Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Death on the Cliff Walk (Gilded Age, Bk 1)

Death on the Cliff Walk (Gilded Age, Bk 1)
kkowert avatar reviewed on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


This is a clever murder mystery set in Newport Rhode Island at the end of the 19th century where the wealthy and snobby invade Newport every summer. A Cliff Walk Killer has killed maids who have taken a stroll at night on the cliff walk. Since only maids (working class people) have been killed, the cottagers (wealthy elite) dont feel threatened and dont want to cooperate with the police.

Brooke is a niece of wealthy cottager and tries to get involved with the murder investigation because she is scared and feels she can contribute to the investigation since the cottagers will talk to her. She is in the unique position of being trusted by the servants and society since she was raised by working class parents. When her parents died, her wealthy aunt took Brooke in and wants her to become a respected member of her society.
There are plenty of twists and turns and the murderer is not easy to guess. I enjoyed the great historical background on Newport in its heyday.