The Newcomer: A Novel

By Mary Kay Andrews

Mary Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author and Queen of the Beach Reads delivers her next page-turner for the summer with The Newcomer.

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.”

With a trunkful of emotional baggage...

So Letty grabs her sister’s Mercedes and hits the road with 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250256935

Mary Kay Andrews

Mary Kay Andrews is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels and The Beach House Cookbook. A former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews for The Newcomer

[joeyee-4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mary Kay Andrews always delivers good beach read and this one does not disappoint. It was the perfect vacation beach read. It has some thriller but mostly sweet and light-hearted. Even though this book is on the longer size for his genre, it was a page turner. The little girl is the cutest addition to the story. The mystery part is kind of weak but Lenny and the niece relationship and the love story made up for it.

[dianekeenoy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun, fast moving book! I read it straight through and really enjoyed it!

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mary Kay Andrews...you are shifting gears and I am along for the ride! I couldn't put it down and when I did have to I couldn't wait to get back to it.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The absolute latest by Mary Kay Andrews (I told you I needed post-op easy reads), save for the somewhat disappointing novella The Santa Suit, and reading this I could almost believe Andrews has found her groove again. It’s another mystery/romance in the same vein as The Weekenders but written a lot more smoothly with a much easier flow. Andrews is still using multiple POVs, and they start off a bit clunky – this might be an editing issue, as I think bolder title timelines/location identifiers might have helped. Once established though, the POVs worked smoothly, and Andrews played some small mind-games with the reader, introducing possibly unreliable narratives once or twice. Again, a little clunky, but mostly effective.The story is about the murder of the MC’s sister, which = mystery, but really, there’s no mystery about who killed her, just whether or not justice will be served. That means that it’s less about investigating and more about case building, leading to some over-the-top antics that you’d like to believe are totally unrealistic, but just might not be.I’ve read a lot of Andrews’ work now – not all of it, but enough to feel confident saying she really doesn’t write romance in the sense that the reader is swept away. The male mc’s are mostly ‘good’ guys, but there’s not a one of them I can remember thinking I’d date him. At the end, I’m happy for the MC, but not bowled over by her HEA.This is a beach-read worth reading; or, if you’re luck runs like mine does recently, a good solid yet light read to loll away the hours when confined to your bed. Enough to keep you interested, not enough to tax your pain-meds-addled mind.

[lbswiener · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Newcomer is a story that sets a pace and feeling at the beginning and is continued all the through the book. It was awarded four stars in this review because it is a good story with a nice happy ending.

[bookczuk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2022 pandemic read. Light reading between more information packed works.

[mchwest · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I remember MKA commenting while writing this book that she thought she might be "jumping the shark" a bit, knowing only a few people would remember what that phrase was all about. This book was a great read, as all hers are, this is what I expect when I buy all my favorite summer read authors. There were sharks involved, but I don't really think they got jumped! Thanks again MKA for you hard work and diligence in delivering our summer reads!

[phyllis2779 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wondered if I would like this book since I don't remember reading this writer before but I did enjoy and would read more books by her. However, I'm not sure if I would seek them out because I have so many other books on my TBR. Fun characters, a strong heroine, and a an interesting plot -- what's not to like. Also, I really wanted to finish it -- didn't want to interrupt my reading it.

