Step into the dazzling world of the Gilded Newport Mystery series, where glittering mansions hide dark secrets and a plucky reporter uncovers murder among America’s elite! Written by Alyssa Maxwell, this cozy historical mystery series transports readers to late 19th-century Newport, Rhode Island, during the Gilded Age. Follow Emma Cross, a spirited Vanderbilt cousin, as she navigates high society’s glamour and solves crimes that threaten its polished facade.
With its blend of meticulous historical detail, clever whodunits, and a touch of romance, Gilded Newport Mystery captures the allure of a bygone era. Each book unfolds in a real Newport mansion, offering a vivid backdrop to Emma’s adventures. Perfect for fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age or Rhys Bowen’s mysteries, this series is a delightful escape into intrigue and elegance.
How Gilded Newport Mystery Began
Alyssa Maxwell, a New England native with a passion for history and puzzles, crafted the Gilded Newport Mystery series to bring Newport’s opulent past to life. Inspired by her visits to the city’s grand mansions and her love for historical fiction, Maxwell introduced Emma Cross in 2014’s Murder at the Breakers. Her goal was to weave authentic Gilded Age settings with cozy mystery charm, creating a series that’s both educational and entertaining. Maxwell’s background in publishing and her fascination with Victorian-era social dynamics shaped Emma’s unique perspective as a sleuth straddling two worlds.
The Heart of Gilded Newport Mystery
The series kicks off with Murder at the Breakers (2014), where Emma, a reporter for the Newport Observer, attends a Vanderbilt ball and witnesses a murder. Convinced her brother is wrongly accused, she dives into the case, uncovering secrets among the elite. Murder at Marble House (2014) sees Emma tackling a scandal threatening the Vanderbilts, blending family drama with a missing person mystery. In Murder at Rough Point (2016), an artist’s death at a Vanderbilt retreat introduces notable figures like Edith Wharton, enriching the historical tapestry. Murder at Vinland (2024) finds Emma investigating a poisoning at a fundraiser, highlighting tensions among society’s ‘Four Hundred.’
Themes of class disparity, women’s independence, and societal change run deep, with Emma’s dual heritage—Vanderbilt lineage and local Newport roots—allowing her to navigate both worlds. Maxwell’s vivid descriptions of mansions like The Breakers and Chateau sur Mer immerse readers in the era’s extravagance, while her tightly plotted mysteries keep them guessing. The series’ cozy style, laced with romance and historical figures, makes it a standout in the genre.
Why Gilded Newport Mystery Resonates
Gilded Newport Mystery has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans and historical fiction lovers, praised for its rich settings and Emma’s relatable tenacity. The series’ adaptation into a 2024 Hallmark movie, Murder at the Breakers, brought its charm to new audiences, cementing its cultural footprint. Maxwell’s ability to blend real history with fictional intrigue offers a window into the Gilded Age’s excesses and inequalities, resonating with readers who crave both escapism and insight. With 13 books and counting, the series continues to captivate, proving the timeless appeal of a good mystery.
- Publication Years: 2014–2025
- Number of Books: 13 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Newport, Rhode Island, Gilded Age
- Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery
Grab Murder at the Breakers and dive into the Gilded Newport Mystery series’ world of elegance, intrigue, and clever sleuthing!