Jody M. (jodymcgrath) -
Helpful Score: 1
*I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the 4th installment of the Gilded Newport Mysteries. They take place in the 1890s and feature Miss Emma Cross, an independent female who works as a journalist in Newport. She is asked to write an article about an authors retreat that is to take place at Rough Point, the "cottage" of here uncle Frederick Vanderbilt. When the guest start dying, Emma, along with Officer Jesse White and a little help from the famous Edith Wharton, must figure out who the murderer is before they all end up dead.
I have to admit right off that I have not read the first three installments of this series. Therefore, I might be missing some of the backstory and such, but I don't think any of that really detracted from this book as a stand alone novel. The characters seemed very well-rounded, and Emma was bright and independent, but not so much that it would make her an outcast in the 1890s. I did get a little frustrated at her hesitation to snoop and incompetence at eavesdropping. I know it isn't polite behavior, but she is a reporter and sleuth for crying out loud.
The mystery was really good, and I did not solve it until the end. I am not sure though that the reader was really given the clues to do so. Maybe a slight hint or two, but they were so vague that you would have to read into them after the unveiling of the criminal. I liked the "stuck in the house" mystery. It reminded me of the great Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
I think for me the hardest parts to get through was the scene explanations. She would describe the rooms and the furniture and the wallpaper, but I still have no clear picture in my head of the layout of the house. She tried to explain that, but I couldn't grasp it. It could just be me though. I never was good with measurements and such.
If you like historical mysteries and a nice cozy read, I suggest you pick up this series. It was quite enjoyable.
This is the 4th installment of the Gilded Newport Mysteries. They take place in the 1890s and feature Miss Emma Cross, an independent female who works as a journalist in Newport. She is asked to write an article about an authors retreat that is to take place at Rough Point, the "cottage" of here uncle Frederick Vanderbilt. When the guest start dying, Emma, along with Officer Jesse White and a little help from the famous Edith Wharton, must figure out who the murderer is before they all end up dead.
I have to admit right off that I have not read the first three installments of this series. Therefore, I might be missing some of the backstory and such, but I don't think any of that really detracted from this book as a stand alone novel. The characters seemed very well-rounded, and Emma was bright and independent, but not so much that it would make her an outcast in the 1890s. I did get a little frustrated at her hesitation to snoop and incompetence at eavesdropping. I know it isn't polite behavior, but she is a reporter and sleuth for crying out loud.
The mystery was really good, and I did not solve it until the end. I am not sure though that the reader was really given the clues to do so. Maybe a slight hint or two, but they were so vague that you would have to read into them after the unveiling of the criminal. I liked the "stuck in the house" mystery. It reminded me of the great Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
I think for me the hardest parts to get through was the scene explanations. She would describe the rooms and the furniture and the wallpaper, but I still have no clear picture in my head of the layout of the house. She tried to explain that, but I couldn't grasp it. It could just be me though. I never was good with measurements and such.
If you like historical mysteries and a nice cozy read, I suggest you pick up this series. It was quite enjoyable.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Reporter Emmaline Cross has been sent to Rough Point, her Cousin Frederick Vanderbilt's summer cottage, to write a story about people who have rented the cottage. A group of artists, writers, and musicians are now in residence, including writer Edith Wharton. Emmaline is shocked to find that her parents are also part of the group, having returned from Paris without informing her or her brother. As Emma observes the group, she finds that some of their relationships are very volatile. When one man is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs, the police are not sure if he slipped or jumped. But another body found the next day makes it likely that they have a murderer in their midst.
This story is set in Newport, Rhode Island in 1896, where the rich and famous have their summer homes. Emma, the group of artists, and a small staff are stuck at Rough Point during a huge storm that is battering the coast. The roads are washed out and the new telephone system isn't working. Everyone is a suspect, including Emma's parents.
I like how the author incorporates real Newport socialites into her stories. Edith Wharton helps Emma gather evidence to help the police find the killer. My rating: 4 Stars.
This story is set in Newport, Rhode Island in 1896, where the rich and famous have their summer homes. Emma, the group of artists, and a small staff are stuck at Rough Point during a huge storm that is battering the coast. The roads are washed out and the new telephone system isn't working. Everyone is a suspect, including Emma's parents.
I like how the author incorporates real Newport socialites into her stories. Edith Wharton helps Emma gather evidence to help the police find the killer. My rating: 4 Stars.
The books by Alyssa Maxwell keep getting better and better each time she writes them! These books are set in the "gilded age" in Newport, RI, where the Vanderbilts have their "cottages". I've toured 2 of them and their term cottage isn't exactly mine. These homes are massive and opulently decorated, each society matron trying to outdo the others. What's interesting (or decadent) is that they usually spent only 2 months in the summer in them. Emma is a relative of the Vanderbilts on her mother's side, but without the money or the rigid society life. She is a journalist, where her editor only hires her as a society columnist. She has had some excellent articles regarding murder in the higher ranks of society (which she had firsthand knowledge of them, being instrumental in solving of each case). This time she is staying at the home, Rough Point, of one of her cousins to live with a group of artists for 2 weeks. She was specifically by one of the guests. She is to write of the return of the artists to Newport. She is stunned to find out her parents are in this group. Edith Wharton is also a guest. That gives the story an added kick as Emma remembers meeting Mrs. Wharton when she was a little girl, who couldn't get her Mother to pay attention to her while Mrs. Wharton was there. She has resented her ever since, but now discovers that she really likes and admires her. Then an accident happens or was it murder? Another body is discovered and this one is murder. They become cut off from the rest of the world by a massive storm and start to suspect each other as being the murderer. Paranoia abounds.
