The Recommended Reading Order for Gilded Newport Mysteries
Written by Alyssa Maxwell, the Gilded Newport Mystery series is a cozy historical mystery saga that follows Emma Cross, a Vanderbilt cousin who works as a society reporter (and later newspaper owner) in Newport, Rhode Island. The series is written in a linear chronological fashion, meaning the publication order and the chronological order are identical. To appreciate the character growth, recurring subplots, and developing relationships, readers should follow the books in the order they were published.
Gilded Newport Mystery Books in Order
Each book in the series takes place in a real, historically significant Newport mansion, serving as both the setting and the title. Below is the complete order of the books:
- Murder at the Breakers (2014) - Set in August 1895. Emma investigates a murder at the grand Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers, after her brother is accused of the crime.
- Murder at Marble House (2014) - Emma is hired by her cousin Alva Vanderbilt to investigate a suspicious death at the Marble House.
- Murder at Beechwood (2015) - A murder takes place during a summer party hosted by Mrs. Astor at Beechwood.
- Murder at Rough Point (2016) - Emma is caught up in an investigation when a body washes ashore near the Vanderbilts' Rough Point estate.
- Murder at Chateau sur Mer (2017) - Set during a spring blizzard at the Wetmore family mansion, Chateau sur Mer.
- Murder at Ochre Court (2018) - A murder investigation unfolds at Ochre Court during a charity ball.
- Murder at Crossways (2019) - Emma helps the eccentric Mamie Fish investigate a blackmailer at Crossways.
- Murder at Kingscote (2020) - An investigation at the Gothic Revival cottage Kingscote during the Newport horse show.
- Murder at Wakehurst (2021) - Emma investigates the suspicious death of a prominent guest at the English-style manor, Wakehurst.
- Murder at Beacon Rock (2022) - Set at the harbor-front mansion Beacon Rock, where Emma must solve a murder involving a wealthy yachtsman.
- Murder at the Elms (2023) - Emma uncovers a deadly plot involving the newly constructed neoclassical mansion, The Elms.
- Murder at Vinland (2024) - Emma investigates a poisoning during a charity fundraiser at Vinland.
- Murder at Arleigh (2025) - Set in April 1903 during Reggie Vanderbilt's wedding festivities at the Arleigh estate.
- Murder at Rosecliff (2026) - Set in August 1903 during Tessie Oelrichs's spectacular White Ball at Rosecliff.
What to Know Before You Start
Unlike some cozy mystery series that can be read in any random order, the personal life of Emma Cross undergoes significant changes throughout the books. She begins as a struggling society reporter for the local Newport Observer, but over time, her career progresses, she takes on greater responsibilities at the newspaper, and her relationship with Derrick Andrews develops from professional friction into deep romance, culminating in their marriage.
The series is highly regarded for its rich historical detail, blending real figures of the era (such as Alva Vanderbilt, Edith Wharton, Mrs. Caroline Astor, and Harry Lehr) with fictional characters. The novels span from 1895 to 1903, capturing the transition from the late Victorian era to the Edwardian age and the shifting social dynamics of the upper class.
Hallmark TV Adaptation
In February 2024, Hallmark Mystery premiered Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, a television movie adaptation based on the first novel in the series. The film marked Hallmark's first historical mystery production and starred Ali Skovbye as Emma Cross, Danny Griffin as Detective Jesse Whyte, and Nathan Witte as Derrick Andrews. While the film features a few minor adaptations to the source material and was filmed in British Columbia rather than Rhode Island, it successfully brought Emma's Victorian sleuthing to the screen.