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Gilded Newport Mysteries #12
Murder at Vinland
Reporter and sleuth Emma Cross Andrews must stop a bold poisoner who is targeting the society wives of the Four Hundred in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island . . .
August 1901: A fundraiser for a new Rhode Island Audubon Society brings Emma to Vinland, the Viking-themed seaside home of her relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, where the guest of honor is Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. Listening to the speakers and observing the ladies in attendance, Emma is struck by the contrast of the Viking warrior–inspired elements in the house and the admirable but admittedly genteel cause of bird protection. Vinland bears the name of the Vikings’ first landfall in North America, but in this room today there is most assuredly no one to fear.
Emma’s observation of harmless philanthropy is proven wrong the following morning when one of Mrs. Twombly’s houseguests from the luncheon becomes mysteriously and dangerously ill. Accompanying police detective Jesse Whyte, Emma discovers a box of petit fours supposedly sent by Mrs. Roosevelt. They promptly rule out the Second Lady as a suspect, but someone has poisoned the cakes.
Soon another box of desserts as well as letters tainted with ink containing caustic toxins show up at other grand Newport cottages. Are the ladies from the luncheon being targeted? Emma and Jesse must sort through possible motives and means because now more than the birds need protection . . .
August 1901: A fundraiser for a new Rhode Island Audubon Society brings Emma to Vinland, the Viking-themed seaside home of her relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, where the guest of honor is Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. Listening to the speakers and observing the ladies in attendance, Emma is struck by the contrast of the Viking warrior–inspired elements in the house and the admirable but admittedly genteel cause of bird protection. Vinland bears the name of the Vikings’ first landfall in North America, but in this room today there is most assuredly no one to fear.
Emma’s observation of harmless philanthropy is proven wrong the following morning when one of Mrs. Twombly’s houseguests from the luncheon becomes mysteriously and dangerously ill. Accompanying police detective Jesse Whyte, Emma discovers a box of petit fours supposedly sent by Mrs. Roosevelt. They promptly rule out the Second Lady as a suspect, but someone has poisoned the cakes.
Soon another box of desserts as well as letters tainted with ink containing caustic toxins show up at other grand Newport cottages. Are the ladies from the luncheon being targeted? Emma and Jesse must sort through possible motives and means because now more than the birds need protection . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
119 people are currently reading
3520 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,079 followersAlyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries, inspired by her husband’s family whose Newport origins date back numerous generations. The series features the glamour of the Gilded Age and a sleuth who is a Newporter born and raised, and also a less "well-heeled" cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Alyssa also writes A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mysteries, an English-set series that begins as WWI is ending. She and her husband live in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the South Florida Fiction Writers. You can visit her at http://alyssamaxwell.com, and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 22, 2024
This is the 12th book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and while I haven’t read them all I have read and enjoyed some of the earlier books. I like that even though this is historical fiction and takes place in a time women had little to know power the amateur sleuth is a reporter and female. Emma does annoy me at times, it I try to remember this book is set before modern police procedure (like detectives feeling the need to bring women along to make their female suspects more comfortable). I found the mystery to be interesting but I did think the red herrings were either too obvious or there wasn’t enough to make them viable. Emma attends a luncheon where an advocate for the Audubon Society is speaking, but the net day a woman appears to have food poisoning. But very quickly it is clear this is no normal food poisoning and Emma is more than willing to help the police investigate to find who is poisoning women from Newport’s high society.
April 30, 2024
A gripping Gilded Age mystery in Newport, Rhode Island, in which reporter-sleuth Emma and police detective Jesse team up to exonerate from suspicion VP Teddy Roosevelt's wife. She is believed to have sent a box of cakes to a fundraiser where a guest becomes deathly ill from eating one. Similar boxes are sent to other nearby homes, where the duo race to prevent more poisonings and possible murders. Can they succeed in time? A fine historical whodunit!
February 19, 2025
What the heck happened to my review? This was a good excuse to read it again and I have pictures!
August 1901
Emma and Derrick are happily settled in Gull Manor with Nanny and Katie, hoping to buy the property next door and turn Gull Manor into a school for girls. Now Emma is more a part of the 400, she's been invited, as a guest, to a fundraiser for the Rhode Island Audubon Society at Vinland, the Viking themed estate owned by her Aunt Alice's sister, Florence Twombly. There she makes new friends, MISS (thank you very much) Amity Carter and her niece, Zinnia Lewis, from Florida, supporters of the natural world. Amity happens to own the piece of land Emma and Derrick are trying to purchase. Emma also meets the outspoken Jennie Pierpont who is in town to raise money for founding a Rhode Island chapter of the Audubon Society. The next morning Emma is devastated to learn a guest of Mrs. Towbly's is gravely ill. No one else at the luncheon seems to be ill at all. When Emma visits the invalid at Vinland, she's shocked to see Mrs. Robinson seriously burned on and in her mouth, not to mention what her insides may look like. As Mrs. Robinson lies at death's door, Emma uncovers the source of the poison- a box of chocolates purporting to be from Mrs. Edith Roosevelt, the Second Lady of the United States! SLOTUS didn't send anyone else chocolates and Emma is suspicious of the source. Surely the SLOTUS wouldn't poison anyone! Mrs. Robinson succumbs to her malady, other women are burned and the case becomes a murder investigation. As Jesse hunts for the poisoner, he needs Emma once again to help him deal with the 400 Club who always bristle when the police come calling. Emma's search for answers leads her to Nanny's gossip grapevine and an old story about Mrs. Robinson deliberately ruining another family so that her daughter might marry Sybil 's suitor. Mrs. Anna Rose and Sybil VanHorn are back in Newport. Have they come for revenge? Emma isn't sure but she's ready to question them anyway. But when another suspicious death occurs and Emma discovers a clue as to the type of poison used, the clues point to a different person all together. Could one of her new friends be a killer?
Vinland as it appears in September 2024. My own photos. Please don't repost without permission. Gorgeous view in early autumn!
That view makes Florence and her husband want to live there even though they don't like the house. Of course they're not in residence this time of year when the icy wind blows off the ocean and the freezing rain pelts you in the face whenever you step outside. The house is next to Ochre Court and across the street from Wakehurst, currently on the Salve Regina University campus.
I read this book when it first came out and promptly went off to Newport to check out an exhibit on middle class fashion and Emma's world. The exhibit was on the Salve Regina University campus so I stopped by a few familiar locations before heading home! I just love this series because I always feel like I'm there, in Gilded Age Newport and then I can go travel there and follow in Emma's footsteps and see what she might have seen. Check my other reviews soon for more photos of the other cottages. Here and there I do catch a minor historical error and the language often sounds modern but I don't really care because I miss the living history tours of Beechwood mansion and these books are the next best thing.
The plot of this book is a little dark and sad. I managed to figure out whodunit the first time on a hunch and process of elimination. Upon rereading, the murderer does slightly give themself away by their reactions. The cozy part of the plot is not as interesting as Derrick and Emma attempt to build their dream home. There's a minor secondary "mystery" that is SO obvious. I don't know why Nanny didn't say anything sooner and why she said it in front of everyone! Or at least in front of Derrick. As always I did enjoy following Emma around Newport though. Next time I visit (when the ferry is running in summer, NOT by land) I'll try to find where Gull Manor is supposed to be and start from there following in Emma's footsteps.
Emma really, really bungles her investigation this time. She goes well beyond what is acceptable in snooping. Sure she suspects something is wrong but she could have asked Jesse to come investigate with her present if she was that concerned. What she did was wrong and she got called out for it, rightfully so. Then she did it AGAIN! The second time she had more reason to be suspicious. It's not the most egregious thing she's done but it's pretty close and if this was the first book I was reading, I might think twice about investigating with Emma again. She also steps in it big time with her potential suspects. She really has no idea who is behind the poisoning - ever. She's nearly killed when the murderer suspects Emma knows whodunit when she really only JUST figured it out. She's kinder to Nanny and Katie than she is to her own peers, which is admirable but she should be nice to everyone. She doesn't like it when the 400 exclude her but she also doesn't like it when they include her but barely tolerate her. She considers Derrick a self-made man and since they're not dependent on his family, she's not one of the 400. With the acceptance of the Vanderbilt women, she seems to have arrived at just outside the 400 and that's Ok with Emma. There's not enough of editor/reporter Emma in this novel. She's busy investigating the 400 - i.e. socializing with them to get answers.
Derrick is not my ideal hero. He keeps asking Emma NOT to get involved knowing she'll ignore him. She should consider his fears but then we would not have a story. He knows she won't stop investigating but can't help himself and asks anyway. He would rather she didn't because he's just worried about her safety because he loves her. The most swoony heroes go along and play Watson to the female Sherlock and are happy to do so. Derrick goes along when he feels the need to play bodyguard but in this novel they're mostly separated.
There are so many new characters in this novel and only one is a real life historical figure! That makes the mystery more interesting. Mrs. Florence Twombly is an august matron, sister to Alice Vanderbilt but not really aunt to Emma. She's formidable and scares the most stalwart individuals. Mrs. Twombly has strict standards of behavior and etiquette and Emma breaks every one even after being asked not to. She's understandably upset that one of her guests has died and of course Jesse needs to investigate. If she won't cooperate with the police then Emma needs to assist so then Emma needs to break the rules. Florence is good to her friends though and a generous hostess.
Amity Carter is my kind of woman! A middle aged spinster and happily so, she doesn't let her unmarried state keep her from enjoying life. She enjoys living in Florida where she is friends with Standard Oil board member, railroad and hotel magnate, Henry Flagler who started the Florida Audubon Society. Amity is devoted to saving wildlife and writes extensively on the birds of Florida. There's a very modern discussion on how the railroads and hotels destroy the habitats of the birds and a discussion of how the Society women perpetuate the illegal killing of birds to adorn their hats. Amity is happy to sell the piece of property next door to Emma and Derrick and doesn't care about making too much money. She likes the newlyweds and is happy to help them out. Her niece Zinnia, on the other hand, is happy in Newport. She's a painter and just loves the changing vistas and colors of our New England landscape. (Mmm hmm. I write this as it's snowing - AGAIN. I've been to Newport in winter - nothing's open, no one's there and it's COLD outside when your car breaks down.) Zinnia may hope to inherit her aunt's property so she can have a home of her own to paint to her heart's content. That's not likely to happen any time soon even if Amity doesn't sell. Zinnia seems nice and seems to get along with her aunt. She's content for now as long as she can paint. I feel a little bad for her because she's unwanted and unloved at home and at the mercy of her aunt's generosity. I know how she feels.
Mrs. Robinson was a ruthless woman! Years ago she outed Mr. Van Horn as an embezzler and he killed himself, ruining the whole family. Young Sybil Van Horn lost her suitor who then married Mrs. Robinson's daughter. At least that's the story according to the belowstairs Newport gossip grapevine! In recent years Mrs. Robinson was an old lady who wanted to sell her Newport home to move closer to her daughter so she could watch her grandchildren grow up. She was kind and loving towards her family and friends. Mrs. Twombly thought highly of her anyway. Anna Rose
Van Horn is an impoverished widow returning to her former home in an attempt to reestablish her daughter in society. Sybil is a nice young lady. She's intelligent and independent. She doesn't seem terribly bothered by her family's misfortunes. Her mother suffers more. The two are very close and Sybil won't cooperate with the police when they come calling. She wants her mother and the two seem to be coordinating their responses. Are they lying to Jesse? In other circumstances I think Sybil and Emma could be friends. Mrs. Van Horn disappears at a crucial moment in the story. Where did she go and why? Did she flee the island after committing murder?
Another suspect, Mina Wallingford, was blackballed from the Trinity Church ladies' charity for being too bossy. Imagine that! I'd LOVE to see her try to tell Alva Vanderbilt what to do! Actually Alva is the one person who LIKES Mina but everyone turns on her. She's a tough lady to like, I'll admit that. She's rude, snippy and egotistical. Emma tries to hint at what went wrong and Mrs. Wallingford takes that in a whole different direction! Could she be exacting revenge on the 400 Club women for their snub? Emma seems to think so but I think that's a pretty flimsy motive. I find it hard to believe Grace Vanderbilt would be rude and snub another woman invested in charitable works. Grace is lovely and doesn't deserve to be harmed.
I do really like Jennie Pierpont. She's a little younger than Emma and not as connected to her ultra rich relatives as Emma is. Therefore, Jennie is free to be her own woman. She's passionate, outspoken and eager to save the birds. Jennie and Emma start to become friends with a shocking second murder is discovered and Jennie becomes the prime suspect. Emma remains true to her new friend. Jennie's impassioned speech convinced me and coincidentally, last spring I had the opportunity to go on a Rhode Island Audubon Society bird walk and Jennie would have liked the leader. She was passionate and knew a lot about the birds we have in our backyards in the city. Jennie has good reason not to like the women of the 400 Club, they were rude to her but did she murder anyone? The clues don't really point to Jennie. It's not a crime to be angry or frustrated by deliberate ignorance. It's not a crime to fight back either. The only evidence they have is Jennie's words. I stand by Jennie and hope she's not the murderer.
Dr. Agassiz of Castle Hill (haven't been there yet, it's a hotel and too rich for my meager bank account) seems like a wonderful man. He accepts Emma's questions without questioning why a lady would be discussing poison and death. He readily provides answers to her questions and reveals what poison killed Mrs. Robinson and burned the other ladies.
The second death was a real tragedy and the rest is senseless, selfish violence against innocent people. Who is the perpetrator?
I can't wait for the next two books in the series, especially the 2026 release which takes place at Rosecliff. You've all been there if you've seen The Great Gatsby with Mia Farrow, True Lies with Ah-nold or 27 Dresses (sweetheart staircase) with Katherine Heigel.
August 1901
Emma and Derrick are happily settled in Gull Manor with Nanny and Katie, hoping to buy the property next door and turn Gull Manor into a school for girls. Now Emma is more a part of the 400, she's been invited, as a guest, to a fundraiser for the Rhode Island Audubon Society at Vinland, the Viking themed estate owned by her Aunt Alice's sister, Florence Twombly. There she makes new friends, MISS (thank you very much) Amity Carter and her niece, Zinnia Lewis, from Florida, supporters of the natural world. Amity happens to own the piece of land Emma and Derrick are trying to purchase. Emma also meets the outspoken Jennie Pierpont who is in town to raise money for founding a Rhode Island chapter of the Audubon Society. The next morning Emma is devastated to learn a guest of Mrs. Towbly's is gravely ill. No one else at the luncheon seems to be ill at all. When Emma visits the invalid at Vinland, she's shocked to see Mrs. Robinson seriously burned on and in her mouth, not to mention what her insides may look like. As Mrs. Robinson lies at death's door, Emma uncovers the source of the poison- a box of chocolates purporting to be from Mrs. Edith Roosevelt, the Second Lady of the United States! SLOTUS didn't send anyone else chocolates and Emma is suspicious of the source. Surely the SLOTUS wouldn't poison anyone! Mrs. Robinson succumbs to her malady, other women are burned and the case becomes a murder investigation. As Jesse hunts for the poisoner, he needs Emma once again to help him deal with the 400 Club who always bristle when the police come calling. Emma's search for answers leads her to Nanny's gossip grapevine and an old story about Mrs. Robinson deliberately ruining another family so that her daughter might marry Sybil 's suitor. Mrs. Anna Rose and Sybil VanHorn are back in Newport. Have they come for revenge? Emma isn't sure but she's ready to question them anyway. But when another suspicious death occurs and Emma discovers a clue as to the type of poison used, the clues point to a different person all together. Could one of her new friends be a killer?
Vinland as it appears in September 2024. My own photos. Please don't repost without permission. Gorgeous view in early autumn!
That view makes Florence and her husband want to live there even though they don't like the house. Of course they're not in residence this time of year when the icy wind blows off the ocean and the freezing rain pelts you in the face whenever you step outside. The house is next to Ochre Court and across the street from Wakehurst, currently on the Salve Regina University campus.
I read this book when it first came out and promptly went off to Newport to check out an exhibit on middle class fashion and Emma's world. The exhibit was on the Salve Regina University campus so I stopped by a few familiar locations before heading home! I just love this series because I always feel like I'm there, in Gilded Age Newport and then I can go travel there and follow in Emma's footsteps and see what she might have seen. Check my other reviews soon for more photos of the other cottages. Here and there I do catch a minor historical error and the language often sounds modern but I don't really care because I miss the living history tours of Beechwood mansion and these books are the next best thing.
