Danger, Dolphins, and Ginger Beer

In this debut novel, 12-year-old Sally and her two younger brothers uncover mystery in the Caribbean. The three children are sailing around the world with their father, but while he is away at a medical convention, they are camping on Crab Island, near the British Virgin Islands. First they discover a wounded dolphin, then encounter unfriendly local children and then watch a cigarette boat crash on the reef. In spite of these dramatically promising elements, Vigor's writing offers no surprises--the children rescue the dolphin, make friends with the locals and uncover a drug-smuggling operation. While K. M. Peyton's novels of the sea offer a better sense of the beauty of sailing and a closer look at human motives and grief, Vigor's story provides low-key entertainment for the middle-grade mystery set. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)