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had a fantastic time with this book! I have wanted to read Mary Kay Andrews’s work for a while and I am glad that I finally had the chance to do so with this book. I was hooked by this story right away and it held my interest until the very end. I am so glad that I was finally able to give this author a try.Letty is on the run with her niece, Maya, after finding her sister dead. She ends up in Florida at The Murmuring Surf Motel. The motel is filled with senior citizens and they aren’t exactly welcoming to Letty and Maya at first. She knows that the police in New York are looking for her as they investigate her sister’s death but she just wants to lay low and keep her niece safe. She didn’t expect the complication of the owner’s son Joe, who happens to be a local police officer.I really liked the characters in this book. Letty was such a good person. She took Maya as her sister asked her to do because she wanted to make sure that her niece was safe. Ava, the hotel owner, was incredibly kind to both Letty and Maya and I loved the relationship that developed between them. Joe was more cautious but quickly proved that he was a good guy that could be trusted. I liked the chemistry between Letty and Joe and appreciated the slower-burn romance between them. I thought that the other characters at the motel added a lot to the story as well.The mystery in this book kept me guessing. I was really curious about what had happened to Letty’s sister, Tanya. There is another element to the story which explored how Tanya was tied to the motel and what happened in her past before joining her sister in New York. The story was rather exciting and there were times that I was really worried about Letty and Maya’s safety.Kathleen McInerney did a fantastic job with this narration of this book. There was a pretty big cast of characters and she handled all of their voices with a lot of skill. I thought that she added a lot of excitement and emotion into her reading. She had a very pleasant voice and I believe that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of the book.I would recommend this book to others. I had a great time with this book and found it to be filled with great characters, a wonderful plot, and just enough romance to keep things interesting. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work in the future.I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley and I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Letty finds her sister Tanya dead in her home, she grabs her niece Maya, packs a quick bag, and runs. Tanya had lived a rough life that bordered on breaking the law, and even sometimes crossing that line. Wanting to protect her child, she had told Letty what to do if something ever happened to her, and Letty complied. Now they are living in a motel, hiding from Maya’s father, the man Letty suspects of killing her sister. This is a pretty fast-paced tale, with a bit of mystery and a sprinkling of romance. The characters are interesting and varied. The plot is complex, and just when it seems that things are about to be settled, the story takes another turn. It’s an intriguing story that will keep readers interested in the outcome.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Letty takes off with her young niece from a murder scene in New York and winds up at a beachfront motel called the Murmuring Surf. Everything falls into place for Letty quickly. She can stay and pay cash after clearing out the only studio unit left at the motel. She even pitches in at the motel office, and under the watchful eye of the motel owner and family, even her niece Maya is free to play. The story ramps up when Maya's father, Evan hires someone to find Letty, which turns out to not be very hard. Definitely a read for a summery beach day.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews is a 2021 St. Martin’s Press publication. Letty is on the lam with her four-year old niece, Maya, after her sister, Tanya, was murdered, and Letty winds up being the prime suspect. She, and Maya hides out in an independently owned motel in a little Florida Beach town named Treasure Island- yep- you read that right. Some of the residents and staff at the motel are highly suspicious of Letty, while others are ready to welcome her and Maya with open arms. The owner’s son, Joe, a former detective, believes something about Letty’s story doesn’t quite add up… but he’s also willing to give her the benefit of the doubt… for a little while, at least. Sooner or later, though, Letty’s worst fears are bound to be realized, as Maya’s father is hot on her tail…I have only read two MKA books, prior to this one. I enjoyed them both and tried to make a conscious effort to add more of her books to my reading list. I’ve been in a ‘beach’ read frame of mind this entire month, and this book certainly seemed to fit the bill- ergo- catching two fish with one worm. Unfortunately, I don’t think this book is the best representation of the author’s work or talent. I felt this one got rushed to publication without dotting the I’s or crossing the T’s. The book is too long, a little too implausible, even for me, who is usually willing to an author a little slack in that area. I’m not sure if the editing was to blame or if this was just a one-off for this well-loved author- but whatever the case, I’m still looking forward to her upcoming Christmas novel and have a few of her older titles on my summer reading list. Overall, others seem to have enjoyed this book just fine- so you might have better luck with it than I did. 2.5 stars

[beckyhaase · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

SAVANNAH BREEZE by Mary Kay AndrewsA fun light tale of two best friends. BEBE meets a new guy who turns out to be a crook and fleeces her of house, jewels, money, art, her grandparents money, everything – except a rundown motel being “managed” by a fisherman. Weezie, BeBe’s best friend, tries to help BeBe get her money back. A fine caper it is. Fully realized characters, a deft plot, a bit of hilarity, a bit of pathos, a great read for a lazy afternoon.5 of 5 stars for the genre

[simplykelina · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was sent this book from the publisher/publicity team. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.Do not let the cover fool you on this one. I was expecting a swoony beach read, but this was anything but. This is really a mystery dealing with a murder and a family on the run. It has a little bit of everything. I really enjoyed the audiobook on this one. The narrator did a great job bringing Maya to life. This one pulled me in from the start. I really wanted to find out what happened to Tanya. This did get a little slow in the middle but I still enjoyed it. I do think there was a little too much added in as I do not think we needed most of the side stories. I would have liked the story to stick to Evan and made that a little more climatic when everything came together. I feel the focus was really taken off how creepy and mean he was and turned to a different character. I wish the other character would not have been involved.Overall though, I did enjoy this one.

