I have read and enjoyed each and every book in the Gilded Newport (cozy) Mystery series and I look forward to a new release each year. <i>Murder at Vinland</i> is the twelfth installment in that series.

As with every installment in this series, the setting came to life. I felt like I was transported back in time to turn of the century Newport. Everything was so vivid that I could practically hear the clop-clop of horse hooves and the whistle of the trolleys. I know Newport very well, so references to Cliff Walk, Ocean Avenue, or Bailey’s Beach were easy for me to visualize.

As far as the story goes, cozy mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, and this one wasn’t anything outstanding. I predicted the identity of the villain (chalk it up to me reading lots of mysteries and thrillers) and Emma comes across as very rude and obnoxious in her interrogations. I don’t blame all the people who get annoyed with her. She’s really nosy. I don’t like Derrick at all either.

This is a series that I read more for the vibes and the setting rather than the characters or story. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries would enjoy this one.

I always enjoy Alyssa Maxwell's books. She does a wonderful job with character development. She weaves the mystery nicely dropping clues along the way but never making the killer obvious until the final reveal. I love all the historical details about Newport during the Gilded Age. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

We're in 1901 in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island. Newspaperwoman Emma Cross Andrews attends a fundraising luncheon at Vinland, the home of one of her Vanderbilt relatives. Speakers include Second Lady Edith Roosevelt and National Audubon Society representatives from Massachusetts and Florida.

One of the guests is found dead with a partially filled box of petit fours containing one of Mrs. Roosevelt's cards. Another becomes quite ill after starting to eat a single petit four from a box containing the card of the speaker from Massachusetts.

Emma, her husband, publisher Derrick Andrews, friend Detective Jesse Whyte, and Emma's staff work together to identify, review, and discard numerous suspects before coming to a conclusion that surprised me.

As in previous books in this twelve book series, there are rich descriptions of the locale and characters. This entry could be read as a standalone, but is likely better appreciated by someone who has read and seen the developments of charcters in the preceding books.

This review is based on an advance review copy from NetGalley and publisher Kensington.

I always look forward to a new installment in the Emma Cross/Newport series, and this did not disappoint. The usual cast is assembled, plus some additions and the expected cameos (in this case, Edith Roosevelt among them). Maxwell also, as usual, incorporates interesting historical details, with a focus this time on the Audubon Society and emerging issues of conservation and ethical fashion choices, as well as depictions of denizens of Newport and their over-the-top homes (most notably, of course, Vinland). And it would not be an Emma Cross mystery if, after a few red herrings, she did not end up alone with the unhinged murderer and in mortal danger. If you are an Emma Cross fan, you will enjoy this latest book; if you are not yet an Emma Cross fan, you will be when you finish.

Emma Andrews searches for the person who murdered one of Newport's leading society ladies with a box of poisoned pastries in this mystery set during Newport's Gilded Age. Emma works with the local police, her husband, long-time friends, and some new acquaintances to figure out the method and motives for this complex murder. The author drops some clues along the way, but I admit I was surprised by the reveal - although I could see the path the author had laid for her readers to follow. As always the details of class and society during this time period are fascinating, and it's lovely to see the relationships between characters develop. Murder at Vinland can be read as a standalone as many of the key witnesses are new, but it's helpful to have insights from previous books about the recurring characters' relationships. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Kensington for the ARC.

A gripping Gilded Age mystery in Newport, Rhode Island, in which reporter-sleuth Emma and police detective Jesse team up to exonerate from suspicion VP Teddy Roosevelt's wife. She is believed to have sent a box of cakes to a fundraiser where a guest becomes deathly ill from eating one. Similar boxes are sent to other nearby homes, where the duo race to prevent more poisonings and possible murders. Can they succeed in time? A fine historical whodunit!

Reporter Emma Cross Andrews once again jumps into detective mode when it becomes apparent that the wealthy women of Newport are being poisoned. Another great entry into this series.