What do you think?
Rate this book
The Swallowtail Legacy #2
Betrayal By the Book
A writer’s conference brings twelve-year-old Lark’s favorite writer—and a suspicious death—to Swallowtail Island, in the second book in this middle grade mystery series by an Edgar Award-nominated author.
Swallowtail Island is hosting the Swallowtales Writer’s Conference. Lark's ecstatic to be chosen as a “page” for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart.
But they say you should never meet your idols. When Keyhart arrives with her personal assistant in tow, she is nothing but a terror. And within a few hours, the assistant is dead! But the explanation isn't sitting well. Not when lots of people had reasons to want to be rid of Keyhart, and especially not after it’s revealed the assistant recently completed a hot new novel and the file's vanished from her computer.
Then Lark finds out the assistant had a bird—the match to the one she found hidden in her mom’s book—and she needs answers. It looks like Swallowtail Island still has secrets to reveal, and Lark’s going to uncover them.
A gripping new chapter in the Swallowtail Legacy series, Mike D. Beil spins another clever clue hunt that seamlessly slips in alongside the best classics of middle grade mystery.
Swallowtail Island is hosting the Swallowtales Writer’s Conference. Lark's ecstatic to be chosen as a “page” for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart.
But they say you should never meet your idols. When Keyhart arrives with her personal assistant in tow, she is nothing but a terror. And within a few hours, the assistant is dead! But the explanation isn't sitting well. Not when lots of people had reasons to want to be rid of Keyhart, and especially not after it’s revealed the assistant recently completed a hot new novel and the file's vanished from her computer.
Then Lark finds out the assistant had a bird—the match to the one she found hidden in her mom’s book—and she needs answers. It looks like Swallowtail Island still has secrets to reveal, and Lark’s going to uncover them.
A gripping new chapter in the Swallowtail Legacy series, Mike D. Beil spins another clever clue hunt that seamlessly slips in alongside the best classics of middle grade mystery.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
5 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Michael D. Beil
10 books90 followersIn a time not long after the fifth extinction event, Edgar Award-nominated author Michael D. Beil came of age on the shores of Pymatuning Lake, where the ducks walk on the fish. (Look it up. Seriously.) For reasons that can’t be disclosed until September 28, 2041, he now lives somewhere in Portugal with his wife and their two white cats, Bruno and Maisie. He still gets carsick if he has to ride in the back seat for long and feels a little guilty that he doesn’t keep a journal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 17, 2024
I would give this more of a 2.5 stars to be honest.
“The Swallowtail Legacy”, by Michael D. Beil, was a bit more of a let down than I expected. I am a HUGE fan of “The Red Blazer Girls”, another one of Beil’s works, with its unique, puzzle-like mysteries and lovable characters. But this book just fell kind of flat?
First off, there were too many characters. The main character, a girl and her little sister lose both of their parents and end up living with their step-dad. Their step-dad has three sons, none of whom were mentioned much throughout the story, and their names were generic enough to confuse with one another.
There was no evidence, no interviews (except for that one old guy) there were no suspects. The bad guy was spelled out very clearly in the first 3 chapters. I respect the fact that Beil was building up to the next book with another side mystery, but at that point I would’ve just dropped the original mystery all together and made this a contemporary, coming-of-age book instead, and then moved into mystery. Maybe that is what this book is supposed to be categorized under, but if you’re going to be in the mystery category, you better be mysterious.
This book was a great first book of a bigger series, but overall not really happy with it. I don’t go into books with high expectations, but “The Red Blazer Girls” series was one of my top reads growing up and even now, 10 years later. So I just expected the same kind of vibes in this book as well. I’m not 100% sold on reading the whole series, but anything can happen!
“The Swallowtail Legacy”, by Michael D. Beil, was a bit more of a let down than I expected. I am a HUGE fan of “The Red Blazer Girls”, another one of Beil’s works, with its unique, puzzle-like mysteries and lovable characters. But this book just fell kind of flat?
First off, there were too many characters. The main character, a girl and her little sister lose both of their parents and end up living with their step-dad. Their step-dad has three sons, none of whom were mentioned much throughout the story, and their names were generic enough to confuse with one another.
There was no evidence, no interviews (except for that one old guy) there were no suspects. The bad guy was spelled out very clearly in the first 3 chapters. I respect the fact that Beil was building up to the next book with another side mystery, but at that point I would’ve just dropped the original mystery all together and made this a contemporary, coming-of-age book instead, and then moved into mystery. Maybe that is what this book is supposed to be categorized under, but if you’re going to be in the mystery category, you better be mysterious.
