“The Getaway” by Kieran Scott
“Suzy, who is my complete opposite, I tend to really love. I love to write characters who are totally different than me, and I find it easier. [If you were a Private fan, then] you probably know there was a spinoff called Privilege that was about Ariana Osgood, who was a murderer. And I loved writing Ariana Osgood because every time something faced her, I just had her do the exact opposite of what I would do. It’s really fun, and that’s why I think it’s easy too, because I don’t feel as much responsibility. It’s like, let’s let her try to escape in the car even though that’s an insane thing to do that you would never do. You know, just see what happens.”
New York Times bestselling author Kieran Scott has written more than fifty novels for children and teens, several under the pen name Kate Brian—which we will get to! Adult mysteries were a more recent addition to her repertoire. Her latest closed circle mystery invites readers to the Hamptons for an annual weekend away with a group of friends. But this lavish weekend quickly turns deadly, dark secrets are revealed, and they’re trapped—a hurricane is bearing down in The Getaway.
The narrative: about The Getaway
For years, three couples have prioritized a weekend together at billionaire Lincoln Foster’s Hamptons estate. This year things look a little different though. Lincoln has remarried and completely shifted the friend group. Lily—his ex-wife and friend to Marley, Suzy, and Juliet—won’t be there.
Soon after they arrive, everyone finds a note just for them, each revealing a secret and its connection to their host, Lincoln. Leaving notes is something Lily used to do for their weekend but never like this.
With a hurricane bearing down, the couples, estate staff, and a few unexpected guests, are trapped, betrayals are exposed, and their weekend away turns deadly.
The nightcap
Protein cold brew is everywhere right now, and the couples in Kieran Scott’s The Getaway definitely need it! Being stuck with a murderer in the house and with a hurricane bearing down requires a boost of energy and fuel. And for readers, it’s a complementary companion for a gripping mystery.
Plus, we can’t ignore the entertainment factor of this story and a few characters in particular. So, Kieran recommends topping your protein cold brew with whipped cream and sprinkles, then turn to page one for a surprising first scene.
In the episode
Get to know Kieran in this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We chat about:
Why readers are drawn to stories with messy people and why we’re fascinated with books centered around rich people behaving badly
Kate Brian, one of Kieran’s pen names, and Brie’s discoveries upon learning this (shout out to everyone who loved PRIVATE, PRIVILEGE, and MEGAN MEADE’S GUIDE TO THE MCGOWAN BOYS)
Her experience with the evolving industry and hopes for authors going forward
Kieran’s engaging passion for storytelling, and from an early age, shines through in her books and how she reflects on her career. From the early influences that she blended to create her own style, to navigating a challenging industry, this conversation reminded us that behind the books that keep us on their edge of their seats is someone resilient, devoted, and creative.
Listen to the full author interview on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Purchase your copy here.
Connect with Kieran!