MaryJanice Davidson, Sleeping with Fishes

Sleeping with Fishes

MaryJanice Davidson

Jove, December 2006, $7.99

ISBN: 0515142220

Twenty-nine year old marine biologist Dr. Fredrika "Fred" Bell knows her dad is not her biological father, as she is a mermaid and her dad cannot swim; her mom says a mer-man is her father. At work, at the New England Aquarium, Fred's boss Dr. Barbara Robinson introduces her to the new water man, Dr. Thomas Pearson, who shocks her when he notices her hair is green, as most people say it is blue. Of course, Fred has not dated in six years, so finding true love seems impossible. Fred mentions the water man to her friend Jonas, the only human besides her parents who knows she is a mermaid; he insists she is in love.

Thomas tells Dr. Barb and Fred that there is a high level of toxin in the ocean, which he traces back to Boston Harbor. Not long afterward, High Prince Artur tells Fred his father, the king of the sea-folks, needs her help with the poison in the ocean. Artur has the hots for Fred and steals a kiss. Thomas sees Fred in a fish tank where the water brings out her tail. He knows she is a mermaid and kisses her as she leaves the water. From no lovers, Fred has two wannabe lovers, while Jonas has the hots for Barb. However, first they must deal with the poisoned ocean.

SLEEPING WITH FISHES is a zany amusing fantasy, as MaryJanice Davidson provides her trademark wacky fun tale of the tail. The storyline focuses on Fred, with a strong support cast bringing out the best and worst in her, while making the "undersea-folks" seem genuine. Readers will enjoy this delightful whimsical story, as readers will wonder whether the human or the sea-prince will get Fred, as the trio try to resolve the question of that dirty water, Boston is her hometown.