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Amory Ames #7
A Deception at Thornecrest
The stylish, charming next novel in Ashley Weaver's Edgar-nominated Amory Ames mystery series, set in 1930s England, A Deception at Thornecrest
Amory Ames is alone at her country house Thornecrest, enjoying her last few weeks of peace and quiet as she prepares for the imminent arrival of her baby. Her husband, Milo, is in London on business, and Amory is content to catch up on her correspondence, organize the nursery, and avoid the well-meaning if rather overbearing company of the ladies in the village as they prepare for the Springtide Festival. But then a woman appears on her doorstep, also claiming to be Mrs. Ames, Milo’s wife.
Amory's marriage has had its ups and downs in the past, but her faith in her husband has been restored, and Milo has been nothing but thrilled about becoming a father. Though the supposed second Mrs. Ames seems earnest, Amory is convinced she must be mistaken, a belief that Milo confirms upon his homecoming. However, when a second unexpected visitor arrives at Thornecrest, secret identities and whirlwind romances appear to be becoming par for the course.
It's not until the day of the festival, when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead, that the strange characters appearing in town begin to seem more sinister, and Amory is determined to uncover the killer in the crowd.
Amory Ames is alone at her country house Thornecrest, enjoying her last few weeks of peace and quiet as she prepares for the imminent arrival of her baby. Her husband, Milo, is in London on business, and Amory is content to catch up on her correspondence, organize the nursery, and avoid the well-meaning if rather overbearing company of the ladies in the village as they prepare for the Springtide Festival. But then a woman appears on her doorstep, also claiming to be Mrs. Ames, Milo’s wife.
Amory's marriage has had its ups and downs in the past, but her faith in her husband has been restored, and Milo has been nothing but thrilled about becoming a father. Though the supposed second Mrs. Ames seems earnest, Amory is convinced she must be mistaken, a belief that Milo confirms upon his homecoming. However, when a second unexpected visitor arrives at Thornecrest, secret identities and whirlwind romances appear to be becoming par for the course.
It's not until the day of the festival, when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead, that the strange characters appearing in town begin to seem more sinister, and Amory is determined to uncover the killer in the crowd.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
January 27, 2022
This books begins with one of the best opening lines I have seen in ages.
"It was on a sunny spring morning in the eighth month of my pregnancy that a woman arrived on my doorstep claiming to be married to my husband."
And knowing what Milo is like I think we all held our breath until we discovered the truth!
Milo has irritated me since book one and in this book he slips back into some of his old ways, just disappearing off to London on a whim and staying away overnight even while appearing to be concerned for Amory in her late pregnancy. At least this clears the way for her to enjoy herself in her usual way - trying to solve a murder. She manages to do this just in time because babies wait for no one and this one is anxious to be born.
This book is light hearted and is a quick entertaining read. I wonder if this is the last book as the author has begun another series. If so I will miss Milo and Amory. They have been a lot of fun!
"It was on a sunny spring morning in the eighth month of my pregnancy that a woman arrived on my doorstep claiming to be married to my husband."
And knowing what Milo is like I think we all held our breath until we discovered the truth!
Milo has irritated me since book one and in this book he slips back into some of his old ways, just disappearing off to London on a whim and staying away overnight even while appearing to be concerned for Amory in her late pregnancy. At least this clears the way for her to enjoy herself in her usual way - trying to solve a murder. She manages to do this just in time because babies wait for no one and this one is anxious to be born.
This book is light hearted and is a quick entertaining read. I wonder if this is the last book as the author has begun another series. If so I will miss Milo and Amory. They have been a lot of fun!
September 16, 2021
A Deception at Thornecrest is the seventh (well, number 7.5 if you consider a digital short) in the Amory Ames cozy mystery series and so much about it is different from the previous books.
Husband and wife pair Milo and Amory Ames are, for once, AT HOME! The glamorous pair always seem to be traveling and encountering mysteries that need solving far from their country estate. But now that Amory is heavily pregnant with their first child, they decide to stay put at Thornecrest. They expect a quiet couple of months before the baby is due, but mysteries are as attracted to them as they are to each other, and when not one, but two scandals break out in the normally peaceful nearby village, Amory makes it her mission to investigate, as always.
I obviously can't reveal the ending, but it was quite different from any other I've experienced so far in this series. I found it intriguing, but I haven't quite been able to figure out how I feel about it. It seems clear that Weaver was looking to shake things up this far into the series, giving Amory and Milo some new challenges and trying a different style of mystery. I love these two characters and I'd happily read any book with them in it, so while the mystery wasn't quite as exciting, I still very much enjoyed this book.
Husband and wife pair Milo and Amory Ames are, for once, AT HOME! The glamorous pair always seem to be traveling and encountering mysteries that need solving far from their country estate. But now that Amory is heavily pregnant with their first child, they decide to stay put at Thornecrest. They expect a quiet couple of months before the baby is due, but mysteries are as attracted to them as they are to each other, and when not one, but two scandals break out in the normally peaceful nearby village, Amory makes it her mission to investigate, as always.
I obviously can't reveal the ending, but it was quite different from any other I've experienced so far in this series. I found it intriguing, but I haven't quite been able to figure out how I feel about it. It seems clear that Weaver was looking to shake things up this far into the series, giving Amory and Milo some new challenges and trying a different style of mystery. I love these two characters and I'd happily read any book with them in it, so while the mystery wasn't quite as exciting, I still very much enjoyed this book.
June 14, 2020
Okay I want you all to read this book and I want you all to buy it now. But don't read it yet if you haven't read the first 7 stories because while the murder is a standalone, it is the characters that I love.
I was so eager for this one. For much of the series, we have found Milo and Amory Ames in the most delicious locales: from France to Capri, a seaside resort and, most recently, Manhattan. But I had longed to see them on their home turf, Milo's family home. Here, Amory is expecting their first child and playboy Milo is finally settled down more interested in business in London with his solicitor and the prime breeding horses than of dalliances that make the society pages. Sure, Milo has been notorious, but as Weaver has so deftly brushed over his character, shading his changes little by little, it is quite believable that he has turned a corner. Indeed, one might believe that it was actually their being so close to death and murder that helped patch their relationship. They are never more so equals (even in their spats and tiffs) than they are here, on neutral ground.
It all begins when a young woman arrives at Thornecrest unannounced and most unexpected when she introduces herself as Milo's wife. I mean, I gotta hand it to Amory, much like her, Milo hasn't always won my complete trust in past instalments and while Amory trusts him in her soul, it is quite certain her brain would wander for a moment. What transpires is a village mystery of the perfect serene British kind complete with a vicarage, a horse race, a county fair and sprawling estates. We're all going on about the best isolation reads, and this is certainly a comfortable one: completely cozy yet set apart by Amory and Milo's banter, their classic refinery and the family they forge to carry the tradition of the Ames' name along with butler Grimes and maid Winnelda. When Milo's rakish half brother arrives, Weaver again asserts herself as a master of characterization and deep psychological craft: softly wielding a balance of human tenacity and deceit. Not one peripheral character, for one, is one-dimensional.
Speaking of family, it is a major theme at the heart of the story and ripples throughout the chance encounters, the deception and, yes, the death that drives Amory back into action as a refined amateur sleuth. And I cannot help but think how perfect that motif brings Milo and Amory full circle, especially from their first adventure in "Murder at the Brightwell" when their estranged marriage coupled with Amory's sleuthing skills forced Milo to see her clearly perhaps for the first time. Thereafter, they've undergone a precarious waltz --never without chemistry-- but with an undercurrent of uncertainty and I admit that this estate-side tale was a giant exhale of relief to see them growing and working as a couple: with just enough of a cloud on the horizon to keep from a saccharine happily-ever-after.
One of the brilliant things about this series is the character of Milo. Weaver makes it look easy because she is such a master with a fluid pen and with Amory's wonderfully charming and astute first person, but I know that it must not be that simple to write a complicated man who is at once playboy and loyal, who wants his marriage to work even as he keeps one foot in the society world. Its an especially precarious balance because we never quite see inside his world or point of view, rather through whatever Amory is feeling for him in the moment. I confess, at the beginning, I thought perhaps he was a bit of a Percy Blakeney type: there had to be a reason for him to be so...well... Milo.
As the series went on, I wondered why I felt that way, whereas the mastery of Milo is the fact that he is a man from a troubled home, burdened by the legacy of an estate, ridiculously good-looking and obsessed with horses and gambling and now part of a marriage that happened rapidly and finally meeting his wife who is his equal in intelligence and charm. While Milo has his moments ( dear god, you'll want to staple things to his head sometimes), he has a steadfast nature that allows you to begin to predict how he will show his far more delectable, protective and loyal side.
And what I love about Weaver is that she does this by keeping Milo just at a distance: certainly from the reader and, yes, from Amory. When you go through the beautifully told series time and again, you notice that Amory begins to notice all of Milo's looks: many unreadable, many new. She learns new expressions, she fails to discern others. Its a smart move because it not only shows us that Amory, so adept at reading other people and so often able to follow her hunches and precision at human nature to help Inspector Jones and win the day, but also shows her vulnerability when she cannot read her own husband.
It's not that she's daft. It's just that she is peeling back layers of a complicated character and I wonder how often Milo wishes she could see what he is clearly trying to project: this slight division between them is, of course, what sparks throughout the book in its overt sexual chemistry.
The romance is subdued and often shown in slow burn moments: in touches and thoughtful gestures, in larger gestures given Milo and Amory's opportunities to protect each other, but also (most deliciously) in the many instances in which they catch each other off guard.
So all of this to say, yes, buy this book and yes, read this book. But I have an inkling the experience will be the most robust if you work through the series from its start. I'll often retreat back into Milo and Amory's world: as a reader to roam around for awhile, as a writer to learn from a genius at plotting and pace... and as a die-hard romantic to see if I can't just interpret one of Milo's new looks or gazes or glances filling up those bright eyes of his.
Love this series!
I was so eager for this one. For much of the series, we have found Milo and Amory Ames in the most delicious locales: from France to Capri, a seaside resort and, most recently, Manhattan. But I had longed to see them on their home turf, Milo's family home. Here, Amory is expecting their first child and playboy Milo is finally settled down more interested in business in London with his solicitor and the prime breeding horses than of dalliances that make the society pages. Sure, Milo has been notorious, but as Weaver has so deftly brushed over his character, shading his changes little by little, it is quite believable that he has turned a corner. Indeed, one might believe that it was actually their being so close to death and murder that helped patch their relationship. They are never more so equals (even in their spats and tiffs) than they are here, on neutral ground.
It all begins when a young woman arrives at Thornecrest unannounced and most unexpected when she introduces herself as Milo's wife. I mean, I gotta hand it to Amory, much like her, Milo hasn't always won my complete trust in past instalments and while Amory trusts him in her soul, it is quite certain her brain would wander for a moment. What transpires is a village mystery of the perfect serene British kind complete with a vicarage, a horse race, a county fair and sprawling estates. We're all going on about the best isolation reads, and this is certainly a comfortable one: completely cozy yet set apart by Amory and Milo's banter, their classic refinery and the family they forge to carry the tradition of the Ames' name along with butler Grimes and maid Winnelda. When Milo's rakish half brother arrives, Weaver again asserts herself as a master of characterization and deep psychological craft: softly wielding a balance of human tenacity and deceit. Not one peripheral character, for one, is one-dimensional.
Speaking of family, it is a major theme at the heart of the story and ripples throughout the chance encounters, the deception and, yes, the death that drives Amory back into action as a refined amateur sleuth. And I cannot help but think how perfect that motif brings Milo and Amory full circle, especially from their first adventure in "Murder at the Brightwell" when their estranged marriage coupled with Amory's sleuthing skills forced Milo to see her clearly perhaps for the first time. Thereafter, they've undergone a precarious waltz --never without chemistry-- but with an undercurrent of uncertainty and I admit that this estate-side tale was a giant exhale of relief to see them growing and working as a couple: with just enough of a cloud on the horizon to keep from a saccharine happily-ever-after.
One of the brilliant things about this series is the character of Milo. Weaver makes it look easy because she is such a master with a fluid pen and with Amory's wonderfully charming and astute first person, but I know that it must not be that simple to write a complicated man who is at once playboy and loyal, who wants his marriage to work even as he keeps one foot in the society world. Its an especially precarious balance because we never quite see inside his world or point of view, rather through whatever Amory is feeling for him in the moment. I confess, at the beginning, I thought perhaps he was a bit of a Percy Blakeney type: there had to be a reason for him to be so...well... Milo.
As the series went on, I wondered why I felt that way, whereas the mastery of Milo is the fact that he is a man from a troubled home, burdened by the legacy of an estate, ridiculously good-looking and obsessed with horses and gambling and now part of a marriage that happened rapidly and finally meeting his wife who is his equal in intelligence and charm. While Milo has his moments ( dear god, you'll want to staple things to his head sometimes), he has a steadfast nature that allows you to begin to predict how he will show his far more delectable, protective and loyal side.
And what I love about Weaver is that she does this by keeping Milo just at a distance: certainly from the reader and, yes, from Amory. When you go through the beautifully told series time and again, you notice that Amory begins to notice all of Milo's looks: many unreadable, many new. She learns new expressions, she fails to discern others. Its a smart move because it not only shows us that Amory, so adept at reading other people and so often able to follow her hunches and precision at human nature to help Inspector Jones and win the day, but also shows her vulnerability when she cannot read her own husband.
It's not that she's daft. It's just that she is peeling back layers of a complicated character and I wonder how often Milo wishes she could see what he is clearly trying to project: this slight division between them is, of course, what sparks throughout the book in its overt sexual chemistry.
The romance is subdued and often shown in slow burn moments: in touches and thoughtful gestures, in larger gestures given Milo and Amory's opportunities to protect each other, but also (most deliciously) in the many instances in which they catch each other off guard.
So all of this to say, yes, buy this book and yes, read this book. But I have an inkling the experience will be the most robust if you work through the series from its start. I'll often retreat back into Milo and Amory's world: as a reader to roam around for awhile, as a writer to learn from a genius at plotting and pace... and as a die-hard romantic to see if I can't just interpret one of Milo's new looks or gazes or glances filling up those bright eyes of his.
Love this series!
September 17, 2021
I'd like to entirely blame the narrator because her querulous voice sounded more appropriate for a Miss Marple story than an Amory Ames one. But I am afraid I did not enjoy this story for two main reasons, neither of which I can blame on the narrator:
1. The mystery was unfortunately predictable.
2. The romance went backwards.
Now, I don't read the Amory Ames novels for the mysteries. I read them for Milo and Amory. And I've thoroughly enjoyed the last few books in the series as they've slowly learned to open up to one another and communicate. I would have adored this book if it threw character arcs out the window and simply gave me a happy couple in harmony with one another solving a mystery. But no. Conflict in their marriage seems to be the only consistent plot point, so conflict there must be.
But at this point, the conflict feels so contrived. Just let them be happy already. Don't leave Amory worrying about what Milo is thinking or feeling or not expressing. I WANT SAPPINESS! Not forced drama! Thankyouverymuch.
1. The mystery was unfortunately predictable.
2. The romance went backwards.
Now, I don't read the Amory Ames novels for the mysteries. I read them for Milo and Amory. And I've thoroughly enjoyed the last few books in the series as they've slowly learned to open up to one another and communicate. I would have adored this book if it threw character arcs out the window and simply gave me a happy couple in harmony with one another solving a mystery. But no. Conflict in their marriage seems to be the only consistent plot point, so conflict there must be.
But at this point, the conflict feels so contrived. Just let them be happy already. Don't leave Amory worrying about what Milo is thinking or feeling or not expressing. I WANT SAPPINESS! Not forced drama! Thankyouverymuch.
September 16, 2020
A Deception At Thorncrest is the latest book in the Amory Ames mystery series. In this installment, a heavily pregnant Amory is visited by a woman claiming to be married to Amory's husband! If that isn 't enough, relatives are coming out of the woodwork, and a local young man is shockingly murdered. Even though the baby's arrival is imminent, Amory is on the case, determined to find the killer.
Amory's wry sense of humor, even while thinking her husband might be a bigamist, is a delight. The mystery takes many twists and turns, and the true culprit is a surprise. Although this is book seven in a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it may contain spoilers for the previous books.
Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with lots of humor and a strong cast of characters will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
Amory's wry sense of humor, even while thinking her husband might be a bigamist, is a delight. The mystery takes many twists and turns, and the true culprit is a surprise. Although this is book seven in a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it may contain spoilers for the previous books.
Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with lots of humor and a strong cast of characters will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
June 8, 2023
I loved the whole series, book by book. And I'm sad it's come to an end. But I know Ashley Weaver got another series that I need to try but need to wait a bit so I don't compare the two series so much. Each book has a very intriguing and fun plot with perfect amount of drama, Cozy and a mystery plot. While I never really feelt like I loved Milo as a character, I did enjoy some bits about them and can't deny they had something special between both of them. Was glad by the happy ending they got but still sadness because I won't meet Amory Ames again unless I Reread.
September 8, 2020
Another delightful installment in the Amory Ames mysteries. This time around Amory and Miles are staying at the country home, Thornecrest, while they await the arrive of their baby. What they hope will be a quite time together becomes anything but! A young women, Imogen Prescott, appears, claiming that she met Miles early that year and he married her and promised to meet her in London. Just as that mystery is cleared up, one of their stable hands is found murdered in a field while a festival and local race horse is going on., With a cast of eccentric characters, a fast-paced plot, and witty banter, this is another welcome addition to this series. Plenty of plot twists and red herrings make this historical 1930s era cozy mystery a fun and entertaining read. If you haven't read the earlier titles in this series, check them out. Well worth the time investment!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
August 3, 2022
I adored this book. Picture perfect ending to a delightful series. Well worth the listen.
April 10, 2021
(2.5 stars) When this series first began (in 2014 with the publication of Murder at the Brightwell) I was somewhat impressed by the time period (1930s) and the rich, jet-setting British couple who solve mysteries hither and thither. And the art-deco covers are a stylish extra attraction for me. I read the first four, each time enjoying the settings and the mysteries, but becoming less and less enchanted with the couple and so did not bother to read #5 and #6 of the series.
