A Beachy Keen Mystery with Southern Charm to Spare
Y’all, grab your sunscreen and floppy hats, because Mary Kay Andrews is whisking us away on another delightful seaside adventure! Her latest novel “Summers at the Saint” transports readers to the swanky St. Cecelia resort on the Georgia coast, where the mint juleps are cold, the gossip is hot, and murder is definitely not on the activities schedule. Or is it?
Andrews has long reigned as the queen of beach reads, churning out crowd-pleasing page-turners faster than you can say “sweet tea.” With over 30 novels under her belt, including bestsellers like “The Weekenders” and “Hello, Summer,” she’s practically cornered the market on breezy whodunnits set against picture-perfect coastal backdrops. And lemme tell ya, “Summers at the Saint” might just be her juiciest offering yet.
Welcome to the Saint, Where the Tea is Sweet and the Secrets are Sweeter
Our story revolves around Traci Eddings, a scrappy gal from the wrong side of the causeway who worked her way up from lowly ice cream scooper to owner of the legendary St. Cecelia resort (known to locals as simply “the Saint”). Traci’s living the American dream, right? Well, not so fast. See, her beloved husband Hoke – the previous owner’s son – died in a plane crash four years ago, leaving Traci to run the joint solo. And hoo boy, is she in over her head.
The Saint is hemorrhaging money faster than a trust fund baby at the blackjack tables. Staff shortages, dwindling bookings, and mounting debts have Traci stressed to the max. Oh, and did I mention her sleazeball brother-in-law Ric is circling like a shark, just waiting for her to fail so he can swoop in and take over? Talk about family drama!
Desperate times call for desperate measures, so Traci cobbles together a ragtag crew of summer help to keep the place afloat. There’s Felice, a talented but prickly chef with something to prove. KJ, a preppy college dropout working off some kind of debt to his rich daddy. And then there’s Livvy, the daughter of Traci’s estranged childhood bestie Shannon. Awkward much?
Just when Traci thinks she might actually pull this off, tragedy strikes. One of her new hires is found dead under suspicious circumstances, threatening to sink the Saint’s reputation (and Traci’s sanity) for good. But our girl’s got grit, y’all. Armed with little more than determination and a killer peach daiquiri recipe, Traci sets out to save her beloved resort and catch a killer.
A Tangled Web of Secrets, Lies, and Southern-Fried Shenanigans
Andrews weaves a deliciously twisty tale full of red herrings, false leads, and gasp-worthy revelations. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out – BAM! – she hits you with another curveball. The pacing is snappy, the dialogue crackles with wit, and the pages practically turn themselves.
But what really sets “Summers at the Saint” apart is the richly drawn cast of characters. Andrews has a knack for creating memorable personalities that leap off the page, flaws and all. Traci is a particularly compelling protagonist – smart and resourceful, but also realistically overwhelmed by the challenges she faces. Her struggle to keep the Saint afloat while processing her grief over Hoke’s death gives the story genuine emotional heft.
The supporting players are equally vibrant. There’s crusty old Colonel McBee, forever complaining about the “riffraff” infiltrating his beloved resort. Madelyn, Ric’s trophy wife with a penchant for body-con dresses and stirring up trouble. And let’s not forget Charlie Burroughs, the longtime general manager who may or may not be hiding some shady dealings. Each character feels fully realized, with their own motivations and secrets to protect.
More Than Just a Beach Read
While “Summers at the Saint” delivers all the breezy escapism you’d expect from a Mary Kay Andrews novel, it also touches on some weightier themes. Class divisions play a major role, with the stark contrast between the wealthy “Saints” who vacation at the resort and the working-class “Ain’ts” who keep it running. Traci’s position as a former “Ain’t” who married into Saint society gives her a unique perspective on both worlds.
The book also explores grief, forgiveness, and the complexities of female friendship. Traci and Shannon’s estrangement stems from a long-ago tragedy, and watching them tentatively rebuild their bond is genuinely touching. Andrews handles these heavier elements with a deft touch, never letting them overwhelm the story’s overall buoyant tone.
A Few Bumps in the Sand
Now, no beach is perfect, and “Summers at the Saint” does hit a few rough patches. The sheer number of characters and subplots can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially in the early chapters. A few of the twists stretch credulity juuuust a tad (I’m looking at you, surprise DNA test reveal). And if you’re not a fan of the occasional steamy scene, you might want to skip a page or two.
But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read. Andrews knows her audience, and she delivers exactly the kind of sun-soaked, mystery-tinged romp her fans crave.
The Verdict: Pack This One in Your Beach Bag, Stat!
“Summers at the Saint” is the literary equivalent of a perfect beach day – warm, breezy, and guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. Andrews strikes an ideal balance between cozy mystery, rom-com, and juicy soap opera, creating a confection as irresistible as the Saint’s famous key lime pie.
Is it groundbreaking literature? Nah. But it’s a heck of a lot of fun, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. So grab your sunglasses, pour yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, and prepare to lose yourself in the world of the Saint. Just watch out for those riptides – and maybe don’t accept any mysterious drinks from handsome strangers. You never know what secrets might be lurking beneath that picture-perfect Southern charm.
Who Should Read This Book?
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews’ previous novels (duh!)
Anyone who loves a good beach read with a side of mystery
Readers who enjoy Southern fiction with a dash of humor
Those who appreciate strong female protagonists
Anyone planning a summer vacation (or wishing they were!)
Similar Authors to Check Out
If you gobble up “Summers at the Saint” faster than a plate of fried green tomatoes, here are some other authors to add to your TBR pile:
Elin Hilderbrand (the queen of Nantucket-set beach reads)
Dorothea Benton Frank (for more lowcountry charm)
Nancy Thayer (beachy keen romances)
Kristy Woodson Harvey (Southern fiction with heart)
Karen White (mysteries with a side of Southern hospitality)
Fun Facts About Mary Kay Andrews
Her real name is Kathy Hogan Trocheck
She’s a former journalist
She collects vintage cookbooks
Her nickname is “the Queen of Beach Reads”
She has a passion for antiquing and decorating
The Final Word
“Summers at the Saint” proves that Mary Kay Andrews is still at the top of her game. It’s a perfect summer escape that’ll have you laughing, guessing, and maybe even shedding a tear or two (but like, in a good way). So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy, find a comfy spot in the sun, and get ready to check in for an unforgettable stay at the Saint. Just don’t blame me if you end up with sand in your Kindle!