Dead in the Water

A return to an isolated Maine island turns deadly in this new YA thriller perfect for fans of Megan Lally and Chelsea Ichaso.

Sometimes love makes you wade into dangerous waters.

Seventeen-year-old Juliette hasn’t set foot on Whittaker Island since her cousin Allie drowned there five years ago—a tragedy that shattered her family. But when an inheritance clause forces Juliette, her aunts, and her cousins to return to the isolated island for the summer, the past resurfaces almost immediately: old guilt, bitter family rifts, and the Scott brothers—including River, Juliette’s first crush—whose family has cared for the island in the years since.

Juliette didn’t expect sparks to fly the way they do that first night—then again, everything about River has always felt unexpected to her. But when the body of a local teen connected to the Scott brothers washes ashore the next morning, Juliette can’t help but begin to question everything . . . and everyone. Someone is hiding a devastating secret, one worth killing for, but on an island where loyalty runs deep and love can be lethal, trusting the wrong person could make her the next victim.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs