There are so many new-to-me authors out there and every day there are more. It is exciting to be able to dive into a brand new upcoming read for review purposes and get a fun, witty story that is so unlike the mainstream murder mysteries.
Publishing this spring is another fabulous beach read from this women’s fiction author. Read on for my full review.
The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press (May 4, 2021)
ISBN-13 : 978-1250256966
ABOUT:
In trouble and on the run…
After she discovers her sister Tanya dead on the floor of her fashionable New York City townhouse, Letty Carnahan is certain she knows who did it: Tanya’s ex; sleazy real estate entrepreneur Evan Wingfield. Even in the grip of grief and panic Letty heeds her late sister’s warnings: “If anything bad happens to me―it’s Evan. Promise me you’ll take Maya and run. Promise me.” So Letty grabs her sister’s Mercedes and hits the road . . .
With a trunkful of emotional baggage…
and her wailing four-year-old niece Maya. Letty is determined to out-run Evan and the law, but run to where? Tanya, a woman with a past shrouded in secrets, left behind a “go-bag” of cash and a big honking diamond ring―but only one clue: a faded magazine story about a sleepy mom-and-pop motel in a Florida beach town with the improbable name of Treasure Island. She sheds her old life and checks into an uncertain future at The Murmuring Surf Motel.
The No Vacancy sign is flashing & the sharks are circling…
And that’s the good news. Because The Surf, as the regulars call it, is the winter home of a close-knit flock of retirees and snowbirds who regard this odd-duck newcomer with suspicion and down-right hostility. As Letty settles into the motel’s former storage room, she tries to heal Maya’s heartache and unravel the key to her sister’s shady past, all while dodging the attention of the owner’s dangerously attractive son Joe, who just happens to be a local police detective. Can Letty find romance as well as a room at the inn―or will Joe betray her secrets and put her behind bars? With danger closing in, it’s a race to find the truth and right the wrongs of the past.
The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews Review
Have you ever taken a trip and discovered an old time motel that looks like it hasn’t been brought into the 21st century yet? I keep thinking of those roadside motels that used to line the highways back in the day when I visualize the setting for this story. Aqua and pink were all the rage and with the locale in this story in Florida, I think I am pretty accurate!
This wonderful beach read has not only a fabulous setting but also a load of wit and humor surrounding the murder mystery. The fact that this one is not fraught with suspense and drama, but a straightforward murder and guns for hire mystery is a plus. This book is easy to read and a delight too!
Laced with a cast of wacky characters that make you smile, a hunky cop that feels he needs to personally protect the suspect/crush, and a bit of a twisty story that keeps you on your toes, The Newcomer hits the mark with a special unique flavor. My only regret is that Joe and Letty could have really thrown some serious romance feels, but that was way underplayed.
Andrews has crafted a lightweight witty read that does have serious undertones and packs a punch too. Delightful and so enjoyable, I will look forward to reading more of this author!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.