I've been a fan of this author's "Lady and Lady's Maid" series but this was the first book I've read in her "Gilded Newport Mystery" series. This is the eighth book in that series and I can see why it is so popular. I had no difficulty reading it as a standalone but I plan on reading the earlier entries in the series as I enjoyed this one so much.

Our heroine, Emma Cross is related to the famous Vanderbilts, but does not have the wealth as she is descended from a daughter of the original Cornelius Vanderbilt and not a son. She has been working as a reporter until she had recently been promoted to the editor of the newspaper she had been working for.

The story starts on a summer day in Newport Rhode Island, a town where the wealthy New Yorkers had "cottages" that they visited in the summer. The town is having a parade featuring motorcars and all goes well except for a mishap when one of the drivers, Perry King, misses on the obstacle course and mows down a few of the wooden figures used to mark the course. Later that day, Emma and her beau are invited to dinner at the King's. Perry arrives late to dinner and obviously drunk. Shouts disturb their dinner and it is discovered that the butler has been injured-pinned to a tree by Perry's car. The next day, Emma received an anonymous note saying that "all is not well with their servants"

Perry King is put on house arrest when the butler dies from his injuries. Based on the note, Emma thinks it not an accident but a murder and may have something to do with the servants as the butler had an unsavory reputation.

Emma uses her investigate reporter skills to find connections, motives. What results is a fine mystery story as we follow along with Emma.

I really enjoyed how the author intertwined real people and history into the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for providing an ARC and introducing me to this series. Any opinions expressed are my own.

1899 Newport, Rhode Island. Emma Cross, editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger, and her friend Derrick Andrews, are attending a dinner party hosted by Ella King, when her drunken son disrupts the proceeding. A few minutes later the the butler is discovered, dying, pinned to a tree by Philip King's car. Detective Jesse Whyte investigates with the help of Emma and Derrick.
But was it an accident, or murder. But what could be the motive if murder.
An entertaining historical murder mystery, well-written and with a varied cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A highly enjoyable historical mystery, well researched and engrossing.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters and travel in time.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Newport, Rhode Island - 1899

Emma Cross is the editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger. She is watching a parade of automobiles decked out with flowers and other decorations. This is a city inhabited by extremely rich members of society. The parade is meant to raise money for charity. Emma is a cousin of the Vanderbilt family, but does not share their wealth. She lives in a cottage with her housekeeper and one time Nanny, and Katie, her maid. Emma’s beau, Derrick, joins her to watch the parade. He is from a wealthy family himself, but his mother does not approve of Emma.

When the King family’s car goes by, the son, Philip, is driving the car and is clearly intoxicated. When he hits and demolishes a barrier, Emma wishes he would not drive, but he continues on.

Later that evening, Emma and Derrick are guests of Mrs. King for dinner at Kingscote. It is a beautiful mansion and expensively decorated. Philip joins them late for dinner, still clearly inebriated. Soon, a scream is heard outside. The butler has been crushed into tree by Philip’s car and is barely alive. Philip claims he did not hit the man. Could the car have rolled into him? When the butler dies, a murder investigation begins. Emma, Derrick, and Emma’s old friend and police chief, Jesse, work together to try and figure out what really happened.

Once again, the author has out together a jigsaw of a mystery that keeps the reader wondering if they have figured it out only to realize they have been outfoxed. I have to hand it to Alyssa Maxwell for creating her stories that include the gorgeous mansions of this area and the clean, wholesome mannerisms of the time period. I look forward to yet another terrific mystery by this great author.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a highly enjoyable historical mystery.

I enjoyed the historical detail of late nineteenth-century Newport and the families that lived there at the time. I feel like I took my own personal tour of Kingscote just by the detailed descriptions in the book.

This is the eighth book in the series and I haven’t read any of the other books yet. I think the author did an excellent job of clueing in the new reader about things that happened in previous books. She did it in a concise way, just a paragraph or two, that didn’t give away the murderer. I appreciate that since I want to go back and read the other books in the series.

There were a lot of twists and turns on the way to figuring out the murderer. I like the use of a car as a murder weapon, especially in 1899 when automobiles were still new. There are plenty of suspects to pick from and I didn't figure it out until the end.

Many thanks to the Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Phillip King might have been drinking but Emma's pretty sure he didn't drive his car into the butler at his mother's "cottage" in Newport. Set in 1899, this is a wonderful Gilded Age mystery with an intrepid heroine in Emma, a cousin from the poor side of the Vanderbilt family. She's now the editor in chief of the local paper and along with her love interest Derrick, quite good at ferreting out information which she shares with Detective Jesse Whyte. There's a lot more going on at the mansion than Phillip's drinking and readers of cozys know there was more to the butler than met the eye. Sending a reporter in to serve as an interim butler is inspired and gives them lots of insight. This also features a relative who believes she's been cheated out of her inheritance. No spoilers from me but this is a good one, with some wonderful twists. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you didn't read the earlier ones- this will be fine as a standalone.

It's July 1899 in Newport, Rhode Island, the time of the Gilded Age with all the glamor that goes with it. Emma Cross is now the editor-in-chief of The Newport Messenger and soon finds herself investigation a homicide. A very modern homicide when a motor car is the weapon of choice. The victim is the much disliked butler employed by the King family. The prime suspect is the King's son who was driving the motor car in a parade and didn't do very well on the obstacle course, mowing down a wooden statue representing a nanny with a pram.When the butler is discovered, near death, pinned between a tree and the front of that very same car King was driving, well the police can be forgiven for wanting to say case closed.
Soon enough Emma learns enough about the now dead butler to realize that the list of suspects is very long and the secrets uncovered are very unsavory. Lots of people have secrets best left hidden. As Emma is a very good investigative reporter those secrets will soon see the light of day.
Historical mysteries are my favorite sub genre and this series tops my list of must be read as soon as possible. Between the strong character of Emma and the great historical details the Gilded Age comes alive. The mystery is always well crafted and complex enough to keep me guessing wrong to the very end.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this mystery and the period of time in which it takes place. I would describe it as a "cozy" mystery, with no cursing or sex. A nice reprieve from some of the books I have read lately! This author wove an intricate plot that was very satisfying to read! I will read more of this author!

July 1899 saw the advent of the motorcar arrive, along with many of the famous families of “400”, in Newport, RI for the Summer Season. As always, there are many references to many of the historic sites in Newport as well as references to the storied, Astors, Vanderbilts, Belmonts and their comings and goings.

Parties, dinners, and murder are on the agenda. Spoiled rich boys whine and wheedle, ladies visit, Emma Cross works as the editor-in-Chief of the Newport Messenger. Nothing has really changed. All of Maxwell’s best characters make appearances and move the story along smoothly.

While weaving an interesting mystery, Maxwell always involves the reader in the history and personages of Newport. This one centers around the King family and Kingscote, one of the earliest mansions. Another gem from a talented writer.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy.

Another fascinating story of the Four Hundred, during the Newport Season. Emma Cross, and her handsome boyfriend, Derrick Andrews, along with Detective Jesse Whyte, investigate the murder of a Butler. Well written, great research during this time period. I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Harry!
I highly recommend! Thank you Netgalley!
carolintallahassee.com

Murder At Kingscote is the eight book in the A Gilded Newport Mystery series.

This series features a different house of the Gilded Era of Newport, RI. The house in this book will be Kingscote, the home of the King family.

It’s July 1899 and the residents of Newport are lining up along Bellevue Avenue to witness the first parade of locally owned automobiles. Emma meets Mrs. King and she has invited Emma and her boyfriend, Derrick to attend a dinner that she is having for friends. After the parade, they move on to the area where an obstacle course where drivers will show their talent driving their cars. The next to enter the course is Mrs. King’s son, Philip. Philip loses control of his car and hits a wooden statue that represents a nanny and with her charge.

That evening at Mrs. King’s, everyone is enjoying dinner when Philip enters, clearly intoxicated, and makes a scene. Shortly thereafter, a scream is heard from outdoors. Emma and several guests go to see what the problem might be. They soon find the King’s butler pinned between the car and a tree. He is rushed to the hospital but later dies. Philip claims that he didn’t hit the butler and Emma doesn’t think he was that intoxicated that he would have done it. Emma arranges with Mrs. King to have her reporter, Ethan, take over the butler duties while she and the police will endeavor to find who murdered the butler. They’re that the staff will be more willing to talk with “one of their own”.

In addition to investigating the murder of the butler, Emma is also looking to the claims of Eugenia Ross that she should have inherited Kingscote instead of Mrs. King. Ross has been trying for years to have the house awarded to her.

I love this series. It is so interesting to read about the period and the author does a wonderful job of describing the houses and their properties, as well as what it was like to live in the 1890s. The story is well-written and plotted. It has a wonderful cast of characters that are well-developed and believable. I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer was.

I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this delightful series.

Murder at Kingscote
Alyssa Maxwell
Partner: Netgalley and Kensington Books

Murder at Kingscote is the eighth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and one that I immensely enjoyed. I've grown to quite love this series and look forward each summer to see what new adventure will await Emma Cross and her tight nit group.

What I most enjoy about these mysteries is not only the beautiful setting and always interesting mystery but the characters. It has been a delight to see Emma grow with each book and find her own path based on what she really wants in life. I also appreciate that she has made a determination in her romantic life and that we finally see her and her chosen back together.

If you haven't read this series I recommend starting with the first, Murder at the Breakers. Not only will you get to step in the opulent golden age of Newport, you will meet interesting characters and solve many a murder mysteries!

As I dived into Murder at Kingscote, I was intrigued to see where the author had the story. Her choice of which Newport house and family is always big draw for me and I'm always just as interested when she highlights a lesser known family as the more famous ones and I had no idea about this family or house. As always I'm left with a desire to go to Newport and see the homes for my self. The novel's story drew me in but felt lighter or less intricate than past books. She ably continued the character's romance and her career as journalist but the murder mystery itself felt fairly rote. There wasn't an overarching sense of dread that usually permeates the books. So much as I enjoyed the book it's definitely a weaker entry in the series.

While Emma Cross is attending a dinner party after an automobile parade, a murder occurs. The butler is discovered pinned to a tree by an automobile that had been driven by son of the household. Was he so drunk that he didn't notice? As she investigates the butler's background, more and more questions arise.

Emma Cross is back! How I missed her Newport adventures. She’s as determined as ever in this newest story, settling into her life at the newspaper and coming to terms with her life choices. (So nice to finally have Derek back in town). The writing is sharp and clever, and I had no idea where the mystery was going. So good that I read it in one sitting, during a power outage, praying my e-reader wouldn’t die!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I always look forward to reading Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport Mysteries, and Murder at Kingscote does not disappoint. This book is both a well-done mystery with an assortment of suspects and plot twists as well as a window into another age. Alyssa Maxwell does a great job of setting the scene through depictions of the landscapes and clothing and also by showing the roles of class and gender during the Gilded Age. Historical facts and figures are integrated into the plot while still keeping the novel's fast pace and without bogging down the storyline. Alyssa Maxwell does a great job of using real historical figures as characters without distorting their legacies or manipulating their life stories to suit her own plot. I can wait for the next Gilded Newport Mystery!!!

Emma Cross was the editor of the Newport Messenger.. Ethan Merriman was her social reporter and right now they were waiting for the first automobile parade to start., going down Bellevue Ave. The cars were decorated with ribbons and flowers and what ever else looked lovely. Miss Cross was a cousin of the Vanderbilt family..
Gwendolyn and Phillip King were trying to convince their mother in to the car. When Phillip turned to talk to her a minute, she smelled alcohol on his breath. She wished she could do something. Derrick Andrews was a newspaper mogol and he was also her boss and boyfriend. Phillip, while driving the parade and obstacle course
got in an accident and hit a wooden pram and nurse. Luckily no one was hurt. Both she and Derrick were invited to dinner at the Kings. It was dessert time and Phillip came in late and had been drinking heavily. Some yelled "He is dead", and Emma and several other people ran to the windows.
I am just giving you a quick over view of the book. It kept me guessing and the surprising turns in the story kept me guessing. I thought the story was well written and easy to read. It was fun but still sad and intriguing. The characters were wonderful. I hope they can marry one day. I recommend this book and loved reading it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

In the late 1890s, the automobile had just made its appearance. Noisy, scary and possibly dangerous, Emma Cross witnesses first hand how it can kill someone. When the butler at Ella King's magnificent "cottage" is pinned to a tree by the car, police think it was a terrible accident caused by the carelessness of young Philip King, but Emma soon learns the butler was bullying his staff and may have had secrets to hide. While Emma investigates a woman who claims to be the rightful heir to the Kind fortune, she also meets an inmate from an insane asylum, a mysterious child and a frightened maid, all of whom enable her unravel the death of the butler. Another delightful mystery from the Golden Age of Newport

Murder at Kingscote is another exciting entry in the Emma Cross adventures. I love how Alyssa Maxwell ties in the real families and estates from this Gilded Era. This particular story was very intriguing, the murder of the butler with a parked vehicle, several suspects all with different motives. I was happy to see Derrick Andrews in this story and hope he and Emma can figure out their future soon. I look forward to the next one.

I really enjoy this series. Love Emma and the trouble she gets into as she works at the local newspaper. As a poor relative of the Vanderbilt's she needs to work for a living, but it allows her to interact with the wealthy of Newport. So you get to see both sides of her world. I like the added history that is given in the books.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.