This book was a great first book of a bigger series, but overall not really happy with it. I don’t go into books with high expectations, but “The Red Blazer Girls” series was one of my top reads growing up and even now, 10 years later. So I just expected the same kind of vibes in this book as well. I’m not 100% sold on reading the whole series, but anything can happen!
July 27, 2024
I’m loving this series. It is old school without feeling ancient.
May 9, 2023
While I was reading this novel, I kept wondering if an adolescent version of myself would like it. I really can't say. The murder felt frustratingly obvious, the 12 year old narrator wielded an absurd amount of power, and it was annoying how many times the phrase "the God's honest truth" was used. But if I was 10 or 11 would I have liked to look to a character that showed me it was ok to use your voice and it was possible to get grownups to listen through persistence? I would like to think so.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of Betrayal By the Book through Goodreads Giveaway.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of Betrayal By the Book through Goodreads Giveaway.
January 1, 2023
Happy 2023! Is it cheating if I read most of this last year but finished it this morning?
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lark and her family, which includes her younger sister Pip, her stepfather, and her three stepbrothers, have decided to stay on Swallowtail Island in Ohio instead of going home to Connecticut. Despite being a potential heiress of some land owned by the Cheever family and willied to her and Pip, Lark decides to help with the annual Swallowtales literary festival that her late mother's friend Nadine is running. She's excited to be a page for one of her favorite YA authors, Ann Keyheart. It's a bit disconcerting to meet her idol in person when she ends up being a booze swilling bully, but Lark enjoys talking to her assistant, Didi, who is an aspiring author. Lark is also investigating a mystery left over from her previous adventures, and has a clue about the location of a hollowed out copy of Little Dorrit and the bird figurine nestled within it. When someone close to Keyheart is murdered, Lark is not far away, to the chagrin of Officer Pawalski. The murder weapon seems to be local chocolates, as the victim was highly allergic. But who had the means and motive? The literary festival continues, and Lark meets a host of possible suspects, from the snooty ballet student, Gabby, who is Lark's age, to literary agents and other authors, none of whom are very fond of Keyheart. Was she the intended victim? When Lark's book and figurine surface and have an odd connection to the victim, the mystery deepens. Will Lark be able to solve it before the suspect flees the island?
Strengths: I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries like Braun's The Cat Who books, although I haven't read as many as I would like lately. It seems like a format that would work so well for middle grade murder mysteries-- here's a bakery run by a tween's parents, and then there's a murder! Bunce's Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries come close, but the historical setting makes them harder to sell. Betrayal by the Book captures everything that I love about cozy mysteries. Swallowtail Island is a fascinating fictional place, with a deep history, interesting residents, and fun local businesses. There's just enough connection with Lark's mother through people who knew her and the mystery of the bird figurines, and Lark's grief is realistic and doesn't overshadow the other aspects of the book. This read like an episode of Murder, She Wrote in all of the best ways, and I appreciate some of Beil's humor aimed at adults, like a passing reference to nautical attire making someone look like "Captain Stubing", a reference Lark did NOT understand!
Weaknesses: There was a chase seen towards the end that seemed very like the one in the first book that threw me a bit.
What I really think: Beil's Red Blazer Girls (2009) series still circulates well, and I hope that he embraces the mystery genre and continues to delight us with more murder mysteries! Hand this one to fans of Souder's Coop Knows the Scoop, Stevens' Wells and Wong mysteries, or Haddix's The Secret Letters, even though that one doesn't have a murder.
It doesn't hurt my feelings at all that the cover reminds me of Louis Bromfield's Malabar Farm office!
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lark and her family, which includes her younger sister Pip, her stepfather, and her three stepbrothers, have decided to stay on Swallowtail Island in Ohio instead of going home to Connecticut. Despite being a potential heiress of some land owned by the Cheever family and willied to her and Pip, Lark decides to help with the annual Swallowtales literary festival that her late mother's friend Nadine is running. She's excited to be a page for one of her favorite YA authors, Ann Keyheart. It's a bit disconcerting to meet her idol in person when she ends up being a booze swilling bully, but Lark enjoys talking to her assistant, Didi, who is an aspiring author. Lark is also investigating a mystery left over from her previous adventures, and has a clue about the location of a hollowed out copy of Little Dorrit and the bird figurine nestled within it. When someone close to Keyheart is murdered, Lark is not far away, to the chagrin of Officer Pawalski. The murder weapon seems to be local chocolates, as the victim was highly allergic. But who had the means and motive? The literary festival continues, and Lark meets a host of possible suspects, from the snooty ballet student, Gabby, who is Lark's age, to literary agents and other authors, none of whom are very fond of Keyheart. Was she the intended victim? When Lark's book and figurine surface and have an odd connection to the victim, the mystery deepens. Will Lark be able to solve it before the suspect flees the island?
Strengths: I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries like Braun's The Cat Who books, although I haven't read as many as I would like lately. It seems like a format that would work so well for middle grade murder mysteries-- here's a bakery run by a tween's parents, and then there's a murder! Bunce's Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries come close, but the historical setting makes them harder to sell. Betrayal by the Book captures everything that I love about cozy mysteries. Swallowtail Island is a fascinating fictional place, with a deep history, interesting residents, and fun local businesses. There's just enough connection with Lark's mother through people who knew her and the mystery of the bird figurines, and Lark's grief is realistic and doesn't overshadow the other aspects of the book. This read like an episode of Murder, She Wrote in all of the best ways, and I appreciate some of Beil's humor aimed at adults, like a passing reference to nautical attire making someone look like "Captain Stubing", a reference Lark did NOT understand!
Weaknesses: There was a chase seen towards the end that seemed very like the one in the first book that threw me a bit.
What I really think: Beil's Red Blazer Girls (2009) series still circulates well, and I hope that he embraces the mystery genre and continues to delight us with more murder mysteries! Hand this one to fans of Souder's Coop Knows the Scoop, Stevens' Wells and Wong mysteries, or Haddix's The Secret Letters, even though that one doesn't have a murder.
It doesn't hurt my feelings at all that the cover reminds me of Louis Bromfield's Malabar Farm office!
January 14, 2024
"Betrayal By the Book" by Michael D. Beil is a thrilling addition to the Swallowtail Legacy series that captivates readers with its clever mystery plot and engaging characters. This middle-grade mystery unfolds at the Swallowtales Writer's Conference on Swallowtail Island, where twelve-year-old Lark finds herself in the midst of a suspenseful tale involving her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart.
The narrative kicks off with Lark's excitement at being chosen as a "page" for Ann E. Keyhart, but the anticipated joy turns into a rollercoaster of events when Keyhart's arrival brings unexpected chaos. The author's portrayal as a terror adds an intriguing layer to the story, setting the stage for the mysterious death of her personal assistant. The tension escalates as Lark delves into the investigation, discovering that the assistant had recently completed a novel, the file of which has mysteriously vanished.
The author, Michael D. Beil, skillfully weaves a gripping clue hunt throughout the narrative, reminiscent of classic middle-grade mysteries. The plot unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the twists and turns of the investigation alongside Lark. The incorporation of a bird, matching one found in Lark's mom's book, adds an additional layer of intrigue, connecting past and present secrets on Swallowtail Island.
Beil's writing style is both engaging and age-appropriate, making it an ideal read for middle-grade readers. The characters are well-developed, and Lark's determination to uncover the truth adds a relatable and empowering element to the story. The exploration of the Swallowtail Island's secrets adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical mystery.
"Betrayal By the Book" stands out as a commendable addition to the middle-grade mystery genre, showcasing Beil's storytelling prowess. The cleverly crafted plot, well-rounded characters, and the seamless blend of classic mystery elements make this book a four-star read. It keeps the reader entertained while delivering a satisfying and compelling mystery that is sure to leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Swallowtail Legacy series.
The narrative kicks off with Lark's excitement at being chosen as a "page" for Ann E. Keyhart, but the anticipated joy turns into a rollercoaster of events when Keyhart's arrival brings unexpected chaos. The author's portrayal as a terror adds an intriguing layer to the story, setting the stage for the mysterious death of her personal assistant. The tension escalates as Lark delves into the investigation, discovering that the assistant had recently completed a novel, the file of which has mysteriously vanished.
The author, Michael D. Beil, skillfully weaves a gripping clue hunt throughout the narrative, reminiscent of classic middle-grade mysteries. The plot unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the twists and turns of the investigation alongside Lark. The incorporation of a bird, matching one found in Lark's mom's book, adds an additional layer of intrigue, connecting past and present secrets on Swallowtail Island.
Beil's writing style is both engaging and age-appropriate, making it an ideal read for middle-grade readers. The characters are well-developed, and Lark's determination to uncover the truth adds a relatable and empowering element to the story. The exploration of the Swallowtail Island's secrets adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical mystery.
"Betrayal By the Book" stands out as a commendable addition to the middle-grade mystery genre, showcasing Beil's storytelling prowess. The cleverly crafted plot, well-rounded characters, and the seamless blend of classic mystery elements make this book a four-star read. It keeps the reader entertained while delivering a satisfying and compelling mystery that is sure to leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Swallowtail Legacy series.
February 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Pixel+Ink for an advanced copy.
I think Michael D Beil has written something special here, at least for me.
Firstly, we have a middle grade mystery with a feisty but compassionate, kind, and (mostly) respecting heroine. Second, the mystery involves writers. Then there's the setting itself: a Mackinac inspired car-free island on Lake Eerie, called Swallowtail Island in the book. Oh! And it starts with an illustrated map of the island. This basically would've been my ideal book at ten years old, and while reading it I was transported to those magical middle school days where my dad would drop off my sister and me at the library on the weekends and we would grab all the next books in whatever children's mystery series we were reading at that time.
I appreciate the mystery was dumbed down either. Yes, the writing is appropriate for the target age but it doesn't treat the reader like they're ignorant. Adults are adult (and the kids are occasionally baffled by the behavior lol), situations are complicated, things don't always go the kids' ways... it's a welcoming read.
I also really enjoyed how heart-warming the characters are. There is some sadness, but I love that this is a supportive and loving blended family full of everyone just doing the best they can.
I haven't read the first in the series but that really didn't put me off of understanding what happened in the first book or the character relationships at all, but I will still be going back and reading that introductory novel. I really enjoyed spending time with Lark in her little world; she's a likable well-written lead in a likable and well-written story.
Loved it!
I think Michael D Beil has written something special here, at least for me.
Firstly, we have a middle grade mystery with a feisty but compassionate, kind, and (mostly) respecting heroine. Second, the mystery involves writers. Then there's the setting itself: a Mackinac inspired car-free island on Lake Eerie, called Swallowtail Island in the book. Oh! And it starts with an illustrated map of the island. This basically would've been my ideal book at ten years old, and while reading it I was transported to those magical middle school days where my dad would drop off my sister and me at the library on the weekends and we would grab all the next books in whatever children's mystery series we were reading at that time.
I appreciate the mystery was dumbed down either. Yes, the writing is appropriate for the target age but it doesn't treat the reader like they're ignorant. Adults are adult (and the kids are occasionally baffled by the behavior lol), situations are complicated, things don't always go the kids' ways... it's a welcoming read.
I also really enjoyed how heart-warming the characters are. There is some sadness, but I love that this is a supportive and loving blended family full of everyone just doing the best they can.
I haven't read the first in the series but that really didn't put me off of understanding what happened in the first book or the character relationships at all, but I will still be going back and reading that introductory novel. I really enjoyed spending time with Lark in her little world; she's a likable well-written lead in a likable and well-written story.
Loved it!
August 9, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I just finished reading “The Swallowtail Legacy #2, Betrayal By the Book” by Michael D. Beil, and I was blown away by this middle-grade mystery. The cover is stunning, with beautiful birds and books. The story is set on Swallowtail Island, a charming and quirky place that is hosting a writer’s conference.
The protagonist, Lark, is a twelve-year-old girl who loves books and mysteries. She gets the opportunity to be a “page” for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart. But she soon realizes that Keyhart is not the kind and inspiring person she imagined. In fact, she’s a horrible boss and a ruthless plagiarist. And when her personal assistant is found dead, Lark suspects foul play.
Lark decides to investigate the murder, along with the disappearance of the assistants' novel from her laptop. She also discovers a clue that connects her mom’s book to Swallowtail Island’s secrets. Lark is a brave and clever heroine, and I enjoyed following her adventures. The other characters are also fun and realistic, especially Lark’s friends and family.
The mystery is not very complex, or surprising, but it’s still entertaining and suspenseful. The book has a great pace, except for some slower parts in the middle. The best part is the setting, which is full of literary references and creative details. I loved how the book celebrates the joy of reading and writing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries and books. It’s a standalone story, so you don’t need to read the first one to enjoy it. I’m looking forward to reading more from Michael D. Beil!
ARC Via NetGalley
I just finished reading “The Swallowtail Legacy #2, Betrayal By the Book” by Michael D. Beil, and I was blown away by this middle-grade mystery. The cover is stunning, with beautiful birds and books. The story is set on Swallowtail Island, a charming and quirky place that is hosting a writer’s conference.
The protagonist, Lark, is a twelve-year-old girl who loves books and mysteries. She gets the opportunity to be a “page” for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart. But she soon realizes that Keyhart is not the kind and inspiring person she imagined. In fact, she’s a horrible boss and a ruthless plagiarist. And when her personal assistant is found dead, Lark suspects foul play.
Lark decides to investigate the murder, along with the disappearance of the assistants' novel from her laptop. She also discovers a clue that connects her mom’s book to Swallowtail Island’s secrets. Lark is a brave and clever heroine, and I enjoyed following her adventures. The other characters are also fun and realistic, especially Lark’s friends and family.
The mystery is not very complex, or surprising, but it’s still entertaining and suspenseful. The book has a great pace, except for some slower parts in the middle. The best part is the setting, which is full of literary references and creative details. I loved how the book celebrates the joy of reading and writing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries and books. It’s a standalone story, so you don’t need to read the first one to enjoy it. I’m looking forward to reading more from Michael D. Beil!
ARC Via NetGalley
July 23, 2023
A second mystery set on beautiful Swallowtail Island featuring soccer player/detective/reader Lark - her arm still in a cast from the first mystery set on the island. Lark is thrilled to be picked as a page to her favorite author, Ann Keyhart, for the famous Swallowtail Writer's Conference. But it is immediately clear that Keyhart is a horrible person who bullies her assistant, undermines other authors, editors and agents constantly. AND she hasn't written a word in several years! Lark bonds with Didi, Keyhart's assistant who confides that she (Didi) has just completed a book and is to meet an agent at the conference. Then, tragically, Didi is found dead of an allergic reaction and there is NO trace of her laptop or manuscript.
Lark and her band of island friends and family don't believe Didi's death was an accident and set out to solve the mystery.
This is another delightful mystery in a charming series. Set in a unique place and with an endearing cast of characters, the identity of the murderer becomes clear early but the real story lies in the proof, the gathering of evidence and several related threads connecting the books and several of the characters. 12-year-old Lark is a feisty, often impulsive protagonist and easy to root for. Her extended family and the large cast of islanders and new friends add interest and warmth and help make this second installment even more fun than the first. Another wild chase scene occurs at the resolution and events set the stage for a third - and VERY welcome - book.
Lark and her band of island friends and family don't believe Didi's death was an accident and set out to solve the mystery.
This is another delightful mystery in a charming series. Set in a unique place and with an endearing cast of characters, the identity of the murderer becomes clear early but the real story lies in the proof, the gathering of evidence and several related threads connecting the books and several of the characters. 12-year-old Lark is a feisty, often impulsive protagonist and easy to root for. Her extended family and the large cast of islanders and new friends add interest and warmth and help make this second installment even more fun than the first. Another wild chase scene occurs at the resolution and events set the stage for a third - and VERY welcome - book.
December 29, 2022
What a fun read this was! While.i have read other books by Michael Beil, I hadn't read the first in this series so I grabbed it from the library before jumping into this book, which is the second in the series. While you could read them separately, it was much more fun to know what had happened in the first book.
First, I love the characters so much. Lark and her entire family are so well written - they are truly relatable characters. You have a group of siblings that get along fairly well (but have their moments), a stepdad doing all he can to make the right choices for his family, kids overcoming trauma after the loss of parent(s) and all the feelings of being a preteen. Ads in the family they find in the island (Nadine, Dinah, Simon and more) and you have a charming mystery that has not only a really fun setting but excellent characters as well.
The mystery was a lot of fun with several twists and turns along the way. Sure, there were a few more wild turns that might not be as believable but again, the characters (who almost seem to also find them a little unbelievable) make that fin. The background mystery of the birds continues in this book and I love how it tied the two books together. I am ready to read the next book and I can totally see my own tween really enjoying these books.
First, I love the characters so much. Lark and her entire family are so well written - they are truly relatable characters. You have a group of siblings that get along fairly well (but have their moments), a stepdad doing all he can to make the right choices for his family, kids overcoming trauma after the loss of parent(s) and all the feelings of being a preteen. Ads in the family they find in the island (Nadine, Dinah, Simon and more) and you have a charming mystery that has not only a really fun setting but excellent characters as well.
The mystery was a lot of fun with several twists and turns along the way. Sure, there were a few more wild turns that might not be as believable but again, the characters (who almost seem to also find them a little unbelievable) make that fin. The background mystery of the birds continues in this book and I love how it tied the two books together. I am ready to read the next book and I can totally see my own tween really enjoying these books.
January 21, 2023
The Swallowtail Legacy 2: Betrayal by the Book
by Michael D. Beil
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023 | Archive Date 14 Feb 2023
Pixel+Ink
Middle Grade | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of The Swallowtail Legacy 2: Betrayal By the Book and Pixel + Ink and Netgalley:
A writer's conference brings twelve-year-old Lark’s favorite writer—and a suspicious death—to Swallowtail Island!
Swallowtail Island is hosting the Swallowtales writers conference. And Lark finds herself ecstatic to be the page for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart.
It is often said you should never meet your idols. When Keyhart arrives with her personal assistant in tow, she is nothing but a terror. And within a few hours, the assistant is dead! But the explanation isn't sitting well. Not when lots of people had reasons to want to be rid of Keyhart, and especially not after it’s revealed the assistant recently completed a hot new novel and the file's vanished from her computer.
