Book: Murder at the Breakers

 

Author: Alyssa Maxwell

 

Genre: Fiction/Historical/Mystery

 

Summary: As the nineteenth century comes to a close, the illustrious Vanderbilt family dominates Newport, Rhode Island, high society. But when murder darkens a glittering affair at the Vanderbilt summer home, reporter Emma Cross learns that sometimes the actions of the cream of society can curdle one’s blood…

Newport, Rhode Island, August 1895: She may be a less well-heeled relation, but as second cousin to millionaire patriarch Cornelius Vanderbilt, twenty-one-year-old Emma Cross is on the guest list for a grand ball at the Breakers, the Vanderbilts’ summer home. She also has a job to do - report on the event for the society page of the Newport Observer. But Emma observes much more than glitz and gaiety when she witnesses a murder. The victim is Cornelius Vanderbilt’s financial secretary, who plunges off a balcony faster than falling stock prices. Emma’s black sheep brother Brady is found in Cornelius’s bedroom passed out next to a bottle of bourbon and stolen plans for a new railroad line. Brady has barely come to before the police have arrested him for the murder. But Emma is sure someone is trying to railroad her brother and resolves to find the real killer at any cost… - Kensington Books 2014

 

 

Good mysteries! LOVE the main character, Emma. VERY likable character. I love Emma's way of reasoning out the mystery! 

 

~JD

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I absolutely love this series! Emma Cross is a smart protagonist and I love following her through 1896 Rhode Island. She is a brave woman who sticks up for those in need. This time it is a baby left on her doorstep and she will not rest until she finds his mother, even when it puts her own life in danger.

Gull Manor has become a refuge over the years for prostitutes and abused women wanting a fresh start and Emma has vowed to keep up the tradition even though many do not approve. She never expected a newborn would find its way to her door, a newborn that steals the heart of everyone at Gull Manor. Nor did she realize the sweet child would be connected to such tragedy.

Alyssa Maxwell bases her story on actual families, like the Vanderbilts and the Astors and crafts a tale that will will enthrall you from the first page until the last. She takes us into the world of the elite 400. Their lives, their parties, their indiscretions and their drama. The characters are so well written, the plot is enticing and the setting is described wonderfully. The story is perfectly paced with generous detail.

Each new story in this series becomes my favorite as the author keeps topping herself.

This is definitely a cost mystery set in the late 1800's or early 1900's when people traveled by horse, carriage, ships or trains. I thoroughly enjoyed it. While I chuckled a few times (seems like the whole town was in the hospital at one time or another) I really did like it. I definitely did not see the ending coming either. There are too many suspects and then when you think you have it figured out, that person gets killed. Of course, Emma, the nosy, but helpful, newspaper reporter is usually around the trouble.

If your into cozies, this is a pretty good one.

Thank you Kensington Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this very entertaining book.