When renowned artist Henry Wyatt dies suddenly, his long-time business associate and friend Bea Winstead immediately travels to Sag Harbor from Manhattan to claim her inheritance. Henry's self-designed house on the water and collection of his own art were meant to be left in Bea's care, a decision made years before. However, Henry's lawyer announces that the art and estate have been left to 14-year-old Penny Mapson, daughter of Emma Mapson, the manager of the iconic American Hotel where Henry spent much of his time. Henry and Penny bonded over art and were, in fact, each writing a graphic novel after Penny introduced Henry to the format.
Bea is in denial and determined to break the will, Emma is stunned, and Penny just misses her friend and mentor. When Penny's absentee father, Mark, suddenly arrives in town to spend time with his daughter after not seeing her for almost 2 years, Emma is suspicious. Eventually, Emma, Penny, Bea, and her assistant, Kyle, all end up staying at the house while Bea helps Emma organize a fundraiser.
Brenner has created some likable characters, but I'm not sure about single mother Emma. She seems to allow Penny a bit too much freedom, especially considering that she has her friend/tenant Angus to help out, and I don't quite understand how the manager of a popular hotel in a resort area could not make enough money to afford a decent place to live and save a little money. Surely Angus is contributing something!
All in all, though, I enjoyed the novel, especially the slow revelation of the real Bea and her efforts to discover the mystery behind Henry's will.
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