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Gilded Newport Mysteries #9
Murder at Wakehurst
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America’s 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries…
In the autumnal chill of Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, journalist Emma Cross discovers an instance of cold-blooded murder on the grounds of a mansion...
Following the death of her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, in September 1899, a somber Emma is in no mood for one of Newport's extravagant parties. But to keep Vanderbilt's reckless son Neily out of trouble, she agrees to accompany him to an Elizabethan fete on the lavish grounds of Wakehurst, the Ochre Point cottage modeled after an English palace, owned by Anglophile James Van Alen.
Held in Wakehurst's English-style gardens, the festivities will include a swordplay demonstration, an archery competition, scenes from Shakespeare's plays, and even a joust. As Emma wanders the grounds distracted by grief, she overhears a fierce argument between a man and a woman behind a tall hedge. As the joust begins, she's drawn by the barking of Van Alen's dogs and finds a man on the ground, an arrow through his chest.
The victim is one of the 400's most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler. Could one of the countless criminals he'd imprisoned over the years have returned to seek revenge--or could one of his own family members have targeted him? With the help of her beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte, Emma begins to learn the judge was not the straight arrow he appeared to be. As their investigation leads them in ever-widening circles, Emma will have to score a bull's eye to stop the killer from taking another life...
In the autumnal chill of Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, journalist Emma Cross discovers an instance of cold-blooded murder on the grounds of a mansion...
Following the death of her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, in September 1899, a somber Emma is in no mood for one of Newport's extravagant parties. But to keep Vanderbilt's reckless son Neily out of trouble, she agrees to accompany him to an Elizabethan fete on the lavish grounds of Wakehurst, the Ochre Point cottage modeled after an English palace, owned by Anglophile James Van Alen.
Held in Wakehurst's English-style gardens, the festivities will include a swordplay demonstration, an archery competition, scenes from Shakespeare's plays, and even a joust. As Emma wanders the grounds distracted by grief, she overhears a fierce argument between a man and a woman behind a tall hedge. As the joust begins, she's drawn by the barking of Van Alen's dogs and finds a man on the ground, an arrow through his chest.
The victim is one of the 400's most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler. Could one of the countless criminals he'd imprisoned over the years have returned to seek revenge--or could one of his own family members have targeted him? With the help of her beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte, Emma begins to learn the judge was not the straight arrow he appeared to be. As their investigation leads them in ever-widening circles, Emma will have to score a bull's eye to stop the killer from taking another life...
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
150 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,090 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 134 reviews
September 1, 2021
The latest installment (9th) in the Gilded Newport Mystery series is here! Once again, the intrepid Emma Cross, a distant cousin of the prominent Vanderbilt family, has a murder to solve. While attending a fete at the Van Alen family estate Wakehurst in Newport R.I.; Emma stumbles over another dead body. This time it is Judge Clayton Schuyler, with an arrow protruding form his lifeless body. Despite warnings from the local police, Emma cannot help but investigate to find the murderer. Is it the Judge’s daughter Imogene, his widow, or someone with a vendetta against him because of his ruling on a recent case?
Set against the background of 1899 Newport, the summer playground of New York’s 400, this is a spirited, intricately plotted, and richly detailed historical mystery. Emma’s relationship with the Vanderbilts gives her an entrée into Newport’s summer mansions, and access to the famous and infamous of the late 19th century. With an intelligent and feisty heroine, a superb group of recurring minor characters, a plethora of suspects, and fascinating historical background; Murder at Wakehurst will keep readers engrossed until the final paragraph.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Set against the background of 1899 Newport, the summer playground of New York’s 400, this is a spirited, intricately plotted, and richly detailed historical mystery. Emma’s relationship with the Vanderbilts gives her an entrée into Newport’s summer mansions, and access to the famous and infamous of the late 19th century. With an intelligent and feisty heroine, a superb group of recurring minor characters, a plethora of suspects, and fascinating historical background; Murder at Wakehurst will keep readers engrossed until the final paragraph.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
August 18, 2021
After the death of her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, in 1899, Emma Cross is in mourning and has no desire to accompany her cousin Neily (Cornelius Vanderbilt III) to a decadent and rousing party. The party will be held in Newport, Rhode Island, at the home of a member of one of America’s richest and most powerful families. But Neily had been estranged from his late father, and his wife Grace implores Emma to attend to help keep him out of trouble. Then, during an elaborate jousting ceremony, a distinguished judge is murdered, and Emma finds the body. Police detective Jesse Whyte does not seem to be on the case as usual. There is a new detective, and he wants no help from Emma. Emma, a reporter, continues to investigate the crime anyway, with the help of Derrick Andrews, heir to a Providence newspaper fortune. This is the ninth book in the Gilded Newport series.
This fantastic series continues with another installment, and plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. The life of opulence lived by the Gilded Age’s privileged families is richly described. As a Vanderbilt cousin, Emma has access to elegant parties and mansions, but she is also looked down upon by some as a poor relation who has to work for a living. While sometimes hanging with the high-flyers, Emma keeps her feet firmly on the ground. Her position as an outsider with connections is an intriguing one, as she can hold her own amongst the elite, but is also accepted in the staff kitchens. This is another gripping and clever mystery about a sleuth who inhabits two worlds at once, and it will transport you to a time of luxury, greed, and the quest for power. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This fantastic series continues with another installment, and plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. The life of opulence lived by the Gilded Age’s privileged families is richly described. As a Vanderbilt cousin, Emma has access to elegant parties and mansions, but she is also looked down upon by some as a poor relation who has to work for a living. While sometimes hanging with the high-flyers, Emma keeps her feet firmly on the ground. Her position as an outsider with connections is an intriguing one, as she can hold her own amongst the elite, but is also accepted in the staff kitchens. This is another gripping and clever mystery about a sleuth who inhabits two worlds at once, and it will transport you to a time of luxury, greed, and the quest for power. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
May 27, 2021
Loved it! Rich in period description, the reader is transported to a time and history period at the close of the nineteenth century, whereby, Emma Cross (her late Uncle having been Cornelius Vanderbilt of the “400 club”), discovers an instance of cold-blooded murder on the grounds of a mansion. The victim is one of the 400's most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler, shot with an arrow in the chest.
The Judge, an influential wealthy man, found murdered alone in the gardens, done silently, among his closest peers and family, on the private lavish grounds of Wakehurst, where an elaborate Elizabethan affair is taking place by invitation only. Some of the family wants to cast suspicion on Emma since she was the one found who found him. But their tears are dry and seem phony to her. Clearly, nothing in this instance is at it seems.
A jigsaw puzzle of victim, murder, and murderer, unfolds in several layers. The very studious Miss Cross, her beau Derrick Andrews, and Detective Jesse Whyte must work hard to solve this murder or she may be the next in line to be murdered.
Note: Author’s notes at end of book inform of true historical persons and events on which story is based.
Solid 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Judge, an influential wealthy man, found murdered alone in the gardens, done silently, among his closest peers and family, on the private lavish grounds of Wakehurst, where an elaborate Elizabethan affair is taking place by invitation only. Some of the family wants to cast suspicion on Emma since she was the one found who found him. But their tears are dry and seem phony to her. Clearly, nothing in this instance is at it seems.
A jigsaw puzzle of victim, murder, and murderer, unfolds in several layers. The very studious Miss Cross, her beau Derrick Andrews, and Detective Jesse Whyte must work hard to solve this murder or she may be the next in line to be murdered.
Note: Author’s notes at end of book inform of true historical persons and events on which story is based.
Solid 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2021
This is light reading enjoyment with engaging characters by an author who has not disappointed me to date.
Set among the stately homes of Newport in 1899 the atmosphere jumps off the page.
Being book #9 in the series your enjoyment would be greatly enhanced if you had read some of the previous books.
Distant relative of the esteemed Vanderbilt family, a poor relation so to speak, journalist Emma Cross is very adept at helping the police of Newport to solve crime.
Her assistance in the past helping Newport’s long time Detective Jesse Whyte has caused him to be replaced by an outsider when a member of the 400’s, Judge Schuyler, is murdered at an extravagant fete at one of Newport’s mansions.
Emma will have to use all her cunning to make sure the murder is solved and to show Jesse in a positive light right under the nose of the new man who has come to replace him.
