A mysterious girl who won’t speak; a coal black seal named Nera that returns to the same place very year; a bitter feud of unknown origin—strange things are happening on Whidbey Island, and Becca King, is drawn into the maelstrom of events. But Becca, first met in The Edge of Nowhere , has her own secrets to hide. Still on the run from her criminal stepfather, Becca is living in a secret location. Even Derric, the Ugandan orphan with whom Becca shares a close, romantic relationship, can’t be allowed to know her whereabouts. As secrets of past and present are revealed, Becca becomes aware of her growing paranormal powers, and events build to a shocking climax anticipated by no one. Acclaimed author Elizabeth George brings her extraordinary talents to this intriguing story that blends mystery and myth. Gr 8 Up—Whidbey Island is beautiful and isolated, but if Becca King thought she would be safe from her murderous stepfather there, she learned just how wrong she was in the closing pages of The Edge of Nowhere (Viking, 2012). She is forced to rely on the kindness of her friend Seth Darrow, who gives her a secret place to stay, and her hidden life causes problems between her and her boyfriend, Derric. Meanwhile, Becca finds her ability to hear the "whispers" of other people's thoughts growing stronger, even as strange events start to coalesce around Becca, her new friends, and the yearly reappearance of a black seal in the waters off Whidbey Island. George convincingly expands the world around Becca through passages in the perspective of a classmate, Jen, whose point of view helps drive the plot forward, and the machinations of various townspeople as they alternately try to protect and harm the mysterious seal. Honest depictions of teenage sexuality are a refreshing addition to the story. So, too, are Becca's growing supernatural abilities, which have started to include visions, and the otherworldly qualities of Nera the seal, which add a dose of the mystic. Various plot elements make this installment best enjoyed by teens familiar with the first book. A ripping good thriller.—Elisabeth Gattullo Marrocolla, Darien Library, CT George follows The Edge of Nowhere (2012) with this stand-alone companion title that introduces interesting new characters while expanding on the complex multiple protagonists introduced in the previous title. Jenn McDaniels, a scrappy soccer player, has harassed and insulted Becca King, Whidbey Island newcomer, since “Fat Broad’s” arrival a year earlier. Now, under the direction of attractive marine biologist Annie Taylor, Jenn and Becca must join forces to solve a mystery involving Nera, the coal-black seal whose annual return to the island is a major source of tourism income. There are skeletons in the closet of many a secretive island resident, and George’s tight and elegant construction weaves myriad threads while dropping none. She explores issues of sexuality, racial and cultural identity, homelessness, and mental illness with compassion and a refreshing lack of sensationalism. Her intriguing and fully developed characters are people rather than issues. Surprising for such a reality-based plot, a touch of mythology-based magic emerges in the wholly satisfying conclusion. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: George, the New York Times best-selling author of adult mysteries, could draw name recognition in the YA market, too. Grades 8-12. --Debbie Carton Praise for The Edge of the Water: “So many questions and secrets swirl around Whidbey Island…This is the second installment in what appears to be a series but one need not have read the first book to be engrossed...a riveting story and since many questions remain unanswered, readers will be eager for the next installment.” — VOYA “When it comes to this series, with scenes that draw you into a remarkable world, it’s easy to state that readers will remember Whidbey for decades to come. George has scored an ‘A+’ again. With discoveries being made and new characters arriving on the scene, waiting for book number three is going to take an incredible amount of patience. Bravo!” — Suspense Magazine "A ripping good thriller" — School Library Journal Praise for The Edge of Nowhere : “George has created an interesting set of characters and plot twists that teenagers who like adventure and mysteries will enjoy." — School Library Journal “...strong appeal to fans of Beth Kephart and Nancy Werlin.” — BCCB Elizabeth George is the author of the bestselling crime novels about Inspector Thomas Lynley, as well as The Edge of Nowhere , her first young adult novel, which was a finalist for both the Edgar and the Agatha awards.   Ms. George’s novels are notable for their incisive characterization and their complex, multi-layered plots. Elizabeth George lives on Whidbey Island, where both The Edge of Nowhere and The Edge of the Water are set.  She says, “Whidbey Island asks to be ‘someone’ in a story. I only hope I’ve done it justice.” Two more c