I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.

Short and Sweet Review

Blue Beach was a compelling blend of historical fiction and murder mystery that kept me invested from beginning to end. Set in 1929 Santa Monica, the story follows fifteen-year-old Blue Collins, whose family owns Blue Beach, a safe gathering place for Black families during segregation. When Blue and her friend Ben discover the body of a wealthy white girl on the beach, they make a panicked decision that sets off a chain of dangerous events. As suspicion falls on Ben, Blue becomes determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

One of the strongest aspects of this book was its setting and historical backdrop. I knew very little about Black-owned beaches during segregation, so I found that part of the story especially fascinating. The author did a great job weaving real historical issues into the mystery without making the book feel like a history lesson. The story also explores racism, colorism, and the constant fear that Black communities faced during that time, adding depth and weight to the plot. Blue was an easy character to root for, and I admired her determination to protect Ben and uncover the truth even when the odds were stacked against her. The mystery itself was engaging, with plenty of twists, secrets, and suspects to keep me guessing. I liked how the investigation unfolded gradually, revealing not only clues about Dottie’s death but also hidden tensions within the town. The atmosphere was another highlight. The beach setting mixed with the looming threat of racial violence created a sense of tension that carried throughout the entire book. I also appreciated the way the story explored the complicated relationships between Blue, Ben, and her family, particularly the discussions surrounding colorism within the Black community. While I really enjoyed the book overall, there were a few areas that kept it from being a full five-star read. Some parts of the mystery felt a little rushed near the end, and I would have liked more development of certain side characters. There is also an attempted sexual assault scene that felt difficult to read, and I wish the aftermath had been explored more thoroughly. Additionally, while the historical setting was one of the book’s strengths, I occasionally wanted even more details about daily life during the time period.

Overall, Blue Beach is an engaging historical mystery with a unique setting, an important story, and a strong main character. The combination of a compelling murder investigation and the exploration of racism and community during the segregation era made this a memorable read. If you enjoy YA historical fiction with mystery elements and meaningful social themes, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.