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The Shark House
Set in 1998 Hawai'i, this nostalgic women's fiction combines the atmosphere and family dynamics of The Cliffs with the drive of a heroine working in a male dominated field in Lessons in Chemistry. The Shark House follows a marine biologist who must confront both a deadly white shark and her own haunting past in this chilling exploration of nature and self-discovery.
People aren't the only ones who migrate to Hawai'i for a warmer winter.
1998. In the heart of paradise, danger lurks beneath the surface. Biologist and shark whisperer Minnow Gray travels to the rugged Hawai'i coastline, where a series of shark attacks have left the island community on edge. Tasked with uncovering what's going on, she dives into the blue depths, and discovers the problem runs deeper than just one dangerous great white. Haunted by her own past marked by a tragic shark encounter, Minnow finds herself drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and peril that extends far beyond the ocean's surface. A scandal that implicates some of the island's most powerful people.
Determined to uncover the reason for these attacks before the mayor calls a mass killing of sharks in the area, Minnow 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. But it's not just the secrets of the island that rise to the surface. Minnow must confront her own traumatic past, the haunting memories that have shaped her life and her connection to these misunderstood predators--and to this place.
The Shark House is an atmospheric exploration of the intricate dance between humans and sharks, set against a backdrop of stunning Hawaiian landscapes and deep-sea danger. It's a tale of resilience, redemption, and the raw power of the natural world. Dive in, if you dare.
People aren't the only ones who migrate to Hawai'i for a warmer winter.
1998. In the heart of paradise, danger lurks beneath the surface. Biologist and shark whisperer Minnow Gray travels to the rugged Hawai'i coastline, where a series of shark attacks have left the island community on edge. Tasked with uncovering what's going on, she dives into the blue depths, and discovers the problem runs deeper than just one dangerous great white. Haunted by her own past marked by a tragic shark encounter, Minnow finds herself drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and peril that extends far beyond the ocean's surface. A scandal that implicates some of the island's most powerful people.
Determined to uncover the reason for these attacks before the mayor calls a mass killing of sharks in the area, Minnow 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. But it's not just the secrets of the island that rise to the surface. Minnow must confront her own traumatic past, the haunting memories that have shaped her life and her connection to these misunderstood predators--and to this place.
The Shark House is an atmospheric exploration of the intricate dance between humans and sharks, set against a backdrop of stunning Hawaiian landscapes and deep-sea danger. It's a tale of resilience, redemption, and the raw power of the natural world. Dive in, if you dare.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 13, 2026
58 people are currently reading
13162 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ackerman
9 books1,522 followersSara Ackerman is the Hawaii born, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical novels set in the Islands.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
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August 18, 2025
There’s something about The Shark House that latches on from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. Sara Ackerman’s storytelling carries you straight to 1998 Hawai‘i, where the scent of saltwater hangs in the air, the horizon feels endless, and the ocean hides as much as it reveals. This isn’t just scenery—it’s a living, breathing presence in the book, one that shapes the people who live beside it, for better or worse.
At the heart of the story is Minnow Gray, a marine biologist whose quiet strength is tested the moment she steps onto the Kohala coast. A string of shark attacks has everyone on edge, and she’s there to find answers. But this isn’t a simple case of predator and prey—Ackerman makes it clear early on that there’s more at stake, and much more to uncover beneath the surface. What kept me hooked wasn’t just the mystery of the shark, but the way Minnow’s journey through the water echoed her journey inward. Her work forces her to confront a past she’s tried to outrun, and the bravery it takes to face that—while surrounded by doubt, danger, and a field still dominated by men—makes her story both empowering and deeply human.
One of the things I loved most is how Ackerman treats the sharks themselves. They’re not monsters here; they’re powerful, complex creatures, and the book treats them with the kind of respect and realism you rarely see in fiction. The underwater scenes pulse with tension, but they’re also full of awe, and you can feel the author’s knowledge and care in every detail.
This book isn’t just about the science or the danger—it’s about connection. Connection to the natural world, to the ghosts of our past, and to the pieces of ourselves we’ve hidden away. By the final chapters, I wasn’t just rooting for Minnow to find her shark—I was rooting for her to find her way back to herself.
If you’re looking for a story that blends atmospheric suspense with heartfelt character growth, The Shark House is a journey worth taking. It’s as much about survival and resilience as it is about the beauty and ferocity of the ocean. And it’s the kind of novel that leaves you thinking about what you’d be willing to risk to make peace with your past.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sharing this engaging, inspirational women’s fiction novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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At the heart of the story is Minnow Gray, a marine biologist whose quiet strength is tested the moment she steps onto the Kohala coast. A string of shark attacks has everyone on edge, and she’s there to find answers. But this isn’t a simple case of predator and prey—Ackerman makes it clear early on that there’s more at stake, and much more to uncover beneath the surface. What kept me hooked wasn’t just the mystery of the shark, but the way Minnow’s journey through the water echoed her journey inward. Her work forces her to confront a past she’s tried to outrun, and the bravery it takes to face that—while surrounded by doubt, danger, and a field still dominated by men—makes her story both empowering and deeply human.
One of the things I loved most is how Ackerman treats the sharks themselves. They’re not monsters here; they’re powerful, complex creatures, and the book treats them with the kind of respect and realism you rarely see in fiction. The underwater scenes pulse with tension, but they’re also full of awe, and you can feel the author’s knowledge and care in every detail.
This book isn’t just about the science or the danger—it’s about connection. Connection to the natural world, to the ghosts of our past, and to the pieces of ourselves we’ve hidden away. By the final chapters, I wasn’t just rooting for Minnow to find her shark—I was rooting for her to find her way back to herself.
If you’re looking for a story that blends atmospheric suspense with heartfelt character growth, The Shark House is a journey worth taking. It’s as much about survival and resilience as it is about the beauty and ferocity of the ocean. And it’s the kind of novel that leaves you thinking about what you’d be willing to risk to make peace with your past.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sharing this engaging, inspirational women’s fiction novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
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September 4, 2025
—— 𝟒.𝟓 ✰ stars. 🦈
❝𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑔𝑜 𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡.❞
📱┆𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝕎𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟’𝕤 𝔽𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟠/𝟚𝟛/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟠/𝟚𝟡/𝟚𝟝
📃┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “A marine biologist must confront both a deadly white shark and her own haunting past in this chilling exploration of nature and self-discovery. It's a tale of resilience, redemption, and the raw power of the natural world. Dive in, if you dare.”」
❝𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑠. 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑤𝑢𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠, 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑒𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒.❞
⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
❝𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑛. 𝐼𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒.❞
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★½
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟺.𝟺𝟺 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴍᴀᴄ ꜱᴀʟᴀᴅ ᴡ/ ꜱᴛᴇᴀᴍᴇᴅ ᴡʜɪᴛᴇ ʀɪᴄᴇ 🍚
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ✅
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ꜰɪɴꜱ — ᴊɪᴍᴍʏ ʙᴜꜰꜰᴇᴛᴛ
0:32 ———♡——— 3:26
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
╭───
┆
╰⪼ ❛but now, she lives down by the ocean, she's taking care to look for sharks. they hang out in the local bars and they feed right after dark. can't you feel them circling, honey? can't you feel them swimming around? you got fins to the left, fins to the right and you're the only bait in town.❜
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🦈 ꜱʜᴀʀᴋꜱ
🥥 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🦈 ᴍᴀʀɪɴᴇ ʙɪᴏʟᴏɢʏ
🥥 ʜᴀᴡᴀɪɪᴀɴ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🦈 ᴏᴄᴇᴀɴ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴇʀᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
🥥 ʙᴀᴅᴀꜱꜱ ꜰᴇᴍᴀʟᴇ ꜱᴄɪᴇɴᴛɪꜱᴛꜱ
❝𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠. 𝑂𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟’𝑠 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒. 𝑂𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒.❞
⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• Sharks. Hawaii. Grief. Romance?
• Hi I’m Brooke and I’m addicted to sharks. 👋🏼 here’s some sharky facts about me to paint a picture for you of why this book meant a lot to me.
❥ Jaws is one of my top 5 favorite movies.
❥ I grew up with Shark Week on my TV every summer
❥ one of my bucket list items it to swim with sharks
❥ I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was little. Still do, but I’m bad at math.
❥ my favorite animal is a Hammerhead Shark.
I felt guilty because I was feeling slumpy during this read from the three mediocre books I read before, but The Shark House cured my slumpitis.
• I loved that this book didn’t paint the sharks as mindless monsters, but was actually educational. While reading, you’ll learn all kinds of shark facts. Most importantly, you’ll learn that if you hunt them, you are destroying our ocean’s balance. Whenever you got into the ocean, you are in their home. Respect it.
• In a lot of way, this book did remind me of Jaws. The corrupt mayor, some of the locals wanting to participate in a shark hunt, the scientist hero (Minnow — we love our shark girl).
• One of the standout things about The Shark House has to be the writing. The way the author described Hawaii/the Hawaiian culture made me feel like I was right there with Minnow & the gang. Also, speaking of the gang, the side characters were top tier. And the romance? Something I wasn’t expecting, but ended up enjoying.
• My only gripes/why this book didn’t get 5 stars were because of the timeline confusion & some minuscule plot holes. Between going back & forth between Minnow’s journal entries and present day, sometimes I had no idea what year we were in LOL. I didn’t know how old Minnow was, or anyone really in the book, & I know this isn’t a big deal, but these tiny details help me to paint a full picture, ya know? We never find out a big chunk of Minnow’s younger life either.
• Wanna know my favorite thing though? Reading this book along with my Shark Sisters Lina & Ari, and hearing them say they loved sharks now. 🥹 My mermaid heart exploded. Finally here’s a book that shows people the way I see sharks; the way they truly are. I don’t know if anyone will be crazy enough like me to want to boop them on the snout, but I people read the The Shark House and walk away with a different perspective of these beautiful, magnificent creatures.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪
❝𝑆ℎ𝑒’𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑖𝑡? 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑔, 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢.❞
♡ Thank you NetGalley & Harper Muse Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Be on the lookout for Shark House, hitting shelves on January 13th 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ An ocean is a vastness of secrets. Its silent beauty is healing, nurturing and has the ability to make us forget the world around us. It’s stillness and calmness takes away the worries of the day, at least that’s what my own parents used to say.
1998, Hawaii. In the heart of Hawaiian paradise, danger lurks beneath the surface. Marine biologist, a haunted past, shark attacks, a mystery. I sidestepped from fantasy and into women’s fiction with a deep dive into the Hawaiian blues. If you’re a lover of nature and atmospheric reads, this one will win your heart. It’s such an atmospheric read that focuses on human impact on the environment, especially our oceans and marine life. I truly enjoyed the nostalgia of 1990s, stunning backdrop of Hawaiian coastline and landscapes, and the power of the natural world and its order.
It’s my first book by Sara Ackerman and won’t be my last. She writes with such love and passion, allowing you to be fully transported into the setting she is writing about. For that alone, the book stands out on so many levels—it’s dreamy, it’s educational, it’s visceral. Her choice of wording powerfully conveys the message she’s trying to make and really shows how much love and appreciation she has for Hawaii, a place that she holds dear to her heart.
I appreciate the story that is well researched. I’ve learned a lot about our ecosystem, sharks, their habitat and behaviors. You also get a glimpse of what sharks mean historically to Hawaii, in its culture and in the connection to “the spirit” of the people.
Ackerman tackles many topics—women in male dominated field, family dynamics and relationships, blame and past trauma. In the story, Minnow lost her father to a shark attack and (for many years) felt responsible for that incident. I love how experts from Minnows personal journal were included at the end of each chapter. They added so much more meaning to the narrative, her unresolved grief and her attempts at healing.
My only negative was that the mystery dragged on for a while and this book would have been a perfect read that’s under 300 pages. If you’re a fan of beautifully constructed historical novels with a climate edge to it in the likes of Wild Dark Shores & Migrations (Charlotte McConaghy) or Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens), you will be completely absorbed by this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author, Sara Ackerman for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: January 13, 2026
1998, Hawaii. In the heart of Hawaiian paradise, danger lurks beneath the surface. Marine biologist, a haunted past, shark attacks, a mystery. I sidestepped from fantasy and into women’s fiction with a deep dive into the Hawaiian blues. If you’re a lover of nature and atmospheric reads, this one will win your heart. It’s such an atmospheric read that focuses on human impact on the environment, especially our oceans and marine life. I truly enjoyed the nostalgia of 1990s, stunning backdrop of Hawaiian coastline and landscapes, and the power of the natural world and its order.
It’s my first book by Sara Ackerman and won’t be my last. She writes with such love and passion, allowing you to be fully transported into the setting she is writing about. For that alone, the book stands out on so many levels—it’s dreamy, it’s educational, it’s visceral. Her choice of wording powerfully conveys the message she’s trying to make and really shows how much love and appreciation she has for Hawaii, a place that she holds dear to her heart.
I appreciate the story that is well researched. I’ve learned a lot about our ecosystem, sharks, their habitat and behaviors. You also get a glimpse of what sharks mean historically to Hawaii, in its culture and in the connection to “the spirit” of the people.
Ackerman tackles many topics—women in male dominated field, family dynamics and relationships, blame and past trauma. In the story, Minnow lost her father to a shark attack and (for many years) felt responsible for that incident. I love how experts from Minnows personal journal were included at the end of each chapter. They added so much more meaning to the narrative, her unresolved grief and her attempts at healing.
My only negative was that the mystery dragged on for a while and this book would have been a perfect read that’s under 300 pages. If you’re a fan of beautifully constructed historical novels with a climate edge to it in the likes of Wild Dark Shores & Migrations (Charlotte McConaghy) or Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens), you will be completely absorbed by this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author, Sara Ackerman for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: January 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another winner from Sara Ackerman! I love how she uses her birthplace as a backdrop for her books; her understanding and love of the islands shine through each sentence.
Dr. Minnow Gray reminded me that sometimes we can find our tribe in the last place we expect.
I loved uncovering the family secrets and learning about the unresolved grief as much as I enjoyed learning about white sharks! Ackerman’s mysteries, both Minnow’s and the shark attacks, were well plotted and executed; I couldn’t set the book down.
It was also good to be reminded that appearances can be deceiving and it’s worthwhile getting the truth from the source rather than surmising and acting on wrong information.
Pour yourself a Cadillac margarita, sit back and enjoy this fantastic story about a shark whisperer who comes to terms with her past and confronts her present.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Dr. Minnow Gray reminded me that sometimes we can find our tribe in the last place we expect.
I loved uncovering the family secrets and learning about the unresolved grief as much as I enjoyed learning about white sharks! Ackerman’s mysteries, both Minnow’s and the shark attacks, were well plotted and executed; I couldn’t set the book down.
It was also good to be reminded that appearances can be deceiving and it’s worthwhile getting the truth from the source rather than surmising and acting on wrong information.
Pour yourself a Cadillac margarita, sit back and enjoy this fantastic story about a shark whisperer who comes to terms with her past and confronts her present.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 7, 2026
4.25 stars The Shark House had me hooked from the first page. Sara Ackerman's vast knowledge of the Hawaiian islands and care to capture shark behavior correctly is immediately evident. We first step onto the Kohala Coast on the Big Island with the arrival of Dr. Minnow Gray, Marine biologist and shark expert. She is part of an investigation team tasked with determining why one or more great white sharks are in the area, why there have been incidents, and how to stop it. Minnow grew up in Hawaii and was struck with great tragedy as a young girl. Her inner journey is explored as she navigates the waters investigating the sharks. The complex relationship between humans and sharks is explored. While in Hawaii, there is a romance subplot with the mysterious Luke. Throughout the novel, we learn more about Minnow and sharks in general through her past work journal entries. Tensions flare among long-term locals who have almost mythical beliefs and those who are concerned about the economy and tourism and want to upset the balance of the ocean.
Sara Ackerman's writing is immersive and atmospheric. I felt as if I was in Hawaii swimming through the ocean with Minnow. The educational aspect of the novel stressing the importance of shark conservation is fascinating. Those who love Lessons in Chemistry and books with women in STEM, as well as fans of Charlotte McConaghy will love this book. Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Sara Ackerman for the advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Sara Ackerman's writing is immersive and atmospheric. I felt as if I was in Hawaii swimming through the ocean with Minnow. The educational aspect of the novel stressing the importance of shark conservation is fascinating. Those who love Lessons in Chemistry and books with women in STEM, as well as fans of Charlotte McConaghy will love this book. Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Sara Ackerman for the advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
ARC for review. To be published January 13, 2026.
2.5 stars
I was drawn right in by the very title. Who doesn’t want to read a thriller with shark attacks?
Minnow Gray (first off, I think I may have read an old Whitman’s book for girls where the heroine had that same name, and second, any parent who names their female child “Minnow” should probably be investigated) is a shark biologist from California who is called in to consult after two, possibly three, shark attacks on the Kohala coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. Yep, that’s the story, minus some insta-love.
In the hands of a more serious writer this story would have had potential. I mean, I’m all for backstory, but it was almost like the author didn’t have much to say and what she did write was, sadly, not that interesting. We could have learned so much about sharks, and maybe climate change, development, (I’m spitballing here because the reason for the shark attacks was incredibly banal.)
Hawaii seems really nice, though, and I can’t wait to go there.
2.5 stars
I was drawn right in by the very title. Who doesn’t want to read a thriller with shark attacks?
Minnow Gray (first off, I think I may have read an old Whitman’s book for girls where the heroine had that same name, and second, any parent who names their female child “Minnow” should probably be investigated) is a shark biologist from California who is called in to consult after two, possibly three, shark attacks on the Kohala coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. Yep, that’s the story, minus some insta-love.
In the hands of a more serious writer this story would have had potential. I mean, I’m all for backstory, but it was almost like the author didn’t have much to say and what she did write was, sadly, not that interesting. We could have learned so much about sharks, and maybe climate change, development, (I’m spitballing here because the reason for the shark attacks was incredibly banal.)
Hawaii seems really nice, though, and I can’t wait to go there.
Read
October 9, 2025Dear Reader,
Thank you for being here! The Shark House is a book of my heart. Part mystery and part love letter to the ocean and all of its inhabitants, this atmospheric & poignant novel is perfect if you love stories about courageous women and sharks (actually, you may not love sharks before you read this, but my hope is that you will better understand them by the time you finish). What you will find between the pages:
• Sharks
• Dreamy Kohala Coast setting
• Underwater adventures
• Mysterious man
• More sharks
• Long buried family secrets
Living in Hawaiʻi, much of my time is spent in the ocean and as you can imagine, sharks are often on my mind. But it wasn’t until more recently, after a near fatal incident along the coast here, when I really took notice. Around the same time, I also had the good fortune to swim with some resident white tip reef sharks and I realized what incredibly shy and beautiful creatures they are. That’s when I got the idea that maybe it was time to write a shark story that doesn’t paint these animals to be these frenzied, mindless killers, but rather intelligent apex predators who keep our oceans in balance.
I also thought it would be fascinating to write a novel that takes readers deep into Hawaiian waters, where youʻll get to experience what it’s really like to swim with massive sharks, and see them from a new perspective. The Kohala coast on the Big Island is the perfect setting for this, because it’s been long known by Hawaiians as a place where tiger sharks frequent, along with the occasional great white.
This novel was so much fun to research, if not slightly terrifying! And I must say that now when I go for open waters swims, I am always scanning the surrounding waters, expecting (dare I say hoping?) to see a large shark swim on by, completely uninterested in me.
Aloha,
Sara
Thank you for being here! The Shark House is a book of my heart. Part mystery and part love letter to the ocean and all of its inhabitants, this atmospheric & poignant novel is perfect if you love stories about courageous women and sharks (actually, you may not love sharks before you read this, but my hope is that you will better understand them by the time you finish). What you will find between the pages:
• Sharks
• Dreamy Kohala Coast setting
• Underwater adventures
• Mysterious man
• More sharks
• Long buried family secrets
Living in Hawaiʻi, much of my time is spent in the ocean and as you can imagine, sharks are often on my mind. But it wasn’t until more recently, after a near fatal incident along the coast here, when I really took notice. Around the same time, I also had the good fortune to swim with some resident white tip reef sharks and I realized what incredibly shy and beautiful creatures they are. That’s when I got the idea that maybe it was time to write a shark story that doesn’t paint these animals to be these frenzied, mindless killers, but rather intelligent apex predators who keep our oceans in balance.
I also thought it would be fascinating to write a novel that takes readers deep into Hawaiian waters, where youʻll get to experience what it’s really like to swim with massive sharks, and see them from a new perspective. The Kohala coast on the Big Island is the perfect setting for this, because it’s been long known by Hawaiians as a place where tiger sharks frequent, along with the occasional great white.
This novel was so much fun to research, if not slightly terrifying! And I must say that now when I go for open waters swims, I am always scanning the surrounding waters, expecting (dare I say hoping?) to see a large shark swim on by, completely uninterested in me.
Aloha,
Sara
August 30, 2025
4.5 / 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 dodging her questions like his life depended on it. But she does say that the “dangerous unknown had always appealed to her” so I guess if you can swim with sharks, you can fall for Luke. In the end, I did like their relationship even if I couldn’t exactly explain why. And I LOVED the side characters: Nalu, Angela, Woody and Cliff are fantastic.
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 even keeled 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. I can’t explain it but a book about violent shark attacks felt like a warm hug. It was really lovely.
My biggest struggle 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. And I have no clue how old Minnow is (small detail but I think it's an important one).
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 to Brooke and Ari for the buddy read – I don’t think I would have picked up this book without them and I am so glad that I did.
Thank you Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Excited for this buddy read with Ari and Brooke!
The first chapter is making me delulu because I want to pet some sharks, which you know, I've had worse ideas before.
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 dodging her questions like his life depended on it. But she does say that the “dangerous unknown had always appealed to her” so I guess if you can swim with sharks, you can fall for Luke. In the end, I did like their relationship even if I couldn’t exactly explain why. And I LOVED the side characters: Nalu, Angela, Woody and Cliff are fantastic.
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 even keeled 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. I can’t explain it but a book about violent shark attacks felt like a warm hug. It was really lovely.
My biggest struggle 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. And I have no clue how old Minnow is (small detail but I think it's an important one).
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 to Brooke and Ari for the buddy read – I don’t think I would have picked up this book without them and I am so glad that I did.
Thank you Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Excited for this buddy read with Ari and Brooke!
The first chapter is making me delulu because I want to pet some sharks, which you know, I've had worse ideas before.
November 11, 2025
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.
I loved this book. I recommend it to everyone! Thank you to Harper Muse Books and Netgalley for the chance to read.
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.
I loved this book. I recommend it to everyone! Thank you to Harper Muse Books and Netgalley for the chance to read.
October 17, 2025
I'm a sucker for anything sharky so this called to me. As much as I love shark movies and thrillers where they're the "villains," like Jaws, I especially love when the sharks get painted in a much more realistic and kinder way. The amount of love this author clearly has for sharks, and her understanding towards them, was really lovely to read. The setting for this novel was also so beautifully done. The atmosphere was gorgeous and it felt like I was there.
As nice as the writing was, unfortunately the plot itself lacked much excitement. This almost had the feel of a cozy mystery - except much less mystery and suspense.
While I didn't dislike Minnow as a main character at all, her entire personality seemed to just be Shark. Every aspect of her backstory and her trauma and personality was just shark related. Don't get me wrong though, she was still a more than decent narrator, and I did end up really liking her, as well as the other side characters. Most of them. I didn't particularly care for the romance plot or her love interest. It felt under-developed. Other parts of this felt that way, too. I kept thinking they were setting up something with Minnow and the actress, with how often it was mentioned that they looked alike and were mistaken for sisters, but then... nothing? I still don't understand why that kept being brought up, but maybe that's just a nitpick.
While this may lack the thrills that one may expect from a shark novel, it had a lot of heart. The highlight of this by far was anything surrounding the islands and the culture and the ocean. You could feel the love there and it made this a really nice read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC!
As nice as the writing was, unfortunately the plot itself lacked much excitement. This almost had the feel of a cozy mystery - except much less mystery and suspense.
While I didn't dislike Minnow as a main character at all, her entire personality seemed to just be Shark. Every aspect of her backstory and her trauma and personality was just shark related. Don't get me wrong though, she was still a more than decent narrator, and I did end up really liking her, as well as the other side characters. Most of them. I didn't particularly care for the romance plot or her love interest. It felt under-developed. Other parts of this felt that way, too. I kept thinking they were setting up something with Minnow and the actress, with how often it was mentioned that they looked alike and were mistaken for sisters, but then... nothing? I still don't understand why that kept being brought up, but maybe that's just a nitpick.
While this may lack the thrills that one may expect from a shark novel, it had a lot of heart. The highlight of this by far was anything surrounding the islands and the culture and the ocean. You could feel the love there and it made this a really nice read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC!
January 9, 2026
Thank you UpLit Reads and to the publisher for my gifted copies and ALC
DNF- 2⭐️ for the cover art and because I like sharks
I was so excited to read this based off the synopsis. The cover art is beautiful and I love sharks. But this story just didn’t do it for me.
It started out strong when Minnow goes to investigate and research a shark attack down in Hawaii. And I can tell you I was invested probably for the first several chapters with the ongoing investigation, Minnow’s love and advocacy for sharks, and the locals disapproval of the events. But this story quickly became mundane for me and I was struggling to keep going by 40%. The character development and storyline was about as exciting as the narration.
Then I said I would suck it up and got to 61%. At that point, with 3ish hours left in a very monotone audiobook narration, I just decided I couldn’t do it anymore. I had so much high hopes for this and it less then delivered.
For a book marketed around sharks and self-discovery, while atmospheric, there isn’t any excitement or suspense or really any raw emotion
Clearly I am an outlier as this book has many, many good reviews, so take this one with a grain of salt
DNF- 2⭐️ for the cover art and because I like sharks
I was so excited to read this based off the synopsis. The cover art is beautiful and I love sharks. But this story just didn’t do it for me.
It started out strong when Minnow goes to investigate and research a shark attack down in Hawaii. And I can tell you I was invested probably for the first several chapters with the ongoing investigation, Minnow’s love and advocacy for sharks, and the locals disapproval of the events. But this story quickly became mundane for me and I was struggling to keep going by 40%. The character development and storyline was about as exciting as the narration.
