Murder at the Breakers

Gilded Newport Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Alyssa Maxwell

Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

In a historical mystery for Downton Abbey fans, a society reporter covers a killer party in Gilded Age Newport.

Newport, Rhode Island, August 1895: She may be a less well-heeled relation, but as second cousin to millionaire patriarch Cornelius Vanderbilt, 21-year-old Emma Cross is on the guest list for a grand ball at the Breakers, the Vanderbilts' summer home. She also has a job to do - report on the event for the society page of the Newport Observer.

But Emma observes much more than glitz and gaiety when she witnesses a murder. The victim is Cornelius Vanderbilt's financial secretary, who plunges off a balcony faster than falling stock prices. Emma's black sheep brother Brady is found in Cornelius's bedroom passed out next to a bottle of bourbon and stolen plans for a new railroad line. Brady has barely come to before the police have arrested him for the murder. But Emma is sure someone is trying to railroad her brother and resolves to find the real killer at any cost....

©2014 Lisa Manuel (P)2021 Tantor

Narration too modern-American “professor”…

Too many words & syllables emphasized, as though each one needs to stand out as the most important.
This writing is more suited to the voices of Nicola Barber, Allison Larkin, Diana Bishop, Penelope Freeman, Susannah Tyrrell, etc. who can perform according to the language of 100+ years ago.

Great story line and narration

Loved the narrator that kept me intrigued in the story. The story was fascinating that I never predicted who the murder was, kept me on my toes, couldn’t wait to keep listening to it.

Fun read!

Enjoyable story, likeable heroine and luscious setting makes this a great listen. Must admit I kinda like that Emma character's spunk and internal dialogue about dating. Solid mystery coupled with Vanderbilt riches - I ordered the next book!

Really Good!

This book had everything I am looking for in a book. The characters were fantastic and endearing. The story line was perfect and kept my attention the entire way. In fact I can’t wait to start the next book in the series. The narrator was fantastic.

Rousing mystery in picturesque Newport, Rhode Island

I loved the descriptions that brought me back to Newport, which I know well. I could imagine it in the 1800's. The Breakers is as beautiful now as I am sure it was then, and the ocean does fall off at the edge of the road especially on Ocean Drive. I am sure it was a scary buggy ride by only lamplight, as described in the book. Some of the roads are very winding as they follow the coastline. Very nice descriptions of the sounds of the sea in certain excerpts and I was able to follow the narrative to all of the local spots. It made for an exciting adventure with its plot twists and turns. Quite a fun read. I began the book in its paper version and finished it in audio. Neither one disappointed.