The Swallowtail Legacy 1

Starred review from January 31, 2022
When 12-year-old Lark’s mother dies, she leaves behind an uncertain-feeling blended family, including her 10-year-old sister, Pip; their stepfather, Thomas; and their three stepbrothers. A disarmingly no-nonsense, self-aware narrator, Lark relates what happens when they return together to her mother’s family vacation home on Swallowtail Island off Lake Erie. There, Lark is hired by Nadine, once her mother’s best friend, to help investigate the mysterious boat crash that killed Nadine’s grandfather nearly 75 years ago. One thread leads to town bigwig Captain Cheever, who died days before the wreck and left his land and home in a trust to his first mate; the first mate’s now 93-year-old daughter Dinah Purdy, an African American retired civil rights lawyer, now lives there—but maybe not for long, given the Cheever family’s shady plans. And after a game of soccer, Lark also becomes entangled with 12-year-old Owen Cheever in a relationship that’s pure animosity—or is it? Beil’s (A New Recruit) tightly plotted story of family intrigue and blackmail has considerable emotional ballast among its largely presumed-white cast, as Lark realizes the depth of her stepfather’s grief and the realities of prejudice. Occasional pencil illustrations by Davern highlight notable objects. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary.

March 1, 2022

Gr 3-8-Will Meadowlark Elizabeth Heron Finch, 12, be able to keep her cool as she solves a decades old mystery and is stuck, all summer, on an island with her stepbrothers and sister? Lark is dealing with the death of her mom and dad. Working through the loss and anger with the help of her stepdad, she begins working for Nadine, her mom's best friend. Together, they search for clues about a tragic boat accident to find a long-lost will, keeping their progress hidden from the nefarious head of the Cheever clan and his developers as they attempt to save the home of an octogenarian, Dinah. The summer is strewn with adventures for Lark: soccer camp, new relationships, and hijinks that develop for her and her siblings due to her investigations. Fans of mystery will enjoy how Lark goes all out to solve this case. References to old movies and ancient philosophers may go over the heads of most in this age group, yet do not detract from the story line. Main characters are well fleshed out, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this island and its inhabitants to life. The story line is a bit predictable, but readers will enjoy the resilience of the plucky main character. VERDICT An entertaining mystery for fans of Sammy Keyes and Nancy Drew about family, loss, and the importance of friendship.-Elena Schuck

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2022
Lark Heron-Finch is back at her family's house on Lake Erie's Swallowtail Island for the first time since her mother's death. With her younger sister, stepfather, and three stepbrothers also there, the limits of Lark's temper are tested on a regular basis. She finds a purpose for the summer by becoming a research assistant to family friend Nadine, who is working on a book about the island's history. Nadine introduces Lark to Dinah, a ninety-three-year-old woman who is one of the island's oldest residents, and to the story of Nadine's grandfather's death, decades earlier, in a boat wreck that might not have been an accident after all. As Lark dives into investigating the mystery, her impulsiveness continues to present problems, but it also allows her to save the day. While some of the mystery's twists may not be that surprising, the overall execution is a success. 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. Even Lark's soccer-field nemesis turns out to be more complex than the classic bully he'd seemed at first. The book concludes with revelations about another island-related mystery, leaving readers eager for the next installment. Sarah Rettger

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from December 15, 2021
Lark travels to Lake Erie's Swallowtail Island with her younger sister, Pip, and their stepdad and his three sons for a life-changing summer adventure. They're going to stay in the house that their mother bequeathed to Lark and Pip. Lark, who narrates with wit and insight, is having a hard time with her mother's recent death and being part of a blended family. But working as an assistant for Nadine Pritchard, her mom's childhood friend who is researching a book and trying to solve a land dispute tied to a suspicious death 75 years ago, is the perfect distraction. Twelve-year-old Lark meets 93-year-old Dinah Purdy, the book's subject and an African American trailblazer whose property lies at the heart of the mystery (the rest of the cast defaults to White). After Lark lashes out violently at soccer camp, Dinah, who is experienced in nonviolent protest, becomes her mentor, helping her resolve her feelings. Lark learns she's got super skills for tracking down clues, not to mention moxie in the face of intimidating bluster from the main beneficiary of the crime. Reports, letters, and spot art are interspersed. Each character, historic and contemporary, sparks with life. Lark's process and the reveals are perfectly paced. Descriptions of the island and weather, plus some dramatic moments on rough water, help build atmospheric tension. 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! (maps) (Mystery. 8-12)

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January 1, 2022
Lark Heron-Finch is back at her family's house on Lake Erie's Swallowtail Island for the first time since her mother's death. With her younger sister, stepfather, and three stepbrothers also there, the limits of Lark's temper are tested on a regular basis. She finds a purpose for the summer by becoming a research assistant to family friend Nadine, who is working on a book about the island's history. Nadine introduces Lark to Dinah, a ninety-three-year-old woman who is one of the island's oldest residents, and to the story of Nadine's grandfather's death, decades earlier, in a boat wreck that might not have been an accident after all. As Lark dives into investigating the mystery, her impulsiveness continues to present problems, but it also allows her to save the day. While some of the mystery's twists may not be that surprising, the overall execution is a success. 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. Even Lark's soccer-field nemesis turns out to be more complex than the classic bully he'd seemed at first. The book concludes with revelations about another island-related mystery, leaving readers eager for the next installment.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)