THE GILDED NEWPORT MYSTERIES
featuring Emmaline Cross - a Vanderbilt by heritage, a Newporter by birth, and a force to be reckoned with!
Praise for the Gilded Newport Mysteries:
"...A spectacular job... I highly recommend you pick up these fast-paced mysteries to take to the beach with you this summer." ~Life and 100 Books
Find the books on Kobo, iTunes and Google Play!
Click on the covers to learn more about each book!
Coming Aug. 20, 2024
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"Sorry to see the conclusion of Downton Abbey Season 4? Well, here is a morsel to get you through a long afternoon. Brew some Earl Grey and settle down with a scone with this one." ~Washington Independent Review of Books
Murder at the Breakers
ISBN-978-0758290823 A March 25, 2014 Release
Newport, Rhode Island, August 1895: She may be a less well-heeled relation, but as second cousin to millionaire patriarch Cornelius Vanderbilt, twenty-one-year-old Emma Cross is on the guest list for a grand ball at the Breakers, the Vanderbilts’ summer home. She also has a job to do—report on the event for the society page of the Newport Observer.
But Emma observes much more than glitz and gaiety when she witnesses a murder. The victim is Cornelius Vanderbilt’s financial secretary, who plunges off a balcony faster than falling stock prices. Emma’s black sheep brother Brady is found in Cornelius’s bedroom passed out next to a bottle of bourbon and stolen plans for a new railroad line. Brady has barely come to before the police have arrested him for the murder. But Emma is sure someone is trying to railroad her brother and resolves to find the real killer at any cost…
"Emma’s ebullience and the glittering details of Newport’s gilded age past give the novel a brisk energy." ~Publishers Weekly
"...A great effort with intriguing characters and a solid murder mystery...Maxwell has written a delightfully complex tale..." ~RT Book Reviews
"...A variety of likable characters create a strong sense of community...a promising start to an engaging mystery series filled with smart observations. ~Library Journal
"What an awesome debut!!! This is definitely an author to watch." ~Escape with Dollycas
"If I could imagine a perfect historical mystery with the right amount of historical element, engaging characters and a plot line to die for, this is the novel that would come to mind." ~ Girl Lost In A Book
"Ms. Maxwell effectively paces the events and peels away false assumptions so that an increasing sense of danger and the orchestration of shocking surprises keeps readers turning the pages." Florida Weekly
Available in print, ebook, large print, and on
The series in order:
Murder at Marble House
ISBN-13: 978-0758290847
With the dawn of the twentieth century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance. . .
Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her eighteen-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress--Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.
But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice--or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder. . .
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"A well-written historical mystery tilts the world and gives us a look at ourselves from a distance, with fresh insight and often delight -- and that's exactly what MURDER AT MARBLE HOUSE provides."
Available in print, ebooks, large print and on Audible!
"...A fantastic blending of history, mystery and romance...absolutely impossible to put down." ~About the Gilded Newport Mysteries from Girl Lost In A Book
"...Solid...Maxwell again deftly weaves fictional and real-life characters into her story." ~Publisher's Weekly
"A creditable mystery, solved by a female detective who’s likable." ~Kirkus Reviews
"...Delightful...Fans of Victoria Thompson or Deanna Raybourn are sure to enjoy dipping into this historical series." ~Library Journal
"The second entry in Maxwell’s Gilded Newport series is another great testament to her writing ability." ~RT Book Reviews
"...Deliciously sumptuous with a skillful tale of murder and revenge..." ~The Providence Journal
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"...Several cuts above the usual feisty heroine tale." ~Roberta Alexander, member of the National Book Critics Circle.
See the full article about Feisty Heroines in the San Jose Mercury News
Murder at Beechwood
For Newport, Rhode Island’s high society, the summer of 1896 brings lawn parties, sailboat races…and murder.
Having turned down the proposal of Derrick Andrews, Emma Cross has no imminent plans for matrimony—let alone motherhood. But when she discovers an infant left on her doorstep, she naturally takes the child into her care. Using her influence as a cousin to the Vanderbilts and a society page reporter for the Newport Observer, Emma launches a discreet search for the baby’s mother.
