I’m always a fan of Mary Kay Andrew’s books and eagerly await her new release each year. I’ve especially enjoyed the mystery aspect she has added to her most recent works. This year I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of her new book from NetGalley. And the good news is that you can pick it up now too, because today is release day for Hello, Summer!
Summary: The novel centers around a female journalist named Conley who finding herself between jobs, returns to her hometown in Florida. Without an income and with no jobs on the horizon, she reluctantly agrees to work at her family’s newspaper. The catch? Her only sister (who Conley does not have the best relationship with) is currently running the paper and it is majorly struggling.
Within days of her arrival in town, a beloved senator dies in a mysterious car crash and Conley stumbles on the story of a lifetime. As she works to find the truth behind the accident, Conley finds herself the target of some people who are not too happy with her investigation.
Genre: General Fiction (with some Mystery mixed in)
My Review:
What I liked: I loved the character development in the story, which is typical of a MKA book. (Warning: her books are typically long, but the length allows you to get to know the characters on a much deeper level). I enjoyed the investigative story weaved throughout the book. It made me feel like I was a part of the action as the story unfolded. The relationship between Conley and Skelly (her childhood neighbor) was one of my favorite things about the book. I also enjoyed the cute antidotes about life in a small southern town and the older characters’ personalities. The last chapter was a nice ending to the story. It allowed the reader to jump forward in time to see how all the characters lives changed in the year following the senator’s death.
What I didn’t like: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The only thing I found disappointing was that even though the majority of the story revolved around investigating the senator’s car crash and the events leading up to it, major questions about it were never answered. Who were the people the neighbor heard that night arguing? Was Conley’s guess about what happened actually true or just speculation? I felt like there were details that were mentioned throughout the investigation that were never addressed at the conclusion of the story. I even feel like there could be a sequel where Conley investigates the events that took place in Winnie’s (her grandmother’s housekeeper’s) hometown with the railroad company and the abandoned chemicals. Some people will probably say that there are too many characters and subplots in the story, but honestly that’s a MKA trademark and part of the reason why I love her books.
Disclaimer: PG-13 for language
Do You Read Me?: Yes! I count down every year until the new Mary Kay Andrews book is released. I highly recommend any of her novels!
Overall, it was another solid read by MKA. I loved the characters and the investigation regarding the senator’s death. There were some surprises and some obvious twists, but definitely a book I was sad to see end. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book!