Somebody is murdering young women on Newport's famous Cliff Walk, serving maids, to be more precise. When the identity of the fourth victim is made known, doubt is thrown on the possible motive. Although dressed as a maid, this victim is the daughter of a wealthy family.

Detective Matthew Devlin isn't the most tactful of people, but neither will he cater to the whims of the wealthy social class. Murder is never discussed, since the wealthy believe themselves above such actions. It's this sort of attitude which is hampering his investigation. Matthew is forced to deal with Brooke Cassidy, and the young woman becomes involved in his case in an unexpected way. While Brooke is connected to the wealthy class through her aunt and uncle, who are her guardians, Matthew would rather avoid her. Their past is still a sore topic with him. But she can get answers to questions he can't begin to hope to get himself.

Can Matthew solve these murders without the help of the 'cottagers'? How far is Brooke willing to go to find answers?

Mary Kruger captures the essence of the late nineteenth century in this tightly woven, well written mystery, taking place around the famous Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. She keeps the pace moving, and her readers in suspense, as she slowly doles out the clues. Matthew is a stubborn Irish detective who, though rough around the edges, means well. His past relationship with Brooke is kept in the background for a while, but slowly comes to the fore, tainting his attitude toward her.

Five years before, Brooke made certain choices which set them in different directions. Only time will tell if her decisions were the right ones. Now she and Matt must deal together once again.

The suspects are well described and you feel like part of the mystery as you become immersed in the story. Newport, at the turn of the century is vividly described, while this 'summer playground' for the rich provides the perfect ambiance for the story. Plot twists make it difficult to figure out with any certainty, who the murderer is before you reach the telling clues.

Death On the Cliff Walk will keep you riveted to its pages until you read the last one.