Murder at Wakehurst

June 15, 2021
Murder once more stalks the wealthy cottagers of Newport, Rhode Island. Reporter Emma Cross is a poor relation to the notable family whose head, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, has recently died, leaving her $10,000 plus 10,000 shares of New York Central stock, a goodly package in 1899. Vanderbilt's estranged oldest son, Neily, is left a paltry half million plus a million in trust. An urgent request from Neily's wife, Grace, to accompany them to a party at Wakehurst, even though they're in mourning, lands Emma in a tricky position when she finds yet another dead body in the gardens. The dead man is Judge Clayton Schuyler, whose spoiled daughter, Imogene, has argued publicly with her fiance, Jerome Harrington. Emma, who has an eye for details, hopes to help the police solve the crime. To her dismay, however, her old friend Detective Jesse Whyte has been replaced by Gifford Myers, who has no interest in what Emma might offer. Neither Imogene nor her mother seems disturbed by the judge's death, but others may have wished him dead since his recent ruling on a contentious case involving unions and coal companies. Jesse's been shunted off to a clothing store robbery that turns out to be related to the murder. Emma, despite slights from many, uses her entree into society to prevent more murders. Lifestyles of the wealthy combine with social commentary in a mystery set against the backdrop of Newport's grand estates.

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July 19, 2021
In Maxwell’s lively ninth Gilded Newport mystery (after 2020’s Murder at Kingscote), journalist Emma Cross, a cousin “twice or thrice removed” from Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who has recently died, attends an Elizabethan-themed fete at Wakehurst, the Van Alen family estate in Newport, R.I. The entertainment consists of archery competitions, jesters, actors, and musicians. When a jousting exhibition is announced, Emma, who’s in no mood for partying after Cornelius’s death, has had enough. As she’s walking away from the festivities, she hears the insistent barking of the Van Alen dogs. Following the sound, she finds Judge Clayton Schuyler dead, an arrow protruding from his chest. In the past, Emma has depended on helpful police detective Jessie White in her sleuthing, but Jessie’s replacement, Det. Gifford Myers, tells her to stay out of his investigation, adding, “I see you can’t help yourself, but for your own sake, you had better learn some self-control.” Maxwell once again exposes the underhanded doings of the wealthy ruling class while providing plenty of fascinating historical background. This entry is bound to delight both established fans and new readers. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency.