Audiobook Review: Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell

Murder at Marble House
Author: Alyssa Maxwell
Narrator: Eva Kaminsky
Series: Gilded Newport Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: Tantor Audio (November 30, 2021)
Length: 10 hours and 4 minutes

Description: With the dawn of the 20th century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance....

Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her 18-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress - Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.

But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice - or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder....

My Thoughts: Emma Cross receives a telephone call from her cousin Consuelo Vanderbilt in 1895. But before she can talk to her, Emma's Aunt Alva waylays her to convince her to persuade Consuelo to marry the Duke of Marlborough. Alva has already called in a fortune teller that she has persuaded to say the marriage will be a good thing. Emma reluctantly agrees.

But when the fortune teller is murdered and Consuelo disappears, Emma needs to find her cousin whether or not she thinks marriage to the Duke of Marlborough is a good idea. 

Emma is also dealing with a boss who is determined to have Emma only write society fluff pieces. In fact, he gives her article about the murder away to a male reporter. She does secure the promise of a byline if she can solve the murder of the fortune teller. There's a second murder of one of Alva's houseguests for her to solve too. And, let's not forget, she needs to locate Consuelo before she manages to ruin her reputation. 

Emma is also dealing with Derrick. She's turned down his marriage proposal for very Women's Rights reasons, but she is still conflicted about her decision. It doesn't help that Derrick is being so helpful in her murder investigation.

This was an engaging story. I liked Eva Kaminsky's narration. 

I bought this one July 26, 2021. You can buy your copy here.