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Gilded Newport Mysteries #2
Murder at Marble House
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America’s 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries…
With the dawn of the twentieth century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance. . .Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her eighteen-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress--Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.
But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice--or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder. . .
With the dawn of the twentieth century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance. . .Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her eighteen-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress--Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.
But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice--or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder. . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
703 people are currently reading
2182 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,081 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 279 reviews
November 3, 2024
We are once again in August 1895 in Newport, Rhode Island. Emma Cross, society reporter for the local paper, has her morning interrupted when her distance cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt calls begging for Emma to come over to Marble House. While Emma finds herself caught up in some family drama, the last thing she expects is that her visit will end in murder. But that’s just what happens when the fortune teller that Alva Vanderbilt has hired is found dead behind the estate. When a family member vanishes, Emma starts to investigate. Can she find out what happened?
This book picks up right after the last one ends. While it doesn’t spoil the murder itself, it does give away some ongoing storylines. The story presents an interesting mystery, but the pacing does get off at times. We get some developments in Emma’s personal life, and I’m not sure I’m on her side as much after some of what happened here. If I’m this opinionated, clearly, I’m finding the characters real, and that includes real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, the author includes a bit about what is true and what she twisted to make her plot work, which I always appreciate. I read this book right after getting to visit Newport, which made it easier to picture some of the locations. I’m already wishing I’d had time to really explore the locations more when I was there. Overall, this is a good second entry, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book picks up right after the last one ends. While it doesn’t spoil the murder itself, it does give away some ongoing storylines. The story presents an interesting mystery, but the pacing does get off at times. We get some developments in Emma’s personal life, and I’m not sure I’m on her side as much after some of what happened here. If I’m this opinionated, clearly, I’m finding the characters real, and that includes real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, the author includes a bit about what is true and what she twisted to make her plot work, which I always appreciate. I read this book right after getting to visit Newport, which made it easier to picture some of the locations. I’m already wishing I’d had time to really explore the locations more when I was there. Overall, this is a good second entry, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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July 29, 2017DNF. Book slump in full force. Will try this one again later.
October 10, 2025
8/10: 4⭐️’s
Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still delightful! I adore Emma and her determination to do the right thing and stand up for herself and others and her resolve to be independent at a time when that was highly unusual for a woman. But…..
Emma….there is Derrick. He doesn’t want you to change. He knows you don’t. Heck, he showed you self defense because he knew you wouldn’t stop sticking your beak in other peoples business to try and solve the latest murder. He wants you to be as safe as you can be. I was swooning. And I no longer really do that.
And then there is Jesse. He admires your investigative skills. Although, yes, frowns upon you using them because of your propensity for dangerous situations.
And you obviously have feelings for Derrick. I have feelings for Derrick for craps sake. And I don’t do that anymore.
Yeah, yeah, yay you solved the murder, yay you, but really, come on Emma. So while I adore her, I am also frustrated because I am getting into the little romance side of things, of which there isn’t much, but it’s quite sweet. I will be continuing with the series. Cute cozy mystery among the not so cute cozy mysteries I read/listen to.
Original rating and review posted: 10/10/25
Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still delightful! I adore Emma and her determination to do the right thing and stand up for herself and others and her resolve to be independent at a time when that was highly unusual for a woman. But…..
Emma….there is Derrick. He doesn’t want you to change. He knows you don’t. Heck, he showed you self defense because he knew you wouldn’t stop sticking your beak in other peoples business to try and solve the latest murder. He wants you to be as safe as you can be. I was swooning. And I no longer really do that.
And then there is Jesse. He admires your investigative skills. Although, yes, frowns upon you using them because of your propensity for dangerous situations.
And you obviously have feelings for Derrick. I have feelings for Derrick for craps sake. And I don’t do that anymore.
Yeah, yeah, yay you solved the murder, yay you, but really, come on Emma. So while I adore her, I am also frustrated because I am getting into the little romance side of things, of which there isn’t much, but it’s quite sweet. I will be continuing with the series. Cute cozy mystery among the not so cute cozy mysteries I read/listen to.
Original rating and review posted: 10/10/25
October 24, 2016
This is the second book in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series set in Newport, Rhode Island just before the turn of the twentieth century. The story begins right where the first book ended. Emma Cross is a poor relation of the wealthy Vanderbilt family so she has a relationship with people in the society crowd but also able to befriend the lower class. She inherited her home from her Aunt Sadie, a lady who lived her life as she wished and was always ready to help young women who needed a helping hand. Emma uses her home to pick up where Aunt Sadie left off. Emma works at the Newport Observer as a society page writer but would prefer to write more meaty articles. Unfortunately, her boss says that it is a man's job. This doesn't stop Emma from trying to investigate crimes and she always seems to be in the middle of those events. This time she is at her Aunt Alva's home after being summoned by her Consuela, her distraught cousin, when a fortune teller is murdered in the garden. In all of the excitement, her cousin, Consuela disappeared. Aunt Alva has arranged a marriage between Consuela and the Duke of Marlborough. He needs the Vanderbilt money and Alva wants her daughter to be a duchess. Emma feels that the murder and Consuela's disappearance are connected, so she runs around town following leads to try to solve the mysteries. She seems to get in trouble wherever the tips take her but local detective Jesse Whyte and her friend Derrick Andrews, both of whom would like a closer relationship with her, come to her rescue. The characters are well developed and the descriptions of the settings are very detailed. In particular, there is a great deal of information about the clothing of the day and customs of society. The mystery of the murders and disappearance of Consuela kept me guessing until the end. This is a great cozy historical mystery.
November 15, 2019
Emma Cross receives a frantic phone call from her cousin Consuelo Vanderbilt. Hurrying to Marble House, Emma speaks with her Aunt Alva who asks Emma to talk some sense into Consuelo. Alva has arranged a marriage between the Duke of Marlborough and her daughter, but Consuelo wants nothing to do with it. Alva has even hired a fortune teller to convince her daughter that this is the path she should take. Unfortunately, the fortune teller is found strangled and Consuelo soon disappears from the estate. Emma quickly tries to figure out who killed the fortune teller and find where her cousin disappeared to. Did someone kidnap Consuelo or did she run away because of her upcoming engagement?
This story picks up immediately following "Murder at the Breakers". Though there were a number of suspects, I thought the plot was thin and the story dragged in some places. I have a problem with the heroine of the series. Emma is an independent woman, but won't stand up to her newspaper publisher boss who gives her stories to other reporters. What I did like was the use of real historical characters in the story. Alva Vanderbilt was famous for her temper and her dislike of her sister-in-law. She railroaded her daughter into a marriage she didn't want. I thought incorporating these facts into the story was very well done. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This story picks up immediately following "Murder at the Breakers". Though there were a number of suspects, I thought the plot was thin and the story dragged in some places. I have a problem with the heroine of the series. Emma is an independent woman, but won't stand up to her newspaper publisher boss who gives her stories to other reporters. What I did like was the use of real historical characters in the story. Alva Vanderbilt was famous for her temper and her dislike of her sister-in-law. She railroaded her daughter into a marriage she didn't want. I thought incorporating these facts into the story was very well done. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
May 14, 2022
Following on the heels of the first book, Murder at Marble House returns to Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island, the summer playground of families the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Astors. I was captivated by the attention to historical detail, character descriptions, and exciting mystery plot of the first book as told by a good narrator so I easily settled right in for this next installment.
As book two in the series and directly following the previous book, Murder at Marble House works best in order, but the mystery is standalone so it could be listened to standalone, I guess.
Emma is shoring up her heart and settling in her own mind all the reasons she said no to a marriage proposal from a man she loves. One of those reasons is that she has fought hard to stay independent and follow her newspaper journalism career. Her own conscience niggles when her forceful Aunt Alva threatens a dire ‘or else’ if she doesn’t persuade her cousin Consuelo to accept the proposal of a duke interested in shoring up his fortunes with an American Vanderbilt heiress.
