Skip to content

More than a bookstore — a social event space to connect & build friendships while raising money to support children in crisis.

📦International Shipping to Select Countries is Available at Checkout 📦

FWF is not open for regular hours at this time.

Author: Kathleen Kaufman
Genres:
Publication Date: September 29, 2026

Read the Summary

A marine biologist’s search for an undiscovered species of octopus leads her to an isolated island where long-buried memories rise like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface…

From the author of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, this hauntingly evocative novel is perfect for fans of Emilia Hart’s The Sirens, Sarah Penner’s The Amalfi Curse, and Adrienne Young.

Twenty nautical miles off the coast of Boston lies Bell Island, shrouded in fog, mystery, and legend. Historically a refuge for women fleeing the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s and a way station on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves in the 1800s, the island is isolated and rumored to be haunted by spirits and . . . other things.

It is to Bell Island that microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir ventures in search of evidence of a new species of octopus, Thalassa, possibly lurking below the swirling water’s surface. Along with her equipment, and her luggage, Harper carries with her the burden of past trauma and vivid, recurring dreams.

Swept up in unexplained phenomena ranging from increased seismic activity and a boat-capsizing rogue wave to encounters with island creatures that defy explanation, Harper looks to the island’s venerated if mysterious mayor for answers. Lady Loreana Bell comes from a single matriarchal line that has ruled the island for 400 years—and seems to have been expecting Harper’s arrival.

It is within the walls of Bell Manor—its gothic grandeur matched only by the intensity of Harper’s deja vu—that she discovers the 1690 journal of a young woman in the grips of a religious cult. As a tsunami threatens the island, Harper finds herself on the verge of a revelation that will ultimately unlock the mystery of her haunted dreams and disclose her true purpose on Bell Island . . .

Book Tropes & Spice

This title has not been assigned a spice rating.

Flirting With Fiction Bookstore
Stories That Show Up When Kids Need Them Most

💛 More Than Just a Bookstore

When you shop at Flirting With Fiction, you’re doing more than buying a book—you’re helping us deliver hope.

A portion of every sale goes directly to Fun With Fiction, our nonprofit that brings the power of story to children facing trauma, loss, or major life changes. Through our Book Buddy program, we create hand-picked book packages tailored to each child’s age, interests, and unique situation.

It’s not just a box of books. It’s a message that says: you matter, you are not alone, and your story is still being written.

×
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea

We often restock popular items or they may be returned by the other customers. If you would like to be notified when this happens just enter your details below.


Please select variant
Please enter name
Invalid email address
Required mobile number Invalid number Invalid country code Too short Too long ✓Valid
Only plain are not allowed in the message Message length must be 250 characters allowed
Country is required

If WhatsApp can't deliver your alert, we may send it to the same number by SMS instead.

Your notification has been registered. Close

We respect your privacy and don't share your email with anybody.

×

Thank you, we have now received and recorded your request to be notified should Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea be restocked.

We will only use your email for this purpose.