Dive into the quirky, splashy world of Fred the Mermaid, where a half-human, half-mermaid heroine navigates love, environmental crusades, and underwater politics with a sarcastic smirk. MaryJanice Davidson’s Fred the Mermaid series blends paranormal romance with dry humor, offering a refreshing take on mermaid lore that’s as entertaining as it is unconventional. Meet Fredrika Bimms, a marine biologist with blue hair and a tail who’s anything but your typical mythical siren.
With snappy dialogue and a love triangle that keeps you guessing, this series is a delightful escape for fans of lighthearted fantasy and romance. Whether Fred’s battling ocean polluters or juggling two swoon-worthy suitors, her story is a tidal wave of fun that’ll hook you from the first page.
How Fred the Mermaid Began
MaryJanice Davidson, a New York Times bestselling author known for her Undead series, launched Fred the Mermaid in 2006 with a mission to flip the mermaid stereotype. Tired of blonde, perky sirens, Davidson crafted Fred as a cranky, green-haired marine biologist who’s more at home studying fish than singing on rocks. Inspired by her love for paranormal romance and a desire to explore environmental themes, Davidson set the series in a vibrant world where merfolk, or Undersea Folk, grapple with modern challenges like pollution and media scrutiny.
The Heart of Fred the Mermaid
The series spans three main books, each diving deeper into Fred’s dual life on land and sea. Sleeping with the Fishes (2006) introduces Fred, a marine biologist at the New England Aquarium, who’s drawn into a mystery involving toxic seawater. Two men—Prince Artur, a merman ruler, and Thomas, a charming human marine biologist—vie for her heart, sparking a love triangle that ripples through the series. Swimming Without a Net (2007) takes Fred to the Cayman Islands, where she meets her merfolk kin and faces a debate over revealing their existence to humans, all while wrestling with her feelings for Artur and Thomas.
Fish Out of Water (2008) wraps up the trilogy as Fred becomes the Undersea Folk’s media spokesperson after their secret goes public. Her long-lost father’s schemes threaten Artur’s rule, and Fred must make a final choice in her tangled love life. The series shines with its environmental focus—Fred’s fight against ocean pollution resonates with her marine biologist roots—and its blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. Set in coastal hubs like Boston and Sanibel Island, the books weave a vivid underwater realm with real-world stakes, all delivered in Davidson’s signature witty style.
Fred’s abrasive charm and the series’ light, fast-paced tone make it a standout in paranormal romance. Themes of identity, as Fred embraces her half-mermaid heritage, and marine protection add depth to the fluffy fun, appealing to readers who love a heroine who’s as fierce as she is flawed.
Why Fred the Mermaid Resonates
Though not as iconic as Davidson’s Undead series, Fred the Mermaid has carved a niche among fans of paranormal romance and fantasy. Its irreverent take on mermaid myths and focus on environmental issues make it a hidden gem for readers seeking something beyond vampire and werewolf tales. Fred’s unapologetic attitude and the series’ humor have earned praise for their laugh-out-loud moments, even if some critique its thin plots or rushed resolutions. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance quirky romance with a call to protect our oceans, making it a fun yet meaningful read.
- Publication Years: 2006–2008
- Number of Books: 3 (plus an omnibus, Underwater Love)
- Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Grab Sleeping with the Fishes and plunge into Fred the Mermaid’s hilarious, heartfelt world of romance and underwater adventure!