On Flashback Fridays I will share with you the books I missed when they were first
released that have been screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
A Gilded Grave
(NEWPORT GILDED AGE)
First in Series
Historical Cozy Mystery
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Cover Illustrator by Aleta Rafton
Cover Design by Lesley Worrell
Trade Paperback: 416 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425275849
E-Book – ASIN: B00OQS4FIA
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…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I escaped back in time with this wonderful debut. Newport in 1895, in all its glory, until a young maid is found dead on the cliffs.
Deanna Randolph and her maid, Elspeth, make a dynamic duo both in life and as sleuths. Deanna’s mother has warned her not to get too friendly with the help, but Deanna has ignored that piece of advice. They are friends and they both would do anything for the other. While the plans for Deanna and Joe Ballard to marry have fallen apart and she doesn’t want him around she knows he is not a killer.
The author brings the time period of the Gilded Age alive. The “cottages”, the cliffs, the clothes, the parties and daily life are described in colorful detail. Her words painted so fantastic images.
I enjoyed the character development as Deanna became more and more independent as the story moved along. Then again, her mother was out of town with her ailing sister so things may change when she returns. I loved learning about Joe’s work and his ideas. Through Elspeth we come to understand life from a servants point of view. The Manchesters were interesting characters as well.
The story is well written and you know the author really researched the material to make it as accurate as possible. She gave me plenty of suspects and several red herrings to track as I followed the clues right along with Deanna and Elspeth.
Shelley Freydont has shown she can write a superb mystery set in present time in her Celebration Bay Mysteries
About the Author
Shelley Freydont is the author of the Liv Montgomery Celebration Bay Mysteries, Foul Play at the Fair
As Shelley Noble
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.
For more about Shelley, please visit her website www.shelleyfreydont.com.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I love the cover, synopsis, and setting of this book. I think I need to read this!
This sounds like one I’d really enjoy. I love cozy mystery books set in this time period.
I love reading about the Gilded Age. I like reading about the opulence and the way of life during that time. Also like that the setting is in Newport, RI. Can’t wait to read.
I love this era…thanks!
I love her other series. This should be. Good too!!!!!
Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
I love historical mysteries and this sounds interesting to me. Thanks for including it in your blog and for the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com