The Swallowtail Legacy 1: Wreck at Ada's Reef

★ "Beil’s (A New Recruit) tightly plotted story of family intrigue and blackmail has considerable emotional ballast . . . as Lark realizes the depth of her stepfather’s grief and the realities of prejudice."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review ★ "Each character, historic and contemporary, sparks with life. Lark’s process and the reveals are perfectly paced. . . . Most heartwarming, Lark develops feelings of loyalty toward her blended family and uncovers a surprising link to their property. Readers will be hooked—more, please!"—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review ★ "Michael D. Beil's delightful middle-grade mystery is itself like an old novel: unhurriedly paced, impeccably written and including many orphaned children. . . . While The Swallowtail Legacy abounds with references to literary classics, it favorably evokes a modern counterpart: Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks, with its likewise widowed eggheaded father, sprawl of siblings and pets and salvific summer getaway."—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review "Lark is like any pre-teen, possessing a relatable attitude, observant, and smart. . . she provides strong imagery through her voice. . . . A coming-of-age story about grief and personal growth set against the additional backdrop of an enjoyable mystery."—School Library Connection "Fans of mystery will enjoy how Lark goes all out to solve this case. . . . Main characters are well fleshed out, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this island and its inhabitants to life. . . . An entertaining mystery for fans of Sammy Keyes and Nancy Drew about family, loss, and the importance of ­friendship."—School Library Journal "The evolution of Lark’s relationship with her stepfather and siblings is well done, giving the book’s fully realized secondary characters a chance to develop along with the protagonist."—The Horn Book