Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 9/9/2016 + 707 more book reviews

Dollycas's Thoughts

Classic closed room/manor mystery! A group of "artists" descend to Rough Point for a retreat. Emma has been asked to cover the event and is invited to stay there too. When a deluge of rain starts falling and flooding the roads everyone is basically trapped within the grounds and mansion of Rough Point. First one man is found dead and then another and there is another attempt. Detective Jesse Whyte is on the case but Emma is the one living with a killer. The suspects are limited so she just needs to determine the guilty party before everyone is murdered.

Such a great story. The new characters are unique and talented in their own way. I like the way the author incorporates real people in her stories. That sometimes has me pondering, did this really happen? Thankfully an Afterword is included at the end of the story giving us details about Rough Point and the surrounding area and the inhabitants.

What really surprised me was that Emma's parents had returned from Paris and are among the group of artists. If you have read previous books in this series you know they have been gone for quite some time and Emma has become a strong independent woman. That is a little hard for her parents to understand. Some conflicts arise and I am thrilled that Emma was able to get some things off her chest.

The murder mystery was so well written. I had several different suspects at the top of my list as the story continued. One clue would have me eliminate one suspect and another put them right back on the list. Ms. Maxwell definitely keeps us readers on our toes.

I also enjoy the history she brings to her stories. Rough Point is one of mansions from the Gilded Age in Rhode Island that is now open as a museum. The home was designed by Emma's "Uncle Freddy". Emma is from the less wealthy side of the family tree but all hold her in high regard. It is out on a point so while the building withstood the weather the roads and the people didn't fair so well. Emma and others were often completely drenched. One time even inside when a pipe burst. The author's fabulous descriptive details puts the reader right into the scene.

I have loved each story in this series, going back in time to see how the elite and not so elite Rhode Island families spend their time. Of course, a murder or two, always captures my interest too.

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