I was so happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Reading the synopsis was hmm, the haves vs the have-nots and not one of my favorite subjects. But wrapped up in a twisty, hateful family dynamic, this story was well plotted and very interesting. Mary Kay Andrews nails the stereotypes, which are tightly and truly drawn. While it might have been easy to see where this story was going the getting there was well thought out. The book held my attention and I ripped through it. Rounding up because it was just that good.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy. ( )

A perfect summer beach read! Mary Kay Andrews has knocked it out of the park with this book. It held my interest from beginning to end! ( )

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was another summer page-turner from Mary Kay Andrews. It starts out by introducing one character after another, and at first, I couldn’t see where the story was going. But suddenly it was all about the layers of relationships, a long-ago drowning accident, questions, secrets, and scandals. I couldn’t put it down.

The story takes place at “The Saint,” an upscale resort officially known as “St. Cecillia,” located on the Georgia coast. Family-owned and operated, the hotel is in the midst of financial troubles and staff shortages. The newest staff members, fans of true-life murder podcasts, begin investigating a suspicious death as well as questionable product issues on the hotel property. The plot thickens and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Andrews offers clues, twists, and suspense, a variety of bad guys and dangerous situations as well as revealing secrets from over 20 years ago. All the puzzle pieces fit together by the last page, and there’s even a nice bit of romance, too.

This is a summer mystery/thriller that’s a perfect beach read. ( )

Who wouldn’t want to be a guest at the Saint?

The exclusive resort was only affordable to the rich, but the next best thing would be to work there.

But was it the best place to work?

Traci worked there in the summers as a teenager, met the owner’s son, married him, and is now running the place since her husband was killed in an airplane accident.

It all sounds wonderful, but things happened when Traci was a teenager and things are happening now.

Murder, mystery, great characters, behind-the-scenes scams, cunning characters, but all of it wrapped up for another wonderful, can't-put-down read by Mary Kay Andrews.

Don’t forget to pack this in your beach bag or even for reading on your back porch.

You won't want to miss it.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

Mary Kay Andrews has done it again with Summers at the Saint. This is a beach read with some teeth in it. It has everything: the beautiful coast of Georgia, the luxurious landmark hotel and the other side of that beauty and luxury that holds secrets and scandal.

There are the “Saints” and the Ain’ts” and rarely does anyone cross over . Traci Eddings did, she married the love of her life, and now widowed runs the St. Cecelia resort, “the Saint.” Life is okay although she still misses her late husband so much, but financial worries, staff shortages and seemingly constant confrontation with her in-laws are a challenge.

Summers at the Saint is intense, peeking under the beauty and luxury to show just what greed, avarice and pure evil can lead to, including murder. Author Andrews also gives the reader that little glimpse at “what if” that even though you’re reading at breakneck speed and totally engrossed allows you to sit back a bit, too, and hope for some love and happiness.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of Summers at the Saint via NetGalley. Each and every book by Mary Kay Andrews goes right to the top of my TBR list and this was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. ( )