In a time not long after the fifth extinction event, Edgar Award-nominated author Michael D. Beil came of age on the shores of Pymatuning Lake, where the ducks walk on the fish. (Look it up. Seriously.) He is the author of the Red Blazer Girls series, Summer at Forsaken Lake, Lantern Sam and the Blue Streak Bandits, and Agents of the Glass- A New Recruit. For reasons that can't be disclosed until September 28, 2041, he now lives somewhere in Portugal with his wife and their two white cats, Bruno and Maisie. He still gets carsick if he has to ride in the back seat for long and feels a little guilty that he doesn't keep a journal. For more on the author and his books, visit him online at www.michaeldbeil.com.
★ "Beil’s (A New Recruit) tightly plotted story of family intrigue
and blackmail has considerable emotional ballast . . . as Lark
realizes the depth of her stepfather’s grief and the realities of
prejudice."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Each character, historic and contemporary, sparks with life.
Lark’s process and the reveals are perfectly paced. . . . Most
heartwarming, Lark develops feelings of loyalty toward her blended
family and uncovers a surprising link to their property. Readers
will be hooked—more, please!"—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ "Michael D. Beil's delightful middle-grade mystery is itself like
an old novel: unhurriedly paced, impeccably written and including
many orphaned children. . . . While The Swallowtail Legacy abounds
with references to literary classics, it favorably evokes a modern
counterpart: Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks, with its likewise
widowed eggheaded father, sprawl of siblings and pets and salvific
summer getaway."—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
"Lark is like any pre-teen, possessing a relatable attitude,
observant, and smart. . . she provides strong imagery through her
voice. . . . A coming-of-age story about grief and personal growth
set against the additional backdrop of an enjoyable
mystery."—School Library Connection
"Fans of mystery will enjoy how Lark goes all out to solve this
case. . . . Main characters are well fleshed out, and the author
does a wonderful job of bringing this island and its inhabitants to
life. . . . An entertaining mystery for fans of Sammy Keyes and
Nancy Drew about family, loss, and the importance of
friendship."—School Library Journal
"The evolution of Lark’s relationship with her stepfather and
siblings is well done, giving the book’s fully realized secondary
characters a chance to develop along with the protagonist."—The
Horn Book
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