Swimming Without a Net
MaryJanice Davidson
Jove, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780515143812

In Boston blue haired Fred is a somewhat grouchy half human half mermaid who detests SLEEPING WITH FISHES; though she admits some of those purebreds are hunks; at least one is - she only has met one. However, she is even grumpier than usual as she went from no men to two men (well one man and a merman) back to no men as marine biologist Thomas Pearson and Prince Artur have left her to pursue other activities.

Making matters worse is her best friend Jonas and her boss Dr. Barb are a disgustingly loving pair making her ill especially since no one is pawing her. However, she has a bigger issue as her father and his mer-people demand her presence. The issue being debated is whether to reveal themselves to the blind surface dwellers and they want her feedback as the only known half-breed. She thinks what a way to finally meet her biological father as she swims the Caymans only Thomas and Artur are also there after an almost one year abstinence that would please the Bush family values, but makes Fred's life even further complicated.

The second Fred mermaid tale is another wacky amusing romp from MaryJanice Davidson, the queen of this sub-genre. The story line is fast-paced but loaded with humor as Fred does not take whale crap from fools or persecutors lightly; she meets plenty of those who think humans and half humans are beneath watery mammals and the fish on the food chain. Although somewhat darker than her previous efforts to clean up Boston Harbor, readers will enjoy her antics as she meets the paternal side of the family after three decades without knowing up front who gave her the blue hair.

Harriet Klausner