The Mermaid
by Betina Krahn

Rated 4.5
ISBN# 0-553-57612-8
Copyright 1997
$5.99
Reviewed 8/22/97 by Anne-Marie

Delightful! Enchanting! This book has an unusual story line which made it both interesting and enjoyable to read. I've learned a lot about dolphins while reading this story. Betina is an excellent writer. She writes with wit and charm which makes you sometimes burst out laughing or sigh out loud.

This story takes place in England in the year 1884. Celeste Ashton is the granddaughter of a woman who has spent all of her married life researching the missing continent of Atlantis. Nana is both eccentric and delightful. Celeste was brought up with a very scientific mind but she had never lost her heart. She spent years studying the lives of dolphins that came to her bay. She wants to share her joy of discovery with the world so she wrote a book on all her years of discovery.

Titus Thorne was a scientist who lost his heart many years ago when he watched his dad drown, leaving him an orphan. He was the classic "stuffed shirt." He was the youngest scientist to hold a seat in ichthyology as well as a professor at Cardinal College.

When Celeste's book hits England it becomes the topic of discussion ever where. A meeting is held with all the scientists and they decide to come to a meeting where Celeste will be addressing her discoveries of the life of dolphins. It is at this meeting that Celeste "invites" Titus to prove her wrong. She calls his bluff and before long Titus finds himself at Ashton House, an old, rickety mansion in need of much repair.

Sparks fly but it's not long before Titus becomes a "believer." You will enjoy her Nana's group of wacky old people who make up the Atlantean Society. Oh, yes, there is a villain in this story as well. His name is Peter Bently and h is bent on making a fortune with Celeste's dolphins.