The Shark House
A Novel
Published on 26. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-4003-4797-1 (ISBN)
Description
A BookBub "Best Books Coming This Winter"
A haunting mystery beneath the ocean's surface. One woman's reckoning with the past. Long-buried secrets waiting to rise.
Hawai'i, 1998. When a string of rare shark attacks unsettles the once-peaceful Kohala coast, marine biologist Minnow Gray is called in to investigate. Known for her uncanny connection to sharks, she is the island's best hope for uncovering why the attacks are happening-a mystery that has both the local community and the tourism industry on edge-and for determining whether the same great white still haunts the coastline.
Witness to an unspeakable tragedy involving a white shark and her own father, Minnow has carried a darkness with her ever since. She knows, deep inside, that unlocking the memories of that long-ago morning is the only way to truly heal. And as she searches for answers, the past and present collide, revealing shocking and unexpected truths that cut deep as the sea itself.
The longer she's in Hawai'i, the more she comes to see that her journey here might be as much about finding herself as finding the shark.
An atmospheric exploration of the intricate/fragile dance between humans and sharks, set against a backdrop of stunning Hawaiian landscapes and deep-sea danger, The Shark House is a tale of resilience, redemption, and the raw power of the natural world-and of the courage to face what lies within.
Dive in, if you dare.
A haunting mystery beneath the ocean's surface. One woman's reckoning with the past. Long-buried secrets waiting to rise.
Hawai'i, 1998. When a string of rare shark attacks unsettles the once-peaceful Kohala coast, marine biologist Minnow Gray is called in to investigate. Known for her uncanny connection to sharks, she is the island's best hope for uncovering why the attacks are happening-a mystery that has both the local community and the tourism industry on edge-and for determining whether the same great white still haunts the coastline.
Witness to an unspeakable tragedy involving a white shark and her own father, Minnow has carried a darkness with her ever since. She knows, deep inside, that unlocking the memories of that long-ago morning is the only way to truly heal. And as she searches for answers, the past and present collide, revealing shocking and unexpected truths that cut deep as the sea itself.
The longer she's in Hawai'i, the more she comes to see that her journey here might be as much about finding herself as finding the shark.
An atmospheric exploration of the intricate/fragile dance between humans and sharks, set against a backdrop of stunning Hawaiian landscapes and deep-sea danger, The Shark House is a tale of resilience, redemption, and the raw power of the natural world-and of the courage to face what lies within.
Dive in, if you dare.
Reviews / Votes
'The Shark House?shimmers with a potent mix of drama, danger, and atmosphere you can feel. Drawn along by its restless, romantic current, you'll discover that what swims beneath the ocean's surface is less startling than that which lurks in the dark reaches of memory. Dr. Minnow Gray is a thoroughly modern heroine--smart, strong, and self-possessed, yet full of tenderness toward the misunderstood objects of her affection. If women had a Shark Week all their own, this book would be it.' * Erin Bartels, award-winning author of?The Lady with the Dark Hair?and?The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water * 'An immersive, evocative setting; a unique and compelling mystery; a tenacious, courageous heroine working in a man's field--The Shark House has so many things going for it, but it's the emotional depths this story swims in that make it absolutely unforgettable. Stunning, brutal, and hopeful all at once, The Shark House will sweep you away.' * Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, authors of The Antiquity Affair and The Starlets * 'Atmospheric and heartfelt, Sara Ackerman's The Shark House is a dazzling portrait of the beautiful, important, complex relationships between humans and nature, humans and science, and humans and one another. The author's passion and respect for Hawai'i--its people, its creatures, its land, and its sea--shine on every page. Readers seeking to be transported into a world of rich culture, vibrant descriptions, and fascinating characters will fall in love with this book.' * Gabriella Saab, author of The Star Society * This is a perfect read for those who enjoy stories with a strong woman lead and novels focused on nature. The Hawaiian setting is alluring. * Library Journal *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Focus
Dimensions
Height: 209 mm
Width: 132 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
278 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4003-4797-1 (9781400347971)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Sara Ackerman is the Hawai'i born, bestselling author of historical novels set in the islands. Her books have been labeled "unforgettable" by Apple Books, "empowering & deliciously visceral" by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara's novels as "fresh and delightful" and "brilliantly written." Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker's Secret a starred review.