Letty and her sister were basically on their own as kids. Letty was determined to make her way in the world by working hard and taking care of her younger sister Tonya. Unfortunately, Tonya makes bad choices in love and life. The best thing to happen to her is the birth of her daughter, Maya. The four-year-old has even brought the sisters together again after their lives took different paths. Even though Evan, the man Letty previously dated, is the father of Maya, Tonya tries her best to keep her daughter away from him. Both sisters are happy to be together again.

Their reunion is short lived. Tonya is found dead, murdered in the luxury apartment bought by Evan before she can get out of the city with her daughter. Letty is the prime suspect and she is on the run with Maya. Her sister’s mistakes and lies have cast doubt about many things in her life, but not her need to leave New York to keep her ex-boyfriend away from his daughter. Letty leaves with her niece, taking the go bag her sister wisely had stashed in her closet and little else.

In the bag was the name of a small resort in Florida, Murmuring Surf, so Letty heads there. Finding a safe haven, she begins working for the owner to earn her keep. Always wary of Evan finding her and Maya, she shies away from almost everyone. Especially Joe, the owner’s son who is also a cop. Surely, he has seen the APB sent to all law enforcement agencies when a suspected killer and kidnapper is on the loose. Safe for now, Letty adjusts to life in Florida, but will she have to run again soon? Will Evan, with all of his resources find her and Maya? Letty fears for the worst.

The Newcomber is an interesting, well plotted novel. Finding out who the killer is in the last few chapters is well played. The characters are diverse and real. Ms. Andrews not only created realistic, well rounded main characters, but the bit players are fun to meet. Especially the residents of the Murmuring Surf. They are quirky, cranky and could be people you have encountered. Picture some grumpy old men fighting over parking spots.

I really enjoyed this book. It is not part of a series. Ms. Andrews is a prolific writer. She has written several best-selling books under the pen name Mary Kay Andrews since 2002 as well as being nominated for many literary awards. I have read several of her books, including The High Tide Club and Blue Christmas. She is the master of telling a great story with a side of romance.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2021 Laura Hartman

This romantic suspense novel has a lot going for it: a believable, flawed main female character, an appealing low-key romance, and a suspenseful situation involving a child hunted by a criminal father. Secondary characters, some quirky and loveable and others menacing, also add to the enjoyment of a good read. The writing is assured and skillful, so the story flows well. I finished the novel in two days. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and I will certainly seek out more of her work now.

I've read a few of her books and I put this in the category of a beach read. Type of book you can pick up read and not think. The book was predictable but still an easy read.

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews is a good read. It took me away from the real world for a bit. I like the intrigue and character development. The secondary characters deepen the story because they are so colorful and humorous. This fun and easy read, if maybe a bit too long, is highly recommended. This is may be my first Mary Kay Andrews book, but it will not be my last.

***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****

I want to start by saying that the storyline was a good idea. Letty goes to visit her sister, Tanya and niece, Maya and finds her sister murdered. Tanya had told Letty that her ex, Evan, might harm her and if that happened to take Maya and run. She ends up at a motel in Florida and spends several weeks hiding from the ex and keeping Maya safe. Letty ends up finding out some secrets about her sister and has more questions than answers. It seemed like would be a good fast read. Unfortunately the delivery fell super short for me. The book was too long in my opinion and had lots of what I call “filler” scenes that just weren’t necessary to build the story. There were also parts that were a but far-fetched, one in particular, which I don’t want to give to much detail for fear of spoiling. This is my first book by this author and it will probably be my only read by her. I am bot the biggest fan of her writing style.

The Newcomer was a nice little surprise from Mary Kay Andrews. As a Tampa resident, I loved being a part of the setting with locations near and dear to my heart. The novel is not a traditional romance as much suspense is weaved throughout. I enjoyed this story even though I felt the end lagged and was a bit predictable.

Only Mary Kay Andrews can combine the sophistication of NY and the struggle to get there with the simplicity of the south and the beach. She put together a wonderful combination of mystery, thriller, and love. Letty’s love for her sister takes her on a journey with her niece Maya. A journey of secrets and discovery. As she tries to keep her adored niece safe she also discovers truths about her sister Tanya. This is a cannot put down story from page one. Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my requested copy of this wonderful book.

A really fun story. I enjoyed both the story and the characters. It was well paced with just the eight amount of suspense and twists.

Another winner for Mary Kay Andrews! Letty and her niece Maya are on the run after Letty discovers her sister, Tanya murdered in her own home. Now settling in a beachside motel in Florida, Letty must figure out the mystery surrounding Tanya's death while caring for five-year-old Maya. It's a thrill ride for sure as Letty makes friends and Tanya's ex-boyfriend schemes to find her and take custody of the child. Great murder mystery and fabulous writing as we always expect from Andrews!

Letty has made a long trip with Maya. Letty has come to Florida from New York and is looking for a new rooom. Maya's parents are deceased. I enjoyed reading Maya and lettys story. Quick pace

*****Coming May 4, 2021**** Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley, I was chosen as a early reviewer.

Mary Kay Andrews latest novel does not disappoint and will keep you entertained from start to finish. What happens when your sister is caught up in a domestic situation where you promise to protect her four year daughter no matter what? How far are you willing to go? All the twists and turns will have you turning the pages to find out. Definitely one to be added to your TBR list.

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews was a delightful and satisfying novel. More than a summer read, it was laugh-out-loud funny, with wonderfully developed, memorable and compelling characters. Add to that, a dash of mystery, murder and mayhem at the Murmuring Surf beach motel on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, and you have a winner. Maya, the heroine Letty’s four-year-old niece was precious and precocious. Letty was a strong female lead and Police Detective Joe DeCurtis, the hero, was yummy. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book! Part one mystery then part two romance! I love how they talk about the FL area being somewhat local to that area.

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews, was a good, if predictable, book. It would make a good book for relaxing and unwinding. Definitely a "beach read". The characters were well developed and interesting. Personally, I was uncomfortable with the "justifiable kidnapping" aspect of the story line. I guess my overall feeling for the book would be "meh". I don't resent the time I spent reading it, but I also could have skipped it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

When her sister is murdered, Letty flees with her four-year-old niece to a Florida seaside motel, where the owner’s son is a suspicious cop. With secrets to hide, she tries to blend in at the Murmuring Surf Motel on Treasure Island, but danger lurks. This mystery with an element of romance was a fun, quick read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. (5 out of 5 stars)

I was really looking forward to finishing and reviewing The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews, but unfortunately will not be doing so after her unprofessional and negative actions towards an unpaid book reviewer on social media. I cannot condone bullying behavior, and am disappointed to say I won't be finishing this book. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with the opportunity to review this ARC.

An extremely well written novel. This was a first for me from this author, and I found myself enjoying it very much. It’s light and simple but with a story and plot that is both interesting and keeps the reader wanting more. The characters were very likable and entertaining. All in all a worthwhile read, highly recommend!

MK always writes characters that readers love to love, or love to hate. This story is no different. Pulled me in right from the first chapter, and I loved every page. Letty's protection of Maya, and her determination to not be the kind of mother she had is a prominent theme in this story, and she does a fantastic job making choices for Maya in the toughest of circumstances. This will be a winner.

Another winner by the lovely Mary Kay Andrews. Romance, intrigue, the beach and a lot of great characters and small town charm make this a must read for the 2021 beach season!