Imagine Newport in the summer of 1899: the air is filled with the scent of the sea, yachts dot the harbors, and the high society buzzes with balls and soirees. It is here, among the celebrated artists and society’s elites that Cecelia Tichi sets her historical mystery, “Death in a Gilded Frame.”
At the heart of this narrative are Val, heiress to a Western silver fortune, and her husband, Roderick. They navigate the glittering social maze of the time, in a summer that takes a chilling turn when Val encounters a murder scene. A single impulsive gesture—grasping the murder weapon—plunges her into a vortex of scandal and suspicion.
The DeVere’s relationship, imperfect yet endearing, draws us in. The elite world they inhabit is vividly depicted, from the sumptuous parties to the detailed descriptions of gowns and the idle chatter of the upper echelons.
Amidst the backdrop of potential fires and the elite’s preoccupations, Tichi weaves a tale that goes beyond the typical whodunit. The investigation into the murder takes us on a tour of Newport, from the grand oceanfront cottages to the simplest homes. The socialite community is quick to gossip and even quicker to condemn Val as complicit in the murder.
The narrative is not just about the high society’s intrigues; it’s also a culinary journey, sharing Roddy’s favorite cocktail recipes, adding a unique flavor to the storytelling.
“Death in a Gilded Frame” is a delightful journey through time, a mystery wrapped in the luscious fabrics of a bygone era. It’s the perfect read to transport you to the intrigue and opulence of Newport’s summer society, all from the comfort of your home—ideal for those cold and windy days when you crave a touch of historical elegance and suspense, and the whodunit will keep you guessing until the end.
Kat between the lines... 