Sunday, January 29, 2017

"Murder at the Breakers" by Alyssa Maxwell


Murder at The Breakers
A Gilded Newport Mystery
by Alyssa Maxwell
Kensington, 2014
Notes by Travis Simpkins

     The historic figures of late 19th Century Gilded Age Newport spring to life in Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell. The opulence, guarded inhibitions and self-protectiveness associated with the prominent members of society and their family fortunes are pried open by a murder investigation at the town's most elegant estate. Set in the summer of 1895, the story centers around the opening party at The Breakers, the new "summer cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Young reporter (and Vanderbilt cousin) Emma Cross is in attendance when she witnesses a murder. Much to her dismay, her black sheep brother is the prime suspect. Throughout the fast-paced plot, Emma, who believes in her brother's innocence, takes it upon herself to investigate the crime and exonerate him. She ventures behind the curtains of Newport glitz and gaiety to uncover the unpleasant truth.
     Full of interesting twists and well-rounded characters, Alyssa Maxwell's novel masterfully interweaves story elements to bridge the murder-mystery and historical fiction genres. I particularly enjoyed the portrayals of actual historic figures of the time: Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Alice Vanderbilt and their children, Neily, Reggie, Gertrude and Gladys as well as Grace Wilson. The dialogue seems natural and instills a lively spirit to the still faces usually only seen in yellowed photographs. Well worth the cover price, the book makes for an entertaining and engaging 280-page literary sojourn. 


Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Cornelius Vanderbilt II 

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Ballroom. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Alice Vanderbilt

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Dining Room. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Cornelius Vanderbilt's Bedroom. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Inspiration for Gull Manor

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Cornelius Vanderbilt III and Grace Wilson

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Library. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Kitchen. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Music Room. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Reggie Vanderbilt

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Children's Playhouse. The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Cornelius Vanderbilt II

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: Grace Wilson Vanderbilt

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell

Murder at the Breakers. Alyssa Maxwell: The Breakers. Newport, RI