MaryJanice Davidson, Fish Out of Water

Fish Out of Water

MaryJanice Davidson

Jove, Dec 2008, $7.99

ISBN: 9780515145496

Life used to be simpler for grumpy Boston Aquarium expert Fredrika 'Fred' Bimm. That all changed when the Undersea Folks came out of the oceanic closets to reveal themselves to the surface dwellers in an effort to reduce ocean pollution. Fred has feet and tail in both worlds.

Underwater King Mekkam has hired Fred as his public relations consultant with the land humans, a job she tolerates though she is media phobic. Meanwhile Prince Artur continues his pursuit of her, wanting her to announce their engagement although she has not quite agreed to marry him. Human Dr. Thomas Pearson also wants Fred and does not hide his affection for the half breed. However, Fred is worried as the Undersea Folk are starting to vanish for no apparent cause and her biological merman father Farrem, exiled for a failed coup attempt, has suddenly entered her life; making her wonder if he using her to take the throne.

The third Fred the half-breed mermaid tale (see 'Making Waves' and 'Swimming Without A Net') is the usual zany comedic romantic fantasy that MaryJanice Davidson is renowned for consistently writing. The storyline is action-packed on land and under the sea. Fred remains the crank queen of both worlds out grouching Oscar, but this time has a cause for her irritability as she now knows who she gets it from as her biological father threatens her two worlds. Fans will enjoy this fine entry while wondering whether Fred will select Artur, Thomas, or neither; going in neither is the heavy favorite.

Harriet Klausner