A Gilded Grave - (Newport Gilded Age) by Shelley Freydont (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Step back into the past in the first Newport Gilded Age mystery--from the author of the Celebration Bay mysteries.

In 1895, the height of the Gilded Age, the social elite spend their summers in Newport, Rhode Island. Within the walls of their fabulous "cottages," competition for superiority is ruthless...and so are the players.

During her first Newport season, Deanna Randolph attends a ball given in honor of Lord David Manchester, a Barbadian sugar magnate, and his sister, Madeline. The Manchesters are an immediate success--along with their exotic manservant and his fortune-telling talents.

But on the nearby cliffs, a young maid lies dead--and suspicion falls on Joseph Ballard, a member of one of the town's most prestigious families.

Joe humiliated Deanna when he rebuffed an engagement to her, but while he may be a cad, she knows he isn't a killer. Now the reluctant allies must navigate a world of parties, tennis matches, and séances to find the real murderer. But a misstep among the glittering upper classes could leave them exposed to something far more dangerous than malicious gossip...

Review Quotes

Praise for A Gilded Grave

"Evoking the luxurious and extravagant world of the Gilded Age, Newport heiress and feisty amateur sleuth, Deanna Randolph, is a force to be reckoned with in this lively mystery."--Tessa Arlen, author of the Lady Montfort series

"Utterly captivating! Freydont skillfully combines the glittering excess of the Gilded Age and a believable upstairs-downstairs dynamic with a thrilling murder mystery. Readers will fall in love with this intrepid new sleuthing pair and the dashing young men they assist. A must read for fans of historical mystery."--Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

"A wealth of secrets lies beneath the surface as spunky heiress Deanna Randolph and her maid Elspeth navigate the glittering waters of Gilded Age Newport's high society while working to catch a murderer. Charming and colorful characters, a richly detailed setting, and a compelling mystery make A Gilded Grave a thoroughly captivating read."--Ashley Weaver, Edgar Award-nominated author of Murder at the Brightwell

"This well-crafted mystery is an absolute delight. Freydont has brought Gilded Age Newport to life with the skill of an historian and the insight of the keenest social observer. Deanna Randolph is my favorite new sleuth."--Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of The Counterfeit Heiress

"Richly atmospheric...Fans of romantic period pieces will find a lot to like."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Shelley Freydont is the author of several mystery series, including the Newport Gilded Age Mysteries, the Celebration Bay Mysteries, and the mysteries featuring Lindy Haggerty and Katie McDonald. As Shelley Noble, she is the New York Times bestselling author of several women's fiction novels. Her books have been translated into seven languages.