Murder at Rough Point

Gilded Newport Mysteries #4

by Alyssa Maxwell

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…

In glittering Newport, Rhode Island, 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.

As the nineteenth century draws to a close, Fancies and Fashion reporter Emma Cross is sent by the Newport Observer to cover an elite house party at Rough Point, a “cottage” owned by her distant cousin Frederick Vanderbilt that has been rented as an artist retreat. To her surprise, the illustrious guests include her estranged Bohemian parents—recently returned from Europe—as well as a variety of notable artists, including author Edith Wharton.

But when one of the artists is discovered dead at the bottom of a cliff, Rough Point becomes anything but a house of mirth. After a second murder, no one is above suspicion—including Emma’s parents. As Newport police detective Jesse Whyte searches for a killer, Emma tries to draw her own conclusions—with the help of Mrs. Wharton. But with so many sketchy suspects, she’ll need to canvas the crime scenes carefully, before the cunning culprit takes her out of the picture next . . .

Praise for Alyssa Maxwell and her Gilded Newport Mysteries

“Another entertaining entry in this cozy series.” —Library Journal on Murder at Beechwood

“Maxwell’s second entry has a credible mystery, solved by a female detective who’s likeable.” —Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Marble House

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Cozy

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2016

About the author

Alyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries, inspired by her husband’s family whose Newport origins date back numerous generations. The series features the glamour of the Gilded Age and a sleuth who is a Newporter born and raised, and also a less "well-heeled" cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Alyssa also writes A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mysteries, an English-set series that begins as WWI is ending. She and her husband live in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America and the South Florida Fiction Writers. You can visit her at http://alyssamaxwell.com, and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars for Murder at Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell.

This cosy murder mystery is set in Newport around a branch of the Vanderbilt family. I enjoy books set in this area and am a fan of the cosy, but this one seems to be lacking that certain something that keeps you engrossed. I found it quite easy to put this book down and be distracted by other more absorbing reads.

This is one of those rare reads that, to me, would make a better movie than it does a book.

Thank you to Kensington Publishers via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Murder at Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Marta · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10: 2.5⭐️’s rounded up to 3⭐️‘s.

‘You couldn’t have known. People like (leaving name out so I don’t spoil it for anyone) are filled with hatred, like an illness, but they’re also very clever at hiding their symptoms. Or perhaps it’s that the rest of us simply can’t imagine such evil in those we’ve come to trust. You certainly can’t blame yourself for the actions of a deluded, hate-filled individual.”

I am hoping this was the dud of the series because that means it’s over and done with. This group of artists of various forms was much too grumpy and moody for me. I am familiar with grumpy and moody. They didn’t call me Moody Marta for no reason! The people who called me that thought I was entertaining when I was grumpy. And even I have to admit, Moody Marta has a bit of a ring to it😂. So I went with it. But these people, yowza. They full on yelled at each other and were so unkind to eachother, yet they were friends🤷‍♀️. Didn’t seem like they liked each other all that much.

I am not quite sure how I feel about Emma’s parents. Seems that she feels that way too throughout most of the book.

And gosh darn it, the Jesse and Derrick situation….I need to know. Poor Jesse is breaking my heart. Derrick wasn’t actually present in this book, but he was definitely a presence in the book.

“I understand it’s Derrick Andrews you would most want here with you. If I could bring him here for you I would, but that’s impossible. I can at least keep you safe, if you’ll let me.” Jesse

Wasn’t my favorite in the series, but that usually happens in a series at some point, for me anyways. And with authors in general. A dud here and there. This was just a bit draggy and it kind of took awhile for someone to be murdered. I did get more into it towards the end.

Rating and thoughts posted: 11/12/25

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

September 1896- As the social season is coming to a close, Emma is excited at being requested to report on a Bohemian artists' retreat at her Uncle Frederick Vanderbilt's home, Rough Point. Emma is excited to test her journalistic skills and be recognized for her accomplishments but fears her well-meaning family made the request. She is surprised, and not all together pleased, to discover the request came from the former Edith Jones, now Mrs. Edward Wharton (not yet the famous novelist), the artist who inspired her parents to move to Paris, abandoning Emma to the sole care of Nanny. Emma is uneasy when she discovers undercurrents between many of the artists, including her own parents, who have come to surprise her. Everyone seems to be hiding something and no one seems happy. Emma is pleased when she is able to inspire wealthy patron Sir Randall Clifford, a sculptor who may buy Rough Point. Emma is shocked and saddened when Sir Randall never returns from a walk on the cliffs. Did he slip or was he pushed? Jesse Whyte isn't sure and he wants Emma's eyes and ears when she can observe for him. As a nor-easter rages outside, the guests are trapped inside with a murderer who is determined to see them all dead. Emma must enlist the aid of the one who knows the artists the best, even if it means facing her childhood nemesis, Mrs. Wharton.

I didn't find this story as engaging as the previous novels in the series. As a near-native of Rhode Island, the charm in the stories is watching Emma move around Newport and interact with the famous socialites of the day. I've been to The Breakers, Marble House and Beechwood (many many times) but never to Rough Point, where all of the action in this story takes place. Rough Point is currently decorated as the home of 20th century heiress Doris Duke. I'm more into the 19th century and the house no longer resembles the scene of the novel so I can not use this novel as a guidebook to 19th century Newport. All of the action takes place at a Rough Point that no longer exists.

Doris Duke's Rough Point- image from Newport Restoration Foundation

However, apparently there is still a kitchen garden, where a key scene takes place.

Doris Duke's Rough Point- image from Newport Restoration Foundation

The plot borrows from Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (or so my mom told me when we JUST watched Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries with the same exact plot). This is not my favorite murder mystery convention. I'm squeamish and I prefer it when one singularly nasty person is murdered! I also felt the classic "dark and stormy night" plot was too much of a cliche, though it was a New England nor'easter instead of a snowstorm. The same plot was used nicely in Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas and The Twelve Clues of Christmas. I probably would have liked this one more too if I wasn't a local. I figured who who the murderer was pretty early on but I wasn't sure because I just didn't see a motive for killing everyone. I had to keep reading very very late into the night/early morning to see who actually did it and why. I wasn't surprised at who but why was a bit of a surprise.

None of the artists are likable except Edith Wharton. Like Emma, I discovered things about each character that didn't appeal to her or me. I also picked up on possible undercurrents between two characters that were never fully addressed, perhaps because the story is told by Emma and she's an innocent maiden. Her parents have faults, mainly they're selfish, but they do love her as much as they can. I am not prejudiced against Edith Wharton the way Emma is, so I quite liked her. She proves to be the kind of friend Emma needs- one who can encourage her and help her on her literary path. I only really know Edith Wharton from her novels so I was excited to meet her early in her career in this novel. Her relationship with her husband was difficult but she sometimes made it worse with her own temper. They were a mismatched pair. Sir Randall seemed nice when he was with Emma but when things about him became known, he became more complicated. I think he was fundamentally a good person but made some mistakes that cost him dearly.

My favorite secondary character is Patch, Emma's spaniel mix. He plays a large role in the story. I'm a sucker for a good dog story, especially when the dog in the mystery is actually involved in the plot rather than a mere accessory. I can't wait to read more about Patch and Emma teaming up to solve mysteries.

Emma's character development was pretty good but without Derrick, the love triangle didn't work. Emma's sudden realization felt forced to me, to add an element of romance to the story. Emma's character is developing nicely. I really like her independence. She's still limited a bit by her relationship to the Vanderbilts and by gender norms, but with role models like Aunt Sadie and Edith Wharton, she is fast becoming a modern woman. She still has decisions to make and things to realize about what she wants out of life. I look forward to seeing her grow more.

This one is for hard core murder mystery fans, those who have walked past Rough Point and others who enjoy a classic murder mystery.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent cozy mystery if you're in the mood for the genre. A mansion cut off from civilization by a storm... a retreat for a group of artists and performers who are sort of friends and sort of enemies... slight vibes of And Then There Were None (but this is not that story).

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ellen Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Emma Cross, the protagonist, is smart and forward-thinking. Maxwell does a marvelous job of incorporating fictional and real-life Gilded Age citizens into fascinating mysteries set in real-life gorgeous Guilded Age estates. Each book is engrossing and I can't wait to find out which handsome beau Emma winds up with, although what I love about her is that she won't give up her passion for reporting for any man.

As an author, I try to read as many mysteries by my fellow mystery authors to support them. In this case, I've gotten so hooked on the series that I've become a total fan girl!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reporter Emmaline Cross has been sent to Rough Point, her Cousin Frederick Vanderbilt's summer cottage, to write a story about people who have rented the cottage. A group of artists, writers, and musicians are now in residence, including writer Edith Wharton. Emmaline is shocked to find that her parents are also part of the group, having returned from Paris without informing her or her brother. As Emma observes the group, she finds that some of their relationships are very volatile. When one man is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs, the police are not sure if he slipped or jumped. But another body found the next day makes it likely that they have a murderer in their midst.

This story is set in 1896 Newport, Rhode Island, where the rich and famous have their summer homes. Emma, the group of artists, and a small staff are stuck at Rough Point during a huge storm that is battering the coast. The roads are washed out and the new telephone system isn't working. Everyone is a suspect, including Emma's parents.

I like how the author incorporates real Newport socialites into her stories. Edith Wharton helps Emma gather evidence to help the police find the killer. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars. This cozy mystery series takes place in the late 1890s and showcases one of the great 'cottages' of Newport, Rhode Island in each. In this fourth book in the series, the house featured is Rough Point, owned by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt.

Aspiring journalist, Emmaline Cross, a poor relative of the Vanderbilts, has been invited to write a feature article about a gathering of artists at Rough Point, including the author Edith Wharton. The Vanderbilts have been gracious enough to lease their home to the group in the hopes of finding a buyer for Rough Point.

The artists, including an opera singer, a Russian ballet dancer, a sculptor, a cellist, among others, are a rather cantankerous bunch. How could such mismatched characters be friends? As storms hit the island isolating the guests in the house, people begin dying one by one. Is the murderer one of the friends? Emma investigates.

Emma is a darling character, very independent of spirit. She is torn between two loves but wisely is in no hurry to make a decision. Although this is my first venture into the series, I look forward to reading more; I adore exploring the great cottages of Newport!

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this new cozy mystery!

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Gilded Newport series! In this installment, Emma gets a writing assignment covering an artist retreat at an uncle’s estate. She’s surprised by her objectively terrible parents and their self-absorbed friends once she arrives. As members of the group start dying, Emma and Jesse try to track down the murderer, often working apart because rainstorms have cut the area off from downtown.

I really wanted a big confrontation between Emma and her parents. At one point, they are thinking of sneaking away from the estate because of the murders and Emma never calls them on the fact that their plan would leave their daughter behind with the murderer.

The conclusion is great; with a nice action scene.

Emma’s relationship with Jesse continues to develop, but her feelings for Derrick are clear. I can’t wait to see where the next books takes this little love triangle.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guilt ridden reporter is sent to cover a soiree owned by her cousin, a Vanderbilt. Her Bohemian parents show up, somebody is murdered, and she gets Edith Wharton's help solving the crime.

If you're into the progressive scene of 1900, this might be for you.

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at Rough Point

Murder at Rough Point is the fourth by Alyssa Maxwell in the Gilded Newport mystery series. The setting is the star of this novel as evidenced by the series title. Newport and its numerous “cottages” contain a glimpse into a glamorous era of long ago. Emma Cross, a distant relation to the wealthier Vanderbilt families, lives in Newport reporting for the local newspaper and striving to be a journalist like her idol, Nellie Bly. When a group of artists which includes her parents, rent Frederick Vanderbilt’s estate in Newport named Rough Point, Emma is asked to come and stay with the group and report on their artistic endeavors for the local paper. A murder ensues, and Emma works with the local police to try and solve the killing as further murders continue happening. I loved Emma’s character and the rest of the cast is well-written too. The addition of Edith Wharton was very entertaining and added to the plot.

I was fascinated by the details of both Rough Point and the surrounding landscape. The author describes both the house and the harsh landscape so convincingly I felt that I was there. In the Afterword, Maxwell includes various details about the “cottage” including that Rough Point was the largest of the Newport homes when it was built, and is credited with beginning the rush to build larger and more ornate vacation homes in Newport. Amazingly, the Vanderbilts tired of the home soon after they built it and began renting it out and eventually sold it. In the 1920’s Doris Duke purchased it and lived there until 1993 making Rough Point the longest inhabited of the original Newport mansions.

I had not read the first three and while I am sure I missed a little background on the main character Emma Cross, that did not keep me from enjoying this installment in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, simply because I thought the murderer was fairly obvious in this one. It was still interesting to see everything come together though. Emma’s puppy sounds so cute and gets into so much trouble!!! I love books that have dogs in them, and I enjoyed reading about Patch’s antics. I also enjoyed that there was no romance in this one. I’m just not a fan of the guy she likes, and he wasn’t in this one.

I also loved Edith Wharton as a secondary character, and I liked seeing she and her husband interact. They did not have a happy marriage and ended up divorcing, and in this book, their marriage is clearly on the rocks. She was a really good friend to Emma too, and I’m hoping she will be in the other books. I’m a sucker for books that fictionalize real people, and I liked this author’s interpretation of her.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questa serie si sta rivelando davvero avvincente. In questo caso il colpevole è stato una sorpresa (anche se per un attimo lo avevo sospettato, ma l'ho subito scartato perché non capivo quale potesse essere il suo movente), mentre la persona che viene arrestata sembrava avere tutti i requisiti per essere l'assassino. Ed era anche francamente odiosa... Mi ha conquistato il cane della protagonista; invece non mi ha del tutto convinto il fatto che siamo ritornati alla possibilità che debba scegliere fra due spasimanti (mi sembrava che nei libri precedenti avesse fatto una scelta, alla fine).

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery reminded me a little of another Netgalley book I read not too long ago: at a large (i.e. rich person's) house, a contained group of people gathered for a specific purpose find themselves being picked off one by one by an unknown subject. However, while I hated that one, this, by an author I've read before and enjoyed, was more to my taste. I like the heroine, journalist Emmaline Cross, trying to make her way in the male-more-than-dominated world of the late 1890's.

It's interesting for Mrs. Edward Wharton – Edith Wharton – to be an active character in this story. I knew nothing about her, and have read only Age of Innocence, so I had no idea where the author would take it. It's somewhere between fun and annoying that Emmie turns to Mrs. Wharton as a confidant – she is obviously the one certainly safe character in the cast, given her historical reality.

Joining Mrs. Wharton for an get-together at the mansion at Rough Point are a collection of artists of all flavors, including, to Emmaline's great surprise, her parents. I like the rocky relationship there … although I have to say it's not an original thing, this carelessness of the artsy parents leading to both resentment and love in the daughter.

There is also a creature called Josephine Marcus, who is well built as a hideous creature I hoped would die. She uses a Capodimente vase as an ashtray. I would have bashed her one myself for that – and it was nice that first-person narrator Emmie feels the same way. And if I didn't already hate her guts for carelessly defacing artwork, there was her attitude toward animals in general, pets in particular, and Emmie's dog in specificity. "Barns and the wilderness are for animals. That and coat collars." Die. In a fire.

I enjoyed the writing, and Emmie's voice. "Something happened then. I couldn’t quite identify it, but a look slithered its way around the table: the flicker of an eye, a twitch of the mouth, the compression of Mother’s lips. The emotion, whatever it was, touched all but the Whartons, who continued their meal without the slightest pause. Then, with a collective clattering of flatware, the others resumed eating." – That's nice, isn't it? Well done.

The artistic personalities of all of the guests, with all of the baggage brought with them, make it interesting when one of these guests dies. It's odd – despite evidence, the narrator talks about the man having taken his own life; she never seems to question suicide. It's funny that the servants are sort of brushed aside – they're neither possible victims (who would bother?) nor possible suspects.

I do wish the author would use "literally" correctly, however ("my heart had literally thrust up into my throat"). I will hope that the difference between "lay" and "lie" was ironed out before publication.

And, sadly, there is this: "There is little kindness or gallantry in the art world, Miss Cross, as I am certain you are aware." The more I read about it, the more true that seems to be.

Perhaps the thing that surprised me the most was a note in the author's afterword, admitting to adding "a couple more bedrooms" to Rough Point than existed in the period. That seemed bizarre for a mansion; I tend to picture spare bedrooms galore, yet there was not enough proper room for all of the guests as it was, even with fictionally added bedrooms. Odd.

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It wasn't the best book ever – but it was very enjoyable. I look forward to the rest of the series.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.

[Janifowose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this series but this book was by far the most disappointing. There was no action, just a rushed plot at the end of the book. Most of the content seemed to keep repeating itself in each chapter. The only element of surprise is who Emma might choose to marry which the book leaves as a cliff hanger for the next book.

[Kate Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm continuing to really enjoy this series and Wharton was a fun addition to this one! I read much of it on vacation in Newport, which was PERFECT.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newport, Rhode Island - 1896

Emmaline Cross lives at Gull Manor with her housekeeper who used to be her nanny, and Katie, her housemaid. Gull Manor is a large home that had once belonged to her great aunt. Emmaline works as a journalist at the Newport Observer newspaper and is off to her uncle’s home to learn about a new assignment.

Newport used to be a bustling place which has quieted in the last number of years. However, there appears to be new interest in the town.

Emmaline’s uncle is Cornelius Vanderbilt and his brother, Frederick, owns the estate called Rough Point, which judging by its appearance is aptly named. Its dark wood and marble give off a gothic atmosphere. Other properties in town owned by various Vanderbilt relatives are Marble House and The Breakers. Emmaline’s uncle, Frederick, and his wife, Louise, are renting Rough Point and the tenants have asked that Emmaline stay with them full time rather than visit each day and to help with things There will be a group of artists staying there and Emmaline will be overseeing the tenants who are reportedly wealthy people.

One of the tenants is Mrs. Edward Wharton whom Emmaline had met when she was a child. Mrs. Wharton has asked Emmaline to look over some of her writing. Other guests are opera singer, Josephine Marcus, Vasili, a ballet dancer, Niccolo, who plays the cello, Monsieur Claude Baptise, a stage director, and Sir Randall Clifford who is interested in buying Rough Point. As Emmaline settles in, she is shocked to find her parents are part of the artist group staying at Rough Point. She has not seen them in four years when they moved to Paris for her father to pursue his artistic talents.

When a late summer storm keeps them captive inside the large and dark home and death occurs, the group is unsure if it was murder or suicide. But no one trusts the other and tension builds.

I have enjoyed the author’s other books, however, this one started off too slowly for me and took quite awhile until the pace finally started to pick up. However, I know that other readers will love this and the author’s other books.

Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Pat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Newport, and I love Gilded Age settings. I'm not so much a mystery fan, but enjoy some on occasion. This book, however, was mediocre. Set in the classic "and then there were none" trope, a group of "artists," including Edith Wharton and her husband, gather at a Newport " cottage" in 1896, and one after another meets with murder most foul. A storm comes up, and they are all trapped. Who among The group is The murderer? Who will be The next to die? What is the motive? Is the killer Colonel Mustard in the library with a lead pipe, or Miss Scarlet in the billiard room with the knife? Who cares! There's more suspense in a game of Clue!

The characters are a mix of actual historical figures and fictional ones, which seemed an interesting take, but wasn't well executed. (And I LOVE Edith Wharton, too! Her character here: not so much. Emma, The main character and narrator, seems to be a modern woman arbitrarily plunked into the 19th century setting, and also was one-dimensional and not too interesting.The others were caricatures: a fiery opera singer past her prime, a bitter dancer who could no longer dance, the poor and tortured cellist, the bohemian painter, etc. Booorrring.

The story was none too compelling, either; I didn't much care who would be the next one killed, or who was the murderer. And I became totally exasperated by Emma's obsessive repetition over each character, clue, and possible motive. He had wet grass on his shoes - in the drawing room! Whose cigarette butt could it be? How was it that the bathroom floor could be so wet? I had little desire to finish this one, and put it down for days at a time. But I did finish it, just because I'm like that. For some bizarre reason, a book has to be truly abominable for me to abandon it partway through - I keep hoping it will get better, especially if there are good reviews. This novel wasn't abominable, but it really wasn't very good either. Don't bother: life is short, and there are lots of better novels out there. My favorite character was Patch the dog.

[Jody McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*

This is the 4th installment of the Gilded Newport Mysteries. They take place in the 1890s and feature Miss Emma Cross, an independent female who works as a journalist in Newport. She is asked to write an article about an authors retreat that is to take place at Rough Point, the "cottage" of here uncle Frederick Vanderbilt. When the guest start dying, Emma, along with Officer Jesse White and a little help from the famous Edith Wharton, must figure out who the murderer is before they all end up dead.

I have to admit right off that I have not read the first three installments of this series. Therefore, I might be missing some of the backstory and such, but I don't think any of that really detracted from this book as a stand alone novel. The characters seemed very well-rounded, and Emma was bright and independent, but not so much that it would make her an outcast in the 1890s. I did get a little frustrated at her hesitation to snoop and incompetence at eavesdropping. I know it isn't polite behavior, but she is a reporter and sleuth for crying out loud.

The mystery was really good, and I did not solve it until the end. I am not sure though that the reader was really given the clues to do so. Maybe a slight hint or two, but they were so vague that you would have to read into them after the unveiling of the criminal. I liked the "stuck in the house" mystery. It reminded me of the great Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.

I think for me the hardest parts to get through was the scene explanations. She would describe the rooms and the furniture and the wallpaper, but I still have no clear picture in my head of the layout of the house. She tried to explain that, but I couldn't grasp it. It could just be me though. I never was good with measurements and such.

If you like historical mysteries and a nice cozy read, I suggest you pick up this series. It was quite enjoyable.

[Carol Crigger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emmaline Cross, a poor relation of the Vanderbilts (yes, those Vanderbilts), is working hard to promote her reputation as a journalist. She believes she’s been selected to report to her newspaper on houseguests at Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt’s summer house on the ocean shore due to her fine writing, although it turns out it may be due to her family connections. The guests include a Russian ballet dancer who no longer dances because of an accident; an opera singer whose voice is fading; Edith Wharton, before she becomes a famous writer; a cello player on demand throughout the world; and an artist accused of copying the great painters and selling the paintings as originals. And lastly, Emmaline’s parents, whom she hasn’t seen in years, show up as well, a complete surprise and not necessarily a pleasant one. Taking care of all these demanding guests is a cook, a footman, a serving girl, and Mr. Dunn, the estate manager.

So, we have a typical house party composed of societal misfits. And then the murders begin, and Emma is bound to find the killer before they all end up dead.

This is an American version of an Agatha Christie country house murder mystery. While well-written, with the era (1896) being my personal favorite for historical mysteries, the story never quite resonated with me. I didn’t find the characters’s personalities compatible, I suppose. I did like Emmaline investigating throughout the background a storm. I liked the setting. I liked the dog, Patch. Well, who wouldn’t?

As to the murderer? Well, it could be almost anyone in the house. Everyone seems to have a motive of sorts, even if it doesn’t strike this reader as strong enough to promote killing over it. But then, one does have to be mad to commit murder, right?

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the Guilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell and Murder at Rough Point is NO exception !! Maxwell has such a way in taking you back to the end of the 19th century and making you feel like you are actually there !!

Emma Cross is asked to attend a gathering of artists at her cousin's Newport home that he has rented out. She is asked to stay on with the other guests and interview the artists for an article for the paper. Unknowingly to Emma, however, is that her parents are in attendance as well. Emma has not seen her parents in four years, ever since they left Newport for Paris so that her father could pursue his painting.

As Emma becomes re-acquainted with her parents it becomes clear that her parents are holding back and keeping secrets. As she trys to unravel that mystery one of the houseguest goes missing and is found at the bottom of the cliffs in the water. Did he jump ? Was he pushed ?

While Emma and Detective Jesse Whyte begin to investigate another member of the group is found dead in his bathtub. Was it an accident or is someone killing members of the group ? And why ??

The assortment of artists as well as the limited service staff on hand are an interesting bunch of characters. As you read and get to know them, you will find yourself liking them and wondering who, if any, could hvae done these horrific acts and why ??

The ending is a complete shocker that you will NOT see coming but it will all make sense in the end......

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport series won't be disappointed by the latest installment. I have been reading this series since her first book, Murder at the Breakers. Although I have enjoyed all the books in the series (Murder at Marble House and Murder at Beechwood), each of the books is a stand alone that would be a fun read by itself.

The lead character, Emma Cross, is a fun character to follow. She's an independent woman living in the gilded age who writes for the local paper and is distantly related to the Vanderbilt family. In this book, she is invited to a house party with a number of prominent artists which turns out to be a mystery for Emma to solve as guests begin turning up dead in quick succession.

One of my favorite parts of this series is that I can rarely guess who the culprit is until the very end of the book. I find that it's easy to guess who the villain is in many books, and this series has continued to keep me guessing until the end.

I also really enjoyed the character of Emma Cross. I confess I have a fondness for a strong, independent female lead character and this book doesn't disappoint. Readers who enjoyed the Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd or the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen will enjoy this book and series as well.

Final note: I could see this being the perfect book to curl up with this fall with a hot apple cider and roaring fire. It's an engaging historical mystery that will keep your interest to the very end.

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1896, and journalist Emmaline Cross is thrilled to have been invited to cover a group of artists who have created a retreat at Newport, Rhode Island in Murder at Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell. Newport used to be an artists' center but the artists were driven out by the rich crowd like the Vanderbilts that Emma is related to, so it is special to longtime residents like Emma to see artists return. The group of artists come from very disparate media, including the writer Edith Wharton (whose family, the Jones, inspired the saying, "Keeping up with the Joneses"), a former ballet dancer whose injury turned him into a choreographer, a famous cellist, an opera singer, a musical director, and sculptor Sir Randall Clifford who is interested in purchasing the home, owned by Emma's Uncle Frederick Vanderbilt. But the greatest surprise for Emma is the appearance of her parents, who have never come to see her in the four years that they have lived in France doing painting, even when her half-brother was arrested for murder. Thus Emma holds some resentments towards her parents, especially since they seem to be hiding something from her and give hints that their visit is something more than just an art retreat or a visit to their daughter.

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[Brenna Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth installment of the Gilded Newport Mysteries took me much longer than the others to get into. I wasn't invested until about halfway through when things started to pick up. The larger cast of characters, the group of artists staying at Rough Point, were less interesting to me than Emma's Vanderbilt relatives - all a bit stereotypical, falling into tropes of their professions. It felt like there were just too many people involved at first - but things did take a more exciting turn as I read on.

I'll admit I wasn't thrilled with the reveal of the actual murderer. None of the suspects were the predictable answer in my opinion, but the truth seemed much more farfetched than some of the other possibilities. I still enjoyed - Emma is a great main character and I'm interested to see how her character will continue to grow.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of Murder at Rough Point from Kensington Publishing Corporation in exchange for a fair review of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at Rough Point, the fourth in the Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell. An intrepid, strong-willed, less-than-wealthy cousin of the Vanderbilt family, Emma Cross finds herself assigned to cover an artists' retreat at Rough Point for her column in the local newspaper. An interesting group of people begin to arrive, including her estranged parents and the author Edith Wharton. Other prominent and aspiring artists complete the group at the "cottage" owned by cousin Frederick Vanderbilt.

Her plate is soon full with dead bodies, red herrings, and enough rain to keep everyone off the roads, including the killer(s?) and Detective Jesse Whyte. Emma serves as the eyes and ears of Whyte when he cannot get to the house. She also enlists the help of Edith Wharton, and the two piece together the puzzle while deepening their own relationship. I truly loved their exchanges, and hope that she might join in another adventure with Emma sometime in the future.

Alyssa Maxwell's detailed descriptions of Rough Point and the surrounding area show her clear mastery of the subject of turn-of-the-century Newport. Her extensive research shares a glimpse of the opulent world of the Vanderbilt family and other members of The Four Hundred. The Gilded Newport Mysteries are a truly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon reading. I have read and loved the entire series!

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was mostly bored with this book which made me realize that this, the late 1800s, is not my favorite time period. I am also bored with the idle American rich. I did appreciate the real character of Edith Wharton. I looked up information about Wharton to understand her place in this book and found that the author was both accurate and creative. It was the best part of the book. Our heroine, reporter Emma Cross, has been asked to report on an artists retreat. To Emma's shock her parents arrive unexpectedly. Unfortunately, things take a negative turn almost immediately. This group of artists, sculptors, musicians, singers, writers, etc, are all friends. But you would never know it from the way they were treating each other. However, it was still a shock when one of them ends up dead. Worse when Emma's father is implicated. Things go down hill from there. I just didn't like the characters besides Emma and Edith Wharton. Everyone was mean and petty or irresponsible. However, Emma is a good heroine. She defies as many conventions as she possibly can and knows that despite being a woman, there is nothing she can't do. If you are looking for strong historical female sleuths, you might want to check out this series.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is quite enjoyable. The details of life during the Gilded age and the families who enjoyed it are interesting to read. The mysteries capture my interest and the main character, Emma Cross is quite credible as a savvy detective and a strong principled young woman.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous stories. I hope the next one is better.

[Jennifer April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and fun but a little ridiculous and dramatic (in a surprisingly fun way).

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series about late 19th century Rhode Island. It started with #5 Murder at Chateau sur mer and have been captivated ever since.