The Newcomer: A heartwarming, feel good novel perfect for an escapist read

Product Information

Tanya Carnahan warned her sister Letty that if anything happened to her to take her daughter Maya, a go bag containing a bunch of cash, diamond "push" ring and leave New York. She was worried that her ex boyfriend Evan was planning to get rid of her. When Letty found her sister dead inside her plush brownstone and Maya crying nearby, she grabbed what they needed along with the bag and left town. She has to get away from not only Evan but the police who will want to question her about Tanya's death and her taking Maya. Inside the bag was an old Southern Living ad for motel in Treasure Island, Florida, near St. Pete. Not sure about the significance of the ad, that is where they headed. The old motel is for long term residents who stay for the winter but she is able to talk the owner Ava into letting them stay there. She actually works for Ava and settles in, gets to know Ava's son Joe, a cop, her daughter Isabelle and residents. This story is long as it develops with Letty's story eventually unraveling to Isabelle and then to Joe and an FBI agent from New York investigating Evan. It is a complicated story with connections from years ago with Tanya and others in Treasure Island. Tanya had lots of secrets that are finally revealed. Maya is the star at the motel among the residents but it is obvious that Letty is a good person. I enjoyed the mystery in the story although slow moving at times. The setting is great with some likable characters. I felt there is far more language than needed for the story but that is my opinion. There’s nothing better than a new Mary Kay Andrews novel because she always delivers. Her novel is no exception. It’s character driven, with a good story and people you root for. A good way to start off the month of May before spring arrives (a great book to read at the pool or beach).” I enjoyed the story and especially the folks at the hotel - not only the owners, but the quirky old folks who had been staying at this same motel for years. I also enjoyed the romance and the mystery. This was a little darker read than Sunset Beach, but a good book. Summers almost here! If you’re looking for a fantastic summertime book this is it. This is such a delightful beach read centering around feisty heroine, Letty, and her adorable 4-year-old niece Maya, and the mystery surrounding the death of Letty’s sister, Tanya.

She, and Maya hides out in an independently owned motel in a little Florida Beach town named Treasure Island- yep- you read that right. 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 Tanya’s ex; sleazy real estate entrepreneur Evan Wingfield. Even in the grip of grief and panic Letty heeds her late sister’s “If anything bad happens to me―it’s Evan. Promise me you’ll take Maya and run. Promise me.” Enjoyed it but it did not leave a lasting impression. I think this would work nicely as a beach read. Excuse me,” she said, not bothering to turn around, race-walking toward the motel office. It wasn’t just Maya who needed a bathroom now.

The Newcomer

So what, you were passed out drunk? With a kid in the car?” The sunglasses obscured his eyes, but he was youngish. Late thirties, very tan, very judgey. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE NEWCOMER on 5/04/2021! Letty doesn't want to be found by either the detective or the attorney because she knows neither will turn out well. Her sister couldn't have any inheritance or could she? Letty is on the lam as she is the main suspect in her sister’s murder, but she knows that her niece's father is who the police should be looking for and she will do anything to protect Maya. Joe is a dedicated police officer, but he can’t stop thinking about the mysterious woman who showed up at his mother’s motel and he wants to get to know her better. Mary Kay Andrews is a beloved author because she is a master at writing an engaging beach read that her audience will love. This book is not a thriller, nor is it meant to be. MKA is more about the character development and the light, easy read feel needed for beach reads. I thought this book ranked as one of her top reads.

A little bit romance, a little bit suspense, and everything you’ve come to know and love from a Mary Kay Andrews story, THE NEWCOMER is sure to be a summer favorite!” The Surf, as regulars call it, is the winter home of a close-knit but quarrelsome group of retirees and snowbirds who regard this newcomer and her adorable niece with suspicion and more than a little curiosity. There’s a No Vacancy sign swinging from the neon motel marquee, but the motel’s longtime owner Ava DeCurtis takes Letty in, offers her a room and eventually a job, much to the disapproval of Ava’s cynical son Joe, a local police detective whose every instinct tells him that Letty is a dangerous fugitive, possibly even a kidnapper and murderer. Thankfully officer’s mother Ava who is also owner of the hotel is more helpful and merciful to her. She offers her to clean and move in the older storage room which has a bed and kitchenette with a reasonable price.She ignored the cop and turned to her niece. “Okay, baby. We’re gonna go inside the motel now, and find you a bathroom. Can you wait just a minute?” But run where? The only clue Tara has left behind is a faded magazine story about a sleepy mom-and-pop motel on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Letty and Tanya are sisters, but they have their issues. Still, they have a bond that makes them rely on each other even when tragedy occurs. Do you have a bond with anyone like that? Who is your go-to person? Unknown to Evan, Tanya had hired an attorney to make her will. The attorney was looking for Letty so she could give her the inheritance her sister left her.

Mary Kay Andrews

Letty drove to The Murmuring Surf Motel and made it her home, but would she be able to hide in this welcoming place forever? As Letty begins to settle into life at the Murmuring Surf for herself and Maya, more of her sister’s secrets become revealed to her. Letty tries to piece together the puzzle of her sister’s murder, with her number one suspect being her sister’s ex-boyfriend, a crooked real estate investor. The longer Letty stays at The Murmuring Surf, the more complicated the mystery seems to become, but when she finally starts to trust her new friends the pieces begin to fit together.