But, then she is distracted by the murder of her aunt’s fortunetelling guest and the disappearance of Consuelo.
The previous book introduced Emma, a strong-minded woman who grew up in old Newport, who strives to be taken seriously as more than a society reporter, and tends to downplay her connection as a Vanderbilt. Now she adds detecting to her resume. She can’t help it since each occasion involves family and she is well situated to work the case. I have mixed feelings about Emma. I admire much of what she does and her big heart for others, but as a detective, not so much. She has a tendency to fling angry half-baked accusations about and stupidly rush heedless into danger. There are exciting moments in the book and often this is the reason. Fortunately, she can be smart and dig up clues, too.
Then there is the return of Emma’s love interest who definitely doesn’t take her ‘no’ as a ‘never’ so is busy working, even pushing her, to change her mind even while they are there for the mystery. I admit to getting tired of Emma’s independence rhetoric, but Derrick wasn’t impressing me much either being pushy though that doesn’t mean I didn’t like him for Emma if they can work past their issues.
For all my mixed feelings about Emma’s detecting prowess and that romance, setting the mystery on the island and Newport among the lofty wealthy with it all detailed out so the listener can picture it all is fabulous. I love these wealthy families and their ‘cottages’ as backdrops for a mystery. So much rivalry, pretention, and hidden secrets to keep up reputation and place in society adds good color to the situation. It seemed everyone was a viable suspect as things came out. I know I didn’t figure out the who and the why, but Emma landed on the truth in the end.
Eva Kaminsky has long been a favorite narrator and I enjoy her voicing of the characters and capturing the tone of the story. I’m glad to see she is doing the whole series.
All in all, it was lovely to experience the Gilded Age Newport and the lavishness of that long-gone world while following along as an intrepid amateur detective delves into secrets and followed the trail of a murderer. I’ll recommend it to historical mystery lovers who lean toward the cozy rather than thriller end of the mystery spectrum.
I rec'd an audio copy from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
As book two in the series and directly following the previous book, Murder at Marble House works best in order, but the mystery is standalone so it could be listened to standalone, I guess.
Emma is shoring up her heart and settling in her own mind all the reasons she said no to a marriage proposal from a man she loves. One of those reasons is that she has fought hard to stay independent and follow her newspaper journalism career. Her own conscience niggles when her forceful Aunt Alva threatens a dire ‘or else’ if she doesn’t persuade her cousin Consuelo to accept the proposal of a duke interested in shoring up his fortunes with an American Vanderbilt heiress.
But, then she is distracted by the murder of her aunt’s fortunetelling guest and the disappearance of Consuelo.
The previous book introduced Emma, a strong-minded woman who grew up in old Newport, who strives to be taken seriously as more than a society reporter, and tends to downplay her connection as a Vanderbilt. Now she adds detecting to her resume. She can’t help it since each occasion involves family and she is well situated to work the case. I have mixed feelings about Emma. I admire much of what she does and her big heart for others, but as a detective, not so much. She has a tendency to fling angry half-baked accusations about and stupidly rush heedless into danger. There are exciting moments in the book and often this is the reason. Fortunately, she can be smart and dig up clues, too.
Then there is the return of Emma’s love interest who definitely doesn’t take her ‘no’ as a ‘never’ so is busy working, even pushing her, to change her mind even while they are there for the mystery. I admit to getting tired of Emma’s independence rhetoric, but Derrick wasn’t impressing me much either being pushy though that doesn’t mean I didn’t like him for Emma if they can work past their issues.
For all my mixed feelings about Emma’s detecting prowess and that romance, setting the mystery on the island and Newport among the lofty wealthy with it all detailed out so the listener can picture it all is fabulous. I love these wealthy families and their ‘cottages’ as backdrops for a mystery. So much rivalry, pretention, and hidden secrets to keep up reputation and place in society adds good color to the situation. It seemed everyone was a viable suspect as things came out. I know I didn’t figure out the who and the why, but Emma landed on the truth in the end.
