Review – That Sinking Feeling

Reading Tromp’s tween mystery debut is like finding buried treasure that’s pure gold. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, 13- year-old Audrey and Max, her scuba buddy and best friend can’t wait for Audrey’s father to join them so they can don their gear and search the lake bottom for buried treasure.

But Audrey’s father owns the local dive shop, and he’s too busy to join them as promised. Disappointed, they search the shoreline instead and find a hidden cove with a stash of equipment stolen from local beach-front homes. Determined to learn more, they spend the afternoon chasing clues until their investigation stalls. The evidence leads back to the lake-but, the bottom of the lake-and they can’t dive alone!

Tween readers will identify with Tromp’s vivid characterizations, age-appropriate conversations, and the excitement, the insecurities and disappointments, of this adventurous young duo.

Written in first person, this fast-paced mystery overflows with adventure plus a subtle Christian message of forgiveness. Upper elementary and junior high readers will be captivated until the story ends and will look for more from this author.