I really enjoy books that cross several of my favourite genres, and the Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews does just that. This author returns to her roots as a newspaper journalist and tells a story that not only has a strong female protagonist, but also has all the intrigue of a good mystery.
Plot Summary
Letty Carnahan discovers the dead body of her sister Tanya in her New York City townhouse. She’s pretty sure that Tanya’s shady ex boyfriend Evan is the murderer. Tanya had noted that Evan had been threatening her, and showed Letty her personal “go-bag” in the event of her death. Tragically, Tanya’s four year old daughter Maya was in the home when her mother was killed. Letty isn’t sure if Maya actually observed the murder and isn’t about to ask her. Despite the shock of her sister’s death, Letty recalls Tanya’s request to take Maya and escape if anything should happen to her. So that’s what Letty does.
Determined not to be found by Evan or the police, Letty and Maya leave with the bag of Tanya’s hidden valuables and head to the location mentioned in the magazine article left in this stash – The Murmuring Surf Motel on Treasure Island. Here she hopes to learn the secrets of Tanya’s past and to start to heal Maya’s heart. What she finds here, is so much more.
Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery itself slowly unfolds and I was absolutely captivated. The characters are well developed, likeable and interesting. Not only is this a story of a strong woman with determination, but it’s equally one of trust, friendship and compassion. The elderly residents of this motel community and their scheduled lifestyles are absolutely charming. There isn’t one moment where I felt myself drifting from this book – I just wanted to sit down and read it from cover to cover.
What I Liked About The Newcomer:
- The combination of Mystery, Women’s Fiction and Romance
- The engaging story line and slow reveal of facts
- The charming, humourous snow bird residents of the motel.
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers that enjoy mysteries involving strong female characters.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️?/5
Add The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews to your Goodreads shelf
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
Finlay Donovan is Killing it by Elle Cosimano
Sisters by Michelle Frances
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
Thank you for reading! I hope I’ve been able to help you find your next great read! I hope you have a wonderful day.