“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” This quote is from the octopus Marcellus in the novel who is always evaluating humans, and feels he is quite superior to them.

When Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she started a job cleaning at night for the Sowell Bay Aquarium. The work keeps Tova busy and she needs that to stop wondering about her son that died in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

While Tova is cleaning, she notices that Marcellus the octopus escapes from his tank and wanders around the aquarium. She just lets him be, until she thinks he has been out of water for too long and she puts him back in his tank. Tova is about the only human Marcellus likes, and he tries to help her solve the mystery of her son’s death.

Extremely enjoyable read!