Murder at Vinland is the twelfth historical cozy mystery in the Gilded Newport Mysteries series. In Rhode Island during the early nineteen hundreds we join Emma Andrews as she tries to uncover another murderer. This time someone is sending around poisoned treats and letters laced with toxins. No one knows who will be the next target and with everyone on edge, Emma can’t rest until she gets to the bottom of the mystery. With the help of Jesse, the local police detective, Emma is determined to unravel the clues before the killer strikes again.

I have loved this series from the beginning and this latest mystery doesn’t disappoint. The Rhode Island setting in the early nineteen hundreds is perfect for this cozy mystery series and I enjoy the characters during this time period. A lot of the characters are shaped after the names we know from that time period and I think that adds a bit more intrigue to this series. Emma is a great lead sleuth and I enjoy following along with her as she searches for the answers. This mystery was a page turner and kept me engrossed the whole time. In some ways I guessed at the ending, but there were also some twists and turns that threw me off along the way. If you are a fan of historical cozies this mystery is for you! This book can be read as a stand alone, but if you haven’t checked out the rest of the series yet it is worth it! I look forward to seeing what comes next for Emma.

It’s probably time for this series to come to an end.

Much as I’ve enjoyed these books in the past, all good things must come to an end, and we’ve reached the point with this series where it seems to have run out of gas.

Setting has never been as much of a priority in these books as I feel it should be in historical mysteries, but we’re seeing even less of it now than we did at the beginning of the series. We see less and less history too, as the books have slowly turned more toward focusing on plot and the lives of the central characters.

Said characters are perfectly fine and likable, but they’re not especially interesting outside of how they go about solving the mystery at hand in any particular installment of the series. And now we’ve got a pregnant MC, which has pretty much killed off any mystery series that has tried this.

The mystery itself was fine and Maxwell’s writing style is always pleasant, but I think it’s time for a fresh start and a new series. This one has run its course.

Not my typical thriller mystery but a good one with a nice historical twist. You'll love all these characters as you follow the clues.

Newport, Rhode Island - 1901

Emma Andrews is newly married to Derrick Andrews and they own the local newspaper, “Messenger.” Emma has long been a reporter for the newspaper and is also a distant cousin of the Cornelius Vanderbilt family. Today, she has been invited to a newly built mansion called Vinland built with the Vikings in mind. The event is a charitable luncheon to support the Audubon Society and hosted by Mrs. Twombly, sister of the second Cornelius Vanderbilt. Emma is seated at a table with Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, wife of the Vice President of the U.S. who is a big supporter of the Audubon Society. There Emma also meets Miss Amity Carter and her niece, Zinnia Lewis from Florida. Amity has just inherited the land next to Emma’s home, Gull Manor, and she wishes to see the property. Emma and Derrick have hopes of turning Gull Manor into a girls school and purchasing this property to build their home. Emma invites the ladies to see the property and hopes she will want to sell it. Amity says it’s a lovely place but agrees to sell it to Emma and Derrick. Emma insists that the two ladies stay with them for a few days as they work out the sale.

The day after the luncheon, Emma learns that a woman who had attended and is staying at Vinland was quite ill with food poisoning. Thankfully, others are OK. As the days go by, other people that Emma knows disappear and the plot thickens as to could have gotten hold of a very dangerous toxin to injure or kill someone. Emma, being the sleuth that she is, begins an investigation into this conundrum and the possible people who could have been involved. Is someone after women who wear the feathers of birds that people of the Audubon Society work so hard to protect?

As always, this author has penned a book that requires the reader’s strict attention to try and solve the mystery. She is incredibly good at writing books that make readers sit up and pay close attention to the story and see if they can figure out the perpetrator(s). Enjoy!

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

Murder at Vinland marks the twelfth book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and my very first time venturing to Alyssa Maxwell’s 1900s Rhode Island. Jumping into a series twelve books in isn’t something I normally do, but Emmaline Andrews’s stunning world of high society and cunning schemes welcomed me with open arms.

Readers begin this latest installment with Emma attending a fundraiser for Rhode Island’s new Audubon Society. With many notable guests—including Second Lady Edith Roosevelt—we’re introduced to our main cast of characters and their drama. Oh, so much delicious drama! Maxwell’s atmospheric writing style brings 1900s Newport to life, and the insight we get into the issues and concerns of the day is simply mesmerizing from a 2024 lens.

When guests of the Audubon Society fundraiser begin receiving poisoned treats and letters around town, Emma is brought into the investigation at Newport Detective Jesse Whyte’s insistence. Whyte was such a refreshing figure to read; his admiration of Emma’s abilities pleasantly contrasts with the often-grouchy detectives we meet in historical cozy mysteries. He was an endearing companion and a standout among the supporting cast members.

As the mystery unfolds, Emma carefully investigates her growing list of suspects. Her crime-solving style is methodical, balanced, and fun—I didn’t find myself second-guessing her decisions as I sometimes do with an amateur detective. She’s one smart cookie!
Between the glamorous historical setting, Emma’s skillful sleuthing exploits, and the delightful mystery, I devoured this book in one sitting. It’s perfect for fans of The Gilded Age TV show who like a little murder and mayhem mixed in. I will definitely be going back to read the prior books in this series—I’m hooked!

After a trip to Newport years ago, I became hooked on learning about the people behind those jaw-dropping mansions. Alyssa Maxwell does a great job blending real historical figures and their homes with her fictional characters, creating an atmosphere that instantly transports you to the Gilded Age. And let’s talk about fascinating Emma Cross Andrews. She’s the star of the series—a distant (and relatively poor) relative of the Vanderbilts who works as a journalist, which was pretty rare career for women at the turn of the century.

In this latest book, Emma investigates who's lacing sweets and mail with a deadly toxin and sending them to some of Newport’s high society ladies. It’s got a great plot, with plenty of suspects and a motive that keeps you guessing. While the series is best read in order to catch all the character development, it’s not a must if you want to dive right in.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!

There is nothing cosy about the latest installment in the Gilded Newport Mysteries. The women known as “The Four Hundred” are in danger, dropping like flies, and no one is sure why. Tangled up in the mystery of why this is happening is the continuation of the story of Emmaline Cross Andrews, her family, her job as a reporter and her marriage elevating her status from a poorer relation to the Vanderbilts to a member of the wealthy Newport community.

Maxwell plumbs the history of Newport at the turn of the century, its wealthy summer residents and the infamous architecture of their summer Cottages. I especially enjoyed the setting of Vinland as it is one of the Mansions that is not open to the public. I have had the opportunity to visit all the Mansions that are open for touring and have walked the grounds of Salve Regina University but have never been able to gain entrance. Having the interior described and discusses was a bonus.

This was another great addition to the Gilded Newport Mysteries with a nod to the dialog, customs and social strictures of life in Newport around 1900. Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp and NetGalley for a copy.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Vinland is a Viking-themed seaside home owned by Emma’s relative Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. Mrs. Twombly is hosting a fundraiser for the new Rhode Island Audubon Society where the guest of honor is the wife of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, Edith. Emma attends, listens to the speakers, observes the other ladies attending, and finds the cause of bird protection interesting and admirable but finds the Viking warrior-inspired elements in the home troubling. Thankfully there should be no need for them today.

The following morning though, one of the guests staying with Mrs. Twombly becomes gravely ill from an unknown cause. Emma agrees to help police detective Jesse Whyte with his investigation. While checking out the guest’s room she finds a box of petit fours with several pieces missing that appear to have been sent by the vice-president’s wife. Knowing that is a ruse, Mrs. Roosevelt is not put on the suspect list.

Soon more desserts and letters written in toxic ink are received by other ladies who attended the fundraiser. Why are these ladies being targeted? After a warning is sent out to watch for tainted deliveries Emma and Jesse try to piece together who had the means, motive, and opportunity to wage a strike against the group of supposed bird lovers.

Emma and Derrick are getting comfortable in their married life at Gull Manor and have some big plans. I am so pleased with the way these characters have evolved over the course of this series. Emma has always been very independent and Derrick knows she isn’t going to change. While he does worry when she takes on an investigation he supports her. She realizes his fears so whenever they can tackle something together they do. They want to do something special together but in this story that project could be in jeopardy. Again, they tackle it together.

There are a plethora of suspects that could have sent the toxic letters and pastry and Florence Vanderbilt Twombly doesn’t make the investigation easy. She takes Emma to task several times for questioning her guests and friends but Emma and Jesse need to follow clues and press for answers. Emma ruminated on all the options repeatedly but all the clues didn’t fall into place until Emma found herself in a dangerous situation. I scooted right up to the edge of my seat as everything played out unsure whether our protagonist would survive. I wasn’t totally surprised as to the guilty party but they had been low on my list.

I enjoy how Ms. Maxwell takes us back in time to mix history with mystery. Her descriptions of Vinland and the beautiful cover of this book made it so easy to visualize the manor and its rooms and grounds. Gull Manor is always clear in my mind after virtually being there many times. Everywhere Emma travels and everyone she meets comes alive with Ms. Maxwell’s words.

Murder at Vinland is marvelously plotted and written. I know when I open a book in this series that I will escape into the pages and that it will be a struggle to return to real life. I was quickly engaged by the wonderful characters, captivated by the twist-filled mystery, and in awe of another historical Rhode Island manor that was notably enlarged by the Twombly’s in a surprising way. Another Perfect Escape from Alyssa Maxwell!

Alyssa Maxwell continues her Gilded Newport mysteries with Murder at Vinland. Summer 1901 in Newport and the 400 are having social get togethers. Women are targeted with an unknown poison which kills at least one grand dame. Emma is at socials with her Vanderbilt relatives and is asked by the police to assist inquiries among the elite. She and her husband are also hosting a mother and daughter who are down on their luck due to the misbehavior at the band of their husband and father respectively. Who has the right motives? Who is not what they seem? Emma has to thread the social niceties while looking for the murderer. Another good historical cozy.

Another wonderful addition to the series! I love the incorporation of Henry Flagler and birdwatching to the story; it moved the series out of the ballrooms and out into the beautiful waterfront scenery Newport has to offer. The mystery was fascinating with the use of a new (to me) poison and had me guessing until the end. I was a little less charmed by the now overused trope that happens at the end of the book but look forward to seeing how the series evolves with this new development.

Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell
This location I have seen from the Cliff Walk side as we viewed the Great Migration of Elephants, pictures enclosed showing Vinland a of Aug 4, 2024. I also recall a scene from the story about being along the Cliff Walk and I know where the spot is that is so dangerous. They now have fences up but really how safe are they?
Story starts out with Emma, and her and Derrick are married and run one of the newspapers in Newport, RI 1905. Very familiar with a lot of the locations being a bit local to them but am able to find out more about the older days. Also love the new words I discovered. She attends a tea party and one of the speakers is soliciting for a bird foundation to help protect the birds in the area. She hopes to raise enough money to get the project started. There is so much going on in this story that all link together. The plot of land next to Gull House they hope to buy so Emma can start a finishing school in Newport. They have the owner of the land and her niece staying with them and Zinnia is a painter and she knows her subjects well. Love excursions they go on: Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge area among other beaches in the area. So cool to look back. Problem with the story is it had me sitting on the edge of my seat many times as the plot thickened and death occurred. I can never figure out who the culprit is even with all the clues. It points in so many directions and Emma helps Jessie the detective figure things out. She does put herself in harms way, as usual.
Love this series and hope more end up being a movie as one did. Excellent job of all the history presented. Took me over 3 days to read, didn't want to read it in one sitting but digest it and make it last longer.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.

Once again, another interesting read from this author. I like the characters and that they move forward in the characters lives. I enjoy the setting as well. Reading about the wealthy old families and seeing into their houses is great. The mystery kept me guessing.

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

When her cousin’s houseguest becomes mysteriously and dangerously ill, reporter Emma discovers a box of poisoned petit fours. Who is targeting the ladies of Newport’s social set?

I’ve missed Emma! I enjoyed this cast of characters—both familiar and new—and the intriguing mystery storyline. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alyssa Maxwell for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Vinland coming out August 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’m so obsessed with this series and this author! I just love everything about this time period and these characters. I now have Rhode Island on my bucket list. The Gilded Age was a crazy time and I love learning about it. I’m obsessed with Vikings as well, so the plot of this book was really fun for me. I love Emma and Derrick as characters. I also love Jesse and I was excited to see more of him in this book. I can’t wait to read more books in the series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Gilded Age murder mysteries!

Alyssa Maxwell has another fabulous edition to add to the Gilded Newport mystery series, Murder At Vinland. This is the 12th book in the series ---though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend the start of the series to get even more enjoyment from the character growth and relationships.
Emma Cross, her husband and Jesse are in the thick of a tricky murder mystery that is unpredictable and surprising. I enjoy seeing actual historical events and people populate the Gilded mysteries. Emma has more difficulty this time while trying to make Derrick understand her need to investigate.
An interesting and engaging read for fans of the historical fiction, cozy mystery, or thriller/mystery reads.
I was excited to read and review this book in an advanced reader copy that I received on request from #MurderAtVinland #NetGalley #Kensington #AlyssaMaxwell #GildedMystery

This is the 12th book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and while I haven’t read them all I have read quite a few. The Gilded Newport series maintains the historical interest and puzzling plots of the other books with the plot in this one just as twisty and exciting as the earlier books in the series. The setting is always lovingly described with lot of details of the era which takes place at a time women had little to know power so Emma is an anomaly in this time period being both a reporter and amateur sleuth, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alyssa Maxwell has created another winning mystery in Murder at Vinland. It's hard to think of another author who captures the world of the turn-of-the-century Newport wealthy as well. As always, Emma Cross is an intrepid sleuth, and Maxwell delivers a meticulously laid-out mystery with an ending I did not see coming. Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport Mysteries are 24-karat Gold.

This is the second book I have read by Alyssa Maxxwell it didn't disappoint. I love following Emma as she helps solve mysteries in Newport, RI and learning some history of the city during the Gilded Age.

Who is poisoning the grand ladies of Newport? That's the urgent question for Emma, her husband Derrick, and Detective Jesse Whyte in this latest in a series that mixes real and fictional characters in the Gilded Age. Fans will be pleased to see the trio again and new readers will enjoy this as well thanks to the well rounded characters and just tricky enough mysteries. It's a clever series that almost always sends me to google for more background on some of the players. This one is no exception. The atmospherics at Vinland made this even more entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Here’s another fun entry in the author’s Gilded Age series set on Newport in Rhode Island. She mixes together real people and real places with a fictional heroine who investigates murders that seem to be happening with much regularity among the multi-millionaire community there.

If you enjoy a great mystery in a historical location, you’ll enjoy any book in this series. There’s a real sense of being there. I often find myself looking up the sites mentioned in the book to see what they look like or reading about the real people in the book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.