Eva Kaminsky has long been a favorite narrator and I enjoy her voicing of the characters and capturing the tone of the story. I’m glad to see she is doing the whole series.
All in all, it was lovely to experience the Gilded Age Newport and the lavishness of that long-gone world while following along as an intrepid amateur detective delves into secrets and followed the trail of a murderer. I’ll recommend it to historical mystery lovers who lean toward the cozy rather than thriller end of the mystery spectrum.
I rec'd an audio copy from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Altra bella storia. Mi piace come vi facciano parte anche personaggi veramente esistiti.
Altra bella storia. Mi piace come vi facciano parte anche personaggi veramente esistiti.
November 18, 2023
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
Delightful mix of history and cozy mystery.
Delightful mix of history and cozy mystery.
July 26, 2014
I can usually put a book down long enough to grab some sleep, but I literally stayed up last night until 3:30 finishing this well-crafted mystery. In the first few pages, I was hooked by the vivid descriptions of buildings and grounds, historical accuracy and the main character's likability.
Emma is a poor relation to the famous Vanderbilts of Newport. Her status means that she is, at once, welcome in the family homes (as long as there are no really important visitors,) yet free to pursue her overwhelming desire to right wrongs and help the downtrodden. Not afraid to face danger as she strives to solve her family's intriguing mystery, she finds herself in some terrifying situations.
As I read, no, devoured this story, I was reminded of "An Old Fashioned Girl" by Louisa Mae Alcott as well as the Irene Adler series by Carole Nelson Douglas. It, too, gives us wonderful insight into the lives of the upper crust in the late nineteenth century.
If you go for historical romance with your cozy mysteries, look no farther.
Emma is a poor relation to the famous Vanderbilts of Newport. Her status means that she is, at once, welcome in the family homes (as long as there are no really important visitors,) yet free to pursue her overwhelming desire to right wrongs and help the downtrodden. Not afraid to face danger as she strives to solve her family's intriguing mystery, she finds herself in some terrifying situations.
As I read, no, devoured this story, I was reminded of "An Old Fashioned Girl" by Louisa Mae Alcott as well as the Irene Adler series by Carole Nelson Douglas. It, too, gives us wonderful insight into the lives of the upper crust in the late nineteenth century.
If you go for historical romance with your cozy mysteries, look no farther.
August 5, 2015
I truly loved some parts of this book and really did not like others. A murder mystery set at the end of the 19th century. The star - a female with connections but little money, wanted by two men as their wife but neither are acceptable to her. The murder victim - a clairvoyant.
A nice story with some great twists. Also some incredibly annoying characters who just irritated me and some unnecessary complexities - some of which may be relieved by reading this series in order.
I did enjoy it overall but was irked by some parts of the book so it took away some of the fun factor.
A nice story with some great twists. Also some incredibly annoying characters who just irritated me and some unnecessary complexities - some of which may be relieved by reading this series in order.
I did enjoy it overall but was irked by some parts of the book so it took away some of the fun factor.
November 22, 2020
Another fun example of a cozy mystery, just thought the pacing could have sped up a little. But that might just be me! I maintain that if you want a cozy, this series fits the bill in a satisfying way.
I like the intersection of make-believe and real history in these books, with various members of the Vanderbilt family becoming much larger than life than I ever imagined them before. As well as interesting sections of Newport. The mystery was pretty good here, I didn’t figure it out as I did in the first book.
I like the intersection of make-believe and real history in these books, with various members of the Vanderbilt family becoming much larger than life than I ever imagined them before. As well as interesting sections of Newport. The mystery was pretty good here, I didn’t figure it out as I did in the first book.
April 20, 2022
Excellent historical cozy mystery!