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Here's a question for you - how do you know when summer is just around the corner? And the answer is.....when Mary Kay Andrews releases a new book! The Newcomer releases today - and it's such a great read!We meet our lead character Letty as she pulls into the Murmuring Surf Motel (don't you love the kitschy name?), in the Florida town of Treasure Island. She's driven non stop from New York with her four year old niece. Why? The unthinkable has happened - Letty's sister and Maya's mother Tanya is dead. Tanya always said "If anything bad happens to me - it’s Evan. (her ex) Promise me you’ll take Maya and run. Promise me.”In the last few books MK has added a mystery alongside the romance and feel good nature of her books. It really works for me, adding another layer to her books.I loved each and every character in the book - from Letty and the extremely cute Maya, to the warm and welcoming motel owner Ava, her daughter Isabelle, the crotchety, but lovable senior residents, Ava's handsome son Joe - and more. They're all so well drawn and likeable. All except that Evan - MK did just as good a job drawing such a loathsome antagonist.I loved the setting! It reminded me so much of my holidays when I was younger and I would happily stay there today as well. It has such a welcoming feel - kinda like a 'Cheers' vibe.And yes, romance is another facet that makes Andrews books such great summer reading. It's not overt, sappy or in your face. The attraction is well done and fits seamlessly into the plot.Now, take these wonderful characters, the fantastic setting and weave in the mystery of who killed Tanya. What have you got? A book you don't want to put down. And I didn't. Five stars for another engaging, heartwarming, eminently readable, take me away from it all, beach worthy read.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What perfect read, whether on the beach or couch, or for me I had an audio book, that made me not want to reach my destination.I have read many of Mary Kay Andrews books, and this one sure didn’t disappoint.Maya stole the show, but a lot of great characters are here.Letty, now the guardian of her niece, Maya the four year old, Ava and her daughter and son, whom you quickly meet in the parking lot of the motel in Florida.There is never a dull moment here, take a breath, because you will quickly be holding it again!Only bad part of this read was having to say goodbye!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Macmillian Audio and was not required to give a positive review.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Letty is on the run. She has discovered her sister Tanya murdered. She scoops up Tanya’s 4 year old daughter, Maya, and hits the road. She ends up in Treasure Island, Florida at an old motel called The Murmuring Surf. Letty is hoping and praying she can stay hidden long enough to solve her sister’s murder. But, with the owner’s son, Joe, hanging around, it may not be as easy as Letty hopes.Joe is a detective and the moment he meets Letty, he knows something is not right. As you guessed…Letty and Joe hit it off…to a degree. You will have to read this to find out!Ok… I am pretty far behind on my book reviews. So, I cheated a little and listened to this one on audio.This is in true MKA fashion! I loved it from start to finish. I think I finished this audiobook in one day. The characters…especially the old people at the motel…I found myself laughing out loud!Now, I enjoyed the narrator, Kathleen McInerney to a degree. I was not a fan of her voice for Maya. It did not quite sound like it should have. But that is a minor issue. The story just keeps you entertained all the way through!Need just an all around fantastic story…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy todayI received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[grandmacootie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you have been looking for your annual Mary Kay Andrews beach read, this is it. But be warned, this is a beach read with an edge. The danger, suspense and uncertainty start on the very first page and never let up. It’s full of twists and turns and connections and clues that will have you thinking and guessing and turning pages as fast as you can.Letty loved her sister Tanya and always tried to do what was best for her, but it wasn’t easy. She was lied to, manipulated and betrayed by Tanya. And now she is trying to honor Tanya’s last wish by keeping Maya safe. Maya is a typical four year old – pretty, precocious, petulant, but a ray of sunshine and love. Typical except that she may have witnessed her mother’s murder.Letty doesn’t go to the Murmuring Surf Motel by accident; Tanya had an old newspaper article about it in her “go” bag. Letty doesn’t understand why Tanya had the article, but as it turns out, luck was on Letty’s side when she was led there. The Murmuring Surf is family owned, and its residents are a close-knit mixed bag of retirees and snowbirds. Not exactly welcoming at first but they have long memories and stick together.Ava is wonderful. The mom or aunt or grandma we all want to have. Too big hearted for her own good but tough when she needs to be. Son Joe is a cop, with a cop’s suspicions and wariness. But he’s got his mom’s heart even if he keeps it buried deep. Isabella is a typical teen, welcoming without judgement and with some very helpful friends.Trouble follows Letty to the Murmuring Surf. Joe believes Ava is too trusting; she’s been conned before and he doesn’t intend to let it happen again. So he’s keeping a close eye on Letty. But she doesn’t really seem like a con, so what’s going on? What is she hiding?Every Mary Kay Andrews book is a delicious read, and The Newcomer is no exception. And it's such a treat to read the first chapter in a book - and know you're going to love every page that follows. The Newcomer is a wonderful combination of just the right amounts of light and dark, sweet warm-hearted people and those with evil intent, with such a gorgeous location as the backdrop.Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed The Newcomer and recommend it without hesitation.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.What a cast of characters! Fun beach read with a murder mystery at the forefront. Fairly predictable, but the story flows and the characters are enjoyable. Good start to summer reading. Letty is on the run with her adorable niece, Maya, after finding her sister and Maya’s Mom dead. She ends up in Florida at a motel with an endearing Owner and her children and a bunch of snowbirds, trying to stay one step ahead of the police and away from Maya’s rich but shady Dad. Fans of Mary Kay Andrews won’t be disappointed. Thanks to Ms Andrews, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[mrsmommybooknerd7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

#FirstLine ~ It was still dark when Letty pulled into the parking lot.I loved this book. I also loved that I was in Florida during the time period the book was set. Being form Wisconsin and all! This book was original, a bit gritty and very entertaining. It is more than your average beach read because there is a level of depth to the story that draws the reader in and creates an investment in characters. I loved this book and I had a hard time putting it down. It was a great book to take on vacation and to escape into when the sun is hot. I loved reading with my toes in the sand and ocean waves as my backdrop! A must read for summer!!!

[cats57_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ReviewMary Kay did her usual fantastic job on this book. But I must tell you her writing style has changed a lot from her beginnings. The topics are way less frivolous. The storylines and characters are more profound and more mysterious. The last few books have less humor and off-the-wall characters in them. In this book, the main mystery is quite complicated, and because there are actually 2 mysteries going on, it can get a little complicated. There are some stereotypical characters in this book (the usual Florida Olde Pharte, for example), but you can see why as you read. I loved it.This book was filled with mystery, intrigue, family, murder, unlikable characters (and I must admit that it took me a very long time to connect with and warm up to, Letty Carnahan and her niece Maya, our main character's) lies, romance, and the usual luscious descriptions of the deep South.I have to admit that this book's twists were phenomenal, and I hope that there will be a book about Vikki Hill. She was a great secondary character!This book will be a must-buy for avid Mary Kay Andrew's fans, and I highly recommend this book to those that love a good mystery and tales of the South. This is going to make for an exceptional beach read this year!*ARC supplied by the publisher, author, and NetGalley.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beach season will be right around the corner when this fantastic new book is published in May, 2021. I am reading it in January but it still gave me warm thoughts of the summer ahead.Mary Kay Andrews is one of those few authors who NEVER disappoints her readers. Her new book is another fantastic read for lovers of books about strong women who are faced with huge obstacles to overcome.Letty shows up in the parking lot of the Murmuring Surf Motel in Florida with her 4 years old niece Maya asleep in the back seat of the car. Letty's sister (Maya's mother) had told her that if anything happened to her, she wanted Letty to grab Mia and get as far away as she can. When Letty finds her sister in a pool of blood in her NYC apartment, she knows that she has to save Maya and flees to Florida. Even though there were no vacancies at the motel, the owner helps her find a store room that can be cleaned out and lived in and gives her a job at the motel. The elderly snow birds at the motel as well as the owners son, Joe, a policeman, all treat this newcomer with suspicion and hostility. Will Letty be able to keep Maya out of harm's way and right the wrongs of the past?This book is full of suspense and keeps the pages turning to make sure that Letty and Maya stay safe. Along with that are humorous scenes with the snowbirds at the motel. They have all been wintering there for years and feel like they own the place and are very resentful of anyone new plus having a child living there really bothers some of them. They were all very set in their ways but I found a lot of humor in their attitudes toward the motel and each other.This is a wonderful about family - both the family that you are born into and the family that you create out of the people who love and take care of you. This is a must read for the summer of 2021.

[jacsun · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't know how many books the author, Mary Kay Andrews, has written but the list is huge. She has a big following and very well known. Since I haven't read anything by her, I jumped at the chance.

This book starts when Letty in NY finds her sister, Tanya, in her luxurious apartment - dead. Her place is decorated to the max with a closet full of top-of-the-line designer clothes, purses and the works. Then there's the four-year-old daughter that comes out of a hiding place after witnessing this horror event that just took place. Letty grabs a few things along with the little girl and heads south to Florida - somewhere safe. There's some connection with a magazine article about a motel on the beach that her sister had noted. Letty heads there to search for clues - anything to find out what may have happened.

No doubt, Tanya was killed by the shifty lover and father of her daughter in an argument of sorts. Letty once worked for this "bad" man, Evan. He makes money from real estate and illegal activities and would be in prison except he has strong connections that cover his tracks.

Letty makes it to Florida and then finds the motel in the magazine article. While this place is packed with seniors and has no vacancies, Letty talks the owner, Ava, into letting her stay in the a room used as a storage area if she agrees to clean it out. Ava likes her and gives her a job as an assistant. Meanwhile, the owner's son, Joe, happens to be a handsome police officer. Of course, he is there to help. It's just too easy to guess what happens next.

The first part of the book kept my eyes wide open as I was getting to know the plot. However, the last part for me was slow. The author repeated a lot of information which made the story longer than it should have been.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for an honest review.