But after Lark finds out the assistant had a bird—the match to the one she found hidden in her mom’s book—and she needs answers. It looks like Swallowtail Island still has secrets to reveal, and Lark’s going to uncover them.
I give The Swallowtail Legacy five out of five stars...
Happy Reading!
by Michael D. Beil
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023 | Archive Date 14 Feb 2023
Pixel+Ink
Middle Grade | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of The Swallowtail Legacy 2: Betrayal By the Book and Pixel + Ink and Netgalley:
A writer's conference brings twelve-year-old Lark’s favorite writer—and a suspicious death—to Swallowtail Island!
Swallowtail Island is hosting the Swallowtales writers conference. And Lark finds herself ecstatic to be the page for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart.
It is often said you should never meet your idols. When Keyhart arrives with her personal assistant in tow, she is nothing but a terror. And within a few hours, the assistant is dead! But the explanation isn't sitting well. Not when lots of people had reasons to want to be rid of Keyhart, and especially not after it’s revealed the assistant recently completed a hot new novel and the file's vanished from her computer.
But after Lark finds out the assistant had a bird—the match to the one she found hidden in her mom’s book—and she needs answers. It looks like Swallowtail Island still has secrets to reveal, and Lark’s going to uncover them.
I give The Swallowtail Legacy five out of five stars...
Happy Reading!
July 10, 2023
There’s to be a literary festival on Swallowtail Island, where Lark now lives with her sister, stepbrothers, and stepfather. Lark is thrilled to be acting as a page for the author Amy Keyheart, who wrote Lark’s favorite book. Unfortunately, Keyheart is an alcoholic dragon lady with multiple enemies at the festival, though it’s her hardworking assistant Didi who is found dead. It looks like an accidental allergy attack after eating chocolate with nuts, but Lark isn’t convinced. Keyheart is also allergic; was she the target? Where was Didi’s epipen? What happened to the book Didi had asked Keyheart to show to Keyheart’s agent? Naturally the one policeman on the island wants Lark to stay out of it. Naturally, Lark won’t!
I enjoyed the first of this series and this one as well, even though the mystery is a bit obvious and Keyheart is kind of a stock character. I liked Lark’s interaction with her blended family, and the continuing arc of the mystery of the birds-in-books that it seems will go on into the next book. The setting is well done and atmospheric—makes you think of Martha’s Vineyard or other islands, though without cars. There’s even some action at the denouement that was unlikely and fun. I will continue with reading the series.
I enjoyed the first of this series and this one as well, even though the mystery is a bit obvious and Keyheart is kind of a stock character. I liked Lark’s interaction with her blended family, and the continuing arc of the mystery of the birds-in-books that it seems will go on into the next book. The setting is well done and atmospheric—makes you think of Martha’s Vineyard or other islands, though without cars. There’s even some action at the denouement that was unlikely and fun. I will continue with reading the series.
February 28, 2023
Remember the Red Blazer series? Ya, that good one. Or Summer At Forsaken Lake? This new series by the author of those is very addictive.
In book #1 that came out in 2022, Lark Heron-Finch has been spending summers in her mom’s family’s home on Swallowtail Island her whole life. But this summer will be the first one since her mom’s death and it will only be with her sister, her stepbrothers, and her step-dad. And she is dreading it. When Nadine – her mom’s best friend who lives on the island – tells Lark about a fatal boat accident that happened years before, Lark finds herself trying to prove it wasn’t an accident.
In book # 2, Lark is thrilled to be working at a writer’s conference as she’ll be able to meet her favorite author. But the author turns out to be a horrible person and when the author’s assistant dies, Lark is sure the murderer got the wrong victim.
If your reader enjoyed “The Mysterious Benedict Society” or “Winterhouse” or “Mr. Limoncello’s Library”, this is their next series!
In book #1 that came out in 2022, Lark Heron-Finch has been spending summers in her mom’s family’s home on Swallowtail Island her whole life. But this summer will be the first one since her mom’s death and it will only be with her sister, her stepbrothers, and her step-dad. And she is dreading it. When Nadine – her mom’s best friend who lives on the island – tells Lark about a fatal boat accident that happened years before, Lark finds herself trying to prove it wasn’t an accident.
In book # 2, Lark is thrilled to be working at a writer’s conference as she’ll be able to meet her favorite author. But the author turns out to be a horrible person and when the author’s assistant dies, Lark is sure the murderer got the wrong victim.
If your reader enjoyed “The Mysterious Benedict Society” or “Winterhouse” or “Mr. Limoncello’s Library”, this is their next series!
