I'm new to Malifaux, too. I started with Molly and tried a bit of the Minion approach, but that doesn't fit my playstyle. I turned more towards the Elite crew.
My standard crew now is:
Molly, Totem, Archie + Grave Spirits Touch, Rogue Necromancy, Dead Rider, Carrion Effigy + Upgrade, 2 Crooligans, 4 Stones.
Be aware that all three beaters have movement shenanigans and the crooligans can teleport to Archie and the Rogue Necromancy.