Murder at Rough Point (Gilded Newport Mysteries #4) by Alyssa Maxwell

In glittering Newport, Rhode Island, at the close of the nineteenth century, status is everything. But despite being a poorer relation to the venerable Vanderbilts, Emma Cross has shaped her own identity—as a reporter and a sleuth.Fancies and Fashion reporter Emma Cross is sent by the Newport Observer to cover an elite house party at Rough Point, the “cottage” owned by her distant cousin Frederick Vanderbilt, which has been rented as a retreat for artists. To her surprise, the illustrious guests include her estranged Bohemian parents—recently returned from Europe—as well as a variety of notable artists, including author Edith Wharton.

But when one of the artists—an English baronet—is discovered dead at the bottom of a cliff, Rough Point becomes anything but a house of mirth. After a second guest is found murdered, no one is above suspicion—including Emma’s parents.

Even as Newport police detective Jesse Whyte searches for a killer in their midst, Emma tries to draw her own conclusions—with the help of Mrs. Wharton. But with so many sketchy suspects, she’ll need to canvas the crime scenes carefully, before the cunning culprit takes her out of the picture next… (Summary via Goodreads)

I LOVE the Guilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell and Murder at Rough Point is NO exception !!  Maxwell has such a way in taking you back to the end of the 19th century and making you feel like you are actually there !!

Emma Cross is asked to attend a gathering of artists at her cousin's Newport home that he has rented out.  She is asked to stay on with the other guests and interview the artists for an article for the paper.  Unknowingly to Emma, however, is that her parents are in attendance as well.  Emma has not seen her parents in four years, ever since they left Newport for Paris so that her father could pursue his painting.

As Emma becomes re-acquainted with her parents it becomes clear that her parents are holding back and keeping secrets.  As she trys to unravel that mystery one of the houseguest goes missing and is found at the bottom of the cliffs in the water.  Did he jump ? Was he pushed ?   

While Emma and Detective Jesse Whyte begin to investigate another member of the group is found dead in his bathtub.  Was it an accident or is someone killing members of the group ?  And why ??

The assortment of artists as well as the limited service staff on hand are an interesting bunch of characters.  As you read and get to know them, you will find yourself liking them and wondering who, if any, could hvae done these horrific acts and why ??

The ending is a complete shocker that you will NOT see coming but it will all make sense in the end......

Reveiw by Missi S.