Emma Cross, although
a relation of the Vanderbilts, is not wealthy. She lives in Gull
Manor in Newport because she inherited it from her Aunt Sadie. Emma
is the society editor for the local Newport newspaper and uses her
modest fortune to help those in trouble.
In the summer of
1897, she is unsure about her romantic life. Last summer she turned
down a marriage proposal from Derrick Andrews, but wonders if she
did the right thing. Jesse Whyte, a detective she grew up with, is
also interested in her, but she sees Jesse as her partner in
solving crimes.
When a baby is left
on her doorstop, the summer focuses on finding the mother of the
baby. There's something mysterious and dangerous about it, because the
man who most probably left the baby there was murdered on the way out
of town. A lethal accident in a yacht race increases the tension, and
Emma finds herself in midst of a society dilemma.
The best part of
this book is the realistic description of the members of the Gilded
Age like the Astors and the Vanderbilts and their magnificent summer
“cottages.” The author weaves the plot around real events which
gives a good view of how the upper class families lived.
Emma, in trying to
solve the mystery, rushes headlong into situations that put her
in danger requiring rescue, usually by Jesse. Although she seems a
bit silly, she also seems to be a realistic product of her time.
I enjoyed the book
and recommend it if you like historical mysteries with a dollop of
romance.
I reviewed this book
for Net Galley.
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