If you’ve ever daydreamed about running away to the coast and managing a glamorous seaside resort, Summers at the Saint will either deepen that fantasy or kill it dead. Either way, you’re in for a good time. Mary Kay Andrews has created the kind of setting that practically sweats southern humidity and secrets. Think white linen, sweet tea, and just enough scandal to keep your heart rate up.
Our lead is Traci Eddings, a capable and sympathetic widow whose career in the hotel industry has taken a turn. She runs Saint Cecelia—an exclusive coastal Georgia resort that has been in her late husband’s family for generations. Unfortunately, the place is dripping with nostalgia (and not always the good kind) and hiding more than a few skeletons in its cabanas.
The Saint isn’t just a beach club. It’s a character in itself, soaked in old money, outdated policies, and more drama than a Real Housewives reunion. As Traci tries to bring it into the modern age, she butts heads with long-time staff, skeptical coworkers and family, and her own past. And just when you think this is going to be a straightforward story about second chances and beachfront renovation, boom—murder.
Yes, murder.
Andrews balances the lighter, summery elements of the story with a compelling mystery that stretches back decades. A long ago death from the resort’s heyday collides with a fresh murder, unraveling family legacies and threatening to upend everything Traci thought she knew. There are plenty of twists, and while not all of them are jaw-dropping, the pacing is spot on, making this a true page-turner.
Romance makes a charming appearance in the form of a new, but oddly familiar acquaintance, though it never overtakes the story. This is Traci’s journey, and while the flirtation adds warmth, it’s her resilience, instincts, and integrity that carry the plot. That said, if you like your mysteries with a side of smolder, you won’t be disappointed.
What sets Summers at the Saint apart is Andrews’ ability to write female characters who feel fully realized and genuinely likable. Traci isn’t perfect – she makes missteps and has moments of doubt, but she’s someone you want to root for. The supporting cast, from loyal staff to devious family looking to undermine her every step of the way, all bring something to the table, and their dynamic adds depth and color to the narrative.
My only slight complaint is that a few plot threads tied up a little too neatly, and some of the more sinister elements could have been explored further. But honestly, that’s splitting hairs. This book gives you exactly what it promises: intrigue, nostalgia, a little romance, and the perfect amount of southern charm.
Final Verdict:
I’m giving Summers at the Saint 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for a well-paced, character-driven beach read that’s equal parts mystery and heartfelt drama, this one is worth checking into. Bring your sunglasses, maybe a margarita, and get ready to stay awhile.
OUR RATING
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