Songs from the Deep

Kelly Powell’s debut novel, part mystery part fantasy, focuses on 17-year-old violinist Moira Alexander as she races to prove the Sirens innocent of murder and stop the real killer before it’s too late.

Moira has always been fascinated by sirens, a trait which she picked up from her now deceased father. She knows that the siren’s song can be deadly, but she’s certain that they would never hurt an Islander. That’s why, when a boy turns up dead on the beach, she’s positive that someone framed the sirens for his death and that the islanders are wrong in blaming them.

Moira enlists the help of childhood friend, 19-year-old lighthouse keeper Jude Osric, to help her solve the murders. In the process, readers learn that Moira has been keeping an important secret from Jude, one which was devastating enough to make her stay away from him for the last few years. Jude is also keeping a secret, and it’s one that could cost him everything.

While the pair hunt for the killer, the mystery amps up. Another body turns up, and the town is quick to lay the blame on the sirens. Many want the ban on hunting sirens lifted so that they can get justice for their dead. Some, as Moira discovers, are even willing to take matters into their own hands, ban or not. The islanders also don’t hesitate to show their contempt for Moira’s sympathetic attitude towards the sirens, and her pleas concerning their innocence largely fall on deaf ears.

There are many things that readers will enjoy about Songs from the Deep. The writing is poetic and atmospheric, and the author has created a tense mystery that will keep readers guessing. As Moira and Jude get closer to the truth, someone starts leaving her threatening messages warning her to back off. While the revelation of the killer and motive seemed a bit obvious, everything was revealed in a logical way that made sense to the story.

Teens will also appreciate the developing romance between Jude and Moira as each struggles with who they are, what they want, and the impact that their secrets will have on each other.

Although it would have been nice to see the sirens and the fantasy elements more flushed out, overall Songs from the Deep was a fast-paced and engaging story that will appeal to fantasy and mystery lovers alike.