Murder at Marble House

Gilded Newport Mystery Series, Book 2

By: Alyssa Maxwell

Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

With the dawn of the 20th century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance....

Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her 18-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress - Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.

But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice - or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder....

©2014 Lisa Manuel (P)2021 Tantor

Fun mystery

I liked that the narration was good, the characters were interesting and it was easy to follow. The outcome was unexpected but made sense. The main character was a little hard headed but perhaps it made sense given her history.

Great

Loved the history and incorporated into the story. Of course have always heard a lot about Consuella and he terrible mother. It did make me go read some articles. Clever mystery and amazing characters!

the plot

I just started reading her material. I love how it's not predictable who's the villain.

Can’t put my finger on it

Overall, I like the stories she writes. The mysteries are good. I like the author’s nods to history; interesting and seems well-researched. I dislike the heroine is part of my problem. Independence is one thing, She’s weak where it counts (toward her misogynistic editor) and manipulative where she should be kind (toward the men to whom she is attracted). Denying her feelings because she thinks it makes her weak, she’s double-minded and demanding to the man who loves her. He’s not a mind reader, and she gives him mixed messages—yuck. I’d run if I was him, but he puts up with her. I may or may not read more, but I hope she grows up and remembers that men are people with feeling, too. She’s in progress, so hopefully she gets better. Also, it’s not a crime to be wealthy, and all wealthy people aren’t criminals or jerks. I’ve met many folks who are wealthy and also great people. The heroine is a hypocrite here too—supposedly the “poor cousin” while owning a house, having a (modest—at least she has one) annuity, servants, etc. Perspective, girl.
The narrator sounds like a story reader, not a character, but she’s ok. PS—I am a woman who believes women are strong, equal and capable. I just don’t think it’s ok to use it as a club and beat on men. I am thankful, however, that I didn’t live during the time for which suffrage was being fought. Those women who fought for women’s rights are heroes.

Fabulous Listen

This is my second book to complete in this series and I love them. The book drug a little in the beginning but picked up nicely as it went on. I also love the narrator. She is easy to understand and does a fabulous job with different voices. I’m looking forward to starting the next book.