Emma is mourning the death of her very dear Uncle Cornelius Vanderbilt but she will not shirk her duty in making sure that a murderer is caught. Even if the culprit is one of the 400’s – justice must be done.
*There are pictures to be found of the real WAKEHURST - Newport, Rhode Island if you Google it.
Set among the stately homes of Newport in 1899 the atmosphere jumps off the page.
Being book #9 in the series your enjoyment would be greatly enhanced if you had read some of the previous books.
Distant relative of the esteemed Vanderbilt family, a poor relation so to speak, journalist Emma Cross is very adept at helping the police of Newport to solve crime.
Her assistance in the past helping Newport’s long time Detective Jesse Whyte has caused him to be replaced by an outsider when a member of the 400’s, Judge Schuyler, is murdered at an extravagant fete at one of Newport’s mansions.
Emma will have to use all her cunning to make sure the murder is solved and to show Jesse in a positive light right under the nose of the new man who has come to replace him.
Emma is mourning the death of her very dear Uncle Cornelius Vanderbilt but she will not shirk her duty in making sure that a murderer is caught. Even if the culprit is one of the 400’s – justice must be done.
*There are pictures to be found of the real WAKEHURST - Newport, Rhode Island if you Google it.
January 6, 2022
*3.5 stars ✨
August 12, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
September 1899 - Emma's Uncle Cornelius Vanderbilt has passed away and the family should all be in mourning but his son has his mind set on attending the Elizabethan fête on the opulent grounds of Wakehurst. His wife has asked Emma to go with them to help her keep her husband out of trouble. Emma really has no desire to attend but finally agrees to go.
Anglophile James Van Alen has gone all out for the festivities. An archery competition, a swordplay demonstration, a stage with actors doing scenes from Shakespeare’s works, and the main event is a joust. Emma chooses to wander the grounds instead of watching the joust. In her meanderings, she hears the Van Alen’s dogs barking like crazy. As she draws near, she sees a dead man on the ground with an arrow in his chest. She is shocked to recognize Judge Clayton Schuyler, one of the 400’s most influential members.
A new detective is assigned the case because Detective Whyte allowed Emma to "assist him" in his cases too many times. When a piece of evidence in the murder connects to a case Detective Whyte is investigating he, Emma, and her beau Derrick team up to solve both cases. Their investigation takes them in many directions and they learn that the judge had some significant secrets. Secrets that put a lot of people in danger including Emma.
_____
I love traveling back in history with Alyssa Maxwell. In this story, Wakehurst, the Ochre Point “cottage” is a replica of Wakehurst Place in West Sussex, England, complete with English furnishings as well. It is owned by Anglophile James Van Alen. Again, the cover shows the "cottage" and Ms. Maxwell's descriptions take us inside and all through the elaborate gardens. I appreciate the Author's Note after the story is done where she gives historic details of the real people and places that are featured in the story.
All the core characters are very well-developed. Emma is a strong woman, independent and free-thinking. She receives something in the story that could change her life, but will she allow herself to use it? Nanny and Katie are sure to help her figure things out. Derrick's mother still isn't happy with the relationship he is building with Emma but he knows how to handle her. Detective Whyte's professional life takes a bit of a shift but it doesn't slow him down. He still works with Emma and Derrick and together they make a heck of an investigative team. The author's descriptive style really brings all her characters to life.
Ms. Maxwell has plotted out a very intricate story. Emma found herself in very interesting places and she even gets caught once but she has a great explanation, for the immediate moment anyway. I admire her fortitude to find the truth no matter what. Her unique situation allows her to mix with the elite and their staff equally and she uses it to her advantage nicely to follow clues and gets the answers she needs. In the end, she does find herself in a dire straight and that sets up a very exciting showdown. And then, the final pages were heartwarming.
Murder at Wakehurst captures life in the Gilded Age with extraordinary characters and a richly detailed account of the time. Ms. Maxwell has encased her characters in a complex mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. A fantastic addition to this series.
I have enjoyed this series from the start but I had fallen behind with my various illnesses over the last couple of years. I am determined to get caught up and be able to read Murder at the Elms when it tours with Great Escapes so that means I will be reading and reviewing Murder at Beacon Rock very soon.
September 1899 - Emma's Uncle Cornelius Vanderbilt has passed away and the family should all be in mourning but his son has his mind set on attending the Elizabethan fête on the opulent grounds of Wakehurst. His wife has asked Emma to go with them to help her keep her husband out of trouble. Emma really has no desire to attend but finally agrees to go.
Anglophile James Van Alen has gone all out for the festivities. An archery competition, a swordplay demonstration, a stage with actors doing scenes from Shakespeare’s works, and the main event is a joust. Emma chooses to wander the grounds instead of watching the joust. In her meanderings, she hears the Van Alen’s dogs barking like crazy. As she draws near, she sees a dead man on the ground with an arrow in his chest. She is shocked to recognize Judge Clayton Schuyler, one of the 400’s most influential members.
A new detective is assigned the case because Detective Whyte allowed Emma to "assist him" in his cases too many times. When a piece of evidence in the murder connects to a case Detective Whyte is investigating he, Emma, and her beau Derrick team up to solve both cases. Their investigation takes them in many directions and they learn that the judge had some significant secrets. Secrets that put a lot of people in danger including Emma.
_____
I love traveling back in history with Alyssa Maxwell. In this story, Wakehurst, the Ochre Point “cottage” is a replica of Wakehurst Place in West Sussex, England, complete with English furnishings as well. It is owned by Anglophile James Van Alen. Again, the cover shows the "cottage" and Ms. Maxwell's descriptions take us inside and all through the elaborate gardens. I appreciate the Author's Note after the story is done where she gives historic details of the real people and places that are featured in the story.
All the core characters are very well-developed. Emma is a strong woman, independent and free-thinking. She receives something in the story that could change her life, but will she allow herself to use it? Nanny and Katie are sure to help her figure things out. Derrick's mother still isn't happy with the relationship he is building with Emma but he knows how to handle her. Detective Whyte's professional life takes a bit of a shift but it doesn't slow him down. He still works with Emma and Derrick and together they make a heck of an investigative team. The author's descriptive style really brings all her characters to life.
Ms. Maxwell has plotted out a very intricate story. Emma found herself in very interesting places and she even gets caught once but she has a great explanation, for the immediate moment anyway. I admire her fortitude to find the truth no matter what. Her unique situation allows her to mix with the elite and their staff equally and she uses it to her advantage nicely to follow clues and gets the answers she needs. In the end, she does find herself in a dire straight and that sets up a very exciting showdown. And then, the final pages were heartwarming.
Murder at Wakehurst captures life in the Gilded Age with extraordinary characters and a richly detailed account of the time. Ms. Maxwell has encased her characters in a complex mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. A fantastic addition to this series.
I have enjoyed this series from the start but I had fallen behind with my various illnesses over the last couple of years. I am determined to get caught up and be able to read Murder at the Elms when it tours with Great Escapes so that means I will be reading and reviewing Murder at Beacon Rock very soon.
October 19, 2021
Emma Cross is devastated when her "Uncle" Cornelius Vanderbilt II dies and shocked when he leaves her a generous bequest and one for her formerly wayward half-brother. The whole family is bereaved and mourns in their own way but Neily, eldest son, was estranged from his father for many years and all but disinherited. He's grieving the lost opportunities to make up with his father, or so Emma believes anyway. When Neily decides to attend Anglophile James Van Alen's lavish Elizabethan fancy dress party at his cottage, Wakehurst, Neily's wife Grace worries he'll do something reckless and begs Emma to come along as a steadying influence. The party is entertaining, with the host speaking like Shakespeare, an archery contest which Emma wins, a jester and even a joust. Unfortunately, it seems to include a gate crasher. Emma spies her cousin arguing with an unfamiliar man who looks out of place. After breaking up the fight, Emma wanders off to avoid the joust, not wanting to see the horses hurt. She overhears an argument between socialite Imogene Schuyler and her fiancé, Jerome Herrington. After the angry couple part, Emma wanders off again. She's drawn to the howling of Mr. Van Alen's Mastiffs, a sound Emma has come to recognize from her own dog as a warning. She's horrified to stumble across the dead body of Imogene's father, Judge Clayton Schuyler, shot to death with an arrow. When the police arrive, Emma is horrified to discover her friend and longtime detective Jesse Whyte has been reassigned and instead, the arrogant Detective Gifford Myers, new in town, is handed the assignment. It seems the police chief has had it with Emma's "interference" with solving crimes and warns her to STAY OUT of police business. Well, Emma can't let that happen. This new detective has no understanding of Newport and Newporters. It's up to her to save Jesse's job and see justice done.
I was REALLY looking forward to this book. I recognized Wakehurst from the cover and I know I've at least been by it but I think also inside. I just love all the local color packed into this series. I got a little sidetracked from my reading to look up some of the people and places mentioned. I was dying to see Mr. Van Alen's Wakehurst and not the Wakehurst of today, part of Salve Regina University. I discovered Grace and Neily's home, Beaulieu, sold recently so there are loads of photos online. I know the Berwinds "monstrosity" is The Elms and my parents went there in early 2020. Of course I've been to The Breakers and I know of Castle Hill, a swanky inn (rooms start at $435 per night in off season and peak at $1245 PER NIGHT) and restaurant. It's always fun time traveling to Gilded Age Newport. I picked up on a cameo by one of Alyssa Maxwell's husband's ancestors again. That shows how deeply embedded her love for Newport is. That love shine through the pages of the novel and it's where the writing excels. Alyssa Maxwell seamlessly creates a world where fictional characters associate with real people and you can't tell the difference. She even creates backstories and chooses summer residences for her fictional characters to make them all that more realistic. I absolutely loved that!
The mystery didn't really grab me that much. There was too much backstory about Cornelius Vanderbilt and his family drama that was entirely unnecessary to the plot. It just puts Emma in the right place at the right time and helps her discover something important about her ethics. It's repetitive in spots when Emma shares her story but she even repeats information already mentioned. As much as I adore all the historical detail, a lot of it is unnecessary. There's a lot of labor history in the story and I think I heard something about that incident. I really, really hated the sexist jerk policeman plot. In the first book, yes that always makes sense but now? After all this time? I'm not interested. I always liked seeing the contrast between the new monied elite of New York vs. old Newporters and how Jesse and Emma's knowledge of their home gives them a unique perspective. There is a secondary plot for Jesse and that's when the book picked up for me.
didn't always like Emma's investigating. She does something unethical and gets caught by someone she shouldn't cross. It's one thing to use the servants to listen to gossip for you and another to do what she does. This is the second time she's crossed the line for me but she learned her lesson about confronting a suspect at the Newport Reading Room so hopefully she learned another lesson here. I never, ever figured out who the murderer was, not even when Emma confronted that person. For most of the book I was certain Emma was chasing red herrings and I knew who the murderer was from the beginning. Naturally I was wrong.
I do appreciate Emma's sense of ethics. I would feel the same way. I was surprised she was so compassionate towards Mr. Gould! Save the horse, let the man fend for himself or not. Nanny would admonish Emma if she did so and Emma is much sweeter and kinder than I am. I was surprised by the romantic developments in this story. Derrick has finally manned up and realized his parents are nasty and manipulative. Mrs. Andrews is an absolutely nasty B**** and has no reason to be rude to Emma even when Emma's behavior was inexcusable. I foresee further complications though after the surprising conclusion.
Emma's closest friends are advisors are Nanny and Katie. Her old nanny still treats Emma as a girl and has lots of advice. She knows Emma better than anyone else and knows what's in Emma's heart . Katie may be a servant and a newer friend, but her sweet and forgiving nature seems to inspire Emma. Katie has a lot of profound insights from her past and both these ladies help guide Emma to a better future. Ethan, the society reporter, has become a friend as well. He likes and respects Emma and of course she passed on the plum job to him. Emma's boss, Mr. Sheppard, is great. Her treats her like any other reporter and that means he respects her.
Another friend is Grace, her cousin Neily's wife. Grace is lovely and kind but can't deal with her angsty husband on her own. I know there's not a happy ending for these two but I so wish there was. I think Neily is acting like a spoiled brat and his inheritance is plenty plus he has skills to get a job. Emma comes to realize something else may be bothering him. When it's revealed what he's really upset about, I felt it was out of character for a Vanderbilt or any of the Society people of that era.
A lot of time is spent explaining who Judge Schuyler was (Hamilfans, he's some distant relative of Angelica, Eliza and Peggy from the Philadelphia Main Line branch of the family). He was an exemplary man and truly remarkable. His recent ruling in favor of railroad unionists surprised me - and everyone else. I would have expected he would side with the robber barons. This ruling may have made him a VERY unpopular man but would one of the 400 Club members murder one of their own? Would they stoop so low as to murder in the first place? Perhaps that's who the mysterious man arguing with Neily is, a hitman. Judge Schuyler didn't act as benevolently towards his daughter, Imogene. He has arranged a marriage for her, to a Jerome Harrington, a young man of a prominent banking fortune who has struck out on his own for reasons unknown. He's a good catch on paper but what Emma overhears makes me think he really is not a good person. He was nasty to Imogene and it's better she knows that now. Her father can't REALLY FORCE her into an unwanted marriage. That's not legal. He can cut off her money, keep her shut up at home but in 1899 as Emma has discovered, a woman can be independent and live her own life if she's brave enough (and poor enough) to try it.
Mr. Van Alen is charmingly eccentric. An even bigger Anglophile than any Anglophile I've ever met, he's built an exact replica of an English estate complete with Elizabethan garden. I like how he speaks like a Shakespeare character but outside of the party, that makes little sense and gets a bit annoying. The party actually sounds like fun and one I would attend if invited. He's kind and well meaning. His manners are all they should be and more. How shocking and upsetting for a murder to occur on his property during his party!
Imogene Schuyler is one of those mean girl types. She can't be outshone by anyone and doesn't like to lose. She's very nasty and mean to Emma in a snide way. Who is her plain friend in the brown dress and spectacles? I wouldn't expect a mean girl to be friends with a bluestocking. Her mother is even nastier. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed her husband. I think she's totally the type.
Detective Gifford Myers is an @$$. He's an arrogant jerk on a power trip. He has no idea how to deal with people and is probably the type to bow to the elite and let them control him. He's the anti-Jesse. I wouldn't be surprised if he bungles the investigation on purpose because one of the 400 Club murdered the judge.
Mr. Oberlin, a tailor, is upset because his shop was broken into. Nothing was stolen except for one custom made gentleman's suit! He seems like a nice man and whoever did that was thoughtless and didn't care whether a working man lost money because of the robbery. Jesse and Emma are on the case as Emma believes she saw the suit of clothing on the mystery man arguing with Neily. I'm not so certain. While Mr. Oberlin seems nice, it's suspicious neither he or any of the neighbors saw or heard the break-in. Is this case even connected with the murder? I think it's a red herring.
Burt Covey, the actor hired to play the jester, is not such a jovial fellow in real life. That is, unless he's running from the murderer because he saw something he shouldn't have. He's kind of snippy and rude and uncooperative. I don't like him much and I don't think he's hiding from the murderer. His colleague, Clarice O'Shea, the party's Titania, is more forthcoming. She seems nice and honest but she's an actress and I'm uncertain she's telling the truth. What she says about her relationship with Jerome and what Emma overheard don't match up.
Eliza Denholm, the daughter of an English Earl and Dollar Princess, now divorced, is a young bluestocking who attended the Elizabethan fete. She may have valuable answers to Emma's questions but she gets a little defensive and snippy. It's too bad Emma didn't know how to handle her because I think Eliza could become a protégée of Emma's and a good friend. Her defense of her friend may be admirable but not if she's hiding something. Alexander Aggasiz seems like a nice man and very philanthropic. He's a scientist raising funds for the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. Unfortunately, his money comes from mining and Emma believes that may put his life in danger. I hope not because he made many worthy contributions to science and he seems to respect Emma and not dismiss her as a society reporter. Felix Matthison, an avid photographer, also seems like a kind man but has ties to mining. Could that be the common denominator?
Ernest Kemp claims to be a tourist with an interest in early American architecture. Who is he really and why is he in Newport? He doesn't seem very cooperative which means he has something to hide. What is his connection to the murder? Is he the man Emma saw with Neily or is she mistaken?
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, I still look forward to more Gilded Newport stories to come.
I was REALLY looking forward to this book. I recognized Wakehurst from the cover and I know I've at least been by it but I think also inside. I just love all the local color packed into this series. I got a little sidetracked from my reading to look up some of the people and places mentioned. I was dying to see Mr. Van Alen's Wakehurst and not the Wakehurst of today, part of Salve Regina University. I discovered Grace and Neily's home, Beaulieu, sold recently so there are loads of photos online. I know the Berwinds "monstrosity" is The Elms and my parents went there in early 2020. Of course I've been to The Breakers and I know of Castle Hill, a swanky inn (rooms start at $435 per night in off season and peak at $1245 PER NIGHT) and restaurant. It's always fun time traveling to Gilded Age Newport. I picked up on a cameo by one of Alyssa Maxwell's husband's ancestors again. That shows how deeply embedded her love for Newport is. That love shine through the pages of the novel and it's where the writing excels. Alyssa Maxwell seamlessly creates a world where fictional characters associate with real people and you can't tell the difference. She even creates backstories and chooses summer residences for her fictional characters to make them all that more realistic. I absolutely loved that!
The mystery didn't really grab me that much. There was too much backstory about Cornelius Vanderbilt and his family drama that was entirely unnecessary to the plot. It just puts Emma in the right place at the right time and helps her discover something important about her ethics. It's repetitive in spots when Emma shares her story but she even repeats information already mentioned. As much as I adore all the historical detail, a lot of it is unnecessary. There's a lot of labor history in the story and I think I heard something about that incident. I really, really hated the sexist jerk policeman plot. In the first book, yes that always makes sense but now? After all this time? I'm not interested. I always liked seeing the contrast between the new monied elite of New York vs. old Newporters and how Jesse and Emma's knowledge of their home gives them a unique perspective. There is a secondary plot for Jesse and that's when the book picked up for me.
didn't always like Emma's investigating. She does something unethical and gets caught by someone she shouldn't cross. It's one thing to use the servants to listen to gossip for you and another to do what she does. This is the second time she's crossed the line for me but she learned her lesson about confronting a suspect at the Newport Reading Room so hopefully she learned another lesson here. I never, ever figured out who the murderer was, not even when Emma confronted that person. For most of the book I was certain Emma was chasing red herrings and I knew who the murderer was from the beginning. Naturally I was wrong.
I do appreciate Emma's sense of ethics. I would feel the same way. I was surprised she was so compassionate towards Mr. Gould! Save the horse, let the man fend for himself or not. Nanny would admonish Emma if she did so and Emma is much sweeter and kinder than I am. I was surprised by the romantic developments in this story. Derrick has finally manned up and realized his parents are nasty and manipulative. Mrs. Andrews is an absolutely nasty B**** and has no reason to be rude to Emma even when Emma's behavior was inexcusable. I foresee further complications though after the surprising conclusion.
Emma's closest friends are advisors are Nanny and Katie. Her old nanny still treats Emma as a girl and has lots of advice. She knows Emma better than anyone else and knows what's in Emma's heart . Katie may be a servant and a newer friend, but her sweet and forgiving nature seems to inspire Emma. Katie has a lot of profound insights from her past and both these ladies help guide Emma to a better future. Ethan, the society reporter, has become a friend as well. He likes and respects Emma and of course she passed on the plum job to him. Emma's boss, Mr. Sheppard, is great. Her treats her like any other reporter and that means he respects her.
Another friend is Grace, her cousin Neily's wife. Grace is lovely and kind but can't deal with her angsty husband on her own. I know there's not a happy ending for these two but I so wish there was. I think Neily is acting like a spoiled brat and his inheritance is plenty plus he has skills to get a job. Emma comes to realize something else may be bothering him. When it's revealed what he's really upset about, I felt it was out of character for a Vanderbilt or any of the Society people of that era.
A lot of time is spent explaining who Judge Schuyler was (Hamilfans, he's some distant relative of Angelica, Eliza and Peggy from the Philadelphia Main Line branch of the family). He was an exemplary man and truly remarkable. His recent ruling in favor of railroad unionists surprised me - and everyone else. I would have expected he would side with the robber barons. This ruling may have made him a VERY unpopular man but would one of the 400 Club members murder one of their own? Would they stoop so low as to murder in the first place? Perhaps that's who the mysterious man arguing with Neily is, a hitman. Judge Schuyler didn't act as benevolently towards his daughter, Imogene. He has arranged a marriage for her, to a Jerome Harrington, a young man of a prominent banking fortune who has struck out on his own for reasons unknown. He's a good catch on paper but what Emma overhears makes me think he really is not a good person. He was nasty to Imogene and it's better she knows that now. Her father can't REALLY FORCE her into an unwanted marriage. That's not legal. He can cut off her money, keep her shut up at home but in 1899 as Emma has discovered, a woman can be independent and live her own life if she's brave enough (and poor enough) to try it.
Mr. Van Alen is charmingly eccentric. An even bigger Anglophile than any Anglophile I've ever met, he's built an exact replica of an English estate complete with Elizabethan garden. I like how he speaks like a Shakespeare character but outside of the party, that makes little sense and gets a bit annoying. The party actually sounds like fun and one I would attend if invited. He's kind and well meaning. His manners are all they should be and more. How shocking and upsetting for a murder to occur on his property during his party!
Imogene Schuyler is one of those mean girl types. She can't be outshone by anyone and doesn't like to lose. She's very nasty and mean to Emma in a snide way. Who is her plain friend in the brown dress and spectacles? I wouldn't expect a mean girl to be friends with a bluestocking. Her mother is even nastier. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed her husband. I think she's totally the type.
Detective Gifford Myers is an @$$. He's an arrogant jerk on a power trip. He has no idea how to deal with people and is probably the type to bow to the elite and let them control him. He's the anti-Jesse. I wouldn't be surprised if he bungles the investigation on purpose because one of the 400 Club murdered the judge.
Mr. Oberlin, a tailor, is upset because his shop was broken into. Nothing was stolen except for one custom made gentleman's suit! He seems like a nice man and whoever did that was thoughtless and didn't care whether a working man lost money because of the robbery. Jesse and Emma are on the case as Emma believes she saw the suit of clothing on the mystery man arguing with Neily. I'm not so certain. While Mr. Oberlin seems nice, it's suspicious neither he or any of the neighbors saw or heard the break-in. Is this case even connected with the murder? I think it's a red herring.
Burt Covey, the actor hired to play the jester, is not such a jovial fellow in real life. That is, unless he's running from the murderer because he saw something he shouldn't have. He's kind of snippy and rude and uncooperative. I don't like him much and I don't think he's hiding from the murderer. His colleague, Clarice O'Shea, the party's Titania, is more forthcoming. She seems nice and honest but she's an actress and I'm uncertain she's telling the truth. What she says about her relationship with Jerome and what Emma overheard don't match up.
Eliza Denholm, the daughter of an English Earl and Dollar Princess, now divorced, is a young bluestocking who attended the Elizabethan fete. She may have valuable answers to Emma's questions but she gets a little defensive and snippy. It's too bad Emma didn't know how to handle her because I think Eliza could become a protégée of Emma's and a good friend. Her defense of her friend may be admirable but not if she's hiding something. Alexander Aggasiz seems like a nice man and very philanthropic. He's a scientist raising funds for the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. Unfortunately, his money comes from mining and Emma believes that may put his life in danger. I hope not because he made many worthy contributions to science and he seems to respect Emma and not dismiss her as a society reporter. Felix Matthison, an avid photographer, also seems like a kind man but has ties to mining. Could that be the common denominator?
Ernest Kemp claims to be a tourist with an interest in early American architecture. Who is he really and why is he in Newport? He doesn't seem very cooperative which means he has something to hide. What is his connection to the murder? Is he the man Emma saw with Neily or is she mistaken?
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, I still look forward to more Gilded Newport stories to come.
April 18, 2021
As usual with the Gilded Newport Mysteries, I enjoy the sense of place that the author creates, and having her central character be on the edge of wealth and fame but not truly part of it is an interesting perspective, especially for the solving of mysteries.
However, the mystery in this one was not my favorite. Having her detective, Emma Cross, gain entry under false pretenses to the home of a bereaved mother and daughter to snoop through their bedrooms just felt ethically questionable to me. Also, it's becoming less clear to me what Emma's motivation is for solving mysteries. It comes across now as curiosity mixed with a desire to one-up the police, and that's not terribly compelling to me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advance review copy.
However, the mystery in this one was not my favorite. Having her detective, Emma Cross, gain entry under false pretenses to the home of a bereaved mother and daughter to snoop through their bedrooms just felt ethically questionable to me. Also, it's becoming less clear to me what Emma's motivation is for solving mysteries. It comes across now as curiosity mixed with a desire to one-up the police, and that's not terribly compelling to me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advance review copy.
August 30, 2021
3 1/2 stars. The Gilded Age. Over-the-top parties, opulent mansions beyond the wildest dreams that were used for only 6 to 8 weeks, decorative items and decorative lives. The days of the Robber Barons. Big business that strove to make things faster, cheaper and with little to no regard of human lives and with no government regulations. In fact, government was often in cahoots with big business.
Newport, the playground of the fabulously rich, is the setting for Alyssa Maxwell’s newest historical mystery. Emma, grieving for her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the richest of the rich, attends a lavish party to help keep her cousin out of trouble, instead finds it herself when she discovers a body. This intrepid reporter will not keep out of the investigation no matter what the police want. Who killed the prominent judge? One of his family who are not at all teary-eyed over his demise? Or did one of his rulings come back to haunt him? Does his connections with the Robber Barons have something to do with his murder? Emma must find out before the killer comes after her…
Alyssa Maxwell has recreated the opulent lifestyle in great detail and is a lot of fun to read. Her main character, Emma, has entry to the rich through family connections but her own money situation and her career choice (the fact that she has a career is enough to get more than a few disapproving looks) puts her in a different social stratum so both are shown in this series. The characters are complex so no one is good just because they in one social class or another or because they are liberal or conservative. Neither is the book completely frothy or filled to the brim with grim details of working conditions. This book has substance but still is a good candidate for an entertaining, cozy read.
The mystery has plenty of red herrings and twists and turns. Don’t be so sure you have the culprit figured out, they are surprises ahead. Enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Newport, the playground of the fabulously rich, is the setting for Alyssa Maxwell’s newest historical mystery. Emma, grieving for her uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the richest of the rich, attends a lavish party to help keep her cousin out of trouble, instead finds it herself when she discovers a body. This intrepid reporter will not keep out of the investigation no matter what the police want. Who killed the prominent judge? One of his family who are not at all teary-eyed over his demise? Or did one of his rulings come back to haunt him? Does his connections with the Robber Barons have something to do with his murder? Emma must find out before the killer comes after her…
Alyssa Maxwell has recreated the opulent lifestyle in great detail and is a lot of fun to read. Her main character, Emma, has entry to the rich through family connections but her own money situation and her career choice (the fact that she has a career is enough to get more than a few disapproving looks) puts her in a different social stratum so both are shown in this series. The characters are complex so no one is good just because they in one social class or another or because they are liberal or conservative. Neither is the book completely frothy or filled to the brim with grim details of working conditions. This book has substance but still is a good candidate for an entertaining, cozy read.
The mystery has plenty of red herrings and twists and turns. Don’t be so sure you have the culprit figured out, they are surprises ahead. Enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
June 14, 2021
Wow! This book is amazing! It is engaging, gripping, full of twists and turns, and very cozy-mysterious. Whenever I picked up "Murder at Wakehurst", I was whisked back in time to the late 1800s, put on my sleuthing hat, and found myself solving a mystery right alongside the characters in this story.
Firstly, I love this cover so much!
This is the ninth book in Alyssa Maxwell's "Gilded Newport Mysteries" series, and I think it can work as a stand-alone book too! This is the first in the series I have read, and I am so looking forward to going back and reading the previous books now! Ms. Maxwell's writing style is truly spectacular! She brings history to life in such an amazing way; her attention to period detail is so amazing, and the past came to life before my eyes. She brilliantly weaves history and fiction, and I can only imagine the amount of thought that Ms. Maxwell put into each moment in this book. Each piece of the puzzle falls into place and is revealed in the exact moment it needs to be, and, as the reader, I was hooked from the first page to the last.
Emma is intelligent, brave, and out-spoken. When she is asked to attend an Elizabeth fete to keep an eye on her cousin, Emma soon finds herself entangled in another murder mystery. She finds one of the members of the 400 club's members dead, with many possible suspects, and some people who want to blame Emma herself. With twists, turns, unexpected moments and findings, Emma must work with others to help solve the mystery. What really happened to Judge Clayton Schuyler? Who would want this man dead? Will Emma be able to solve the murder mystery?
If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this amazing series!
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Firstly, I love this cover so much!
This is the ninth book in Alyssa Maxwell's "Gilded Newport Mysteries" series, and I think it can work as a stand-alone book too! This is the first in the series I have read, and I am so looking forward to going back and reading the previous books now! Ms. Maxwell's writing style is truly spectacular! She brings history to life in such an amazing way; her attention to period detail is so amazing, and the past came to life before my eyes. She brilliantly weaves history and fiction, and I can only imagine the amount of thought that Ms. Maxwell put into each moment in this book. Each piece of the puzzle falls into place and is revealed in the exact moment it needs to be, and, as the reader, I was hooked from the first page to the last.
Emma is intelligent, brave, and out-spoken. When she is asked to attend an Elizabeth fete to keep an eye on her cousin, Emma soon finds herself entangled in another murder mystery. She finds one of the members of the 400 club's members dead, with many possible suspects, and some people who want to blame Emma herself. With twists, turns, unexpected moments and findings, Emma must work with others to help solve the mystery. What really happened to Judge Clayton Schuyler? Who would want this man dead? Will Emma be able to solve the murder mystery?
If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this amazing series!
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 18, 2021
Murder at Wakehurst by Alyssa Maxwell is an excellent historical cozy mystery which is the newest book (9th)in the wonderful Gilded Newport Mystery series. I really enjoyed this new one.
I love how each book includes a new historic home or landmark around Newport, Rhode Island. The author seamlessly weaves into the narrative fantastic details of stunning landmarks and fascinating historic people (ex Vanderbilts). It always adds such a fascinating aspect to each story. I always look forward to seeing what will be added with each book.
As always, I loved the murder/mystery plot that included a wonderful cast of characters, suspects, and added a great mystery to the ongoing and overarching plots. I also love the time period of 1899. It just has so many fascinating events taking place to draw from. So much change.
I love journalist Emma Cross. She balances between two different societal worlds nicely. The ingenious concept allows for a wider range of characters, plots, and concepts. Because she is a relative (but not too close of one) to a Vanderbilt, it opens many doors for investigations and resources. Emma is intelligent, feisty, and just an all around likable character. I always love seeing what she has gotten into with each book and her cast of beloved characters that are a part of every story.
I can’t wait to see what the next book entails.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I love how each book includes a new historic home or landmark around Newport, Rhode Island. The author seamlessly weaves into the narrative fantastic details of stunning landmarks and fascinating historic people (ex Vanderbilts). It always adds such a fascinating aspect to each story. I always look forward to seeing what will be added with each book.
As always, I loved the murder/mystery plot that included a wonderful cast of characters, suspects, and added a great mystery to the ongoing and overarching plots. I also love the time period of 1899. It just has so many fascinating events taking place to draw from. So much change.
I love journalist Emma Cross. She balances between two different societal worlds nicely. The ingenious concept allows for a wider range of characters, plots, and concepts. Because she is a relative (but not too close of one) to a Vanderbilt, it opens many doors for investigations and resources. Emma is intelligent, feisty, and just an all around likable character. I always love seeing what she has gotten into with each book and her cast of beloved characters that are a part of every story.
I can’t wait to see what the next book entails.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
April 23, 2021
Hopefully Alyssa Maxwell will continue with the Gilded Newport series for ages! This delightful book is the epitome of perfection in a Historical Fiction/Mystery combination, charming and witty, sans syrup.
Set at Wakehurst in Newport, Rhode Island in the Gilded Age, journalist Emma Cross is roped into attending an aristocratic fete against her wishes. She is tasked with keeping an eye on Neily Vanderbilt as he has a tendency to enjoy such grand occasions a little too heartily. Cornelius Vanderbilt has recently died but it is too late to cancel the fete. But someone else dies during the fete. And the circumstances are definitely fishy and whispers circulate.
Intelligent and bold Emma, beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte are keen to expose secrets, a murderer and other crimes. The characters have different approaches and in this novel we see a lot of fun inveigling and digging. Upstairs/downstairs and historical details always grab my attention, beautifully and solidly written here. Love the cover, too.
If you are seeking a fun new series in which to immerse yourself, this is it.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fabulous book! It whisked me away to another world and life. Wholly enjoyable.
Set at Wakehurst in Newport, Rhode Island in the Gilded Age, journalist Emma Cross is roped into attending an aristocratic fete against her wishes. She is tasked with keeping an eye on Neily Vanderbilt as he has a tendency to enjoy such grand occasions a little too heartily. Cornelius Vanderbilt has recently died but it is too late to cancel the fete. But someone else dies during the fete. And the circumstances are definitely fishy and whispers circulate.
Intelligent and bold Emma, beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte are keen to expose secrets, a murderer and other crimes. The characters have different approaches and in this novel we see a lot of fun inveigling and digging. Upstairs/downstairs and historical details always grab my attention, beautifully and solidly written here. Love the cover, too.
If you are seeking a fun new series in which to immerse yourself, this is it.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fabulous book! It whisked me away to another world and life. Wholly enjoyable.
June 13, 2021
In the wake of her uncle's death, attending a party is the last thing journalist Emma Cross wants to do. Her disinherited cousin, on the other hand, has no such qualms and Emma accompanies Neily Vanderbilt to James Van Alen's Wakehurst to keep him out of trouble. Trouble of another sort rears its head when Emma finds the dead body of a judge. Will she find the murderer, or will the new homicide detective keep her on the sidelines?
Coming back to this series is always a delight. I’ve not had the chance to visit Newport, but I adore large, old houses. The descriptions of the Gilded mansions in these books are always enjoyable. Each book sends me on a search to see if tours are given in the featured house. One might say I’m planning an epic road trip one day.
The plot itself very much met my expectations for this series. Emma Cross, intrepid journalist, has a knack for uncovering the truth. It was interesting in this book to see her at odds with the police. Her ‘assistance’ has been taken the wrong way and now the consequences are in place.
I will admit, I did not guess the correct culprit for this one, so the ending came as a bit of a surprise. The pace is fast for this book.
Readers with a love for Gilded Mansions and murder mysteries will enjoy this one. I received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
Coming back to this series is always a delight. I’ve not had the chance to visit Newport, but I adore large, old houses. The descriptions of the Gilded mansions in these books are always enjoyable. Each book sends me on a search to see if tours are given in the featured house. One might say I’m planning an epic road trip one day.
The plot itself very much met my expectations for this series. Emma Cross, intrepid journalist, has a knack for uncovering the truth. It was interesting in this book to see her at odds with the police. Her ‘assistance’ has been taken the wrong way and now the consequences are in place.
I will admit, I did not guess the correct culprit for this one, so the ending came as a bit of a surprise. The pace is fast for this book.
Readers with a love for Gilded Mansions and murder mysteries will enjoy this one. I received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 24, 2021
Emma is not exactly having a good week. Her boyfriend/newspaper owner has been called into the city by his disapproving family, *Uncle* Cornelius Vanderbilt has died (but he did leave her *a bit* of an inheritance to keep the bill collectors at bay. The worst of it is having to go to a dressy fete to keep watch on her disgraced cousin and winding up finding the body of another prominent gentleman. A finding that the intelligent law officer has been taken from the case and a condescending whatsit is in charge. Let the sleuthing begin! There are exquisite descriptions of both attire and surroundings, plus exhaustive descriptions of the lineage and implications of financial heredity as well as the general snobbery of the era. The mystery is well done and the characters are both interesting and believable. A very good read.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
May 16, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable. Having not read anything by the author, Alyssa Maxwell I was unsure as to what to expect but I wasn't disappointed. This was an intriguing read with deep characters. I enjoyed spending time with them.
The backdrop is exquisitely described and adds to the pleasure of the read. There were many red herrings and, no, I didn't guess whodunnit. The plot is a good one.
I look forward to seeing how the relationships evolve and just what murder mystery Emma gets caught up in, in the next instalment in this historic murder mystery series.
With my thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the authors for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
The backdrop is exquisitely described and adds to the pleasure of the read. There were many red herrings and, no, I didn't guess whodunnit. The plot is a good one.
I look forward to seeing how the relationships evolve and just what murder mystery Emma gets caught up in, in the next instalment in this historic murder mystery series.
With my thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the authors for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
September 2, 2021
1899
Cornelius Vanderbilt II has died. Emma Cross always cared for her uncle and is very sad at his death. Cornelius’s heir is his son, Alfred. His other son, Neily, had angered his father in the past and was told he was disinherited, however, he ended up leaving him a significant inheritance. He left Emma some money as well.
Emma lives in the town of Newport, Rhode Island, which is the place where many of the wealthy Four Hundred have mansions. She is a reporter for the local newspaper and is well known for her ability to have solved many crimes in the area. Her home is much smaller and is called Gull Manor. Her parents live in Paris where her father is a painter. Emma’s Nanny and her maid, Katie, live with her. She also is in love with Derrick Andrews, who owns the newspaper, but his mother looks down on Emma feeling she is not of their upper class.
Emma is asked to attend a party with an Elizabethan theme at Wakehurst. Much of the entertainment takes place outside with a stage, archery, and jousting. Emma comes across the body of Judge Clayton Schuyler with arrow through his chest. Once again, our heroine sleuth takes on her favorite role and strives to solve the crime.
The author takes us through many scenarios that, admittedly, can be confusing at times so it takes lots of concentration to keep up. She writes well and I admire her attention to proper grammar. I have enjoyed reading all of this author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries. It is quite an undertaking and she has introduced readers to many of the beautiful mansions of the time period with a story written around it.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II has died. Emma Cross always cared for her uncle and is very sad at his death. Cornelius’s heir is his son, Alfred. His other son, Neily, had angered his father in the past and was told he was disinherited, however, he ended up leaving him a significant inheritance. He left Emma some money as well.
Emma lives in the town of Newport, Rhode Island, which is the place where many of the wealthy Four Hundred have mansions. She is a reporter for the local newspaper and is well known for her ability to have solved many crimes in the area. Her home is much smaller and is called Gull Manor. Her parents live in Paris where her father is a painter. Emma’s Nanny and her maid, Katie, live with her. She also is in love with Derrick Andrews, who owns the newspaper, but his mother looks down on Emma feeling she is not of their upper class.
Emma is asked to attend a party with an Elizabethan theme at Wakehurst. Much of the entertainment takes place outside with a stage, archery, and jousting. Emma comes across the body of Judge Clayton Schuyler with arrow through his chest. Once again, our heroine sleuth takes on her favorite role and strives to solve the crime.
The author takes us through many scenarios that, admittedly, can be confusing at times so it takes lots of concentration to keep up. She writes well and I admire her attention to proper grammar. I have enjoyed reading all of this author’s Gilded Newport Mysteries. It is quite an undertaking and she has introduced readers to many of the beautiful mansions of the time period with a story written around it.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 14, 2021
Another interesting installment in the Gilded Newport mysteries. Alyssa Maxwell has once again captured the time and essence of the fabled “400” in their summer mansions. The descriptions are always informative and I never have any difficulty falling into each of her stories but I did wonder about a few of her choices on practices and decorum.
Wakehurst, having been incorporated into the present day Salve Regina Campus, is a lesser known and toured mansion which made this book a must read for me. The actual murder is an ingenious device allowing suspicion to fall on and introduce us to another group of the wealthy summering in Newport, RI. Emma Cross is back as a reporter and crime solver but strapped by the introduction of a new detective. I am not sure why Maxwell felt the need to introduce this character as I felt it cumbersome, unproductive, and unnecessary. Other characters that have inhabited her previous pages are here but to a lesser extent.
Remembering it is the late 19th Century and this book focuses mainly on the wealthy and famous Four Hundred several things to puzzle over:
Would a son, even one who has been financially disowned, be seen at a lavish party a short time after his father’s death?
Does a young woman, on the outskirts of wealth, when coming into a deserved inheritance beat her drum and declare over and again that she is so overcome by social and economic injustice that she just has to give away this money?
Would a Mother, yet again, risk losing her son because he chooses a woman simply because she is in a lower financial strata?
Apparently the answer is yes to all and puzzlements aside, Murder At Wakehurst is a well thought out murder mystery with a strong political and moral compass. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy.
Wakehurst, having been incorporated into the present day Salve Regina Campus, is a lesser known and toured mansion which made this book a must read for me. The actual murder is an ingenious device allowing suspicion to fall on and introduce us to another group of the wealthy summering in Newport, RI. Emma Cross is back as a reporter and crime solver but strapped by the introduction of a new detective. I am not sure why Maxwell felt the need to introduce this character as I felt it cumbersome, unproductive, and unnecessary. Other characters that have inhabited her previous pages are here but to a lesser extent.
Remembering it is the late 19th Century and this book focuses mainly on the wealthy and famous Four Hundred several things to puzzle over:
Would a son, even one who has been financially disowned, be seen at a lavish party a short time after his father’s death?
Does a young woman, on the outskirts of wealth, when coming into a deserved inheritance beat her drum and declare over and again that she is so overcome by social and economic injustice that she just has to give away this money?
Would a Mother, yet again, risk losing her son because he chooses a woman simply because she is in a lower financial strata?
Apparently the answer is yes to all and puzzlements aside, Murder At Wakehurst is a well thought out murder mystery with a strong political and moral compass. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy.
September 23, 2021
I just can’t bring myself to like Derrick, and his mother is the worst. Ugh.
Anyway…
As always, this was an atmospheric read and Maxwell captured life in Newport at the close of the 19th century perfectly.
The mystery was a little lackluster, and Emma was pretty unprofessional (breaking and entering, disguising herself as a maid, etc).
Still, if you like historical fiction or Newport, RI, you would probably enjoy this series.
Anyway…
As always, this was an atmospheric read and Maxwell captured life in Newport at the close of the 19th century perfectly.
The mystery was a little lackluster, and Emma was pretty unprofessional (breaking and entering, disguising herself as a maid, etc).
Still, if you like historical fiction or Newport, RI, you would probably enjoy this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
They tried to replace Jesse?!?!? Noooo! Even though I knew Emma would solve the murder and get Jesse to help, I had such anxiety through this book.
The Medieval festival setting of the murder was fun (that sounds weird reading it back, but still), and maybe it's the archery instructor side of me, but I liked the challenge of death by archery.
Derrick's mom makes me sad. But YAY Emma and Derrick!
The Medieval festival setting of the murder was fun (that sounds weird reading it back, but still), and maybe it's the archery instructor side of me, but I liked the challenge of death by archery.
Derrick's mom makes me sad. But YAY Emma and Derrick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2022
Another good story. This story shows how the rich makes money from human misery.
March 24, 2024
.... Only 3 to go
Wakehurst like all the Newport mansions has an interesting history. It's great to see them come to life through this mystery series.
Wakehurst like all the Newport mansions has an interesting history. It's great to see them come to life through this mystery series.
July 1, 2022
I really enjoy these Gilded Newport mysteries.
September 21, 2021
Yet another great story in this series. I love these books - especially getting to learn about all the different famous homes in Newport. I really enjoy Emma and her cast of supporting characters. I especially loved the ending. I can't wait for the next book. Please keep them coming.
July 31, 2023
I am very sad to have to give this book 2 stars but it did not click with me at all. I started the series last summer and loved it. I read six or seven of them, and thought they were cozy and heartwarming. I decided to pick up another book in the series but now I’m wishing that I didn’t. I just think that they’re too similar to one another.
I found myself not wanting to pick it up and finish it, which is always a bad sign. I think that I am now done with the series.
I found myself not wanting to pick it up and finish it, which is always a bad sign. I think that I am now done with the series.
September 7, 2021
You would think that reading a book based in the 1800's things would be so much simpler.....except when it comes to murder and trying to solve the case. However main character Emma Cross in the Gilded Newport Mystery series doesn't make things easy and even though she is a reporter, she cannot help but get herself in the middle of trying to solving a murder ..... especially when she's the one to come across the dead body.
In Murder at Wakehurst, the ninth book in this amazing series by Alyssa Maxwell, Emma and her family have just laid her Uncle Cornelius to rest and are in the mourning period. But her cousin Neily who has been on the outs with his father and family for years wants to go to a party and when his wife, Grace, asks Emma to go, she finds it hard to decline. Grace is worried about Neily's behavior and knows that if Emma is there, they can keep an eye on him. Unfortunately Emma didn't know that she would stumble across a dead body which is the body of Judge Clayton Schuyler a member of the Four Hundred.
But the worse fright for Emma is when Detective Gifford Myers shows up to investigate the murder instead of Emma's friend, Detective Jesse Whyte and she is told that Detective Myers has been assigned homicide because Emma and Jesse "working" together to solve crimes were not good for the department. Luckily Jesse did not get fired but has been demoted and is assigned a robbery case that may be tied to the murder as well.
No matter what people say Emma cannot help but ask questions, that is what makes her a great reporter and why her boss and "boyfriend" Derrick Andrews allows her the freedom to follow stories wherever they take her....even if it could be dangerous.
Emma doesn't know how close she is to the actual murderer when she is questioning people of interest until it is almost too late. Emma's list of suspects seems to grow daily and she is unable to confidently remove anyone from the list and instead finds the list growing.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy Murder as Wakehurst as well as the previous books in this series and they will instantly love Emma and everyone around her. And her relationships, personal and business, with Derek will tug at your heartstrings. And Maxwell's ability to sweep the reader back in time and make you feel like you are there experiencing everything and seeing everything through Emma's eyes is out of this world !!
In Murder at Wakehurst, the ninth book in this amazing series by Alyssa Maxwell, Emma and her family have just laid her Uncle Cornelius to rest and are in the mourning period. But her cousin Neily who has been on the outs with his father and family for years wants to go to a party and when his wife, Grace, asks Emma to go, she finds it hard to decline. Grace is worried about Neily's behavior and knows that if Emma is there, they can keep an eye on him. Unfortunately Emma didn't know that she would stumble across a dead body which is the body of Judge Clayton Schuyler a member of the Four Hundred.
But the worse fright for Emma is when Detective Gifford Myers shows up to investigate the murder instead of Emma's friend, Detective Jesse Whyte and she is told that Detective Myers has been assigned homicide because Emma and Jesse "working" together to solve crimes were not good for the department. Luckily Jesse did not get fired but has been demoted and is assigned a robbery case that may be tied to the murder as well.
No matter what people say Emma cannot help but ask questions, that is what makes her a great reporter and why her boss and "boyfriend" Derrick Andrews allows her the freedom to follow stories wherever they take her....even if it could be dangerous.
Emma doesn't know how close she is to the actual murderer when she is questioning people of interest until it is almost too late. Emma's list of suspects seems to grow daily and she is unable to confidently remove anyone from the list and instead finds the list growing.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy Murder as Wakehurst as well as the previous books in this series and they will instantly love Emma and everyone around her. And her relationships, personal and business, with Derek will tug at your heartstrings. And Maxwell's ability to sweep the reader back in time and make you feel like you are there experiencing everything and seeing everything through Emma's eyes is out of this world !!
November 27, 2021
Local reporter and extended Vanderbilt family member, Emma Cross finds her world thrown into uproar with teh death of her uncle Corneilius Vanderbilt, often called the Commodore. It is September of 1899 and the cottage season in Newport is coming to a close. While the Vanderbilt family is preparing to return home to New York after the funeral and the reading of the will, Emma finds herself joining her disowned cousing Neily and his wife Grace to one of the final social events of the season. Set at Wakehurst, the Elizabethan-themed fete is being offered by James Van Alen, and Grace fears that Neily will drink too much and do something he and his family will regret.
The fet is the typical, high society soiree filled with archery competitions, a theater troupe performing pieces from Shaespeare, and a joust. While everyone is coming together for the latter, she is wandering around in the gardens only to come across an argument between a man and a woman. The argument itself is disturbing, but it concludes with the man being shot by an arrow by someone off on the veranda. Thus begins another unofficial case for Emma Cross.
This case will be different as the local police office has brought in a new detective from Tiverton with the hopes of keeping Emma from being at the ceter of the case because the usual detective is a good friend. This leads to some difficulties, but Emma, her dashing beau, and her friends rise to the occasion to see if they can figure out who killed the man, who is a judge who made a controversial ruling in a case relating to mine workers, and why.
I always find the books in this series to be so much fun. Part of it is because the mystery cases are pretty interesting. It is also fun to explore the history, "cottages" and people of a city that I know pretty well. Maxwell never disappoints, and I am always looking for another addition to the series. This boo certainly did not disappoint.
The victim is one of the 400's most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler. Could one of the countless criminals he'd imprisoned over the years have returned to seek revenge--or could one of his own family members have targeted him? With the help of her beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte, Emma begins to learn the judge was not the straight arrow he appeared to be. As their investigation leads them in ever-widening circles, Emma will have to score a bull's eye to stop the killer from taking another life..
The fet is the typical, high society soiree filled with archery competitions, a theater troupe performing pieces from Shaespeare, and a joust. While everyone is coming together for the latter, she is wandering around in the gardens only to come across an argument between a man and a woman. The argument itself is disturbing, but it concludes with the man being shot by an arrow by someone off on the veranda. Thus begins another unofficial case for Emma Cross.
This case will be different as the local police office has brought in a new detective from Tiverton with the hopes of keeping Emma from being at the ceter of the case because the usual detective is a good friend. This leads to some difficulties, but Emma, her dashing beau, and her friends rise to the occasion to see if they can figure out who killed the man, who is a judge who made a controversial ruling in a case relating to mine workers, and why.
I always find the books in this series to be so much fun. Part of it is because the mystery cases are pretty interesting. It is also fun to explore the history, "cottages" and people of a city that I know pretty well. Maxwell never disappoints, and I am always looking for another addition to the series. This boo certainly did not disappoint.
The victim is one of the 400's most influential members, Judge Clayton Schuyler. Could one of the countless criminals he'd imprisoned over the years have returned to seek revenge--or could one of his own family members have targeted him? With the help of her beau Derrick Andrews and Detective Jesse Whyte, Emma begins to learn the judge was not the straight arrow he appeared to be. As their investigation leads them in ever-widening circles, Emma will have to score a bull's eye to stop the killer from taking another life..
August 27, 2021
Mourning for her uncle Cornelius Vanderbilt, the last place that Emma Cross wanted to be was at a Victorian fete at Wakehurst. After Vanderbilt’s will was read, his estranged son Neily felt slighted. His wife Grace feared that he may drink too much and cause a scene so she asked Emma to accompany them. She hopes to make an early escape during a jousting tournament but walking through the property she is drawn to the distressful barking of dogs. There she discovers the body of Judge Clayton Schuyler. As a reporter for the Newport Messenger, Emma has helped the police in past investigations. This time, however, there is a new detective on the case who warns her against interfering with his investigation.
Emma discovers that the judge’s marriage was in trouble. His daughter was set to marry a man that he had chosen for her. He had recently ruled in favor of mine workers, which may have caused difficulty with the mine’s investors. The judge’s family made their money in mining and a recent mining disaster may have provoked an act of vengeance against the former owner. Further attacks on mine investors re-enforce this last theory and Emma, Derrick Andrews, the newspaper’s owner, and her friend Officer Jesse Whyte work together to solve the murders.
Alyssa Maxwell takes you into the mansions of Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. Although raised with the Vanderbilt children, Emma is not a part of the privileged social set. She is a working woman who may make an appearance at some of the social functions but will never be fully accepted. She is a delightful, down to earth character who is observant and has made some important friends through her past investigations that she can call on for assistance. If you are a fan of Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series or the novels of Rhys Bowen, the Maxwell’s Murder at Wakehurst will have you wanting to read more in this series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book for my review.
Emma discovers that the judge’s marriage was in trouble. His daughter was set to marry a man that he had chosen for her. He had recently ruled in favor of mine workers, which may have caused difficulty with the mine’s investors. The judge’s family made their money in mining and a recent mining disaster may have provoked an act of vengeance against the former owner. Further attacks on mine investors re-enforce this last theory and Emma, Derrick Andrews, the newspaper’s owner, and her friend Officer Jesse Whyte work together to solve the murders.
Alyssa Maxwell takes you into the mansions of Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. Although raised with the Vanderbilt children, Emma is not a part of the privileged social set. She is a working woman who may make an appearance at some of the social functions but will never be fully accepted. She is a delightful, down to earth character who is observant and has made some important friends through her past investigations that she can call on for assistance. If you are a fan of Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series or the novels of Rhys Bowen, the Maxwell’s Murder at Wakehurst will have you wanting to read more in this series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book for my review.
September 1, 2021
Murder at Wakehurst by Alyssa Maxwell is a Gilded Newport Mystery featuring Emmaline Cross as out heroine. Emma is a second cousin of some sort to Cornelius Vanderbilt, who has just passed and is attending his funeral. When asked to stay the night for the reading of the will, she acquiesces, never expecting to be in it, but has indeed been left a small bequest. As she doe not earn mountains of money as a newspaper report, this will be a benefit to her household, which consists of herself, her nanny, and a servant girl, Katie. It will also benefit her charities, to which she is a consistent, if small, benefactor. Within a few days her friend Grace, the wife of Cornelius' son, Neily, is calling to request she attend a party with them. It is highly inappropriate to be out in society while still in mourning, but Neily insists, and Grace is worried He'll drink too much and do something stupid. Emma can control hi m more easily. As luck would have it, while there, Emma discovers a body. So begins the investigation, which she promises to stay out of.
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the end of the Golden Age and society in Newport, which as a beach town holds a significant place in the society of the age. It is an age of decadence and privilege and holds a particular fascination. It is the beginning of a time when women can hold employment outside the home, which is frowned upon but accepted. Emma functions at the fringes of society so is not always accepted into it. She has a firm friendship with a police detective, who has been reassigned, ostensibly because of the assistance he has accepted in the past from Emma, so that is a theme, which is explored in this story while investigating this murder. The characters are numerous and interesting. It is an enticing view of society at this time and in this place, and I highly recommend you read it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at Wakehurst by Kensington Publishing through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensingtonpublishing #murderatwakehurst
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the end of the Golden Age and society in Newport, which as a beach town holds a significant place in the society of the age. It is an age of decadence and privilege and holds a particular fascination. It is the beginning of a time when women can hold employment outside the home, which is frowned upon but accepted. Emma functions at the fringes of society so is not always accepted into it. She has a firm friendship with a police detective, who has been reassigned, ostensibly because of the assistance he has accepted in the past from Emma, so that is a theme, which is explored in this story while investigating this murder. The characters are numerous and interesting. It is an enticing view of society at this time and in this place, and I highly recommend you read it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at Wakehurst by Kensington Publishing through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensingtonpublishing #murderatwakehurst
August 30, 2021
It's Autumn 1899 and Emma's uncle, Cornelius Vanderbilt has died and she is dealing with the loss and the fact that they had been estranged. Emma may be a Vanderbilt cousin but she makes her way in the world as a reporter. Partly in the world of the Newport elite and partly in the world of their house staff, she can hold her own in either one. The last thing she wants to do is attend a lavish English themed party with jousting, archery, theatrics and much more with her cousin Neily (Cornelius III). When his mother, Grace, implores Emma to go with him so she can keep him out of trouble, she agrees. It turns out that trouble, in the form of a murder, is to be part of the festivities and Emma will be investigating.
Emma overhears an argument from the other side of a hedge and soon enough the dead body of Judge Clayton Schuyler is found, shot with an arrow. Was he done in by somebody connected to his legal profession or is the killer one of the famous elite 400? With the police not wanting her help, Emma goes ahead searching for clues while added by her beau, Derrick Andrews and Det. Jesse Whyte. The judge was not as he appeared to be, harboring a less than upstanding side that might put Emma in danger as she tracks down a killer.
This is the ninth of the Gilded Newport series and it continues to entertain with a well crafted mystery, full of twists, turns and red herrings, beautifully described scenery and a great cast of characters. It's a series that has a well earned place on my must to read shelf.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Emma overhears an argument from the other side of a hedge and soon enough the dead body of Judge Clayton Schuyler is found, shot with an arrow. Was he done in by somebody connected to his legal profession or is the killer one of the famous elite 400? With the police not wanting her help, Emma goes ahead searching for clues while added by her beau, Derrick Andrews and Det. Jesse Whyte. The judge was not as he appeared to be, harboring a less than upstanding side that might put Emma in danger as she tracks down a killer.
This is the ninth of the Gilded Newport series and it continues to entertain with a well crafted mystery, full of twists, turns and red herrings, beautifully described scenery and a great cast of characters. It's a series that has a well earned place on my must to read shelf.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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