First in Series
Cozy Mystery
Series: NEWPORT GILDED AGE
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Berkley (August 4, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0425275849
Synopsis:
In 1895, the height of the Gilded Age,
the social elite spend their summers in Newport, Rhode Island. Within
the walls of their fabulous “cottages,” competition for superiority is
ruthless … and so are the players.
During her first Newport season, Deanna
Randolph attends a ball given in honor of Lord David Manchester, a
Barbadian sugar magnate, and his sister, Madeline. The Manchesters are
an immediate success—along with their exotic manservant and his
fortune-telling talents.
But on the nearby cliffs, a young maid
lies dead—and suspicion falls on Joseph Ballard, a member of one of the
town’s most prestigious families.
Joe humiliated Deanna when he rebuffed
an engagement to her, but while he may be a cad, she knows he isn’t a
killer. Now the reluctant allies must navigate a world of parties,
tennis matches, and séances to find the real murderer. But a misstep
among the glittering upper classes could leave them exposed to something
far more dangerous than malicious gossip…
My Review:
I love historical mysteries and am fascinated by the Gilded Age, so of course I enjoyed A Gilded Grave.
Deanna is a strong, intelligent protagonist who determines to solve the mystery of a servant's death in a time where such independent behavior was not expected (or desired) for women. I like her camaraderie with her maid, Elspeth. I also like Joe, her former romantic interest. Although he is from a very moneyed background, he wants more and starts a shop to work on mechanical inventions (like a machine to bag sugar). I especially enjoyed all scenes including both Deanna and Joe.
This mystery is rich in historical details and nuances. We glimpse the life "downstairs" of Elspeth and the late Daisy. The scene where Elspeth and Deanna go to Daisy's small room to pack her meager belongings is moving. We see the police automatically pursue a working class man as the suspect in Daisy's tragic death because they cannot consider a man with an upper class background as a suspect. We see Deanna and Elspeth reading "penny novels" about lady detectives that pique their interest in mystery. We see Deanna longing to play tennis at a party, but having to watch instead because she is a woman.
A Gilded Grave is such an intelligent, well written mystery. There are wonderful characterizations in this book, with lively dialogue. I felt I really got to know these characters through the novel.
I hope this is the first book in a series, because I want to read more! I enthusiastically recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, and anyone interested in the Gilded Age.
I love historical mysteries and am fascinated by the Gilded Age, so of course I enjoyed A Gilded Grave.
Deanna is a strong, intelligent protagonist who determines to solve the mystery of a servant's death in a time where such independent behavior was not expected (or desired) for women. I like her camaraderie with her maid, Elspeth. I also like Joe, her former romantic interest. Although he is from a very moneyed background, he wants more and starts a shop to work on mechanical inventions (like a machine to bag sugar). I especially enjoyed all scenes including both Deanna and Joe.
This mystery is rich in historical details and nuances. We glimpse the life "downstairs" of Elspeth and the late Daisy. The scene where Elspeth and Deanna go to Daisy's small room to pack her meager belongings is moving. We see the police automatically pursue a working class man as the suspect in Daisy's tragic death because they cannot consider a man with an upper class background as a suspect. We see Deanna and Elspeth reading "penny novels" about lady detectives that pique their interest in mystery. We see Deanna longing to play tennis at a party, but having to watch instead because she is a woman.
A Gilded Grave is such an intelligent, well written mystery. There are wonderful characterizations in this book, with lively dialogue. I felt I really got to know these characters through the novel.
I hope this is the first book in a series, because I want to read more! I enthusiastically recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, and anyone interested in the Gilded Age.
Shelley Freydont is the author of the Liv Montgomery Celebration Bay Mysteries, Foul Play at the Fair
, Silent Knife
, Independence Slay
as well as the Kate MacDonald Sudoku Mysteries and the Lindy Haggerty
dance company mysteries, and the upcoming Newport Gilded Age Mysteries,
beginning with A Gilded Grave 
(6/15)
, Silent Knife, Independence Slay
as well as the Kate MacDonald Sudoku Mysteries and the Lindy Haggerty
dance company mysteries, and the upcoming Newport Gilded Age Mysteries,
beginning with A Gilded Grave (6/15)
As Shelley Noble, she is the NYTimes Best selling author of women’s fiction (Beach Colors
, Stargazey Point
, Breakwater Bay, and Whisper Beach
as well as several novellas. A former professional dancer and
choreographer, Shelley lives at the Jersey shore and loves puzzles,
light houses and antique carousels. She also loves to hear from readers.
, Stargazey Point, Breakwater Bay, and Whisper Beach
as well as several novellas. A former professional dancer and
choreographer, Shelley lives at the Jersey shore and loves puzzles,
light houses and antique carousels. She also loves to hear from readers.Author Links
Website www.shelleyfreydont.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyFreydont
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Shelley-Freydont/e/B001HCUVP4
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ShelleyFreydont
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4 comments:
Sounds like a really good story and a great summer read. Sharing!
Thanks so much, Susan! This is one of my favorite recent reads. - Trish
sounds interesting
This sounds like an good mystery, set in a time I don't know much about! Thanks!
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