Publishers Weekly
07/10/2023
Maxwell’s satisfying 11th historical whodunit featuring Emma Cross (after 2022’s Murder at Beacon Rock) sees the reporter once again investigating murder in turn-of-the-century New England. Emma and her new husband, Derrick Andrews, own and operate the Newport Messenger in 1901 Rhode Island. Emma, the Messenger’s sole news reporter, has received a tip from Edward and Herminie Berwind’s butler that the entire domestic staff at the Berwinds’ mansion intend to strike. Emma heads to the Elms to speak with the staff in advance of their decision; when nearly all the servants vote in favor, the Berwinds fire the strikers. Not long after, Emma is attending a musical at the Elms when chambermaid Ines Varella is found strangled in a coal cart near the property. Emma, who helped persuade Ines not to strike, worries her advice could’ve gotten the maid killed, so she launches an investigation, only to stumble on a jewelry theft and a second murder in the process. Maxwell manages a vivid re-creation of Gilded Age New England and delivers several well-earned and hard-to-predict plot twists. Fans of Anne Perry’s Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mystery Series
”Series fans will be pleased that Emma and Derrick officially announce their intention to marry, leaving Emma to ponder how she will navigate the tedious and at times dangerous world of high society. Readers will look forward to the further adventures of Emma, who astutely illuminates the habits and mores of her day.” —Publishers Weekly on Murder at Beacon Rock
“Alyssa Maxwell keeps the reader guessing to the very end.” —Criminal Element on Murder at Beacon Rock
“Lifestyles of the wealthy combine with social commentary in a mystery set against the backdrop of Newport’s grand estates.” —Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Wakehurst
“This fantastic series continues with another installment, and plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings…[A] 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.” —Historical Novel Society on Murder at Wakehurst
“Maxwell once again exposes the underhanded doings of the wealthy ruling class while providing plenty of fascinating historical background. This entry is bound to delight both established fans and new readers.” —Publishers Weekly on Murder at Wakehurst
“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!” —Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore
“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, STARRED REVIEW for Murder at Kingscote
“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 on Murder at Kingscote
“A charming addition to the Gilded Age series that’s laced with social and historical commentary.”—Kirkus Reviewson Murder at Kingscote
“Two shocking murders occur at Kingscote, amid many plot twists, fascinating historical details (a parade of flower-decked horseless carriages, a sterling silver box of chocolates, a boxing match), and a plentiful supply of adjectives, making this latest mystery in the series—based on historical, peculiar, but non-homicidal, events—as lightly entertaining as its gilded predecessors.”—Historical Novel Society on Murder at Kingscote
“The sense of place and history is palpable and the inclusion of historical figures and the intricate crimes make this a very entertaining, worthwhile series.” —The New York Public Library on the Gilded Newport Mystery series
“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.” —Booklist on Murder at Crossways
“Alyssa Maxwell entertains readers once again…a light, summer-time read perfect for the beach.” —Newport This Week on
Murder at Crossways
“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. The Harvest Festival itself is more than worth the price of admission.” —Criminal Element on Murder at Crossways
“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 on Murder at Crossways
“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 Reviews on Murder at Ochre Court
“Maxwell dramatically depicts the era’s contentious transition from gaslight to electricity…Series fans will enjoy following Emma’s changing circumstances.” —Publishers Weekly on Murder at Ochre Court
“A sweet, delightful mystery, which is sure to appeal to historical-fiction and mystery readers alike.” —Foreword Reviews on A
Pinch of Poison
“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 on Murder at Rough Point
“Several cuts above the usual feisty heroine tale; it provides a good picture of life among the privileged—and not-so-privileged—classes in Gilded Newport.” —San Jose Mercury News on Murder at Beechwood
“It’s such fun to get lost in another era…Plenty of twists to keep me guessing!” —First for Women on Murder at the Breakers
Kirkus Reviews
2023-07-13
In 1901, an intrepid reporter confronts another case of murder among Newport’s wealthy denizens.
Although they call them cottages, wealthy socialites have built fabulous mansions they use just for Rhode Island’s summer season. Emma Cross, now Mrs. Derrick Andrews, has worked as a reporter for years, using her elite background to gain entree to society events. Though she’s inherited some money from the Vanderbilt side of her family and married a wealthy man, she still enjoys solving crimes and writing them up for the local newspaper, the Newport Messenger. Her first story after returning from her honeymoon is about a labor strike at The Elms, a new mansion built by Edward and Minnie Berwind (who are real historical figures). Everyone on their staff except for Ines the maid is demanding more time off. Refusing to meet their demands, Berwind fires them. A musicale at The Elms to which Emma and Derrick have been invited is interrupted by the discovery of Ines’ body in the mansion’s coal tunnel. The maid, who was strangled, had certainly made enemies by her refusal to strike, but Emma thinks there may be more nefarious forces at work. A more shocking development for Rex Morton, one of the Berwinds’ guests, is that an extremely valuable necklace he owns has gone missing. Everyone wonders whether Ines and another missing servant also found strangled stole it. After alternating between snooping and soothing the wealthy guests, Emma discovers a number of secrets that make them all suspects and put her in danger.
Combining mystery with real-life personalities from the Gilded Age makes for an entertaining and informative read.
