Blood in the Water
Jackson, Tiffany D. Blood in the Water. New York : Scholastic Inc., 2025.
I had the privilege of meeting Tiffany D. Jackson at a conference a few years ago. She is a talented writer and a fascinating speaker. When I saw that she had released a middle-grade novel about a child witnessing the aftermath of a murder in Martha’s Vineyard, I was excited to read it, and Blood in the Water didn’t disappoint!
Kaylani’s dad is in prison, but she knows that he’s innocent. He would never steal money from the firm he worked for. She wants to take part in a prelaw camp in August to develop the skills to help him, but she’s too young. However, the teacher said she could come if she passes the entry test. If it were up to her, she’d spend the summer studying.
But her father’s family friends, the Watsons, have invited her to Martha’s Vineyard for a month, and her parents insist that she go and have fun. Her father’s parents were friends with the Watsons years ago, and when his father died, the Watsons helped him get into a great private school and go to college. Kaylani used to play with their granddaughter, London, before London’s family moved away from Brooklyn. However, they haven’t seen each other in years, and Kaylani isn’t sure this trip is going to be fun at all.
When they get to the Vineyard, some of Kaylani’s fears are realized. London isn’t nice – at all – and she feels awkward staying in the Watson’s giant house. London wants to hang out with her older sister, Cassie, talk about hair and makeup, and spend time on her phone. Kaylani wants to do summer things, like swim, play at the arcade, and ride the carousel. Thankfully, she meets Miles and Deon, who still are interested in being kids and having fun.
When a long-time summer resident of the Vineyard (and Cassie’s ex-boyfriend) dies after jumping off a bridge late at night, the whole island is in turmoil. Did he jump off the bridge or did someone help him over that railing? Was someone else there who watched him die? Was it an accident, or murder? Did a shark really bite him?
Kaylani and her friends need to solve the mystery of who killed Chadwick. Miles is Chadwick’s younger brother, and London wants to prove that her sister, who may have been the last person to see Chadwick alive, is innocent. Kaylani likes Miles and wants to help him. London has given her cell phone number to Kaylani to share with her dad, so she needs to stay with her, so she doesn’t miss a call from him. Besides, Kaylani met Chadwick a couple of times and really liked him. He didn’t deserve to die.
This is a novel that doesn’t pull any punches about prejudice, privilege, and power. Jackson wove the history of wealthy African Americans summering at Martha’s Vineyard into the story, and it made me want to learn more. Some of the twists you’ll never see coming and I gasped a couple of times when listening to the audiobook. You might figure out who the villain is before the end of the novel, but you won’t care. The story is that compelling, and you’ll want to know how it will end.
Alamance County Public Libraries has this book in print, and it is available in ebook and eaudiobook form through Hoopla.
Mary Beth A. is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries.