Rhode Island

Alyssa Maxwell: Murder at Rosecliff

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Gilded Newport #14

It’s August 1903 and Tessie Oelrichs is hosting a White Ball at Rosecliff, her Newport, RI mansion. A stunning all-white theme, excellent music and food, and the cream of New York society give reporter Ethan Merriman plenty to write about. Things take a turn for the worse when a stranger named Solomon Wheeler appears, defying the all-white dress code and making a scene by claiming to be Tessie’s first husband – with alleged proof. Tessie insists that he’s lying and it’s not too surprising that his dead body is discovered in the garden fountain before the night is over. What is surprising is that reporter Ethan Merriman is found apparently holding Wheeler under the water. read more

Vanessa Lillie: The Bone Thief

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Syd Walker #2

This is the second novel following Syd Walker, an archaeologist for the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs).  It has the same strengths and weaknesses as the first novel, but the strengths are many, and overcome the weaknesses.  The weaknesses:  Syd jumps into danger and neglects her pregnant wife to an annoying degree.  If you’ve ever watched the TV show The Closer and been frustrated by Brenda’s treatment of her husband and parents while still admiring Brenda’s skills as a detective, you’ll experience the same feelings here. You’ll admire Syd while at the same time you might be thinking to yourself – get home to your wife! read more