Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Shark House” by Sara Ackerman, Gifted by Harper Muse, #Muse Partner, January 13, 2026.

I am a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s books, and have read all of them. “The Shark House” by Sara Ackerman is a well-written masterpiece that describes both nature and nurture. Set in Hawaii, the Author vividly and visually describes the imagery of the beautiful ocean and land, and how all living things exist for a reason. This is such a captivating, unique, creative and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Animals, Ocean Habitats, and Fiction. There is a dash of magical realism and folk tales. The author describes the dramatic and colorful characters as complex, complicated, manipulative, quirky, flawed, and courageous. There are betrayals, twists and turns, adventure, danger, secrets and searching for answers. I appreciate how the author discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, community, saving animal life in the oceans, and understanding of nature, love and hope.

The female protagonist, Dr. Minnow Gray, is asked to come to Hawaii after a few believed White Shark attacks. Minnow specializes in the study of White Sharks, especially dealing with experiences from her past. She understand that both humans and sharks share the ocean, and seeks nature’s balance. Minnow knows the White Shark’s behavioral patterns, and something is “off” and mysteriously happening, She wants to prevent unnecessary slaughter of sharks. Minnow investigates, researches and speaks to the local residents, one attacked victim, and the families that have been involved with shark attacks. Minnow makes the acquaintance of Luke Greenwood, a fisherman who seems to have some secrets of his own. She works with two local brothers from the island to find out what illegal activities are in the community. Minnow is also trying to understand her past, and her relationship to the sharks. I was captivated and found it difficult to put this book down. I appreciate the amount of research that the author has down, and I learned many things about sharks and other living things in the ocean. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book.