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Newport Gilded Age #2
A Golden Cage
The author of A Gilded Grave returns to Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, where headstrong heiress Deanna Randolph must solve another murder among the social elite.
With her mother in Europe, Deanna is staying with the Ballard family, who agree to chaperone her through the summer season and guide her toward an advantageous marriage proposal—or so her mother hopes. Relishing her new freedom, Deanna is more interested in buying one of the fashionable new bathing costumes, joining a ladies’ bicycling club, and befriending an actress named Amabelle Deeks, all of which would scandalize her mother.
Far more scandalous is the discovery of a young man bludgeoned to death on the conservatory floor at Bonheur, the Ballards’ sumptuous “cottage.” Deanna recognizes him as an actor who performed at the birthday fete for a prominent judge the night before. But why was he at Bonheur? And where is Amabelle?
Concerned her new friend may be in danger—or worse—Deanna enlists the help of her intrepid maid, Elspeth, and her former beau, Joe Ballard, to find Amabelle before the villain of this drama demands an encore.
With her mother in Europe, Deanna is staying with the Ballard family, who agree to chaperone her through the summer season and guide her toward an advantageous marriage proposal—or so her mother hopes. Relishing her new freedom, Deanna is more interested in buying one of the fashionable new bathing costumes, joining a ladies’ bicycling club, and befriending an actress named Amabelle Deeks, all of which would scandalize her mother.
Far more scandalous is the discovery of a young man bludgeoned to death on the conservatory floor at Bonheur, the Ballards’ sumptuous “cottage.” Deanna recognizes him as an actor who performed at the birthday fete for a prominent judge the night before. But why was he at Bonheur? And where is Amabelle?
Concerned her new friend may be in danger—or worse—Deanna enlists the help of her intrepid maid, Elspeth, and her former beau, Joe Ballard, to find Amabelle before the villain of this drama demands an encore.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
26 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Freydont
24 books276 followersaka Gemma Bruce
Shelley Freyont is the author of the Lindy Haggerty Sudoku mysteries. She attended the University of Utah majoring in philosophy and dance. Shelley Freydont has also toured as a professonal dance with Twyla Tharp Dance and Americal Ballroom theater. She has appeared and choreographed in television, film, and Brodway.
Series:
* Lindy Haggerty Mystery
* Kate McDonald Mystery
Shelley Freyont is the author of the Lindy Haggerty Sudoku mysteries. She attended the University of Utah majoring in philosophy and dance. Shelley Freydont has also toured as a professonal dance with Twyla Tharp Dance and Americal Ballroom theater. She has appeared and choreographed in television, film, and Brodway.
Series:
* Lindy Haggerty Mystery
* Kate McDonald Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 14, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I want to escape right into that picture on the cover.
This second book in the series picks up almost where book one left off. Deanna’s mother and sister are still abroad and her father is busy working so Deanna continues her stay with the Ballards. She goes on calls with “Gran Gwen” and they attend a few parties, keeping her in the eye of eligible bachelors that she really has no interest in. She wants a career as a detective and not many suitors would be happy to have their wives chasing down criminals. They attend a birthday party at the Grantham Estate where Maude Grantham has brought in a entire theatre company to perform. It was quite a night, Deanne even meets one of the actresses, Amabelle Deeks. Deanna is surprised when Amabelle shows up at the Ballard’s door in the middle of the night scared about something and needing a place to stay. Even more surprising is finding a body the next morning in the conservatory. A young actor from the play. When Deanna goes to tell Amabelle she is nowhere to be found. Dee thinks her new friend my have something to do with the murder especially because she ran away. Quickly Deanna, her wonderful maid Elspeth, and Joe Ballard are trying to help their friend Will, a sergeant with the Newport Police solve the case. But just because they are “working with” Will doesn’t mean that aren’t going to do some investigating and get into some trouble on their own.
I really like the characters and their development. We see Gran Gwen and Laurette are more liberal thinkers like Deanna while the Granthams are more conservative. All our very opinionated. Dee was growing more comfortable and trying things like riding a bicycle and joining a bicycle club. Her mother would definitely not approve. She is a strong willed young woman. A subplot dealt with her feelings for Joe and his feelings for her. They do make a good team but can they ever be more than friends. There are also several interesting characters connected to Amabelle and they play.
The story takes come great twists as our protagonist hones in on the guilty party. Secrets come to light and the reveal is filled with action.