One of her first stops is a lawn party at Mrs. Caroline Astor’s Beechwood estate. But an idyllic summer’s day is soon clouded by tragedy. During a sailboat race, textile magnate Virgil Monroe falls overboard. There are prompt accusations of foul play—and even Derrick Andrews falls under suspicion. Deepening the intrigue, a telltale slip of lace may link the abandoned child to the drowned man. But as Emma navigates dark undercurrents of scandalous indiscretions and violent passions, she’ll need to watch her step to ensure that no one lowers the boom on her…
"Emma’s innate charm, troubled romance on several fronts, and the glossy ambience of the Gilded Age make this an appealing puzzle enhanced by a blend of fiction and history." ~Publishers Weekly
"...Maxwell creates a story rich in detail and suspense...it is impossible to put down." ~Girl Lost in a Book
"...Not only a great summer read but an opportunity for a book group discussion." ~At The Library with Paula
"The famous Newport families of the late 1800s come to life on these pages, fictionalized, though still very much true to who they were." ~Quiet Fury Books
"...A novel that deftly weaves fact and fiction to create a superb historical mystery..." ~The Mutt Cafe
“Another entertaining entry in this cozy series.” ~Library Journal
"More than the mystery, it’s the drop-in visit at Emma’s to find out what’s new in town, in society, and in their lives, that draws readers back." ~Kings River Magazine
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Available in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, Large Print, and Audio
Murder at Rough Point
Fancies and Fashion reporter Emma Cross is sent by the Newport Observer to cover an elite house party at Rough Point, the “cottage” owned by her distant cousin Frederick Vanderbilt, which has been rented as a retreat for artists. To her surprise, the illustrious guests include her estranged Bohemian parents—recently returned from Europe—as well as a variety of notable artists, including author Edith Wharton.
But when one of the artists—an English baronet—is discovered dead at the bottom of a cliff, Rough Point becomes anything but a house of mirth. After a second guest is found murdered, no one is above suspicion—including Emma’s parents.
Even as Newport police detective Jesse Whyte searches for a killer in their midst, Emma tries to draw her own conclusions—with the help of Mrs. Wharton. But with so many sketchy suspects, she’ll need to canvas the crime scenes carefully, before the cunning culprit takes her out of the picture next…
"Envy runs rampant among the unique and quirky house guests, adding dimension to Maxwell’s exhilarating tale." RT Book Reviews
"The characters are fun, the dialogue is both charming and intelligent, but the scenery that makes up that extravagant time period in New England really is the gem in these glorious tales." Suspense Magazine
"...Pleasantly twisty...will appeal to lovers of atmospheric country house mysteries." Publishers Weekly
"Emma . . . is an interesting, independent career woman in this satisfying first-person account that includes well-drawn characters." Booklist
"The mystery is engaging, with plenty of plausible suspects, plot twists and surprises. The killer is revealed in an exciting ending, wrapping up this story in Christie-like eloquent fashion." My Interdimensional Chaos
"An engrossing story, skillfully told." My Merri Way
"Maxwell is quite skilled at creating a tightly woven mystery. I did not want to put this story down and return to reality. Booklady’s Booknotes
"This latest installment of an already fantastic series, is just the icing on the cake. Maxwell has a way with words and creating a mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end." Girl Lost in a Book
"…this time, it is not her ladies’ maid who assists her in finding a killer, it is none other than the writer Edith Wharton! The lines between history and the world of the book blend together in a most interesting way, adding to my delight in reading this book." Back Porchervations
"With twists and turns in the story, you will be engaged and captivated from the start." Shelley’s Book Case
"Maxwell creates a delightful mystery in MURDER AT ROUGH POINT and I’m pleased to travel back in time with her." Cozy Up With Kathy
"It was a book full of tension and suspense, the storyline flowed perfect and is well woven and the characters were very interesting." LibriAmoriMiei
"A wonderful story that is well-plotted and carries a sense of history . . . intriguing and engrossing ." I Am, Indeed
"So well written . . . keeps us readers on our toes." Escape with Dollycas
See the Great Escape Review Tour at Dollycas! click HERE
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Available in hardcover, trade paperback,
ebook, and large print!
