In 1895, the height of the Gilded Age, the social elite spend their summers in Newport, Rhode Island. Within the walls of their fabulous 'cottages,' competition for superiority is ruthless . . . and so are the players.
During her first Newport season, Deanna Randolph attends a ball given in honor of Lord David Manchester, a Barbadian sugar magnate, and his sister, Madeline. The Manchesters are an immediate success—along with their exotic manservant and his fortune-telling talents.
But on the nearby cliffs, a young maid lies dead—and suspicion falls on Joseph Ballard, a member of one of the town's most prestigious families.
Joe humiliated Deanna when he rebuffed an engagement to her, but while he may be a cad, she knows he isn't a killer. Now the reluctant allies must navigate a world of parties, tennis matches, and séances to find the real murderer. But a misstep among the glittering upper classes could leave them exposed to something far more dangerous than malicious gossip . . .
'Evoking the luxurious and extravagant world of the Gilded Age, Newport heiress and feisty amateur sleuth, Deanna Randolph, is a force to be reckoned with in this lively mystery.' Tessa Arlen, author of the Lady Montfort series
'Utterly captivating! Freydont skillfully combines the glittering excess of the Gilded Age and a believable upstairs-downstairs dynamic with a thrilling murder mystery. Readers will fall in love with this intrepid new sleuthing pair and the dashing young men they assist. A must read for fans of historical mystery.' Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries
'A wealth of secrets lies beneath the surface as spunky heiress Deanna Randolph and her maid Elspeth navigate the glittering waters of Gilded Age Newport's high society while working to catch a murderer. Charming and colorful characters, a richly detailed setting, and a compelling mystery make A Gilded Grave a thoroughly captivating read.' Ashley Weaver, Edgar Award-nominated author of Murder at the Brightwell
'This well-crafted mystery is an absolute delight. Freydont has brought Gilded Age Newport to life with the skill of an historian and the insight of the keenest social observer. Deanna Randolph is my favorite new sleuth.' Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of The Counterfeit Heiress
'Richly atmospheric . . . Fans of romantic period pieces will find a lot to like.' Publishers Weekly
'Such an intelligent, well written mystery. There are wonderful characterizations in this book, with lively dialogue . . . I enthusiastically recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, and anyone interested in the Gilded Age.' View from the Birdhouse
'The story was engaging and the main characters were likable. I loved the twists and turns that the author threw at the reader.' Sapphyria's Book Reviews
'Absolutely fabulous . . . I was utterly amazed by how well this book was researched and written. I cannot recommend it enough.' Girl Lost in a Book
'It is so clear [Freydont] has done her research of the Gilded Age . . . Deanna Randolph is an unlikely sleuth, yet in the talented hands of author Freydont, she is not only believable, she is very much up to the task.' Lisa K's Book Reviews
