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Gilded Newport Mysteries #11
Murder at the Elms
As the nineteenth century comes to a close, the illustrious Vanderbilt family dominates Newport, Rhode Island, high society. But when murder arrives, reporter Emma Cross learns that sometimes the actions of the cream of society can curdle one’s blood in the latest installment of this bestselling cozy historical mystery series . . .
1901: Back from their honeymoon in Italy, Emma and Derrick are adapting to married life as they return to their duties at their jointly owned newspaper, the Newport Messenger. The Elms, coal baron Edward Berwind’s newly completed Bellevue Avenue estate, is newsworthy for two reasons: A modern mansion for the new century, it is one of the first homes in America to be wired for electricity with no backup power system, generated by coal from Berwind’s own mines. And their servants—with a single exception—have all gone on strike to protest their working conditions. Summarily dismissing and replacing his staff with cool and callous efficiency, Berwind throws a grand party to showcase the marvels of his new “cottage.”
Emma and Derrick are invited to the fete, which culminates not only in a fabulous musicale but an unforeseen tragedy—a chambermaid is found dead in the coal tunnel. In short order, it is also discovered that a guest’s diamond necklace is missing and a laborer has disappeared.
Detective Jessie Whyte entreats Emma and Derrick to help with the investigation and determine if the murdered maid and stolen necklace are connected. As the dark deeds cast a shadow over the blazing mansion, it’s up to Emma to shine a light on the culprit . . .
1901: Back from their honeymoon in Italy, Emma and Derrick are adapting to married life as they return to their duties at their jointly owned newspaper, the Newport Messenger. The Elms, coal baron Edward Berwind’s newly completed Bellevue Avenue estate, is newsworthy for two reasons: A modern mansion for the new century, it is one of the first homes in America to be wired for electricity with no backup power system, generated by coal from Berwind’s own mines. And their servants—with a single exception—have all gone on strike to protest their working conditions. Summarily dismissing and replacing his staff with cool and callous efficiency, Berwind throws a grand party to showcase the marvels of his new “cottage.”
Emma and Derrick are invited to the fete, which culminates not only in a fabulous musicale but an unforeseen tragedy—a chambermaid is found dead in the coal tunnel. In short order, it is also discovered that a guest’s diamond necklace is missing and a laborer has disappeared.
Detective Jessie Whyte entreats Emma and Derrick to help with the investigation and determine if the murdered maid and stolen necklace are connected. As the dark deeds cast a shadow over the blazing mansion, it’s up to Emma to shine a light on the culprit . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2023
174 people are currently reading
3655 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Maxwell
29 books1,082 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 136 reviews
April 18, 2023
I can always count on Alyssa Maxwell to deliver a solid story. This time the place is set at The Elms in Newport. One thing I love about these books is that you get a glimpse into these historic homes when they were first built. This time newly married Emma & Derrick are invited to the home for a party, & while there a young chambermaid is killed. Commence a new investigation. Another solid mystery, character growth, an inside look at Newport in 1901, & a couple twists to keep it interesting
September 12, 2023
This being #11 in the series I will offer a short background: Our heroine Emma Cross is a distant relative of the Vanderbilt family who has had to forge her own way in the world. Emma is a journalist now part owner at the Newport Messenger newspaper owned by wealthy Derrick Andrews. Emma just happens to be very adept at helping the police of Newport in solving crimes.
Emma and Derrick Andrews are now married and just home from their honeymoon when they are invited to a musicale evening at the newest mansion in Newport built by new money coal baron Edward Berwind.
Berwind recently fired his entire staff who had attempted to strike in order to get better working conditions. One parlor maid elected not to take part in the strike and remained on the job and it is she who is found murdered on the night of the fete.
Later it is also revealed that a priceless necklace belonging to one of the Berwind’s house guests has been stolen and the murdered maid is the suspect, but is the case at a dead end since the maid is now herself dead?
Emma and Derrick are on the case.
The best part of this series, which is a total delight in many ways, is that the author has incorporated real people among her fictional characters, and best of all each Gilded Newport Mystery is set in one of the real Newport mansions of the 1800’s.
Pictures of the real Elms mansion can be found on the Internet.
Emma and Derrick Andrews are now married and just home from their honeymoon when they are invited to a musicale evening at the newest mansion in Newport built by new money coal baron Edward Berwind.
Berwind recently fired his entire staff who had attempted to strike in order to get better working conditions. One parlor maid elected not to take part in the strike and remained on the job and it is she who is found murdered on the night of the fete.
Later it is also revealed that a priceless necklace belonging to one of the Berwind’s house guests has been stolen and the murdered maid is the suspect, but is the case at a dead end since the maid is now herself dead?
Emma and Derrick are on the case.
The best part of this series, which is a total delight in many ways, is that the author has incorporated real people among her fictional characters, and best of all each Gilded Newport Mystery is set in one of the real Newport mansions of the 1800’s.
Pictures of the real Elms mansion can be found on the Internet.
August 26, 2023
A fine mystery, but missing the character development that made these stories endearing.
March 16, 2023
Emma Cross is at it again with another confusing murder to solve in this new volume of the Gilded Newport Mysteries. This time it's a housemaid caught up in a labor dispute--her coworkers decide to strike; she decides to remain. Newly married but still hyper-focused reporter Emma is on the scene to cover the news about the household workers' strike, and she worries over the maid's vulnerable position and friendless state. When the girl is later found dead, Emma vows to see justice done, but it's not as straightforward as she hopes.
As usual, I find the most enjoyment in the descriptions of turn-of-the-century Newport, Rhode Island, with its stunning views, magnificent houses, and unique social hierarchy. The mystery for me sometimes plays second fiddle to the setting, and that was the case here. Still, an enjoyable outing if you like an independent female sleuth, Gilded Age drama, and a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the most influential people of the era!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this digital review copy!
As usual, I find the most enjoyment in the descriptions of turn-of-the-century Newport, Rhode Island, with its stunning views, magnificent houses, and unique social hierarchy. The mystery for me sometimes plays second fiddle to the setting, and that was the case here. Still, an enjoyable outing if you like an independent female sleuth, Gilded Age drama, and a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the most influential people of the era!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this digital review copy!
May 6, 2023
What a delicious introduction to the Gilded Newport Mystery series. How ever did I not know about this series with all of its lavish homes along the sea?! I certainly have some catching up to do.
Emmaline Cross, Emma to all her friends, is a bright and fiercely independent female news reporter. She has just returned from her honeymoon abroad with her husband Derrick Andrews. Emma and Derrick own the Newport Messenger newspaper for which she writes. Emma's been given a tip about a kerfuffle below stairs at the relatively new Berwind estate. The staff (except for one) are set to strike for better working conditions. Things did not go according to plan and the staff are summarily dismissed and immediately replaced. Shortly thereafter, Emma and Derrick are invited to the Berwinds' Musicale - featuring a British chamber ensemble in celebration of the Berwinds' new fully electrified home. All is going relatively to plan until a body is discovered at the bottom of the coal delivery tunnel. Coincidentally, a lavish and priceless necklace appears to have been stolen. Could the two crimes be related? Police detective, Jesse Whyte, and longtime friend of Emma's family, asks for Emma's and Derrick's assistance as they are more likely to hear and see things within the posh crowd to which he would not be privy. And so the investigation commences.
Ms. Maxwell has deftly crafted a well written and thoroughly engaging story. Her characters are well developed and the settings are spectacular and cinematic in their description. The descriptions of the lavish homes make this reader long for another visit to The Breakers; to revel in the opulence of a bygone era. Emma is the personification of the modern woman. She's related to the Vanderbilt's and yet is not a stranger to the working class. She manages well between both worlds and has heart for the working poor. As we observe her husband comfortably working alongside her, he too is a modern man - accepting of his amazing and plucky wife and all that she is.
I am grateful to #Kensington Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through #NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
ISBN: 978-1496736208
No. of pages: 304
Emmaline Cross, Emma to all her friends, is a bright and fiercely independent female news reporter. She has just returned from her honeymoon abroad with her husband Derrick Andrews. Emma and Derrick own the Newport Messenger newspaper for which she writes. Emma's been given a tip about a kerfuffle below stairs at the relatively new Berwind estate. The staff (except for one) are set to strike for better working conditions. Things did not go according to plan and the staff are summarily dismissed and immediately replaced. Shortly thereafter, Emma and Derrick are invited to the Berwinds' Musicale - featuring a British chamber ensemble in celebration of the Berwinds' new fully electrified home. All is going relatively to plan until a body is discovered at the bottom of the coal delivery tunnel. Coincidentally, a lavish and priceless necklace appears to have been stolen. Could the two crimes be related? Police detective, Jesse Whyte, and longtime friend of Emma's family, asks for Emma's and Derrick's assistance as they are more likely to hear and see things within the posh crowd to which he would not be privy. And so the investigation commences.
Ms. Maxwell has deftly crafted a well written and thoroughly engaging story. Her characters are well developed and the settings are spectacular and cinematic in their description. The descriptions of the lavish homes make this reader long for another visit to The Breakers; to revel in the opulence of a bygone era. Emma is the personification of the modern woman. She's related to the Vanderbilt's and yet is not a stranger to the working class. She manages well between both worlds and has heart for the working poor. As we observe her husband comfortably working alongside her, he too is a modern man - accepting of his amazing and plucky wife and all that she is.
I am grateful to #Kensington Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through #NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
ISBN: 978-1496736208
No. of pages: 304
September 24, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Newport, Rhode Island, 1901 – Coal Baron Edward Berwind’s Belleview Avenue estate, The Elms is complete. It is one of the first homes in America dependent on electricity thanks to the coal from Berwind’s mines. He can’t wait to show it off and invites the elite including newlyweds Emma and Derrick, to an extraordinary affair that includes a wondrous musicale. Emma was able to get a little sneak peek when she was covering a story for her Newport Messenger. All but one of the staff had gone on strike claiming the terrible working conditions at the modern mansion. Berwind didn’t put up with their ire. He fired them and they will all be replaced, hopefully before his party.
When Emma and Derrick arrive at the gathering they can see the home is understaffed but the new employees are doing their best. Emma noticed the one employee that failed to strike is nowhere to be found. They learn a bit later that there has been a death. The young chambermaid Emma was looking for has been found in the coal tunnel, dead. Soon, it is learned that a guest’s diamond necklace has disappeared and so has another of The Elms laborers.
When Detective Jesse Whyte arrives on the scene he asks Emma and Derrick for help finding out if the young woman was murdered and if her death and the missing necklace are connected and if the missing laborer may be the one responsible for both.
Isn’t that cover gorgeous!
Another “cottage” from the Gilded Age, The Elms is modeled after an 18th-century French chateau but features the newest technology of the Gilded Age costing about 1.4 million dollars to build. It is the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, whose fortune was made in the coal industry, and the perfect place for the setting of a murder and a theft. The author has done a lot of research and she gives her readers detailed descriptions of the mansion, and the inhabitants and visitors. It is always special to learn some true history while reading these stories and that real people join the fictional characters.
Emma and Derrick have just returned from their honeymoon and are adjusting to working together as man and wife and trying to live at both their homes. Nanny and Katie would prefer them to spend all of their time at Gull Manor but Emma is a little nervous about living there with Derrick. Emma is also learning how her going off on her own to investigate affects her new husband. The biggest adjustment may be that now she is actually part of the 400. She still has a huge heart and wants to help women in need and neither Derrick or their status will never change that. Their longtime friend, Detective Jesse Whyte, seems to have established a pecking order with his partner Detective Myers, and makes it known that Emma and Derrick need to help with this current investigation. I love that these core characters all continue to develop realistically. Marriage changes relationships all around and Ms. Maxwell addresses that so well.
The mystery was complex and some twists and turns really were surprising. We are introduced to several new characters in the Berwind’s guests and they are all flawed and some are very ruthless. While Emma and Derrick are more modern thinking, most of them are not. The Berwinds don’t appreciate Emma asking questions, going so far as to encourage Derrick to reel her in. And all these guests are suspects and they all seem to be hiding something. Emma and Derrick chase all over following clues. Many times what they find only gives them more questions. When all the clues fall into place Emma is again in danger. I do love her tenaciousness. There truly is never a dull moment when Emma is chasing down a story or when she is trying to catch a killer.
My only disappointment with the story is that Derrick and Emma’s wedding and honeymoon took place between books. It is discussed and readers are given some important information about where it was held, who attended and who didn’t, where they went on their honeymoon, and who they visited with. Thankfully, no murder mysteries were involved.
Murder at the Elms is a wonderfully entertaining historical mystery with marvelous characters that remain fresh and continue to grow through each new story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series for another trip back in time to Newport. Until next year…
Newport, Rhode Island, 1901 – Coal Baron Edward Berwind’s Belleview Avenue estate, The Elms is complete. It is one of the first homes in America dependent on electricity thanks to the coal from Berwind’s mines. He can’t wait to show it off and invites the elite including newlyweds Emma and Derrick, to an extraordinary affair that includes a wondrous musicale. Emma was able to get a little sneak peek when she was covering a story for her Newport Messenger. All but one of the staff had gone on strike claiming the terrible working conditions at the modern mansion. Berwind didn’t put up with their ire. He fired them and they will all be replaced, hopefully before his party.
When Emma and Derrick arrive at the gathering they can see the home is understaffed but the new employees are doing their best. Emma noticed the one employee that failed to strike is nowhere to be found. They learn a bit later that there has been a death. The young chambermaid Emma was looking for has been found in the coal tunnel, dead. Soon, it is learned that a guest’s diamond necklace has disappeared and so has another of The Elms laborers.
When Detective Jesse Whyte arrives on the scene he asks Emma and Derrick for help finding out if the young woman was murdered and if her death and the missing necklace are connected and if the missing laborer may be the one responsible for both.
Isn’t that cover gorgeous!
Another “cottage” from the Gilded Age, The Elms is modeled after an 18th-century French chateau but features the newest technology of the Gilded Age costing about 1.4 million dollars to build. It is the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, whose fortune was made in the coal industry, and the perfect place for the setting of a murder and a theft. The author has done a lot of research and she gives her readers detailed descriptions of the mansion, and the inhabitants and visitors. It is always special to learn some true history while reading these stories and that real people join the fictional characters.
Emma and Derrick have just returned from their honeymoon and are adjusting to working together as man and wife and trying to live at both their homes. Nanny and Katie would prefer them to spend all of their time at Gull Manor but Emma is a little nervous about living there with Derrick. Emma is also learning how her going off on her own to investigate affects her new husband. The biggest adjustment may be that now she is actually part of the 400. She still has a huge heart and wants to help women in need and neither Derrick or their status will never change that. Their longtime friend, Detective Jesse Whyte, seems to have established a pecking order with his partner Detective Myers, and makes it known that Emma and Derrick need to help with this current investigation. I love that these core characters all continue to develop realistically. Marriage changes relationships all around and Ms. Maxwell addresses that so well.
The mystery was complex and some twists and turns really were surprising. We are introduced to several new characters in the Berwind’s guests and they are all flawed and some are very ruthless. While Emma and Derrick are more modern thinking, most of them are not. The Berwinds don’t appreciate Emma asking questions, going so far as to encourage Derrick to reel her in. And all these guests are suspects and they all seem to be hiding something. Emma and Derrick chase all over following clues. Many times what they find only gives them more questions. When all the clues fall into place Emma is again in danger. I do love her tenaciousness. There truly is never a dull moment when Emma is chasing down a story or when she is trying to catch a killer.
My only disappointment with the story is that Derrick and Emma’s wedding and honeymoon took place between books. It is discussed and readers are given some important information about where it was held, who attended and who didn’t, where they went on their honeymoon, and who they visited with. Thankfully, no murder mysteries were involved.
Murder at the Elms is a wonderfully entertaining historical mystery with marvelous characters that remain fresh and continue to grow through each new story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series for another trip back in time to Newport. Until next year…
September 16, 2023
It's the first summer season of the new century (1901) and the Berwinds have just built a modern palace in Newport. Emma and Derrick, fresh off their honeymoon in Italy, have returned in time to report on the goings-on at The Elms. Belowstairs, Emma discovers the servants about to strike! The Berwinds may provide the most up-to-date and comfortable accommodations but they don't give their servants ANY time off. Emma fears a strike will go terribly wrong, especially without union protection but it's early in the season and many of the servants have family and friends to help them out so hopefully if they all lose their jobs, they'll be Ok. Emma is particularly worried about Ines, a Portuguese immigrant who says she has no one and refuses Emma's invitation to Gull Cottage. Emma also tries to help Bridget Whalan, one of the leaders of the strike but she also refuses. After the servants are all fired, Emma feels guilty and plans to check up on Ines soon but before she can do so, a musicale at The Elms ends in disaster as Ines's dead body is found in the coal tunnels behind the "cottage." Another servant, a Portuguese laborer, is missing. Emma is determined to see justice done for the young maid. Detective Jesse Whyte has his hands full dealing with the upper crust of New York Society and he asks Emma to sit in on the interviews. When they discover a priceless necklace has gone missing from one of the room safes, the hunt is on for the missing man. When he, too, turns up dead and the necklace remains missing, the mystery gets more complicated! Emma's rival, sensational newspaperman Orville Brown is stirring up trouble. Could his actions be a distraction? Could the strike have been a cover-up for theft and the theft led to murder? Can Emma help Jesse figure this one out before someone else gets killed?
This story was SOOO good! I stayed up until 2 AM to finish it because I couldn't put it down. I was disappointed we didn't get to attend the wedding! It was not held at Trinity but at St. Paul's. I was pleased by who attended and not pleased by who did not. We are told they went on a honeymoon to the Adirondacks and then to Italy! We missed that too. They did get to see Derrick's sister and
The only other thing I really disliked was the ethnic characters' plot. Like Emma, I took the situation at face value. Unlike Emma, I would have literally dragged both women to Gull Cottage and placed them in the hands of Nanny and Katie!
The mystery had so many twists and turns I didn't expect. It was far from the predictable plotline I expected from the beginning. The villain/s was/were ruthless, cunning and highly intelligent. The body count was really high for a cozy mystery like this. The period details are woven into the story as always. The Elms is brand new in 1901 and fitted out with all kinds of modern amenities and being a coal money couple, entire coal tunnels behind and under the house out of sight from the family and guests. It's pretty ingenious. There's also the strike and domestic workers did not have a union so the strike is all on them. Emma references the train strike of the fall before but those men had unions on their side. The book also works in the Portuguese immigrants who arrived long before my classmates' parents did in the late 20th century. While Emma is a way too modern character, other characters fit within their time and place so some of the characters' storylines may be difficult for some readers.
Then there's Newport itself. Old Newport which would have vanished if not for Doris Duke, the Newport Restoration Foundation and the Preservation Society of Newport County. Thanks to those groups we can follow in Emma's footsteps, more or less. The taverns on the wharf were a nice touch of history and as always, the need to take a ferry on and off the island is always jarring to one accustomed to just driving over a bridge. (Though you CAN take a ferry if you wish.) No trip to Newport is complete without some tennis at the Casino (now the International Tennis Hall of Fame). Emma associates with real life couples Edward and Herminie Berwind, Gertrude (Vanderbilt) and Harry Whitney, Elizabeth and Harry Leher (also newlyweds but we know in name only), Mamie and Stuyvesant Fish. How fun! (I adore Mamie!) Finally, we have the fashions! Emma has the money to purchase her own evening gowns now and she has a new one that sounds like a stunner!
Emma and Derrick are very much in love and fresh off their honeymoon. They're a healthy newlywed couple but all nighttime bedroom activity is behind closed doors. Emma is still stubborn and proud of her status as a native Newporter. She has some adjusting to do now she's inherited money and married a man of wealth and privilege. She's now one of the 400 Club whether she wants to be or not. That's kind of sad actually and it affects her detecting. She's not as protected and safe as she used to be, especially with newcomers to the city. Still, she doesn't have anything to complain about really. Her only niggle about married life is that they don't have a home. They split their time between Derrick's flat at Emma's childhood home and at Gull Cottage where Nanny and Katie hover and fuss. Neither place is "theirs". Derrick is a guest in Emma's home and the flat is Derrick's bachelor pad. I didn't like Derrick at first and I wasn't sure this relationship could work but he's matured for the most part. He loves Emma because she's stubborn and because she always wants to see justice done. He gets a little overprotective when he thinks she's in danger and I didn't like that but I also didn't like how she dismisses his concerns yet freaks out when he's in danger! They sleuth together, tag teaming, he takes the gentlemen and she takes the ladies. When Emma ventures out into the city to investigate, Derrick comes too. They're a good team.
Nanny seems bursting with pride having Derrick around. She sure likes to spoil him. She seems happy Emma is married and wealthy now. She has a renewed purpose in life - serving her master and mistress now Emma is done being raised. Katie is as lovely as ever and neither are really servants anymore so they shouldn't act like it! The real life "new money" people have a few cameos. The only character we met before was Mamie Fish. She's unflappable and I love her. I believe Emma has met Harry Lehr Murder at Crossways but not his wife Elizabeth. I wanted more Mamie!
Belowstairs at The Elms we meet a team of disgruntled servants. It's all very well to have a comfortable establishment to work in and high wages but not being granted time off is not at all acceptable. I don't blame them for wanting to strike but like Emma, I don't see it going well at all. Emma is a little more optimistic and hopeful. The leader of this rebellion seems to be Bridget Whalan, a young Irish maid and local girl. She's certain she's in the right and the strike will succeed. She's not very nice and her fiery temper is going to get her in trouble some day soon. She seems to hate anyone who tries to reason with her and anyone who disagrees with her. I would send her to Nanny to whip into shape! Nip that temper in the bud. She won't better her situation with belligerent actions. Bridget comes into the story again and while I feel bad for her because she's young and not well educated, she means well but she's trouble! Ines is the complete opposite. She acts more demure and doesn't want to strike. She has more to lose than Bridget. Sadly, Ines stays at The Elms and turns up dead. Yet, the other servants didn't like her, not because she was hard working, quiet and didn't speak out. Just the opposite! Who is the real Ines? The demure maid or the sneaky snoop? Could she be both? I think she has an abusive husband she tried to flee and he made her steal the necklace and killed her and took off with the necklace.
Who was Rudolpho Medeiros? He worked on the Berwind estate doing labor. He disappeared around the time Ines turns up dead. I think he's related to Ines- husband, brother, cousin and a villain. I think he killed Ines and someone else killed him.
The Berwinds are lovely hosts to those of their own kind. They may be new money but they seem to have forgotten where they came from. Mr. Berwind is ruthless. He boasts about not negotiating with his employees! They don't get time off! Ever! They're not talking vacation time- a day off, a half day! There are laws about how and when children can work and go to school so why not adults? He says they're free to leave if they don't like it, which is true, but it's cruel to make them work 24/7. She isn't any better. She TIMES a footman's response and praises him when he arrives in 20 seconds. Mr. Berwind is a relic of the previous century. Not only does he have ideas about servants, he has ideas about women. He tries to protect his wife from unpleasantness and thinks Derrick should reign in Emma. Like that is ever going to happen!
Silvie Morton sponsored the musicians from London. Did they smuggle the missing necklace away from The Elms? They're in a good position to be invisible to see and hear everything. Silvie seems super worried and nervous about something. Does she fear her husband killed the maid? Yes I think she does. I think she knows why too and is worried what will happen if he's caught. She's not that young so I think she knows more than her husband thinks she does. Silvie creates an alibi for the time of the murder by using her maid but does her maid have a choice? Riverton will have to lie for Silvie so I wouldn't discount Silvie from wandering around in search of her husband.
Silvie's husband, Rex, is a jerk. He's a slimy financier, a speculator and thinks his wealth and family puts him above the rest. He's rude to the servants and rude to her. He didn't tell her about the necklace... or anything else. He doesn't respect Emma either. Still, they seem to be a happy couple, at least in the beginning. Rex seems afraid of someone. Is he being shaken down for the necklace? The money from the sale of the necklace? Let me guess... speculation debts, gambling debts and/or women problems? That would explain why Silvie didn't know about the necklace. New Englanders didn't engage in those kinds of shenanigans so I'm not sure that thought has crossed Emma's mind.
Kay and Charles Gilchrest are a mismatched couple. She's much younger and lives for her children. They're at home and she was dragged off against her will, at the last minute to Newport. She tried to be respectful and not impose on strangers as soon as they moved in but Charles insisted. He's a bully, a sexist pig beyond Mr. Berwind's mild sexism and Kay should be writing to Alva to find out how to obtain a divorce. Yes one can argue Charles is a man of the 19th-century but even men at that time could be kind, respectful and polite to their wives even if it wasn't a love match. Gertrude and Harry seem happy together and they're a real life example. Kay is too young and innocent to stand up to her husband's bullying. She seems so sweet but so timid, very childlike.
Mrs. Rogan, the housekeeper, seems snooty enough to lie for her employers or their guests. Her story arc takes an interesting turn and it came out of nowhere. I was kind of surprised. The butler is too proper to commit murder and I'm sure he would just say "I couldn't say..." when questioned about his employers and their guests.
Orville Brown is a sensational newspaper reporter. He enjoys making trouble but steps away when the going gets rough. He likes to stir people up and appeals to the populist crowd. Even Katie reads his paper but she's smart enough to know the stories are sensationalized. Orville is Trouble with a capital T and the things he does are pretty shocking. Does that extend to murder?
Jesse is a good detective. He'll figure it out! He's come a long way and understands better how to handle the 400 Club. Emma, of course, will figure it out before Jesse and undoubtedly get into some trouble!
This was another wonderful trip to Gilded Age Newport. I am eager for Rosecliff to be completed and have a murder happen there. I've been to that one but not The Elms. If I can manage the stairs, I'm very interest in the servants tour of The Elms now! I must see where the action happened!
This story was SOOO good! I stayed up until 2 AM to finish it because I couldn't put it down. I was disappointed we didn't get to attend the wedding! It was not held at Trinity but at St. Paul's. I was pleased by who attended and not pleased by who did not. We are told they went on a honeymoon to the Adirondacks and then to Italy! We missed that too. They did get to see Derrick's sister and
The only other thing I really disliked was the ethnic characters' plot. Like Emma, I took the situation at face value. Unlike Emma, I would have literally dragged both women to Gull Cottage and placed them in the hands of Nanny and Katie!
The mystery had so many twists and turns I didn't expect. It was far from the predictable plotline I expected from the beginning. The villain/s was/were ruthless, cunning and highly intelligent. The body count was really high for a cozy mystery like this. The period details are woven into the story as always. The Elms is brand new in 1901 and fitted out with all kinds of modern amenities and being a coal money couple, entire coal tunnels behind and under the house out of sight from the family and guests. It's pretty ingenious. There's also the strike and domestic workers did not have a union so the strike is all on them. Emma references the train strike of the fall before but those men had unions on their side. The book also works in the Portuguese immigrants who arrived long before my classmates' parents did in the late 20th century. While Emma is a way too modern character, other characters fit within their time and place so some of the characters' storylines may be difficult for some readers.
Then there's Newport itself. Old Newport which would have vanished if not for Doris Duke, the Newport Restoration Foundation and the Preservation Society of Newport County. Thanks to those groups we can follow in Emma's footsteps, more or less. The taverns on the wharf were a nice touch of history and as always, the need to take a ferry on and off the island is always jarring to one accustomed to just driving over a bridge. (Though you CAN take a ferry if you wish.) No trip to Newport is complete without some tennis at the Casino (now the International Tennis Hall of Fame). Emma associates with real life couples Edward and Herminie Berwind, Gertrude (Vanderbilt) and Harry Whitney, Elizabeth and Harry Leher (also newlyweds but we know in name only), Mamie and Stuyvesant Fish. How fun! (I adore Mamie!) Finally, we have the fashions! Emma has the money to purchase her own evening gowns now and she has a new one that sounds like a stunner!
Emma and Derrick are very much in love and fresh off their honeymoon. They're a healthy newlywed couple but all nighttime bedroom activity is behind closed doors. Emma is still stubborn and proud of her status as a native Newporter. She has some adjusting to do now she's inherited money and married a man of wealth and privilege. She's now one of the 400 Club whether she wants to be or not. That's kind of sad actually and it affects her detecting. She's not as protected and safe as she used to be, especially with newcomers to the city. Still, she doesn't have anything to complain about really. Her only niggle about married life is that they don't have a home. They split their time between Derrick's flat at Emma's childhood home and at Gull Cottage where Nanny and Katie hover and fuss. Neither place is "theirs". Derrick is a guest in Emma's home and the flat is Derrick's bachelor pad. I didn't like Derrick at first and I wasn't sure this relationship could work but he's matured for the most part. He loves Emma because she's stubborn and because she always wants to see justice done. He gets a little overprotective when he thinks she's in danger and I didn't like that but I also didn't like how she dismisses his concerns yet freaks out when he's in danger! They sleuth together, tag teaming, he takes the gentlemen and she takes the ladies. When Emma ventures out into the city to investigate, Derrick comes too. They're a good team.
Nanny seems bursting with pride having Derrick around. She sure likes to spoil him. She seems happy Emma is married and wealthy now. She has a renewed purpose in life - serving her master and mistress now Emma is done being raised. Katie is as lovely as ever and neither are really servants anymore so they shouldn't act like it! The real life "new money" people have a few cameos. The only character we met before was Mamie Fish. She's unflappable and I love her. I believe Emma has met Harry Lehr Murder at Crossways but not his wife Elizabeth. I wanted more Mamie!
Belowstairs at The Elms we meet a team of disgruntled servants. It's all very well to have a comfortable establishment to work in and high wages but not being granted time off is not at all acceptable. I don't blame them for wanting to strike but like Emma, I don't see it going well at all. Emma is a little more optimistic and hopeful. The leader of this rebellion seems to be Bridget Whalan, a young Irish maid and local girl. She's certain she's in the right and the strike will succeed. She's not very nice and her fiery temper is going to get her in trouble some day soon. She seems to hate anyone who tries to reason with her and anyone who disagrees with her. I would send her to Nanny to whip into shape! Nip that temper in the bud. She won't better her situation with belligerent actions. Bridget comes into the story again and while I feel bad for her because she's young and not well educated, she means well but she's trouble! Ines is the complete opposite. She acts more demure and doesn't want to strike. She has more to lose than Bridget. Sadly, Ines stays at The Elms and turns up dead. Yet, the other servants didn't like her, not because she was hard working, quiet and didn't speak out. Just the opposite! Who is the real Ines? The demure maid or the sneaky snoop? Could she be both? I think she has an abusive husband she tried to flee and he made her steal the necklace and killed her and took off with the necklace.
Who was Rudolpho Medeiros? He worked on the Berwind estate doing labor. He disappeared around the time Ines turns up dead. I think he's related to Ines- husband, brother, cousin and a villain. I think he killed Ines and someone else killed him.
The Berwinds are lovely hosts to those of their own kind. They may be new money but they seem to have forgotten where they came from. Mr. Berwind is ruthless. He boasts about not negotiating with his employees! They don't get time off! Ever! They're not talking vacation time- a day off, a half day! There are laws about how and when children can work and go to school so why not adults? He says they're free to leave if they don't like it, which is true, but it's cruel to make them work 24/7. She isn't any better. She TIMES a footman's response and praises him when he arrives in 20 seconds. Mr. Berwind is a relic of the previous century. Not only does he have ideas about servants, he has ideas about women. He tries to protect his wife from unpleasantness and thinks Derrick should reign in Emma. Like that is ever going to happen!
Silvie Morton sponsored the musicians from London. Did they smuggle the missing necklace away from The Elms? They're in a good position to be invisible to see and hear everything. Silvie seems super worried and nervous about something. Does she fear her husband killed the maid? Yes I think she does. I think she knows why too and is worried what will happen if he's caught. She's not that young so I think she knows more than her husband thinks she does. Silvie creates an alibi for the time of the murder by using her maid but does her maid have a choice? Riverton will have to lie for Silvie so I wouldn't discount Silvie from wandering around in search of her husband.
Silvie's husband, Rex, is a jerk. He's a slimy financier, a speculator and thinks his wealth and family puts him above the rest. He's rude to the servants and rude to her. He didn't tell her about the necklace... or anything else. He doesn't respect Emma either. Still, they seem to be a happy couple, at least in the beginning. Rex seems afraid of someone. Is he being shaken down for the necklace? The money from the sale of the necklace? Let me guess... speculation debts, gambling debts and/or women problems? That would explain why Silvie didn't know about the necklace. New Englanders didn't engage in those kinds of shenanigans so I'm not sure that thought has crossed Emma's mind.
Kay and Charles Gilchrest are a mismatched couple. She's much younger and lives for her children. They're at home and she was dragged off against her will, at the last minute to Newport. She tried to be respectful and not impose on strangers as soon as they moved in but Charles insisted. He's a bully, a sexist pig beyond Mr. Berwind's mild sexism and Kay should be writing to Alva to find out how to obtain a divorce. Yes one can argue Charles is a man of the 19th-century but even men at that time could be kind, respectful and polite to their wives even if it wasn't a love match. Gertrude and Harry seem happy together and they're a real life example. Kay is too young and innocent to stand up to her husband's bullying. She seems so sweet but so timid, very childlike.
Mrs. Rogan, the housekeeper, seems snooty enough to lie for her employers or their guests. Her story arc takes an interesting turn and it came out of nowhere. I was kind of surprised. The butler is too proper to commit murder and I'm sure he would just say "I couldn't say..." when questioned about his employers and their guests.
Orville Brown is a sensational newspaper reporter. He enjoys making trouble but steps away when the going gets rough. He likes to stir people up and appeals to the populist crowd. Even Katie reads his paper but she's smart enough to know the stories are sensationalized. Orville is Trouble with a capital T and the things he does are pretty shocking. Does that extend to murder?
Jesse is a good detective. He'll figure it out! He's come a long way and understands better how to handle the 400 Club. Emma, of course, will figure it out before Jesse and undoubtedly get into some trouble!
This was another wonderful trip to Gilded Age Newport. I am eager for Rosecliff to be completed and have a murder happen there. I've been to that one but not The Elms. If I can manage the stairs, I'm very interest in the servants tour of The Elms now! I must see where the action happened!
July 3, 2023
"Murder at the Elms" is a wonderful addition to the Gilded Newport Mystery series. I can always count on Alyssa Maxwell for a carefully crafted and perfectly paced story, with interesting characters and accurate historical elements that give the reader a glimpse into various aspects of the Gilded Age. Ms. Maxwell's plot resolutions always make sense, but not in a predictable way. I particularly enjoyed the progression of Emma and Derek's relationship and Emma's struggle with the changes their marriage brings to her life and identity.
Thanks to the author, Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC.
Thanks to the author, Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC.
December 12, 2023
I love this series. The mystery is always interesting, the opulence is fascinating and the dichotomy between the lives of the super rich and ordinary and poor people is not ignored.
September 28, 2023
During the Gilded Age, Emma Cross and her husband Derrick are part of the social set in Newport, Rhode Island and also own the local newspaper. They become involved in detecting when a young maid from a neighboring estate is discovered dead in a coal mine at the same time a very valuable necklace is discovered missing.
I wanted to read this mystery because I have enjoyed several of the books in Alyssa Maxwell's A Lady and Lady's Maid series. I have not (yet!) read the other books in the Gilded Newport series, but Murder at the Elms works well as a stand alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. I love historical fiction and cozy mysteries, and this book is a perfect blend of both. The Gilded Age setting is perfection! There are so many great period details and descriptions that make this earlier time come alive.
I really like Emma as an amateur detective. She's smart and independent. Her relationship with Derrick, which is more modern than many marriages of this time, was also interesting.
The mystery aspect of Murder at the Elms was well done, with a brisk pace and a storyline that unfolds as Emma sleuths.
I recommend Murder at the Elms for fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, cozy mysteries - and for anyone who is interested in the Gilded Age. I want to go back and read the rest of this series!
I wanted to read this mystery because I have enjoyed several of the books in Alyssa Maxwell's A Lady and Lady's Maid series. I have not (yet!) read the other books in the Gilded Newport series, but Murder at the Elms works well as a stand alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. I love historical fiction and cozy mysteries, and this book is a perfect blend of both. The Gilded Age setting is perfection! There are so many great period details and descriptions that make this earlier time come alive.
I really like Emma as an amateur detective. She's smart and independent. Her relationship with Derrick, which is more modern than many marriages of this time, was also interesting.
The mystery aspect of Murder at the Elms was well done, with a brisk pace and a storyline that unfolds as Emma sleuths.
I recommend Murder at the Elms for fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, cozy mysteries - and for anyone who is interested in the Gilded Age. I want to go back and read the rest of this series!
August 24, 2023
11 books in, Alyssa Maxwell’s Newport series remains entertaining.
Because the mysteries themselves in this series are just okay, I really wish more was done descriptively to establish atmosphere and sense of place. After reading these I always find myself feeling mostly satisfied but frustrated at never getting that truly immersive experience that features in the best historical mysteries.
What is there is good when it comes to historical detail, there just isn’t enough of it, especially when the plots are fairly tropey and the characters, though likable enough, are pretty standard for the genre. I wish the books better incorporated setting into the mystery, or at least gave us more descriptive information so that as readers we might imagine our way there.
That said, the series remains very readable, the pacing is good, and the author’s note is always a delight to read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Because the mysteries themselves in this series are just okay, I really wish more was done descriptively to establish atmosphere and sense of place. After reading these I always find myself feeling mostly satisfied but frustrated at never getting that truly immersive experience that features in the best historical mysteries.
What is there is good when it comes to historical detail, there just isn’t enough of it, especially when the plots are fairly tropey and the characters, though likable enough, are pretty standard for the genre. I wish the books better incorporated setting into the mystery, or at least gave us more descriptive information so that as readers we might imagine our way there.
That said, the series remains very readable, the pacing is good, and the author’s note is always a delight to read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 20, 2023
In the eleventh Gilded Newport mystery, Emma and Derrick are married and back from their honeymoon. Emma is fretting that neither his house nor her house feels like their house. But it is back to work for her as the reporter for the Newport Messenger.
Emma is called to the Elms, a newly built mansion, when she learns that the servants are threatening to strike over working conditions. She goes there and finds rival publisher Orville Brown agitating for the workers. When they do strike, The Elms owner Ned Berwind fires all of them but a Portuguese woman named Ines who refuses to join the strike.
Just a couple of weeks later, Emma and Derrick are invited to a musical night at The Elms and meets two different couples who are houseguests. Charles and Kay Gilchrist are a mismatched couple. He's much older and a colleague of Ned's. Rex and Sylvie Morton are the other couple. He's an investment banker and she's the one who sponsored the musical entertainment.
When the entertainment is broken up by the discovery of maid Ines's body in the coal tunnel, Emma and Derrick both decide to look into the crime. And just a while later, when a valuable diamond necklace is stolen from Rex's safe, things get more complicated.
As Emma looks into the mystery, she discovers lots and lots of connections between the couple and lots more questions than answers when she interviews them leading her to find herself in danger.
This was an entertaining mystery. I liked the historical setting. I also liked the relationship between Emma and Derrick. I've only read the first in this series and had no trouble getting into this one. While earlier events are mentioned, no knowledge is needed to understand and enjoy this mystery.
Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this story.
Emma is called to the Elms, a newly built mansion, when she learns that the servants are threatening to strike over working conditions. She goes there and finds rival publisher Orville Brown agitating for the workers. When they do strike, The Elms owner Ned Berwind fires all of them but a Portuguese woman named Ines who refuses to join the strike.
Just a couple of weeks later, Emma and Derrick are invited to a musical night at The Elms and meets two different couples who are houseguests. Charles and Kay Gilchrist are a mismatched couple. He's much older and a colleague of Ned's. Rex and Sylvie Morton are the other couple. He's an investment banker and she's the one who sponsored the musical entertainment.
When the entertainment is broken up by the discovery of maid Ines's body in the coal tunnel, Emma and Derrick both decide to look into the crime. And just a while later, when a valuable diamond necklace is stolen from Rex's safe, things get more complicated.
As Emma looks into the mystery, she discovers lots and lots of connections between the couple and lots more questions than answers when she interviews them leading her to find herself in danger.
This was an entertaining mystery. I liked the historical setting. I also liked the relationship between Emma and Derrick. I've only read the first in this series and had no trouble getting into this one. While earlier events are mentioned, no knowledge is needed to understand and enjoy this mystery.
Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this story.
August 26, 2023
Usually when I write a review I talk about the entire story and I will with Murder at the Elms, the eleventh book in Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport Mystery series but first I have to start with the ending.... I won't give anything away but I will say that the direction that Maxwell is taking this series is going to be AMAZING !! I love how she ended the storyline and cannot wait until the future books to watch Emma and Derrick grow !!!
Okay..... now in Murder at the Elms the big change is that Emma and Derrick are finally married and enjoying life as newlyweds. They are working together at the Messenger, the newspaper that Derrick owns and Emma is a reporter, but getting use to living together is a struggle as they have two places to stay at. Derrick owns the house that Emma actually grew up in and turned it into a few apartments and a bacelor pad for himself and Emma owns Gull Manor which her great-aunt left to her. Neither place feels completely theirs as both feel different when they are there.
But before they can work around that dilemma they are invited to a musicale at the Elms. The Elms is a recently built home in Newport and it has electricity generated by the owners own coal from his own mines. Ned and Minnie Berwind's are excited to show off their home with the musicale unfortunately one of their employees is found dead during the intermission. This maid is also the only employee of the Berwind's that recently did not go on strike when the rest of the employees did.
Emma, having met Ines at the house when the employees went on strike feels for her and when it is discovered that she was murdered, Emma and Derrick set out to find out who killed her and why. Unfortunately they also learn that another employee is missing and an expensive necklace of one of the couples staying as guests at The Elms is gone. It will take some well thought out planning to solve all of these situations.....
There is no way that readers are not fans of this series as well as Maxwell and her amazing talent of drawing you in immediately. And as Emma and Derrick and their lives grow and expand, you will fall deeper in love with everything. I cannot wait until the next installment of this series because I NEED to know what happens next.....and so will you !!!
Okay..... now in Murder at the Elms the big change is that Emma and Derrick are finally married and enjoying life as newlyweds. They are working together at the Messenger, the newspaper that Derrick owns and Emma is a reporter, but getting use to living together is a struggle as they have two places to stay at. Derrick owns the house that Emma actually grew up in and turned it into a few apartments and a bacelor pad for himself and Emma owns Gull Manor which her great-aunt left to her. Neither place feels completely theirs as both feel different when they are there.
But before they can work around that dilemma they are invited to a musicale at the Elms. The Elms is a recently built home in Newport and it has electricity generated by the owners own coal from his own mines. Ned and Minnie Berwind's are excited to show off their home with the musicale unfortunately one of their employees is found dead during the intermission. This maid is also the only employee of the Berwind's that recently did not go on strike when the rest of the employees did.
Emma, having met Ines at the house when the employees went on strike feels for her and when it is discovered that she was murdered, Emma and Derrick set out to find out who killed her and why. Unfortunately they also learn that another employee is missing and an expensive necklace of one of the couples staying as guests at The Elms is gone. It will take some well thought out planning to solve all of these situations.....
There is no way that readers are not fans of this series as well as Maxwell and her amazing talent of drawing you in immediately. And as Emma and Derrick and their lives grow and expand, you will fall deeper in love with everything. I cannot wait until the next installment of this series because I NEED to know what happens next.....and so will you !!!
July 19, 2023
I always enjoy reading each entry in the Gilded Newport mystery series, and this one was no exception. The setting was vivid and the time period really came to life. I truly felt transported to turn of the century Newport (and I just visited Newport recently so that made it extra fun)! Cozy mysteries aren’t really my thing, but I still enjoyed following Emma as she pieced the clues together. I don’t like Derrick at all so the segments with him detracted for me a bit. Overall this was an enjoyable read and the author’s love of Newport really came through in her writing.
November 25, 2023
Very good story. Nice that the author’s note included the website to see a virtual tour of the real house where the story takes place.
August 23, 2023
Murder At The Elms is the eleventh book in the A Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell.
On the first day back at the Newport Messenger after Emma and Derriclk’s return from their honeymoon, Emma is asked to come to The Elms, the home owned by Herminie and Edward Berwind. Upon arriving at The Elms, Emma is greeted by the home’s staff, where she is told they are going on strike for a weekly day off. Everyone agrees except for one maid, Ines, a Portuguese maid. When Mr. Berwind meets with the servants, he fires them all except for Ines.
A week later, Emma and Derrick receive an invitation to attend a musicale at The Elms. Shortly after the music had finished, a scream was heard, and it was learned that someone was lying dead in the coal tunnel. Emma and Derrick proceed to the coal tunnel, shocked to see that the body is Ines's. The police are called, and Detectives Jesse Whyte and Gifford Myers arrive to begin their investigation. Emma has worked well with Jesse previously, and he asks her and Derrick to talk with the Berwinds and their guests, knowing they will get more information than he would.
Rex, Silvie Morton, Charles, and Kay Gilchrist are the couples vacationing at The Elms. The investigation of the murder will get even more suspicious when it is learned that a precious diamond necklace belonging to Rex Morton goes missing. Emma and Derrick must now investigate whether Ines was involved with the missing necklace and was killed to silence her. There are plenty of suspects to investigate.
The story is well-written, plotted, descriptively told, and historically accurate. Many of the characters have returned in this book. They are all interesting and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace and was for me to put down. Plenty of red herrings should keep most guessing until the end.
Ms. Maxwell also provides an interesting and informative Author’s Note.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
On the first day back at the Newport Messenger after Emma and Derriclk’s return from their honeymoon, Emma is asked to come to The Elms, the home owned by Herminie and Edward Berwind. Upon arriving at The Elms, Emma is greeted by the home’s staff, where she is told they are going on strike for a weekly day off. Everyone agrees except for one maid, Ines, a Portuguese maid. When Mr. Berwind meets with the servants, he fires them all except for Ines.
A week later, Emma and Derrick receive an invitation to attend a musicale at The Elms. Shortly after the music had finished, a scream was heard, and it was learned that someone was lying dead in the coal tunnel. Emma and Derrick proceed to the coal tunnel, shocked to see that the body is Ines's. The police are called, and Detectives Jesse Whyte and Gifford Myers arrive to begin their investigation. Emma has worked well with Jesse previously, and he asks her and Derrick to talk with the Berwinds and their guests, knowing they will get more information than he would.
Rex, Silvie Morton, Charles, and Kay Gilchrist are the couples vacationing at The Elms. The investigation of the murder will get even more suspicious when it is learned that a precious diamond necklace belonging to Rex Morton goes missing. Emma and Derrick must now investigate whether Ines was involved with the missing necklace and was killed to silence her. There are plenty of suspects to investigate.
The story is well-written, plotted, descriptively told, and historically accurate. Many of the characters have returned in this book. They are all interesting and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace and was for me to put down. Plenty of red herrings should keep most guessing until the end.
Ms. Maxwell also provides an interesting and informative Author’s Note.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
September 2, 2023
I enjoy this series because I enjoy the historical aspect of this. I have learned so much about Newport RI because of it. I also enjoy the side characters like Nanny and Patch.
The cozy mystery has always been comfortable for me and I don’t ever have an issue with it.
However, I found that I have gotten more irritated with the Emma Cross character. Especially in this book. I like that she defies all social norms by being unconventional. I also get that she is a reporter and it is her business to get into other people’s business. But I find that she is an annoying nosy busybody who has a lot of confidence in getting into others’ business and also quite forceful in getting people to accept her generosity (like how she was with Bridget) and yet she is terrible at communicating her feelings with her husband - someone who spent years carrying a torch for her (which she kept pushing back) and still continue to care for her. I find there is a misalignment of who her character is. Also, where is Naomi? There is absolute no mention of her here. I think this goes back to weak character development that I mentioned previously. It’s quite confusing what the author is trying to make these people.
Well, I come back to this series for the mystery and history but I really wish there is better character development. That would have made the series much more interesting.
The cozy mystery has always been comfortable for me and I don’t ever have an issue with it.
However, I found that I have gotten more irritated with the Emma Cross character. Especially in this book. I like that she defies all social norms by being unconventional. I also get that she is a reporter and it is her business to get into other people’s business. But I find that she is an annoying nosy busybody who has a lot of confidence in getting into others’ business and also quite forceful in getting people to accept her generosity (like how she was with Bridget) and yet she is terrible at communicating her feelings with her husband - someone who spent years carrying a torch for her (which she kept pushing back) and still continue to care for her. I find there is a misalignment of who her character is. Also, where is Naomi? There is absolute no mention of her here. I think this goes back to weak character development that I mentioned previously. It’s quite confusing what the author is trying to make these people.
Well, I come back to this series for the mystery and history but I really wish there is better character development. That would have made the series much more interesting.
January 16, 2024
Murder at The Elms offers an engaging mystery set in a captivating historical backdrop. The author skillfully weaves together a complex plot with well-developed characters, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The Elm's atmosphere is vividly portrayed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline.
I appreciated the character of Emma, a journalist. In an era where societal norms often confined women, Emma's determination to pursue a career alongside managing her personal life was truly inspiring. Her resilience and independence added a refreshing and empowering dimension to the narrative, making the book not only a compelling mystery but also a celebration of strong, multifaceted female characters.
While the resolution is satisfying, I wished for more thrilling moments dispersed throughout the story, not just concentrated in the finale. Nevertheless, Maxwell delivers a solid mystery that fans of historical whodunits will thoroughly enjoy.
I appreciated the character of Emma, a journalist. In an era where societal norms often confined women, Emma's determination to pursue a career alongside managing her personal life was truly inspiring. Her resilience and independence added a refreshing and empowering dimension to the narrative, making the book not only a compelling mystery but also a celebration of strong, multifaceted female characters.
While the resolution is satisfying, I wished for more thrilling moments dispersed throughout the story, not just concentrated in the finale. Nevertheless, Maxwell delivers a solid mystery that fans of historical whodunits will thoroughly enjoy.
September 30, 2023
I feel like I should appreciate this series more than I do — it is enjoyable, with a great setting and nicely plotted mysteries. Maybe it’s the characters—they are good but not especially memorable; Derrick in particular is just a little blah. I just feel like it needs some humor, or something. I did like the story of the domestic staff going on strike—really interesting historical note.
March 10, 2024
Having read all the books in the series and also having visited Newport numerous times, I enjoy the descriptions of the properties inside and out. The mysteries are mostly unbelievable but enjoyable to read. I have noticed in the last few books that the editing could be much better. There are many too many repetitions of facts or feelings within each book.
April 25, 2023
"Murder at the Elms" is a mystery set in 1901 in Newport. Emma was a horrible judge of character and was easily mislead by her own assumptions. She quickly jumped to wrong conclusions and held to those conclusions in the face of logic and actual evidence. Not that there was much evidence. Emma and Derrick only made headway by spying on other people's private conversations. At the end, Emma recognized a clue but didn't make the logical connections. However, whodunit thought she had it all figured out, so confessed all while getting ready to kill her. It was another character that saved Emma's life and solved the mystery.
Very little in this story was logical. For example, whodunit kept setting up complex schemes to make it look like other people were the prime suspects only to do things that undercut that impression, like The story also didn't feel historically accurate. For example, Emma continued working as a common newspaper reporter but the social-conscious, rich "cottage" owners didn't seem to care, inviting her (not as a reporter) to social functions and even basically letting her invite herself over to stay at their house. Emma faced no real consequences for her independent, non-conformist behavior. Finally, the author often picked the wrong word or one that gave the wrong impression. For example, a man grabbed a horse by the bit (which is mostly in the horse's mouth) when he probably grabbed the bridle or reins. I'd periodically have to stop to figure out what the author meant, so I never became immersed in the story.
This story was the 11th in the series. It started out with a rather detailed summary of Emma and Derrick's past and wedding, so it can be read as a stand-alone. It didn't spoil any previous whodunits. There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes, though married sex was implied.
I received an ebook review copy (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Very little in this story was logical. For example, whodunit kept setting up complex schemes to make it look like other people were the prime suspects only to do things that undercut that impression, like The story also didn't feel historically accurate. For example, Emma continued working as a common newspaper reporter but the social-conscious, rich "cottage" owners didn't seem to care, inviting her (not as a reporter) to social functions and even basically letting her invite herself over to stay at their house. Emma faced no real consequences for her independent, non-conformist behavior. Finally, the author often picked the wrong word or one that gave the wrong impression. For example, a man grabbed a horse by the bit (which is mostly in the horse's mouth) when he probably grabbed the bridle or reins. I'd periodically have to stop to figure out what the author meant, so I never became immersed in the story.
This story was the 11th in the series. It started out with a rather detailed summary of Emma and Derrick's past and wedding, so it can be read as a stand-alone. It didn't spoil any previous whodunits. There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes, though married sex was implied.
I received an ebook review copy (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 28, 2023
"Murder at the Elms" by Alyssa Maxwell is the eleventh book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series. Like all the previous ones, it is an excellently written and thoroughly engaging read.
This latest installment starts off with a bang: employees at the latest Newport mansion called the Elms, owned by the Berwinds (a real couple), threatening to strike. However, one chooses not to strike, but that doesn't mean good tidings. That one employee, along with 3 others, meet with untimely ends in this intriguing mystery. It's not just trying to solve the murders that captures you, but trying to understand why they occurred in the first place that keeps you engaged.
With each book in this series, I rarely figure out who the culprit is until Emma does. This 'tradition' continued with this book. I was a little surprised when it was revealed, as the person seemed sort of detached from all that was going on.
Only one aspect annoyed me in this story: Emma's constant internal angst over now being a married woman. She was acting as if people, namely her husband Derrick, were expecting her to suddenly change. That wasn't the case; if anything the one who adjusted was Derrick, in that he accepted that being a sleuth was just part of who Emma is. It made no sense that someone as strong-willed as Emma couldn't voice her feelings to her husband.
And as much as I enjoyed the story, one particular aspect was left unresolved. Spoilerb alert!! -- A critical part of the mystery involved a necklace allegedly owned by Queen Marie Antoinette. Now, how did the culprit intend to run off without the very item that would have netted him and his partner a pretty nice chunk of money? That didn't jive for me.
Even with one or two foibles, I always always enjoy Alyssa Maxwell books. This one is another winner, perfect for anyone who likes mysteries and Gilded Age history.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
This latest installment starts off with a bang: employees at the latest Newport mansion called the Elms, owned by the Berwinds (a real couple), threatening to strike. However, one chooses not to strike, but that doesn't mean good tidings. That one employee, along with 3 others, meet with untimely ends in this intriguing mystery. It's not just trying to solve the murders that captures you, but trying to understand why they occurred in the first place that keeps you engaged.
With each book in this series, I rarely figure out who the culprit is until Emma does. This 'tradition' continued with this book. I was a little surprised when it was revealed, as the person seemed sort of detached from all that was going on.
Only one aspect annoyed me in this story: Emma's constant internal angst over now being a married woman. She was acting as if people, namely her husband Derrick, were expecting her to suddenly change. That wasn't the case; if anything the one who adjusted was Derrick, in that he accepted that being a sleuth was just part of who Emma is. It made no sense that someone as strong-willed as Emma couldn't voice her feelings to her husband.
And as much as I enjoyed the story, one particular aspect was left unresolved. Spoilerb alert!! -- A critical part of the mystery involved a necklace allegedly owned by Queen Marie Antoinette. Now, how did the culprit intend to run off without the very item that would have netted him and his partner a pretty nice chunk of money? That didn't jive for me.
Even with one or two foibles, I always always enjoy Alyssa Maxwell books. This one is another winner, perfect for anyone who likes mysteries and Gilded Age history.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
April 17, 2025
Emma has married Derrick Andrews, and they are settling down to a new routine when they are invited to a musical party at one of Newport’s newest mansions, Elms. The Elms, which is a real mansion, was built by Edward “Ned” Berwind to run exclusively on electricity. The house has no back up gas lights, appliances, etc. on the property and he generates his electricity through burning coal.
But during the party, a maid who previously sat out a worker’s strike on the property, is found dead in a coal chute. And one of the guests reports a theft of a priceless diamond necklace.
What was originally a social event and newspaper story for the newly married Andrews becomes a case to solve alongside their friend police detective Jesse Whyte. So, who killed the maid? Is her death related to the theft or the servants’ walkout on the job?
My thoughts: A bit more predictable edition of the Gilded Age mysteries. This story serves to move along Emma and Derrick’s lives as a newly married couple and bring questions to their living situation. Emma has been an independent young woman, holding a job and running a small household at a home she inherited from a maiden aunt. Derrick is the son of a wealthy newspaper owner, but his family has turned their backs on him financially. He uses the money he has to start his own newspaper with his new wife as a partner. But he is still renting bachelor quarters and feels awkward at Emma’s house.
The mystery itself is a bit pedestrian, and the villains aren’t really villains but seriously flawed people who are trying to get by. One such villain isn’t ever fully fleshed out. Once he is determined to be not guilty of the crimes, he disappears from the story with little explanation. The action keeps the story moving and Maxwell’s depiction of the real Newport during the late 1890s-early 1900s is interesting enough to keep a reader engaged.
Recommend for series readers. Others should start with one of the earlier books in the series.
But during the party, a maid who previously sat out a worker’s strike on the property, is found dead in a coal chute. And one of the guests reports a theft of a priceless diamond necklace.
What was originally a social event and newspaper story for the newly married Andrews becomes a case to solve alongside their friend police detective Jesse Whyte. So, who killed the maid? Is her death related to the theft or the servants’ walkout on the job?
My thoughts: A bit more predictable edition of the Gilded Age mysteries. This story serves to move along Emma and Derrick’s lives as a newly married couple and bring questions to their living situation. Emma has been an independent young woman, holding a job and running a small household at a home she inherited from a maiden aunt. Derrick is the son of a wealthy newspaper owner, but his family has turned their backs on him financially. He uses the money he has to start his own newspaper with his new wife as a partner. But he is still renting bachelor quarters and feels awkward at Emma’s house.
The mystery itself is a bit pedestrian, and the villains aren’t really villains but seriously flawed people who are trying to get by. One such villain isn’t ever fully fleshed out. Once he is determined to be not guilty of the crimes, he disappears from the story with little explanation. The action keeps the story moving and Maxwell’s depiction of the real Newport during the late 1890s-early 1900s is interesting enough to keep a reader engaged.
Recommend for series readers. Others should start with one of the earlier books in the series.
April 26, 2023
What a pleasure it was to return to Newport, R.I. for the latest in Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport series. #MurderatTheElms is another well researched, cleverly plotted mystery that features Emma Cross, a Newport native and reporter for a local newspaper, who is a poor relation of the wealthy Vanderbilt.
In this entry, Emma has recently returned from her honeymoon, after marrying Derrick Andrews, the owner and publisher of the newspaper where Emma works. Emma’s first assignment upon her return takes her to The Elms, the summer “cottage” of Ned and Minnie Berwind, where the household servants are fed up with having no time off at all and are threatening to strike if they can’t negotiate a compromise. Unfortunately, Ned Berwind does not negotiate with his employees and promptly fires all of them, except for one maid, Ines, who did not want to participate. The Berwinds quickly hire replacement staff in time to move ahead as planned with a musicale evening for which they had issued invitations. During the musicale, Ines, is found murdered. Based on their past experience and their relationships with the Berwinds and others in the upper class, Emma and Derrick are asked to assist the police.
The Berwinds have two couples staying with them: the Rex and Sylvie Morton and Charles and Kay Gilchrist. Shortly after the maid’s murder, Rex Morton discovers that an incredibly valuable necklace has been stolen from the safe in the Morton’s suite. The theft and the murder seem connected and there is plenty of suspicious behavior going on among servants, guests and competitive reporters to keep Emma, Derrick and the police busy trying to track down the truth.
Murder at the Elms is an entertaining mystery enhanced by insight into Emma and Derrick’s relationship as they navigate being a newly wedded couple..
Thanks to #Kensington Books and #NetGalley for the ARC.
In this entry, Emma has recently returned from her honeymoon, after marrying Derrick Andrews, the owner and publisher of the newspaper where Emma works. Emma’s first assignment upon her return takes her to The Elms, the summer “cottage” of Ned and Minnie Berwind, where the household servants are fed up with having no time off at all and are threatening to strike if they can’t negotiate a compromise. Unfortunately, Ned Berwind does not negotiate with his employees and promptly fires all of them, except for one maid, Ines, who did not want to participate. The Berwinds quickly hire replacement staff in time to move ahead as planned with a musicale evening for which they had issued invitations. During the musicale, Ines, is found murdered. Based on their past experience and their relationships with the Berwinds and others in the upper class, Emma and Derrick are asked to assist the police.
The Berwinds have two couples staying with them: the Rex and Sylvie Morton and Charles and Kay Gilchrist. Shortly after the maid’s murder, Rex Morton discovers that an incredibly valuable necklace has been stolen from the safe in the Morton’s suite. The theft and the murder seem connected and there is plenty of suspicious behavior going on among servants, guests and competitive reporters to keep Emma, Derrick and the police busy trying to track down the truth.
Murder at the Elms is an entertaining mystery enhanced by insight into Emma and Derrick’s relationship as they navigate being a newly wedded couple..
Thanks to #Kensington Books and #NetGalley for the ARC.
September 4, 2023
Returning from her honeymoon, reporter Emma Cross attends a meeting of the servants at The Elms. Protesting the working conditions, all but one maid votes to go on strike if they are not granted a schedule with some time off. Rather than negotiate, Ned Berwind, a coal tycoon, fires his staff with the exception of the one maid. Staff is quickly replaced in time for a musicale hosted by the Berwinds to showcase their new home. As members of society, Emma and her new husband Derrick Andrews, owner of the local newspaper, are invited. The entertainment is cut short when a body is discovered in the coal tunnel. It is the maid who remained. Her death coincides with the theft of a valuable necklace. When Emma first met the maid she was shy and fearful for her future. As Emma interviews her former and present co=workers they paint an entirely different picture. If she stole the necklace, she must have had a partner. When another employee is murdered Emma realizes that the necklace may still be somewhere on the estate and must be found before there are more deaths.
Alyssa Maxwell paints a picture of great estates in Gilded Age Nantucket. Murder at the Elms is also a social commentary of the time. Emma was raised as a poor relation to a wealthy family. Now that she has married into wealth, her former acquaintances no longer relate to her. The treatment of the servants by the Berwinds and their guests is a clear display of society’s levels. Emma is also adjusting to married life. Neither her home nor Derrick’s feels like “their home” and she is struggling to find a solution. Maxwell’s story is filled with wonderful characters, a complex mystery and unexpected twists. It is a delightful addition to this series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book for my review.
