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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.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
25 books1,123 followersAlyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries, inspired by her husband’s family whose Newport origins date back numerous generations. The series features the glamour of the Gilded Age and a sleuth who is a Newporter born and raised, and also a less "well-heeled" cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Alyssa also writes A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mysteries, an English-set series that begins as WWI is ending. She and her husband live in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the South Florida Fiction Writers. You can visit her at http://alyssamaxwell.com, and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
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.
September 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a wonderful addition to the Gilded Newport Mysteries! Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell was an easy five stars for me.
I have read several books in this series, and I have become so attached to these characters. While I absolutely enjoy the history and the fascinating Newport setting, it is the characters who keep drawing me back. There is something special about returning to a series and feeling genuinely happy to spend time with familiar characters again, and that is exactly how I feel about this one.
And then there is the mystery! I love a mystery that keeps me guessing, and this one certainly did. I was convinced I knew who had not committed the murder, but figuring out who actually had was another matter entirely! There were plenty of twists and turns, and I was genuinely surprised by the eventual revelation. Best of all, the resolution was completely satisfying. I love being surprised by an ending while still feeling that everything comes together beautifully.
I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and the narration was outstanding. Narration is extremely important to me, and a great narrator can add so much to an already wonderful story. This performance absolutely did that.
Wonderful characters, fascinating history, a terrific setting, and a mystery I couldn’t solve—what more could I ask for? I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at Rosecliff and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, especially those with characters you can truly become attached to.
I was blessed with a ALC from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
This is a review of the audiobook.
What a wonderful addition to the Gilded Newport Mysteries! Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell was an easy five stars for me.
I have read several books in this series, and I have become so attached to these characters. While I absolutely enjoy the history and the fascinating Newport setting, it is the characters who keep drawing me back. There is something special about returning to a series and feeling genuinely happy to spend time with familiar characters again, and that is exactly how I feel about this one.
And then there is the mystery! I love a mystery that keeps me guessing, and this one certainly did. I was convinced I knew who had not committed the murder, but figuring out who actually had was another matter entirely! There were plenty of twists and turns, and I was genuinely surprised by the eventual revelation. Best of all, the resolution was completely satisfying. I love being surprised by an ending while still feeling that everything comes together beautifully.
I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and the narration was outstanding. Narration is extremely important to me, and a great narrator can add so much to an already wonderful story. This performance absolutely did that.
Wonderful characters, fascinating history, a terrific setting, and a mystery I couldn’t solve—what more could I ask for? I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at Rosecliff and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, especially those with characters you can truly become attached to.
I was blessed with a ALC from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
This is a review of the audiobook.
September 6, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down for now
Emma and Derrick are attending Tessie Oelrich's Bal Blanc to celebrate the opening of her grand new cottage, Rosecliff. Society reporter Ethan Merriman is on hand to report on the event of the season. The fun quickly turns into a nightmare when Tessie is confronted by an unusually dressed stranger claiming to be someone from her past. He shows documentation that surely must be a forgery and demands Tessie give him what he deserves. This man clearly oversets Tessie and her nearest friends attend to her privately while the gentlemen try to evict the stranger. The evening goes from bad to worse when the uninvited guest, Solomon Wheeler, is found dead in the fountain and Ethan is seen standing over the body. Oh no! When Emma returns to the scene of the crime, she finds evidence the police missed that points to someone other than Ethan. Emma is certain her friend is not a murderer but when Ethan runs from the police, it makes him guilty in their eyes. Not even Derrick is convinced Ethan is innocent. If only they could find him and ask him what happened. Emma is also eager to find an architect for her new girls' academy but it seems men are reluctant to attach their names to the "controversial" project. HMPH. Emma is incensed and determined to do this her way and not rely on Derrick to smooth the way. Can she find someone who supports her goal willing to build the school?
I started this novel in the car on release day on my way to Newport to see Alyssa Maxwell and found the plot hard to follow. I put the book down after my trip and picked it up later. I still had a hard time following the story until just past the halfway point. It picked up for me from there. This review is based only on the audiobook initial reading. I do plan to read the print version when I can get it. The mystery kept me guessing and I was confused because there was only one new fictional character but around the 50% mark the suspect list started to take shape with more fictional characters and one character related to real people. I knew Ethan didn't do it but was caught up in his whereabouts and how Emma could prove it. The clues point away from Ethan but of course there's no way anyone in the 400 Club could be a murderer. (Isn't it always one of them? They bring trouble when they come from New York!) I was surprised by the confession but saw the last minute plot twist coming. When will Emma learn? As always the period details of Gilded Age Newport are amazing. I enjoy seeing the houses I haven't been to and seeing the houses I have been to as they were intended to be seen. In this case, I have been to Rosecliff, I have seen some of the movies filmed there (The Great Gatsby is the one everyone knows. That and True Lies.) but it is a museum and there's a display area upstairs and of course we don't go in the attic on the tour. I remember the sweetheart staircase which is featured in many movies (do watch 27 Dresses) but not mentioned in the novel. I also love getting to know the people who lived in these opulent homes. I was really missing that personal experience when Beachwood closed and the audio tour of The Breakers didn't share enough about the people for me. These novels fill the void where Beachwood used to be. I still miss gossiping with the servants at Beachwood but reading the books is the next best thing.
Emma has been accepted into the 400 Club, mainly because Aunt Alva says they must. Mamie Fish tolerates Emma but Tessie Oelrichs, being first generation American on her father's side and new money, seems to like Emma quite a lot. Mrs. Astor would never accept Emma of course. Emma seems more comfortable now, adjusted to life as a Society matron, but on her own terms. She still prioritizes family and career over socializing. She is a modern mother, accused of spoiling little Annamarie by her Aunt Alva. Of course this is coming from the woman who strapped her daughter to a backboard every day and feigned illness to force her daughter into a loveless marriage with a cold fish of a Duke. (do read The Buccaneers which has a section on Emma Andrews and Theodore Davis and that's how I know about Emma Andrews. It sounds like she was almost lost to history until recently.
Emma Cross-Andrews seems to be catching on when Emma Andrews-Davis says Annie, her cousin/Theo's wife, wasn't feeling up to an expedition to Egypt or to come to Newport this summer. She's back in their town house in New York. Her exact relationship to Davis wouldn't have been spoken out loud publicly (except among gossips probably.) but Emma the journalist figures it out and mentions it to Derrick privately. I think that's a nice balance of what we know is true vs. what would have been speculated and gossiped about/unknown at the time.
The ladies of Newport Society do seem know about this unconventional relationship and snub Emma Andrews-Davis. She is not accepted by the 400 but fictional Emma feels guilty for dodging the older woman and they become better acquainted at the end of the novel after the murder is solved. I like this woman and I wish we knew more about HER as a person, as much as I want to read those Egyptology journals. She had a tough time before she hooked up with Davis and it sounds like they were happy together until death did them part and didn't worry about their unconventional relationship. I don't know what his wife felt while she was alive but as fictional Emma mentions a few times in the story, marriage was for life and not usually made with the young lady's best interests in mind.
The audiobook narrator is terrible for this series. She has a flat, neutral accent, carefully pronouncing everything but not sounding at all like a Rhode Islander, let alone wealthy society people. Emma even thinks a character doesn't sound like she's from the northeast and describes the accent. While Emma and Derrick wouldn't have Rhode Island accents, I think Jesse probably would, Scottie for sure would. Nanny and Katie are Irish and while Nanny's accent may have changed, Katie is supposed to sound Irish. The narrator's male voices are poor and sound too much like women imitating men.
I am eager to reread this in print and I will review it a second time once I get my hands on the book. A brand new hardcover was too expensive to buy so I wait for the library.
******Re-read of the print edition*****
Screams at web browser and GoodReads for not saving my review. I was almost done!
This was much better reading in print than the audiobook version. I upped my rating a smidge.
Solomon Wheeler was a nasty blackmailer. He felt Tessie Oelrichs owed him money because his father had been buddies with Tessie's father and the "Bonanza Kings" who made a fortune in silver mining in Nevada. Solomon Wheeler sounds like his name was a perfect fit. He's wheeling and dealing all right. He was always a nasty character and did time in prison. He blames Tessie for that too and tries to blackmail her. Then he ends up dead in the fountain. Obviously Tessie didn't do it. She has the legal resources and the money to get him to go away. Of course people like that never do go away but she was determined to fight him through her lawyer. She would certainly win. I feel bad for her to have this evil person from her past returning on her big night to cause trouble. And where is her husband when he should be there to support her? Not all the money in the world can buy happiness. I think, given the chance, she would do it over again because she is devoted to her son. How far would she go to protect her son's reputation? DID she murder someone and it was covered up? I don't believe so. She seems kind and not as stuffy as Mrs. Astor. Tessie invites her acquaintances from San Francisco to her ball, even if it's just to show off, and is very nice to Joan Beckworth, a recent acquaintance. Joan strikes me as a hanger-on. She claims to be related to the Schuylers but doesn't know which ones or any of the same people Emma knows. ("And Peggy"...?). I think she's one of those impecunious widows/spinsters trying to survive any way she can. She's mooching off Alva and Tessie right now. It's not a bad life... until they get tired of you or go back to New York/Europe and leave you behind. Joan is a retiring type yet she's nosy. She stays during a private, intense moment when Tessie is surrounded by her closest friends (and Emma), her sister and their men. It's not something that a mere house guest should be observing. Birdie Vanderbilt, Tessie's sister is suspicious of Joan and I agree with her. I don't think she's the murderer but I think she's a moocher and a hanger-on.
Emma's Society reporter Ethan Merriman is found standing over the body in the fountain. Of course the police think he did it. Ethan is a sweetheart. Like Emma, I don't believe he would do such a thing. He has been an excellent Society reporter and never gotten into any trouble or overstepped. Unfortunately the police don't see it that way. Emma is incensed with Jesse for suspecting Ethan but Jesse is doing his job and has an angry, overzealous Chief breathing down his neck. Poor Jesse is trying to balance his job with his friendships. At the other end of the spectrum is Det. Myers who likes to throw his weight around. He seems eager to catch Emma in the act of doing something wrong, anything at all. He doesn't even say he has a warrant which would be the first thing I would ask him. If he catches Ethan, it won't be good. Running away didn't help Ethan's case at all. Nanny and Katie support Ethan and Katie has every reason to be wary of men. If she says Ethan is innocent then he's innocent. I like the visit to Old Saybrook to investigate Ethan's past. I wish you could still take the train to Newport and from Newport to Old Saybrook. Ethan's mother is lovely. She really struggled and is proud of how well her children turned out. However, she might be a bit indiscreet in her bragging. She takes in boarders and I am wondering if Solomon Wheeler boarded in her home or someone he knew who fed him information.
If Tessie didn't do it and we assume Ethan didn't, then who did kill Solomon Wheeler? I hope it's Daniel Ahearn. He's sleazy and hits on Emma even though their spouses are in the ballroom. He's kind of handsy and Derrick is NOT happy. Emma claims she can take care of herself. Maybe with men she can. Daniel may have been involved in something shady in the past. His wife Carmella surely knows and she will stop at NOTHING to save her family reputation. Their daughter, Stephanie, is on the verge of marrying a Roosevelt cousin and their social climbing dreams will come true. Nothing can stop this couple from social climbing. Stephanie is a modern gal. She admires Emma and would aspire to be like Emma but knows the penalty for defying her parents. She's bubbly and energetic now but what about her future? She wants a career and not marriage (Listen to "If We Were Married" from the musical Suffs) but is going along with her parents' plan. Marriage will provide her with some of the independence she longs for. I would feel bad for her if her father or mother or both was a murderer but it would free her from a loveless marriage.
I also don't like Mr. Childs and put him at the top of my suspect list. Mrs. Childs likes to gossip and talk about her self-made husband. She's rather gauche and new money even for Emma but friendly enough. Mr. Childs is a bully and mean to his wife. He callously drops crystal like it's plastic and doesn't seem to mind the expense for the host. How far would he go to keep his secrets from coming out? Alva, Mamie and Tessie don't believe he has it in him to be a murderer. They describe a man who grabs his wife's arm tightly as a milksop! Not hardly. They're blinded by money. He certainly doesn't see Emma as one of the leading matrons of Society. Mr. Childs is incredibly rude and insulting to Emma. A century earlier Daniel could have called Mr. Childs out to a duel for those comments.
Another possible bully and suspect is Mr. Larkin. Another new moneyed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Larkin are in Newport for the ball. She seems like one of those older ladies who is determined to be seen as much younger than she actually is. She giggles a lot which is annoying and dresses in lots of frills. They don't seem like a devoted couple or he would have supported her when she felt faint, rather than going outside ahead of her. Yet at other times they do seem like they're happy together.
Derrick is a loving, supportive husband BUT he isn't totally convinced Ethan is innocent. He humors Emma and lets her look for Ethan, which I found a bit patronizing but she appreciated. He knows how her mind works and he knows she won't stop trying to find answers. Sometimes he doesn't like it when she investigates because it's dangerous but he won't stop her. He also 100% supports her plan for a school for girls and lets her do things her way. Derrick surprised me in this novel. He has a temper and when his family is threatened, he doesn't hesitate to fight for them. He can control his temper, which makes him different from whoever killed Solomon Wheeler.
Emma does something TSTL at the end and I knocked a bit off my rating for that. It was obvious and she was blinded by her prejudices. Where were her reporters instincts? She mostly saved herself but needed the men to come rescue her.
I am really, really intrigued by Emma's newest acquaintance. I can't wait for Murder at Malbone. I will probably continue my rereading of the series and hopefully Alyssa's schedule next summer will coincide with mine a little better and I can see her AT one of the mansions
Emma and Derrick are attending Tessie Oelrich's Bal Blanc to celebrate the opening of her grand new cottage, Rosecliff. Society reporter Ethan Merriman is on hand to report on the event of the season. The fun quickly turns into a nightmare when Tessie is confronted by an unusually dressed stranger claiming to be someone from her past. He shows documentation that surely must be a forgery and demands Tessie give him what he deserves. This man clearly oversets Tessie and her nearest friends attend to her privately while the gentlemen try to evict the stranger. The evening goes from bad to worse when the uninvited guest, Solomon Wheeler, is found dead in the fountain and Ethan is seen standing over the body. Oh no! When Emma returns to the scene of the crime, she finds evidence the police missed that points to someone other than Ethan. Emma is certain her friend is not a murderer but when Ethan runs from the police, it makes him guilty in their eyes. Not even Derrick is convinced Ethan is innocent. If only they could find him and ask him what happened. Emma is also eager to find an architect for her new girls' academy but it seems men are reluctant to attach their names to the "controversial" project. HMPH. Emma is incensed and determined to do this her way and not rely on Derrick to smooth the way. Can she find someone who supports her goal willing to build the school?
I started this novel in the car on release day on my way to Newport to see Alyssa Maxwell and found the plot hard to follow. I put the book down after my trip and picked it up later. I still had a hard time following the story until just past the halfway point. It picked up for me from there. This review is based only on the audiobook initial reading. I do plan to read the print version when I can get it. The mystery kept me guessing and I was confused because there was only one new fictional character but around the 50% mark the suspect list started to take shape with more fictional characters and one character related to real people. I knew Ethan didn't do it but was caught up in his whereabouts and how Emma could prove it. The clues point away from Ethan but of course there's no way anyone in the 400 Club could be a murderer. (Isn't it always one of them? They bring trouble when they come from New York!) I was surprised by the confession but saw the last minute plot twist coming. When will Emma learn? As always the period details of Gilded Age Newport are amazing. I enjoy seeing the houses I haven't been to and seeing the houses I have been to as they were intended to be seen. In this case, I have been to Rosecliff, I have seen some of the movies filmed there (The Great Gatsby is the one everyone knows. That and True Lies.) but it is a museum and there's a display area upstairs and of course we don't go in the attic on the tour. I remember the sweetheart staircase which is featured in many movies (do watch 27 Dresses) but not mentioned in the novel. I also love getting to know the people who lived in these opulent homes. I was really missing that personal experience when Beachwood closed and the audio tour of The Breakers didn't share enough about the people for me. These novels fill the void where Beachwood used to be. I still miss gossiping with the servants at Beachwood but reading the books is the next best thing.
Emma has been accepted into the 400 Club, mainly because Aunt Alva says they must. Mamie Fish tolerates Emma but Tessie Oelrichs, being first generation American on her father's side and new money, seems to like Emma quite a lot. Mrs. Astor would never accept Emma of course. Emma seems more comfortable now, adjusted to life as a Society matron, but on her own terms. She still prioritizes family and career over socializing. She is a modern mother, accused of spoiling little Annamarie by her Aunt Alva. Of course this is coming from the woman who strapped her daughter to a backboard every day and feigned illness to force her daughter into a loveless marriage with a cold fish of a Duke. (do read The Buccaneers which has a section on Emma Andrews and Theodore Davis and that's how I know about Emma Andrews. It sounds like she was almost lost to history until recently.
Emma Cross-Andrews seems to be catching on when Emma Andrews-Davis says Annie, her cousin/Theo's wife, wasn't feeling up to an expedition to Egypt or to come to Newport this summer. She's back in their town house in New York. Her exact relationship to Davis wouldn't have been spoken out loud publicly (except among gossips probably.) but Emma the journalist figures it out and mentions it to Derrick privately. I think that's a nice balance of what we know is true vs. what would have been speculated and gossiped about/unknown at the time.
The ladies of Newport Society do seem know about this unconventional relationship and snub Emma Andrews-Davis. She is not accepted by the 400 but fictional Emma feels guilty for dodging the older woman and they become better acquainted at the end of the novel after the murder is solved. I like this woman and I wish we knew more about HER as a person, as much as I want to read those Egyptology journals. She had a tough time before she hooked up with Davis and it sounds like they were happy together until death did them part and didn't worry about their unconventional relationship. I don't know what his wife felt while she was alive but as fictional Emma mentions a few times in the story, marriage was for life and not usually made with the young lady's best interests in mind.
The audiobook narrator is terrible for this series. She has a flat, neutral accent, carefully pronouncing everything but not sounding at all like a Rhode Islander, let alone wealthy society people. Emma even thinks a character doesn't sound like she's from the northeast and describes the accent. While Emma and Derrick wouldn't have Rhode Island accents, I think Jesse probably would, Scottie for sure would. Nanny and Katie are Irish and while Nanny's accent may have changed, Katie is supposed to sound Irish. The narrator's male voices are poor and sound too much like women imitating men.
I am eager to reread this in print and I will review it a second time once I get my hands on the book. A brand new hardcover was too expensive to buy so I wait for the library.
******Re-read of the print edition*****
Screams at web browser and GoodReads for not saving my review. I was almost done!
This was much better reading in print than the audiobook version. I upped my rating a smidge.
Solomon Wheeler was a nasty blackmailer. He felt Tessie Oelrichs owed him money because his father had been buddies with Tessie's father and the "Bonanza Kings" who made a fortune in silver mining in Nevada. Solomon Wheeler sounds like his name was a perfect fit. He's wheeling and dealing all right. He was always a nasty character and did time in prison. He blames Tessie for that too and tries to blackmail her. Then he ends up dead in the fountain. Obviously Tessie didn't do it. She has the legal resources and the money to get him to go away. Of course people like that never do go away but she was determined to fight him through her lawyer. She would certainly win. I feel bad for her to have this evil person from her past returning on her big night to cause trouble. And where is her husband when he should be there to support her? Not all the money in the world can buy happiness. I think, given the chance, she would do it over again because she is devoted to her son. How far would she go to protect her son's reputation? DID she murder someone and it was covered up? I don't believe so. She seems kind and not as stuffy as Mrs. Astor. Tessie invites her acquaintances from San Francisco to her ball, even if it's just to show off, and is very nice to Joan Beckworth, a recent acquaintance. Joan strikes me as a hanger-on. She claims to be related to the Schuylers but doesn't know which ones or any of the same people Emma knows. ("And Peggy"...?). I think she's one of those impecunious widows/spinsters trying to survive any way she can. She's mooching off Alva and Tessie right now. It's not a bad life... until they get tired of you or go back to New York/Europe and leave you behind. Joan is a retiring type yet she's nosy. She stays during a private, intense moment when Tessie is surrounded by her closest friends (and Emma), her sister and their men. It's not something that a mere house guest should be observing. Birdie Vanderbilt, Tessie's sister is suspicious of Joan and I agree with her. I don't think she's the murderer but I think she's a moocher and a hanger-on.
Emma's Society reporter Ethan Merriman is found standing over the body in the fountain. Of course the police think he did it. Ethan is a sweetheart. Like Emma, I don't believe he would do such a thing. He has been an excellent Society reporter and never gotten into any trouble or overstepped. Unfortunately the police don't see it that way. Emma is incensed with Jesse for suspecting Ethan but Jesse is doing his job and has an angry, overzealous Chief breathing down his neck. Poor Jesse is trying to balance his job with his friendships. At the other end of the spectrum is Det. Myers who likes to throw his weight around. He seems eager to catch Emma in the act of doing something wrong, anything at all. He doesn't even say he has a warrant which would be the first thing I would ask him. If he catches Ethan, it won't be good. Running away didn't help Ethan's case at all. Nanny and Katie support Ethan and Katie has every reason to be wary of men. If she says Ethan is innocent then he's innocent. I like the visit to Old Saybrook to investigate Ethan's past. I wish you could still take the train to Newport and from Newport to Old Saybrook. Ethan's mother is lovely. She really struggled and is proud of how well her children turned out. However, she might be a bit indiscreet in her bragging. She takes in boarders and I am wondering if Solomon Wheeler boarded in her home or someone he knew who fed him information.
If Tessie didn't do it and we assume Ethan didn't, then who did kill Solomon Wheeler? I hope it's Daniel Ahearn. He's sleazy and hits on Emma even though their spouses are in the ballroom. He's kind of handsy and Derrick is NOT happy. Emma claims she can take care of herself. Maybe with men she can. Daniel may have been involved in something shady in the past. His wife Carmella surely knows and she will stop at NOTHING to save her family reputation. Their daughter, Stephanie, is on the verge of marrying a Roosevelt cousin and their social climbing dreams will come true. Nothing can stop this couple from social climbing. Stephanie is a modern gal. She admires Emma and would aspire to be like Emma but knows the penalty for defying her parents. She's bubbly and energetic now but what about her future? She wants a career and not marriage (Listen to "If We Were Married" from the musical Suffs) but is going along with her parents' plan. Marriage will provide her with some of the independence she longs for. I would feel bad for her if her father or mother or both was a murderer but it would free her from a loveless marriage.
I also don't like Mr. Childs and put him at the top of my suspect list. Mrs. Childs likes to gossip and talk about her self-made husband. She's rather gauche and new money even for Emma but friendly enough. Mr. Childs is a bully and mean to his wife. He callously drops crystal like it's plastic and doesn't seem to mind the expense for the host. How far would he go to keep his secrets from coming out? Alva, Mamie and Tessie don't believe he has it in him to be a murderer. They describe a man who grabs his wife's arm tightly as a milksop! Not hardly. They're blinded by money. He certainly doesn't see Emma as one of the leading matrons of Society. Mr. Childs is incredibly rude and insulting to Emma. A century earlier Daniel could have called Mr. Childs out to a duel for those comments.
Another possible bully and suspect is Mr. Larkin. Another new moneyed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Larkin are in Newport for the ball. She seems like one of those older ladies who is determined to be seen as much younger than she actually is. She giggles a lot which is annoying and dresses in lots of frills. They don't seem like a devoted couple or he would have supported her when she felt faint, rather than going outside ahead of her. Yet at other times they do seem like they're happy together.
Derrick is a loving, supportive husband BUT he isn't totally convinced Ethan is innocent. He humors Emma and lets her look for Ethan, which I found a bit patronizing but she appreciated. He knows how her mind works and he knows she won't stop trying to find answers. Sometimes he doesn't like it when she investigates because it's dangerous but he won't stop her. He also 100% supports her plan for a school for girls and lets her do things her way. Derrick surprised me in this novel. He has a temper and when his family is threatened, he doesn't hesitate to fight for them. He can control his temper, which makes him different from whoever killed Solomon Wheeler.
Emma does something TSTL at the end and I knocked a bit off my rating for that. It was obvious and she was blinded by her prejudices. Where were her reporters instincts? She mostly saved herself but needed the men to come rescue her.
I am really, really intrigued by Emma's newest acquaintance. I can't wait for Murder at Malbone. I will probably continue my rereading of the series and hopefully Alyssa's schedule next summer will coincide with mine a little better and I can see her AT one of the mansions
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 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.
September 28, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Rosecliff
Book 14 of Gilded Newport Mystery
By: Alyssa Maxwell
Publisher: HighBridge Audio 🎧
Pub Date: August 2026
Narrator: Lauren Ezzo
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Thriller
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Murder at Rosecliff
There’s something wonderfully eerie about a murder at an elegant party especially when the victim is found face-down in a fountain and one of your own employees is standing beside him. Because nothing says “successful evening” quite like a corpse in the water.
In the fourteenth book in the series, Emma and Derrick Andrews attend Tessie Oelrichs’s extravagant White Ball at Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1903. Everyone is dressed in white, the setting is breathtaking, and the evening seems destined to be filled with glamour, celebration, and enough social maneuvering to exhaust a person before dessert.
That changes when a mysterious stranger crashes the party.
Solomon Wheeler arrives dressed completely wrong for the occasion and quickly reveals that he has come for one reason: blackmail. He claims to possess documents proving that Tessie was secretly married to him years earlier—a scandal that could destroy both her reputation and her current marriage. Naturally, he chooses a glittering party full of wealthy guests and sharp-eyed gossips to make his demands.
Before Solomon can collect his money, however, he is found dead in the fountain. Standing beside him is Ethan Merriman, Emma and Derrick’s young society reporter. Ethan had been seen arguing with Solomon earlier, so the evidence appears to point directly to him.
That’s when the mystery truly takes off.
• Ethan is accused of murder and goes on the run.
• Convinced of his innocence, Emma refuses to let him take the blame.
• Blackmail, old scandals, and carefully guarded reputations begin to unravel.
• Emma joins Detective Jesse Whyte in the investigation—though he knows she’ll keep digging whether he approves or not.
• With every new revelation, more twists and suspicious characters emerge.
I especially enjoyed the eerie atmosphere surrounding this mystery. An elegant white ball, a beautiful mansion, wealthy society guests, and whispered secrets create an atmosphere of polished perfection—until a dead man is pulled from the fountain. That contrast gives the story an especially creepy edge. All that white, and somehow the evening still manages to feel very dark.
The historical setting is another highlight of the series. The lavish parties, elaborate gowns, white-tie-and-tails, and old-fashioned investigative methods make 1903 feel vivid and inviting. Give me the fancy dresses, dancing, and extravagant parties—I’m all in. I’ll just leave the murders to Emma. She seems much better equipped for them anyway.
Fast-paced and suspenseful, this mystery is filled with secrets, dangerous revelations, and enough unsettling moments to keep me second-guessing what is really happening. As Emma gets closer to the truth, the danger steadily increases—and so does the list of people who seem to have something to hide.
A fun, atmospheric, and entertaining historical mystery filled with intrigue, suspense, and just the right amount of trouble in high society.
Lauren Ezzo’s narration 🎧 was absolutely wonderful and brought this captivating mystery vividly to life. She gave every character a distinct voice, depth, and personality, making them feel unforgettable. Her warm, mesmerizing delivery drew me deeper into the intrigue, heightened every moment of suspense, and kept me completely captivated from beginning to end. She was the perfect narrator for this story, and I loved every second of her performance!
Being raised in Newport myself, this story touched my heart ❤️ I loved the setting and the glimpse into Newport’s glamorous past. I’ll definitely be reading more of this series soon! If you haven’t had a chance to pick up one of these books yet, I highly recommend giving the series a shot. I think you’ll love the mystery, excitement, and old-world charm as much as I did!
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advanced ALS 🎧 in exchange for a review.
#MurderatRosecliff, #AlyssaMaxwell, #Book14ofGildedNewportMystery, #NetGalley, #HighbridgeAudio, #LaurenEzzo, #HistoricalFiction, #Mystery, #Thriller,
Murder at Rosecliff
Book 14 of Gilded Newport Mystery
By: Alyssa Maxwell
Publisher: HighBridge Audio 🎧
Pub Date: August 2026
Narrator: Lauren Ezzo
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Thriller
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Murder at Rosecliff
There’s something wonderfully eerie about a murder at an elegant party especially when the victim is found face-down in a fountain and one of your own employees is standing beside him. Because nothing says “successful evening” quite like a corpse in the water.
In the fourteenth book in the series, Emma and Derrick Andrews attend Tessie Oelrichs’s extravagant White Ball at Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1903. Everyone is dressed in white, the setting is breathtaking, and the evening seems destined to be filled with glamour, celebration, and enough social maneuvering to exhaust a person before dessert.
That changes when a mysterious stranger crashes the party.
Solomon Wheeler arrives dressed completely wrong for the occasion and quickly reveals that he has come for one reason: blackmail. He claims to possess documents proving that Tessie was secretly married to him years earlier—a scandal that could destroy both her reputation and her current marriage. Naturally, he chooses a glittering party full of wealthy guests and sharp-eyed gossips to make his demands.
Before Solomon can collect his money, however, he is found dead in the fountain. Standing beside him is Ethan Merriman, Emma and Derrick’s young society reporter. Ethan had been seen arguing with Solomon earlier, so the evidence appears to point directly to him.
That’s when the mystery truly takes off.
• Ethan is accused of murder and goes on the run.
• Convinced of his innocence, Emma refuses to let him take the blame.
• Blackmail, old scandals, and carefully guarded reputations begin to unravel.
• Emma joins Detective Jesse Whyte in the investigation—though he knows she’ll keep digging whether he approves or not.
• With every new revelation, more twists and suspicious characters emerge.
I especially enjoyed the eerie atmosphere surrounding this mystery. An elegant white ball, a beautiful mansion, wealthy society guests, and whispered secrets create an atmosphere of polished perfection—until a dead man is pulled from the fountain. That contrast gives the story an especially creepy edge. All that white, and somehow the evening still manages to feel very dark.
The historical setting is another highlight of the series. The lavish parties, elaborate gowns, white-tie-and-tails, and old-fashioned investigative methods make 1903 feel vivid and inviting. Give me the fancy dresses, dancing, and extravagant parties—I’m all in. I’ll just leave the murders to Emma. She seems much better equipped for them anyway.
Fast-paced and suspenseful, this mystery is filled with secrets, dangerous revelations, and enough unsettling moments to keep me second-guessing what is really happening. As Emma gets closer to the truth, the danger steadily increases—and so does the list of people who seem to have something to hide.
A fun, atmospheric, and entertaining historical mystery filled with intrigue, suspense, and just the right amount of trouble in high society.
Lauren Ezzo’s narration 🎧 was absolutely wonderful and brought this captivating mystery vividly to life. She gave every character a distinct voice, depth, and personality, making them feel unforgettable. Her warm, mesmerizing delivery drew me deeper into the intrigue, heightened every moment of suspense, and kept me completely captivated from beginning to end. She was the perfect narrator for this story, and I loved every second of her performance!
Being raised in Newport myself, this story touched my heart ❤️ I loved the setting and the glimpse into Newport’s glamorous past. I’ll definitely be reading more of this series soon! If you haven’t had a chance to pick up one of these books yet, I highly recommend giving the series a shot. I think you’ll love the mystery, excitement, and old-world charm as much as I did!
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advanced ALS 🎧 in exchange for a review.
#MurderatRosecliff, #AlyssaMaxwell, #Book14ofGildedNewportMystery, #NetGalley, #HighbridgeAudio, #LaurenEzzo, #HistoricalFiction, #Mystery, #Thriller,
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
September 10, 2026
I had **Alyssa Maxwell’s **Murder at Rosecliff open with my coffee this morning, and suddenly my quiet little corner of Northern California felt a whole lot more like Newport in 1903. Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted early copy. And tell me—does anyone else love a mystery where the party is ridiculously glamorous but you just KNOW somebody is about to ruin the evening?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book fourteen in the Gilded Newport Mysteries, but the mystery itself was easy to settle into. Emma and her husband Derrick are attending the Bal Bla-nc at Rosecliff, where everyone is dressed in white and behaving as respectable society people are supposed to behave. Naturally, that lasts about five minutes.
An uninvited man arrives wearing green—already scandalous enough for an all-white ball—and proceeds to threaten hostess Tessie Oelrichs with a secret from her past. Before he can collect on his blackmail, he turns up dead in the fountain. Even worse, Emma and Derrick’s young reporter Ethan is found soaking wet beside him and quickly becomes the obvious suspect.
You know I immediately wanted Emma to start snooping.
I really enjoyed her determination to prove Ethan innocent, even when she probably should have backed off a time or two. Emma has connections to Newport society, but she’s never completely swallowed up by that world, and I love watching her navigate all those wealthy people protecting their reputations while she keeps asking the questions they absolutely do not want answered.
And the setting! Rosecliff, the gowns, the ballroom, the ocean air, the enormous “cottages”—give me all of it. Maxwell blends real historical people and places into the story so naturally that I found myself wanting to look them up afterward. The mystery gave me plenty of suspects, secrets and reasons to change my mind, and yep…I was pointing my finger in the wrong direction more than once.
Four stars for a wonderfully escapist historical cozy filled with old money, scandal, blackmail and murder. Apparently money can buy a mansion, but it cannot buy a drama-free party. 😂
If you were investigating this one, who would you distrust first—the mysterious party crasher, the nervous hostess, or all those wealthy guests with secrets to protect?
#MurderAtRosecliff #AlyssaMaxwell #GildedNewportMysteries #HistoricalMystery #CozyMystery #KensingtonBooks #Bookstagram #BookReview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book fourteen in the Gilded Newport Mysteries, but the mystery itself was easy to settle into. Emma and her husband Derrick are attending the Bal Bla-nc at Rosecliff, where everyone is dressed in white and behaving as respectable society people are supposed to behave. Naturally, that lasts about five minutes.
An uninvited man arrives wearing green—already scandalous enough for an all-white ball—and proceeds to threaten hostess Tessie Oelrichs with a secret from her past. Before he can collect on his blackmail, he turns up dead in the fountain. Even worse, Emma and Derrick’s young reporter Ethan is found soaking wet beside him and quickly becomes the obvious suspect.
You know I immediately wanted Emma to start snooping.
I really enjoyed her determination to prove Ethan innocent, even when she probably should have backed off a time or two. Emma has connections to Newport society, but she’s never completely swallowed up by that world, and I love watching her navigate all those wealthy people protecting their reputations while she keeps asking the questions they absolutely do not want answered.
And the setting! Rosecliff, the gowns, the ballroom, the ocean air, the enormous “cottages”—give me all of it. Maxwell blends real historical people and places into the story so naturally that I found myself wanting to look them up afterward. The mystery gave me plenty of suspects, secrets and reasons to change my mind, and yep…I was pointing my finger in the wrong direction more than once.
Four stars for a wonderfully escapist historical cozy filled with old money, scandal, blackmail and murder. Apparently money can buy a mansion, but it cannot buy a drama-free party. 😂
If you were investigating this one, who would you distrust first—the mysterious party crasher, the nervous hostess, or all those wealthy guests with secrets to protect?
#MurderAtRosecliff #AlyssaMaxwell #GildedNewportMysteries #HistoricalMystery #CozyMystery #KensingtonBooks #Bookstagram #BookReview
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.
September 30, 2026
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖: Elegant Gilded Age historical mystery with lavish settings, social intrigue, hidden connections, and a mystery that kept me invested until the end.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I think out of all the books in the series, this one had the most interesting mystery for me. I was hooked by the investigation and really enjoyed watching all the pieces slowly come together.
Towards the end, I did start to predict where things were heading and had an inkling about the victims' connections, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. I actually liked seeing how everything unfolded once the pieces started falling into place.
What really worked for me was the ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely, and the revelations felt satisfying rather than leaving me with a bunch of unanswered questions. I always appreciate a mystery that gives me enough information to piece things together while still making the final reveal enjoyable.
Overall, this was probably my favorite mystery of the books I've read in the series so far. The investigation kept me engaged, the connections were interesting, and the ending brought everything together in a satisfying way.
𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕠𝕣:
• The most interesting mystery of the series for me
• The gradual unraveling of the clues and connections
• The Gilded Age setting and social intrigue
ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥:
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: Kisses Only
𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: None
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕/𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖: Read this if you enjoy historical mysteries, Gilded Age society, lavish settings, hidden family connections, social intrigue, and mysteries that give you enough clues to form your own theories before the final pieces fall into place.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I think out of all the books in the series, this one had the most interesting mystery for me. I was hooked by the investigation and really enjoyed watching all the pieces slowly come together.
Towards the end, I did start to predict where things were heading and had an inkling about the victims' connections, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. I actually liked seeing how everything unfolded once the pieces started falling into place.
What really worked for me was the ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely, and the revelations felt satisfying rather than leaving me with a bunch of unanswered questions. I always appreciate a mystery that gives me enough information to piece things together while still making the final reveal enjoyable.
Overall, this was probably my favorite mystery of the books I've read in the series so far. The investigation kept me engaged, the connections were interesting, and the ending brought everything together in a satisfying way.
𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕠𝕣:
• The most interesting mystery of the series for me
• The gradual unraveling of the clues and connections
• The Gilded Age setting and social intrigue
ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥:
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: Kisses Only
𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: None
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕/𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖: Read this if you enjoy historical mysteries, Gilded Age society, lavish settings, hidden family connections, social intrigue, and mysteries that give you enough clues to form your own theories before the final pieces fall into place.
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.
October 12, 2026
Murder at Rosecliff, in my opinion, what a comeback from the last book she wrote: Murder at Arleigh. I write this because as Emma is a new mother, she didn’t take precautions with her daughter who could end up eating daffodils. They were pretty much all over her home in Murder at Arleigh, which was published in 2025. 🤦♀️
This book, Murder at Rosecliff, was an enjoyable read and a good murder mystery. I actually was in between two people. Not sure how Lehr would have done it, but I suspected there were two people involved. Alas, there was! I won’t tell who or else it would spoil it. All I can say is write down in either your phone or on paper who is a fictional character and who is not because it helps eliminate who is a suspect and who isn’t a suspect. For example, we all know Emma and Derrick are not suspects because they are the main characters of the story.
What I found difficult or not historically accurate is the year Tessie’s White Ball took place. Alyssa’s book is based in the year 1903 and Tessie’s actual ball took place a year later 1904. For a person, myself, who appreciates history, it should be historically accurate in the timeline. Alyssa should have held off on Rosecliff and done another mansion. Then in 2027, release Rosecliff. I do understand after reading the “Author’s Notes” that she wants the event to fit in with her series timeline. But come on…Wait a year for this book to come out.
This book, Murder at Rosecliff, was an enjoyable read and a good murder mystery. I actually was in between two people. Not sure how Lehr would have done it, but I suspected there were two people involved. Alas, there was! I won’t tell who or else it would spoil it. All I can say is write down in either your phone or on paper who is a fictional character and who is not because it helps eliminate who is a suspect and who isn’t a suspect. For example, we all know Emma and Derrick are not suspects because they are the main characters of the story.
What I found difficult or not historically accurate is the year Tessie’s White Ball took place. Alyssa’s book is based in the year 1903 and Tessie’s actual ball took place a year later 1904. For a person, myself, who appreciates history, it should be historically accurate in the timeline. Alyssa should have held off on Rosecliff and done another mansion. Then in 2027, release Rosecliff. I do understand after reading the “Author’s Notes” that she wants the event to fit in with her series timeline. But come on…Wait a year for this book to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
September 12, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell, which is the 14th book in the Gilded Newport Series. The story begins when our heroine Emma Andrews and her husband, Derrick, attend a White Ball hosted by their good friend Tessie Oelrich in 1903. When an uninvited guest is found murdered and one of Emma’s employees is the main suspect, Emma and her husband set out to investigate and prove his innocence.
This was the perfect Gilded Age cozy mystery with extravagant parties, strict social etiquette, and plenty of secrets hiding beneath polished appearances. It kept me guessing the entire time and I didn’t figure it out, and was surprised when the true killer was revealed.
The audio was expertly narrated by Lauren Ezzo, who provided differing voices for all characters including nuanced accents. She was so good I could easily picture the scenes and felt like I was watching the HBO series, The Gilded Age! Brava!
This was the perfect Gilded Age cozy mystery with extravagant parties, strict social etiquette, and plenty of secrets hiding beneath polished appearances. It kept me guessing the entire time and I didn’t figure it out, and was surprised when the true killer was revealed.
The audio was expertly narrated by Lauren Ezzo, who provided differing voices for all characters including nuanced accents. She was so good I could easily picture the scenes and felt like I was watching the HBO series, The Gilded Age! Brava!
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....
September 18, 2026
I had the opportunity to learn about Murder at Rosecliff, and it immediately stood out as a richly atmospheric historical cozy mystery with an elegant Newport setting, a glamorous society event, and a murder wrapped in blackmail, scandal, and competing reputations. The August 1903 White Ball at Rosecliff provides a vivid backdrop, while Emma Cross Andrews and her husband Derrick have a strong investigative role in protecting their young society reporter and uncovering the truth. As Book 14 in the Gilded Newport Mysteries, the title also benefits from an established series identity and an audience already invested in its characters and historical setting. With 4.30 stars from 227 ratings and 53 reviews on Goodreads, the book has a substantial reader foundation that can be developed further through targeted visibility and series discovery.
October 7, 2026
I loved this! I don't know why, but I enjoyed this book even more than the previous few. Maybe it's the drama from the past, breaking open people's secrets. Maybe it was seeing Nanny and Katie standing their ground to protect their house. Or maybe it was all the introspection that Emma was doing about losing herself and if she was doing the right thing. There were a lot of tough choices and conversations in this book; should you tell secrets, would you turn in a friend, etc and I love how real it felt while Emma struggled to decide. I really enjoy watching her sleuth and watching her fight for what she is passionate about and I especially loved the ending. The mystery had me surprised and I loved all the heart-pounding scenes. This was a lot of fun!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
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
September 1, 2026
Wow, another excellent book in this series. This book was full of so many twists and turns; I really didn’t see the end coming. It was so well written while trying to find the true murderer. There are a lot of characters, but it was not confusing, which many books with lots of suspects are. 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. It is written so that anyone can pick up the series from anywhere, 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 am freely giving my review.
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