March 13, 2023
I was looking forward to reading this book. Not only because I enjoyed 'Murder at the Breakers' - the first book in this series. But also because a couple of months back I read 'Consuelo and Alva' - the biographies of both the daughter and mother, which referred extensively to - among other things - the Marble House. I knew then that I had to come back to this series. I obviously remembered 'Consuelo and Alva' well because I realized that Alva could not have got entangled in the suffrage movement before Consuelo got married - that happened much later. The author explained this in the prologue which showed that she wants to be historically accurate (there is nothing I dislike more than factual inaccuracies in historical novels, and there's nothing I like more than when an author tries to seamlessly blend historical facts into books. I have learnt many facts through reading novels). It was also a good mystery and an engrossing read which means that I really enjoyed this book. So much so that even though I originally wanted to give this 4 stars I think I will give it 5 instead.
June 23, 2023
pop sugar reading challenge 2023-a book with a love triangle. OK the love triangle wasn't really a thing in this book, but I didn't know that until I read.
I love this series. Emma is a great character. I figured out the killer shortly before it was revealed and that always makes me happy. I went to Marble House last year, so that made it neat.
I love this series. Emma is a great character. I figured out the killer shortly before it was revealed and that always makes me happy. I went to Marble House last year, so that made it neat.
May 17, 2022
I am so enjoying this series, the progress of the relationships, and the delightful, authentic nods to Newport and Rhode Island (Portuguese references!).
This story takes the very real engagement of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough and throws in two murders, a corrupt cop, and a scam artist. The love triangle continues, but there’s a sad realization about Emma’s family that had me a little emotional at the end. It all wrapped up very nicely.
This story takes the very real engagement of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough and throws in two murders, a corrupt cop, and a scam artist. The love triangle continues, but there’s a sad realization about Emma’s family that had me a little emotional at the end. It all wrapped up very nicely.
August 18, 2020
Ugg, I remembered why I don’t like this series. Emma is nosy and rude to her friends, and refuses to listen to good advice such as “don’t wander alone and unarmed at night trying to find a murderer.” She also heralded as being the one who solves the murder when in actuality (like the first book) she accidentally figures out who did it after accusing/suspecting literally everyone else BUT the actual murderer. Then, when she realizes it, she shouts out “he’s the murderer!” when she is unarmed in an isolated location. Brilliant!
The book also is tedious with its constant beating the reader over the head with the sexism of the time. Of which Emma constantly speaks against for some issues, but at the same time supports/condones for others. And all the males characters go around pointing out how unfair it is to women, “but that’s how it is.” I am sure no one spoke like that back then, but don’t worry, feminism will be bashed into your skull whether you like it or not. (I have no problem with feminism, I just don’t care to have the author go on and on and on and on about it. I get it. Let’s continue with the story.)
Usually for mysteries, I enjoy trying to figure it out before the main character, but I couldn’t be bothered to care in this one. I knew Emma would trundle along and accuse everyone but the murderer, so I just sat back and waited to get to the end.
Anyway, I only read it for the scavenger hunt, and I’m sure I’ll read the next one next year if a Rhode Island book once again is a category.
Reading scavenger hunt: book set in Rhode Island
The book also is tedious with its constant beating the reader over the head with the sexism of the time. Of which Emma constantly speaks against for some issues, but at the same time supports/condones for others. And all the males characters go around pointing out how unfair it is to women, “but that’s how it is.” I am sure no one spoke like that back then, but don’t worry, feminism will be bashed into your skull whether you like it or not. (I have no problem with feminism, I just don’t care to have the author go on and on and on and on about it. I get it. Let’s continue with the story.)
Usually for mysteries, I enjoy trying to figure it out before the main character, but I couldn’t be bothered to care in this one. I knew Emma would trundle along and accuse everyone but the murderer, so I just sat back and waited to get to the end.
Anyway, I only read it for the scavenger hunt, and I’m sure I’ll read the next one next year if a Rhode Island book once again is a category.
Reading scavenger hunt: book set in Rhode Island
December 3, 2014
Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
Have read other works by the author and this series and enjoyed learning about a city nearby, all facts from long ago.
This one has me captivated as I know of other places around the area that have the built in steps from the harbor but not the one mentioned.
Rum runners on Rose Island brought a smile to my face as other relatives tell me their stories of the nearby town they lived in and it was going on in their lifetimes.
Hope to get to visit these summer cottages one day-yes it's on my do me list
Story starts out when Emma's cousin is to wed someone she doesn't want to wed and runs away after a murder is committed. Like interactions with others she dated and the newspaper reporters and police.
So many of the same streets still exist and I can just picture some of the structures in their original form.
Other mysteries arise that also need solving and Emma is right there to ask questions.
Between the smuggling, extortion and the mystery around the petal of a flower there is much to keep the story moving along.
More murders and lessons for self defense are learned. Can't imagine a wooden staircase leading down to the waters edge at Forty Steps.
Love a book that teaches me new things, new places to explore in my back yard. Love mention of the Paradise Avenue area into the plot of things. Murder at Beechwood will be out in May 2015.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
Have read other works by the author and this series and enjoyed learning about a city nearby, all facts from long ago.
This one has me captivated as I know of other places around the area that have the built in steps from the harbor but not the one mentioned.
Rum runners on Rose Island brought a smile to my face as other relatives tell me their stories of the nearby town they lived in and it was going on in their lifetimes.
Hope to get to visit these summer cottages one day-yes it's on my do me list
Story starts out when Emma's cousin is to wed someone she doesn't want to wed and runs away after a murder is committed. Like interactions with others she dated and the newspaper reporters and police.
So many of the same streets still exist and I can just picture some of the structures in their original form.
Other mysteries arise that also need solving and Emma is right there to ask questions.
Between the smuggling, extortion and the mystery around the petal of a flower there is much to keep the story moving along.
More murders and lessons for self defense are learned. Can't imagine a wooden staircase leading down to the waters edge at Forty Steps.
Love a book that teaches me new things, new places to explore in my back yard. Love mention of the Paradise Avenue area into the plot of things. Murder at Beechwood will be out in May 2015.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
July 11, 2018
This was a nice and easy summer read about Newport, RI. I know many of the places mentioned in the book, so that was fun.
August 2, 2024
I enjoyed this second entry in the series. Emma is a great main character and I enjoy investigating with her. I hope she is able to make things work out in her life the way she wants. The mystery was good and I was surprised at the culprit.
July 2, 2022
We are back following Emma as she finds herself a witness to another murder this time at the Marble House. In the same day her beautiful cousin Consul Vanderbilt goes missing and Emma is asked to help find her. I really enjoyed this book in the series and look forward to reading book 3 very soon, maybe even immediately!!
May 1, 2024
Another good book in this series. I didn’t realize they were about real people. (Unless I misunderstood it all? 🤷🏻♀️)
November 29, 2014
Only a few days after Emma Cross solves the mystery of the murder at The Breakers, she receives a mysterious phone call from her cousin Consuelo Vanderbilt. Consuelo is distressed and needs someone to talk to. Upon arriving at Marble House, Emma is confronted by Consuelo's mother Alva who insists Emma persuade Consuelo to marry the Duke of Marlborough... or ELSE is the implication. Cowed, Emma tries to reconcile her cousin to the idea of marrying the Duke. This only succeeds in alienating her eighteen-year-old cousin. Consuelo wants to be free to marry the man of her own choosing, a much older "old money" friend, Winthrop "Winty" Rutherford. Alva has even hired a fortune teller to tell Consuelo's fortune the way Alva wants it ... or ELSE is the implication... When the fortune teller ends up dead with Alva's new maid Clara standing behind with the murder weapon, Emma is distressed. She was the one who helped Clara find the job and is certain the girl didn't do it. When Consuelo goes missing, Alva begs Emma to find the girl and be discreet about it or else the Vanderbilts' reputation will be tarnished. Emma plunges head long into an investigation which brings her into close contact with Derrick Anderson once again. She can hardly deny her feelings for him, but she's determined to be her own woman.
