by Sarah E. Burr

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

Murder at Vinland marks the 12th book in the Gilded Newport Mystery series and my very first time venturing to Alyssa Maxwell’s 1900s Rhode Island. Jumping into a series 12 books in isn’t something I normally do, but Emmaline Andrews’s stunning world of high society and cunning schemes welcomed me with open arms.

Readers begin this latest installment with Emma attending a fundraiser for Rhode Island’s new Audubon Society. With many notable guests—including Second Lady Edith Roosevelt—we’re introduced to our main cast of characters and their drama. Oh, so much delicious drama! Maxwell’s atmospheric writing style brings 1900s Newport to life, and the insight we get into the issues and concerns of the day is simply mesmerizing from a 2024 lens.

When guests of the Audubon Society fundraiser begin receiving poisoned treats and letters around town, Emma is brought into the investigation at Newport Detective Jesse Whyte’s insistence. Whyte was such a refreshing figure to read; his admiration of Emma’s abilities pleasantly contrasts with the often grouchy detectives we meet in historical cozy mysteries. He was an endearing companion and a standout among the supporting cast members.

As the mystery unfolds, Emma carefully investigates her growing list of suspects. Her crime-solving style is methodical, balanced, and fun—I didn’t find myself second-guessing her decisions as I sometimes do with an amateur detective. She’s one smart cookie!

Between the glamorous historical setting, Emma’s skillful sleuthing exploits, and the delightful mystery, I devoured this book in one sitting. It’s perfect for fans of The Gilded Age TV show who like a little murder and mayhem mixed in. I will definitely be going back to read the prior books in this series—I’m hooked!

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a copy of Murder at Vinland, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “vinland” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 14, 2024. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Sarah E. Burr is the award-winning author of the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, Trending Topic Mysteries, the Book Blogger Mysteries, and the Court of Mystery series. She is the producer and co-host of It’s Bookish Time TV, a web series featuring live-streamed author interviews. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah reads everything from mystery to manga, plays video games, and enjoys walks with her dog, Eevee.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.