"A mesmerizing tale. The characters Emma meets along the way are fascinating. The settings are thoroughly researched and provide the reader with a glimpse into the past that engages all the senses." Stephanie Saxon Levine, Editor, Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore Newsletter
Murder at Chateau sur Mer
The Gilded Newport Mysteries book 5
ISBN-13: 978-1496703323
Kensington Publishing
In the late nineteenth century, Newport, Rhode Island, is home to some of America’s wealthiest citizens. It’s also the beat of society reporter Emma Cross, a less well-heeled cousin to the illustrious Vanderbilts, who occasionally moonlights in solving murders . . .
Covering a polo match for the Observer, Emma’s job is to take note of the real players off the field—Newport’s well-bred elite. But the fashionable façade is breached when a woman in gaudy clothing creates a scene demanding to speak to the wife of Senator George Wetmore—until she is escorted off the grounds by the police.
The next morning, police detective Jesse Whyte asks Emma to meet him at the Wetmores’ Bellevue Avenue home, Chateau sur Mer, where the senator’s wife, Edith, has mysteriously asked to see her. Upon entering the mansion, Emma is confronted with a crime scene—the intruder from the polo match lies dead at the foot of a grand staircase.
To avoid scandal, Edith Wetmore implores Emma to use her reporter skills and her discretion to investigate. When Emma learns the victim was a prostitute—and pregnant—she wonders if the senator was being blackmailed. As Emma peels back layers of deception and family secrets, she may have met her match in a desperate killer who will trample anyone who gets in the way...
"Emma digs in, pursues clues and characters, unearths blackmail, threats and murder. Plucky to the last, she’ll see it through. As you should, too. It’s great fun!" The Providence Journal
"Fans of historical mysteries will relish Maxwell's fifth series entry, with its intricate plot and cast of historical characters." Library Journal
"Welcome to another mystery full of surprises as Emma Cross places herself in the middle of danger once again. Well done!" RT Book Reviews
"'She persisted' is a good tag line for Emma. Maxwell has me hooked." Historical Novel Society
"A lively romp in true Maxwell fashion—a good mystery with just the right amount of historical detail thrown in." Mystery Scene Magazine
"...Logical and well plotted. This is a fun book to read. It moves quickly and ends with a satisfying solution." New York Journal of Books
"Maxwell takes readers back to the Gilded Age for another romp with her intrepid newspaper reporter, Emma Cross." For the Love of Books
"A fascinating historical mystery...of class and division, an intriguing story of the haves and have-nots during the Gilded Age." Lesa's Book Critiques
"Another well-researched and plotted book in Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport series...an excellent build-up to the next novel in the series." Not a Book Snob
"You cannot help but fall in love with Emma... I highly recommend picking this book up, adding it to your to read list and taking a journey with Emma." Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Murder at Ochre Court
The Gilded Newport Mysteries book 6
ISBN-13: 978-1496703361
Kensington Publishing
In the summer of 1898, reporter Emma Cross investigates a shocking death among the bright lights of Newport's high society . . .
After a disappointing year as a society columnist for the Herald and staying with her more well-heeled Vanderbilt relatives in New York City, Emma has returned to the salty air, glittering ocean vistas, and grand stately mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, more determined than ever to report on hard news.
But for now she’s covering the social event of the season at Ochre Court, a coming-out ball designed to showcase Cleo Cooper-Smith, who will be literally on display, fittingly as Cleopatra, in an elaborate tableau vivant. Recently installed modern electricity will allow Miss Cooper-Smith to truly shine. But as the deb ascends to her place of honor, the ballroom is plunged into darkness. When the lights come back on, Cleo sits still on her throne, electrocuted to death.
Quickly establishing that the wiring was tampered with, Emma now has a murder to investigate. And the array of eligible suspects could fill another ballroom—from a shady New York real estate developer to a neglected sister and the mother of a spurned suitor. As Emma begins to discover this crime has unseen connections to a nefarious network, she puts her own life at risk to shine a light on the dark motives behind a merciless murder.
"Another superbly crafted and unfailingly entertaining novel by a master of the genre, "Murder at Ochre Court" is author Alyssa Maxwell's latest 'Gilded Newport Mystery' and another inherently riveting read from beginning to end.” Midwest Book Review
"Plenty of red herrings and an intimate look at the world of the wealthy and famous make for a rich broth of a mystery." Kirkus
"Maxwell dramatically depicts the era’s contentious transition from gaslight to electricity…Series fans will enjoy following Emma’s changing circumstances." Publishers Weekly
"A satisfying and intelligent story peppered with real characters and settings. Great reading, especially for history buffs." Suspense Magazine
"In Murder at Ochre Court, Alyssa Maxwell’s mastery of her craft is on full, shining display." Stephanie Saxon Levine, Newsletter Editor, Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore
"Maxwell showcases her encyclopedic knowledge of nineteenth century Newport." The Providence East Side Monthly
"Satisfying historical mystery reminiscent of Greer Macallister's Girl in Disguise." Booklist
"A rich story set in the Gilded Age with a complex mystery that keeps us guessing right up until the end. Alyssa Maxwell is an extraordinary storyteller." Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book
"A very memorable journey and even though there are a lot of twists and turns you will not lose your way!!!" Missi at Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"A pleasant murder mystery with insight into the lives of the wealthy of the period." Historical Novel Society
“They are excellently researched and while offering readers the challenge of unmasking a killer or two, also educate us about the lives of the rich and famous in the 1890s.” The Newport Plain Talk
Hardcover, Ebook, Audio, and Large Print!
“The setting and historical details are vibrant and colorful, especially real-life figure Mamie Fish—a grand dame in every sense of the phrase—and the glittering fashions and homes of the Newport rich…A fine addition to a fine series, a perfect beach or vacation read for fans of historical mystery and pageantry.” Criminal Element
“Through Emma, Maxwell gives an honest portrayal of the Gilded Age, its pretentious high society, and the second-class status of women. Using just the right period details, Maxwell puts the reader into the story without bogging down the unfolding murder mystery. Fans of the series will enjoy this caper.” Historical Novel Society
"A delightful ticket to the golden age of Newport. Characters, motivation, and setting, in the expert hands of Alyssa Maxwell, combine to create a most enjoyable, suspenseful, and memorable mystery." Stephanie Saxon Levine, Newsletter Editor, Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore
A Suspense Magazine Best of 2019!
Murder at Crossways
A Gilded Newport Mystery book 7
In late August 1898, reporter Emma Cross attends the final fête of the Newport social season and discovers the party's over for a visiting prince . . .
The days are getting shorter as summer's end approaches, which means it's time for the Harvest Festival, the last big event of the season, held by Mamie Fish, wife of millionaire railroad tycoon Stuyvesant Fish, at their grand "cottage," Crossways. The neocolonial mansion is decked out in artificial autumn splendor, and an extravagant scavenger hunt will be held. But the crowning jewel of the evening will be the guest of honor, Prince Otto of Austria.
As acting editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger, Emma had hoped to leave her days as a society reporter behind her. But at the last moment, she must fill in and attend the Harvest Festival. With nearly every eligible daughter of Newport high society in attendance, Emma can almost hear romantic dreams shattering like glass slippers when the prince fails to appear. The next morning, he is found dead in the side garden at Crossways, making it clear a murderer crashed the party.
The prince has been stabbed in the same manner as another man, recently found on nearby Bailey's Beach—who strongly resembles Emma's half-brother Brady's father, presumed dead for nearly thirty years after a yachting mishap. As Emma investigates a connection between the two victims, she is joined on the hunt by Mamie Fish herself. But they must hurry—before the killer slips away like the fading summer . . .
"The irrepressible Mrs. Fish makes an entertaining addition to Emma’s investigative team. Maxwell evokes the contrasts of Victorian Newport with her customary insight." Publishers Weekly
"Another tricky mystery set against the backdrop of some great real-life mansions, some of which remain open to anyone who wishes to visit." Kirkus Reviews
“Numerous plot twists, a richly described 1898 setting, details of the lives and times of the rich, and a principled, smart main character who is making her own way in the world distinguish this entry in the series. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical mysteries with strong, ahead-of-their-times female characters like Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher and Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy.” Booklist
“MURDER AT CROSSWAYS is an intelligent, well written mystery. The addition of real historical characters and settings make it a must-read!” Suspense Magazine
"Well written and kept me guessing until the end." Bedford Bookshelf
"A riveting story that combines history with intriguing mystery." My Merri Way
"Another stellar mystery by Alyssa Maxwell." Map Your Mystery
“The setting and historical details are vibrant and colorful, especially real-life figure Mamie Fish—a grand dame in every sense of the phrase—and the glittering fashions and homes of the Newport rich…A fine addition to a fine series, a perfect beach or vacation read for fans of historical mystery and pageantry.” Criminal Element
"Unique and entertaining. Maxwell’s characters are so strong and believable. I totally enjoyed my visit to Newport and am looking forward to returning again soon. For me, this was A Perfect Escape!" Escape with Dollycas
"I highly recommend this book and series." Idaho Bluebird
"You may find yourself holding your breath . . . or reading a little faster . . ." Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Murder at Kingscote
A Gilded Newport Mystery Book 8
Available now in hardcover, ebook, and Audible!
In late nineteenth-century Newport, Rhode Island, journalist Emma Cross discovers the newest form of transportation has become the newest type of murder weapon . . .
On a clear July day in 1899, the salty ocean breeze along Bellevue Avenue carries new smells of gasoline and exhaust as Emma, now editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger, covers Newport's first-ever automobile parade. But the festive atmosphere soon turns to shock as young Philip King drunkenly swerves his motorcar into a wooden figure of a nanny pushing a pram on the obstacle course.
That evening, at a dinner party hosted by Ella King at her magnificent Gothic-inspired "cottage," Kingscote, Emma and her beau Derrick Andrews are enjoying the food and the company when Ella’s son staggers in, obviously still inebriated. But the disruption is nothing compared to the urgent shouts of the coachman. Rushing out, they find the family's butler pinned against a tree beneath the front wheels of Philip's motorcar, close to death.
At first, the tragic tableau appears to be a reckless accident—one which could ruin Philip's reputation. But when Emma later receives a message informing her that the butler bullied his staff and took advantage of young maids, she begins to suspect the scene may have been staged and steers the police toward a murder investigation. But while Emma investigates the connections between a competing heir for the King fortune, a mysterious child, an inmate of an insane asylum, and the brutal boxing rings of Providence, a killer remains at large—with unfinished business to attend to . . .
"Excellent . . . Maxwell combines convincing character development and vivid depictions of Newport’s heyday with a well-plotted mystery. This historical series just keeps getting better." Publishers Weekly A Starred Review!
"In this delightful addition to the series, which would serve as a good introduction to newcomers, Maxwell’s focus on class and gender division is sharp and accomplished. Come for the late 19th-century historical detail; stay for the intrigue." Library Journal
"A charming addition to the Gilded Age series that’s laced with social and historical commentary and is based on a true story." Kirkus
"Many plot twists, fascinating historical details . . ." Historical Novel Society
"Maxwell . . . writes like she actually lived during the time making readers feel like they are there also. While you are reading this series, you cannot help but get lost in the story and the series." Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“Throughout the story, Maxwell weaves new and enticing situations that make the reader turn the page.” New York Journal of Books
"Great characters and a fast-paced plot. Each book in this series highlights an actual Newport mansion and features many real people from Newport’s Gilded Age, which add to the fun. Highly recommended!" Suspense Magazine
Read an Excerpt!
Voted a Best of 2020 in the Historical category by
Suspense Magazine!
Available in Hardcover, ebook, and Audio. Trade Paperback coming in June 2021
Available in hardcover, ebook, and audio. Trade paperback to come!
Murder at Wakehurst
A Gilded Newport Mystery, book 9
In the autumnal chill of Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, journalist Emma Cross discovers an instance of cold-blooded murder on the grounds of a mansion . . .
Following the death of her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, in September 1899, a somber Emma is in no mood for one of Newport’s extravagant parties. But to keep Vanderbilt’s reckless son Neily out of trouble, she agrees to accompany him to an Elizabethan fete on the lavish grounds of Wakehurst, the Ochre Point “cottage” modeled after an English palace, owned by Anglophile James Van Alen.
Held in Wakehurst’s English-style gardens, the festivities will include a swordplay demonstration, an archery competition, scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, and even a joust. As Emma wanders the grounds distracted by grief, she overhears a fierce argument between a man and a woman behind a tall hedge. As the joust begins, she’s drawn by the barking of Van Alen’s dogs and finds a man on the ground, an arrow through his chest.
The victim is one of the 400’s most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler. Could one of the countless criminals he’d imprisoned over the years have returned to seek revenge—or could one of his own family members have targeted him? With the help of her beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte, Emma begins to learn the judge was not the straight arrow he appeared to be. As their investigation leads them in ever-widening circles, Emma will have to score a bull’s eye to stop the killer from taking another life . . .
"Bound to delight both established fans and new readers." Publishers Weekly
"Lifestyles of the wealthy combine with social commentary in a mystery set against the backdrop of Newport’s grand estates." Kirkus Reviews
"What makes this ninth in the series, as well as the earlier eight, so enjoyable is Alyssa Maxwell’s combination of vivid historical detail and her excellent writing craft, blending character development and an intriguing plot. Murder at Wakehurst is an engrossing mystery. Read it!" Stephanie Saxon Levine, Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore
"Murder at Wakehurst is another sneak peek into the Gilded Age of Newport’s high society. Part of the fun of this series is that each book takes place in a real Newport mansion and includes actual historical characters. Highly recommended!" Suspense Magazine
"Another gripping and clever mystery about a sleuth who inhabits two worlds at once, and it will transport you to a time of luxury, greed, and the quest for power. Highly recommended." The Historical Novel Society
Available in Hardcover, Audio, and Large Print.
Trade Paperback coming Nov. 2023.
Murder at Beacon Rock
A Gilded Newport Mystery book 10
In June 1900, reporter Emma Cross discovers the body of a woman in the waters below the Morgans’ mansion, which threatens to send members of Newport’s high society floundering . . .
As a reporter, Emma is used to covering Newport’s social events. But this time she is appearing on the arm of her fiancé, Derrick Andrews, at a small but exclusive gathering of the New York Yacht Club at Beacon Rock, the Grecian-inspired summer “cottage” of Edwin and Elizabeth Morgan. The members—which include cousin and Yacht Club Commodore John Pierpoint Morgan and widow Lucy Carnegie, the first woman to be admitted to the Club—are there to discuss their strategy for the next America’s Cup Challenge, to be held in New York Harbor the following summer.
But it’s Emma who must come up with a strategy when she discovers a woman’s body bobbing against one of the hulls of the boats moored at the base of Beacon Rock. Is it possible she fell from the Newport ferry and was carried by the tide? Or could she have drowned herself or fallen victim to foul play?
After the woman is identified as the missing daughter of a yacht designer, the police—with the exception of Emma’s friend Detective Jesse Whyte—hastily conclude she is a suicide, perhaps to quiet any scandal for the Morgans, since her body was found floating near their property. But Emma suspects the woman was murdered and begins to sort through a who’s who of sportsmen, boat crews, and the Newport elite in search of a stone-cold killer . . .
"Readers will look forward to the further adventures of Emma, who astutely illuminates the habits and mores of her day." Publishers Weekly
"Keeps the reader guessing to the very end." Criminal Element
"Readers will be on the edge of their seats. Maxwell's talent for drawing a remarkable picture for you to escape in is better than Bert drew on the sidewalk in Mary Poppins...." Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"Maxwell excels at folding this novel into her Gilded Newport Mystery series, incorporating only what readers need from the nine previous books. The novel works as a stand-alone while tempting readers to engage with the entire series." The Historical Novel Society
Alyssa Maxwell
Author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries
and
A Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries
