minnow is highly likeable as a character. She believes strongly but is not aggressive in her beliefs. A free spirit, but without being over the top and alienating.

I can't think of anything that would have made this book stronger. And I truly enjoyed every page. I even jumped from Taylor Jenkins Reid to this one and set Atmosphere to the side while I finished The Shark House. Given how much I enjoy TJR, that is no small amount of praise for the strength of this book and its story.

A great addition to the Ackerman cannon. A great story for anyone who likes marine biology, sharks, Hawaii, or just a great adventure.

There were so many things I loved about this novel, but my favorite by far was Ackerman’s writing and her deep connection to nature. Her prose was both visceral and immersive, rendering Hawaii’s landscapes and atmosphere with exceptional clarity. The ocean truly came to life on the page, and the elusive “man-eating” great white shark was revealed to be far from a monster, but rather a misunderstood, vital predator essential to maintaining the ocean’s delicate balance.

I learned so much about sharks through this story and loved every moment of it. Minnow’s character, in particular, felt beautifully parallel to the great white itself — quiet and independent, yet a force to be reckoned with when it truly mattered. I didn’t expect the romantic thread woven into the plot, but it was handled so delicately that it enhanced the narrative rather than overshadowing it.

As the only female scientist in the story, Minnow’s determination to have her voice heard in a room full of men was inspiring and empowering. Despite the terrifying concept of shark attacks, this was an unexpectedly easy and captivating read. I’d highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for nature, the ocean, and stories that explore the wild beauty of our world. Thanks NetGalley and Harper Muse for the gifted e-book copy!

“The Shark House,” not my usual read, but at the mention of sharks I was instantly intrigued. Sara Ackerman delivers a novel that is not only beautifully set in Hawai’i but also incredibly well researched. The detail on sharks and the natural world felt immersive and authentic without ever becoming dry or bogged down. I appreciated how the research elevated the story rather than weighed it down—informative and fascinating all the way through.

Minnow Grey is a solid and compelling protagonist. She had to learn to cope with tragedy early on, so her journey is both emotional and inspiring. Through her, Ackerman highlights women in science and the strength it takes to carve out space in that world. Secrets, the sea, and the natural world surround her story, pulling the reader in deeper with every page.

The Hawaiian setting is vivid and atmospheric, adding another layer of beauty to the narrative.
An engaging read that blends science, storytelling, and setting into something memorable. The Shark House proves that even when a book isn’t your usual go-to, sometimes the pull of the sea—and sharks—makes it impossible to resist.

Thank You NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, of course, are my own.

This books was cozy and atmospheric. One thing Ackerman accomplishes in all her books is instilling a deep desire to drop everything and visit Hawaii.

This book was a beautiful story written to sharks and the magic that they are. I truly enjoyed the bits of science woven into a mystery and romance.

I will continue to add Ackerman’s books to my TBR as long as she keeps writing.

I think I had so many emotions in this book that I cant even grasp how many! I loved every page. It was fantastic. Such a great book!

Thank you so much net galley for this arc. wow this was such a good read, i really like sharks. it,s not just about conservation but grief and growth.

I loved Minnow’s passion and advocacy for marine life, particularly sharks. I think my favorite part was her quick friendship with Woody- they saw things so deeply and similarly and it was beautiful. Sara always does such a good job immersing her readers in island life- whether it’s the sandy beaches, the reefs, or the lava rocks- she explains everything in such vivid detail it’s easy to imagine myself back there.

The Shark House is a mystery of the deep, woven in with Hawaiian belief and the beauty of sea life.

Along Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala coast, fear ripples through the community after a series of shark encounters leaves families grieving and fishermen wary of the sea. Minnow Gray, a marine biologist with a reputation for listening as much as measuring, is invited to investigate. Some call her a shark whisperer, though she prefers to think of herself as a student of the ocean. Her charge: determine whether the same great white prowls the waters, or if something more sinister is behind the injuries and deaths.

As Minnow dives into the currents, she is confronted not by the whispers of kupuna—Hawaiian elders—who remind her that sharks, mano, are not just predators but guardians, ancestors, and omens. Their voices stir memories she has long buried: the morning when her father, a fisherman, was lost to the sea in a violent encounter with a white shark. That tragedy fractured her life, and unlocking its truth may be the only way forward.

The longer Minnow stays on the island, the more the line between science and spirit begins to blur. She finds herself caught between competing truths: data and instinct, memory and myth, grief and healing. In the dark blue cathedral of the ocean, where sharks glide like shadows of gods, she discovers that her search is as much about honoring the sea’s mysteries as solving them.

Set against volcanic cliffs, coral reefs, and the haunting music of the Pacific, The Shark House is an atmospheric story of redemption, belonging, and the fragile covenant between humans and the natural world.

Dive into this tale where every wave carries memory, every shark is a story, and the ocean itself may hold the key to forgiveness. #thesharkehouse #minnowgrey #harpermuse #saraackerman

Thank you, NetGalley, and Harper Muse, for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I love sharks and feel they are misunderstood and this book touches on the culture of shark conservation. Maybe it’s because I recently watched Shark Whisperer on Netflix, but this book felt like well done fanfiction for Ocean Ramsey. It’s not stated that’s the case, but there are similarities. I liked that it had similarities to Ocean because she’s an incredible person.

This book was beautifully written and I connected with the characters. The dialogue is fluent and the pacing is consistent. It is more than a book about sharks. It has lots of conversations about grief, and growth. It’s very atmospheric and dreamlike at times. I highly recommend this book even if you’re not a fan of sharks.

As a shark lover, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. You can tell the author thoroughly researched both sharks and Hawaiian land and culture (I believe she was born and raised in Hawaii). I loved the intersection of mystery with science and personal grief (and therefore love). Hawaii was treated with such respect, honoring the locals and making sure to include their stories throughout the novel. I loved the way the human relationship with sharks is portrayed, rejecting the “man-eater” stereotype and reinforcing one of mutual respect and honor. The attention to detail and thorough research are what made this a five-star read for me.

The FMC Minnow is a well-rounded, strong, intelligent woman. She’s knowledgeable and just overall a bad*ss. The supporting characters are fantastic and memorable as well. The author did a great job describing the setting and immersing the reader in it.

This novel is the perfect summer read, especially if you love marine biology.

"There are so many things more dangerous that we humans have become habituated to. When you realize that, everything changes."

If you are interested in sharks, Hawaiian culture, and nostalgic historical fiction, then The Shark House by Sara Ackerman might be for you! This novel is set in Hawai'i in 1998 and follows marine biologist, Dr. Minnow Gray, as she investigates several shark-related incidents to uncover what is keeping a large, predatory shark active in these nearshore waters. Tangled in a web of her own traumatic past around a tragic shark encounter, Minnow discovers that there's more to these incidents than one deadly great white. With help from the locals housing her and an unexpected alliance with an alluring, but questionable fisherman, Minnow fights to defend the sharks from a mass killing ordered by the mayor, confront her own haunting memories, and discover what exactly connects her so strongly to these underwater predators and this Hawaiian paradise.

This was undeniably a 5 star read for me. Everything about this book moved me. The setting, the shark element, the character dynamics. All of it. I really enjoyed the truly immersive feeling this book gave into a Hawaiian setting and the culture. It highlighted Hawaiians connection to the land, the sky, the sea, and all the living creatures in between and it was beautiful. The atmosphere of this book was just ethereal. I loved the way that the characters were fleshed out and how they were portrayed through Ackerman's writing. The characters felt real and alive on the page and I was invested in everything they did and said. The dynamics and relationships between them were multilayered and nuanced. Personalities and emotions were shown not told. And of course, I can't forget the sharks. I adore sharks and I always have. That is why I was drawn to this book and, boy, did it deliver. Sharks are widely misunderstood creatures and are nine times out of ten, demonized by the media and society. But they are not demons or monsters. They are beautiful, living, powerful creatures who are not blood-thirsty killing machines. The sea is their home and shark attacks are largely just curiosity bites. An animal which does not understand its own strength and acts upon instinct. This book portrayed that remarkably well. The portrayal of sharks as guardians was also fascinating and, honestly, a breathtaking revelation. Lastly, I adored the aspect of Minnow's heightened sensitivity to sounds and soundscapes. This aspect added wonderfully to the atmosphere and in humanizing the sharks. Overall, The Shark House was an extremely delightful and moving read that I highly recommend.

Thank you Harper Collins/Harper Muse for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be published publicly on my Goodreads account (linked) and Fable account today, August 14th, 2025. I will also post it on my Instagram account (@okumura.reads) and a video review on my Tiktok account (@okumura.reads) at a later date.

This was such a beautifully written book. Anyone that has an interest in science and/or marine biology should be sure to read this. It dives deep into the world of sharks and our oceans but also into life in Hawaii and the overall culture. The writing is so descriptive and the book was very well researched. It’s easy to feel like you are in the story and on the island while reading this. As a bonus, the author weaves a bit of mystery and romance into the storyline, making this impossible to put down. Although this is work of fiction I felt like I was learning something the entire time. It was such a great book and I really enjoyed it!

The Shark House was a truly enjoyable read. The storyline captures you right from the beginning. The novel is set in Hawai'i, where a series of people have been injured by an enormous white shark.

Minnow Gray is a marine biologist who has spent her whole life in the ocean. She is called to Hawaii to assist in identifying what kind of shark is responsible for the attacks on humans. I love reading a book where the main character is a strong and intelligent woman!

The story flashes back to Minnow losing her father at a young age, to her childhood spent by the ocean, and to the present where she is trying to let the world know that sharks are not evil, they're just misunderstood.

The setting of this novel was PERFECT for a summer read. Sara Ackerman does an incredible job of describing the setting. You can truly picture the magnificent beaches, the salty air, and the palm trees swaying.

Loved this one!

Thank you @netgalley and @harpermusebooks for this early copy of The Shark House by Sara Ackerman. A wonderfully enlightening read about these magnificent misunderstood creatures, woven through the story of a brilliant woman healing from grief and finding her people. As always with @saraackermanbooks, Hawai’i steals the show 🩵🦈

This book made me fall a little bit in love with sharks and the ocean, something I never thought possible, since I’ve always been afraid of both.

From the beginning, it’s clear how well researched this story is. The details about sharks and the environment are excellent, adding depth and authenticity.

The writing style is strong, and the setting feels fresh and unique. While the story begins a little slowly and it took me some time to connect with the characters, it ultimately came together beautifully. The ending was absolutely fantastic.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves emotional, well-researched stories with a unique and beautiful setting.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The author really brought the undersea world of Hawai'i to life. I've always been afraid of sharks, but after reading The Shark House, I have a deeper understanding of their place in the ocean and their importance in the ecological grand scheme of things. Now let's talk about the plot. Great, nail-biting story, with vivid descriptions of shark 'interactions'. A perfectly timed romance, complete with it's own, subtle mystery, is interwoven throughout the more intense, thriller storyline of 'who's instigating the sharks unusual behavior?' I loved that the sharks are not depicted as bad guys, rather sharks being sharks. And with an understanding of their normal behavior, it's possible to make informed decisions about when and where to swim in the ocean to avoid them. A big thumbs up, and 5 stars for me.

I received an advanced reader copy of The Shark House through NetGalley, and wow—this book had me hooked from the first chapter! Sharks have always been my favorite animal, and as someone who’s had the thrill of diving with them, I was instantly drawn to this story.
Set in Hawaii, it follows Minnow, a leading shark scientist, and I loved how real and relatable the characters felt. I connected deeply with Minnow and found the story unpredictable and engaging all the way through.
Even if sharks aren’t your thing, this book delivers meaningful life lessons and an emotional journey that will stay with you long after the final page. A five-star read I couldn’t put down!

intense shark thriller focusing on a scientist who focuses on sharks and a situation with shark attacks in Hawaii. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

he Shark House was such a pleasant surprise and easily one of the best reads I’ve discovered through NetGalley. Sara Ackerman strikes a great balance between engaging plot and beautifully crafted prose. The story moves at a steady pace that kept me turning the pages, and the shark information woven throughout was absolutely fascinating. It enriched the story without ever slowing it down. I’m so glad I requested this one, and I’ll definitely be recommending it.

If you like Sharks, shark week, anything marine related, this is a MUST read, This story sucks you in from the very beginning! It is a story of growth, change, trauma, community, found family and standing up for ones beliefs, with a side of romance. The connection to the FMC is so strong that it changes the way you feel about sharks forever.

I read this and also listened to the Audiobook... If you are Audiobook person, I highly recommend it. The narrator was incredible.

