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A Gilded Newport Mystery — by Alyssa Maxwell
Gilded Newport Series in Order: 14 books
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Murder at the Breakers
Book - 1
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' sum...
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Murder at Marble House
Book - 2
With the dawn of the twentieth century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin ...
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Murder at Beechwood
Book - 3
For Newport, Rhode Island's high society, the summer of 1896 brings lawn parties, sailboat races...and murder. Having turned down the proposal of Derrick Andrews, Emma Cross has no imminent plans for matrimony -- let alone motherhood. But when she...
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Murder at Rough Point
Book - 4
In glittering Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, status is everything. But despite being a poorer relation to the venerable Vanderbilts, Emma Cross has shaped her own identity -- as a reporter and a sleuth. Fancies and ...
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Murder at Chateau Sur Mer
Book - 5
In the late nineteenth century, Newport, Rhode Island, is home to some of America's wealthiest citizens. It's also the beat of society reporter Emma Cross, a less well-heeled cousin to the illustrious Vanderbilts, who occasionally moonlights in solvi...
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Murder at Ochre Court
Book - 6
In the summer of 1898, reporter Emma Cross investigates a shocking death among the bright lights of Newport's high society... After a disappointing year as a society columnist for the Herald and staying with her more well-heeled Vanderbilt relati...
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Murder at Crossways
Book - 7
In late August 1898, reporter Emma Cross attends the final fête of the Newport social season and discovers the party's over for a visiting prince . . . The days are getting shorter as summer's end approaches, which means it's time fo...
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Murder at Kingscote
Book - 8
In late nineteenth-century Newport, Rhode Island, journalist Emma Cross discovers the newest form of transportation has become the newest type of murder weapon . . . On a clear July day in 1899, the salty ocean breeze along Bellevue Avenue carrie...
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Murder at Wakehurst
Book - 9
For fans of HBO's The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America's 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries... For fans of Rhys Bowen comes the new mystery from acclaimed author Alyssa Maxwell, as she t...
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Murder at Beacon Rock
Book - 10
In June 1900, reporter Emma Cross discovers the body of a woman in the waters below the Morgans' mansion, which threatens to send members of Newport's high society floundering . . . As a reporter, Emma is used to covering Newport's social events. But...
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Murder at the Elms
Book - 11
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...
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Murder at Vinland
Book - 12
Reporter and sleuth Emma Cross Andrews must stop a bold poisoner who is targeting the society wives of the Four Hundred in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island . . . August 1901: A fundraiser for a new Rhode Island Audubon Society brings Emma to Vinland,...
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Murder at Arleigh
Book - 13
Reporter, sleuth, and new mother Emma Cross Andrews comes to the aid of a distraught wife who's convinced her husband is trying to kill her . . . April 1903: Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited to the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt an...
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Series Premise
The series centers on Emmaline "Emma" Cross, a young society reporter for the Newport Observer and a distant cousin of the powerful Vanderbilt family. In late-19th-century Newport—America's premier summer enclave for the ultra-wealthy "Four Hundred"—Emma covers social events, balls, and high-society happenings. However, murders frequently disrupt these glittering occasions, often at iconic mansions, and Emma's journalistic instincts, family connections, and sharp observations draw her into investigations. Each book features a standalone mystery tied to a specific Newport landmark: a poisoning at The Breakers, a disappearance amid Marble House's grandeur, a death during Beechwood's lawn parties, or scandals at Rough Point, Chateau-sur-Mer, Ochre Court, and others. Crimes typically involve motives like inheritance disputes, romantic betrayals, blackmail, business rivalries, or hidden scandals among the elite. Emma gets involved because victims or suspects are linked to her circle—sometimes her half-brother Brady is implicated, or her Vanderbilt relatives seek discretion to avoid scandal. Emma partners informally with Detective Jesse Whyte of the Newport police, sharing clues while navigating class barriers and societal expectations. Over the arc, her role evolves from reluctant amateur to respected sleuth, with personal growth including romance, family challenges, and advocacy for women's rights (e.g., suffrage influences). The premise highlights the contrast between surface opulence and underlying tensions—wealth masking greed, ambition, and moral ambiguity—while Emma uses logic, observation, and discreet inquiries to uncover truth.
Gilded Newport Series Characters
Emmaline "Emma" Cross is the intelligent, determined protagonist: mid-20s, independent-minded society reporter with Vanderbilt blood (distant cousin to Cornelius Vanderbilt II). Practical, observant, and progressive, she chafes against societal expectations for women while using her access to elite circles for sleuthing. Emma evolves from cautious observer to bold investigator, balancing career ambitions with personal relationships.
Detective Jesse Whyte is her key ally: a capable, open-minded Newport police detective who respects Emma's insights despite initial skepticism. Their professional partnership develops into mutual trust and subtle romantic tension.
Brady Cross is Emma's half-brother: charming but impulsive, often entangled in trouble that pulls Emma into cases.
Supporting figures include:
- Vanderbilt relatives (e.g., "Uncle" Cornelius, Alva Vanderbilt) and other historical/socialites—providing authenticity and cameos.
- Friends like Nanny O'Neal (Emma's Irish maid/confidante) or journalistic colleagues.
- Recurring suspects, victims, and high-society eccentrics—adding color and red herrings.
The ensemble captures the era's class dynamics: servants, tycoons, and emerging "new women" like Emma.
Setting of the Gilded Newport Series
The series is richly set in 1890s Newport, Rhode Island—the "summer capital" of America's Gilded Age elite. Opulent oceanfront "cottages" (massive mansions built by tycoons like the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Belmonts) serve as primary backdrops: The Breakers (Vanderbilt summer home), Marble House (Alva Vanderbilt's palace of marble), Beechwood (Astor residence), Rough Point, Chateau-sur-Mer, Ochre Court, Crossways, Kingscote, Wakehurst, Beacon Rock, The Elms, Vinland, and more.
These real historic sites come alive with lavish details: crystal chandeliers, grand ballrooms, sprawling lawns for tennis and croquet, private beaches, yacht races, and elaborate parties. The era's social whirl—cotillions, teas, debutante balls, and seasonal migrations—provides perfect venues for intrigue. Newport's mix of old-money restraint and new-wealth ostentation mirrors the stories' themes, while the seaside climate (foggy evenings, stormy nights) adds atmospheric tension. The setting feels authentic, drawing on Maxwell's personal ties to Newport for immersive, almost tour-like descriptions.
Tone & Themes of the Gilded Newport Series
The tone is elegant, engaging, and gently suspenseful—classic cozy with a historical polish. Maxwell maintains a light, optimistic feel: murders are intriguing puzzles rather than graphic horrors, with no excessive violence or darkness. Humor emerges from witty banter, eccentric socialites, Emma's wry observations about high society, and the occasional absurdity of Gilded Age excess. Suspense builds through red herrings, clever clues, and escalating stakes (e.g., threats to Emma or loved ones), but resolutions are satisfying and affirming—justice served, secrets revealed, and order restored. Romantic elements add warmth without dominating, and the series incorporates subtle social critique (class divides, women's limited roles) with an empowering feminist undercurrent. Readers describe it as "delightful," "immersive," and "sparkling"—comforting escapism wrapped in lavish period charm.
The A Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell shines as a sophisticated historical cozy, immersing readers in the dazzling yet deceptive world of Gilded Age Newport through Emma Cross's clever eyes. From the Vanderbilt-hosted intrigue of Murder at the Breakers to the latest mansion mysteries, the books deliver elegant plots, vivid settings, endearing characters, and a perfect blend of glamour and detection. With 14 entries and counting, it's a binge-worthy escape for historical mystery lovers, proving that even amid marble halls and champagne toasts, truth—and justice—will out. Whether savoring the opulence or rooting for Emma's triumphs, the series offers timeless charm wrapped in period splendor.
Books in this series fall into the following genres
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