Title:	Murder at Rough Point
	Author:	Alyssa Maxwell
	Published:	May 30, 2017, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	304
	Cover Price:	$25.00 Hardcover, $15.00 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle

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Alyssa Maxwell, popular author of several historical mysteries, also writes a series of mysteries that take place in Newport, Rhode Island, The Gilded Newport Mystery Series. In the fourth installment, Murder at Rough Point, a poor relation of the famous Vanderbilts, Emma Cross, who is a noted sleuth and reporter, is invited to attend and report on a gathering of artists at her Uncle Frederick Vanderbilt’s cottage. Emma becomes friends with Edith Wharton at that gathering, and is upset that her estranged parents are also guests. When one of the artists is found murdered, no one is above suspicion, and as Emma investigates, many of the clues point to her parents as conspirators and murderers.

Maxwell is an excellent writer, and uses historical facts as a backdrop to this mystery. She also uses famous real people, i.e., author Edith Wharton, as characters. This makes the fictitious characters seem more real. Emma is a likeable character, and readers will definitely be able to relate, since she is not wealthy, but is beloved by her Uncle Frederick who is a Vanderbilt, and who is wealthy, and is a respected member of the community.

An interesting aspect of the novel is Emma’s relationship with her parents. It makes her very uncomfortable to be around them, especially since it is so out of character for them to show affection for her.

There is building suspense throughout the novel, especially since it is almost impossible for the guests to leave due to weather problems, and it is obvious that one of the guests, who is also not able to leave, is the murderer; it is expected that another murder could take place at anytime, and the guests are almost panicking over worry about being the next victim.

Readers who enjoy light mysteries with a factual historical background, will definitely enjoy this novel, and also the entire series. It’s nice to read a clean novel – absent of graphic sex, violence, and profanity - with suspense and a good story. This is recommended for readers of all ages.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.