Summary: After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it as an audiobook, and both narrators were really good. Sometimes audiobooks are hard for me to get into because I don’t like the narrator, but this book had me hooked from the beginning.
Tova is a wonderful character. Like a nice grandmother that you want to spend your time with. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the book, becoming more sure of herself and accepting of those who want to take care of her. I also enjoyed how the story unfolded about her son that she lost so many years before.
Marcellus is what I would call a “busy-body” – but in the best way. He wants to help Tova and I enjoy hearing the thoughts of this octopus. He is caring and adventurous.
Cameron’s story is heartbreaking, but I did love reading about his determination to find his father and how his story turned out. I also really enjoyed Ethan’s character.
Highly recommend this book! I do believe it’s going to be made into a Netflix movie, too!