This novel is interesting on many levels. The one that involved Emma's relationship with her parents gives us some deeper knowledge of her personality. She is a very strong woman and I like that about her. We also learn more about her relationship with Jesse Whyte, the Police Detective. He is 10 years older than she is and has been a family friend for a very long time. She has definite feelings for him, but are they love?
This is an intriguing series with a remarkable heroine. Ms. Maxwell writes her so well, that you feel you have a friend named Emma! The plot was excellent and kept me guessing up until very close to the end. She has also written another series, Lady and Lady's Maid, set in England post WWI. They are told alternately from the viewpoints of one young lady and her maid. I highly recommend that series as well.
All in all, a fascinating book!
This novel is interesting on many levels. The one that involved Emma's relationship with her parents gives us some deeper knowledge of her personality. She is a very strong woman and I like that about her. We also learn more about her relationship with Jesse Whyte, the Police Detective. He is 10 years older than she is and has been a family friend for a very long time. She has definite feelings for him, but are they love?
This is an intriguing series with a remarkable heroine. Ms. Maxwell writes her so well, that you feel you have a friend named Emma! The plot was excellent and kept me guessing up until very close to the end. She has also written another series, Lady and Lady's Maid, set in England post WWI. They are told alternately from the viewpoints of one young lady and her maid. I highly recommend that series as well.
All in all, a fascinating book!
Dollycas's Thoughts
Classic closed room/manor mystery! A group of "artists" descend to Rough Point for a retreat. Emma has been asked to cover the event and is invited to stay there too. When a deluge of rain starts falling and flooding the roads everyone is basically trapped within the grounds and mansion of Rough Point. First one man is found dead and then another and there is another attempt. Detective Jesse Whyte is on the case but Emma is the one living with a killer. The suspects are limited so she just needs to determine the guilty party before everyone is murdered.
Such a great story. The new characters are unique and talented in their own way. I like the way the author incorporates real people in her stories. That sometimes has me pondering, did this really happen? Thankfully an Afterword is included at the end of the story giving us details about Rough Point and the surrounding area and the inhabitants.
What really surprised me was that Emma's parents had returned from Paris and are among the group of artists. If you have read previous books in this series you know they have been gone for quite some time and Emma has become a strong independent woman. That is a little hard for her parents to understand. Some conflicts arise and I am thrilled that Emma was able to get some things off her chest.
The murder mystery was so well written. I had several different suspects at the top of my list as the story continued. One clue would have me eliminate one suspect and another put them right back on the list. Ms. Maxwell definitely keeps us readers on our toes.
I also enjoy the history she brings to her stories. Rough Point is one of mansions from the Gilded Age in Rhode Island that is now open as a museum. The home was designed by Emma's "Uncle Freddy". Emma is from the less wealthy side of the family tree but all hold her in high regard. It is out on a point so while the building withstood the weather the roads and the people didn't fair so well. Emma and others were often completely drenched. One time even inside when a pipe burst. The author's fabulous descriptive details puts the reader right into the scene.
I have loved each story in this series, going back in time to see how the elite and not so elite Rhode Island families spend their time. Of course, a murder or two, always captures my interest too.
Classic closed room/manor mystery! A group of "artists" descend to Rough Point for a retreat. Emma has been asked to cover the event and is invited to stay there too. When a deluge of rain starts falling and flooding the roads everyone is basically trapped within the grounds and mansion of Rough Point. First one man is found dead and then another and there is another attempt. Detective Jesse Whyte is on the case but Emma is the one living with a killer. The suspects are limited so she just needs to determine the guilty party before everyone is murdered.
Such a great story. The new characters are unique and talented in their own way. I like the way the author incorporates real people in her stories. That sometimes has me pondering, did this really happen? Thankfully an Afterword is included at the end of the story giving us details about Rough Point and the surrounding area and the inhabitants.
What really surprised me was that Emma's parents had returned from Paris and are among the group of artists. If you have read previous books in this series you know they have been gone for quite some time and Emma has become a strong independent woman. That is a little hard for her parents to understand. Some conflicts arise and I am thrilled that Emma was able to get some things off her chest.
The murder mystery was so well written. I had several different suspects at the top of my list as the story continued. One clue would have me eliminate one suspect and another put them right back on the list. Ms. Maxwell definitely keeps us readers on our toes.
I also enjoy the history she brings to her stories. Rough Point is one of mansions from the Gilded Age in Rhode Island that is now open as a museum. The home was designed by Emma's "Uncle Freddy". Emma is from the less wealthy side of the family tree but all hold her in high regard. It is out on a point so while the building withstood the weather the roads and the people didn't fair so well. Emma and others were often completely drenched. One time even inside when a pipe burst. The author's fabulous descriptive details puts the reader right into the scene.
I have loved each story in this series, going back in time to see how the elite and not so elite Rhode Island families spend their time. Of course, a murder or two, always captures my interest too.