May 3, 2023
In the second book in the series, Swallowtail Island is host to an writer's workshop with several famous authors visiting to hold sessions at the event. Lark is working as a page at the event and gets to choose the author she will serve as assistant to. She chooses the author of her favorite book, but quickly discovers that was a bad choice because Ann E. Keyhart turns out to be awful. And when a sudden death occurs, Lark is convinced that she has another murder to solve--even if no one else agrees with her. I really like this series. There is something wholesome and timeless about it. As I read, I am reminded of being 8 years old again, in the club house of my swing set reading Trixie Belden. Lark is no Trixie Belden though. She's smart, determined and fearless-but she is chock full of snark and disdain for people who annoy her.
February 1, 2023
What a fun middle-grade mystery! Lark is smart and curious, and throwing a kid into a writers' conference atmosphere is genius. I really enjoy this book, although since I haven't read Book 1 (which I'll rectify soon), I did feel a bit lost at first as far as everyone's family relationships. This book zips along with the main plot and various subplots, and they all come together and resolve neatly. For me, the one thing that brings it down is that the killer seems incredibly obvious. That's a big flaw in a mystery...but maybe it's just because I read so many mysteries? I'd be interested to hear how many young readers find the killer too obvious. I hope it's very few of them, so they can love the book!
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book so much - it gave me Trixie Belden/Nancy Drew vibes and I had serious nostalgia about reading as ayoung child. I didn't read the first book and while there were bits that refer back to events in the previous story, it didn't hinder my understanding of the current story.
Great cast of characters with rich writing and believable - for the most part - circumstances. The mystery was perfect and while my early prediction proved true, I don't think it would be obvious to a reader in the target audience.
A charming, feel good story. I can't wait to read the first book and look forward to more in the series.
I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review.
Great cast of characters with rich writing and believable - for the most part - circumstances. The mystery was perfect and while my early prediction proved true, I don't think it would be obvious to a reader in the target audience.
A charming, feel good story. I can't wait to read the first book and look forward to more in the series.
I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review.
February 12, 2023
A good introduction to the mystery genre to teens about a young girl (Lark) is assigned to meet the needs of a well known writer at a author's conference on a island in Lake Erie. When that author's young aide ends up dead (an aspiring author herself) as a result of her nut allergy Lark takes on the job of figuring out how she got the nuts that ended her life. I figured it out all very early and wonder if it will fool very many teens.
February 8, 2023
While the story did keep me turning the page, I found the fact that a crime solved by a 12 year old girl was stretching it . The mystery was very well played out. The way Lark put the pieces together and planned the uncovering of the culprit was genius. Getting a small town cop to believe her theory was my problem. Overall it was a good story that I’m sure middle graders would love.
November 18, 2023
This book will be enjoyed by anyone who picks it up. it is well written and although a little predictable, the twists and turns make sense. The only point I would make is I think the main character is too adult to be only 12 years old. She is treated as an adult by everyone including her parent and the police and her responsibility level would make more sense to me if she was a bit older.
July 10, 2025
The fun continues, with absolutely no dip in quality, although I don't know whether to be impressed or upset that HEY! I got attached to Didi; if you're going to solve a murder mystery in a kids' book, it's not supposed to be someone you like...anyway, I had a great time and can't wait to continue on to the next book. What do you mean it's not published yet.
December 21, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. It's a sweet and simple middle grade novel, that I'd have loved as a teenager. I loved how books were woven into the story. The mystery is predictable for an adult, but the warm family dynamics are touching to read.
May 18, 2023
Still love his writing and characters but the mystery was a little weak.
July 22, 2023
I like this book series! Maybe more for a teenager but I like them!
November 12, 2023
Cute story albeit predictable. It was both bittersweet and humorous. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Read
March 19, 2024actually read bk 1 wreck at Adas Reef
May 10, 2024
I loved this series? I don't read contemporary/mystery fiction.. ever.., maybe it's the writing style. I enjoyed both!
August 23, 2025
I’m still in- I’m not quite sure tweens would actually do these things, but I’d like to join them and would love to vacation on the island.
I look forward to more birds and mysteries.
I look forward to more birds and mysteries.
April 22, 2023
I read the first book in this series, WRECK AT ATA’S REEF last year, and really enjoyed it. So, I was excited to see that this second book was coming out this year. Like the first, it’s set on a small island, and features some of Lark’s many family members.
I really liked that the story takes place during a writer’s conference at which Lark is a volunteer helper to her favorite author. Though the conference itself stays more in the background, it still managed to hit a lot of key moments from a conference: panels, hurt feelings over harsh feedback, encouraging words from a beloved author, and disorganized statements from someone clearly underprepared.
I had very strong suspicions about who was responsible for the assistant’s death even before I read the first page of the story, and I was right. So, that made it a little difficult for me to enjoy Lark’s journey unraveling the clues.
I also expected the bird figurine to tie into the mystery somehow? It remained pretty separate, though. Because that thread began in the first book, I kind of wonder if it’s something that will be the center of a mystery in the next book in the series? I haven’t heard anything, so I don’t know.
All in all, I think I’d have enjoyed this one a bit more if I hadn’t figured out the mystery so quickly. I still enjoyed the island community and Lark’s role as a conference volunteer. I’m not sorry I read the book. The series still makes me think of the Northwoods Mysteries by Margi Preus.
This review will post to The Story Sanctuary on 4/17/23.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
I really liked that the story takes place during a writer’s conference at which Lark is a volunteer helper to her favorite author. Though the conference itself stays more in the background, it still managed to hit a lot of key moments from a conference: panels, hurt feelings over harsh feedback, encouraging words from a beloved author, and disorganized statements from someone clearly underprepared.
I had very strong suspicions about who was responsible for the assistant’s death even before I read the first page of the story, and I was right. So, that made it a little difficult for me to enjoy Lark’s journey unraveling the clues.
I also expected the bird figurine to tie into the mystery somehow? It remained pretty separate, though. Because that thread began in the first book, I kind of wonder if it’s something that will be the center of a mystery in the next book in the series? I haven’t heard anything, so I don’t know.
All in all, I think I’d have enjoyed this one a bit more if I hadn’t figured out the mystery so quickly. I still enjoyed the island community and Lark’s role as a conference volunteer. I’m not sorry I read the book. The series still makes me think of the Northwoods Mysteries by Margi Preus.
This review will post to The Story Sanctuary on 4/17/23.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
June 22, 2023
This was an enjoyable middle grade mystery.
I loved Lark’s character and enjoyed following her as she worked to solve the mystery. This is book two in The Swallowtail Legacy series, I didn’t read book one before reading this book, but it didn’t matter because I was able to jump right in. There were a few moments that I think I would have felt more invested in the book had I read the series starter, but that may just be me. Overall, I really liked this book and I think middle graders will love reading this mystery series!
I loved Lark’s character and enjoyed following her as she worked to solve the mystery. This is book two in The Swallowtail Legacy series, I didn’t read book one before reading this book, but it didn’t matter because I was able to jump right in. There were a few moments that I think I would have felt more invested in the book had I read the series starter, but that may just be me. Overall, I really liked this book and I think middle graders will love reading this mystery series!
October 6, 2023
Betrayal By the Book by Michael D. Beil is about a young girl who tries to solve a murder. Twelve year old Lark is excited about the upcoming writer’s conference. For a week, Swallowtail Island hosts the Swallowtales Writers Conference that brings writers, publishers, agents, and fellow book lovers together for exclusive book related content.
Lark is ecstatic when she is assigned to be a page for her favorite author, Ann E. Keyhart. Lark has devoured and re-read Ann’s book several times and Lark considers the book to be one of her favorites. Ann arrives on the island after agreeing at the last minute to do the conference. She brings her bubbly assistant, Didi, with her. However, Lark quickly learns what the saying means about never meeting your idols.
Lark tries to do her job as a page for Ann professionally but Lark can see why many people don’t like her. Ann is pushy, aggressive, and mean to everyone and always needs to get her way. Thus when Didi needs help finding a place on the island, Lark jumps at the chance to help Didi, while Ann gets ready to attend the conference. At least this way, Lark can get a small break from the author.
Didi takes Lark to a special place on the island where Didi decided she wanted to be a writer. The duo bond before Lark takes off to prepare for the conference. Later in the day, Lark is devastated to learn that Didi ends up dead. When the cause of her death is disclosed, Lark feels like something doesn’t add up.
Lark feels that someone else might have been the target instead. As Lark digs deeper into the case, a few things stand out to her, like Ann has tons of enemies and Didi’s computer vanishes from the hotel suite she was staying in. She also finds out that Didi had a glass bird that is very similar to the one Lark’s late mother had. Will Lark be able to figure out what happened to Didi?
This middle grade level book is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone. There is a wider mystery that connects the two books in the series, though. I found the book to be an entertaining read and it was fun trying to guess who was behind the murder and their motive. It was a bit predictable but I enjoyed reading along with Lark and her adventures.
However, the one thing I didn’t like was that the entire book had a lot of coincidences. For example, it just so happens the person that Lark was searching for was in the right area at the right time. Then Didi’s roommate, Suzy, just so happened to performing in the same location that Didi was. It would be fun if it happens once or so but, it was just too many coincidences for it to be realistic. If you liked the first book, then you would enjoy the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews