I was excited about the premise of this book, and it was fun to be immersed in the Gilded Age for a while. I had a couple of problems with the main character, though. First, despite appearances (and her half-brother Brady's past run ins with the law), when the murder occurred Emma was immediately convinced of Brady's innocence (but contemplated lying to the police to ensure they agreed thought he was innocent too?!?). At that point, the only evidence she had was their close familial connection. That connection did not seem to apply to her law-abiding cousins, however, as she quickly centered her suspicions on them. Second, despite the fact that one of the investigating officers (Jesse) was her friend and inclined to believe in Brady's innocence, Emma recklessly went about investigating on her own, even after she was almost killed for her efforts. As I'm assuming Brady won't be a suspect in the next book, I hope Emma will be able to show more common sense and restraint. ( )

Newport, Rhode Island - August, 1895

A murder occurs at a Ball given at The Breakers, the newly built summer cottage of Cornelius Vanderbilt and his wife, Alice. Their niece, Emmaline (Emma) Cross, was a firsthand witness to the demise of the deceased. When Emma’s mischievous brother Brady is accused of the murder she doesn’t believe it so she sets out to prove his innocence. During her own investigative efforts, which the police are none too thrilled about, Emma uncovers deceit, thievery, infidelity and less than admirable business dealings, all of which call various individuals’ reputations into question. There’s good reason why a few of the suspects might have wanted Mr. Goddard dead, but some things are not adding up. Meanwhile, Emma can’t stand to see her brother in jail looking so discouraged and defeated when she knows in her heart that Brady could never commit murder. Alas, blame is shifted to a different possible culprit, but will new details of a revealed secret lead Emma to the proper killer before someone silences her forever and Brady is put away for good?

Since I am familiar with the Vanderbilt family I wanted to read this book. George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House is America’s largest home and our family has visited the estate in Asheville, NC, several times over the years. It is an impressive sight.

The Breakers in Newport, RI, is the summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt ll. I enjoyed this murder mystery that took place in that home. Emma Cross, the amateur sleuth in this entertaining mystery, was not a rich member of the Vanderbilt family. I liked her independent nature and determined spirit. Also of note was the sweet relationship that existed between Emma and her older brother, Brady. Despite his reckless behavior at times resulting in unfavorable predicaments, Emma still loved him and tried everything within her power to help him be exonerated.

I figured out relatively early on who the murderer was but this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book. Even though I thought I knew who did it, I still didn’t know how or why. Emma’s pursuits brought me into contact with some very interesting characters including servants, as well as the upper crust of society. The red herrings had me second guessing myself, and thus this gilded age mystery gets a big nod of approval. There was even a little romance developing between two of the characters during the investigation. I liked that it was a mild addition to the storyline and didn’t compete with the central focus of the book, the murder mystery.

I was privileged both to read and to listen to Murder at the Breakers thanks to Kensington Books and Tantor Audio. I wish to thank both for the gifted copies. The audiobook narrator, Eva Kaminsky, did an AMAZING job at bringing this book to life. Excellent narration.

It is also my understanding that Hallmark Movies and Mysteries recently aired Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, in case you’d like to check that out. Great job, Alyssa Maxwell. ( )

What a delightful start to the Newport Mystery series this book was. Although, I have to confess, it was not my first foray into this series having started with the eleventh installment. I enjoyed reading that one so much that I had to go back to the beginning of the series and try and get caught up. I certainly was not disappointed.

This first book in series introduces us to Emmaline Cross, Emma to all her friends, who is a bright and fiercely independent female news reporter. She is a poor cousin to THE Vanderbilts, who make their summer home at the Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island - a sumptuous summer "cottage" - (rather like a grand palace). Emma's been invited up to the Breakers for her cousin Gertrude's coming out party and to see the newly rebuilt summer "cottage". The event is in full swing and Emma steps out onto the lawn for a breath of fresh air at perhaps not the most auspicious moment. She notices movement up on a balcony and suddenly a body is hurled over the railing and lands on the lawn. She runs into the party looking for help and then runs upstairs to make sense of the event. She encounters her half-brother Brady, knocked out cold. He is taken into custody upon discovery as all circumstantial evidence points his way. Emma knows that there is no way he could be a murderer and is committed to getting to the bottom of it.

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 portrayal. 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 Vanderbilts and yet is not a stranger to the working class. She manages well between both worlds and has heart for the working poor.

Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: March 25, 2014
ISBN: 978-0758290823
No. of pages: 304 ( )

If you're looking for a cozy turn of the century mystery with a hint of luxury and no real surprises, this is for you. I look forward to checking out more in the series.
Although it was incredibly easy to figure out who did the murder, I enjoyed the quick pace and the beautiful setting of this story.
Emma is a distant relative of the Vanderbilts, living just down the street from their insanely ostentatious mansion in Newport. When she becomes almost-witness to a suspicious death outside the mansion and her half-brother is arrested for it, she starts digging in, determined to prove him innocent. Along the way she revives a friendship with a childhood playmate, runs into a newspaper man who is probably more than he seems, and wrestles with the problem of whom to trust amongst her family and social circles. It's pretty predictable, but it's fun reading if you're in the mood. ( )

Emmaline (Emma or Em for short) Cross is the niece of Cornelius and Alice Vanderbilt. She attends a ball not only as family but as a society page reporter for the Newport "Observer." Emma would prefer to stay at home and work on writing her mystery novel, but due to a visit by her half-brother Stuart Braden Gale IV, he has implored Emma to help him at a specific time during the ball. If you watched "The Gilded Age" on television as I did, it will be even easier to enjoy creating the images as each page is turned and perhaps even assign some of the actors/actresses of the series to the characters in this historical mystery. Just as in the television series, it is clear that at the turn of the 19th century, there was still an emphasis on differences between upstairs and downstairs, and distinctions were made between the rich and poor relations. Thankfully, some didn't treat them differently.

I encourage everyone to take the time to read the Afterword to learn the key social event of the summer of 1895 that sparked the author's creativity to write this intriguing historical mystery.

I'm curious to read more of the series. ( )