Then I said I would suck it up and got to 61%. At that point, with 3ish hours left in a very monotone audiobook narration, I just decided I couldn’t do it anymore. I had so much high hopes for this and it less then delivered.
For a book marketed around sharks and self-discovery, while atmospheric, there isn’t any excitement or suspense or really any raw emotion
Clearly I am an outlier as this book has many, many good reviews, so take this one with a grain of salt
December 4, 2025
One thing The Shark House nails is atmosphere — Hawaii is so vivid it becomes its own character.
Our main character, Dr. Minnow Gray, is sharp, ambitious, and easy to root for. The cast of characters around her add a layer of charm and camaraderie while her side romance brings the right touch of subtlety and sweetness. My favorite part, though, is how the author reimagines shark horror in a way that’s suspenseful, eerie and not over the top.
While I do think there were (small) missed opportunities for the conclusion, overall this was a solid and satisfying read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for my honest review!
Our main character, Dr. Minnow Gray, is sharp, ambitious, and easy to root for. The cast of characters around her add a layer of charm and camaraderie while her side romance brings the right touch of subtlety and sweetness. My favorite part, though, is how the author reimagines shark horror in a way that’s suspenseful, eerie and not over the top.
While I do think there were (small) missed opportunities for the conclusion, overall this was a solid and satisfying read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for my honest review!
November 20, 2025
Read this if you love…
🌎 Eco-fiction
🦈 Shark science
🧡 Women’s fiction
The year is 1998 and Dr. Minnow Grey is called to investigate a series of shark incidents in Hawai’i. As a marine biologist, Minnow has years of professional and personal experience with great whites. Navigating island politics, old family friends, and a mysterious boat captain forces Minnow to reckon with her own tragic past.
The concept? Fascinating!
The execution? Major bummer.
I’m upset that I didn’t enjoy this more! I love sharks and marine science. This book has been on my radar for months and getting approved meant the world to me. I liked learning more about Hawaiian culture and the lush descriptions of the island and ocean. While I’m far from an expert, the shark content felt well-researched and accurate to me.
Despite a thrilling concept, The Shark House fell short on characterization and pacing. I just wanted more from Minnow and the crew. Just when we’d get an interesting nugget of information, we wouldn’t go any deeper. I feel like I barely know these characters despite spending 384 pages with them. Aside from Woody, everyone felt flat.
The pacing also frustrated me. The chapters dragged on and I didn’t feel compelled to pick up the book. It lacked a driving force to keep me coming back for more. There was a romance but I simply did not care if they got together, which shows how uninvested I was.
While this didn’t work for me, it might work for someone who doesn’t mind a slower pace. I also give kudos for respecting the sharks; they are stunning creatures and so much more than the prevailing media makes them out to be.
Thank you to Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
🌎 Eco-fiction
🦈 Shark science
🧡 Women’s fiction
The year is 1998 and Dr. Minnow Grey is called to investigate a series of shark incidents in Hawai’i. As a marine biologist, Minnow has years of professional and personal experience with great whites. Navigating island politics, old family friends, and a mysterious boat captain forces Minnow to reckon with her own tragic past.
The concept? Fascinating!
The execution? Major bummer.
I’m upset that I didn’t enjoy this more! I love sharks and marine science. This book has been on my radar for months and getting approved meant the world to me. I liked learning more about Hawaiian culture and the lush descriptions of the island and ocean. While I’m far from an expert, the shark content felt well-researched and accurate to me.
Despite a thrilling concept, The Shark House fell short on characterization and pacing. I just wanted more from Minnow and the crew. Just when we’d get an interesting nugget of information, we wouldn’t go any deeper. I feel like I barely know these characters despite spending 384 pages with them. Aside from Woody, everyone felt flat.
The pacing also frustrated me. The chapters dragged on and I didn’t feel compelled to pick up the book. It lacked a driving force to keep me coming back for more. There was a romance but I simply did not care if they got together, which shows how uninvested I was.
While this didn’t work for me, it might work for someone who doesn’t mind a slower pace. I also give kudos for respecting the sharks; they are stunning creatures and so much more than the prevailing media makes them out to be.
Thank you to Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 1, 2025
After meh feelings about this story, I have decided that I much prefer this author's historical fictions than her contemporary stories.
What I did appreciate about this one:
- A respect and reverence for sharks
- A respect for the great balance of the ocean's ecosystems
- A respect for the traditions and ecosystem that is native Hawaiians and nature
- As with her previous books, the pidgin and 'ōlelo Hawai'i, especially the 'ōlelo no'eau in each chapter!
I just saw another review that said that Minnow's personality was Shark and that made me laugh. Kinda true.
*A big mahalo to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
What I did appreciate about this one:
- A respect and reverence for sharks
- A respect for the great balance of the ocean's ecosystems
- A respect for the traditions and ecosystem that is native Hawaiians and nature
- As with her previous books, the pidgin and 'ōlelo Hawai'i, especially the 'ōlelo no'eau in each chapter!
I just saw another review that said that Minnow's personality was Shark and that made me laugh. Kinda true.
*A big mahalo to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
ARC - 4.25
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Continuing with my accidental sea creature theme, this was a fab read! Full of really interesting characters and great shark facts.
The beginning was so intriguing and the whole plot was great, but the last third seemed to lack the oomph of the rest, so lost 3/4 of a star.
Overall, a great read. Would recommend to shark lovers or those who are scared of them!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Continuing with my accidental sea creature theme, this was a fab read! Full of really interesting characters and great shark facts.
The beginning was so intriguing and the whole plot was great, but the last third seemed to lack the oomph of the rest, so lost 3/4 of a star.
Overall, a great read. Would recommend to shark lovers or those who are scared of them!!
January 6, 2026
The first 50% made me consider not finishing this book. I found it to be hard to get into and repetitive. Nothing was sticking out to me and I couldn’t connect with the characters.
Until we reach the last half. The plot thickens rapidly and all of a sudden, I was transported to Hawaii in the 90’s. And boy oh boy was I not ready to leave! I didn’t want to put the book down. I started to really enjoy each and every one of the characters and truly cared about their stories, as well as the sharks.
I think the author does a good job with the atmosphere of the story. It was easy to get swept in with the imagery. That was my favorite part, honestly. When I feel like I can vividly see the book play out in my mind, I’m over the moon! I think this was all captured well and made me crave traveling to Hawaii!
While I do think some of the writing got to be a bit juvenile at times, mainly in the beginning. I still thought it got better as we read on.
My other issue was the ending. It wrapped up very quick in such a short amount of time. I wish there was a little more to the end, but it wasn’t a bad ending. It was just missing that build up, but that could be the thriller reader in me talking.
All in all, the beginning is slow to take off, but the payoff is well worth it! I had a great time with this story and I’m glad I picked it up. This would be amazing to read in the summer on the beach!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Until we reach the last half. The plot thickens rapidly and all of a sudden, I was transported to Hawaii in the 90’s. And boy oh boy was I not ready to leave! I didn’t want to put the book down. I started to really enjoy each and every one of the characters and truly cared about their stories, as well as the sharks.
I think the author does a good job with the atmosphere of the story. It was easy to get swept in with the imagery. That was my favorite part, honestly. When I feel like I can vividly see the book play out in my mind, I’m over the moon! I think this was all captured well and made me crave traveling to Hawaii!
While I do think some of the writing got to be a bit juvenile at times, mainly in the beginning. I still thought it got better as we read on.
My other issue was the ending. It wrapped up very quick in such a short amount of time. I wish there was a little more to the end, but it wasn’t a bad ending. It was just missing that build up, but that could be the thriller reader in me talking.
All in all, the beginning is slow to take off, but the payoff is well worth it! I had a great time with this story and I’m glad I picked it up. This would be amazing to read in the summer on the beach!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5-4⭐️
*many thanks to Harper and Harper audio for the gifted copy for review
*many thanks to Harper and Harper audio for the gifted copy for review
October 16, 2025
This is book exemplifies why I read. I was transported to a place I’ve never been and got to learn about something I’ve never been exposed to. A heartwarming story about sharks, love of profession, found family, and healing old wounds. Seeing white sharks in a new light, I will not enter the water again without immense gratitude and respect. The story itself was well told and kept me engaged.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Harper Muse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Harper Muse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 27, 2025
Sorry to say this was not what I expected, and although I did enjoy many parts of it, there were others that just fell flat.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a masterpiece, but just not for me.
(Being as we spent a few weeks in The Hawaii Islands at the end of 1995 for our honeymoon, I was very interested in reading this one. I figured it would bring back a ton of memories…) Lots of beautiful scenes depicted…
Dr. Minnow Gray is called upon to go from California, where she is a marine biologist, to The Big Island of Hawaii… where there have been several shark attacks recently. The year is 1998.
She is a lover of sharks, and some call her the shark whisperer… so when she hears that the big wigs in town are calling for mass killings of the sharks… well, she has to at least TRY to help and get this stopped. She feels this in her heart, her bones, her soul…
But…what can she do? She’s only one person? ….
And so we begin the tale that unravels very S L O W L Y ….
Minnow knows these waters. She knows this area. She almost feels like she knows this shark!
She puts together a very small team to investigate…but while investigating the incidents, she also unearths some truths about herself, her family, and her own past.
Again, don’t get me wrong. It was a good book! But, did I enjoy it as much as others of hers that I’ve read… no.
And really, I’m not sure why.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please give it a try. Maybe it was just an off day for me… 🤨
#The SharkHouse by @SaraAckerman and narrated nicely by @JenniferRobideau.
3 🌟🌟🌟 for me!
THIS ONE IS NOT BEING RELEASED UNTIL JANUARY 13TH... SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN FOR IT’S RELEASE Next Month!!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarperMuseAudiofor an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Don’t get me wrong, this is a masterpiece, but just not for me.
(Being as we spent a few weeks in The Hawaii Islands at the end of 1995 for our honeymoon, I was very interested in reading this one. I figured it would bring back a ton of memories…) Lots of beautiful scenes depicted…
Dr. Minnow Gray is called upon to go from California, where she is a marine biologist, to The Big Island of Hawaii… where there have been several shark attacks recently. The year is 1998.
She is a lover of sharks, and some call her the shark whisperer… so when she hears that the big wigs in town are calling for mass killings of the sharks… well, she has to at least TRY to help and get this stopped. She feels this in her heart, her bones, her soul…
But…what can she do? She’s only one person? ….
And so we begin the tale that unravels very S L O W L Y ….
Minnow knows these waters. She knows this area. She almost feels like she knows this shark!
She puts together a very small team to investigate…but while investigating the incidents, she also unearths some truths about herself, her family, and her own past.
Again, don’t get me wrong. It was a good book! But, did I enjoy it as much as others of hers that I’ve read… no.
And really, I’m not sure why.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please give it a try. Maybe it was just an off day for me… 🤨
#The SharkHouse by @SaraAckerman and narrated nicely by @JenniferRobideau.
3 🌟🌟🌟 for me!
THIS ONE IS NOT BEING RELEASED UNTIL JANUARY 13TH... SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN FOR IT’S RELEASE Next Month!!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarperMuseAudiofor an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
October 28, 2025
Another great read from Sara Ackerman!
The second I read the premise for this latest book by Sara, I knew I’d enjoy it. Her writing is always so vivid and transports me to Hawaii so easily. I feel like I’m there with the characters. I am a fan of Sara’s books because of how gentle they are. They’re not extremely depressing historical fiction reads. At least for me, they’re always a feel-good read.
I saw someone say that this book is good for fans of Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and I have to agree. I loved that book, and I can see the similarities here with how atmospheric this felt and with the themes of human-animal relationships. The Shark House has a bit of mystery woven in, mixed with historical and women’s fiction and it felt nostalgic too being based in the 90s. While yes, it is about a series of Shark attacks and a marine biologist who is called in to help find out why, and a small mystery within this story line. But I felt it was more so a woman finding herself again and getting through her grief from past experiences and losses. And then it’s got just a touch of romance sprinkled in too.
I truly enjoy all of Sara Ackerman’s books. When I need an easy read that I know will make me feel good in the end, I go to her books. This was a great one. What kept it from being 5 stars were just a few things… 1. the way the journal entries were thrown in there. It slightly confused me at times being from all different years. There were moments I didn’t know what year the present time was. 2. The ending felt kind of rushed the way the book wrapped up. Especially the mystery storyline. I think I could have used a little more from the side Characters too. I really liked them. Nalu especially.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it.
The second I read the premise for this latest book by Sara, I knew I’d enjoy it. Her writing is always so vivid and transports me to Hawaii so easily. I feel like I’m there with the characters. I am a fan of Sara’s books because of how gentle they are. They’re not extremely depressing historical fiction reads. At least for me, they’re always a feel-good read.
I saw someone say that this book is good for fans of Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and I have to agree. I loved that book, and I can see the similarities here with how atmospheric this felt and with the themes of human-animal relationships. The Shark House has a bit of mystery woven in, mixed with historical and women’s fiction and it felt nostalgic too being based in the 90s. While yes, it is about a series of Shark attacks and a marine biologist who is called in to help find out why, and a small mystery within this story line. But I felt it was more so a woman finding herself again and getting through her grief from past experiences and losses. And then it’s got just a touch of romance sprinkled in too.
I truly enjoy all of Sara Ackerman’s books. When I need an easy read that I know will make me feel good in the end, I go to her books. This was a great one. What kept it from being 5 stars were just a few things… 1. the way the journal entries were thrown in there. It slightly confused me at times being from all different years. There were moments I didn’t know what year the present time was. 2. The ending felt kind of rushed the way the book wrapped up. Especially the mystery storyline. I think I could have used a little more from the side Characters too. I really liked them. Nalu especially.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it.
January 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW (1/13/26): the shark house by sara ackerman 🌊 a marine biologist must confront both a deadly white shark and her own haunting past in this chilling exploration of nature and self-discovery.
as someone who has had a special interest in everything paleontology & ichthyology related recently, I couldn't have picked a better book to kick off the new year with. a haunting mystery beneath the ocean’s surface that had me flipping (HA) the pages late into the night.
what to expect:
🦈 sharks
🥥 hawaiian setting
🦈 ocean conservation
🥥 found family
anything with sharks? I’m hooked. rather than feeding into the fear-driven stereotypes stemming from fictional media, ackerman approaches these apex predators with a sense of respect and understanding. every sentence was educational and written with a sense of awe.
the vivid 1998 hawaiian atmosphere felt SO real. I was visualizing everything from the scent of saltwater buzzing in the humid air to the endless horizon butting up with the relentless ocean. but in paradise, the past has teeth. the flashbacks included were not only heartfelt, but also beneficial to our fmc’s growth. a tide pool full of mystery, a dash of romance and splash of self-discovery. I swam out for the sharks but stayed for minnow’s journey.
thank you harper muse audiobooks for the advanced copy, there’s certainly *some-fin* special about you 🌤️ 5 stars!
as someone who has had a special interest in everything paleontology & ichthyology related recently, I couldn't have picked a better book to kick off the new year with. a haunting mystery beneath the ocean’s surface that had me flipping (HA) the pages late into the night.
what to expect:
🦈 sharks
🥥 hawaiian setting
🦈 ocean conservation
🥥 found family
anything with sharks? I’m hooked. rather than feeding into the fear-driven stereotypes stemming from fictional media, ackerman approaches these apex predators with a sense of respect and understanding. every sentence was educational and written with a sense of awe.
the vivid 1998 hawaiian atmosphere felt SO real. I was visualizing everything from the scent of saltwater buzzing in the humid air to the endless horizon butting up with the relentless ocean. but in paradise, the past has teeth. the flashbacks included were not only heartfelt, but also beneficial to our fmc’s growth. a tide pool full of mystery, a dash of romance and splash of self-discovery. I swam out for the sharks but stayed for minnow’s journey.
thank you harper muse audiobooks for the advanced copy, there’s certainly *some-fin* special about you 🌤️ 5 stars!
December 27, 2025
This book is the definition of women in men’s fields. Dr. Minnow Gray is a marine biologist trying to do her best to protect a shark population from a group of politicians just trying to make more money. This book is a wonderful read for someone who loves nature, animals and how to can connect to them both.
While protecting Hawaii’s shark population is the main topic of this book, a subtopic is Minnow trying to navigate her past and her complicated memories of her parents.
The found family in this book is exactly what you’d expect in Hawaii.
Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Muse for this ALC!
While protecting Hawaii’s shark population is the main topic of this book, a subtopic is Minnow trying to navigate her past and her complicated memories of her parents.
The found family in this book is exactly what you’d expect in Hawaii.
Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Muse for this ALC!
August 12, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Shark House by Sara Ackerman. The Hawaiian setting is one relatively rare in my reading experience and it is evoked in sensuous luminous prose. I could hear the coconuts dropping from the trees and the ocean waves lapping the lava shores. It features a marine research biologist who is intimately connected to the sea and its creatures, in particular the great white shark. Through her, this courageous and troubled woman, I gained a greater appreciation for the richness and beauty of underwater life, as well as a sense of Hawaiian culture (each chapter begins with the definition of a Hawaiian word). Mystery, romance and psychological exploration also add to the complexity of the novel.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advance complimentary copy. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advance complimentary copy. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 10, 2025
Saw SHARK and was instantly sold on this book. Reading about shocking shark attacks in Hawaii seemed like such a great thriller. Unfortunately, it was not much more enticing past the title and the description... It had so much potential, but the story just fell flat throughout. There was no excitement, no heavy hitting twists, no suspense, not even a developed romantic aspect. It was like there was not much to say, but the story needed to be longer so there was a lot more thrown in and was not interesting. My mind kept drifting and I kept needing to force myself to listen to the audiobook just to get through it.
I did enjoy all the shark facts that were strewn throughout and the use of Polynesian and the history of Hawaii and the research did shine through. There was so much potential in the FMC being a biologist that studies sharks and happens to find her connection to Hawaii. Instead, we got her acting like some sort of rogue detective and not really being a biologist. It was a weird disconnect.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced Audiobook copy
I did enjoy all the shark facts that were strewn throughout and the use of Polynesian and the history of Hawaii and the research did shine through. There was so much potential in the FMC being a biologist that studies sharks and happens to find her connection to Hawaii. Instead, we got her acting like some sort of rogue detective and not really being a biologist. It was a weird disconnect.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced Audiobook copy
November 1, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Muse for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Shark House. Yes! What a fantastic read. I have forever been fascinated by marine life, and this book did not disappoint. I got to learn about sharks while also escape into a fascinating story with a full range of interesting characters. This was great. Excited to read more Sara Ackerman books.
The Shark House. Yes! What a fantastic read. I have forever been fascinated by marine life, and this book did not disappoint. I got to learn about sharks while also escape into a fascinating story with a full range of interesting characters. This was great. Excited to read more Sara Ackerman books.
December 6, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 Stars – Completely swept me away!
The setting, the sharks, the atmosphere—I was totally transported. I learned so much and felt so much. What an amazing read!
When an author truly loves their setting, it shows and The Shark House is a perfect example. Sara Ackerman brings Hawai‘i’s western coast to life with such vivid detail that it feels completely immersive. From the rustic charm of the Shark House (Hale Niuhi) to the sweeping views of ocean and mountains, the atmosphere is breathtaking. And the underwater scenes? They’re incredible - lush coral, vibrant sea life, and the feeling that you’re right there beneath the surface.
But what impressed me most is how Ackerman pairs that natural beauty with a heartfelt story about self-discovery, confronting the past, and a deep, reverent love for sharks. This book teaches you so much about shark behavior without ever feeling heavy or textbook-like. I walked away fascinated and definitely want to learn more.
The story follows Minnow Gray, a white shark expert called to Hawai‘i after a series of incidents leave two people dead and one seriously injured. Alongside an intern, Nalu, Minnow works to uncover whether a rogue white shark is targeting humans or if human interference has drawn it closer to shore. As community leaders push for a shark culling, Minnow races to find evidence that could stop an ecological disaster.
I really enjoyed the pacing, which moves steadily between present-day events, Minnow’s research journal entries, and flashbacks that gradually reveal the truth about her father’s death. The supporting characters are warm and memorable, and I loved the use of pidgin and Hawaiian language - it added so much authenticity that I’m convinced the audiobook would be fantastic. There’s even a touch of romance, though it stays comfortably in the background.
Overall, this was a beautifully immersive, thoughtfully written story with rich setting, strong characters, and a meaningful message. I learned a lot, I cared a lot, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to Harper Muse and Sara Ackerman for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The setting, the sharks, the atmosphere—I was totally transported. I learned so much and felt so much. What an amazing read!
When an author truly loves their setting, it shows and The Shark House is a perfect example. Sara Ackerman brings Hawai‘i’s western coast to life with such vivid detail that it feels completely immersive. From the rustic charm of the Shark House (Hale Niuhi) to the sweeping views of ocean and mountains, the atmosphere is breathtaking. And the underwater scenes? They’re incredible - lush coral, vibrant sea life, and the feeling that you’re right there beneath the surface.
But what impressed me most is how Ackerman pairs that natural beauty with a heartfelt story about self-discovery, confronting the past, and a deep, reverent love for sharks. This book teaches you so much about shark behavior without ever feeling heavy or textbook-like. I walked away fascinated and definitely want to learn more.
The story follows Minnow Gray, a white shark expert called to Hawai‘i after a series of incidents leave two people dead and one seriously injured. Alongside an intern, Nalu, Minnow works to uncover whether a rogue white shark is targeting humans or if human interference has drawn it closer to shore. As community leaders push for a shark culling, Minnow races to find evidence that could stop an ecological disaster.
I really enjoyed the pacing, which moves steadily between present-day events, Minnow’s research journal entries, and flashbacks that gradually reveal the truth about her father’s death. The supporting characters are warm and memorable, and I loved the use of pidgin and Hawaiian language - it added so much authenticity that I’m convinced the audiobook would be fantastic. There’s even a touch of romance, though it stays comfortably in the background.
Overall, this was a beautifully immersive, thoughtfully written story with rich setting, strong characters, and a meaningful message. I learned a lot, I cared a lot, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to Harper Muse and Sara Ackerman for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
(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.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to review the e-ARC of this title prior to publication. The Shark House will be published in January 2026.
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.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to review the e-ARC of this title prior to publication. The Shark House will be published in January 2026.
November 18, 2025
⭐️ ALC Review: The Shark House by Sara Ackerman ⭐️
Pub Date: January 13, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for the ALC! 🎧💙
I requested this one entirely because of the stunning cover… and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed this book — and I highly recommend the audio.
Even though this is technically women’s fiction with a historical fiction angle (…does the 1990s count as historical? 😂), it felt fresh, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve read lately.
What I loved most:
🌺 The Hawaiian language + culture.
Each chapter begins with a Hawaiian word, and hearing them pronounced by the narrator was such a beautiful touch. The accents, sayings, and cultural details woven throughout filled my heart. Hawaii is such a special, magical place to me — and this book honored that feeling.
🦈 The sharks + ocean education.
So fascinating! The way Ackerman writes about the ocean reminded me of the reverence and environmental awareness of Wild Dark Shore — painting lush scenes while quietly teaching respect for the natural world.
🌊 The story itself.
A mix of mystery, a sweet side romance, and meaningful self-discovery. It felt gentle, atmospheric, and surprisingly soulful.
Read if:
✨ you love Hawaii
✨ you love the ocean
✨ you’re intrigued by sharks
✨ you want something a little different from your usual TBR
⭐️ Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: January 13, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for the ALC! 🎧💙
I requested this one entirely because of the stunning cover… and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed this book — and I highly recommend the audio.
Even though this is technically women’s fiction with a historical fiction angle (…does the 1990s count as historical? 😂), it felt fresh, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve read lately.
What I loved most:
🌺 The Hawaiian language + culture.
Each chapter begins with a Hawaiian word, and hearing them pronounced by the narrator was such a beautiful touch. The accents, sayings, and cultural details woven throughout filled my heart. Hawaii is such a special, magical place to me — and this book honored that feeling.
🦈 The sharks + ocean education.
So fascinating! The way Ackerman writes about the ocean reminded me of the reverence and environmental awareness of Wild Dark Shore — painting lush scenes while quietly teaching respect for the natural world.
🌊 The story itself.
A mix of mystery, a sweet side romance, and meaningful self-discovery. It felt gentle, atmospheric, and surprisingly soulful.
Read if:
✨ you love Hawaii
✨ you love the ocean
✨ you’re intrigued by sharks
✨ you want something a little different from your usual TBR
⭐️ Rating: 4 stars
November 8, 2025
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
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
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
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Shark House is one of those quieter books that completely steals your attention, keeping you glued to the pages until the very end.
Minnow is a marine biologist investigating several shark incidents that occur in the Hawaiian waters in the 1990s. She finds herself fighting for the sharks against many men who would rather just hunt them down to put people at ease while also facing new truths about her own life and story.
Sharks are endlessly fascinating to me, so I was completely pulled in by the story of a marine biologist who is an expert on sharks. I loved how Ackerman explained that sharks are such an important part of our ecosystem and the way native Hawaiians and their lifestyle were so important to the storyline.
Minnow's character was beautifully written - a woman with a horrific incident in her past, still coming to terms with the losses in her life, and incredibly determined to do right by these magnificent creatures who have caused pain in her own life.
I loved the audio narration by Jennifer Robideau and would happily recommend either format. Robideau's soothing and matter of fact tone work perfectly for bringing Minnow to life, and I loved hearing the correct pronunciation of the many Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout the book.
Minnow is a marine biologist investigating several shark incidents that occur in the Hawaiian waters in the 1990s. She finds herself fighting for the sharks against many men who would rather just hunt them down to put people at ease while also facing new truths about her own life and story.
Sharks are endlessly fascinating to me, so I was completely pulled in by the story of a marine biologist who is an expert on sharks. I loved how Ackerman explained that sharks are such an important part of our ecosystem and the way native Hawaiians and their lifestyle were so important to the storyline.
Minnow's character was beautifully written - a woman with a horrific incident in her past, still coming to terms with the losses in her life, and incredibly determined to do right by these magnificent creatures who have caused pain in her own life.
I loved the audio narration by Jennifer Robideau and would happily recommend either format. Robideau's soothing and matter of fact tone work perfectly for bringing Minnow to life, and I loved hearing the correct pronunciation of the many Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout the book.
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