Jan N. (jani8) reviewed on 10/11/2016 + 84 more book reviews

The books by Alyssa Maxwell keep getting better and better each time she writes them! These books are set in the "gilded age" in Newport, RI, where the Vanderbilts have their "cottages". I've toured 2 of them and their term cottage isn't exactly mine. These homes are massive and opulently decorated, each society matron trying to outdo the others. What's interesting (or decadent) is that they usually spent only 2 months in the summer in them. Emma is a relative of the Vanderbilts on her mother's side, but without the money or the rigid society life. She is a journalist, where her editor only hires her as a society columnist. She has had some excellent articles regarding murder in the higher ranks of society (which she had firsthand knowledge of them, being instrumental in solving of each case). This time she is staying at the home, Rough Point, of one of her cousins to live with a group of artists for 2 weeks. She was specifically by one of the guests. She is to write of the return of the artists to Newport. She is stunned to find out her parents are in this group. Edith Wharton is also a guest. That gives the story an added kick as Emma remembers meeting Mrs. Wharton when she was a little girl, who couldn't get her Mother to pay attention to her while Mrs. Wharton was there. She has resented her ever since, but now discovers that she really likes and admires her. Then an accident happens or was it murder? Another body is discovered and this one is murder. They become cut off from the rest of the world by a massive storm and start to suspect each other as being the murderer. Paranoia abounds.
This novel is interesting on many levels. The one that involved Emma's relationship with her parents gives us some deeper knowledge of her personality. She is a very strong woman and I like that about her. We also learn more about her relationship with Jesse Whyte, the Police Detective. He is 10 years older than she is and has been a family friend for a very long time. She has definite feelings for him, but are they love?

This is an intriguing series with a remarkable heroine. Ms. Maxwell writes her so well, that you feel you have a friend named Emma! The plot was excellent and kept me guessing up until very close to the end. She has also written another series, Lady and Lady's Maid, set in England post WWI. They are told alternately from the viewpoints of one young lady and her maid. I highly recommend that series as well.

All in all, a fascinating book!

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