Picture a storyteller who spun the opulence and intrigue of America’s Gilded Age into captivating mysteries—meet Alyssa Maxwell! Born in Flushing, New York, this historical mystery author has enchanted readers with her Gilded Newport Mysteries series, set in the lavish mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. With a knack for blending historical accuracy with gripping suspense, Maxwell brings the glittering yet shadowy world of the late 19th century to life, making her a standout in cozy historical fiction.
Maxwell’s love affair with Newport began as a teenager visiting friends, but it deepened when she married into a family with deep Newport roots. Her stories don’t just entertain—they transport readers to a bygone era where Vanderbilt wealth meets dark secrets, all through the eyes of her spirited sleuth, Emma Cross.
The Making of Alyssa Maxwell
Raised in New York, Alyssa Maxwell was always drawn to history, with New England’s colonial charm and the romance of Victorian England fueling her imagination. Her early career as a historical romance writer laid the groundwork for her pivot to mysteries, a genre that perfectly suited her love for suspense and historical detail. After publishing nine romance novels, Maxwell found her true calling in 2010, crafting her first mystery, Murder at The Breakers, inspired by Newport’s iconic Gilded Age mansions and her husband’s family ties to the city. This shift marked the beginning of a prolific career that would captivate mystery fans worldwide.
Alyssa Maxwell’s Unforgettable Stories
Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mysteries, now spanning 12 books with a 13th, Murder at Arleigh, slated for 2025, center on Emma Cross, a plucky journalist and distant Vanderbilt cousin navigating Newport’s high society and its underbelly. Each novel is set in a different Newport mansion, from The Breakers to Vinland, offering readers a vivid tour of Gilded Age architecture alongside clever whodunits. Murder at The Breakers (2014), the series debut, follows Emma as she investigates a murder at a Vanderbilt ball, blending real historical figures like the Vanderbilts with fictional intrigue. Murder at Vinland (2024), the latest, sees Emma unraveling a poisoning plot at a society fundraiser, showcasing Maxwell’s knack for escalating tension.
Beyond Newport, Maxwell’s A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries, set in post-World War I England, explore class dynamics through the sleuthing duo of Lady Phoebe and her maid, Eva. Her writing style is immersive, with richly detailed settings and authentic dialogue that ground her cozy mysteries in historical truth. Maxwell’s ability to weave real events and figures into her plots—like the Vanderbilts or Edith Roosevelt—adds depth, making her stories both educational and thrilling.
Why Alyssa Maxwell Matters
Alyssa Maxwell has carved a niche in historical mysteries by bringing Newport’s Gilded Age to vibrant life, appealing to fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age and cozy mystery enthusiasts alike. Her work preserves the cultural history of Newport, highlighting its architectural gems and social complexities. The ели: Hallmark Mystery channel’s adaptation of Murder at The Breakers as a TV movie in 2024 underscores her growing influence, introducing her stories to new audiences. Maxwell’s focus on strong female protagonists like Emma Cross resonates with readers, offering a feminist lens on a male-dominated era.
Her books are more than mysteries—they’re time machines, inviting readers to explore a pivotal era in American history. Maxwell’s dedication to research and storytelling has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal readership, cementing her legacy as a master of historical fiction.
- Born: Flushing, New York
- Key Works: Murder at The Breakers, Murder at Vinland, A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries
- Notable Achievement: Murder at The Breakers adapted into a Hallmark Mystery movie (2024)
Snag Murder at The Breakers and dive into Alyssa Maxwell’s dazzling world of Gilded Age glamour and suspense!