Meg Mitchell Moore's absorbing ninth novel, Mansion Beach, exposes the darkness behind the glittering facade of a picture-postcard summer on Block Island, R.I. Through the intertwined lives of three women, Moore (The Islanders; Vacationland) delves into the strictures of class, the ache of star-crossed love, and the explosive power of secrets.
Former lawyer Nicola Carr is starting fresh with a summer internship at a marine institute. Nicola is annoyed and intrigued by loud, decadent parties at the mansion next door, and she soon meets the house's owner. Juliana George is a self-made entrepreneur with a murky past and a connection to Nicola's cousin David, who is also on the island for the summer with his wealthy wife, Taylor. Nicola is drawn into Juliana's lavish lifestyle and navigates conflicting loyalties and a messy love triangle. Meanwhile, Juliana hopes to rekindle her bond with David while keeping her background under wraps.
Moore turns a keen eye on the ultra-rich: those born to privilege, like Taylor, and those who clawed their way to wealth and status, like Juliana. She lays bare the emptiness of lives focused on money and power but also shows her characters' longing for love and purpose, even if they pursue those ideals in questionable ways. As the summer beats on toward a shocking conclusion, Moore's characters must decide what price they'll pay for secrecy, peace of mind, financial success, or love.
Inspired by the sparkle and scandal of The Great Gatsby, Mansion Beach is a smooth, escapist summer cocktail, as bracing and elegant as a gin martini--with a twist. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams