What do you think?
Rate this book
Gilded Newport Mysteries #13
Murder at Arleigh
Reporter, sleuth, and new mother Emma Cross Andrews comes to the aid of a distraught wife who’s convinced her husband is trying to kill her . . .
April 1903: Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited to the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are a popular young couple who are leasing the home for the summer—Harry and Elizabeth “Bessie” Lehr. Known for his practical jokes, Harry is the toast of parties, earning a reputation as the court jester of the Gilded Age. However, as Emma soon learns, behind closed doors he is dead serious.
Following the wedding, Bessie comes to Emma for help, insisting that her husband is cruel to her in private, telling her outright he married her only for her money and finds her repulsive. Divorce is unthinkable. Now she believes he is plotting to murder her and make it look like an a broken balcony railing she might have leaned on, a loose stair runner that could have sent her tumbling down a staircase, faulty brakes in the car she uses . . .
Some would say being trapped in a loveless marriage is a fate worse than death. Not Bessie—she wants to live! Unsure if these situations are mere coincidences or add up to premeditated sabotage, Emma agrees to investigate and determine if Newport’s merry prankster is engaged in a cold-blooded game of life or death . . .
April 1903: Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited to the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are a popular young couple who are leasing the home for the summer—Harry and Elizabeth “Bessie” Lehr. Known for his practical jokes, Harry is the toast of parties, earning a reputation as the court jester of the Gilded Age. However, as Emma soon learns, behind closed doors he is dead serious.
Following the wedding, Bessie comes to Emma for help, insisting that her husband is cruel to her in private, telling her outright he married her only for her money and finds her repulsive. Divorce is unthinkable. Now she believes he is plotting to murder her and make it look like an a broken balcony railing she might have leaned on, a loose stair runner that could have sent her tumbling down a staircase, faulty brakes in the car she uses . . .
Some would say being trapped in a loveless marriage is a fate worse than death. Not Bessie—she wants to live! Unsure if these situations are mere coincidences or add up to premeditated sabotage, Emma agrees to investigate and determine if Newport’s merry prankster is engaged in a cold-blooded game of life or death . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 26, 2025
68 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,083 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 24, 2025
Another fun adventure with Emma, Derrick, and members of the 400! I love any time spent in Newport's beautiful houses, and the well-crafted mysteries, filled with many twists and turns as well as plenty of suspects, add to the enjoyment. The historical notes at the end of the book always add a little something extra, making it easier to see how it relates to the real characters that are portrayed in the books. I loved the addition of the special event at the end of the book; makes me want to throw one, too.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
October 5, 2025
3.5 stars
It's now April 1903 and Emma and Derrick are in attendance at the wedding of Emma's cousin Reggie Vanderbilt, the youngest son of Uncle Cornelius. The wedding is being held at Arleigh, the current home of Harry and Elizabeth Lehr, the most devoted couple in all Newport. Emma wonders why the wedding is being held in Newport and not New York. What kind of trouble has Reggie gotten himself into now? The Lehrs were generous to open their home and the wedding goes off without a hitch. After the wedding, however, Emma happens to catch a glimpse of something like marital discord between Harry and Bessie Lehr. She dismisses that thought and turns her attention to her cousin's groomsman, Ernest Forrester, who seems to think Emma and Bessie overheard something they shouldn't and engages their attention in a threatening manner. Weeks later, Bessie Lehr arrives at Gull Manor to ask for Emma's help. Bessie believes her husband is trying to kill her! She wants Emma to discreetly investigate Harry to see if he has left any proof of his evildoings before she can go to the police. Emma reluctantly agrees to keep Jesse out of it - for now - but she won't be sleuthing alone for she has Derrick to help and her brother Brady is in town for the wedding and can trail Harry too. Emma begins to wonder whether it's actually Bessie's maid, Miss Truman, who is trying to harm Bessie. A shocking death at Arleigh makes Emma question her investigation so far and leads her on a hunt for a ruthless killer.
Well, this is a different sort of mystery. It begins not with a murder but with a wedding! I didn't actually know Reggie had been married that young and the author's note even states he had a child with his first wife. How sad because here we catch a sneak preview of his future and it's not a good one. The wedding sets the scene for the mystery. Is someone trying to kill Bessie Lehr? Which motive is it: something she overheard between Reggie and his groomsman or her husband trying to take control of her fortune or her maid trying to make herself indispensable? We know Bessie and Harry are real people and he didn't kill her but that doesn't mean he didn't TRY. She wrote a memoir so there must be hints that his character was such that she could believe he would try to kill her. We also know Bessie wasn't killed by anyone else either and that makes the mystery less easy to figure out. The actual murders came towards the end of the book. There are two and they are quite shocking. I did have an inkling of who the murderer might be and there are enough clues that add up towards the end. Emma didn't figure it out as fast as I did but she did realize who the murderer was and why and managed not to get into as much trouble as she usually does.
Almost two years have passed since we last saw Emma. She's now a mother of a little girl, Annamarie, the light of her life. Emma is determined to be a good mother, unlike her own, and spend as much time with her daughter as possible. Emma works from home some of the time - OF COURSE the male colleagues give her a hard time about that. (Over 100 years later and I think they still do.) If she owns a typewriter she can certainly work from home! Yeesh. She has a telephone and if anything arises, they can call. When she's off chasing a story, she has Nanny and Katie to spoil Annamarie. Even Bessie Lehr adores the little girl. I was pleased there wasn't TOO much baby in the story. Annamarie is only in one scene and present in another. She's mentioned a few times but it's not a baby forward story, thankfully. Emma is good with her baby and a positive role model too. I bet Annamarie will grow up to help make that final push for the right to vote and perhaps she'll be a reporter like her mother, writing from the picket lines and jail. Derrick, too, is good with the baby. He's a doting father and spends as much time as she can with his darling daughter. Annamarie loves Uncle Brady as well. Her favorite family member seems to be Patch "Pat Pat" who has a rival for the canine hero award. Patch is a hero, protecting his family when necessary and an adoring "brother" to Annamarie as they romp around the yard together. Brady's character growth has been wonderful to see and he's really matured. I winced at what Emma wanted him to do but fortunately he didn't have to go to extreme measures. He continues to mature and grow and I'm eager to see what happens next. There's a very exciting development in this novel!
Bessie Lehr is an interesting woman. We only have her word of what was going on in her relationship and her interpretation of it. Alyssa Maxwell uses the primary source as the basis for the story, making Bessie a sympathetic character. I'm not sure HARRY is trying to kill her. Why kill the cash cow? If she dies in an accident and someone is suspicious, that may not work out the way he hopes. He's certain a cruel bully and enjoys mocking and tormenting his wife. He's just awful to her and is making her life miserable. Bessie's mother is partly to blame for her misery, being Catholic, she insists her daughter sticks with her husband for life. That's just evil! Bessie's mother is a *itch and just as bad as Harry. She THINKS she loves her daughter but she seems to love appearances more. Why on earth would a mother insist her daughter stay in an abusive marriage? At least she doesn't give the "try harder to please him" speech.
