By: Shelby Van Pelt
Goodreads description:
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.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
I listened on Audible and it was excellent! I was mildly dreading reading about a talking/thinking octopus. It kind of reminded me of a Fredrik Backman book. I can see why it is so appealing to all types of readers- it runs the gamut on human emotion- happiness, suffering, humor…and a satisfying ending (even though it was predictable). In short- a wonderful story!
Holly says:🤓🤓🤓🤓1/2
Loved, loved, loved this book! Totally original with wonderful characters. You will love Tova and her octopus friend, yes, you heard me correctly, her very intuitive octopus friend, Marcellus. They are a charming pair. A little bit of The Shape of Water meets Finding Nemo. This one gives a new prospecitve to a trip to the aquarium – almost as much activity as A Night at the Museum.Another favorite read of the year. Highly, highly recommended!
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 