Shelley Freydont’s descriptive way of writing brings all the characters to life right along with the “cottages” of Newport and the Fifth Ward. As a reader I felt like I traveling right along with Deanna as she followed all the clues and all the place she would sneak into to get the answers. It was really thrilling and fun.
An excellent addition to this series!
I want to escape right into that picture on the cover.
This second book in the series picks up almost where book one left off. Deanna’s mother and sister are still abroad and her father is busy working so Deanna continues her stay with the Ballards. She goes on calls with “Gran Gwen” and they attend a few parties, keeping her in the eye of eligible bachelors that she really has no interest in. She wants a career as a detective and not many suitors would be happy to have their wives chasing down criminals. They attend a birthday party at the Grantham Estate where Maude Grantham has brought in a entire theatre company to perform. It was quite a night, Deanne even meets one of the actresses, Amabelle Deeks. Deanna is surprised when Amabelle shows up at the Ballard’s door in the middle of the night scared about something and needing a place to stay. Even more surprising is finding a body the next morning in the conservatory. A young actor from the play. When Deanna goes to tell Amabelle she is nowhere to be found. Dee thinks her new friend my have something to do with the murder especially because she ran away. Quickly Deanna, her wonderful maid Elspeth, and Joe Ballard are trying to help their friend Will, a sergeant with the Newport Police solve the case. But just because they are “working with” Will doesn’t mean that aren’t going to do some investigating and get into some trouble on their own.
I really like the characters and their development. We see Gran Gwen and Laurette are more liberal thinkers like Deanna while the Granthams are more conservative. All our very opinionated. Dee was growing more comfortable and trying things like riding a bicycle and joining a bicycle club. Her mother would definitely not approve. She is a strong willed young woman. A subplot dealt with her feelings for Joe and his feelings for her. They do make a good team but can they ever be more than friends. There are also several interesting characters connected to Amabelle and they play.
The story takes come great twists as our protagonist hones in on the guilty party. Secrets come to light and the reveal is filled with action.
Shelley Freydont’s descriptive way of writing brings all the characters to life right along with the “cottages” of Newport and the Fifth Ward. As a reader I felt like I traveling right along with Deanna as she followed all the clues and all the place she would sneak into to get the answers. It was really thrilling and fun.
An excellent addition to this series!
June 15, 2017
A Golden Cage (Newport Gilded Age #2) by Shelley Freydont is great fun with a determined, strong woman as the lead character with her lady's maid as a 'Jill of all trades ' as the second lead character, one is in for quite a (bike) ride. Deanna Randolph is staying in Newport for her first season with a family friend, Gran Gwen, at her cottage, Bonheur. Gran Gwen is not at all similar to Deanna'a mother. Thus Deanna is having a summer full of freedom while also learning the ropes of society. The biggest thing in Deanna's life is detecting, and at her first party, a body is found in the conservatory where she is staying - a bit like the game of Clue. Of course, there is a man involved, Joe Ballard, but he is into inventing machines, and they both do not wish to marry so the book begins as Deanna is watching the outdoor set-up for her first party which is having a theater production brought to Newport for the Judge's birthday. Deanna enters a fantasy-like situation as she sees the theater being built in the Judge's backyard. The twinkling lights, all the other decorations, the theater, the costumes all seem surreal to Deanna. Unfortunately, the body in the conservatory (Clue again) brings all back to reality very quickly, and Deanna and her lady's maid, Elsbeth, begin their detecting. Well done and recommended. Thank you, Ms. Freydont!
February 16, 2024
4 stars isn’t completely accurate but I do think I enjoyed this one more than the first and I have that one three stars here.
It was a fun murder mystery. Simple concept.
It was a fun murder mystery. Simple concept.
August 2, 2016
Deanna Randolph is staying with Gran Gwen and the Ballards while her mother and older sister are off in Switzerland curing Adelaide's migraines. Deanna is thrilled to escape her draconian mother and do fun things like wear the latest fashions and ride her new safety bicycle. Deanna's independence drives Joe crazy. He worries she'll ruin her reputation or worse, once she becomes involved in a mystery. After helping to solve a murder a few weeks earlier, Deanna is on the case again after an actor from Judge Grantham's birthday party turns up dead in the Ballards' parlor. The case involves a chorus girl, Amabelle Deeks, who was once a society girl who ran away from home. Laurette Ballard is friends with Amabelle's mother and feels responsible for helping the girl when she turns up one night in distress. Amabelle is gone in the morning when the murder victim is discovered. Deanna worries Belle has been taken by the murderer or killed. Perhaps she IS the murderer, but Deanna doesn't think so. Will is under pressure from the cottagers to solve the case quickly and if he can't find Amabelle, someone else will get the blame.
I only meant to read some of the book but of course I ended up staying up really late reading! I figured out who the murderer was pretty easily and I figured it had something to do with the Comstock Laws. I was a bit surprised by the reveal but not totally. That thought hadn't really crossed my mind. I thought something a little more typical for this period so kudos to the author for making the mystery extra complicated. She also deserves praise for the diversity of her cast of characters. In the first book we had an exotic dark skinned man servant and here we have theater people who are more open about their unconventional lifestyles. They fit within the context of the period and the latest newsworthy gossip of the year. I was a little surprised the author dared to go there. The subject matter of the book is very relevant to our own time as well.
This story is much better than the first. The writing is overall better and I especially liked the mentions of real people and real "cottages." I need to visit Chepstow now! I liked the cameos by Mrs. Astor and Mamie Fish, two of my favorite Gilded Age people. Consuelo Vanderbilt causes gossip with her brief appearances. There are also references to other real life Newport figures. The one thing that I found off was the women's suffrage movement. That was a big issue later on in the early 20th century when Alva Vanderbilt held suffrage events at Marble House. I'm not sure if women were being imprisoned and force fed yet. Mostly middle class women became involved in woman suffrage and not upper class ladies at this time.
The characters in this story are delightful. Deanna is not my favorite sleuth though. She's very young and she often behaves childishly and recklessly. Her reaction to Joe's criticisms is very immature, especially towards the end. I love her relationship with Elspeth. Elspeth adds a lot of comic relief to the story. I love how she is "true blue" to Deanna. Joe behaves very boorishly in this novel. His criticisms are valid but it's not his place to decide what Deanna can and can not do. It's up to his grandmother and she knows what she's doing. He spends the whole book dancing around his real feelings for Dee but I hope he doesn't declare himself too soon because I think she's still too immature and needs to grow a bit. I love Joe's family. His parents are so sweet and such a lovely couple. His mom is very admirable and way ahead of her time. I'm not really sure she's accurate for the 1890s but she champions causes that were becoming major concerns in big cities in America. Gran Gwen is awesome and I would love for her to be my grandmere. She can cut down any society lady or deliver a comment that means the opposite of what she says. I'd love to see an encounter between Gran Gwen and Alva Vanderbilt. Gran Gwen is very modern for the 1890s also.
New characters here are sharply divided between upper crust "cottagers" and lower class actors and actresses of the theater troupe that comes to Newport. Judge Grantham is a well-connected and high placed judge in New York. He is a staunch supporter of the Comstock laws regulating morality. He has strict ideas of what is proper and doesn't hesitate to stomp on anyone he considers behaving immorally - unless that person is one of his own and then he may choose to look the other way. His son-in-law, however, will not let anything slide. The women of the family are very meek and I had a tough time keeping track of which was the Judge's wife and which was his daughter. The actors are an interesting bunch. I felt sorry for Talia to be subjected to the sleazy Mersey and I felt sorry for Noreen. I didn't entirely like her or the complications she introduced to the plot. The actors are a colorful bunch but I had trouble keeping track of who was who. They add to the story and make the story stand out from other typical Gilded Age/Victorian and Edwardian mysteries of this type.
I look forward to reading more about Newport in the Gilded Age in the future, I hope!
I only meant to read some of the book but of course I ended up staying up really late reading! I figured out who the murderer was pretty easily and I figured it had something to do with the Comstock Laws. I was a bit surprised by the reveal but not totally. That thought hadn't really crossed my mind. I thought something a little more typical for this period so kudos to the author for making the mystery extra complicated. She also deserves praise for the diversity of her cast of characters. In the first book we had an exotic dark skinned man servant and here we have theater people who are more open about their unconventional lifestyles. They fit within the context of the period and the latest newsworthy gossip of the year. I was a little surprised the author dared to go there. The subject matter of the book is very relevant to our own time as well.
This story is much better than the first. The writing is overall better and I especially liked the mentions of real people and real "cottages." I need to visit Chepstow now! I liked the cameos by Mrs. Astor and Mamie Fish, two of my favorite Gilded Age people. Consuelo Vanderbilt causes gossip with her brief appearances. There are also references to other real life Newport figures. The one thing that I found off was the women's suffrage movement. That was a big issue later on in the early 20th century when Alva Vanderbilt held suffrage events at Marble House. I'm not sure if women were being imprisoned and force fed yet. Mostly middle class women became involved in woman suffrage and not upper class ladies at this time.
The characters in this story are delightful. Deanna is not my favorite sleuth though. She's very young and she often behaves childishly and recklessly. Her reaction to Joe's criticisms is very immature, especially towards the end. I love her relationship with Elspeth. Elspeth adds a lot of comic relief to the story. I love how she is "true blue" to Deanna. Joe behaves very boorishly in this novel. His criticisms are valid but it's not his place to decide what Deanna can and can not do. It's up to his grandmother and she knows what she's doing. He spends the whole book dancing around his real feelings for Dee but I hope he doesn't declare himself too soon because I think she's still too immature and needs to grow a bit. I love Joe's family. His parents are so sweet and such a lovely couple. His mom is very admirable and way ahead of her time. I'm not really sure she's accurate for the 1890s but she champions causes that were becoming major concerns in big cities in America. Gran Gwen is awesome and I would love for her to be my grandmere. She can cut down any society lady or deliver a comment that means the opposite of what she says. I'd love to see an encounter between Gran Gwen and Alva Vanderbilt. Gran Gwen is very modern for the 1890s also.
New characters here are sharply divided between upper crust "cottagers" and lower class actors and actresses of the theater troupe that comes to Newport. Judge Grantham is a well-connected and high placed judge in New York. He is a staunch supporter of the Comstock laws regulating morality. He has strict ideas of what is proper and doesn't hesitate to stomp on anyone he considers behaving immorally - unless that person is one of his own and then he may choose to look the other way. His son-in-law, however, will not let anything slide. The women of the family are very meek and I had a tough time keeping track of which was the Judge's wife and which was his daughter. The actors are an interesting bunch. I felt sorry for Talia to be subjected to the sleazy Mersey and I felt sorry for Noreen. I didn't entirely like her or the complications she introduced to the plot. The actors are a colorful bunch but I had trouble keeping track of who was who. They add to the story and make the story stand out from other typical Gilded Age/Victorian and Edwardian mysteries of this type.
I look forward to reading more about Newport in the Gilded Age in the future, I hope!
July 6, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Golden Cage
A Newport Gilded Age Mystery, Book #2
By Shelley Freydont
ISBN#9780425275856
Author’s Website: www.shelleyfreydont.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
With her mother in Europe, Deanna is staying with the Ballard family, who agree to chaperone her through the summer season and guide her toward an advantageous marriage proposal—or so her mother hopes. Relishing her new freedom, Deanna is more interested in buying one of the fashionable new bathing costumes, joining a ladies’ bicycling club, and befriending an actress named Amabelle Deeks, all of which would scandalize her mother.
Far more scandalous is the discovery of a young man bludgeoned to death on the conservatory floor at Bonheur, the Ballards’ sumptuous “cottage.” Deanna recognizes him as an actor who performed at the birthday fete for a prominent judge the night before. But why was he at Bonheur? And where is Amabelle?
Concerned her new friend may be in danger—or worse—Deanna enlists the help of her intrepid maid, Elspeth, and her former beau, Joe Ballard, to find Amabelle before the villain of this drama demands an encore. (Goodreads)
Review:
Shelley Freydont does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the glamorous Gilded Age in A Golden Cage. Likable characters, a strong mystery, and a compelling setting make for a really enjoyable read.
Deanna Randolph is growing more into her own since she is not under her strict mother’s thumb for the summer. She has made her entrance into society, but she could really not care less about the parties and overtures required to find a match. Since her mother and sister are out of the country, Dee is spending the season with the Ballard family. A highlight of the summer is Judge Grantham’s birthday fete complete with a performance by an acting troupe. Dee is interested to go backstage and meets a member of the chorus, Mrs. Ballard’s friend’s daughter Amabelle. It is such a surprise when Amabelle arrives, distraught and disheveled, at the Ballard doorstep in the wee hours later that night. Even more of a shock is the discovery of a dead actor, Charlie, the next morning in the home’s conservatory, and there is no sign of Amabelle. Where is she? Could she have killed Charlie? If not, is she now in danger, too? Dee, along with her childhood friend Joe Ballard, her ladies maid Elspeth, and police sergeant Will Hennessey, attempts to get to the bottom of things in a world where a glossy veneer is everything, and nothing is as it seems. In turn, Dee’s friends do their best to keep Dee out of trouble.
I seek out historical mysteries, and this second entry in the Newport Gilded Age Mystery series definitely is worth the read. Shelley Freydont writes with panache, imparting a period correct voice to her work. There are plenty of interesting historical details to draw the reader into the story, and I enjoyed walking along beside Dee as she investigated. Dee is a likable young lady, curious, daring, and smart, if a bit naïve. Joe refers to her as an “independent woman in training,” and he could not be more right. She is the epitome of the new breed of lady in a changing era when women were beginning to seek more independence and their own voices. Joe, as Dee’s childhood friend and former “almost fiancé” is a good foil to her flights of fancy. He has a logical, scientific mind and is grounded in the here and now. I like that, even though he has somewhat cast aside the conventions of his station in society, he does still very much belong in that glitzy world of entitlement and wealth. I enjoy their longstanding friendship and look forward to seeing how it changes in the future. His blindness to his true feelings for Dee provides several chuckle worthy moments. It seems that Elspeth and Will are underutilized this time around, and I like them both very much. In A Gilded Grave, the contrast of the upper crust to the lower classes made for interesting interplay, but I find that somewhat missing here.
The mystery within the pages of A Golden Cage is solidly developed and compelling. Though I thought I pinned whodunit pretty early on, there were enough twists and turns to make me second guess myself. The final twist is indeed scandalous, and the reveal dangerous and exciting. I do not want to give too much away.
I greatly enjoyed my time in Newport, Rhode Island, with Dee, Joe, and all the rest. I hope this series has many more installments to come. I recommend A Golden Cage to historical mystery fans and to those who enjoy a plucky protagonist in an opulent setting.
A Golden Cage
A Newport Gilded Age Mystery, Book #2
By Shelley Freydont
ISBN#9780425275856
Author’s Website: www.shelleyfreydont.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
With her mother in Europe, Deanna is staying with the Ballard family, who agree to chaperone her through the summer season and guide her toward an advantageous marriage proposal—or so her mother hopes. Relishing her new freedom, Deanna is more interested in buying one of the fashionable new bathing costumes, joining a ladies’ bicycling club, and befriending an actress named Amabelle Deeks, all of which would scandalize her mother.
Far more scandalous is the discovery of a young man bludgeoned to death on the conservatory floor at Bonheur, the Ballards’ sumptuous “cottage.” Deanna recognizes him as an actor who performed at the birthday fete for a prominent judge the night before. But why was he at Bonheur? And where is Amabelle?
Concerned her new friend may be in danger—or worse—Deanna enlists the help of her intrepid maid, Elspeth, and her former beau, Joe Ballard, to find Amabelle before the villain of this drama demands an encore. (Goodreads)
Review:
Shelley Freydont does an excellent job of transporting the reader to the glamorous Gilded Age in A Golden Cage. Likable characters, a strong mystery, and a compelling setting make for a really enjoyable read.
Deanna Randolph is growing more into her own since she is not under her strict mother’s thumb for the summer. She has made her entrance into society, but she could really not care less about the parties and overtures required to find a match. Since her mother and sister are out of the country, Dee is spending the season with the Ballard family. A highlight of the summer is Judge Grantham’s birthday fete complete with a performance by an acting troupe. Dee is interested to go backstage and meets a member of the chorus, Mrs. Ballard’s friend’s daughter Amabelle. It is such a surprise when Amabelle arrives, distraught and disheveled, at the Ballard doorstep in the wee hours later that night. Even more of a shock is the discovery of a dead actor, Charlie, the next morning in the home’s conservatory, and there is no sign of Amabelle. Where is she? Could she have killed Charlie? If not, is she now in danger, too? Dee, along with her childhood friend Joe Ballard, her ladies maid Elspeth, and police sergeant Will Hennessey, attempts to get to the bottom of things in a world where a glossy veneer is everything, and nothing is as it seems. In turn, Dee’s friends do their best to keep Dee out of trouble.
I seek out historical mysteries, and this second entry in the Newport Gilded Age Mystery series definitely is worth the read. Shelley Freydont writes with panache, imparting a period correct voice to her work. There are plenty of interesting historical details to draw the reader into the story, and I enjoyed walking along beside Dee as she investigated. Dee is a likable young lady, curious, daring, and smart, if a bit naïve. Joe refers to her as an “independent woman in training,” and he could not be more right. She is the epitome of the new breed of lady in a changing era when women were beginning to seek more independence and their own voices. Joe, as Dee’s childhood friend and former “almost fiancé” is a good foil to her flights of fancy. He has a logical, scientific mind and is grounded in the here and now. I like that, even though he has somewhat cast aside the conventions of his station in society, he does still very much belong in that glitzy world of entitlement and wealth. I enjoy their longstanding friendship and look forward to seeing how it changes in the future. His blindness to his true feelings for Dee provides several chuckle worthy moments. It seems that Elspeth and Will are underutilized this time around, and I like them both very much. In A Gilded Grave, the contrast of the upper crust to the lower classes made for interesting interplay, but I find that somewhat missing here.
The mystery within the pages of A Golden Cage is solidly developed and compelling. Though I thought I pinned whodunit pretty early on, there were enough twists and turns to make me second guess myself. The final twist is indeed scandalous, and the reveal dangerous and exciting. I do not want to give too much away.
I greatly enjoyed my time in Newport, Rhode Island, with Dee, Joe, and all the rest. I hope this series has many more installments to come. I recommend A Golden Cage to historical mystery fans and to those who enjoy a plucky protagonist in an opulent setting.
July 1, 2016
I read the first in this series a few years ago but forgot. I had given the first book two stars and said I would pass on the second.Well I am drawn to certain covers and eras and this fit the bill for me. I was suckered! I did try to read but gave up on page 164.
March 21, 2016
Thanks Berkley Publishing Group and netgalley for this ARC.
I love this series! It's feel good reading. There's always something surprising at the end to look forward to the next one.
I love this series! It's feel good reading. There's always something surprising at the end to look forward to the next one.
December 31, 2024
I’m so mad at Berkley right now. How did they not continue this series? Deanna is coming into her own in this book. She’s a smart girl, but has been Kelly relatively ignorant by her mother, who is obsessed with her being a society woman in the gilded age. Luckily, the mother has gone to Switzerland, so Deanna is staying with a family friend who is a little outrageous!
Deanna uses her more liberal living situation to buy a bike, join a women’s cycling group, and exercise a few other freedoms. When a visiting actor is found dead in the house, Deanna and her maid decide to investigate.
Throughout, her late brother’s friend Joe (who ditched society when his parents and Deanna’s tried to arrange a marriage between them) is both attracted to and exasperated by Deanna’s bravery.
I have to imagine that Shelley Freydont had more story to tell in future books. I’m disappointed that Berkley cut this one short, but it seems like their MO with historical
mysteries.
Deanna uses her more liberal living situation to buy a bike, join a women’s cycling group, and exercise a few other freedoms. When a visiting actor is found dead in the house, Deanna and her maid decide to investigate.
Throughout, her late brother’s friend Joe (who ditched society when his parents and Deanna’s tried to arrange a marriage between them) is both attracted to and exasperated by Deanna’s bravery.
I have to imagine that Shelley Freydont had more story to tell in future books. I’m disappointed that Berkley cut this one short, but it seems like their MO with historical
mysteries.
July 14, 2022
Perhaps it's me, but I just felt like this book slogged. It was kind of tedious. Yeah, I'm sure it was me cause I read the first in the series and really enjoyed it. But this second book just didn't grab my attention. There was a little too much No Doubt's I'm Just a Girl going on for me to enjoy the book. Society strictures, society expectations, they don't want her to wear that dress or ride her bicycle or go to that boarding house and talk to *gasp* theater people!!! Yeah, it's probably just me. I'll try again later.
July 31, 2017
I love spunky Deanna and the wonderful Ballard women. I didn't figure out the culprit, and found it interesting in that it was a murder caused by its time in history. I'll say no more.
I love how clueless Joe and Deanna are about each other. They too are growing into themselves and figuring out their identities in a society that very much wants to tell them who they should be.
I love how clueless Joe and Deanna are about each other. They too are growing into themselves and figuring out their identities in a society that very much wants to tell them who they should be.
June 2, 2016
This was a fun book for me as it included two of my favorite things history and mystery. We get to go on another adventure with Deanna and then what does she stumble upon but a dead body. Following Deanna, Elspeth and Joe on their journey to find Amabelle before it is too late was quite the adventure. I like how the author gives us enough clues to make us think we know what is going on then her comes another twist. The descriptions that Shelley uses are very good as I feel as if I am right there alongside the characters. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series to see what adventures we get to go on next.
Read
June 9, 2016This was a great book to read. I love the historical era and the cast of characters are becoming so well developed you feel like you know them even more.The story takes place in the nineteenth century where Deanna wants to be more her own woman. getting in to fashion and joining clubs is the life she wants. What she gets instead is a murder to help solve. It pulls you in from the first page and keeps you captivated until the very end. Those who love history and the Victorian Era will want to add this series to there list.
August 6, 2016
This one takes place just weeks after book #1... making it sound like Newport is a hot place for murder. But it was cute. Freydont brings up social issues of the time (birth control, women's rights, new fashion, women riding bikes, and homosexuality) all wrapped in a murder mystery featuring a troupe of actors and actresses.
I would read a #3 if she comes out with one.
I would read a #3 if she comes out with one.
Read
May 30, 2017I couldn't get past page three. I think "Deanna" was written nearly 15 times on one page. Drove me nuts.
October 9, 2020
I think the characters are the strong part of this book. Deanna and Elspeth are entertaining as friends who solve crime, and Gran Gwen continues to be delightful. We also met Joe's parents, Lionel and Laurette, who I enjoyed immensely. I also liked Noreen, although I didn't at first, because she was nicely developed and we got to see more sides of her as Deanna got to know her.
The mystery wasn't as strong in this installment. It feels like a mix of Deanna running around after clues that don't end up amounting to anything, and happening upon something helpful by accident. But I did like how her attempts to solve the mystery served as a way to have more conversations about whether Deanna will be happy as a society woman and how social mores were changing.
Joe's plotline in this book also basically was a way to discuss the changing roles of women and how men could be supportive, and while I am sure that was a real adjustment that had to happen, to a 21st century reader, Joe's insistence on trying to manage Deanna was annoying and actually made me like him less. It's strange, because in the first book I thought he was a good mix of a healthy amount of concern for the safety of someone he cares for, and admiration of her gumption, and this time it's like he backslid. It's been several years since this came out so I don't know if there are plans for more, but I hope so, and I hope we will see more progress with Joe. Right now he's a little exasperating to be a romantic lead. Not to mention the side plot of him being attracted to Noreen, which I was not into.
The mystery wasn't as strong in this installment. It feels like a mix of Deanna running around after clues that don't end up amounting to anything, and happening upon something helpful by accident. But I did like how her attempts to solve the mystery served as a way to have more conversations about whether Deanna will be happy as a society woman and how social mores were changing.
Joe's plotline in this book also basically was a way to discuss the changing roles of women and how men could be supportive, and while I am sure that was a real adjustment that had to happen, to a 21st century reader, Joe's insistence on trying to manage Deanna was annoying and actually made me like him less. It's strange, because in the first book I thought he was a good mix of a healthy amount of concern for the safety of someone he cares for, and admiration of her gumption, and this time it's like he backslid. It's been several years since this came out so I don't know if there are plans for more, but I hope so, and I hope we will see more progress with Joe. Right now he's a little exasperating to be a romantic lead. Not to mention the side plot of him being attracted to Noreen, which I was not into.
September 14, 2018
Deanna is a spunky character who does her own thing. She is staying with friends while her mother and sister are out of town and is supposed to be entering society and finding a husband. Instead, she's pretty much finding herself and where she fits in. After a body is found in the conservatory of the house she's staying at, she "helps" solve the murder. The murderer was actually pretty easy to guess but I did think it was for a different reason. It's interesting to read about this time of age and how things weren't yet legal. I'm glad it's not that way anymore. I loved the ending and hope there's another one!
January 17, 2019
Well, I finished book 2 in this series, but I won't be continuing with it. This just isn't my cup of tea.
I like the Gilded Age period as a setting, but the main character Deanna is just to naive and clueless to be believable as someone capable of the kind of running around and investigating that she does, even with her maid Elspeth to help her.
I also, unfortunately, just couldn't connect to Deanna or really like her. She means well but she's just so innocent about everything that she makes me roll my eyes.
An okay series, well-written, but not something I am entertained enough to stick with.
I like the Gilded Age period as a setting, but the main character Deanna is just to naive and clueless to be believable as someone capable of the kind of running around and investigating that she does, even with her maid Elspeth to help her.
I also, unfortunately, just couldn't connect to Deanna or really like her. She means well but she's just so innocent about everything that she makes me roll my eyes.
An okay series, well-written, but not something I am entertained enough to stick with.
June 26, 2020
Another romp through Gilded Age Newport, this time with a theater troupe visiting that ends with murder and a disappearance. I enjoyed this second installment more than the first, and was able to narrow down the main suspects pretty quickly. I am rather impressed at Freydont's willingness to have Deanna explore some of the more scandalous and seedy realities of life in the Gilded Age, acknowledging the fight for contraception, which is still a controversial topic, as well as discussing Oscar Wilde's imprisonment for gross indecency, as well as writing some gay and bisexual characters. The book ended with a question I would love to hear Deanna's response to, and I look forward to more.
October 18, 2023
This books transports me a time I just love - the Gilded Age. It follows the story of a theatre group who has been commissioned to perform for one of the wealthy families at their 'cottage'. Then, someone dies, someone disappears, and Deanna, Joe, & Gran Gwen are back to investigating, informally. The mystery is ok; the atmosphere & world-building is wonderful! I recommend this to anyone who is enthralled by this period in history. I enjoyed the book. Although, it appears that this ends the series.
July 10, 2017
I like this series set in 1895 in Newport, Rhode Island. Deanna is a society girl in her first season. She is staying with family friends while her mother is abroad. She and her maid keep getting involved in mysteries and murders. They love to read the dime novels about female detectives. These books are interesting because of the glimpse into the time period when the Newport cottages were filled with parties and social rules and excess. I can't wait to read another of these!
September 9, 2018
Still loving the Gilded Age/ Newport mansion setting of this series, but I wasn't so inspired by this tale of a murdered actor, a missing heiress and various randy bachelors. I also found myself becoming impatient with our hero and heroine not recognizing their own attraction by now. The latter issue does seem to be resolving itself, but the stifling social environment for a young lady of 1895 does seem to be a daunting issue for future detective endeavors.
September 16, 2024
Perhaps it’s nothing special or completely unique, but the combination of historical references and ridiculous escapades in this sequel make it just as fun and easy to read as the first. The mystery makes it compelling and hard to put down. That combined with the frustration with Deanna and Joe’s childish miscommunications and refusal to acknowledge their feelings. I’m truly sad there aren’t more for me to read! Underrated!
June 15, 2017
Pros: Another reviewer commented that the female relationships in this series are the best part, and I agree. It's an easy read (which is a good thing IMO).
Cons: Overall the book fell flat for me. The investigation isn't terribly interesting or action-packed. Joe doesn't have a lot of appeal as a love interest.
Cons: Overall the book fell flat for me. The investigation isn't terribly interesting or action-packed. Joe doesn't have a lot of appeal as a love interest.
May 21, 2017
I normally love a good romance, but the reality of Deanna's limited options makes her "will they, won't they" with Joe hurt my heart. I love the relationships between female characters, and enjoyed the mystery as well.
March 6, 2018
I think I liked this installment more than the first one. Deanna is just so delightful. In the first book I was sure of the killer very early on and I was right, though I still enjoyed it quite a bit. In this I had no idea. It's frivolous entertainment but who doesn't love an entertaining mystery?
October 10, 2019
I did not like this mystery. It started off good and I liked the main character but then as the mystery progressed we had barely any clues to the mystery but just had more characters. It was like hitting a wall until the last few pages where they drop the reveal.
September 16, 2023
Much less action than the first book, both in the societal life of Deanna and the momentum of the mystery. Wish there had been more romance between the two MCs already. Loved Gran Gwen, Laurette, and Elspeth as strong female characters.
January 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this lighthearted book. It was a page turner, fantasy, and fun. It's not something you take too seriously.
November 4, 2016
Good mystery and interesting characters. Will look for first book to read--I think this is a series I will be following.
January 14, 2018
Did enjoy just not as much as the first. The theme was not my favorite and then too many characters and not enough of the regulars.
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