The plot of this book is a little dark and sad. I managed to figure out whodunit the first time on a hunch and process of elimination. Upon rereading, the murderer does slightly give themself away by their reactions. The cozy part of the plot is not as interesting as Derrick and Emma attempt to build their dream home. There's a minor secondary "mystery" that is SO obvious. I don't know why Nanny didn't say anything sooner and why she said it in front of everyone! Or at least in front of Derrick. As always I did enjoy following Emma around Newport though. Next time I visit (when the ferry is running in summer, NOT by land) I'll try to find where Gull Manor is supposed to be and start from there following in Emma's footsteps.
Emma really, really bungles her investigation this time. She goes well beyond what is acceptable in snooping. Sure she suspects something is wrong but she could have asked Jesse to come investigate with her present if she was that concerned. What she did was wrong and she got called out for it, rightfully so. Then she did it AGAIN! The second time she had more reason to be suspicious. It's not the most egregious thing she's done but it's pretty close and if this was the first book I was reading, I might think twice about investigating with Emma again. She also steps in it big time with her potential suspects. She really has no idea who is behind the poisoning - ever. She's nearly killed when the murderer suspects Emma knows whodunit when she really only JUST figured it out. She's kinder to Nanny and Katie than she is to her own peers, which is admirable but she should be nice to everyone. She doesn't like it when the 400 exclude her but she also doesn't like it when they include her but barely tolerate her. She considers Derrick a self-made man and since they're not dependent on his family, she's not one of the 400. With the acceptance of the Vanderbilt women, she seems to have arrived at just outside the 400 and that's Ok with Emma. There's not enough of editor/reporter Emma in this novel. She's busy investigating the 400 - i.e. socializing with them to get answers.
Derrick is not my ideal hero. He keeps asking Emma NOT to get involved knowing she'll ignore him. She should consider his fears but then we would not have a story. He knows she won't stop investigating but can't help himself and asks anyway. He would rather she didn't because he's just worried about her safety because he loves her. The most swoony heroes go along and play Watson to the female Sherlock and are happy to do so. Derrick goes along when he feels the need to play bodyguard but in this novel they're mostly separated.
There are so many new characters in this novel and only one is a real life historical figure! That makes the mystery more interesting. Mrs. Florence Twombly is an august matron, sister to Alice Vanderbilt but not really aunt to Emma. She's formidable and scares the most stalwart individuals. Mrs. Twombly has strict standards of behavior and etiquette and Emma breaks every one even after being asked not to. She's understandably upset that one of her guests has died and of course Jesse needs to investigate. If she won't cooperate with the police then Emma needs to assist so then Emma needs to break the rules. Florence is good to her friends though and a generous hostess.
Amity Carter is my kind of woman! A middle aged spinster and happily so, she doesn't let her unmarried state keep her from enjoying life. She enjoys living in Florida where she is friends with Standard Oil board member, railroad and hotel magnate, Henry Flagler who started the Florida Audubon Society. Amity is devoted to saving wildlife and writes extensively on the birds of Florida. There's a very modern discussion on how the railroads and hotels destroy the habitats of the birds and a discussion of how the Society women perpetuate the illegal killing of birds to adorn their hats. Amity is happy to sell the piece of property next door to Emma and Derrick and doesn't care about making too much money. She likes the newlyweds and is happy to help them out. Her niece Zinnia, on the other hand, is happy in Newport. She's a painter and just loves the changing vistas and colors of our New England landscape. (Mmm hmm. I write this as it's snowing - AGAIN. I've been to Newport in winter - nothing's open, no one's there and it's COLD outside when your car breaks down.) Zinnia may hope to inherit her aunt's property so she can have a home of her own to paint to her heart's content. That's not likely to happen any time soon even if Amity doesn't sell. Zinnia seems nice and seems to get along with her aunt. She's content for now as long as she can paint. I feel a little bad for her because she's unwanted and unloved at home and at the mercy of her aunt's generosity. I know how she feels.
Mrs. Robinson was a ruthless woman! Years ago she outed Mr. Van Horn as an embezzler and he killed himself, ruining the whole family. Young Sybil Van Horn lost her suitor who then married Mrs. Robinson's daughter. At least that's the story according to the belowstairs Newport gossip grapevine! In recent years Mrs. Robinson was an old lady who wanted to sell her Newport home to move closer to her daughter so she could watch her grandchildren grow up. She was kind and loving towards her family and friends. Mrs. Twombly thought highly of her anyway. Anna Rose
Van Horn is an impoverished widow returning to her former home in an attempt to reestablish her daughter in society. Sybil is a nice young lady. She's intelligent and independent. She doesn't seem terribly bothered by her family's misfortunes. Her mother suffers more. The two are very close and Sybil won't cooperate with the police when they come calling. She wants her mother and the two seem to be coordinating their responses. Are they lying to Jesse? In other circumstances I think Sybil and Emma could be friends. Mrs. Van Horn disappears at a crucial moment in the story. Where did she go and why? Did she flee the island after committing murder?
Another suspect, Mina Wallingford, was blackballed from the Trinity Church ladies' charity for being too bossy. Imagine that! I'd LOVE to see her try to tell Alva Vanderbilt what to do! Actually Alva is the one person who LIKES Mina but everyone turns on her. She's a tough lady to like, I'll admit that. She's rude, snippy and egotistical. Emma tries to hint at what went wrong and Mrs. Wallingford takes that in a whole different direction! Could she be exacting revenge on the 400 Club women for their snub? Emma seems to think so but I think that's a pretty flimsy motive. I find it hard to believe Grace Vanderbilt would be rude and snub another woman invested in charitable works. Grace is lovely and doesn't deserve to be harmed.
I do really like Jennie Pierpont. She's a little younger than Emma and not as connected to her ultra rich relatives as Emma is. Therefore, Jennie is free to be her own woman. She's passionate, outspoken and eager to save the birds. Jennie and Emma start to become friends with a shocking second murder is discovered and Jennie becomes the prime suspect. Emma remains true to her new friend. Jennie's impassioned speech convinced me and coincidentally, last spring I had the opportunity to go on a Rhode Island Audubon Society bird walk and Jennie would have liked the leader. She was passionate and knew a lot about the birds we have in our backyards in the city. Jennie has good reason not to like the women of the 400 Club, they were rude to her but did she murder anyone? The clues don't really point to Jennie. It's not a crime to be angry or frustrated by deliberate ignorance. It's not a crime to fight back either. The only evidence they have is Jennie's words. I stand by Jennie and hope she's not the murderer.
Dr. Agassiz of Castle Hill (haven't been there yet, it's a hotel and too rich for my meager bank account) seems like a wonderful man. He accepts Emma's questions without questioning why a lady would be discussing poison and death. He readily provides answers to her questions and reveals what poison killed Mrs. Robinson and burned the other ladies.
The second death was a real tragedy and the rest is senseless, selfish violence against innocent people. Who is the perpetrator?
I can't wait for the next two books in the series, especially the 2026 release which takes place at Rosecliff. You've all been there if you've seen The Great Gatsby with Mia Farrow, True Lies with Ah-nold or 27 Dresses (sweetheart staircase) with Katherine Heigel.
June 29, 2024
I received an ARC of author Alyssa Maxwell's latest Gilded Newport mystery, Murder at Vinland, and it was a wonderful addition to this terrific series.
The book is peopled with familiar characters we've come to know in Emma Cross Andrews' life, as well as actual historic characters Edith Roosevelt and Florence Vanderbilt Twombly and assorted new acquaintances. The plot combines an engaging mix of murder and historical background/fact with questions about the motive for the murder and any number of possible suspects. Emma, as always, puts herself in danger as she matches wits with a very clever murderer.
Fans of the series will love this book, and newcomers will enjoy it as well.
The book is peopled with familiar characters we've come to know in Emma Cross Andrews' life, as well as actual historic characters Edith Roosevelt and Florence Vanderbilt Twombly and assorted new acquaintances. The plot combines an engaging mix of murder and historical background/fact with questions about the motive for the murder and any number of possible suspects. Emma, as always, puts herself in danger as she matches wits with a very clever murderer.
Fans of the series will love this book, and newcomers will enjoy it as well.
September 2, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Vinland is a Viking-themed seaside home owned by Emma’s relative Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. Mrs. Twombly is hosting a fundraiser for the new Rhode Island Audubon Society where the guest of honor is the wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, Edith. Emma attends, listens to the speakers, observes the other ladies attending, and finds the cause of bird protection interesting and admirable but finds the Viking warrior-inspired elements in the home troubling. Thankfully there should be no need for them today.
The following morning though, one of the guests staying with Mrs. Twombly becomes gravely ill from an unknown cause. Emma agrees to help police detective Jesse Whyte with his investigation. While checking out the guest’s room she finds a box of petit fours with several pieces missing that appear to have been sent by the vice-president’s wife. Knowing that is a ruse, Mrs. Roosevelt is not put on the suspect list.
Soon more desserts and letters written in toxic ink are received by other ladies who attended the fundraiser. Why are these ladies being targeted? After a warning is sent out to watch for tainted deliveries Emma and Jesse try to piece together who had the means, motive, and opportunity to wage a strike against the group of supposed bird lovers.
Emma and Derrick are getting comfortable in their married life at Gull Manor and have some big plans. I am so pleased with the way these characters have evolved over the course of this series. Emma has always been very independent and Derrick knows she isn’t going to change. While he does worry when she takes on an investigation he supports her. She realizes his fears so whenever they can tackle something together they do. They want to do something special together but in this story that project could be in jeopardy. Again, they tackle it together.
There are a plethora of suspects that could have sent the toxic letters and pastry and Florence Vanderbilt Twombly doesn’t make the investigation easy. She takes Emma to task several times for questioning her guests and friends but Emma and Jesse need to follow clues and press for answers. Emma ruminated on all the options repeatedly but all the clues didn’t fall into place until Emma found herself in a dangerous situation. I scooted right up to the edge of my seat as everything played out unsure whether our protagonist would survive. I wasn’t totally surprised as to the guilty party but they had been low on my list.
I enjoy how Ms. Maxwell takes us back in time to mix history with mystery. Her descriptions of Vinland and the beautiful cover of this book made it so easy to visualize the manor and its rooms and grounds. Gull Manor is always clear in my mind after virtually being there many times. Everywhere Emma travels and everyone she meets comes alive with Ms. Maxwell’s words.
Murder at Vinland is marvelously plotted and written. I know when I open a book in this series that I will escape into the pages and that it will be a struggle to return to real life. I was quickly engaged by the wonderful characters, captivated by the twist-filled mystery, and in awe of another historical Rhode Island manor that was notably enlarged by the Twombly’s in a surprising way. Another Perfect Escape from Alyssa Maxwell!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Vinland is a Viking-themed seaside home owned by Emma’s relative Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. Mrs. Twombly is hosting a fundraiser for the new Rhode Island Audubon Society where the guest of honor is the wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, Edith. Emma attends, listens to the speakers, observes the other ladies attending, and finds the cause of bird protection interesting and admirable but finds the Viking warrior-inspired elements in the home troubling. Thankfully there should be no need for them today.
The following morning though, one of the guests staying with Mrs. Twombly becomes gravely ill from an unknown cause. Emma agrees to help police detective Jesse Whyte with his investigation. While checking out the guest’s room she finds a box of petit fours with several pieces missing that appear to have been sent by the vice-president’s wife. Knowing that is a ruse, Mrs. Roosevelt is not put on the suspect list.
Soon more desserts and letters written in toxic ink are received by other ladies who attended the fundraiser. Why are these ladies being targeted? After a warning is sent out to watch for tainted deliveries Emma and Jesse try to piece together who had the means, motive, and opportunity to wage a strike against the group of supposed bird lovers.
Emma and Derrick are getting comfortable in their married life at Gull Manor and have some big plans. I am so pleased with the way these characters have evolved over the course of this series. Emma has always been very independent and Derrick knows she isn’t going to change. While he does worry when she takes on an investigation he supports her. She realizes his fears so whenever they can tackle something together they do. They want to do something special together but in this story that project could be in jeopardy. Again, they tackle it together.
There are a plethora of suspects that could have sent the toxic letters and pastry and Florence Vanderbilt Twombly doesn’t make the investigation easy. She takes Emma to task several times for questioning her guests and friends but Emma and Jesse need to follow clues and press for answers. Emma ruminated on all the options repeatedly but all the clues didn’t fall into place until Emma found herself in a dangerous situation. I scooted right up to the edge of my seat as everything played out unsure whether our protagonist would survive. I wasn’t totally surprised as to the guilty party but they had been low on my list.
I enjoy how Ms. Maxwell takes us back in time to mix history with mystery. Her descriptions of Vinland and the beautiful cover of this book made it so easy to visualize the manor and its rooms and grounds. Gull Manor is always clear in my mind after virtually being there many times. Everywhere Emma travels and everyone she meets comes alive with Ms. Maxwell’s words.
Murder at Vinland is marvelously plotted and written. I know when I open a book in this series that I will escape into the pages and that it will be a struggle to return to real life. I was quickly engaged by the wonderful characters, captivated by the twist-filled mystery, and in awe of another historical Rhode Island manor that was notably enlarged by the Twombly’s in a surprising way. Another Perfect Escape from Alyssa Maxwell!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 6, 2024
A series of mysterious poisonings afflicts society women in Newport during the Gilded Age. Reporter Emma Cross Andrews, a distant relation of the Vanderbilts, is dismayed by the case, especially when one woman she knows is arrested and might be innocent. Vinland is the seaside home of Emma’s relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. It’s after a charity luncheon there benefiting the Audubon Society that the first guest falls ill. Others soon follow, and Emma gets on the case before more ladies are targeted. Murder at Vinland is an easy read that will keep you guessing. I had no idea whodunit and was surprised by the finale. The setting details will have you feeling you’re in Rhode Island among the elite, although Emma is just as friendly with her staff as with the upper crust Four Hundred. This historical mystery offers another winner by the talented Alyssa Maxwell. Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
May 28, 2024
I have read and enjoyed each and every book in the Gilded Newport (cozy) Mystery series and I look forward to a new release each year. Murder at Vinland is the twelfth installment in that series.
As with every installment in this series, the setting came to life. I felt like I was transported back in time to turn of the century Newport. Everything was so vivid that I could practically hear the clop-clop of horse hooves and the whistle of the trolleys. I know Newport very well, so references to Cliff Walk, Ocean Avenue, or Bailey’s Beach were easy for me to visualize.
As far as the story goes, cozy mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, and this one wasn’t anything outstanding. I predicted the identity of the villain (chalk it up to me reading lots of mysteries and thrillers) and Emma comes across as very rude and obnoxious in her interrogations. I don’t blame all the people who get annoyed with her. She’s really nosy. I don’t like Derrick at all either. However, the book ended on an interesting note, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story will go from here.
This is a series that I read more for the vibes and the setting rather than the characters or story. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries would enjoy this one.
As with every installment in this series, the setting came to life. I felt like I was transported back in time to turn of the century Newport. Everything was so vivid that I could practically hear the clop-clop of horse hooves and the whistle of the trolleys. I know Newport very well, so references to Cliff Walk, Ocean Avenue, or Bailey’s Beach were easy for me to visualize.
As far as the story goes, cozy mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, and this one wasn’t anything outstanding. I predicted the identity of the villain (chalk it up to me reading lots of mysteries and thrillers) and Emma comes across as very rude and obnoxious in her interrogations. I don’t blame all the people who get annoyed with her. She’s really nosy. I don’t like Derrick at all either. However, the book ended on an interesting note, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story will go from here.
This is a series that I read more for the vibes and the setting rather than the characters or story. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries would enjoy this one.
August 12, 2024
I can’t believe this is book number 12. This mystery was as twisty and exciting as the first. While it’s not necessary to have read the previous books first, long time readers will be thrilled with the developments.
January 30, 2025
Very interesting story. I hope to visit there someday.
July 2, 2024
Reporter-sleuth Emma Cross Andrews (related to the Vanderbilts) and her new husband Derrick Andrews work together with Police Detective Jesse Whyte to solve several grim poisonings done first at a fundraising luncheon at Vinland, the home of one of her Vanderbilt relatives. Speakers include Second Lady Edith Roosevelt and National Audubon Society representatives from Massachusetts and Florida. Little cooperation from the entitled to a "poor relation" who is also a reporter. Well written, as always, with lots of twists and turns.
There are exquisite descriptions of both attire and surroundings, plus exhaustive descriptions of the lineage and implications of financial heredity as well as the general snobbery of the era. Fascinating look into the place and time in a very good investigative read.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#MurderatVinland #NetGalley #GildedNewportMysteriesBk12
Pub Date Aug 20, 2024
There are exquisite descriptions of both attire and surroundings, plus exhaustive descriptions of the lineage and implications of financial heredity as well as the general snobbery of the era. Fascinating look into the place and time in a very good investigative read.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#MurderatVinland #NetGalley #GildedNewportMysteriesBk12
Pub Date Aug 20, 2024
July 2, 2024
3.75 stars
This reliable historical cozy series features Emma, a distant relation to the Vanderbilts, and her new husband Derrick. They run a newspaper, and are unusual in their egalitarian relationship. Emma fits well into several different worlds, both the aristocratic society and more working class arenas.
Someone is viciously poisoning women in the heady world of Newport society. Because of various intrigues, there are several suspects. Emma endeavors to help the police by gaining entree to places they cannot and speaking as an equal to some of the rich people of interest.
The character development over the course of the series has been interesting with more changes in store for the future. Emma often chafes under the gender restrictions of her time, but still manages to be a rare role model of a working woman. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This reliable historical cozy series features Emma, a distant relation to the Vanderbilts, and her new husband Derrick. They run a newspaper, and are unusual in their egalitarian relationship. Emma fits well into several different worlds, both the aristocratic society and more working class arenas.
Someone is viciously poisoning women in the heady world of Newport society. Because of various intrigues, there are several suspects. Emma endeavors to help the police by gaining entree to places they cannot and speaking as an equal to some of the rich people of interest.
The character development over the course of the series has been interesting with more changes in store for the future. Emma often chafes under the gender restrictions of her time, but still manages to be a rare role model of a working woman. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2024
After reading Murder at Vinland, the twelfth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell, I had to sleep on it. I have been a fan of this series since the very first book, main character Emma Cross has become a friend, her family has become family, her love of things, have become that with me as well. I have an imaginary guest room in her Gull Manor home and I love sitting around the kitchen table with Nanny and Katie while they are preparing the meals and walking along the property with Patch and Emma and her newlywed husband Derrick. If that was all these books were about I would be content with that but they are so much more .... Emma has a knack for assisting Detective Jesse Whyte when there is a murder in Newport, Rhode Island. Emma has a way in with the members of the Four Hundred group, that is the rich and rich. Emma is a distant cousin to the Vanderbilt family and they have accepted her and allowed her access to things others are not.
In Murder at Vinland Emma and Detective Whyte have their hands full when a woman who attended a fundraiser is poisoned after eating petit fours that were delivered to her. The nature in which she was poisoned is horrible as it burned her mouth, lips and internally. Emma does not know if attending the fundraiser had anything to do with the poisoning until another woman who was at the fundraiser is also targeted but her injuries are not as severe. Emma begins to look at all of the attendees of the fundraiser, mainly the out of towners who are there to try to start the Rhode Island Audubon Society.
Unfortunately Emma also has the newpaper to run with her new husband Derrick. And they have invited Amity Carter and her niece Zinnia Lewis to stay with them at Gull Manor once they learn that Amity owns the property next to Gull Manor. Emma and Derrick very much want to purchase the property so that they can build a house there and use Gull Manor as a school for girls.
So even without the poisoning case to work on Emma and Derrick are always busy so readers are drawn into their lives instantly. Then add helping Detective Whyte and you are immediately hooked !!!
Murder at Vinland, in my opinion, has a tad more excitement and will have readers on the edge, if not falling out of their seats with excitement, not to mention the hazard of receiving paper cuts from turning the pages so quickly. Maybe the nature of the crimes, the poisoning and how it ended up in the hands of the injured, heightens the story ..... And do not get me started on the last few chapters of the story ..... I am still waiting for my blood pressure to stabilize .... however, Maxwell ends the story beautifully and I, for one, cannot wait for the next installment in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and I know you will agree !!!!!
In Murder at Vinland Emma and Detective Whyte have their hands full when a woman who attended a fundraiser is poisoned after eating petit fours that were delivered to her. The nature in which she was poisoned is horrible as it burned her mouth, lips and internally. Emma does not know if attending the fundraiser had anything to do with the poisoning until another woman who was at the fundraiser is also targeted but her injuries are not as severe. Emma begins to look at all of the attendees of the fundraiser, mainly the out of towners who are there to try to start the Rhode Island Audubon Society.
Unfortunately Emma also has the newpaper to run with her new husband Derrick. And they have invited Amity Carter and her niece Zinnia Lewis to stay with them at Gull Manor once they learn that Amity owns the property next to Gull Manor. Emma and Derrick very much want to purchase the property so that they can build a house there and use Gull Manor as a school for girls.
So even without the poisoning case to work on Emma and Derrick are always busy so readers are drawn into their lives instantly. Then add helping Detective Whyte and you are immediately hooked !!!
Murder at Vinland, in my opinion, has a tad more excitement and will have readers on the edge, if not falling out of their seats with excitement, not to mention the hazard of receiving paper cuts from turning the pages so quickly. Maybe the nature of the crimes, the poisoning and how it ended up in the hands of the injured, heightens the story ..... And do not get me started on the last few chapters of the story ..... I am still waiting for my blood pressure to stabilize .... however, Maxwell ends the story beautifully and I, for one, cannot wait for the next installment in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and I know you will agree !!!!!
August 11, 2024
In August 1901, Emma attends a fundraiser at Vinland, where Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, is the guest of honor. What begins as a seemingly harmless event takes a dark turn when one of the guests falls mysteriously ill, leading Emma and police detective Jesse Whyte to uncover a poisoned box of pastries. As more ladies are affected, Emma and Jesse must unravel the mystery to protect the luncheon attendees from further harm.
It was a delight to return to the gilded age to see what Emma is going to come up against next. I will admit it was a bit tiring how much she chafed under the concern of her husband, but also how much Derick tried to stop her from doing what she had always done. Still, I like seeing their story progress.
The mystery was interesting. It begins as a poisoning, though no one knows what the poison is. Things get serious as more women are affected and the first victim dies, raising the tension and the stakes. The main setting is Vinland, another house I’d never heard of, but the pictures online are gorgeous.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series. Fans of the series and readers who enjoy historical mysteries will enjoy this one. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
It was a delight to return to the gilded age to see what Emma is going to come up against next. I will admit it was a bit tiring how much she chafed under the concern of her husband, but also how much Derick tried to stop her from doing what she had always done. Still, I like seeing their story progress.
The mystery was interesting. It begins as a poisoning, though no one knows what the poison is. Things get serious as more women are affected and the first victim dies, raising the tension and the stakes. The main setting is Vinland, another house I’d never heard of, but the pictures online are gorgeous.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series. Fans of the series and readers who enjoy historical mysteries will enjoy this one. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 16, 2024
We're in 1901 in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. Newspaperwoman Emma Cross Andrews attends a fundraising luncheon at Vinland, the home of one of her Vanderbilt relatives. Speakers include Second Lady Edith Roosevelt and National Audubon Society representatives from Massachusetts and Florida.
One of the guests is found dead with a partially filled box of petit fours containing one of Mrs. Roosevelt's cards. Another becomes quite ill after starting to eat a single petit four from a box containing the card of the speaker from Massachusetts.
Emma, her husband, publisher Derrick Andrews, friend Detective Jesse Whyte, and Emma's staff work together to identify, review, and discard numerous suspects before coming to a conclusion that surprised me.
As in previous books in this twelve book series, there are rich descriptions of the locale and characters. This entry could be read as a standalone, but is likely better appreciated by someone who has read and seen the developments of charcters in the preceding books.
This review is based on an advance review copy from NetGalley and publisher Kensington.
One of the guests is found dead with a partially filled box of petit fours containing one of Mrs. Roosevelt's cards. Another becomes quite ill after starting to eat a single petit four from a box containing the card of the speaker from Massachusetts.
Emma, her husband, publisher Derrick Andrews, friend Detective Jesse Whyte, and Emma's staff work together to identify, review, and discard numerous suspects before coming to a conclusion that surprised me.
As in previous books in this twelve book series, there are rich descriptions of the locale and characters. This entry could be read as a standalone, but is likely better appreciated by someone who has read and seen the developments of charcters in the preceding books.
This review is based on an advance review copy from NetGalley and publisher Kensington.
March 7, 2025
History Mystery
This one not my fave. Slow pace. Lots of places the author could have inserted more fleshing out of characters. Instead three quarters of the way to the end she gives a recap of the already slow paced book. Main character seemed less confident than in previous books and continuously repeats her life goals. It was rather disappointing compared to the previous books in the series.
This one not my fave. Slow pace. Lots of places the author could have inserted more fleshing out of characters. Instead three quarters of the way to the end she gives a recap of the already slow paced book. Main character seemed less confident than in previous books and continuously repeats her life goals. It was rather disappointing compared to the previous books in the series.
December 6, 2024
A cozy mystery set in Rhode Island with Emma Cross Andrews having to
Solve a murder after a lady dies after being poisoned at the Audubon
Society meeting. The candy was sent by Edith Roosevelt,wife of the Vice
President. The ladies are guests of Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. This tale is
Well written and told with strong characters and plenty of suspects,twists
And turns. Recommended.
Solve a murder after a lady dies after being poisoned at the Audubon
Society meeting. The candy was sent by Edith Roosevelt,wife of the Vice
President. The ladies are guests of Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. This tale is
Well written and told with strong characters and plenty of suspects,twists
And turns. Recommended.
September 14, 2024
Newport, Rhode Island - 1901
Emma Andrews is newly married to Derrick Andrews and they own the local newspaper, “Messenger.” Emma has long been a reporter for the newspaper and is also a distant cousin of the Cornelius Vanderbilt family. Today, she has been invited to a newly built mansion called Vinland built with the Vikings in mind. The event is a charitable luncheon to support the Audubon Society and hosted by Mrs. Twombly, sister of the second Cornelius Vanderbilt. Emma is seated at a table with Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, wife of the Vice President of the U.S. who is a big supporter of the Audubon Society. There Emma also meets Miss Amity Carter and her niece, Zinnia Lewis from Florida. Amity has just inherited the land next to Emma’s home, Gull Manor, and she wishes to see the property. Emma and Derrick have hopes of turning Gull Manor into a girls school and purchasing this property to build their home. Emma invites the ladies to see the property and hopes she will want to sell it. Amity says it’s a lovely place but agrees to sell it to Emma and Derrick. Emma insists that the two ladies stay with them for a few days as they work out the sale.
The day after the luncheon, Emma learns that a woman who had attended and is staying at Vinland was quite ill with food poisoning. Thankfully, others are OK. As the days go by, other people that Emma knows disappear and the plot thickens as to could have gotten hold of a very dangerous toxin to injure or kill someone. Emma, being the sleuth that she is, begins an investigation into this conundrum and the possible people who could have been involved. Is someone after women who wear the feathers of birds that people of the Audubon Society work so hard to protect?
As always, this author has penned a book that requires the reader’s strict attention to try and solve the mystery. She is incredibly good at writing books that make readers sit up and pay close attention to the story and see if they can figure out the perpetrator(s). Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Emma Andrews is newly married to Derrick Andrews and they own the local newspaper, “Messenger.” Emma has long been a reporter for the newspaper and is also a distant cousin of the Cornelius Vanderbilt family. Today, she has been invited to a newly built mansion called Vinland built with the Vikings in mind. The event is a charitable luncheon to support the Audubon Society and hosted by Mrs. Twombly, sister of the second Cornelius Vanderbilt. Emma is seated at a table with Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, wife of the Vice President of the U.S. who is a big supporter of the Audubon Society. There Emma also meets Miss Amity Carter and her niece, Zinnia Lewis from Florida. Amity has just inherited the land next to Emma’s home, Gull Manor, and she wishes to see the property. Emma and Derrick have hopes of turning Gull Manor into a girls school and purchasing this property to build their home. Emma invites the ladies to see the property and hopes she will want to sell it. Amity says it’s a lovely place but agrees to sell it to Emma and Derrick. Emma insists that the two ladies stay with them for a few days as they work out the sale.
The day after the luncheon, Emma learns that a woman who had attended and is staying at Vinland was quite ill with food poisoning. Thankfully, others are OK. As the days go by, other people that Emma knows disappear and the plot thickens as to could have gotten hold of a very dangerous toxin to injure or kill someone. Emma, being the sleuth that she is, begins an investigation into this conundrum and the possible people who could have been involved. Is someone after women who wear the feathers of birds that people of the Audubon Society work so hard to protect?
As always, this author has penned a book that requires the reader’s strict attention to try and solve the mystery. She is incredibly good at writing books that make readers sit up and pay close attention to the story and see if they can figure out the perpetrator(s). Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 20, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alyssa Maxwell for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Vinland coming out August 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 1901: A fundraiser for a new Rhode Island Audubon Society brings Emma to Vinland, the Viking-themed seaside home of her relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, where the guest of honor is Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. Listening to the speakers and observing the ladies in attendance, Emma is struck by the contrast of the Viking warrior–inspired elements in the house and the admirable but admittedly genteel cause of bird protection. Vinland bears the name of the Vikings’ first landfall in North America, but in this room today there is most assuredly no one to fear.
Emma’s observation of harmless philanthropy is proven wrong the following morning when one of Mrs. Twombly’s houseguests from the luncheon becomes mysteriously and dangerously ill. Accompanying police detective Jesse Whyte, Emma discovers a box of petit fours supposedly sent by Mrs. Roosevelt. They promptly rule out the Second Lady as a suspect, but someone has poisoned the cakes.
Soon another box of desserts as well as letters tainted with ink containing caustic toxins show up at other grand Newport cottages. Are the ladies from the luncheon being targeted? Emma and Jesse must sort through possible motives and means because now more than the birds need protection . . .
I’m so obsessed with this series and this author! I just love everything about this time period and these characters. I now have Rhode Island on my bucket list. The Gilded Age was a crazy time and I love learning about it. I’m obsessed with Vikings as well, so the plot of this book was really fun for me. I love Emma and Derrick as characters. I also love Jesse and I was excited to see more of him in this book. I can’t wait to read more books in the series!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Gilded Age murder mysteries!
August 1901: A fundraiser for a new Rhode Island Audubon Society brings Emma to Vinland, the Viking-themed seaside home of her relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, where the guest of honor is Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. Listening to the speakers and observing the ladies in attendance, Emma is struck by the contrast of the Viking warrior–inspired elements in the house and the admirable but admittedly genteel cause of bird protection. Vinland bears the name of the Vikings’ first landfall in North America, but in this room today there is most assuredly no one to fear.
Emma’s observation of harmless philanthropy is proven wrong the following morning when one of Mrs. Twombly’s houseguests from the luncheon becomes mysteriously and dangerously ill. Accompanying police detective Jesse Whyte, Emma discovers a box of petit fours supposedly sent by Mrs. Roosevelt. They promptly rule out the Second Lady as a suspect, but someone has poisoned the cakes.
Soon another box of desserts as well as letters tainted with ink containing caustic toxins show up at other grand Newport cottages. Are the ladies from the luncheon being targeted? Emma and Jesse must sort through possible motives and means because now more than the birds need protection . . .
I’m so obsessed with this series and this author! I just love everything about this time period and these characters. I now have Rhode Island on my bucket list. The Gilded Age was a crazy time and I love learning about it. I’m obsessed with Vikings as well, so the plot of this book was really fun for me. I love Emma and Derrick as characters. I also love Jesse and I was excited to see more of him in this book. I can’t wait to read more books in the series!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Gilded Age murder mysteries!
August 23, 2024
Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell
This location I have seen from the Cliff Walk side as we viewed the Great Migration of Elephants, pictures enclosed showing Vinland a of Aug 4, 2024. I also recall a scene from the story about being along the Cliff Walk and I know where the spot is that is so dangerous. They now have fences up but really how safe are they?
Story starts out with Emma, and her and Derrick are married and run one of the newspapers in Newport, RI 1905. Very familiar with a lot of the locations being a bit local to them but am able to find out more about the older days. Also love the new words I discovered. She attends a tea party and one of the speakers is soliciting for a bird foundation to help protect the birds in the area. She hopes to raise enough money to get the project started. There is so much going on in this story that all link together. The plot of land next to Gull House they hope to buy so Emma can start a finishing school in Newport. They have the owner of the land and her niece staying with them and Zinnia is a painter and she knows her subjects well. Love excursions they go on: Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge area among other beaches in the area. So cool to look back. Problem with the story is it had me sitting on the edge of my seat many times as the plot thickened and death occurred. I can never figure out who the culprit is even with all the clues. It points in so many directions and Emma helps Jessie the detective figure things out. She does put herself in harms way, as usual.
Love this series and hope more end up being a movie as one did. Excellent job of all the history presented. Took me over 3 days to read, didn't want to read it in one sitting but digest it and make it last longer.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.
This location I have seen from the Cliff Walk side as we viewed the Great Migration of Elephants, pictures enclosed showing Vinland a of Aug 4, 2024. I also recall a scene from the story about being along the Cliff Walk and I know where the spot is that is so dangerous. They now have fences up but really how safe are they?
Story starts out with Emma, and her and Derrick are married and run one of the newspapers in Newport, RI 1905. Very familiar with a lot of the locations being a bit local to them but am able to find out more about the older days. Also love the new words I discovered. She attends a tea party and one of the speakers is soliciting for a bird foundation to help protect the birds in the area. She hopes to raise enough money to get the project started. There is so much going on in this story that all link together. The plot of land next to Gull House they hope to buy so Emma can start a finishing school in Newport. They have the owner of the land and her niece staying with them and Zinnia is a painter and she knows her subjects well. Love excursions they go on: Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge area among other beaches in the area. So cool to look back. Problem with the story is it had me sitting on the edge of my seat many times as the plot thickened and death occurred. I can never figure out who the culprit is even with all the clues. It points in so many directions and Emma helps Jessie the detective figure things out. She does put herself in harms way, as usual.
Love this series and hope more end up being a movie as one did. Excellent job of all the history presented. Took me over 3 days to read, didn't want to read it in one sitting but digest it and make it last longer.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2025
Emma Cross Andrews back on the case. The amateur sleuth and Newport newspaper reporter with close family ties to the Vanderbilts is invited to a fundraiser that is meant to help fund the founding of a new Rhode Island Audobon Society. The guest of honor is Edith Roosevelt, the wife of Vice President Teddy Roosevelt. It is the usual high society event with talks about the topic of the day, amazing food, and representatives of all the most important ladies.
Unfortunately, the luncheon housed at Vinland, a mansion modeled after a nearby tower many believe to be build by the Vikings, goes horribly wrong when a number of the attendees end up quite ill ... and poison might be the root cause.
As usual, Emma finds herself working with childhood friend and police detective Jesse Whyte. The scary thing about the situation is that while it was first believed that the poison was distributed through the catered food, small boxes of desserts are showing up at other Newport "cottages" with the toxin. Can Jesse and Emma sole the problem before more of Newports most high-born ladies fall ill or die.
I have always really enjoyed the books in this series. Not only are the mysteries fun and interesting, but it is so enjoyable getting to explore some of the famous mansions of Newport during the height of their fashion. Maxwell really makes you feel like you are in the buildings, many of which I have actually visited and event stayed in overnight.
I alway slike to pick these up as soon as possible when they come out.
Unfortunately, the luncheon housed at Vinland, a mansion modeled after a nearby tower many believe to be build by the Vikings, goes horribly wrong when a number of the attendees end up quite ill ... and poison might be the root cause.
As usual, Emma finds herself working with childhood friend and police detective Jesse Whyte. The scary thing about the situation is that while it was first believed that the poison was distributed through the catered food, small boxes of desserts are showing up at other Newport "cottages" with the toxin. Can Jesse and Emma sole the problem before more of Newports most high-born ladies fall ill or die.
I have always really enjoyed the books in this series. Not only are the mysteries fun and interesting, but it is so enjoyable getting to explore some of the famous mansions of Newport during the height of their fashion. Maxwell really makes you feel like you are in the buildings, many of which I have actually visited and event stayed in overnight.
I alway slike to pick these up as soon as possible when they come out.
November 12, 2024
Murder at Vinland is the twelfth historical cozy mystery in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series. In Rhode Island during the early nineteen hundreds we join Emma Andrews as she tries to uncover another murderer. This time someone is sending around poisoned treats and letters laced with toxins. No one knows who will be the next target and with everyone on edge, Emma can’t rest until she gets to the bottom of the mystery. With the help of Jesse, the local police detective, Emma is determined to unravel the clues before the killer strikes again.
I have loved this series from the beginning and this latest mystery doesn’t disappoint. The Rhode Island setting in the early nineteen hundreds is perfect for this cozy mystery series and I enjoy the characters during this time period. A lot of the characters are shaped after the names we know from that time period and I think that adds a bit more intrigue to this series. Emma is a great lead sleuth and I enjoy following along with her as she searches for the answers. This mystery was a page turner and kept me engrossed the whole time. In some ways I guessed at the ending, but there were also some twists and turns that threw me off along the way. If you are a fan of historical cozies this mystery is for you! This book can be read as a stand alone, but if you haven’t checked out the rest of the series yet it is worth it! I look forward to seeing what comes next for Emma.
I have loved this series from the beginning and this latest mystery doesn’t disappoint. The Rhode Island setting in the early nineteen hundreds is perfect for this cozy mystery series and I enjoy the characters during this time period. A lot of the characters are shaped after the names we know from that time period and I think that adds a bit more intrigue to this series. Emma is a great lead sleuth and I enjoy following along with her as she searches for the answers. This mystery was a page turner and kept me engrossed the whole time. In some ways I guessed at the ending, but there were also some twists and turns that threw me off along the way. If you are a fan of historical cozies this mystery is for you! This book can be read as a stand alone, but if you haven’t checked out the rest of the series yet it is worth it! I look forward to seeing what comes next for Emma.
August 14, 2024
The twelfth book in Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport series maintains the historical interest and puzzling plots of her previous books. Emma Cross, as usual, despite her husband Derrick’s concerns, keeps you holding your breath as she embarks on her relentless, and always dangerous, pursuit of a killer.
As a person who lives near beautiful Newport and loves visiting the mansions and historic areas, these books are particularly interesting. I find myself going to websites to get further details of the characters who really did live and socialize during this period.
In this book, it is the start of the Audubon Society movement to protect birds who
were facing extinction due to the fashion for feathered hats. Coincidentally, I also live near an Audubon preserve in Florida where the birds were nearly wiped out by the profits from feathers. As always, the mansions, the elegant parties and the personalities and foibles of the very rich, are vividly described by Maxwell.
This is a series best read book by book to fully enjoy getting to know the main characters and the development of the relationship between Emma and Derrick.
For plot, setting and characters, this is a most enjoyable addition to the Gilded Newport series.
As a person who lives near beautiful Newport and loves visiting the mansions and historic areas, these books are particularly interesting. I find myself going to websites to get further details of the characters who really did live and socialize during this period.
In this book, it is the start of the Audubon Society movement to protect birds who
were facing extinction due to the fashion for feathered hats. Coincidentally, I also live near an Audubon preserve in Florida where the birds were nearly wiped out by the profits from feathers. As always, the mansions, the elegant parties and the personalities and foibles of the very rich, are vividly described by Maxwell.
This is a series best read book by book to fully enjoy getting to know the main characters and the development of the relationship between Emma and Derrick.
For plot, setting and characters, this is a most enjoyable addition to the Gilded Newport series.
July 19, 2024
Emma is now married to Derrick. She goes to a luncheon party at Vinland about the Audubon Society. The owner of Vinland is Emma's relative Mrs. Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, and the party also highlights the presence of Edith Roosevelt, wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt and Jennie, who has come from Florida to establish the RI Audubon Society. The next day, Mrs. Robinson, a guest at the party and houseguest at Vinlands becomes very ill. Emma finds a box of pettit fours in the room with a note saying it's compliments of Mrs. Roosevelt. When another woman receives a tainted gift, Emma and Jesse, the police man she has helped before need to find who is poisoning the elite in New Port.
