Murder at Marble House (A Gilded Newport Mystery)

I wasn't sure about stories that involved the nouveau riche in America. I regard it as unfair that those with money often get away with murder. Being a poor relation to the Vanderbilts gives Emma access to their world, but also provides her with some measure of freedom. I'm sure there will be another murder in Newport for Emma to solve.

This is the second book in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series set in Newport, Rhode Island just before the turn of the twentieth century. The story begins right where the first book ended. Emma Cross is a poor relation of the wealthy Vanderbilt family so she has a relationship with people in the society crowd but also able to befriend the lower class. She inherited her home from her Aunt Sadie, a lady who lived her life as she wished and was always ready to help young women who needed a helping hand. Emma uses her home to pick up where Aunt Sadie left off. Emma works at the Newport Observer as a society page writer but would prefer to write more meaty articles. Unfortunately, her boss says that it is a man's job. This doesn't stop Emma from trying to investigate crimes and she always seems to be in the middle of those events. This time she is at her Aunt Alva's home after being summoned by her Consuela, her distraught cousin, when a fortune teller is murdered in the garden. In all of the excitement, her cousin, Consuela disappeared. Aunt Alva has arranged a marriage between Consuela and the Duke of Marlborough. He needs the Vanderbilt money and Alva wants her daughter to be a duchess. Emma feels that the murder and Consuela's disappearance are connected, so she runs around town following leads to try to solve the mysteries. She seems to get in trouble wherever the tips take her but local detective Jesse Whyte and her friend Derrick Andrews, both of whom would like a closer relationship with her, come to her rescue. The characters are well developed and the descriptions of the settings are very detailed. In particular, there is a great deal of information about the clothing of the day and customs of society. The mystery of the murders and disappearance of Consuela kept me guessing until the end. This is a great cozy historical mystery.

I really enjoyed the first book, Murder at the Breakers, in Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Mystery series. I anxiously waited for this second book, Murder at Marble House. Sometimes I am a bit disappointed in the second book in a series, because I enjoyed the first book so much. This is not the case here. This second book was just as great if not even better than the first one. The author does a superb job with historical accuracy. I devoured the vivid descriptions of the Gilded Era clothes, houses, mannerisms and Newport. The mystery plot was well thought out and moved along swiftly. But my favorite part of this wonderful book is the main character, Emma Cross. In this second book we see Emma grow more independent, stronger and feisty. At the same time Emma is also more thoughtful and understanding of her rich relatives way of life. She doesn't seem as quick to judge. And let's not forget romance. Emma is torn between her childhood friend, who is a local detective and a dashing, wealthy reporter, who always seems to be there when Emma needs to be "rescued". I look forward to reading the next book and many more in this series. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery, history and romance.

I'd like to make what my way through a series and after the 1st book in this series I was hooked. I particularly enjoy historical mysteries is oak mysteries and this one offers a heroine who is really fun I think you will enjoy it as much as I did

I really enjoy this author and both of her series.The story takes place in the beautiful Marble House in Newport Rhode, Island. Emma Cross receives a phone call from her cousin Consuelo asking for assistance. Consuelo is to marry a Duke that she doesn’t want to marry.Emmy stumbles upon another murder and Consuelo ends up missing. Two mysteries rolled into one had me guessing the entire time. I enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery in Newport Rhode Island and Alyssa pays great attention to detail and descriptions make you feel you are in the story.I love this series and highly recommend!

I couldn’t put this book down. The descriptions of the characters and settings are spot on. Living near Newport, I’m very familiar with the area and have toured many of the mansions. It’s easy to picture Emma and the other characters. How can you not admire her independence? I’m always anxious to find out who the murderer is and am totally surprised when they’re exposed. Love this series and can’t wait to read the rest.

Enjoyed the characters. Nice setting. Good mystery with a twist. Enjoyed the way the plot developed. Would recommend for folks to read.

Let me start this review by admitting a bit of a bias....I absolutely love the gilded age and the time of the "cottages" at New Port. I visit them every time I am near by. I think Murder/Marble House..paints a good picture....it is a pleasant read. I would highly recommend it. Having said that, I would like to see Ms Maxwell get into more detail of the life and times of the Bellevue Avenue residents. What was a typical day (and night) like back in those times. The story moved quickly and wasn't ladened down with sex and violence. I have already ordered her next book. You should too.

Another charming installment in this series set in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Emma continues to be a likeable heroine whose feisty nature rubs against the constraints of society's expectations. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series!

Definitely waiting for more books from this author