The Shark House by Sara Ackerman

3 stars

To begin, thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for this advanced reader copy.

The Shark House was such a fun, calming summer read; it’s the perfect book to pack for the beach. It blends mystery, romance, family history, and a fascinating look at Hawaii's culture and the importance of protecting marine life, especially sharks. One of my favorite aspects was Dr. Minnow Grey. She is an admirable protagonist: intelligent, brave, accomplished, and deeply passionate about her work. It's refreshing to read about a strong female character who is respected for her expertise and refuses to let romance define her. I especially appreciated that while there is a romance with Luke, Minnow never compromises who she is or sacrifices her ambitions for love. We need more heroines like her.

The mystery kept the story moving, while the author's obvious passion for sharks made every marine biology detail feel authentic and engaging. I learned so much about sharks and came away with a greater appreciation for their role in the ecosystem.

The writing is beautiful throughout, but my favorite moment was the letter from Minnow's mother at the end. It was such a touching way to give her late mother a voice, not one defined by her struggles with depression, but one filled with love, warmth, and hope for her daughter. It was a truly memorable and emotional ending.

Overall, The Shark House is an exciting yet peaceful read with compelling characters, beautiful writing, and just the right balance of history, suspense, romance, and heart. If you're looking for an engaging beach read that also leaves you thinking about family, purpose, and the natural world, I'd definitely recommend it.