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Gilded Newport Mysteries #14
Murder at Rosecliff
When a troublemaking party crasher is found dead in a fountain during an elegant soiree in Newport, Rhode Island, newspaper editor Emma Cross Andrews must clear her own society reporter from suspicion of murder…
August 1903. Emma and her husband Derrick are among the men in white tie and tails and the women wearing white gowns from the House of Worth at Tessie Oelrichs’s Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at Rosecliff, her grand cottage on Bellevue Avenue. There to cover the event of the season is young Ethan Merriman, society reporter for the Newport Messenger, the newspaper owned by Emma and Derrick.
It’s an utterly charming affair until a stranger intrudes flaunting a green-striped necktie and matching vest in defiance of their hostess’s theme. But his fashion crime is a mere misdemeanor compared to his intention to blackmail Mrs. Oelrichs by producing a compromising document supposedly signed by Tessie over a decade ago.
Insisting it’s a forgery but terrified of scandal, she agrees to his terms, but the blackmailer will not live to see payday. His body is found face down in a fountain before the party’s end. Beside him stands a very wet Ethan, who was seen being confronted by the man earlier in the evening. Coming to the aid of their luckless cub reporter, Emma and Derrick must sort through the white lies and blackened reputations to discover the identity of the true killer.
August 1903. Emma and her husband Derrick are among the men in white tie and tails and the women wearing white gowns from the House of Worth at Tessie Oelrichs’s Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at Rosecliff, her grand cottage on Bellevue Avenue. There to cover the event of the season is young Ethan Merriman, society reporter for the Newport Messenger, the newspaper owned by Emma and Derrick.
It’s an utterly charming affair until a stranger intrudes flaunting a green-striped necktie and matching vest in defiance of their hostess’s theme. But his fashion crime is a mere misdemeanor compared to his intention to blackmail Mrs. Oelrichs by producing a compromising document supposedly signed by Tessie over a decade ago.
Insisting it’s a forgery but terrified of scandal, she agrees to his terms, but the blackmailer will not live to see payday. His body is found face down in a fountain before the party’s end. Beside him stands a very wet Ethan, who was seen being confronted by the man earlier in the evening. Coming to the aid of their luckless cub reporter, Emma and Derrick must sort through the white lies and blackened reputations to discover the identity of the true killer.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
24 books1,116 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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August 30, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tessie Oelrichs is hosting her Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at her beautiful residence, Rosecliff, and Emma Cross Andrews and her loving husband, Derrick, are in attendance at the grand event. Their employee Ethan Merriman is there to cover the wondrous affair. Everyone is enjoying the food and dancing until an ill-mannered and horribly dressed stranger crashes the party and approaches Mrs. Oelrichs. He claims he has a document she needs to see and that she will need to pay him dearly. She insists the paper has nothing to do with her, but a scandal worries her greatly. She regretfully decides to pay the man so that he will go away. Though before she can gather the funds, her blackmailer is found dead, face down in a garden fountain. And Ethan Merriman, a very wet Ethan Merriman, is standing over the body.
Emma and Derrick know Ethan would never kill anyone; they just need to find the evidence to prove it.
Ms. Maxwell has created such strong layered characters for this series. Emma has always been an independent woman, but her marriage to Derrick gives her even more confidence; together they make an excellent team for anything life throws at them, including investigating a murder. They can move freely between the classes and are liked and well-respected. They run a comfortable household with just Nanny and Katie to cook, clean, and take care of their daughter, Annamarie. They have always been family to Emma, and it was Derrick who was welcomed in. It is why they are so concerned about their employee. It is just who they are; they care about everyone connected to them.
To clear Ethan’s name, it will take some legwork and clever questioning. Several people at the party communicated with Solomon Wheeler. Some cannot be accounted for during the time the murder was committed. They need to find who was connected to the dead man and how, and who had the most to gain from his death. The whole process is made more difficult by lies, half-truths, and omissions. When Emma has a harrowing event, they know they are getting close.
What makes the books in this series so outstanding is how Ms. Maxwell blends actual people, places, events, traditions, and attitudes from history with her complex mysteries. Her Author’s Note at the end of the book details the true lives of the new people featured in the book. In Murder at Rosecliff, Emma and Derrick continue to work toward their dream of building a school for girls next to Gull Manor, and by the end of the book, they are one step closer, which brings another new character to the pages.
I appreciate how hard Alyssa Maxwell works to bring these books to her readers. It must take hours and hours of research to bring these stories to life. Murder at Rosecliff is another extraordinary installment in this series. With endearing characters, notable locations, and a fabulous mystery filled with history, this reader was captivated from the first page to the last. Thank you, Ms. Maxwell, for another Perfect Escape.
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 and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Tessie Oelrichs is hosting her Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at her beautiful residence, Rosecliff, and Emma Cross Andrews and her loving husband, Derrick, are in attendance at the grand event. Their employee Ethan Merriman is there to cover the wondrous affair. Everyone is enjoying the food and dancing until an ill-mannered and horribly dressed stranger crashes the party and approaches Mrs. Oelrichs. He claims he has a document she needs to see and that she will need to pay him dearly. She insists the paper has nothing to do with her, but a scandal worries her greatly. She regretfully decides to pay the man so that he will go away. Though before she can gather the funds, her blackmailer is found dead, face down in a garden fountain. And Ethan Merriman, a very wet Ethan Merriman, is standing over the body.
Emma and Derrick know Ethan would never kill anyone; they just need to find the evidence to prove it.
Ms. Maxwell has created such strong layered characters for this series. Emma has always been an independent woman, but her marriage to Derrick gives her even more confidence; together they make an excellent team for anything life throws at them, including investigating a murder. They can move freely between the classes and are liked and well-respected. They run a comfortable household with just Nanny and Katie to cook, clean, and take care of their daughter, Annamarie. They have always been family to Emma, and it was Derrick who was welcomed in. It is why they are so concerned about their employee. It is just who they are; they care about everyone connected to them.
To clear Ethan’s name, it will take some legwork and clever questioning. Several people at the party communicated with Solomon Wheeler. Some cannot be accounted for during the time the murder was committed. They need to find who was connected to the dead man and how, and who had the most to gain from his death. The whole process is made more difficult by lies, half-truths, and omissions. When Emma has a harrowing event, they know they are getting close.
What makes the books in this series so outstanding is how Ms. Maxwell blends actual people, places, events, traditions, and attitudes from history with her complex mysteries. Her Author’s Note at the end of the book details the true lives of the new people featured in the book. In Murder at Rosecliff, Emma and Derrick continue to work toward their dream of building a school for girls next to Gull Manor, and by the end of the book, they are one step closer, which brings another new character to the pages.
I appreciate how hard Alyssa Maxwell works to bring these books to her readers. It must take hours and hours of research to bring these stories to life. Murder at Rosecliff is another extraordinary installment in this series. With endearing characters, notable locations, and a fabulous mystery filled with history, this reader was captivated from the first page to the last. Thank you, Ms. Maxwell, for another Perfect Escape.
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 and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
August 25, 2026
How can you not be a fan of the Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell ? Especially now that the fourteenth book, Murder at Rosecliff, is being published. This series takes readers back to a time when things are much simpler, or they should have been. People were living their best lives in Newport, Rhode Island working and attending parties and enjoying life. Unfortunately, because this is a mystery series, there is always a murder to put a damper on things. Luckily the members of the Four Hundred as well as all others in the area can rest assure with Emma and her husband Derrick on the case.
In the fourteenth book, Murder at Rosecliff, Emma and Derrick are attending the White Ball at the House of Worth and having quite a fun time until a gentleman shows up not wearing the appropriate colors and proceeds to have a meeting with the host, Tessie Oelrich, and shows papers claiming that the two are married .... even though Tessie is married and has a son from that marriage and this stranger, Solomon Wheeler, was in prison for many years. He has only been out for a few years.
Fortunately for Tessie Emma, Derrick and a group of Tessie's friends attend the meeting and are witness to Solomon's blackmail terms. Even though Tessie agrees to the terms, that will not be the end of things.
Sometime later Solomon is found being dragged out of a fountain by Ethan. Ethan is there working the event as the society reporter for Emma and Derrick's newspaper. Sadly, Solomon is pronounced dead and there are two eyewitnesses who claim that he was being held under the water by Ethan. Things don't look good for Ethan as he and Solomon had a confrontation earlier but everyone who knows him knows that he would not hurt anyone.
Unfortunately, when Ethan is being escorted out by the police he decides to run for it, isn't caught and is now in hiding.
Emma knows that there is more to the death and knows that Ethan didn't do what they are claiming he did, so she does what she always does and goes about her own investigating. Good thing for her that she finally has Detective Jesse Whyte allowing her to do her thing as well as assist him when he needs it ... and we know he does at times.
We know that Emma is always determined to look into the murders and bring the guilty party to justice but with this one involving Ethan, someone who is an innocent person who was just doing his job, the job he works for Emma at, she feels strongly in this. And with no one knowing where Ethan is hiding, she is just as concerned about his safety.
You can't help but enjoy this series with the setting being in the 1900's when things were so much simpler and the ways in which they solved the crimes so different. I want to go back just for the parties, to get dressed up and dance the night away. But I will leave the murders to Emma.
In the fourteenth book, Murder at Rosecliff, Emma and Derrick are attending the White Ball at the House of Worth and having quite a fun time until a gentleman shows up not wearing the appropriate colors and proceeds to have a meeting with the host, Tessie Oelrich, and shows papers claiming that the two are married .... even though Tessie is married and has a son from that marriage and this stranger, Solomon Wheeler, was in prison for many years. He has only been out for a few years.
Fortunately for Tessie Emma, Derrick and a group of Tessie's friends attend the meeting and are witness to Solomon's blackmail terms. Even though Tessie agrees to the terms, that will not be the end of things.
Sometime later Solomon is found being dragged out of a fountain by Ethan. Ethan is there working the event as the society reporter for Emma and Derrick's newspaper. Sadly, Solomon is pronounced dead and there are two eyewitnesses who claim that he was being held under the water by Ethan. Things don't look good for Ethan as he and Solomon had a confrontation earlier but everyone who knows him knows that he would not hurt anyone.
Unfortunately, when Ethan is being escorted out by the police he decides to run for it, isn't caught and is now in hiding.
Emma knows that there is more to the death and knows that Ethan didn't do what they are claiming he did, so she does what she always does and goes about her own investigating. Good thing for her that she finally has Detective Jesse Whyte allowing her to do her thing as well as assist him when he needs it ... and we know he does at times.
We know that Emma is always determined to look into the murders and bring the guilty party to justice but with this one involving Ethan, someone who is an innocent person who was just doing his job, the job he works for Emma at, she feels strongly in this. And with no one knowing where Ethan is hiding, she is just as concerned about his safety.
You can't help but enjoy this series with the setting being in the 1900's when things were so much simpler and the ways in which they solved the crimes so different. I want to go back just for the parties, to get dressed up and dance the night away. But I will leave the murders to Emma.
August 30, 2026
MURDER AT ROSECLIFF by Alyssa Maxwell is the magnificent, compelling story of Emma and Derrick Andrews, owners of the Newport Messenger - the local paper, the Bal Blanc, or White Ball, and the events set in place by that night. When one of Emma and Derrick's loyal employees, and a dear friend, is charged with murder, they know they must do whatever is necessary to uncover evidence to prove him innocent - even if danger does lurks close by.
While attending the White Ball held at Rosecliff owned by Tessie Oelrich, Emma's friend, there was a surprising disruption when an intruder named Solomon Wheeler claimed to be Tessie's husband. In a private conversation, threats of making public the marriage documents, true or forged, in order to ruin her socially and an agreed upon amount to be paid in one week's time where made in order to hush the matter. Then there was a ruckus when Solomon jumped Ethan Merriman for doing his job as society reporter for the Newport Messenger. Later in the evening, the whole ball ended in complete disaster when Solomon is found dead in the fountain with Ethan wet and with his hands on the man. Ethan claimed his innocence saying he was trying to help the man. However, conclusions were jumped to labeling him as a murderer instead of one rendering aid. He was arrested. When Ethan manages to escape on the way to jail, he knows he must go into deep hiding. Convinced Emma and Derrick believe him, he's trusting them to find evidence to prove him innocent.
Knowing Ethan the way she did, Emma never had any doubts of his innocence. Can she convince Derrick when he wavers a bit at first? Now to find a way to get the charges against him dropped. Will her friend at the police department listen to what she finds and work with her? Where is Ethan and is he safe? Can they find out whodunit and bring them to justice? Will their search put them them right in the crosshairs of the murderer of not one but two murders?
MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is an amazing story that will have your sifting through the clues trying to figure out whodunit alongside Emma, Derrick and the police. Alyssa Maxwell brings us a story of high society, showing the roles of the women in the early 1900's and how some decide to change them, murder, danger, intrigue, suspense, standing up for what is right, and even a bit of sweet romance. MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is a fabulous FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone.
While MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is the fourteenth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book. It will have you wanting to search for and read more book in this series.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. Al opinions are completely my own.
#MurderatRosecliff #AGuildedNewportMystery #AlyssaMaxwell
While attending the White Ball held at Rosecliff owned by Tessie Oelrich, Emma's friend, there was a surprising disruption when an intruder named Solomon Wheeler claimed to be Tessie's husband. In a private conversation, threats of making public the marriage documents, true or forged, in order to ruin her socially and an agreed upon amount to be paid in one week's time where made in order to hush the matter. Then there was a ruckus when Solomon jumped Ethan Merriman for doing his job as society reporter for the Newport Messenger. Later in the evening, the whole ball ended in complete disaster when Solomon is found dead in the fountain with Ethan wet and with his hands on the man. Ethan claimed his innocence saying he was trying to help the man. However, conclusions were jumped to labeling him as a murderer instead of one rendering aid. He was arrested. When Ethan manages to escape on the way to jail, he knows he must go into deep hiding. Convinced Emma and Derrick believe him, he's trusting them to find evidence to prove him innocent.
Knowing Ethan the way she did, Emma never had any doubts of his innocence. Can she convince Derrick when he wavers a bit at first? Now to find a way to get the charges against him dropped. Will her friend at the police department listen to what she finds and work with her? Where is Ethan and is he safe? Can they find out whodunit and bring them to justice? Will their search put them them right in the crosshairs of the murderer of not one but two murders?
MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is an amazing story that will have your sifting through the clues trying to figure out whodunit alongside Emma, Derrick and the police. Alyssa Maxwell brings us a story of high society, showing the roles of the women in the early 1900's and how some decide to change them, murder, danger, intrigue, suspense, standing up for what is right, and even a bit of sweet romance. MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is a fabulous FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone.
While MURDER AT ROSECLIFF is the fourteenth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book. It will have you wanting to search for and read more book in this series.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. Al opinions are completely my own.
#MurderatRosecliff #AGuildedNewportMystery #AlyssaMaxwell
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's not easy for a historical mystery to satisfy readers by both infusing the book with historical detail/atmosphere and crafting a challenging and tantalizing mystery. I'm happy to report that this novel does BOTH. From the first chapters, a party taking place at the glamorous Newport mansion of Rosecliff, I felt immersed in the Gilded Age of Newport--the clothes, the food and drink, the dances, the etiquette. But conflict comes quickly! A rude guest offends a range of other guests and, more importantly, the beautiful hostess, Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a California mining heiress who married well on the East Coast. To the shock of the main character, newspaper editor Emma Cross Andrews, this interloper threatens "Tessie," saying he can reveal her unsavory past to everyone. Hours later, the shady guest is found dead on the Rosecliff grounds. But what makes it a personal blow to Emma is that the man found near the corpse is Ethan Merriman, the reporter who works for Emma and her husband.
The mystery is very well plotted, with clues and misdirection seeded into the story. I did not guess the murderer's identity until the revelation near the end, making for a suspenseful read. Emma makes for an excellent series MC--she has Vanderbilt family connections but more blue-collar roots than the other ladies walking up Bellevue Avenue. Emma is determined to exonerate Ethan, no matter what tensions that causes with the police or even her husband. She is resourceful and quick-thinking, which helps propel the mystery investigation. The Author's Note at the end yields some gems. It turns out more people than I realized are from history. It's quite a talent to be able to weave real people into a novel without any jarring notes. My hat is off to Alyssa Maxwell for that and other feats in this novel.
The mystery is very well plotted, with clues and misdirection seeded into the story. I did not guess the murderer's identity until the revelation near the end, making for a suspenseful read. Emma makes for an excellent series MC--she has Vanderbilt family connections but more blue-collar roots than the other ladies walking up Bellevue Avenue. Emma is determined to exonerate Ethan, no matter what tensions that causes with the police or even her husband. She is resourceful and quick-thinking, which helps propel the mystery investigation. The Author's Note at the end yields some gems. It turns out more people than I realized are from history. It's quite a talent to be able to weave real people into a novel without any jarring notes. My hat is off to Alyssa Maxwell for that and other feats in this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a 3.5, rounded up, because I liked it better than the other 2 books in the series I've read. I requested this because I recently traveled to Newport and had read the first 2 books in the series because they were houses I visited while I was there. I gave the first 2 books 3 stars, but I wasn't really gripped by the series and hadn't been to the house book 3 focused on, so I stopped after 2. However, I have visited Rosecliff, so when this popped up on NetGalley, I requested it. I'm happy to say I felt this book was better than the earlier ones; I think the author has honed her characters and stories over time.
The descriptions of Newport were spot on, and the story moved along at a good pace. The motives for the murder felt a little too quickly revealed at the end, as I'm not a big fan of someone's rationale just being dismissed as "insane," rather than having a logical motive, but it was still a fun light read for a cozy mystery. Emma is more self-reflective in this story, wondering if her acceptance into the upper crust and her increased familiarity with that lifestyle is clouding her judgment. I appreciate that the author is making the character dynamic and having her consider such things.
Overall, if you like the series, enjoy Newport, or just want a light, cozy historical mystery, this will get the job done, and you can easily read this without having read the full series. I had no problem jumping from book 2 to this one and understanding the circumstances.
This is a 3.5, rounded up, because I liked it better than the other 2 books in the series I've read. I requested this because I recently traveled to Newport and had read the first 2 books in the series because they were houses I visited while I was there. I gave the first 2 books 3 stars, but I wasn't really gripped by the series and hadn't been to the house book 3 focused on, so I stopped after 2. However, I have visited Rosecliff, so when this popped up on NetGalley, I requested it. I'm happy to say I felt this book was better than the earlier ones; I think the author has honed her characters and stories over time.
The descriptions of Newport were spot on, and the story moved along at a good pace. The motives for the murder felt a little too quickly revealed at the end, as I'm not a big fan of someone's rationale just being dismissed as "insane," rather than having a logical motive, but it was still a fun light read for a cozy mystery. Emma is more self-reflective in this story, wondering if her acceptance into the upper crust and her increased familiarity with that lifestyle is clouding her judgment. I appreciate that the author is making the character dynamic and having her consider such things.
Overall, if you like the series, enjoy Newport, or just want a light, cozy historical mystery, this will get the job done, and you can easily read this without having read the full series. I had no problem jumping from book 2 to this one and understanding the circumstances.
August 26, 2026
Newport, Rhode Island - 1903
Emma and Derrick Andrews are attending Theresa (Tessie) Fair Oelrich’s White Ball at her mansion, Rosecliff. Both women and men are dressed in white and the men have had to shave off their facial hair for the event. Emma and Derrick own the “Newport Messenger” newspaper and their new society columnist, Ethan Merriman, is there observing and taking notes to write about the Ball. But an interloper has entered through the open doors. He acts cocky and wanders around which catches Emma’s attention. Turns out he has crashed the event to blackmail Tessie about something that happened years ago which she vehemently denies. This is upsetting to many of the wealthy attendees and especially to Tessie. Then he leaves and later is found dead in a fountain outside and next to him is Ethan. Contrary to the police charging Ethan with murder, Emma and Derrick are convinced he is not guilty of murdering anyone and are determined to prove him innocent.
This is a fast-paced book with lots of scary times that kept me on the edge of my seat. I have read and reviewed every one of this author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries and I can honestly say that this is my absolute favorite. I look forward to another of these from Ms. Maxwell. In the meantime, I want to catch up on the few A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries that I have missed. Good reading ahead. Do read this new book. It’s delightful!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Emma and Derrick Andrews are attending Theresa (Tessie) Fair Oelrich’s White Ball at her mansion, Rosecliff. Both women and men are dressed in white and the men have had to shave off their facial hair for the event. Emma and Derrick own the “Newport Messenger” newspaper and their new society columnist, Ethan Merriman, is there observing and taking notes to write about the Ball. But an interloper has entered through the open doors. He acts cocky and wanders around which catches Emma’s attention. Turns out he has crashed the event to blackmail Tessie about something that happened years ago which she vehemently denies. This is upsetting to many of the wealthy attendees and especially to Tessie. Then he leaves and later is found dead in a fountain outside and next to him is Ethan. Contrary to the police charging Ethan with murder, Emma and Derrick are convinced he is not guilty of murdering anyone and are determined to prove him innocent.
This is a fast-paced book with lots of scary times that kept me on the edge of my seat. I have read and reviewed every one of this author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries and I can honestly say that this is my absolute favorite. I look forward to another of these from Ms. Maxwell. In the meantime, I want to catch up on the few A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries that I have missed. Good reading ahead. Do read this new book. It’s delightful!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Rosecliff finds series mainstays Emma and Derrick Andrews investigating the murder of an unscrupulous cad, possible blackmailer and definite party crasher during the over-the-top Bal Blanc at Rosecliff house. The pair are determined to prove the innocence of Ethan Merriman, who writes the society column for the Newport Messenger (and hence works for Derrick) and was found with the body. Could the motive for the murder link to gold and silver mining that took place a decade or so earlier? A second murder muddies the motive and thrusts Emma into danger.
These books are quick, cozy and perfect for those of us who love to read about the Gilded Age. A minor critique lies in the interactions between Emma and Jesse, the Newport police detective. Given their romantic history earlier in the series, their dynamic felt a bit disconnected here; a new reader would likely never guess they once had a spark. However, this minor continuity hiccup wasn't enough to lower my overall rating. This series is best read in order, and always read the author's note after reading one of the Gilded Newport books. Maxwell uses historical people, events and especially the Newport "cottages" in her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. Murder at Rosecliff will drop Aug. 25.
These books are quick, cozy and perfect for those of us who love to read about the Gilded Age. A minor critique lies in the interactions between Emma and Jesse, the Newport police detective. Given their romantic history earlier in the series, their dynamic felt a bit disconnected here; a new reader would likely never guess they once had a spark. However, this minor continuity hiccup wasn't enough to lower my overall rating. This series is best read in order, and always read the author's note after reading one of the Gilded Newport books. Maxwell uses historical people, events and especially the Newport "cottages" in her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. Murder at Rosecliff will drop Aug. 25.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This mystery takes place in Newport RI. Tessie Oelrich is giving a banquet in her beautiful ballroom. There are doors at either end. Tessie came from San Francisco and arrived in 1889. A man comes in from the yard outside rather than at the entrance where the doorman is greeting guests. Emma notices Tessie's horror when she sees the man. The man is someone she knew in California, and he has recently come out of jail. His name is Solomon Wheeler, and he is acting like he owns the place., and he claims that he is Tessie's wife. He even pulls out a California marriage licence with her signature on it and tells her he'll go away if she agrees to papy him 2 million dollars by the end of the week.
Not too long after, they hear a scream outside. A couple stands motionless, and a body is floating in the pool of the fountain in the yard. Ethan, the man who works with Emma and Derrick is standing in the pool and is quite wet. He was trying to pull the man out of the pool, but the couple claim he drowned the man. Of course, Emma needs to keep investigating and and gets herself into a scary position a couple of times.
By the end of the book, all the mysteries are solved, and Emma begins getting ready for her girls' school in the lot next door. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Not too long after, they hear a scream outside. A couple stands motionless, and a body is floating in the pool of the fountain in the yard. Ethan, the man who works with Emma and Derrick is standing in the pool and is quite wet. He was trying to pull the man out of the pool, but the couple claim he drowned the man. Of course, Emma needs to keep investigating and and gets herself into a scary position a couple of times.
By the end of the book, all the mysteries are solved, and Emma begins getting ready for her girls' school in the lot next door. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25/5 stars
I've been reading this historical mystery series off and on for years, although I haven't read every book. I've read enough to get the background and gist of it.
This one involves a couple of murders and centers around Ethan (Emma and Derrick's employee) as the possible villain. There's a lot of speculation about different aspects from the victims' pasts, but in the end and even if I had guessed the murderer, it was a bit of a different angle than I was expecting.
These books always leave me a bit unsatisfied. The writing is fine, and the settings are wonderfully descriptive. But I have trouble really getting a 3D sense of the players. Both Emma and Derrick have never seemed all that interesting, in fact I find the supporting cast much more likable and well written. And to me, the prose/dialogue for the most part seems overly simplistic...even unrealistic in some instances.
So, while it's not a bad book/series, I'm thinking it's time to say that it's just not holding my attention as I always hope for in a book/series. But for others who love cozies, I'm sure it might just be right up your alley.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Rosecliff for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I've been reading this historical mystery series off and on for years, although I haven't read every book. I've read enough to get the background and gist of it.
This one involves a couple of murders and centers around Ethan (Emma and Derrick's employee) as the possible villain. There's a lot of speculation about different aspects from the victims' pasts, but in the end and even if I had guessed the murderer, it was a bit of a different angle than I was expecting.
These books always leave me a bit unsatisfied. The writing is fine, and the settings are wonderfully descriptive. But I have trouble really getting a 3D sense of the players. Both Emma and Derrick have never seemed all that interesting, in fact I find the supporting cast much more likable and well written. And to me, the prose/dialogue for the most part seems overly simplistic...even unrealistic in some instances.
So, while it's not a bad book/series, I'm thinking it's time to say that it's just not holding my attention as I always hope for in a book/series. But for others who love cozies, I'm sure it might just be right up your alley.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Rosecliff for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder At Rosecliff was a quick read and easy to follow as a standalone, if you haven't read any of the others, like me. While I did enjoy some aspects of it (the final twist at the end I specifically liked), there were certain elements of the book which snapped me out of the story.
• Loved the concept. I am an avid history buff and also love a murder mystery so this was the best of both worlds for me.
• Writing style was a little too 'flowery' for my liking, due to overly elaborate descriptions.
• Emma Andrews was a good character and well formed, however, about halfway through I began to struggle with the fact that she was so ahead of her time. I do understand that this is the point, she was an independent, forward thinking woman in a world run by men. Unfortunately, the constant reminders of how she was different from other high society women and how competent she was at everything became a bit irksome after a while, and somewhat unrealistic, it seemed too polished because she seemed to have everything figured out and working mostly in her favour.
I will not be returning to the series, but if you enjoy a gentle, period romance that's very easy reading (without looking too much into it) then I expect you will enjoy this.
• Loved the concept. I am an avid history buff and also love a murder mystery so this was the best of both worlds for me.
• Writing style was a little too 'flowery' for my liking, due to overly elaborate descriptions.
• Emma Andrews was a good character and well formed, however, about halfway through I began to struggle with the fact that she was so ahead of her time. I do understand that this is the point, she was an independent, forward thinking woman in a world run by men. Unfortunately, the constant reminders of how she was different from other high society women and how competent she was at everything became a bit irksome after a while, and somewhat unrealistic, it seemed too polished because she seemed to have everything figured out and working mostly in her favour.
I will not be returning to the series, but if you enjoy a gentle, period romance that's very easy reading (without looking too much into it) then I expect you will enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Newport, Rhode Island, July 1903. Murder at Rosecliff is the fourteenth in Alyssa Maxwell's well-researched series set in historic Gilded Age "cottages" in Newport. The books all can be read as standalones although readers new to the series might want to follow the whole series for more background on the protagonists and major supporting characters.
Newspaper publishers Emma Cross Andrews and her husband Derrick are at a high society party at Rosecliff. Also attending is their society reporter Ethan Merriman. A stranger appears, crashing the party and planning to blackmail the hostess, but is soon found murdered. Ethan is blamed. Emma and Derrick work through a number of twists and turns working to clear him and to understand the stranger's motives.
There is also a minor but interesting side plot about Emma's attempt to find an architect to design the school for girls that she plans to build next to her home, Gull Manor. Local architects all seem to be biased against both dealing directly with a female client and with the curriculum, planned to include subjects that they think should be limited to males.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. My opinions are solely my own.
Newspaper publishers Emma Cross Andrews and her husband Derrick are at a high society party at Rosecliff. Also attending is their society reporter Ethan Merriman. A stranger appears, crashing the party and planning to blackmail the hostess, but is soon found murdered. Ethan is blamed. Emma and Derrick work through a number of twists and turns working to clear him and to understand the stranger's motives.
There is also a minor but interesting side plot about Emma's attempt to find an architect to design the school for girls that she plans to build next to her home, Gull Manor. Local architects all seem to be biased against both dealing directly with a female client and with the curriculum, planned to include subjects that they think should be limited to males.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. My opinions are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Alyssa Maxwell book, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to jump into a series that's already fourteen books in. I never felt like I had to know everything that happened before to enjoy the story.
The Gilded Age setting was easily one of my favorite parts. I loved the glamorous Newport backdrop and the way real historical figures were worked into the mystery. It added another layer to the story and made me want to learn more about that time period.
The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end. There were plenty of suspects, hidden motives, and family secrets, and I changed my mind more than once about who was responsible. I always appreciate when an author can keep me guessing without making the ending feel forced.
Emma and Derrick made a great investigative team, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Even though I started with book fourteen, I'm interested in going back to the beginning to see how their story unfolds.
If you're a fan of historical mysteries with a cozy feel, an engaging cast of characters, and a satisfying whodunit, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The Gilded Age setting was easily one of my favorite parts. I loved the glamorous Newport backdrop and the way real historical figures were worked into the mystery. It added another layer to the story and made me want to learn more about that time period.
The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end. There were plenty of suspects, hidden motives, and family secrets, and I changed my mind more than once about who was responsible. I always appreciate when an author can keep me guessing without making the ending feel forced.
Emma and Derrick made a great investigative team, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Even though I started with book fourteen, I'm interested in going back to the beginning to see how their story unfolds.
If you're a fan of historical mysteries with a cozy feel, an engaging cast of characters, and a satisfying whodunit, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Rosecliff is the latest in the Gilded Newport Mysteries by Alyssa Maxwell. Once again, Ms. Maxwell has written a very enjoyable mystery with a fantastic mix of history, historical characters and fiction. The amount of research Ms. Maxwell does is very impressive and evident throughout each book. I enjoy looking up characters and homes mentioned in the series and each time her descriptions and information is spot on and very accurate. I also enjoy reading about history through the eyes of a person and although the series main character Emma is a fictional character, the way she views the world and historical events feels very realistic. This time the mystery felt particularly hard to figure out, as I made many of the same assumptions as the book characters and that was really wrong in the end! I don’t know how many Newport mansions there are left to write about, but I hope there are more because this series is great and I look forward to reading more about Newport, 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is difficult to believe we are up to 14 books in this wonderful historical series. Murder at Rosecliff follows the Gilded Newport Mystery series with rather more suspense than usual, and I loved it. I do adore a cozy mystery that makes me work to discover the killer (s, as the case may be). As a bonus, Alyssa Maxwell provides more background on the historical aspects of each story in her author notes. Well-rounded and reoccurring characters, plus the lavish backdrops of the "cottage" chosen for the setting make these stories pop. I am already looking forward to the next adventure for Emma and Derrick.
Historical and cozy mystery readers are sure to enjoy this book, as well as the entire series. It can be read as a standalone, but the character growth is one of the things I enjoy about the series.
My thanks for the e-copy I requested and received. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#MurderatRosecliff #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #AlyssaMaxwell
#AGuildedNewportMystery
Historical and cozy mystery readers are sure to enjoy this book, as well as the entire series. It can be read as a standalone, but the character growth is one of the things I enjoy about the series.
My thanks for the e-copy I requested and received. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#MurderatRosecliff #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #AlyssaMaxwell
#AGuildedNewportMystery
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really really like this series. Part of the reason is Emma. She is so down to earth, even though she has rich connections (incl. Her husband). She's very loyal, as we see in this book towards Ethan, has a fabulous relationship with Derrick and her found family, and is not afraid to be afraid. She is definitely not one of those overly brave heroines.
The mystery in this book was fast paced and challenging with the victim having history in the West and having been in prison. Information really has to been gleaned through conversations and observations, since reseach is not quite possible. I truly did not suspect the murderer and it was a surprise in the end. One thing that stood out to me was how introspective Emma was in this book, recognizing her evolution, but not necessarily liking it.
Overall this was a great read. I listened to the audiobook and Lauren Ezzo got the spirit of the book and the characters right.
#MurderatRosecliff #NetGalley
The mystery in this book was fast paced and challenging with the victim having history in the West and having been in prison. Information really has to been gleaned through conversations and observations, since reseach is not quite possible. I truly did not suspect the murderer and it was a surprise in the end. One thing that stood out to me was how introspective Emma was in this book, recognizing her evolution, but not necessarily liking it.
Overall this was a great read. I listened to the audiobook and Lauren Ezzo got the spirit of the book and the characters right.
#MurderatRosecliff #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Rosecliff is the fourteenth historical mystery in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series. It’s 1903 in Newport, Rhode Island when a party crasher is found dead in a fountain at an elegant gathering. When her society reporter becomes the prime suspect Emma Cross Andrews will stop at nothing to clear his name. Will she be able to put the pieces together before it’s too late?
I have loved this series since the beginning and this latest book is no different. Emma is such a great lead in this series and I love following along with her. The setting is amazing and the descriptions of Newport at this time make me feel like I’m actually there in the pages. This mystery is well written and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed this latest book in this series and can’t wait to see what more will come for Emma and her friends.
I have loved this series since the beginning and this latest book is no different. Emma is such a great lead in this series and I love following along with her. The setting is amazing and the descriptions of Newport at this time make me feel like I’m actually there in the pages. This mystery is well written and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed this latest book in this series and can’t wait to see what more will come for Emma and her friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
wonderful new installment in the newport series.
Emma and Derrick are back at it, this time trying to figure out who killed a blackmailer at Tessie Fair's ball.... This is one of those series where it just keeps getting better with each book. The characters are well flushed out and the story plots enjoyable, mixing in real life historical characters into the story line.
Emma and Derrick are sticking their noses in everything.... When a murder is committed at a fancy shin ding, Ethan the society reporter is found holding on to the dead man.... Plenty of suspects, and motives, as the deceased was a blackmailer (having asked Tessie Fair Oelrich for $2mm and holding a forged marriage certificate).... With the usual 400 club in attendance, including Emma's relatives. can Emma figure out who the murderer is while ensuring she doesn't get killed herself....
Emma and Derrick are back at it, this time trying to figure out who killed a blackmailer at Tessie Fair's ball.... This is one of those series where it just keeps getting better with each book. The characters are well flushed out and the story plots enjoyable, mixing in real life historical characters into the story line.
Emma and Derrick are sticking their noses in everything.... When a murder is committed at a fancy shin ding, Ethan the society reporter is found holding on to the dead man.... Plenty of suspects, and motives, as the deceased was a blackmailer (having asked Tessie Fair Oelrich for $2mm and holding a forged marriage certificate).... With the usual 400 club in attendance, including Emma's relatives. can Emma figure out who the murderer is while ensuring she doesn't get killed herself....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book #14 and still going strong
Emma and Derrick work together with Jesse to find one of their reporters, Ethan, and prove his innocence.
A gala at Rosecliff with an unexpected and uninvited guest, who, unfortunately for him, winds up dead in the fountain. Ethan is seen with the man (who he was trying to rescue) and accused of murder.
The usual towns people of Newport, a couple of new characters brought in for the story, and of course, Emma after some suspenseful moments, "finds" the murderer.
The story ends with a woman architect being found for Emma and Derrick's new school, I love her background and can't wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Maxwell, and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Emma and Derrick work together with Jesse to find one of their reporters, Ethan, and prove his innocence.
A gala at Rosecliff with an unexpected and uninvited guest, who, unfortunately for him, winds up dead in the fountain. Ethan is seen with the man (who he was trying to rescue) and accused of murder.
The usual towns people of Newport, a couple of new characters brought in for the story, and of course, Emma after some suspenseful moments, "finds" the murderer.
The story ends with a woman architect being found for Emma and Derrick's new school, I love her background and can't wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Maxwell, and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Description
August 1903. Emma and her husband Derrick are among the men in white tie and tails and the women wearing white gowns from the House of Worth at Tessie Oelrichs’s Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at Rosecliff, her grand cottage on Bellevue Avenue.
Murder at Rosecliff was an enjoyable mystery that kept me interested from beginning to end. I liked the setting, the characters, and the steady build-up as the clues started to come together. There were enough twists to keep me guessing, and I definitely didn’t figure everything out right away. Overall, it was a fun, entertaining mystery with a good balance of suspense and intrigue.
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderatRoseciff #Netgalley
August 1903. Emma and her husband Derrick are among the men in white tie and tails and the women wearing white gowns from the House of Worth at Tessie Oelrichs’s Bal Blanc, or White Ball, at Rosecliff, her grand cottage on Bellevue Avenue.
Murder at Rosecliff was an enjoyable mystery that kept me interested from beginning to end. I liked the setting, the characters, and the steady build-up as the clues started to come together. There were enough twists to keep me guessing, and I definitely didn’t figure everything out right away. Overall, it was a fun, entertaining mystery with a good balance of suspense and intrigue.
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderatRoseciff #Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I like seeing Emma and Derrick settled into their married life as parents with grand plans on the horizon. When their employee, Ethan, is accused of murder at a ball thrown by an heiress with a connection to mining in the West, they try to help clear his name. The wealthy attendees point fingers and try to hide their pasts when the police and/or Emma question them and several are not who they seem to be. There was definitely part of the mystery I figured out early on in the book but still an unexpected twist at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At a lavish Gilded Age ball, a blackmailer attempting to extort the hostess is found dead. When a reporter becomes the prime suspect, newspaper owners Emma and Derrick must uncover the truth hidden beneath a web of deceit and scandal to find the real killer.
This series is smart and fun with likable characters. I love the Newport setting and how the author weaves in characters from all walks of life. The audiobook narration adds to the cozy tone of the stories. This novel explores the brittle facade of society's upper crust with a clever and intriguing mystery that kept me guessing.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This series is smart and fun with likable characters. I love the Newport setting and how the author weaves in characters from all walks of life. The audiobook narration adds to the cozy tone of the stories. This novel explores the brittle facade of society's upper crust with a clever and intriguing mystery that kept me guessing.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Rosecliff is another wonderfully engaging entry in Alyssa Maxwell’s Newport series. As someone who once chose Rosecliff as the very first mansion to visit as a child, this story felt especially fun. Maxwell captures its elegance, secrets, and atmosphere beautifully. Emma Cross Andrews remains a standout heroine: a determined journalist who pushes against society’s expectations with intelligence, courage, and grace. The mystery is tightly woven, the historical detail rich, and the setting absolutely irresistible. A delightful read for anyone who loves historical mysteries or strong female leads.
August 26, 2026
Another fascinating mystery set among the gentry of Newport at the turn of the century. The amount of research Maxwell does for each book is evident in the gorgeous descriptions of the manor homes and the characters. The mystery was well-plotted and had plenty of twists and turns, and even if I had figured it out before the reveal, it did not take away from my enjoyment. I’ve read the series from the very beginning and love how Emma has grown, gotten married, had a child, and is ready to start her own school. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Highbridge Audio, and Kensington Publishing for the review copies.
Thank you to NetGalley, Highbridge Audio, and Kensington Publishing for the review copies.
August 9, 2026
I have read all the entries in the Gilded Newport series. The lush setting (that I am very familiar with) practically jumps off the page and I feel transported to Rhode Island in the early 1900s. I can almost smell the ocean air.
However, while I loved the immersive setting, the characters really got on my nerves in this one. Emma was awful to Jesse and there was some serious obstruction of justice happening. They should have gotten in trouble with the law for what they were doing. Emma is kind of a nosy character anyway and isn’t always likable, but she seemed especially nosy in this one. I still can’t stand Derrick either.
The mystery was interesting and I liked seeing Emma put the pieces together (even if some of them were random/lucky finds).
I’m not the biggest fan of cozies, but the setting of this one more than made up for it. This book will make you want to visit Newport for sure.
thank you to the publisher, Kensington Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
However, while I loved the immersive setting, the characters really got on my nerves in this one. Emma was awful to Jesse and there was some serious obstruction of justice happening. They should have gotten in trouble with the law for what they were doing. Emma is kind of a nosy character anyway and isn’t always likable, but she seemed especially nosy in this one. I still can’t stand Derrick either.
The mystery was interesting and I liked seeing Emma put the pieces together (even if some of them were random/lucky finds).
I’m not the biggest fan of cozies, but the setting of this one more than made up for it. This book will make you want to visit Newport for sure.
thank you to the publisher, Kensington Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read any of this series before, and I have no doubt I'd have got more out of it if I had. As it was, it was reasonably engaging, but I'll confess I gave up trying to keep the characters straight. This was in large part because the narrator essentially uses one voice for all the male characters, and one voice for all the female characters. If you're able to look past that, and/or you're familiar with the series, I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy.
I've never read any of this series before, and I have no doubt I'd have got more out of it if I had. As it was, it was reasonably engaging, but I'll confess I gave up trying to keep the characters straight. This was in large part because the narrator essentially uses one voice for all the male characters, and one voice for all the female characters. If you're able to look past that, and/or you're familiar with the series, I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emma and Derrick are attending a ball at Rosecliff when an unwelcome guest is found murdered in the fountain. When their employee, society reporter Ethan, is the main suspect, Emma is determined to prove his innocence. The investigation will lead to a past mining scandal out west and the guests' connections to the incident. Excellent addition to the series.
#MurderatRosecliff #KensingtonPublishing #NetGalley
#MurderatRosecliff #KensingtonPublishing #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emma and Derrick are truly baffled by the murder of a scoundrel. So many suspects, yet the police arrested their own society columnist, Ethan. I enjoyed how their investigation widened, then narrowed, then refocused again while they discovered ugly truths about some of their acquaintances.
Derrick's terror, then relief, were palpable when Emma's life was in danger. Murder at Rosecliff is another winner!
Derrick's terror, then relief, were palpable when Emma's life was in danger. Murder at Rosecliff is another winner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alyssa Maxwell for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Rosecliff coming out August 25, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I am really obsessed with the series. I love the time period and the setting. It would be a dream to visit Newport. The characters are amazing and I love all the murder mysteries. There were a couple crazy parts, but I loved it. I will definitely be reading the series until it ends!
I am really obsessed with the series. I love the time period and the setting. It would be a dream to visit Newport. The characters are amazing and I love all the murder mysteries. There were a couple crazy parts, but I loved it. I will definitely be reading the series until it ends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the series. Because of it I joined the Newport Preservation Society and visited the homes. This book is a good continuation of the story of Emma and Derrick. The description of Rosecliff and the activities of the wealthy residents of Newport during this period is interesting and inviting. The mystery is well constructed and leaves you wondering until the resolution is revealed. I would recommend it as a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of my favorite all time cozy series. I enjoy historical cozies since solving the mystery is always old school- no computers, Internet or cell phones. I love researching the houses featured in the series and the people who lived in them. If you enjoy US historical cozies, I highly recommend this series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eArc in exchange for a review.
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