This is another excellent book set in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. The mystery has so many suspects with plausible motives yet they have alibis so I was unable to figure out who the murderer was. I did figure out they were lying about something but I didn't guess the extent of their perfidy. I was really surprised. I was also surprised at Consuelo's plot. I didn't really like how the author tweaked history a bit. It makes the story improbable, but I liked it anyway.
The setting is amazing. It's very different from the tourist Newport I know. I especially like that the author takes us to different parts of the island where tourists don't usually go. Since I visited Marble House over the summer, I loved the descriptions of the house, which is slightly different from the way the museum is decorated today. I have a love/hate relationship with Alva. I admire her dedication to women's rights but she scares me. I was looking forward to seeing Emma go toe-to-toe with Alva and I was not disappointed. Emma is the only one strong enough to stand up to Alva. I love that about her. I also love that Emma is determined to be an independent spinster. I admire her very much and like to think I would be like her if I lived in 1895. There's just enough romance to satisfy my inner romantic. Derrick is a bit cocky and I am not sure I like him but I think he is a good match for Emma and they could work things out. Consuelo is a sympathetic character. I felt bad for her but at the same time, I felt she was just so naive and sheltered, she wasn't able to make her own decisions. I just read her memoir All That Glitters so I'm aware of her story. I think readers will empathize with her and feel for her.
I'm super excited to read the next entry in the series Murder at Beechwood because Beechwood was my all-time favorite mansion. I loved their living history tours and I went there often before it was sold. I'll be extra picky about the accuracy but so far, the author seems excel at research.
This is another excellent book set in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. The mystery has so many suspects with plausible motives yet they have alibis so I was unable to figure out who the murderer was. I did figure out they were lying about something but I didn't guess the extent of their perfidy. I was really surprised. I was also surprised at Consuelo's plot. I didn't really like how the author tweaked history a bit. It makes the story improbable, but I liked it anyway.
The setting is amazing. It's very different from the tourist Newport I know. I especially like that the author takes us to different parts of the island where tourists don't usually go. Since I visited Marble House over the summer, I loved the descriptions of the house, which is slightly different from the way the museum is decorated today. I have a love/hate relationship with Alva. I admire her dedication to women's rights but she scares me. I was looking forward to seeing Emma go toe-to-toe with Alva and I was not disappointed. Emma is the only one strong enough to stand up to Alva. I love that about her. I also love that Emma is determined to be an independent spinster. I admire her very much and like to think I would be like her if I lived in 1895. There's just enough romance to satisfy my inner romantic. Derrick is a bit cocky and I am not sure I like him but I think he is a good match for Emma and they could work things out. Consuelo is a sympathetic character. I felt bad for her but at the same time, I felt she was just so naive and sheltered, she wasn't able to make her own decisions. I just read her memoir All That Glitters so I'm aware of her story. I think readers will empathize with her and feel for her.
I'm super excited to read the next entry in the series Murder at Beechwood because Beechwood was my all-time favorite mansion. I loved their living history tours and I went there often before it was sold. I'll be extra picky about the accuracy but so far, the author seems excel at research.
July 27, 2017
I love reading books set in Newport RI because it is a place I know well and often visit so was very easy for me to imagine the setting.
It is also very obvious that the author loves Newport. That really came through in her writing.
The mystery wasn't the best I've ever read but it was pretty entertaining with plenty of red herrings. I'm still not wild about the romance though.
Overall pretty good, especially if you like Newport as much as I do!
It is also very obvious that the author loves Newport. That really came through in her writing.
The mystery wasn't the best I've ever read but it was pretty entertaining with plenty of red herrings. I'm still not wild about the romance though.
Overall pretty good, especially if you like Newport as much as I do!
December 8, 2017
Loving this series. The mix of real life characters and fictional situations based on fact is really fun.
July 6, 2025
Emma Cross receives a telephone call from her cousin Consuelo Vanderbilt in 1895. But before she can talk to her, Emma's Aunt Alva waylays her to convince her to persuade Consuelo to marry the Duke of Marlborough. Alva has already called in a fortune teller that she has persuaded to say the marriage will be a good thing. Emma reluctantly agrees.
But when the fortune teller is murdered and Consuelo disappears, Emma needs to find her cousin whether or not she thinks marriage to the Duke of Marlborough is a good idea.
Emma is also dealing with a boss who is determined to have Emma only write society fluff pieces. In fact, he gives her article about the murder away to a male reporter. She does secure the promise of a byline if she can solve the murder of the fortune teller. There's a second murder of one of Alva's houseguests for her to solve too. And, let's not forget, she needs to locate Consuelo before she manages to ruin her reputation.
Emma is also dealing with Derrick. She's turned down his marriage proposal for very Women's Rights reasons, but she is still conflicted about her decision. It doesn't help that Derrick is being so helpful in her murder investigation.
This was an engaging story. I liked Eva Kaminsky's narration.
But when the fortune teller is murdered and Consuelo disappears, Emma needs to find her cousin whether or not she thinks marriage to the Duke of Marlborough is a good idea.
Emma is also dealing with a boss who is determined to have Emma only write society fluff pieces. In fact, he gives her article about the murder away to a male reporter. She does secure the promise of a byline if she can solve the murder of the fortune teller. There's a second murder of one of Alva's houseguests for her to solve too. And, let's not forget, she needs to locate Consuelo before she manages to ruin her reputation.
Emma is also dealing with Derrick. She's turned down his marriage proposal for very Women's Rights reasons, but she is still conflicted about her decision. It doesn't help that Derrick is being so helpful in her murder investigation.
This was an engaging story. I liked Eva Kaminsky's narration.
April 28, 2024
Strong Women
The female characters in this series are forced to be reckoned with during an era when women couldn’t vote, own property, divorce or truly be independent. Emma defies the standard gender roles and embroils herself in one murder mystery after another to save those she loves.
Will her heart cause the embracing of a social world she wants nothing to do with? Will she fall for the wealthy aristocrat or the officer in her own class? Will she fiercely hold onto the life of independence her Aunt Sadie left inside her, alongside her home? Good plot layout, characters, scene descriptions. Easy read with multiple twists and turns to aid you in solving the case before the last pages.
The female characters in this series are forced to be reckoned with during an era when women couldn’t vote, own property, divorce or truly be independent. Emma defies the standard gender roles and embroils herself in one murder mystery after another to save those she loves.
Will her heart cause the embracing of a social world she wants nothing to do with? Will she fall for the wealthy aristocrat or the officer in her own class? Will she fiercely hold onto the life of independence her Aunt Sadie left inside her, alongside her home? Good plot layout, characters, scene descriptions. Easy read with multiple twists and turns to aid you in solving the case before the last pages.
October 17, 2018
This book is set in 1895 in Newport and the murder of a fortune teller happens at Marble House which is the home of Alva Vanderbilt and her daughter, Consuelo. The main character of the series is Emma Cross a distant cousin to the Vanderbilts. Emma is independent in a time when most women were not. She works as a reporter and she is called by Alva when Consuelo disappears. A murder happened just before the disappearance so Emma is asking questions hoping to solve both. The book was a quick easy read.
April 28, 2021
This story has everything from the glitter of the Newport society, to the people who work for them to a psychic and forbidden relationships. This book has some great characters Emma, Nanny, her upscale Newport relatives and the working folks who Emma helps when she can. I like her brother Brady but really don't like her main love interest Derrick. I am rooting for Eric the cop. The story line was fantastic and kept me turning page after page.
January 8, 2021
Interesting story
September 27, 2022
I’ve never said that to a woman before, but it’s the truth. Dang shame you weren’t born a man. As it is, you’re a good, sensible girl saddled with a dunderhead of a half brother.”
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