A charming little mystery with a beautiful backdrop and an intriguing set of quintuplets. Almost felt southern gothic, but set in the Pacific Northwest, instead.

USELESS BAY by M.J. Beaufrand is a heart-pounding thriller with elements of magical realism.

The Gray quintuplets along with their adopted dog are known for their search-and-rescue skills. However the disappearance of a young boy and the discovery of his dead stepmother become a mystery that’s difficult for even the Gray siblings to solve.

Librarians will find that fans of mystery and detective novels will devour this exciting story set on Whidbey Island in Washington state. The magical realism and touch of romance will broaden its appeal. The short sentences and fast-paced approach make it an effective choice for reluctant readers.

Published by Amulet, a division of Harry N. Abrams on October 18, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.