Useless Bay

On Whidbey Island, the Gray quintuplets are the stuff of legend. Pixie and her brothers have always been bigger and blonder than their neighbors, as if they were birthed from the island itself. Together, they serve as an unofficial search-and-rescue team for the island, saving tourists and locals alike from the forces of wind and sea. But, when a young boy goes missing, the mysteries start to pile up. While searching for him, they find his mother’s dead body instead—and realise that something sinister is in their midst. Edgar-nominated author M. J. Beaufrand has crafted another atmospheric thriller with a touch of magical realism that fans of mystery and true crime will devour.

**STARRED REVIEW** "Fans of process crime drama that has a strong sense of place and of characters you want to be friends with should not miss this one."-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books", **STARRED REVIEW** "Short in length but long on atmosphere, it's a gripping mystery with a supernatural overlay that makes its setting all the more haunting."-- "Publishers Weekly", "Useless Bay combines the perfect proportions of mystery and mysticism in this absorbing missing-person story... a perfect read for middle through high schoolers when the wind is howling outside and the rain is pounding against the windows."-- "Booklist"

M. J. Beaufrand is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Gallivanters and The River, which was nominated for an Edgar Award. She lives in Seattle.