Things become very complicated for Emma and Jesse. There are several different possible culprits. First was the engagement that was ended. Then Emma has decided the poison is something that has come from trees in Florida. The Audubon woman and Emma's houseguests all have come from Florida. However, it still isn't clear why certain folks have been poisoned. And then, all of a sudden, Emma is in terrible danger.
This is a very clever book. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC before publication.
Things become very complicated for Emma and Jesse. There are several different possible culprits. First was the engagement that was ended. Then Emma has decided the poison is something that has come from trees in Florida. The Audubon woman and Emma's houseguests all have come from Florida. However, it still isn't clear why certain folks have been poisoned. And then, all of a sudden, Emma is in terrible danger.
This is a very clever book. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC before publication.
September 5, 2024
There is nothing cosy about the latest installment in the Gilded Newport Mysteries. The women known as “The Four Hundred” are in danger, dropping like flies, and no one is sure why. Tangled up in the mystery of why this is happening is the continuation of the story of Emmaline Cross Andrews, her family, her job as a reporter and her marriage elevating her status from a poorer relation to the Vanderbilts to a member of the wealthy Newport community.
Maxwell plumbs the history of Newport at the turn of the century, its wealthy summer residents and the infamous architecture of their summer Cottages. I especially enjoyed the setting of Vinland as it is one of the Mansions that is not open to the public. I have had the opportunity to visit all the Mansions that are open for touring and have walked the grounds of Salve Regina University but have never been able to gain entrance. Having the interior described and discusses was a bonus.
This was another great addition to the Gilded Newport Mysteries with a nod to the dialog, customs and social strictures of life in Newport around 1900. Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp and NetGalley for a copy.
Maxwell plumbs the history of Newport at the turn of the century, its wealthy summer residents and the infamous architecture of their summer Cottages. I especially enjoyed the setting of Vinland as it is one of the Mansions that is not open to the public. I have had the opportunity to visit all the Mansions that are open for touring and have walked the grounds of Salve Regina University but have never been able to gain entrance. Having the interior described and discusses was a bonus.
This was another great addition to the Gilded Newport Mysteries with a nod to the dialog, customs and social strictures of life in Newport around 1900. Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp and NetGalley for a copy.
September 5, 2024
Another fine installment in the Gilded Newport mysteries series by @alyssamaxwellauthor. This time a murder has occurred at the home of our intrepid lady reporter, Emmaline Cross's relative Florence Twombly (and I was sort of tickled to be reading this book on Labor Day as one of the better known stories about Mrs. Twombly involves her never having heard of Labor Day).
There were actually a lot of moving parts in this one. The basically crime is that wealthy women of the four hundred are being sent poison in the mail. At the same time Emma and her, fairly, new husband are hoping to buy the property next to her inherited cottage and have the owners, out of town from Florida, stay as houseguests. Throw in a mother and daughter who are down on their luck, proponents of the Audubon Society, and many members of Emma's distant relatives, the Vanderbilts, who she gets along with at varying degrees. Nice to see Alva again, Grace as usual, Alice and Gertrude, and of course Mrs. Twombly herself.
It was a fun installment. I cannot believe how many books are in this series now. But I hope they keep coming!
There were actually a lot of moving parts in this one. The basically crime is that wealthy women of the four hundred are being sent poison in the mail. At the same time Emma and her, fairly, new husband are hoping to buy the property next to her inherited cottage and have the owners, out of town from Florida, stay as houseguests. Throw in a mother and daughter who are down on their luck, proponents of the Audubon Society, and many members of Emma's distant relatives, the Vanderbilts, who she gets along with at varying degrees. Nice to see Alva again, Grace as usual, Alice and Gertrude, and of course Mrs. Twombly herself.
It was a fun installment. I cannot believe how many books are in this series now. But I hope they keep coming!
November 2, 2024
It’s probably time for this series to come to an end.
Much as I’ve enjoyed these books in the past, all good things must come to an end, and we’ve reached the point with this series where it seems to have run out of gas.
Setting has never been as much of a priority in these books as I feel it should be in historical mysteries, but we’re seeing even less of it now than we did at the beginning of the series. We see less and less history too, as the books have slowly turned more toward focusing on plot and the lives of the central characters.
Said characters are perfectly fine and likable, but they’re not especially interesting outside of how they go about solving the mystery at hand in any particular installment of the series. And now we’ve got a pregnant MC, which has pretty much killed off any mystery series that has tried this.
The mystery itself was fine and Maxwell’s writing style is always pleasant, but I think it’s time for a fresh start and a new series. This one has run its course.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Much as I’ve enjoyed these books in the past, all good things must come to an end, and we’ve reached the point with this series where it seems to have run out of gas.
Setting has never been as much of a priority in these books as I feel it should be in historical mysteries, but we’re seeing even less of it now than we did at the beginning of the series. We see less and less history too, as the books have slowly turned more toward focusing on plot and the lives of the central characters.
Said characters are perfectly fine and likable, but they’re not especially interesting outside of how they go about solving the mystery at hand in any particular installment of the series. And now we’ve got a pregnant MC, which has pretty much killed off any mystery series that has tried this.
The mystery itself was fine and Maxwell’s writing style is always pleasant, but I think it’s time for a fresh start and a new series. This one has run its course.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 5, 2024
After a trip to Newport years ago, I became hooked on learning about the people behind those jaw-dropping mansions. Alyssa Maxwell does a great job blending real historical figures and their homes with her fictional characters, creating an atmosphere that instantly transports you to the Gilded Age. And let’s talk about fascinating Emma Cross Andrews. She’s the star of the series—a distant (and relatively poor) relative of the Vanderbilts who works as a journalist, which was pretty rare career for women at the turn of the century.
In this latest book, Emma investigates who's lacing sweets and mail with a deadly toxin and sending them to some of Newport’s high society ladies. It’s got a great plot, with plenty of suspects and a motive that keeps you guessing. While the series is best read in order to catch all the character development, it’s not a must if you want to dive right in.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!
In this latest book, Emma investigates who's lacing sweets and mail with a deadly toxin and sending them to some of Newport’s high society ladies. It’s got a great plot, with plenty of suspects and a motive that keeps you guessing. While the series is best read in order to catch all the character development, it’s not a must if you want to dive right in.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!
May 14, 2024
Emma Andrews searches for the person who murdered one of Newport's leading society ladies with a box of poisoned pastries in this mystery set during Newport's Gilded Age. Emma works with the local police, her husband, long-time friends, and some new acquaintances to figure out the method and motives for this complex murder. The author drops some clues along the way, but I admit I was surprised by the reveal - although I could see the path the author had laid for her readers to follow. As always the details of class and society during this time period are fascinating, and it's lovely to see the relationships between characters develop. Murder at Vinland can be read as a standalone as many of the key witnesses are new, but it's helpful to have insights from previous books about the recurring characters' relationships. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Kensington for the ARC.
July 22, 2024
Murder at Vinland is a welcome addition to Alyssa Maxwell’s “Gilded Newport” series. Emma Cross Andrews remains a fiery, independent journalist, despite the fact that she is now a married woman in 1901 Newport. Once again, her connections to the Four Hundred allow her to get close to members of society, after a woman is poisoned after a luncheon at Vinland, and Emma assists the police in their investigation. Aspects of Emma’s personal life—the attempt to purchase neighboring property, the activities of her houseguests, and her relationships with distant Vanderbilt relatives—add color and may or may not have bearing on the nefarious things afoot in Newport. This is a wonderful series for fans of historical fiction and mysteries and I’m happy to have had the opportunity to read an ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2024
Another great mystery from Alyssa Maxwell. I always enjoy the blend of historical characters and early 1900s Newport with the fictional murder. Having read the entire series, I love that Emma is married and still working at the newspaper with the full support of her husband. As always, I adore the family that Emma has created for herself with Nanny and Katie at Gull Manor and the way she can move between worlds. There were many suspects throughout the book and many potential motives but little dropped hints and suggestions of both the murderer and other family issues. Before the end, I had mostly figured out the murder but not the motive which allowed me to still be surprised. I’m looking forward to how Emma confronts the upcoming changes in their lives in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
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