The Mermaid Hypothesis

the long version

**Mermaid Survival Rule Number 1: Stay away from intelligent women. Who are so my type.** Fish are not great conversationalists. That’s not why Niua sneaks aboard a research ship, or why she’s stumbling around on legs, pretending she’s not a mermaid, but years of living among uncommunicative sea life may explain why she’s unwisely flirting with a marine scientist who’s far too perceptive--and far too female--for Niua’s safety. She needs to focus, but Ms. “Why Aren’t You on the Passenger List?” keeps distracting her. In the best possible way. She’s in over her head, and she doesn’t have time to waste. She has a shipwreck to find, a treasure to reclaim, and a secret to protect. Before mermaids disappear forever.