The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard: A Novel

When Kit O’Neill discovers her unassuming grandmother was actually Hollywood legend Mercy Welles, who disappeared at the start of a promising career, it is only the start of the story. Kit goes on a journey to track down the missing parts of her grandmother’s life and learn what happened between the publicly known end of Mercy’s story and the beginning of the story she knows about her own family. Her chapters alternate with chapters from Mercy’s perspective, telling what happened after Mercy’s fateful trip to Martha’s Vineyard, which was only supposed to last for the summer.

The concept is compelling, but soon after Mercy arrives in Martha’s Vineyard, the story slows down. It allows time for the reader to settle in to the island along with Mercy and for the setting to be fleshed out, but it also stifles the mystery somewhat. The small town atmosphere overcomes the question of what happened to Mercy Welles, along with the intense prologue, which feels like something out of a spy movie.

The book is interesting, but it’s hard to say whether it will appeal more to readers who enjoy mysteries or readers who enjoy historical women’s fiction. It has elements of both, and they do not always strike the right balance.