This book is best described as a modern day Jaws. After a few shark incidents off the Big Island of Hawaii there is a shark hunt on for white sharks. Only this time the goal is not to kill them (at least the goal of the main character is not to kill them) but rather to understand why this shark has traveled to these shores.

This book is a nice exploration of the harmony that exists and doesn’t exist between sharks and humans as well as the importance of sharks to the wider ecosystem of the ocean. It does this in a relatable way that could easily be preachy but somehow manages to skirt around being so.

When Minnow is called to Hawaii after a number of shark attacks, her goal is to not only figure out why sharks are attacking so frequently or if it is the same shark but also to protect the sharks. With the biggest swim race of the season coming up, Minnow is racing the clock to solve the mystery before the mayor makes a decision to call a shark hunt to ensure safety during the race and for tourists.

The Shark House was an incredible read, as a lover of sharks and all things ocean this book kept me hooked. The atmosphere of Hawaii, the locals and the flash backs to Minnow's younger years and her passion for sharks was entrancing. Some mystery, some romance, some suspense and a lot of sharks made this a 5 star read in my opinion.

The Shark House by Sara Ackerman really surprised me with the details of Hawaii, the relationship and study that Minnow has with sharks and the fun facts I learned about sharks. The writing was good and the subject so entirely different that made the book feel fresh and engaging.
link coming soon.

(4.25 stars) It makes so much sense that the author of The Shark House lives in Hawai’i. This book is steeped in the sights and sounds of the Kohala Coast on Big Island…the lava beaches, the rough-hewn homes, and, of course, the waters, which teem with life of all shape and size. This area has long been known for its resident tiger shark population and great white visitors.

Curiously, this is a book for both shark lovers and shark fearers. Its pages contain cautionary tales as well as sober facts that illuminate the majesty of these awesome predators. This is a story about Minnow Gray, a biologist who specializes in sharks. Minnow is called to Hawai’i after a series of shark “incidents” (her preferred word over “attacks”) has left residents afraid of the waters. She must use her knowledge and observations of white sharks (she never calls them “great whites” as there are no other “white” sharks, something which sort of bothered me while I was reading, but which I now use whenever I want to sound knowledgeable 😊) to determine whether or not it is a lone white shark, or several, that is responsible for the incidents.

I enjoyed the story contained in these pages, especially as it weaved in new (to me) facts about sharks. I didn’t quite buy into the romance…it was too superficial for me. But as a whole, the book worked and I don’t hesitate to recommend it, especially to the ecology minded.

This book started out a little bit slow for me, but once the pace picked up I was hooked! Very interesting information is presented about sharks and there is a mystery that really kept me interested. Really good book!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copies!

I adored this book. I loved the Hawaiian atmosphere and the historical fiction aspect of the book. There was a lot of information shared about sharks and the Hawaiian culture which I really enjoyed. The slight mystery also kept my attention as I was listening to this on audio.

I alternated between the digital copy and the audiobook. The narrator was wonderful as she was reading this authentically with the Hawaiian words. I think others might find her monotone but that didn’t bother me.

This reminded me a bit of Wild Dark Shore for the aspect of nature and the animals but not as dark and foreboding but more hopeful, if that makes sense.

I definitely recommend this! It’s a good one.

Thank you to @netgalley and @HarperMuse for this ARC. After a series of shark attacks happen off a small island in Hawaii, renowned Great White expert, Dr. Minnow Gray has been called in. One incident is unusual but more than that are rare. Dr Gray must find out the cause of the problem before the surrounding neighbors start a shark hunt and kill the population. Good read! #TheSharkHouse #SaraAckerman #HarperMuse #Jan2026

this was SO interesting. 🦈

loved th Hawaiian words/ definitions at each chapter. also just loved how you could tell the author spent so much time researching not only shakes but the Hawaiian culture around the animals as well!

I find myself drawn to the Hawaii setting of Sara Ackerman's books, because is is very evident to the reader that the author has first hand knowledge of the islands and the people of Hawaii. The settings are described as only someone with intimate knowledge of the area would have. Same with the mannerisms and culture of those living on the Hawaiian islands. In this case, there have been a series of shark attacks and Minnow has been asked to lend her expertise. While I enjoyed both reading and listening to this book, I highly recommend the audio, to get the nuance of the pronunciation of the Hawaiian words.

I received an Advanced Reader and Advanced Listening copy via NetGalley.

This was a STUNNING book. I expected to love it, as I am a total sucker for anything either "island" or "shark" related, and this so happens to encompass both! What I did not expect, was to fall so much further in love with these amazing creatures, and with the island. I could feel the Hawaiian sun on my skin and feel the spray on my face. I was lost in the moment with Minnow (who is one of the most creatively named characters I've met!) when she saw the sharks and felt her thinking as she struggled to piece things together.
I simply loved this, and can't wait to find more like this.

IG review coming-I will come back and add the link once I've put it up.

Thank you so very much!

This one was goooood. Kept me entertained and turning the pages which is just what I needed. I recommend for a book club!

The Shark House was an absolutely dreamy experience of a book, and I loved every minute of it. Sarah Ackerman has woven an incredibly story set in 1998 Hawaii, following Dr. Minnow Gray, a leading great white shark expert who is investigating a series of shark incidents. Minnow has a fascinating history with sharks, and a deep love and respect for the animals. While working with Hawaii natives, she’s determined to figure out what is drawing this apex predator to the shallow coastal waters where swimmers are, and to stop the local officials from killing innocent sharks in the process.

I love love loved this book. The scene, the setting, the characters, were all so vivid and real I simultaneously felt like I was there or that I dreamed it. The only thing I found somewhat tricky were the journal entries scattered throughout the book. While I loved them and they added to the story, they jumped around in time in a way that I often felt the need to reorient myself to what was happening in the present day timeline. That being said, this book was amazing. Minnow is an incredible and intriguing character, and through her Sara Ackerman taught me respect (instead of fear) the sharks that inhabit our oceans.

As an aside, my dad was involved in a shark incident as a surfer teenager off the coast of Florida, and after being bitten and released (by what type of shark, I sadly don’t know) and then sewn up, he always told us about how he went back out in the water and let his legs dangle off the sides of his board till he felt at peace with the ocean again. The Shark House really took away some of that lingering fear I grew up with, and replaced it with awe and respect for the beautiful and powerful creatures that share our ocean.

Thank you so much to Sara Ackerman, Net Galley, and Harper Muse for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a delight!

I’ve read all of Sara Ackerman’s books and every single time she manages to blow it out of the water. She is by far one of my favorite authors. The Shark House was no different than her other books in that it pulls you in on the first page and makes it incredibly difficult to put down. What a journey to follow with Minnow through grief and the balance of humans and nature.

I loved this book. It was such a different read from what I normally read. It was a well written story with great characters. Definitely a good book for a book club. There is plenty to discuss! The author does a wonderful job describing Hawaii. I felt like I was there!

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Outside the norm for me; I really enjoyed the writing about science as much as I did the culture and interpersonal storylines.

The story and wanting to know the outcome completely sucked me in and I found it hard to put down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Minnow is a character that you immediately feel drawn to as you begin this book. She is smart and knows her ways with sharks. She is often underestimated in the field because most of the experts are male. Therefore, she has to work harder to get her points across most times.

She is called to Hawaii to investigate and look at some shark incidents that have taken place. Minnow takes the lead gracefully and puts her whole heart into protecting the sharks of Hawaii! She also meets an awesome family that her dad knew. She learns all about her parents’ lives and her own from the family. She meets a lot of people, one being Luke, that change her life.

I won’t get away what happens, but you’re in for quite a ride as you read this book. I loved getting to learn about the ocean and sharks, and being so invested in Minnow too! Read it! You won’t regret it!

I don’t usually review fiction, but The Shark House is set in Hawai‘i and features a marine biologist protagonist, so of course I was intrigued. And once I started, I flew through it. It’s an easy, engaging read with a great sense of place. The ocean descriptions in particular, fish, colors, corals are great and very resonant of the leeward side of the Big Island.
The story follows shark biologist, Minnow Gray, as she tries to find the reason behind a spate of white shark attacks before the mayor calls for a bounty hunt on the islands sharks.
This book isn’t “light” in the cozy sense — it’s more like The Meg’s gentler cousin: dramatic, a tiny bit over the top (in a fun way), and full of shark-related tension. Sometimes you want a book that grips you, entertains you, and doesn’t demand too much seriousness in return, and The Shark House is exactly that. It’s an engaging with action scenes, a little romance, and a healthy dose of ocean devotion.
I genuinely enjoyed it. The Hawaiian setting feels vivid and familiar, the pace never drags, and even when the plot had me raising an eyebrow, it’s in a way that’s fun rather than frustrating. It also has some interesting nods to Hawaiian culture, and I like the definition of different Hawaiian language words at the start of each chapter. If you’re in the mood for a dramatic, ocean-soaked escape with sharks, tension, and a bit of romance, The Shark House is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Sometimes a page-turning, slightly outrageous story is exactly what you need.
Thank you Harper Muse for providing an advance reader copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m very impressed.

The Shark House captures you from the beginning and has you falling in love with the beauty of sharks. The author takes you back to 1998 and tells a story about random shark attacks in Hawaii where Minnow Grey (the shark whisperer) is called to investigate. The community is on edge and is demands a shark hunt unless Minnow can solve the mystery. Between meeting a mysterious man, getting threats and learning new information her own family’s history, Minnow’s emotions are pulling her in so many different directions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me access to this remarkably written story.

From its first pages, this novel immerses you in the salt, sunlight, and shadow of Hawai‘i’s Kohala coast. The setting isn’t just vivid, it feels alive, humming with danger and reverence. The string of shark attacks provides a razor-sharp hook, but what really elevates the story is Minnow Gray herself. She’s a compelling mix of scientific curiosity and emotional fracture, a “shark whisperer” carrying a trauma she can barely name, let alone face.

The narrative balances mystery, ocean exploration, and character-driven suspense in a way that feels almost hypnotic. I loved how the author handled the sharks: not as monsters, but as powerful, complex creatures woven into a larger ecological and emotional tapestry. The underwater scenes are electric. Equal parts wonder and dread as they mirror Minnow’s internal descent as she inches closer to the truth about the tragedy that shaped her life.

As the pieces of her past surface, the story becomes more than a thriller; it turns into a meditation on memory, guilt, and the fragile ways humans try to coexist with the natural world. The final reveals land with real emotional weight, tying together Minnow’s personal reckoning with the island’s broader sense of unease.

If anything, I wanted to linger even longer in some of the side characters and local perspectives, but the pacing is tight enough that I can’t complain for long.

This is the first book that I've read by this author set in recent times, versus historical fiction. Set during the Clinton administration, the focus is on protecting ocean life, particularly sharks, and fighting against societal injustices toward sharks in general.

Minnow, a oceanography doctor is asked to travel to Hawaii to consultant on a series of recent shark incidences, encounters with people that turned tragic. She's had an affinity for ocean creatures and particularly sharks, since she was very young, despite the fact that her father died after a shark encounter. Minnow gets caught up in political unrest around sharks and tourism.

I felt that this book was very well researched and well written. I enjoyed Minnow's passion for the creatures she loved, and her growing bond with Woody, Cliff, Nalu and finally Luke. Along the way Minnow learns details about her childhood that lead to a self-awakening. I learned a lot about sharks while reading this book. Highly recommend.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Part mystery/adventure, part journey of healing, and most of all, a love letter to the ocean, sharks, and Hawaii, this novel is about Minnow Gray, a marine biologist who is asked to come to Hawaii to investigate shark bite incidents and determine if a single white shark is responsible. I've read many of Ackerman's books set in her native Hawaii, but this one might be my favorite. Some authors write well, some tell great stories. Ackerman does both, and readers will come away with a better understanding of sharks and a new respect for their vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our oceans.

5 🌟s for this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful story set in Hawaii that takes on the tale of the Great White Shark. A shark expert is brought in to help determine if Hawaii is under attack by a Great White. There have been a recent string of victims and there is a growing concern of a shark hunt that would devastate the ecosystem. On the island, our shark expert begins to discover more about her own history while trying to save the sharks. It’s truly a beautiful story told in an expert way. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read!

It's 1998 in Hawaii. Biologist and white shark expert Minnow Gray travels to the rugged Hawai'i coastline, where a series of shark attacks have left the island community on edge. She's hoping to uncover what's going on before the mayor calls for a mass killing of sharks in the area. Haunted by her own past marked by a tragic shark encounter, she forms an unexpected alliance with enigmatic fisherman Luke Greenwood whose presence ignites feelings she can't ignore, but also stirs questions about his part in it all. As Minnow works to shield the sharks from the island's fear-fueled backlash, drawing help from two Hawaiian brothers who are housing her, she unravels a scandal that shakes the community to its core.

I love sharks so I was pretty sure going in that I would love this book. But even if I didn't, I think The Shark House would change my mind. It's written beautifully. It feels like you're there in the perfeft setting of Hawaii and swimming in the warm waters along with Minnow and the sharks. Minnow is likeable and easy to root for. Her feelings and thoughts about sharks are easily communicated and understood. I've never been in the water with a shark, but I've felt some of these things about sharks myself. I'm happy to see a positive book about sharks.

There is a mystery element to it as Minnow tries to determine if the incidents are traced to the same shark. Not only that, it doesn't make sense for it to be even happening. The people that she meets are interesting and enjoyable to read about as well. There are some tense moments with a storm and a centipede so it's not all about days on the Hawaiian coast. Still there is a relaxing vibe that you'll get from reading this book.

"The Shark House" is a love letter to the ocean and the creatures who call it home. It is also a celebration of Hawai'iand its people. Although the story involves a series of shark attacks (or "incidents" as our protagonist would say), the author makes it clear from the outset that this is no "Jaws." There is a mystery surrounding the presence of a large white shark and Minnow Gray is called to help look into it. She is a white shark expert who grew up in California, but the moment she lands in Hawai'i, she feels a deep connection to the island. Her story is filled with pain but also beauty, and there is an undercurrent of familial love that runs through it. This story has it all: danger, adventure, mystery, a setting that truly becomes one of the main characters, and even a love story. I was drawn in from the start and found myself anxious to pick it back up whenever I could. As someone who has always been drawn to sharks, this book interested me. But the author's way with words and gift for characterization kept me captivated.

Book Report: The Shark House by Sara Ackerman

I’ve had the pleasure of reading two of Sara Ackerman’s advanced copies this year and The Shark House completely surprised me in the best way!

Set along Hawai‘i’s stunning Kohala Coast in 1998…the story follows Minnow Gray a marine biologist and “shark whisperer” who’s called in to investigate a string of mysterious shark attacks. What she finds beneath the surface isn’t just about sharks…it’s about facing her own past…healing old wounds and rediscovering her connection to the ocean and herself🌊

I absolutely loved the Hawaiian setting…the touch of mystery and the fascinating marine details woven throughout. You can feel the research and care Sara Ackerman put into portraying sharks not as monsters but as powerful, misunderstood creatures in their rightful home…the sea🦈

There’s also a deeply emotional thread tied to Minnow’s past and the way her personal journey unfolds alongside the investigation made this story so much more than I expected. It’s atmospheric…heartfelt and beautifully written. A true dive into the depths of both the ocean and the human spirit💫
If you love books with a strong sense of place…emotional depth and a touch of danger definitely keep The Shark House on your radar! 🐚✨

Thank you Uplit Reads & Harper Muse for the ARC

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Shark House is an excellent book about love and loss, redemption and reputation, understanding and acceptance, and passion and diligence. The character development is exceptional and the reader feels immersed in the beautiful Hawai’i setting immediately. This is a super way to learn about sharks and sea life too with a wonderful story woven around it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Atmospheric in the best way possible.
The Shark House takes hold of you from the beginning pages.
Ackerman’s description of the Big Island is perfection, and her visuals of the ocean leave you longing for it.
My love of Sharks didn’t hurt my love for this book, but even if marine life isn’t your thing, you will struggle not to fall for this story.
Minnow Gray is a shark expert. She is clearly the correct person to call when a great white shark is attacking the Big Island of Hawaii. She finds herself discovering far more than she ever expected.
Such a sweet story. Loved it. Thank you netgalley!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Shark House by Sara Ackerman. I received this for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a lovely, lovely book. Sometimes you read a book and you don't want to finish it - you just want it to keep going. This was one of those books for me.

The characters, from Minnow, to Nalu, to Woody, to Hina and all the fish and whales and damselflies were well written. Their development was well thought out and the progression throughout the novel was just right.

The setting is delicious - Ackerman truly made me feel like I was there, especially the way she describes the weather and the stars and the sounds and smells.

Great plot, as well, Slowly building up and coming to a satisfying conclusion.

Highly recommend this!