Set against the opulent backdrop of Gilded Age Newport, the story follows Val DeVere as she grapples with a shocking rumor at a formal dinner. The revelation that her friend's wealthy aunt may have been murdered during a prestigious ball sends Val into a web of intrigue and danger. As she navigates the elite social circles, the tension between wealth and morality unfolds, leading her to uncover dark secrets lurking beneath the glamorous surface.
The decades after the American Civil War were a time of remarkable invention, including the rise of the cocktail, which became a hallmark of the Gilded Age, also known as the Golden Age of Cocktails. This era saw the creation of enduring classics like the Manhattan and Martini, along with a variety of whiskey drinks served with ice and mixed with unique flavorings, juices, and fruits. These innovative beverages gained popularity across the nation at sporting events, luncheons, balls, on ocean liners, in bars, summer resorts, hotels, and private homes. Renowned bartenders emerged in cities like New Orleans, New York, and Chicago, crafting drinks that catered to elite patrons and adventurous locales, from Ivy League colleges to the Klondike during the Gold Rush. The cocktail culture thrived as bartenders shared their creations with notable figures, including media moguls and industrial titans. The "cocktail hour" often began early, providing relief from hangovers, and could last until the bottles were finally corked. While cocktails went underground during Prohibition, they set the stage for future generations to enjoy a diverse array of artistically mixed drinks.
""Roaring Twenties" America boasted famous firsts: women's right to vote under the Constitution's Nineteenth Amendment, jazz music, talking motion pictures, Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Flapper fashions, and wondrous new devices like the safety razor and the electric vacuum cleaner. The decade opened, nonetheless, with a shock when Prohibition became the law of the land on Friday, January 16, 1920. American ingenuity promptly rose to its newest challenge. The law, riddled with loopholes, let the 1920s write a new chapter in the nation's saga of spirits. Men and women spoke knowingly of the speakeasy, the bootlegger, of rum-running, black ships, blind pigs, gin mills, and gallon stills. A new social event-the cocktail party staged in a private home-smashed the gender barrier that had long forbidden "ladies" from entering into the gentlemen-only barrooms and cafés. The drinks, savored in secret, were all the more delectable when the cocktail shaker went "underground." The danger of the illicit liquor trade was also memorialized in drinks like the "Original Gangster," the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre," the "Tommy Gun," and others. Crime rose, fortunes were amassed, and a slew of new cocktails were shaken, stirred, and poured in hideaways to brand the "roaring" 1920s as the era of "Alcohol and Al Capone.""--
Set in Spring 1899, the story follows Valentine Mackle, who transitions from a rugged life in the West to the elite circles of New York Society. During a seemingly innocent weekend at a Hudson Valley estate, tragedy strikes when her close friend drowns under mysterious circumstances. As Val navigates the treacherous social landscape, the host's seemingly harmless pranks reveal a darker side, transforming the gathering into a perilous game where danger lurks beneath the surface.
Set in 1899, the story follows Val and Roddy DeVere as they navigate a perilous investigation involving toxic medicine and a zealous Chicago detective. Roddy's business is at risk as he grapples with pressure from his partner, who seeks to escape the detective's relentless pursuit. The mystery deepens around the partner's wife's deadly fall down a staircase, raising the critical question of whether it was an unfortunate accident or a calculated murder.
The book delves into the world of journalism, exploring the tension between sensationalism and integrity in reporting. It examines how media narratives shape public perception and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Through a series of case studies, the author highlights the impact of exposés on society and the consequences of prioritizing sensational stories over factual accuracy. The narrative emphasizes the importance of responsible journalism in an age of information overload, making it a critical read for anyone interested in media ethics and the role of journalism in democracy.
Set against the opulent backdrop of the Metropolitan Opera House in January 1899, the story intertwines the glamour of New York's elite with a chilling murder mystery. As the audience enjoys a performance featuring Mozart's haunting themes, the unexpected death of a "Coal King" in a private box casts a shadow over the evening. The narrative explores themes of deception, societal intrigue, and the stark contrast between high society's façade and the dark realities lurking beneath.