Publication Date January 7, 2025

I first read Alafair Burke because she is James Lee Burke’s daughter, and my husband LOVES JLB’s books. I was happy to receive a copy of The Note, thanks to Knopf and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.Described in the blurb as an “irresistible page-turner” that would make a great beach read, I was in!! 

The story focuses on three women (May, Lauren, and Kelsey) who have been friends since early adolescence who take a weekend reunion trip to the Hamptons, intending it to be full of sun and fun. At this point in all their lives, each is sort of at rock bottom (either personally or professionally, or both). As expected, the weekend is full of alcohol in addition to the sun, but thanks to the alcohol (IMO) they get involved in what is intended to be a harmless prank, and everything goes wrong. 

May has always been a classic overachiever – raised by a first-generation Chinese woman (the phrase “Tiger mom” leapt to mind, I admit), she is always the “good girl,” the stickler for following rules. As a result of the “prank,” a man has gone missing and the three find themselves immersed in a police investigation. Secrets start to be revealed, and May begins to think maybe the other two women are keeping things from her…so then the story really takes off.  Despite their lifelong friendship, trust seems to potentially be disappearing. 

It’s a page-turner, all right, although the first part might be a bit slow. But Ms. Burke is an expert at building the tension, and it is a really fun read, full of surprises (at least for me, but I am notoriously bad at solving the mystery early on). Recommended. Four stars (could be rounded up to 5, but I am trying to not be such an “easy grader,” as my students used to say.