At its heart, My Book of Ten Fishes is a story about quiet obsession. Leo, our mild-mannered archivist, thinks he's receiving a simple donation: a unique artist's book from the estate of Rosalie G. Mendel. The volume is stunning, containing ten breathtaking paintings of different fish. But as Leo prepares it for the archive, small details nag at him. A fish's pattern matches a tile from a demolished pool. Another's coloration echoes a dress described in an old missing person's report.

The Story

Leo's professional curiosity turns personal. He starts connecting each fish to a cold case or a local tragedy from the mid-20th century, events Mendel would have known about. The book feels less like art and more like a silent testimony. His investigation pulls him into the town's hidden history and brings him into conflict with people who would rather let the past stay buried. The tension isn't built on chases or violence, but on the growing weight of discovery and the unsettling silence surrounding Mendel herself. The climax hinges not on a dramatic confrontation, but on Leo making a profound choice about what to do with the truth he uncovers.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. It's a mystery, but it reads like a meditation. Mendel's character is a ghost in the narrative—we only know her through her work and the gaps she left behind. That's the real magic. The story made me think about all the ordinary, unnoticed people who hold entire histories in their heads. It asks how we honor stories that have no official record. Leo isn't a typical hero; he's just a careful, thoughtful person who can't ignore a pattern once he sees it. His journey is deeply relatable. The prose is clean and precise, much like Mendel's paintings are described, which makes the emotional moments hit even harder.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love character-driven mysteries, art history, or stories about small towns with big secrets. If you enjoyed the atmospheric puzzles in books like The Shadow of the Wind or the thoughtful pacing of Marilynne Robinson's novels, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a slow, steady read that builds to a truly resonant and satisfying end. Don't go in expecting a thriller. Go in expecting to be gently pulled into a deep, reflective current.