Blue Beach

Set in 1929 Santa Monica, 'Blue Beach' is a compelling historical mystery centered on 15-year-old Blue Collins. Her family owns the only Black beach in the area, a refuge from the pervasive racism and colorism of the time. When Blue and her friend Ben discover the body of a white debutante, Dottie Whitehouse, on their beach, they panic and move it to a nearby white beach. This act inadvertently places Ben under suspicion, as he had a complicated history with Dottie. Blue must navigate a racially charged town and uncover the real killer to protect Ben and prevent her community from being destroyed by prejudiced white property owners. The novel explores themes of justice, identity, and the harsh realities of segregation.

Perfect for fans of Promise Boys, this gripping mystery follows a teenager who finds a murdered girl on her family's California beach--a discovery that will reveal the racism, segregation, and colorism rampant in her world. Fifteen-year-old Blue Collins's parents own the only Black beach in Santa Monica in 1929. She loves spending time there with her handsome friend Ben Clark. It's a quiet spot where they can be alone and where Ben's darker skin won't be judged by onlookers--or Blue's own family. During a sunset rendezvous after a summer parade, the pair discovers the body of Dottie Whitehouse, a white debutante. Blue Beach is already threatened by local white property owners. Now their whole community could be at risk. In their panic, Blue and Ben move Dottie's body into the waters of a nearby white beach. Dottie's body washes ashore, and it isn't long before all eyes are on Ben. Everyone saw how Dottie teased him and how they shared smiles. And their history goes deeper than Blue ever realized. But to save Ben from the outraged white townspeople, she'll need to do whatever she can to dig up the truth and prove his innocence. Ben isn't the only one whose life depends on it.