I kept thinking a certain suspect, Ralph Noble, was Harry's lover and I was willing Emma to stop trailing the men so they could have some private time. She didn't seem to understand that and I thought Derrick did but he was thinking illicit visits from women. Oh hmm... I didn't think about illicit visits from men but that could be what's happening here and Emma and Derrick are too naive to understand. I only know Harry was queer because I've read about him. I was wondering if Harry's friend put him up to the threats to Bessie? Perhaps the friend wants Bessie's money to finance his dissipated lifestyle and Harry is eager to partake of the whatever is being offered? Ralph Noble comes across as rather sleazy but we only have Bessie's impressions and Emma's impressions to go on for most of the novel. I had to revise my thoughts on him a few times but he remained a strong contender for evil doer.
Reggie Vanderbilt is so young and immature. Why is he getting married to a young lady NOW? His mother seems to think marriage will mature him and he will soon take his place at the New York Central Railroad with his brother. Um no he won't and Emma and Derrick are well aware of this, especially Emma. His sister Gertrude is aware of her brother's faults and probably the other siblings are too. If Uncle Cornelius hadn't already had a heart attack and died, he would now or soon. Or maybe Neily marrying for love against the family's wishes is somehow worse than drunken escapades, speeding, perhaps association with a illegal gambling ring or friendship with someone involved in a crime? If I didn't already know what happened to Reggie, I'd predict he would die in a drunk driving accident sooner than later. His poor bride! Cathleen is young and naive. Almost as soon as the wedding ceremony is over, she gets a look at what her husband is really like and doesn't seem to like what she sees. Another Catholic, unfortunately, but they weren't married by a Catholic priest so maybe she can get out of the marriage?
Reggie's groomsman, Ely Forrester is bad news. He comes from a good family. Sober, straightlaced and morally upright, they have no clue their son is PROBABLY involved in an illegal gambling scam and if they did, they'd disown him. Ely is scary. He threatens Emma and Bessie or they feel threatened by him. Derrick is out for blood when he thinks someone has threatened his family! Ely is up to no good and Reggie is probably protecting him. How far will Reggie go to protect his friend? Maybe Ely is threatening Reggie into compliance?
Miss Thorton, Bessie Lehr's maid, is a shady character. She could be like O'Brien in Downton Abbey. I think she's cunning, clever and an opportunist. I don't think she would try to harm her employer to try to make herself indispensable. Perhaps she's bitter and angry about losing everything after the Civil War, if that story is true? Perhaps she's working with someone to fleece Mrs. Lehr or kill Mrs. Lehr and run off with the money? WAY to obvious and too easy to get caught. No, I don't think it's Miss Thornton but I do think she's up to no good in different ways and Bessie is too lonely to see it. I found Fisk, the Lehrs' butler a little creepy. He doesn't like Emma and doesn't want to let her come snooping around. I suspect he's loyal to the master and may be spying on Bessie for Harry. There's also a footman who is a little creepy too. He's always showing up in odd places unexpectedly but not around when needed. The best new character is Hippodale, Bessie Lehr's little dog. A papillon, Hippodale is a lap dog, he doesn't want to run and play with Patch. He can be annoying when he's not being held but he also comes through in the end. He's a brave little fellow and loyal to his favorite human.
As always, I just love the Newport setting. Arleigh is long gone but the streets are still there. I know right where the casino (Tennis Hall of Fame) is and James Gordon Bennett's stone villa was across the street where the shopping plaza is now, so when Emma goes to the car garage, I can picture the corner where it once was. I was just there a year ago and I intended to take this novel on the ferry and read it on the way to Newport but this new book is a short library loan so I have to return it before I can get to Newport but I have followed in Emma's footsteps and visited other locations in the books.
Already I miss being in Emma's world and sleuthing with her. I am super excited for Murder at Rosecliff. I've been there and it's very famous, appearing in numerous movies over the years.
It's now April 1903 and Emma and Derrick are in attendance at the wedding of Emma's cousin Reggie Vanderbilt, the youngest son of Uncle Cornelius. The wedding is being held at Arleigh, the current home of Harry and Elizabeth Lehr, the most devoted couple in all Newport. Emma wonders why the wedding is being held in Newport and not New York. What kind of trouble has Reggie gotten himself into now? The Lehrs were generous to open their home and the wedding goes off without a hitch. After the wedding, however, Emma happens to catch a glimpse of something like marital discord between Harry and Bessie Lehr. She dismisses that thought and turns her attention to her cousin's groomsman, Ernest Forrester, who seems to think Emma and Bessie overheard something they shouldn't and engages their attention in a threatening manner. Weeks later, Bessie Lehr arrives at Gull Manor to ask for Emma's help. Bessie believes her husband is trying to kill her! She wants Emma to discreetly investigate Harry to see if he has left any proof of his evildoings before she can go to the police. Emma reluctantly agrees to keep Jesse out of it - for now - but she won't be sleuthing alone for she has Derrick to help and her brother Brady is in town for the wedding and can trail Harry too. Emma begins to wonder whether it's actually Bessie's maid, Miss Truman, who is trying to harm Bessie. A shocking death at Arleigh makes Emma question her investigation so far and leads her on a hunt for a ruthless killer.
Well, this is a different sort of mystery. It begins not with a murder but with a wedding! I didn't actually know Reggie had been married that young and the author's note even states he had a child with his first wife. How sad because here we catch a sneak preview of his future and it's not a good one. The wedding sets the scene for the mystery. Is someone trying to kill Bessie Lehr? Which motive is it: something she overheard between Reggie and his groomsman or her husband trying to take control of her fortune or her maid trying to make herself indispensable? We know Bessie and Harry are real people and he didn't kill her but that doesn't mean he didn't TRY. She wrote a memoir so there must be hints that his character was such that she could believe he would try to kill her. We also know Bessie wasn't killed by anyone else either and that makes the mystery less easy to figure out. The actual murders came towards the end of the book. There are two and they are quite shocking. I did have an inkling of who the murderer might be and there are enough clues that add up towards the end. Emma didn't figure it out as fast as I did but she did realize who the murderer was and why and managed not to get into as much trouble as she usually does.
Almost two years have passed since we last saw Emma. She's now a mother of a little girl, Annamarie, the light of her life. Emma is determined to be a good mother, unlike her own, and spend as much time with her daughter as possible. Emma works from home some of the time - OF COURSE the male colleagues give her a hard time about that. (Over 100 years later and I think they still do.) If she owns a typewriter she can certainly work from home! Yeesh. She has a telephone and if anything arises, they can call. When she's off chasing a story, she has Nanny and Katie to spoil Annamarie. Even Bessie Lehr adores the little girl. I was pleased there wasn't TOO much baby in the story. Annamarie is only in one scene and present in another. She's mentioned a few times but it's not a baby forward story, thankfully. Emma is good with her baby and a positive role model too. I bet Annamarie will grow up to help make that final push for the right to vote and perhaps she'll be a reporter like her mother, writing from the picket lines and jail. Derrick, too, is good with the baby. He's a doting father and spends as much time as she can with his darling daughter. Annamarie loves Uncle Brady as well. Her favorite family member seems to be Patch "Pat Pat" who has a rival for the canine hero award. Patch is a hero, protecting his family when necessary and an adoring "brother" to Annamarie as they romp around the yard together. Brady's character growth has been wonderful to see and he's really matured. I winced at what Emma wanted him to do but fortunately he didn't have to go to extreme measures. He continues to mature and grow and I'm eager to see what happens next. There's a very exciting development in this novel!
Bessie Lehr is an interesting woman. We only have her word of what was going on in her relationship and her interpretation of it. Alyssa Maxwell uses the primary source as the basis for the story, making Bessie a sympathetic character. I'm not sure HARRY is trying to kill her. Why kill the cash cow? If she dies in an accident and someone is suspicious, that may not work out the way he hopes. He's certain a cruel bully and enjoys mocking and tormenting his wife. He's just awful to her and is making her life miserable. Bessie's mother is partly to blame for her misery, being Catholic, she insists her daughter sticks with her husband for life. That's just evil! Bessie's mother is a *itch and just as bad as Harry. She THINKS she loves her daughter but she seems to love appearances more. Why on earth would a mother insist her daughter stay in an abusive marriage? At least she doesn't give the "try harder to please him" speech.
I kept thinking a certain suspect, Ralph Noble, was Harry's lover and I was willing Emma to stop trailing the men so they could have some private time. She didn't seem to understand that and I thought Derrick did but he was thinking illicit visits from women. Oh hmm... I didn't think about illicit visits from men but that could be what's happening here and Emma and Derrick are too naive to understand. I only know Harry was queer because I've read about him. I was wondering if Harry's friend put him up to the threats to Bessie? Perhaps the friend wants Bessie's money to finance his dissipated lifestyle and Harry is eager to partake of the whatever is being offered? Ralph Noble comes across as rather sleazy but we only have Bessie's impressions and Emma's impressions to go on for most of the novel. I had to revise my thoughts on him a few times but he remained a strong contender for evil doer.
Reggie Vanderbilt is so young and immature. Why is he getting married to a young lady NOW? His mother seems to think marriage will mature him and he will soon take his place at the New York Central Railroad with his brother. Um no he won't and Emma and Derrick are well aware of this, especially Emma. His sister Gertrude is aware of her brother's faults and probably the other siblings are too. If Uncle Cornelius hadn't already had a heart attack and died, he would now or soon. Or maybe Neily marrying for love against the family's wishes is somehow worse than drunken escapades, speeding, perhaps association with a illegal gambling ring or friendship with someone involved in a crime? If I didn't already know what happened to Reggie, I'd predict he would die in a drunk driving accident sooner than later. His poor bride! Cathleen is young and naive. Almost as soon as the wedding ceremony is over, she gets a look at what her husband is really like and doesn't seem to like what she sees. Another Catholic, unfortunately, but they weren't married by a Catholic priest so maybe she can get out of the marriage?
Reggie's groomsman, Ely Forrester is bad news. He comes from a good family. Sober, straightlaced and morally upright, they have no clue their son is PROBABLY involved in an illegal gambling scam and if they did, they'd disown him. Ely is scary. He threatens Emma and Bessie or they feel threatened by him. Derrick is out for blood when he thinks someone has threatened his family! Ely is up to no good and Reggie is probably protecting him. How far will Reggie go to protect his friend? Maybe Ely is threatening Reggie into compliance?
Miss Thorton, Bessie Lehr's maid, is a shady character. She could be like O'Brien in Downton Abbey. I think she's cunning, clever and an opportunist. I don't think she would try to harm her employer to try to make herself indispensable. Perhaps she's bitter and angry about losing everything after the Civil War, if that story is true? Perhaps she's working with someone to fleece Mrs. Lehr or kill Mrs. Lehr and run off with the money? WAY to obvious and too easy to get caught. No, I don't think it's Miss Thornton but I do think she's up to no good in different ways and Bessie is too lonely to see it. I found Fisk, the Lehrs' butler a little creepy. He doesn't like Emma and doesn't want to let her come snooping around. I suspect he's loyal to the master and may be spying on Bessie for Harry. There's also a footman who is a little creepy too. He's always showing up in odd places unexpectedly but not around when needed. The best new character is Hippodale, Bessie Lehr's little dog. A papillon, Hippodale is a lap dog, he doesn't want to run and play with Patch. He can be annoying when he's not being held but he also comes through in the end. He's a brave little fellow and loyal to his favorite human.
As always, I just love the Newport setting. Arleigh is long gone but the streets are still there. I know right where the casino (Tennis Hall of Fame) is and James Gordon Bennett's stone villa was across the street where the shopping plaza is now, so when Emma goes to the car garage, I can picture the corner where it once was. I was just there a year ago and I intended to take this novel on the ferry and read it on the way to Newport but this new book is a short library loan so I have to return it before I can get to Newport but I have followed in Emma's footsteps and visited other locations in the books.
Already I miss being in Emma's world and sleuthing with her. I am super excited for Murder at Rosecliff. I've been there and it's very famous, appearing in numerous movies over the years.
August 30, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Emma Andrews’ cousin, Reggie Vanderbilt, is marrying heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh, and she and her husband, Derrick, have been invited to the ceremony. They are a little surprised by the venue, with summer residents Harry and Elizabeth “Bessie” Lehr hosting the affair. Harry does have a reputation for being a jokester, pulling the occasional prank, and even being called the court jester of the Gilded Age, but Emma sees a different side of him that day.
Bessie Lehr approached Emma after the ceremony to request some help. Her marriage to Harry has not been pleasant, and she tells Emma he has been downright cruel. He is always galivanting around with his friends and rarely spends any time with her at all. There have also been some strange happenings of late that have her questioning if he is trying to kill her, so that he will have free rein with all her money. She asks Emma to investigate before an “accident” sends her to her death.
The main characters in this series have truly grown since the beginning. New parents, Emma and Derrick, are trying to find the balance between work and home life with their daughter, Annamarie. Mary O’Neal (Nanny) their much more than a housekeeper, and Katie Dillion, much more than their maid of all work, are truly family and always on hand to help Emma, Derrick, and Annamarie any way they can. Many of the women of the Four Hundred find fault with the familiarity, but Emma truly doesn’t care. She does have a huge heart and a willingness to help those in need. She is smart as a whip and unstoppable with Derrick by her side. Derrick is a strong man who recognizes and appreciates his wife’s independence. They are both trusted by Detective Jesse Whyte, who has become a true friend of the couple. All these characters feel so genuine.
Ms. Maxwell has penned a complex mystery with more than one death and some close calls for Emma. It all keeps coming back to Bessie, Harry, and those they associate with, which means several visits to Arleigh in her efforts to get to the truth. Faced with several suspects, Emma and Derrick had their hands full. I enjoyed every twist and turn. I loved that I had no one pinned down in my thoughts before all was revealed.
The author does an outstanding job of blending history with mystery, including real people and places in her well-researched fiction. I am always excited to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book to read how everything ties together and the true history. The gorgeous covers set the scene for me at the start, but then her words take me away to each place and down each road, whether on foot, in a carriage, or a new-fangled motorcar. I can easily imagine Gull Manor after 13 books, and I am excited to see Emma and Derrick’s dream come to fruition on the land next door.
I anxiously await each new installment in this series and devour it far too quickly. Murder at Arleigh followed suit. With engaging characters and a stirring mystery, it’s a fantastic addition to this wonderful series. I highly recommend an escape to the Gilded Age with Emma Cross Andrews. Tag along as she endeavors to solve the mysteries. You will not be disappointed. Each can be read on its own, but for maximum enjoyment, you should start at the beginning.
Until next year, Ms. 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.
Emma Andrews’ cousin, Reggie Vanderbilt, is marrying heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh, and she and her husband, Derrick, have been invited to the ceremony. They are a little surprised by the venue, with summer residents Harry and Elizabeth “Bessie” Lehr hosting the affair. Harry does have a reputation for being a jokester, pulling the occasional prank, and even being called the court jester of the Gilded Age, but Emma sees a different side of him that day.
Bessie Lehr approached Emma after the ceremony to request some help. Her marriage to Harry has not been pleasant, and she tells Emma he has been downright cruel. He is always galivanting around with his friends and rarely spends any time with her at all. There have also been some strange happenings of late that have her questioning if he is trying to kill her, so that he will have free rein with all her money. She asks Emma to investigate before an “accident” sends her to her death.
The main characters in this series have truly grown since the beginning. New parents, Emma and Derrick, are trying to find the balance between work and home life with their daughter, Annamarie. Mary O’Neal (Nanny) their much more than a housekeeper, and Katie Dillion, much more than their maid of all work, are truly family and always on hand to help Emma, Derrick, and Annamarie any way they can. Many of the women of the Four Hundred find fault with the familiarity, but Emma truly doesn’t care. She does have a huge heart and a willingness to help those in need. She is smart as a whip and unstoppable with Derrick by her side. Derrick is a strong man who recognizes and appreciates his wife’s independence. They are both trusted by Detective Jesse Whyte, who has become a true friend of the couple. All these characters feel so genuine.
Ms. Maxwell has penned a complex mystery with more than one death and some close calls for Emma. It all keeps coming back to Bessie, Harry, and those they associate with, which means several visits to Arleigh in her efforts to get to the truth. Faced with several suspects, Emma and Derrick had their hands full. I enjoyed every twist and turn. I loved that I had no one pinned down in my thoughts before all was revealed.
The author does an outstanding job of blending history with mystery, including real people and places in her well-researched fiction. I am always excited to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book to read how everything ties together and the true history. The gorgeous covers set the scene for me at the start, but then her words take me away to each place and down each road, whether on foot, in a carriage, or a new-fangled motorcar. I can easily imagine Gull Manor after 13 books, and I am excited to see Emma and Derrick’s dream come to fruition on the land next door.
I anxiously await each new installment in this series and devour it far too quickly. Murder at Arleigh followed suit. With engaging characters and a stirring mystery, it’s a fantastic addition to this wonderful series. I highly recommend an escape to the Gilded Age with Emma Cross Andrews. Tag along as she endeavors to solve the mysteries. You will not be disappointed. Each can be read on its own, but for maximum enjoyment, you should start at the beginning.
Until next year, Ms. 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.
May 4, 2025
Book number 13, and the mystery felt as fresh and complex as the first. Lots of red herrings that kept me as confused as Emma and crew. And for long time readers, the small moments, slices of life, in and around Emma’s immediate circle are everything one could hope for. Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
October 15, 2025
still enjoying the series. Liking both the new characters and the old ones.
January 1, 2026
Not bad but not the best of the series
January 6, 2026
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at Arleigh is the 13th Gilded Newport historical mystery by Alyssa Maxwell. Released 26th Aug. 2025 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, although this book is not currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow, the first 12 books in the series are.
This is an engaging light historical mystery series with a returning cast; centrally a young(ish) socialite husband and wife pair and their social circle in early 20th century in the Northeastern USA. The author is adept with characterizations and settings. The houses, customs, and fashions of 1903 grand society are as much an integral part of the story as the plotting. There are numerous descriptions of food, fashion, and houses which go on a bit, but it provides a nice, escape from reality.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 43 minutes and is capably read by Lauren Ezzo. She has a well modulated east coast US accent, and does a good job with a range of character voices of different ages and classes. Sound and production quality is high throughout the read.
It works well as a standalone, with the understanding that it's a continuing series, so there will be some spoilers for character development if read out of order. Very much the same vibe as Rosemary Simpson, Irina Shapiro, and Kate Belli.
Four stars. Diverting, escapist, comfort reading. With 13 books extant in the series and a 14th due out in 3rd quarter 2026, it would make an excellent long binge/buddy reading project.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at Arleigh is the 13th Gilded Newport historical mystery by Alyssa Maxwell. Released 26th Aug. 2025 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, although this book is not currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow, the first 12 books in the series are.
This is an engaging light historical mystery series with a returning cast; centrally a young(ish) socialite husband and wife pair and their social circle in early 20th century in the Northeastern USA. The author is adept with characterizations and settings. The houses, customs, and fashions of 1903 grand society are as much an integral part of the story as the plotting. There are numerous descriptions of food, fashion, and houses which go on a bit, but it provides a nice, escape from reality.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 43 minutes and is capably read by Lauren Ezzo. She has a well modulated east coast US accent, and does a good job with a range of character voices of different ages and classes. Sound and production quality is high throughout the read.
It works well as a standalone, with the understanding that it's a continuing series, so there will be some spoilers for character development if read out of order. Very much the same vibe as Rosemary Simpson, Irina Shapiro, and Kate Belli.
Four stars. Diverting, escapist, comfort reading. With 13 books extant in the series and a 14th due out in 3rd quarter 2026, it would make an excellent long binge/buddy reading project.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 25, 2025
1903 - Newport Rhode Island
The mansion called Arleigh is the setting for the wedding of Reginald Vanderbilt to Cathleen Neilson. Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited. They are fairly newlyweds themselves with a baby daughter, Annamarie. Emma is a distant relative of the Vanderbilt family and is often included in many society events. Emma and Derrick own the local newspaper, called the “Messenger.” Emma is a long-time reporter for the paper.
Reggie is known to be a prankster and too fond of his alcohol. Everyone hopes he will behave for the wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Lehr have been leasing Arleigh but have agreed to host the wedding there. They are supposed to be a very loving couple. However, after the wedding, Mrs. Lehr contacts Emma for help. Emma is well-known for solving many murder mysteries. Mrs. Lehr says that her husband is verbally abusive to her and demands money from her that she inherited from her first husband. He parties and spends money freely. Mrs. Lehr has had some near fatal accidents and is convinced that her husband is trying to kill her. She wants Emma to investigate him to which she agrees.
As Emma delves into the Lehrs and the associates of Mr. Lehr, several unscrupulous people pop up as possible reasons Mr. Lehr may be involved in some unsavory activities. But, it’s when the woman’s personal maid appears to not be who she says she is, Emma takes notice and tries to learn more about her. Things play out to a breathtaking surprise ending.
I’ve read and reviewed nearly all of the author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries and her A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries. This is one very talented author who put her all into writing a book that keeps the reader guessing up to the very end. I honestly don’t know how she does it. I enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed her other ones. I only wish with this one that one certain despicable character could have been bumped off. Enjoy!!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The mansion called Arleigh is the setting for the wedding of Reginald Vanderbilt to Cathleen Neilson. Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited. They are fairly newlyweds themselves with a baby daughter, Annamarie. Emma is a distant relative of the Vanderbilt family and is often included in many society events. Emma and Derrick own the local newspaper, called the “Messenger.” Emma is a long-time reporter for the paper.
Reggie is known to be a prankster and too fond of his alcohol. Everyone hopes he will behave for the wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Lehr have been leasing Arleigh but have agreed to host the wedding there. They are supposed to be a very loving couple. However, after the wedding, Mrs. Lehr contacts Emma for help. Emma is well-known for solving many murder mysteries. Mrs. Lehr says that her husband is verbally abusive to her and demands money from her that she inherited from her first husband. He parties and spends money freely. Mrs. Lehr has had some near fatal accidents and is convinced that her husband is trying to kill her. She wants Emma to investigate him to which she agrees.
As Emma delves into the Lehrs and the associates of Mr. Lehr, several unscrupulous people pop up as possible reasons Mr. Lehr may be involved in some unsavory activities. But, it’s when the woman’s personal maid appears to not be who she says she is, Emma takes notice and tries to learn more about her. Things play out to a breathtaking surprise ending.
I’ve read and reviewed nearly all of the author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries and her A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries. This is one very talented author who put her all into writing a book that keeps the reader guessing up to the very end. I honestly don’t know how she does it. I enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed her other ones. I only wish with this one that one certain despicable character could have been bumped off. Enjoy!!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 23, 2025
BOOK: MURDER AT ARLEIGH
AUTHOR: ALYSSA MAXWELL
PUB DATE: 26TH AUGUST 2025
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
My favourite thing about this book is that it didn't start with a murder. It was atypical like that. I liked the storyline; the suspicions brought to the attention of the FMC and her dogged attempt to discover the actual truths. Bessie, an acquitance, thought her husband was trying to kill her, and from there, we discovered that there were a lot of elements and suspicions at play! Again, Emma really worked hard, exploring all angles and finding information on all culprits. However, there was still a murder case. She was an amazing detective. At the end of the day, even I was surprised at the turn of the unlikely events that occurred. It was unexpected and very good. The ending was very good, the perp punished.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
While all this was going on, I liked that the author included simple, family stuff as a source of relief in between. Emma's husband, Derrick who helps with detecting sometimes, her young daughter, Annamarie, nanny, and Katie. I've read one book in this series, and it was nice to 'see' them all together again, and the description felt natural. In addition, she still worked as a journalist in the newspaper outlet she and her husband ran, Messenger.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
This book was very good with a different storyline and an amazing amateur sleuth. I liked the pace and the author's description. What I didn't like were the long chapters. I'm not a fan of long chapters, and it made the book seem longer. I hope the author incorporates short chapters from now. I would definitely love to see more of the Andrews and their amateur sleuthing.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
AUTHOR: ALYSSA MAXWELL
PUB DATE: 26TH AUGUST 2025
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
My favourite thing about this book is that it didn't start with a murder. It was atypical like that. I liked the storyline; the suspicions brought to the attention of the FMC and her dogged attempt to discover the actual truths. Bessie, an acquitance, thought her husband was trying to kill her, and from there, we discovered that there were a lot of elements and suspicions at play! Again, Emma really worked hard, exploring all angles and finding information on all culprits. However, there was still a murder case. She was an amazing detective. At the end of the day, even I was surprised at the turn of the unlikely events that occurred. It was unexpected and very good. The ending was very good, the perp punished.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
While all this was going on, I liked that the author included simple, family stuff as a source of relief in between. Emma's husband, Derrick who helps with detecting sometimes, her young daughter, Annamarie, nanny, and Katie. I've read one book in this series, and it was nice to 'see' them all together again, and the description felt natural. In addition, she still worked as a journalist in the newspaper outlet she and her husband ran, Messenger.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
This book was very good with a different storyline and an amazing amateur sleuth. I liked the pace and the author's description. What I didn't like were the long chapters. I'm not a fan of long chapters, and it made the book seem longer. I hope the author incorporates short chapters from now. I would definitely love to see more of the Andrews and their amateur sleuthing.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
July 20, 2025
This is one of my favorite types of stories--it blends real people and places with fictional characters. in this book, the real place is Arleigh, one of the "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, in the early 1900s. The real people are Harry "King" Lehr and his wife Elizabeth, as well as other members of the Four Hundred.
While in public the Lehrs look like one of the world's happiest couples, behind closed doors they are cold and hostile to each other, frequently arguing over Harry's spending habits. Since he is spending Elizabeth's money, she feels she should have some say in the matter; he adheres to the idea that her money became his after they were married and she should just hand it over without question.
After a series of accidents which appear to be threatening her life, Elizabeth seeks help from newspaper editor/amateur sleuth--and Vanderbilt poor relation--Emma Cross. Elizabeth insists that Harry is behind the accidents so he can have full control of her money and asks Elizabeth to investigate. As the accidents continue and people die as a result of them, Emma comes to suspect that perhaps Harry is not guilty. The ending was somewhat of a surprise to me, but it was very satisfactory and tied up everything nicely.
This was an intriguing mystery with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator. It was fun to read about the extravagant "cottages" and the parties held there. Some of these mansions still exist; others, like Arleigh itself, have been lost and the author was able to decorate it as she thought it would have looked in its heyday.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While in public the Lehrs look like one of the world's happiest couples, behind closed doors they are cold and hostile to each other, frequently arguing over Harry's spending habits. Since he is spending Elizabeth's money, she feels she should have some say in the matter; he adheres to the idea that her money became his after they were married and she should just hand it over without question.
After a series of accidents which appear to be threatening her life, Elizabeth seeks help from newspaper editor/amateur sleuth--and Vanderbilt poor relation--Emma Cross. Elizabeth insists that Harry is behind the accidents so he can have full control of her money and asks Elizabeth to investigate. As the accidents continue and people die as a result of them, Emma comes to suspect that perhaps Harry is not guilty. The ending was somewhat of a surprise to me, but it was very satisfactory and tied up everything nicely.
This was an intriguing mystery with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator. It was fun to read about the extravagant "cottages" and the parties held there. Some of these mansions still exist; others, like Arleigh itself, have been lost and the author was able to decorate it as she thought it would have looked in its heyday.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 28, 2025
Alyssa Maxwell knows how to draw readers into her stories and maintain your attention from start to finish. Her stories are filled with lovable characters, crafty characters, characters you do not want to ever be alone with anywhere !! Her stories are captivating and full of secrets, mystery, love, hate, family, and so much more !!
Murder at Arleigh, is the thirteenth book in her Gilded Newport Mystery series and when you start reading it, you feel like you are returning to your summer house after a time away. And you are right in time for a wedding !!!
Main character Emma Andrews and her husband Derrick are attending the wedding of Emma's cousin Reggie. But that is not the best part .... After the wedding is over Bessie Lehr, one of the host of the property where Reggie wed, calls upon Emma. Bessie insists that her husband Harry is trying to kill her and she wants Emma to prove it. Now I know what you are thinking ..... Emma usually gets involved after there has been a murder so how is this going to work ??
Even though Emma has her hands full with baby Annamarie, running the Messenger with her husband, and following up on any story worth publishing, she cannot help but feel drawn to Bessie's concerns. Especially after meeting Harry and seeing how he treats people.
Emma has learned though so she does enlist the help of her husband and her brother to help see what they can also learn while she sticks to Bessie as much as she can.
Don't worry fans things will turn and you will be on the craziest rollercoaster ride ever and all you can do is hang on and try to help Emma solve things before it gets too late ......
Every time I open one of Maxwell's books, I know that I am in for a real treat and cannot wait for the next book !!!
Murder at Arleigh, is the thirteenth book in her Gilded Newport Mystery series and when you start reading it, you feel like you are returning to your summer house after a time away. And you are right in time for a wedding !!!
Main character Emma Andrews and her husband Derrick are attending the wedding of Emma's cousin Reggie. But that is not the best part .... After the wedding is over Bessie Lehr, one of the host of the property where Reggie wed, calls upon Emma. Bessie insists that her husband Harry is trying to kill her and she wants Emma to prove it. Now I know what you are thinking ..... Emma usually gets involved after there has been a murder so how is this going to work ??
Even though Emma has her hands full with baby Annamarie, running the Messenger with her husband, and following up on any story worth publishing, she cannot help but feel drawn to Bessie's concerns. Especially after meeting Harry and seeing how he treats people.
Emma has learned though so she does enlist the help of her husband and her brother to help see what they can also learn while she sticks to Bessie as much as she can.
Don't worry fans things will turn and you will be on the craziest rollercoaster ride ever and all you can do is hang on and try to help Emma solve things before it gets too late ......
Every time I open one of Maxwell's books, I know that I am in for a real treat and cannot wait for the next book !!!
May 24, 2025
Murder at Arleigh by Alyssa Maxwell
Leave reading about thee earlier times on the island. I live in southern portion and it's amazing how much I still learn about the whole island with every book I read.
This one starts out with Emma and she's been to the wedding of Reggie and hears all about his escapades. Bessie Lehr is upset, her husband she fears wants her dead so he can take over her inheritance. He has no money of his own and doesn't want to work.
Love the scene on the beach with boys being fished out. Love caves and tunnels where, in Portsmouth there were rum runners during the time frame.
Such scary situations Bessie finds herself in.
There are so many episodes of harm and even death to others that were meant for Bessie, or were they?
Love how Emma and Derek are able to gather clues and find out who's at fault. Jessie their friend also helps out as the police had finally been summoned. Love learning about how certain events are still ongoing today in Newport that generated from the early 1900's.
Love hearing more about the stables in Portsmouth and at the end what is at the location of this house now. Know friends who work there. Amazing how the author makes a full circle to the story. Easy to keep the characters straight and all scenes are described so you can picture yourself in them. Glad baby was introduced to us, what a cutie!
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing | Kensington via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
MurderatArleigh #NetGalley
Leave reading about thee earlier times on the island. I live in southern portion and it's amazing how much I still learn about the whole island with every book I read.
This one starts out with Emma and she's been to the wedding of Reggie and hears all about his escapades. Bessie Lehr is upset, her husband she fears wants her dead so he can take over her inheritance. He has no money of his own and doesn't want to work.
Love the scene on the beach with boys being fished out. Love caves and tunnels where, in Portsmouth there were rum runners during the time frame.
Such scary situations Bessie finds herself in.
There are so many episodes of harm and even death to others that were meant for Bessie, or were they?
Love how Emma and Derek are able to gather clues and find out who's at fault. Jessie their friend also helps out as the police had finally been summoned. Love learning about how certain events are still ongoing today in Newport that generated from the early 1900's.
Love hearing more about the stables in Portsmouth and at the end what is at the location of this house now. Know friends who work there. Amazing how the author makes a full circle to the story. Easy to keep the characters straight and all scenes are described so you can picture yourself in them. Glad baby was introduced to us, what a cutie!
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing | Kensington via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
MurderatArleigh #NetGalley
July 28, 2025
Murder at Arleigh is the thirteenth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series. I love this series and I really enjoyed this newest book. I believe Ms. Maxwell does an incredible amount of research into the Newport area and the many rich and famous residents of turn of the century Newport and it really shows. Not only can I imagine the people and places many of them I can look up and learn more about because they really existed. Many of the people and places in this book are based on real locations and people and her notes at the end of the book are not to be missed as she gives even more detail than what is in the book. The mystery concerning the Arleigh mansion was very complicated and fun to try to figure out and I will admit I was stumped until the very end! I also loved reading about our heroine Emma, her husband Derrick and their family. It feels like visiting old friends. It’s so nice to read about a character who’s motivation isn’t to show up the police or just be nosy, but to really help women who often didn’t have a lot of help in those days, even well to do women. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Newport and for Emma and Derrick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Read
August 20, 2025In April 1903, Emma and Derrick Andrews meet the charming but secretive Harry Lehr and his wealthy wife, Bessie. After the festivities, Bessie confides in Emma that Harry is cruel behind closed doors and may be plotting her murder through a series of suspicious “accidents.” Determined to uncover the truth, Emma investigates whether Newport’s favorite prankster is hiding deadly intentions beneath his playful façade.
This was a fun addition to the series. Some time has passed since the previous book. Emma and Derrick are reorganizing their lives to accommodate their daughter but keep up with the demands of their profession. I appreciated how they both had to find a balance.
It was interesting to have the story set in a mansion that has been lost to time. I enjoyed imagining what it must have looked like. The story left me sympathetic to Bessie Lehr and what her life had been like.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and the mystery left me guessing until the end. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this one, and readers new to the adventures of Emma Cross Andrews will not be left in the dark either.
I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
This was a fun addition to the series. Some time has passed since the previous book. Emma and Derrick are reorganizing their lives to accommodate their daughter but keep up with the demands of their profession. I appreciated how they both had to find a balance.
It was interesting to have the story set in a mansion that has been lost to time. I enjoyed imagining what it must have looked like. The story left me sympathetic to Bessie Lehr and what her life had been like.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and the mystery left me guessing until the end. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this one, and readers new to the adventures of Emma Cross Andrews will not be left in the dark either.
I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2025
Emma now has a baby, Anna. However, she still has time to work with her husband at their newpaper as well as sleuthing. She and Derrick go to Reggie Vanderbilt's wedding at Arleigh, and meet the couple living in the house, Bessie and Harry Lehr. Bessie later contacts Emma and tells her that her husband is trying to kill her. Bessie agrees to help. Emma thinks that Bessie's lady's maid might be the problem, but Bessie will hear nothing bad about her. It turns out that Bessie is fairly rich, and Harry does not have much money. Emma overhears a conversation where Harry is demanding money from Bessie. Meanwhile a man is killed when the car brakes were probably tampered with. Later in the book the lady's maid is killed by bees who have had pepper dumped in their hive. Emma is attacked in her barn, and a fried of Harry Lehr is killed in the house he rents. Emma and Derrick must find out who is causing all these catastrophes. The book takes place during the golden age of New Port, home of the rich and famous.
I thank Netgalley and Kensington books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
I thank Netgalley and Kensington books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
August 13, 2025
3.75 stars
This series set amongst the grand mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, during the early 1900s is quite entertaining. We have followed the main character, a not wealthy distant member of the Vanderbilt clan, from her days as an intrepid reporter to her current married status as the mother of a toddler and part owner of a newspaper. Emma and her husband Daniel are accepted in society due to his family status although Emma remains on good terms with her rich cousins, aunts and uncles.
Her reputation as a discreet investigator into society women's troubles has brought her another problem to solve - a woman comes to her convinced her husband has been trying to kill her and make it look like an accident. This opens up a myriad of secrets and shenanigans. Several actual deaths occur. But nobody is being completely honest with Emma and they refuse to involve the police.
These are nicely plotted and give an interesting glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and their servants during this period. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series set amongst the grand mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, during the early 1900s is quite entertaining. We have followed the main character, a not wealthy distant member of the Vanderbilt clan, from her days as an intrepid reporter to her current married status as the mother of a toddler and part owner of a newspaper. Emma and her husband Daniel are accepted in society due to his family status although Emma remains on good terms with her rich cousins, aunts and uncles.
Her reputation as a discreet investigator into society women's troubles has brought her another problem to solve - a woman comes to her convinced her husband has been trying to kill her and make it look like an accident. This opens up a myriad of secrets and shenanigans. Several actual deaths occur. But nobody is being completely honest with Emma and they refuse to involve the police.
These are nicely plotted and give an interesting glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and their servants during this period. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2025
What a treat to be able to read Murder at Arleigh , by Alyssa Maxwell, the thirteenth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series. I have been reading the series from the beginning; each book offers a compelling mystery, wonderfully accurate information about the houses, their owners and the time period. I love to see the character growth in Emma and Derrick Andrews. These books are always fresh and original!
The 13 installment is one of the best storylines yet. Emma and Derrick attend cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson's wedding at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are the Leher's, a seemingly love-struck couple of The 400. This begins the twisted storyline with its various suspects and an eye-opening view of the attitudes of the upper crust at that time. The history has been well researched and the author's notes at the end were so interesting.
Perfect for lovers of historical fiction such as Anna Lee Huber and Laurie King. I loved it.
Thank you so much for allowing me an advanced reader's copy of this book:All thoughts and opinions are my own.#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #AlyssaMaxwell #GuildedNewportMystery #MurderatArleigh
The 13 installment is one of the best storylines yet. Emma and Derrick attend cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson's wedding at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are the Leher's, a seemingly love-struck couple of The 400. This begins the twisted storyline with its various suspects and an eye-opening view of the attitudes of the upper crust at that time. The history has been well researched and the author's notes at the end were so interesting.
Perfect for lovers of historical fiction such as Anna Lee Huber and Laurie King. I loved it.
Thank you so much for allowing me an advanced reader's copy of this book:All thoughts and opinions are my own.#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #AlyssaMaxwell #GuildedNewportMystery #MurderatArleigh
September 16, 2025
The scene set at a wedding is the start of something bizarre. Bessie is convinced her husband is trying to murder and get rid of her. She finds divorce out of the question but seeks Emma’s help to confirm her worst fears.
1903 and the times were not favorable for women despite it being the dawn of more modern times. Husbands and men in general controlled their women folk and the finances and there was a rigid set of rules that governed high society. Emma and Derrick are not fully accepted in this society by some, because their attitudes do not fall within society’s strict guidelines but this does not bother them at all. Emma tries to diplomatically see whether what Bessie is convinced of and there are many things which seem off but all can be also accounted for. When murder happens and Emma is personally threatened, the investigation steps up.
There is a lot of history mingled with the mystery and this certainly adds to the interest in this story. The characters are varied some are typical but people like Emma and Derrick are the breakthrough into more progressive times. It all adds weight to the story.
1903 and the times were not favorable for women despite it being the dawn of more modern times. Husbands and men in general controlled their women folk and the finances and there was a rigid set of rules that governed high society. Emma and Derrick are not fully accepted in this society by some, because their attitudes do not fall within society’s strict guidelines but this does not bother them at all. Emma tries to diplomatically see whether what Bessie is convinced of and there are many things which seem off but all can be also accounted for. When murder happens and Emma is personally threatened, the investigation steps up.
There is a lot of history mingled with the mystery and this certainly adds to the interest in this story. The characters are varied some are typical but people like Emma and Derrick are the breakthrough into more progressive times. It all adds weight to the story.
September 19, 2025
Newport, Rhode Island is such a fascinating place and with Maxwell’s newest Gilded Newport mystery the setting is Arleigh, one of the Mansions that no longer exists. The story speaks to a marriage made in hell, and the many difficulties Elizabeth, aka Bessie, Drexel endured upon her marriage to Harry Lehr and their rental of Arleigh. Firmly planted in historical accuracy Maxwell describes the wedding of her cousin, Reggie Vanderbilt at the mansion and that is where there is a tear in history so that a murder may be inserted. Maxwell’s protagonist, Emmaline Andrew’s and her husband continue to run a newspaper and follow clues in this hard to figure out who did it cozy murder mystery.
Once again Maxwell, has created the perfect tone and mood of the early years of the twentieth century with all the strictures of the classes. It was a time when the wealthy and mighty “400” dictated who mattered in their social stratus. Once again I applaud the research and even handed retelling of the Gilded Age of Newport. I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy of this latest installment.
Once again Maxwell, has created the perfect tone and mood of the early years of the twentieth century with all the strictures of the classes. It was a time when the wealthy and mighty “400” dictated who mattered in their social stratus. Once again I applaud the research and even handed retelling of the Gilded Age of Newport. I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy of this latest installment.
November 8, 2025
Read a few in the series. All dragged out w/ lots of boring useless stuff / and so repetitive.
So saw this in New book section of library, saud let's see if she's grown any intelligence or wit/ cleverness .
NOPE.still as boring and stupid and rude as the other books .
She has NOT grown from book 1 till now. Just went from shabby chic ( all the whining and passive aggressive babble about her relatives every bloody book ), to comfortable w inheritance and then rich, after she dumped the cop boyfriend for son of millionaires.
Still has the same rude condescending air when talking about others she thinks are below her intelligence wise..esoe islly if theyre in 400.
And she's a moron .Never figures out the mystery till 2nd to last chapter. She doesnt even get a hint if the true answer before that.
AND the whole book is her bumbling about invading peoples privacy and annoying Jesse though bec she's related to society, ijiot puts up with it .
Oh and she ALWAYS endangers herself and needs Jesse or her bf turned husband to rescue her .
Such an idiot. Last try after not reading any for a while ...won't make that mistake again.
So saw this in New book section of library, saud let's see if she's grown any intelligence or wit/ cleverness .
NOPE.still as boring and stupid and rude as the other books .
She has NOT grown from book 1 till now. Just went from shabby chic ( all the whining and passive aggressive babble about her relatives every bloody book ), to comfortable w inheritance and then rich, after she dumped the cop boyfriend for son of millionaires.
Still has the same rude condescending air when talking about others she thinks are below her intelligence wise..esoe islly if theyre in 400.
And she's a moron .Never figures out the mystery till 2nd to last chapter. She doesnt even get a hint if the true answer before that.
AND the whole book is her bumbling about invading peoples privacy and annoying Jesse though bec she's related to society, ijiot puts up with it .
Oh and she ALWAYS endangers herself and needs Jesse or her bf turned husband to rescue her .
Such an idiot. Last try after not reading any for a while ...won't make that mistake again.
July 24, 2025
I have not read this author before, but found her story to be quite entertaining . As this was part of a series, I thought I might have become confused , not having read any of the previous books, but the author does an excellent job of introducing the characters. Emma has insatiable curiosity ,which suits her well as a journalist. I adored this mystery story as it felt like an old fashioned murder mystery from the 1050’s. Though the story dragged through the first third of the book, it picked up the pace quickly . The villain is well hidden among all those who could have been, I picked up on who it was about the same time as Emma. Having real people intertwined in the story was rather fun, and seeing Bessie’s life as it was, was rather sad. The whole story made me want to go to Newport and look around , she described it so well. All the characters were well written and I enjoyed the story a lot. No crass language, and very clean. Good read.
I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.
I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.
July 28, 2025
Murder at Arleigh blends Gilded Age glamour with dark secrets, bringing reporter-sleuth Emma Cross back into action—this time amid society weddings, whispered threats, and dangerous pranks that might not be so innocent.
Set in 1903 Newport, this installment dives into the opulent world of the Vanderbilts and the scandal-tinged lives of the elite. I loved the historical details, the atmospheric setting at the Bellevue Mansion, and the way the mystery unfolds quietly at first before escalating into genuine suspense.
Emma is a grounded, observant narrator, and the storyline around Bessie Lehr’s suspicions felt emotionally charged and believable. While the pacing lags in a few spots, the central question—accidents or attempted murder?—kept me invested. The blend of high society drama and real danger was handled well.
Perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie vibe. Elegant, layered, and just dark enough to keep things interesting.
Set in 1903 Newport, this installment dives into the opulent world of the Vanderbilts and the scandal-tinged lives of the elite. I loved the historical details, the atmospheric setting at the Bellevue Mansion, and the way the mystery unfolds quietly at first before escalating into genuine suspense.
Emma is a grounded, observant narrator, and the storyline around Bessie Lehr’s suspicions felt emotionally charged and believable. While the pacing lags in a few spots, the central question—accidents or attempted murder?—kept me invested. The blend of high society drama and real danger was handled well.
Perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie vibe. Elegant, layered, and just dark enough to keep things interesting.
August 25, 2025
In Newport, Rhode Island, in April 1903, Emma Cross Andrews and her husband Derrick are at the wedding of Emma's cousin, Reggie Vanderbilt, being held at the home being leased by Harry and Bessie Lehr. Bessie tells Emma that she fears for her live, that her husband is trying to kill her for control of her money. There is evidence that Harry is a cruel husband, and there have been a number of accidents that seem to be more than coincidence. Some folks contact by Emma seem to feel that Emma imagining things or not adjusting to married life. There are a number of twists and turns as Emma tried to determine exactly what is going on. This book is the thirteenth in a well-researched series about historic Gilded Age "cottages" in Newport. They all can be read as standalones although some might want to follow the series for more background on the protagonists and major supporting characters. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy. My opinions are solely my own.
September 22, 2025
Murder at Arleigh is the thirteenth historical cozy mystery in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series. Emma and her husband, Derrick, attend her cousin’s wedding at Arleigh, a Bellevue mansion. Following the wedding, Bessie, the homeowner, seeks out Emma’s help because she thinks her husband is plotting her murder. After a string of incidents, the theory doesn’t sound too far fetched and Emma puts her investigating and reporter hat on, ready to get to the bottom of it before it’s too late.
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and I loved this latest installment. I love the characters and the setting. Everything about this series is amazing. The mystery kept me captured and guessing throughout the book. Emma is one of my favorite lead sleuths and I’ve really enjoyed seeing her grown and her life change as I’ve read these books. This is a great historical mystery series, probably my favorite of this genre, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and I loved this latest installment. I love the characters and the setting. Everything about this series is amazing. The mystery kept me captured and guessing throughout the book. Emma is one of my favorite lead sleuths and I’ve really enjoyed seeing her grown and her life change as I’ve read these books. This is a great historical mystery series, probably my favorite of this genre, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
November 18, 2025
Behind Closed Doors in Newport
Murder in Arleigh is based on the mansion of the same name in Newport during the Gilded Age. It was a popular rental among The 400 during the Summer Season. In this story, Elizabeth “Bessie” and Harry Lehr, popular members of society, are renting Arleigh for the summer. When the story begins, Emma and Derrick are attending the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Nelson.
Afterward, Emma comes across a distraught Bessie, who confides that her husband Harry is cruel to her behind closed doors and that she believes he is trying to kill her. Emma agrees to help, even though she’s unsure about Bessie’s claims.
I was interested to see how the plot would proceed, since I’m familiar with the circumstances of the Lehr marriage. Many suspects are considered throughout the story, and I was surprised at the end.
As usual, Alyssa Maxwell delivers a great mystery along with the lives and times of Gilded Age Newport.
Murder in Arleigh is based on the mansion of the same name in Newport during the Gilded Age. It was a popular rental among The 400 during the Summer Season. In this story, Elizabeth “Bessie” and Harry Lehr, popular members of society, are renting Arleigh for the summer. When the story begins, Emma and Derrick are attending the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Nelson.
Afterward, Emma comes across a distraught Bessie, who confides that her husband Harry is cruel to her behind closed doors and that she believes he is trying to kill her. Emma agrees to help, even though she’s unsure about Bessie’s claims.
I was interested to see how the plot would proceed, since I’m familiar with the circumstances of the Lehr marriage. Many suspects are considered throughout the story, and I was surprised at the end.
As usual, Alyssa Maxwell delivers a great mystery along with the lives and times of Gilded Age Newport.
July 25, 2025
Emma and Derek have been invited to her cousin Reggie's wedding at Arleigh. Backnote-Arleigh was destroyed by a fire and is no longer standing. The storyline follows Bessie's allegations that her husband, Harry is trying to kill her. She hires Emma to prove this, which sends the characters down a long and twisting tale. The storyline about the Lehr's does follow some of the historical facts which I have read about, as Ms Maxwell always does do her "homework". Attempts on Bessie's life, her maids untimely death from multiple bee stings, and a few suspects. As usual, Emma figures it out and saves the day. Exciting news at the end of the story pertaining to the ongoing hopes of building a school. Many thanks to NetGalley, Ms Maxwell, and Kensington Publishing for another wonderful Newport mansions cozy mystery.
July 31, 2025
Emma Andrews, a reporter and distant relative to the Vanderbilts, can’t resist when her friend Bessie Lehr, a member of Newport society’s elite Four Hundred, pleads for her help. Bessie believes her husband Harry is trying to kill her. She’s escaped several attempts on her life, thanks to her maid’s fortuitous assistance. Unable to refuse a friend, Emma gets on the case along with her husband, Derrick. A bit of digging reveals that Harry has some shady friends. And as Emma gets closer to solving the case, she risks making herself the next target. A puzzling plot, distinctive characters and a unique setting blend into a suspenseful tale that will keep you guessing until the end. I had no idea whodunit until the final reveal. Disclaimer: I received an advance reading copy from the publisher. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 25, 2025
For full disclosure I have not read all of the entries in this series...some but not all. And while I enjoy the historical research behind these books (Maxwell does an excellent job of this), I must admit that some of the stories I have liked more than others. This one, while overall a good book, was a bit slow for me. I did not get the sense of just-around-the-corner danger and suspense that I have experienced with some of Maxwell's previous outings with Emma and her ensemble cast.
With this said, I still enjoyed meeting up with the intrepid Emma again with her sharp wit and keen intelligence, and I'll still look forward to reading more of her adventures in the future.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Arleigh for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
With this said, I still enjoyed meeting up with the intrepid Emma again with her sharp wit and keen intelligence, and I'll still look forward to reading more of her adventures in the future.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Arleigh for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
July 25, 2025
It was so fun to have baby Annamarie in this book and get to see Emma & Derrick as parents. I'm glad that Emma has found a way to balance her work with her family life and doesn't have to give up either, and that Derrick is always incredibly supportive of her. The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects to keep me guessing throughout the book. Emma does a good job at living in many different worlds of wealth and/or middle-class with little effort, and builds friendships with all. It was good to have the reminders about the class divide during that time period to understand the mystery. I look forward to the next book and hope it includes Emma finally moving closer to having a school.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
August 5, 2025
Wow, this book was full of so many twists and turns, I really didn’t see the end coming. It was so well written with so many suspects, but it was not confusing, which many books with lots of suspects do . The characters were well written, and the setting was wonderfully described. The mystery was very unusual, and I think this is one of my favourites. There had been a few nice surprises since that last book for those who have been reading the series. It is written so that anyone can pick up the series from anywhere and start reading and enjoying, and become involved with the whole family.I look forward to the next chapter in this wonderful series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews