Murder at Arleigh - (Gilded Newport Mystery) by Alyssa Maxwell (Hardcover)

About the Book

"April 1903: Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited to the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are a popular young couple who are leasing the home for the summer--Harry and Elizabeth "Bessie" Lehr. Known for his practical jokes, Harry is the toast of parties, earning a reputation as the court jester of the Gilded Age. However, as Emma soon learns, behind closed doors he is dead serious. Following the wedding, Bessie comes to Emma for help, insisting that her husband is cruel to her in private, telling her outright he married her only for her money and finds her repulsive. Divorce is unthinkable. Now she believes he is plotting to murder her and make it look like an accident: a broken balcony railing she might have leaned on, a loose stair runner that could have sent her tumbling down a staircase, faulty brakes in the car she uses ... Some would say being trapped in a loveless marriage is a fate worse than death. Not Bessie--she wants to live! Unsure if these situations are mere coincidences or add up to premeditated sabotage, Emma agrees to investigate and determine if Newport's merry prankster is engaged in a cold-blooded game of life or death ..."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A dazzling wedding at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh, loses its shine when reporter, sleuth, and new mother Emma Cross Andrews is called to investigate the groom, an infamous Gilded Age prankster.

April 1903: Emma and Derrick Andrews have been invited to the wedding of her cousin Reggie Vanderbilt and heiress Cathleen Neilson at the Bellevue Mansion, Arleigh. Their hosts are a popular young couple who are leasing the home for the summer--Harry and Elizabeth "Bessie" Lehr. Known for his practical jokes, Harry is the toast of parties, earning a reputation as the court jester of the Gilded Age. However, as Emma soon learns, behind closed doors he is dead serious.

Following the wedding, Bessie comes to Emma for help, insisting that her husband is cruel to her in private, telling her outright he married her only for her money and finds her repulsive. Divorce is unthinkable. Now she believes he is plotting to murder her and make it look like an accident: a broken balcony railing she might have leaned on, a loose stair runner that could have sent her tumbling down a staircase, faulty brakes in the car she uses . . .

Some would say being trapped in a loveless marriage is a fate worse than death. Not Bessie--she wants to live! Unsure if these situations are mere coincidences or add up to premeditated sabotage, Emma agrees to investigate and determine if Newport's merry prankster is engaged in a cold-blooded game of life or death . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport Mystery Series

"Lifestyles of the wealthy combine with social commentary in a mystery set against the backdrop of Newport's grand estates." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Wakehurst

"This fantastic series continues with another installment, and plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings...[A] gripping and clever mystery about a sleuth who inhabits two worlds at once, and it will transport you to a time of luxury, greed, and the quest for power." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at Wakehurst

"Excellent... Maxwell combines convincing character development and vivid depictions of Newport's heyday with a well-plotted mystery. This historical series just keeps getting better." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for Murder at Kingscote

"In this delightful addition to the series, which would serve as a good introduction to newcomers, Maxwell's focus on class and gender division is sharp and accomplished. Come for the late 19th-century historical detail; stay for the intrigue." --Library Journal on Murder at Kingscote

"A charming addition to the Gilded Age series that's laced with social and historical commentary." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Kingscote

"Two shocking murders occur at Kingscote, amid many plot twists, fascinating historical details (a parade of flower-decked horseless carriages, a sterling silver box of chocolates, a boxing match), and a plentiful supply of adjectives, making this latest mystery in the series--based on historical, peculiar, but non-homicidal, events--as lightly entertaining as its gilded predecessors." --Historical Novel Society on Murder at Kingscote

"The sense of place and history is palpable and the inclusion of historical figures and the intricate crimes make this a very entertaining, worthwhile series." --The New York Public Library on the Gilded Newport Mystery series

"Numerous plot twists, a richly described 1898 setting, details of the lives and times of the rich, and a principled, smart main character who is making her own way in the world distinguish this entry in the series. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical mysteries with strong, ahead-of-their-times female characters." --Booklist on Murder at Crossways

"Alyssa Maxwell entertains readers once again...a light, summer-time read perfect for the beach." --Newport This Week on Murder at Crossways

"The setting and historical details are vibrant and colorful, especially real-life figure Mamie Fish--a grand dame inevery sense of the phrase--and the glittering fashions and homes of the Newport rich. The Harvest Festival itself is more than worth the price of admission." --Criminal Element on Murder at Crossways

"A sweet, delightful mystery, which is sure to appeal to historical-fiction and mystery readers alike." --Foreword Reviews on A Pinch of Poison

"The characters are fun, the dialogue is both charming and intelligent, but the scenery that makes up that extravagant time period in New England really is the gem in these glorious tales." --Suspense Magazine on Murder at Rough Point

"Several cuts above the usual feisty heroine tale; it provides a good picture of life among the privileged--and not-so-privileged--classes in Gilded Newport." --San Jose Mercury News on Murder at Beechwood

"It's such fun to get lost in another era...Plenty of twists to keep me guessing!" --First for Women on Murder at the Breakers

About the Author

Alyssa Maxwell is the acclaimed author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries and the Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series. She knew from a young age that she wanted to write novels. Growing up in New England and traveling to Great Britain fueled a passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to the mystery genre. She and her husband reside in Florida, where she loves to watch BBC productions, sip tea in the afternoons, and delve into the past. You can learn more about Alyssa and her books at AlyssaMaxwell.com.