Alyssa Maxwell paints a picture of great estates in Gilded Age Nantucket. Murder at the Elms is also a social commentary of the time. Emma was raised as a poor relation to a wealthy family. Now that she has married into wealth, her former acquaintances no longer relate to her. The treatment of the servants by the Berwinds and their guests is a clear display of society’s levels. Emma is also adjusting to married life. Neither her home nor Derrick’s feels like “their home” and she is struggling to find a solution. Maxwell’s story is filled with wonderful characters, a complex mystery and unexpected twists. It is a delightful addition to this series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book for my review.
August 17, 2023
Newport, Rhode Island - 1901
At long last, Emma Cross and Derrick Andrews have married. They own and run the “Newport Messenger” newspaper. Emma works as a news reporter while Derrick oversees everything else. They also employ Ethan Merriman as a society columnist.
Newport is the place where many of the Four Hundred have built stunning summer homes. The latest home built is called The Elms owned by Edward and Herminie Berwind. Emma gets news that something is happening there and hurries to cover it. It appears that the staff have decided to strike because they get no time off to rest. However, one young gal, Ines, from Portugal refuses to strike as she needs her job. Unfortunately, when the Berwinds are informed about the strike, they in turn, fire all of them and hire and staff which will now receive time off. Go figure!
The next evening, Emma and Derrick are invited to attend a musicale at The Elms. When a scream is heard, it is discovered that Ines has been strangled and pushed into the coal tunnel. Emma and Derrick are drawn in by the police to help them investigate the murder. Emma is well known for her sleuthing abilities and has solved many crimes in the past.
Once again, this author has written an intricate murder mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. I have always admired the attention to detail regarding the time period in her books. This book is like following a fun maze. Don’t miss it!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
At long last, Emma Cross and Derrick Andrews have married. They own and run the “Newport Messenger” newspaper. Emma works as a news reporter while Derrick oversees everything else. They also employ Ethan Merriman as a society columnist.
Newport is the place where many of the Four Hundred have built stunning summer homes. The latest home built is called The Elms owned by Edward and Herminie Berwind. Emma gets news that something is happening there and hurries to cover it. It appears that the staff have decided to strike because they get no time off to rest. However, one young gal, Ines, from Portugal refuses to strike as she needs her job. Unfortunately, when the Berwinds are informed about the strike, they in turn, fire all of them and hire and staff which will now receive time off. Go figure!
The next evening, Emma and Derrick are invited to attend a musicale at The Elms. When a scream is heard, it is discovered that Ines has been strangled and pushed into the coal tunnel. Emma and Derrick are drawn in by the police to help them investigate the murder. Emma is well known for her sleuthing abilities and has solved many crimes in the past.
Once again, this author has written an intricate murder mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. I have always admired the attention to detail regarding the time period in her books. This book is like following a fun maze. Don’t miss it!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 29, 2023
Murder at the Elms by Alyssa Maxwell is the eleventh in the insanely delicious Gilded Newport Mysteries series. The author is always adept at painting her stories with a magical brush which captures a plethora of historical detail (luxurious homes, fashion, food, jewelry), quirky set of characters, clever plots, slivers of romance and a social look at upstairs/downstairs life. What else could one wish for in a 1901 gilded Newport mystery?
Most of us cannot relate to the privileged The 400 and Vanderbilt connections...but such fun to read about and contemplate what made people tick in this time. This time, Emma and Derrick are married and refreshed from their honeymoon to Italy. They own the Newport Messenger newspaper rub shoulders with the obscenely wealthy. They are at the right place at the right time when murder comes knocking at The Elms in Newport with experience in unnatural deaths and investigative know how, though they have help from Detective Jessie Whyte. A maid is discovered lifeless in a coal tunnel. The out-of-touch uber rich who have staffing issues are at a loss. Strikes protesting work conditions and missing jewelry add to the intrigue. Homes in the neighbourhood are amongst the first to get newfangled electricity. Details such as this add spark and personality.
If you yearn for a charming and whip-smart series to dive into it, this may just be what you need. Besides.
Alyssa Maxwell's writing is evocative and witty.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this fantastic book!
Most of us cannot relate to the privileged The 400 and Vanderbilt connections...but such fun to read about and contemplate what made people tick in this time. This time, Emma and Derrick are married and refreshed from their honeymoon to Italy. They own the Newport Messenger newspaper rub shoulders with the obscenely wealthy. They are at the right place at the right time when murder comes knocking at The Elms in Newport with experience in unnatural deaths and investigative know how, though they have help from Detective Jessie Whyte. A maid is discovered lifeless in a coal tunnel. The out-of-touch uber rich who have staffing issues are at a loss. Strikes protesting work conditions and missing jewelry add to the intrigue. Homes in the neighbourhood are amongst the first to get newfangled electricity. Details such as this add spark and personality.
If you yearn for a charming and whip-smart series to dive into it, this may just be what you need. Besides.
Alyssa Maxwell's writing is evocative and witty.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this fantastic book!
April 27, 2023
Murder at the Elms is the 11th book in Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Age Mystery series. Usually, by this point, series books usually feel stale and unoriginal. Fortunately, that's not the case with Murder at the Elms. At the opening of the story, newlyweds Emma and Derrick have returned from their honeymoon and are settling into married life. One of their first social engagements upon returning home is a party at The Elms, the newest and most technologically advanced home in Newport, RI. When a housemaid at The Elms is caught up in a labor dispute (which is based on an actual event) and is later found dead, Emma finds herself drawn into another complicated mystery. I have enjoyed watching Emma and Derrick's characters develop over the course of the series, and this entry does not disappoint. Our newlyweds are feeling some growing pains as they try to adapt to a life living and working together at the same newspaper. I love the glimpses into Gilded Age Newport and the focus of each book in the series on a different "cottage." These books are the reason I visited Newport, RI, several years ago. Murder at the Elms is definitely not a stand-alone - the books should be read in order to truly appreciate the character development so integral to each story. All in all, a very satisfying read. I'm hoping there will be a twelfth book soon!!
*Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
*Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 9, 2023
In 1901, newlywed Emma Cross Andrews finds herself once again in the position of seeking justice. Coal baron Edward Berwind's luxurious Elms estate is being opened. Immediately, it is plagued by a servant strike. The servants are all fired and new ones hred for a grand party. During the party, a maid is murdered, a guest's diamond necklace vanishes, and a laborer disappears. Detective Jessie Whyte enlists Emma and her husband Derrick's help to unravel the connection between the maid's murder and the missing necklace. As the dark secrets of the mansion threaten to overshadow its grandeur, Emma takes on the task of uncovering the elusive culprit.
I always look forward to seeing where Emma ends up next! She married and went on a honeymoon to Italy between this book and the last book. Now she must learn to balance her work life with being married. Her husband wants her to be more careful in seeking criminals, though he does respect her independence.
I have not heard of the Elms before, so I was intrigued to learn more. The descriptions didn’t give me a vivid description so I had to look up pictures. The other historical details, the time period and clothing, made the story come alive. I was kept guessing as to the culprit for this one, which is always fun.
This series is one I definitely recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries and this book is no different. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
I always look forward to seeing where Emma ends up next! She married and went on a honeymoon to Italy between this book and the last book. Now she must learn to balance her work life with being married. Her husband wants her to be more careful in seeking criminals, though he does respect her independence.
I have not heard of the Elms before, so I was intrigued to learn more. The descriptions didn’t give me a vivid description so I had to look up pictures. The other historical details, the time period and clothing, made the story come alive. I was kept guessing as to the culprit for this one, which is always fun.
This series is one I definitely recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries and this book is no different. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 3, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: Emma and Derrick have returned from their honeymoon and as they adjust to their life together, Emma gets swept into a controversy that pits the two sides of her social standing against each other. The staff of the Elms is provoked into demanding time off or they will strike. Their employer sacks them all except one lone housemaid who refused to join them. New staff are hired and the things seem to settle quickly.
But on the night of a grand social event, the lone holdout is murdered and a very valuable necklace is stolen. Emma and Derrick are asked to sort things out as she has the advantage of being able to move from one social stratus to the other. When a second murder occurs and a gadfly appears at the Elms to incite a riot, the moving parts in this mystery increase in speed and volume. How much are the various events and personalities connected? It becomes clear that the two murdered people were in cahoots but who was the puppet master and what was the reason.
It is no wonder Emma and the police chase after false trails. She does eventually discover the clue that reveals all but will it be too late for her. There is a rather exciting finish where all things are put to right, or as right as they can be. It was a taut and thrilling story set in the Gilded Age where one woman fights to do the things we modern women take for granted.. Four purrs and two paws up.
But on the night of a grand social event, the lone holdout is murdered and a very valuable necklace is stolen. Emma and Derrick are asked to sort things out as she has the advantage of being able to move from one social stratus to the other. When a second murder occurs and a gadfly appears at the Elms to incite a riot, the moving parts in this mystery increase in speed and volume. How much are the various events and personalities connected? It becomes clear that the two murdered people were in cahoots but who was the puppet master and what was the reason.
It is no wonder Emma and the police chase after false trails. She does eventually discover the clue that reveals all but will it be too late for her. There is a rather exciting finish where all things are put to right, or as right as they can be. It was a taut and thrilling story set in the Gilded Age where one woman fights to do the things we modern women take for granted.. Four purrs and two paws up.
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