But then this latest one was offered at a bargain price so I decided to reacquaint myself with Milo and
Amory Ames. I wish I had not bothered. Not even the mystery was particularly interesting in this new book and it's still a thumbs down from me as far as the couple's relationship, which should be improving by now but mostly seems rather stagnant.
In this series entry, Milo and Amory are not traveling around and hanging with the rich and famous. Instead, with pregnant Amory due to give birth to their first child soon, they are at the Ames family home Thornecrest in Kent, awaiting the event. This is a smaller venue for a mystery than usual for this couple. Just a village setting with most suspects, when a murder does occur, being residents of the village. Characters such as the vicar and his wife, the local aristocratic horse-mad peeress, and several middle-class inhabitants of the area. To add more interest for us, the author introduces a surprise character with, perhaps, family ties but also perhaps the murderous villain.
And so heavily-pregnant Amory, in spite of Milo's objections, finds herself going around the village trying to work out whodunit. Milo, as usual, is an unhelpful jerk who comes and goes as he pleases, showing little interest in the mystery and even less in being supportive of his wife.
It says a lot about this married couple that when, at the beginning of this book, a young woman shows up at Amory's door claiming to have married Milo three months earlier, Amory is unsure about the truth of this. But then she comes to the conclusion that it's very unlikely that Milo would bother to marry another woman. Yep, their marriage is based on that kind of trust. We are now into book seven and I don't see much improvement in Milo's behavior as a husband, except that, apparently, he is looking forward to being a father. But then, don't get me started on Enabler Amory. She and Milo need marriage counseling ASAP.
But then this latest one was offered at a bargain price so I decided to reacquaint myself with Milo and
Amory Ames. I wish I had not bothered. Not even the mystery was particularly interesting in this new book and it's still a thumbs down from me as far as the couple's relationship, which should be improving by now but mostly seems rather stagnant.
In this series entry, Milo and Amory are not traveling around and hanging with the rich and famous. Instead, with pregnant Amory due to give birth to their first child soon, they are at the Ames family home Thornecrest in Kent, awaiting the event. This is a smaller venue for a mystery than usual for this couple. Just a village setting with most suspects, when a murder does occur, being residents of the village. Characters such as the vicar and his wife, the local aristocratic horse-mad peeress, and several middle-class inhabitants of the area. To add more interest for us, the author introduces a surprise character with, perhaps, family ties but also perhaps the murderous villain.
And so heavily-pregnant Amory, in spite of Milo's objections, finds herself going around the village trying to work out whodunit. Milo, as usual, is an unhelpful jerk who comes and goes as he pleases, showing little interest in the mystery and even less in being supportive of his wife.
It says a lot about this married couple that when, at the beginning of this book, a young woman shows up at Amory's door claiming to have married Milo three months earlier, Amory is unsure about the truth of this. But then she comes to the conclusion that it's very unlikely that Milo would bother to marry another woman. Yep, their marriage is based on that kind of trust. We are now into book seven and I don't see much improvement in Milo's behavior as a husband, except that, apparently, he is looking forward to being a father. But then, don't get me started on Enabler Amory. She and Milo need marriage counseling ASAP.
August 17, 2020
3.5 / 5.0 stars
Britain, 1934; a country village with the usual country estate or two; a deceptive doppelgänger, and two deaths under investigation. What more could one ask from from an historical cozy mystery?!
This seventh installment in the Amory Ames mystery series finds our protagonist in the eighth month of her pregnancy, anticipating the Ames' heir apparent at the family estate of Thornecrest in the quiet village of Allingross in Kent. Although she and her husband Milo have been working at strengthening their marriage after some discord in the early years, Amory is affronted by a young woman who claims to be Milo's wife, too. Hmm.... Amory keeps her cool during the encounter and thinks, surely this woman is mistaken. But when the young woman sees a marriage photo of Amory and Milo, the young woman confirms that he is in fact the man she married on a whim in Brighton. Amory fights her unease and confronts Milo about the matter after his return to the estate. He assures her that he only has eyes for her, does not know this young woman, and is focused on preparing for the family they are now building.
Meanwhile, Milo's half-brother shows up, (a brother previously unknown to Milo and Amory), desiring to connect with Milo. Coincidence? Perhaps not. Then one of Milo's stable hands is found murdered at the spring fair and another death follows shortly thereafter. Are the deaths related? Who benefits from these deaths? Milo makes Amory swear that she won't get involved as she is about to give birth and has other more important things to tend to. But Amory being who she is - curious and quite clever - cannot keep herself away from the investigation. And so it begins.
Ashley Weaver has spun another good yarn in this series. The story was clever and fun. Although, I do have to admit that I struggled with staying in the 1930s setting as there was little reference to anchor the story to its time. Without giving away the story, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in how the deaths were solved. Regardless, the story is charming and we do get a better glimpse into the evolution of Milo and Amory's marriage.
I am grateful to author Ashley Weaver and her publisher, Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Published by:
Minotaur Books
St. Martin's Publishing Group
On Sale: September 8, 2020
Britain, 1934; a country village with the usual country estate or two; a deceptive doppelgänger, and two deaths under investigation. What more could one ask from from an historical cozy mystery?!
This seventh installment in the Amory Ames mystery series finds our protagonist in the eighth month of her pregnancy, anticipating the Ames' heir apparent at the family estate of Thornecrest in the quiet village of Allingross in Kent. Although she and her husband Milo have been working at strengthening their marriage after some discord in the early years, Amory is affronted by a young woman who claims to be Milo's wife, too. Hmm.... Amory keeps her cool during the encounter and thinks, surely this woman is mistaken. But when the young woman sees a marriage photo of Amory and Milo, the young woman confirms that he is in fact the man she married on a whim in Brighton. Amory fights her unease and confronts Milo about the matter after his return to the estate. He assures her that he only has eyes for her, does not know this young woman, and is focused on preparing for the family they are now building.
Meanwhile, Milo's half-brother shows up, (a brother previously unknown to Milo and Amory), desiring to connect with Milo. Coincidence? Perhaps not. Then one of Milo's stable hands is found murdered at the spring fair and another death follows shortly thereafter. Are the deaths related? Who benefits from these deaths? Milo makes Amory swear that she won't get involved as she is about to give birth and has other more important things to tend to. But Amory being who she is - curious and quite clever - cannot keep herself away from the investigation. And so it begins.
Ashley Weaver has spun another good yarn in this series. The story was clever and fun. Although, I do have to admit that I struggled with staying in the 1930s setting as there was little reference to anchor the story to its time. Without giving away the story, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in how the deaths were solved. Regardless, the story is charming and we do get a better glimpse into the evolution of Milo and Amory's marriage.
I am grateful to author Ashley Weaver and her publisher, Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Published by:
Minotaur Books
St. Martin's Publishing Group
On Sale: September 8, 2020
August 21, 2020
'Amory Ames is alone at her country house Thornecrest, enjoying her last few weeks of peace and quiet as she prepares for the imminent arrival of her baby. Her husband, Milo, is in London on business, and Amory is content to catch up on her correspondence, organize the nursery, and avoid the well-meaning if rather overbearing company of the ladies in the village as they prepare for the Springtide Festival. But then a woman appears on her doorstep, also claiming to be Mrs. Ames, Milo’s wife.
Amory's marriage has had its ups and downs in the past, but her faith in her husband has been restored, and Milo has been nothing but thrilled about becoming a father. Though the supposed second Mrs. Ames seems earnest, Amory is convinced she must be mistaken, a belief that Milo confirms upon his homecoming. However, when a second unexpected visitor arrives at Thornecrest, secret identities and whirlwind romances appear to be becoming par for the course.
It's not until the day of the festival, when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead, that the strange characters appearing in town begin to seem more sinister, and Amory is determined to uncover the killer in the crowd.'
___________________________________
A Deception at Thornecrest is the seventh book in Ashley Weaver's An Amory Ames Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
This is the first book in the series in which we get the see the oft talked about Thornecrest, Milo's family home, as he and Amory prepare for the arrival of their first baby. In this book I think they are perhaps at their most harmonious, even though there are still several moments of contention between them, but I think that's part of the charm of their relationship
It's a little thing, but I will mention that the Amory shone standing with Milo in front of the festival on the book's cover is very clearly not pregnant even though she is heavily pregnant for the entirety of the book. Once again this is a little thing, but seems silly to me. I think we could have handled seeing a pregnant belly.
Family relationships were very much the central theme of this book, both the ones you make and the one you're born into, which I loved so much because it tied so well into what everything happening for Amory and Milo. A Deception at Thornecrest has been one of favorites in the series, both because of the life changes happening and for the mystery itself. The reveal didn't really take me by surprise, but there were enough layers that kept me guessing whether or not I was off the mark for a bit. I love that each case continues to be unique from the others they have encountered before and I'm excited to see what Weaver will cook up for the next book.
I've really enjoyed reading this series over the last month and recommend it others. But now I'm a little sad that I have to wait for the next book since I was able to read all of these back to back. I'll just have to try to be patient.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing and eARC of A Deception at Thornecrest by Ashley Weaver with me. This is my honest review.
Amory's marriage has had its ups and downs in the past, but her faith in her husband has been restored, and Milo has been nothing but thrilled about becoming a father. Though the supposed second Mrs. Ames seems earnest, Amory is convinced she must be mistaken, a belief that Milo confirms upon his homecoming. However, when a second unexpected visitor arrives at Thornecrest, secret identities and whirlwind romances appear to be becoming par for the course.
It's not until the day of the festival, when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead, that the strange characters appearing in town begin to seem more sinister, and Amory is determined to uncover the killer in the crowd.'
___________________________________
A Deception at Thornecrest is the seventh book in Ashley Weaver's An Amory Ames Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
This is the first book in the series in which we get the see the oft talked about Thornecrest, Milo's family home, as he and Amory prepare for the arrival of their first baby. In this book I think they are perhaps at their most harmonious, even though there are still several moments of contention between them, but I think that's part of the charm of their relationship
It's a little thing, but I will mention that the Amory shone standing with Milo in front of the festival on the book's cover is very clearly not pregnant even though she is heavily pregnant for the entirety of the book. Once again this is a little thing, but seems silly to me. I think we could have handled seeing a pregnant belly.
Family relationships were very much the central theme of this book, both the ones you make and the one you're born into, which I loved so much because it tied so well into what everything happening for Amory and Milo. A Deception at Thornecrest has been one of favorites in the series, both because of the life changes happening and for the mystery itself. The reveal didn't really take me by surprise, but there were enough layers that kept me guessing whether or not I was off the mark for a bit. I love that each case continues to be unique from the others they have encountered before and I'm excited to see what Weaver will cook up for the next book.
I've really enjoyed reading this series over the last month and recommend it others. But now I'm a little sad that I have to wait for the next book since I was able to read all of these back to back. I'll just have to try to be patient.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing and eARC of A Deception at Thornecrest by Ashley Weaver with me. This is my honest review.
May 17, 2022
I finished this a few days ago. I don't really have anything new to say about this series. They are nice! I like them.
Re-read May 2022
Woohoo, finished my re-read of this! It definitely petered out by the end and I didn't remember much at all about this book. Which may be an indication the series ended at the correct time!
Re-read May 2022
Woohoo, finished my re-read of this! It definitely petered out by the end and I didn't remember much at all about this book. Which may be an indication the series ended at the correct time!
March 5, 2023
Amory Ames (and her husband, by association) are going to have a baby! Loitering around their country house, Thornecrest, is rather chill—until a series of Bad Things happen: a woman claiming to have married her husband, a dashing stranger, and a murder! OH NO WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN?
1. Disappointment.
2. Here's the thing: Weaver had some solid gold set up with the arrival of a mysterious woman who claimed she'd been seduced, wed, and cast aside—and that the man who'd done it was none other than Milo Ames. It leans into the behaviors and actions of the man who'd been such a butthead in the earlier books just enough that it feels almost possible—and it sets up a mystery that is tied to personal stakes with a ticking clock (Amory's impending due date) that's pretty compelling.
And then: it gets mostly resolved within a chapter. :\
AND THEN: Milo proceeds to revert back to the swanning, shallow, secretive creature from earlier books.
AND THEN: another mystery is introduced that doesn't so much as feel like a well-woven mystery, but rather like a grab-bag of threads that ends abruptly.
3. It needs to be said: having Milo revert like this does this series no favors. Is he truly reformed? I would say not, not if he's going to run off to London for multiple overnights without talking to Amory. Not if he's going to say things like "This is my house" and never acknowledge the fuckery inherit in saying that to an extremely pregnant spouse. Not if he's going to keep secrets and continue to act like a fucking dill. Like. We all wanted to root for you, dude.
4. The mystery was sad (as executed; not as a concept). :(
5. And having the series end as it does, attempting to cram the resolution of 2 years / 7 books of emotional development and growth into half a chapter is fucking ridiculous.
1. Disappointment.
2. Here's the thing: Weaver had some solid gold set up with the arrival of a mysterious woman who claimed she'd been seduced, wed, and cast aside—and that the man who'd done it was none other than Milo Ames. It leans into the behaviors and actions of the man who'd been such a butthead in the earlier books just enough that it feels almost possible—and it sets up a mystery that is tied to personal stakes with a ticking clock (Amory's impending due date) that's pretty compelling.
And then: it gets mostly resolved within a chapter. :\
AND THEN: Milo proceeds to revert back to the swanning, shallow, secretive creature from earlier books.
AND THEN: another mystery is introduced that doesn't so much as feel like a well-woven mystery, but rather like a grab-bag of threads that ends abruptly.
3. It needs to be said: having Milo revert like this does this series no favors. Is he truly reformed? I would say not, not if he's going to run off to London for multiple overnights without talking to Amory. Not if he's going to say things like "This is my house" and never acknowledge the fuckery inherit in saying that to an extremely pregnant spouse. Not if he's going to keep secrets and continue to act like a fucking dill. Like. We all wanted to root for you, dude.
4. The mystery was sad (as executed; not as a concept). :(
5. And having the series end as it does, attempting to cram the resolution of 2 years / 7 books of emotional development and growth into half a chapter is fucking ridiculous.
August 29, 2020
** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up **
Series: Amory Ames #7
Publication Date: 9/8/20
Number of Pages: 288
This author and series are both new to me and I enjoyed the read. Even though this is the seventh book in the series, I had no trouble with reading it as a standalone. Of course, I always become curious about the characters when I begin a series that I enjoy, so I have every intention of going back and reading the earlier books in the series. The main reason I want to read the earlier books is to see the history between Milo and Amory. I didn’t care much for Milo in this book and there were many, many, many hints that he might have been a womanizer during the earlier years of their marriage. If that is the case, I’m not sure whether I’ll continue or not unless there is some grand resurrection of him. While he didn’t appear to be a womanizer any longer, he still felt pretty cold to me in general. So, I fully intend to read at least the first book before I decide whether to continue with the series.
I enjoyed the mystery. It was well-written with plenty of red herrings to make you wonder whodunit. I always hate when the author introduces me to the victim and makes me like them before killing them off – and that is the case here. Well – I liked one of the victims anyway and that made me sad – especially as I learned of his hopes and dreams. Not everyone is who they appear to be and those who are, are hiding secrets. It is interesting to see Amory investigate and uncover those secrets and arrive at the conclusion to the murderer. I did think that came a bit out of left field – just all of a sudden, she had the answer.
Amory and Milo are at their country estate, Thorncrest, awaiting the birth of their first child – only a month to go. Amory is at home alone one morning when she has a caller who insists she is Mrs. Milo Ames. Amory is sure the woman has been duped and she’s sure Milo isn’t the one who duped her – but she does have to wonder just a bit. Later, a second visitor appears and the deception is solved.
When a horse trainer who works for both Milo and Lady Alma Bedford is found, dead, in a field at the Springtide Festival, it doesn’t take much to figure out that he was murdered. Since the young man had recently been involved in an altercation with a newcomer, there was an immediate suspect. When further incriminating evidence was conveniently found and the suspect was arrested, Amory thought it was just too easy, too pat. Against Milo’s wishes, Amory begins to investigate. When another murder that is obviously related happens, the suspect is released – but Amory continues her investigation. She learns more and more secrets that are held by some of the most respected people in the town – things she didn’t wish to know – but she had to learn all she could in order to identify the murderer. You’ll be surprised at the resolution.
I enjoyed the mystery portion of this book. It was interesting and the red herrings were believable – for the most part. What I didn’t enjoy was Milo and the relationship between him and Amory. I will read the first book in the series to see if I can begin to understand it better – but – well – bottom line is that I need a good romance to go along with my mysteries and I’m not sure this is a good romance. Of course, some things happened in this book that might make me change my mind once I read Book 8 in the series. Yes, I know this is probably a good representation of a ‘real-life’ marriage – but I read to get away from the ‘real-life’ things. Anyway, I intend to read Book 1 in the series and then maybe Book 8 when it comes out and will decide whether to continue from there.
If the mystery is what you are after, then this will be right down your alley. It is interesting and populated with unique characters. I will definitely try more books in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Amory Ames #7
Publication Date: 9/8/20
Number of Pages: 288
This author and series are both new to me and I enjoyed the read. Even though this is the seventh book in the series, I had no trouble with reading it as a standalone. Of course, I always become curious about the characters when I begin a series that I enjoy, so I have every intention of going back and reading the earlier books in the series. The main reason I want to read the earlier books is to see the history between Milo and Amory. I didn’t care much for Milo in this book and there were many, many, many hints that he might have been a womanizer during the earlier years of their marriage. If that is the case, I’m not sure whether I’ll continue or not unless there is some grand resurrection of him. While he didn’t appear to be a womanizer any longer, he still felt pretty cold to me in general. So, I fully intend to read at least the first book before I decide whether to continue with the series.
I enjoyed the mystery. It was well-written with plenty of red herrings to make you wonder whodunit. I always hate when the author introduces me to the victim and makes me like them before killing them off – and that is the case here. Well – I liked one of the victims anyway and that made me sad – especially as I learned of his hopes and dreams. Not everyone is who they appear to be and those who are, are hiding secrets. It is interesting to see Amory investigate and uncover those secrets and arrive at the conclusion to the murderer. I did think that came a bit out of left field – just all of a sudden, she had the answer.
Amory and Milo are at their country estate, Thorncrest, awaiting the birth of their first child – only a month to go. Amory is at home alone one morning when she has a caller who insists she is Mrs. Milo Ames. Amory is sure the woman has been duped and she’s sure Milo isn’t the one who duped her – but she does have to wonder just a bit. Later, a second visitor appears and the deception is solved.
When a horse trainer who works for both Milo and Lady Alma Bedford is found, dead, in a field at the Springtide Festival, it doesn’t take much to figure out that he was murdered. Since the young man had recently been involved in an altercation with a newcomer, there was an immediate suspect. When further incriminating evidence was conveniently found and the suspect was arrested, Amory thought it was just too easy, too pat. Against Milo’s wishes, Amory begins to investigate. When another murder that is obviously related happens, the suspect is released – but Amory continues her investigation. She learns more and more secrets that are held by some of the most respected people in the town – things she didn’t wish to know – but she had to learn all she could in order to identify the murderer. You’ll be surprised at the resolution.
I enjoyed the mystery portion of this book. It was interesting and the red herrings were believable – for the most part. What I didn’t enjoy was Milo and the relationship between him and Amory. I will read the first book in the series to see if I can begin to understand it better – but – well – bottom line is that I need a good romance to go along with my mysteries and I’m not sure this is a good romance. Of course, some things happened in this book that might make me change my mind once I read Book 8 in the series. Yes, I know this is probably a good representation of a ‘real-life’ marriage – but I read to get away from the ‘real-life’ things. Anyway, I intend to read Book 1 in the series and then maybe Book 8 when it comes out and will decide whether to continue from there.
If the mystery is what you are after, then this will be right down your alley. It is interesting and populated with unique characters. I will definitely try more books in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2021
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Minotaur Books/St.Martin's Press
Woot woot, I am all caught up! And, yet boo, no more books till the next one is published.
Milo has decided to whisk Amory to their country house, Thornecrest to keep her safe and away from murders. While he goes between Thornecrest and town, Amory is left alone to set up the nursery before their baby arrives. Being pregnant does not keep Amory away from drama and mystery. First, a young woman arrives at Thornecrest claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames. While her marriage to Milo has had it's ups and downs, she does not believe that her husband would have strayed the past few months. Finding out the truth will lead to murder in the countryside.
I started this one right after A Dangerous Engagement so I was already in the Ames world. I like that each novel takes place in a different setting, and it was great seeing the place where Milo grew up. I enjoyed this one and loved the ending of the book - not so much the solving of the mystery but of Amory and Milo and the new baby. I hope there will be more books and this is not the end of the series. Weaver's next book is a new series, so I feel bittersweet about that. While I am excited that she will have new characters set in another decade (1940s, WWII), I do hope there will be more of Amory and Milo...and Darian.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; Minotaur Books/St.Martin's Press
Woot woot, I am all caught up! And, yet boo, no more books till the next one is published.
Milo has decided to whisk Amory to their country house, Thornecrest to keep her safe and away from murders. While he goes between Thornecrest and town, Amory is left alone to set up the nursery before their baby arrives. Being pregnant does not keep Amory away from drama and mystery. First, a young woman arrives at Thornecrest claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames. While her marriage to Milo has had it's ups and downs, she does not believe that her husband would have strayed the past few months. Finding out the truth will lead to murder in the countryside.
I started this one right after A Dangerous Engagement so I was already in the Ames world. I like that each novel takes place in a different setting, and it was great seeing the place where Milo grew up. I enjoyed this one and loved the ending of the book - not so much the solving of the mystery but of Amory and Milo and the new baby. I hope there will be more books and this is not the end of the series. Weaver's next book is a new series, so I feel bittersweet about that. While I am excited that she will have new characters set in another decade (1940s, WWII), I do hope there will be more of Amory and Milo...and Darian.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
September 13, 2020
Just what the doctor ordered: a quiet, almost cozy, village-centered mystery with just a dash of relationship drama. Of course - of course - it ends the way it does, but the rest of it is well done, keeping the village’s close-knit interpersonal dynamics at a remove due to Amory’s pregnancy and changing the overall tone of the story as a result.
There’s something oddly soothing about drama-at-a-distance. This is another good entry in this series. We’re at book seven: is this it? It would be an effective capstone if so.
There’s something oddly soothing about drama-at-a-distance. This is another good entry in this series. We’re at book seven: is this it? It would be an effective capstone if so.
July 27, 2020
4 + Stars
Sometimes there is nothing like a nice Cozy mystery!
I started my love of mystery novels when the Library Book Mobile came to my neighborhood; first Trixie Beldon, then Nancy Drew and also the Hardy boys. I also loved “Nick and Nora Charles in “The Thin Man” TV series; Amory and Milo Ames certainly remind me of them!!!!
This #7 in the Amory Ames Mystery series and I have read all of them.
Story is based in the 1930s so is a great throw back in a time that we don’t really know but certainly have our imaginations especially after watching “Downton Abby”!
Story stars off with Amory who is in her eighth month of pregnancy and enjoying a few days of peace and quiet while husband Milo is in London on business. Amory’s peace and quiet is interrupted when unflappable Grimes the butler announces that…. hmmm there is a young woman at the door and gives her name as ….a Mrs. Ames
True Amory and Milo’s marriage has been rocky to say the least but certainly never any hint he may have secretly gotten married. Milo is known as a playboy and his reputation has certainly has cause much discussion in the local village. Many villagers have their doubts about Milo’s suitability for fatherhood.
Amory, of course, knows that Milo’s own experience with the lack of his father’s involvement
makes him a candidate to be an excellent dad!!
Back to the story… A few days after Imogen Prescott’s surprise visit, another surprise happens when another stranger shows up at Thornecrest ~ Milo’s look-alike, previously unknown, half-brother!
Next, while attending Lady Alma’s “Springtide Festival” the village’s most popular horse race, the stable boy Bertie turns up murdered.
Hmm what do the two new unwelcome strangers have to do with this?
The plot thickens!!
Amory feels she needs to figure out what is going on. (If you have read the other stories, you know that is what amateur sleuth Amory does best!)
Fun read with secrets, surprises, a few twists and turns and yes a baby!!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 15, 2020
Sometimes there is nothing like a nice Cozy mystery!
I started my love of mystery novels when the Library Book Mobile came to my neighborhood; first Trixie Beldon, then Nancy Drew and also the Hardy boys. I also loved “Nick and Nora Charles in “The Thin Man” TV series; Amory and Milo Ames certainly remind me of them!!!!
This #7 in the Amory Ames Mystery series and I have read all of them.
Story is based in the 1930s so is a great throw back in a time that we don’t really know but certainly have our imaginations especially after watching “Downton Abby”!
Story stars off with Amory who is in her eighth month of pregnancy and enjoying a few days of peace and quiet while husband Milo is in London on business. Amory’s peace and quiet is interrupted when unflappable Grimes the butler announces that…. hmmm there is a young woman at the door and gives her name as ….a Mrs. Ames
True Amory and Milo’s marriage has been rocky to say the least but certainly never any hint he may have secretly gotten married. Milo is known as a playboy and his reputation has certainly has cause much discussion in the local village. Many villagers have their doubts about Milo’s suitability for fatherhood.
Amory, of course, knows that Milo’s own experience with the lack of his father’s involvement
makes him a candidate to be an excellent dad!!
Back to the story… A few days after Imogen Prescott’s surprise visit, another surprise happens when another stranger shows up at Thornecrest ~ Milo’s look-alike, previously unknown, half-brother!
Next, while attending Lady Alma’s “Springtide Festival” the village’s most popular horse race, the stable boy Bertie turns up murdered.
Hmm what do the two new unwelcome strangers have to do with this?
The plot thickens!!
Amory feels she needs to figure out what is going on. (If you have read the other stories, you know that is what amateur sleuth Amory does best!)
Fun read with secrets, surprises, a few twists and turns and yes a baby!!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 15, 2020
August 22, 2020
This was my introduction to Amory Ames, the main character in “A Deception at Thornecrest.” Author Ashley Weaver has penned six previous books, which I am sure are going to migrate their way to my TBR pile.
A woman visits Amory’s home, claiming she is also married to Milo (Amory’s husband). I originally thought the book would primarily revolve around this meeting; however, a villager is murdered at a town event and there are enough suspects one almost needs three hands to count them all. Amory does what she does best, pursuing clues and questioning suspects until the book winds down to a satisfactory conclusion.
There are many things right with this book. The author’s style presents the reader with the feeling of how life was almost one hundred years ago, both in prose and dialogue. Many small elements float through the plot, along with a few red herrings, all of which were neatly tied together at the climax. There was an unexpected twist at the end, though there were enough clues for someone to solve the mystery and the twist does not hinder armchair detectives, provided they follow the correct path. Personally, I didn’t have a decent guess as to who the guilty culprit could be. Once explained, the solution was perfectly logical and I had to admit I had bunny-trailed and missed too many of the clues that pointed toward the truth.
“A Deception at Thornecrest” is a standalone, and events in previous books are barely mentioned. Ms. Weaver writes as if the book was written during the era of the story, leaving out lurid sexual details and managing to entertain readers without the seemingly obligatory curses in many novels written today. Highly recommended for mystery fans. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
A woman visits Amory’s home, claiming she is also married to Milo (Amory’s husband). I originally thought the book would primarily revolve around this meeting; however, a villager is murdered at a town event and there are enough suspects one almost needs three hands to count them all. Amory does what she does best, pursuing clues and questioning suspects until the book winds down to a satisfactory conclusion.
There are many things right with this book. The author’s style presents the reader with the feeling of how life was almost one hundred years ago, both in prose and dialogue. Many small elements float through the plot, along with a few red herrings, all of which were neatly tied together at the climax. There was an unexpected twist at the end, though there were enough clues for someone to solve the mystery and the twist does not hinder armchair detectives, provided they follow the correct path. Personally, I didn’t have a decent guess as to who the guilty culprit could be. Once explained, the solution was perfectly logical and I had to admit I had bunny-trailed and missed too many of the clues that pointed toward the truth.
“A Deception at Thornecrest” is a standalone, and events in previous books are barely mentioned. Ms. Weaver writes as if the book was written during the era of the story, leaving out lurid sexual details and managing to entertain readers without the seemingly obligatory curses in many novels written today. Highly recommended for mystery fans. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
January 4, 2021
3.5 stars. I always enjoy this series, but this installment isn't one of my favourites. I did enjoy that we got to see Amory and Milo interact at Thornecrest, their estate. I generally liked the characters from the local village. I even liked Milo and Amory's dynamic in this one - she's as inquisitive as ever, if slightly less active given her pregnancy; he continues to dote on her in the way he does in the later books of the series, but is backslides into shutting her out and being overprotective because he's worried she'll die in childbirth like his mother, so wants her to take it easy. And they fight about it, but they also never have a major blowup. It felt generally realistic.
All that said, I found the emergence of Milo's illegitimate half-brother who's basically his twin a bit much. SO.
All that said, I found the emergence of Milo's illegitimate half-brother who's basically his twin a bit much. SO.
December 5, 2021
This was fine, but I admit it was a bit disappointing for me as the (seemingly) final entry in this series. I was a bit underwhelmed by the mystery, and I was frustrated both by some of the conflict in Milo and Amory's relationship and by the sudden appearance of Milo's half brother, whom I did not find likable or sympathetic at all.
Anyway, this wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I expect from this series and even though it ended in a good place, I can't say I found myself totally satisfied with the ending. Especially if this is the last instance we get to spend time with Milo and Amory.
Anyway, this wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I expect from this series and even though it ended in a good place, I can't say I found myself totally satisfied with the ending. Especially if this is the last instance we get to spend time with Milo and Amory.
July 20, 2020
The initial deception begins at Thornecrest, Milo Ames’ ancestral home in Allingcross, Kent, in the spring of 1934. A heavily pregnant Amory Ames, Milo’s longsuffering wife, receives a visit from a woman claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames herself. It soon turns out that the poor woman, Imogen Prescott, has been enticed into an illegal marriage by Milo’s heretofore unknown illegitimate half-brother.
From there, Amory discovers quite a few deceptions in what she had thought was the quiet village of Allingcross, deceptions that lead to two murders. A perfect puzzle for newcomers to the series, who can enjoy it as a stand-alone, but longtime fans will really treasure this seventh Amory Ames novel. Highly recommended.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in return for an honest review.
From there, Amory discovers quite a few deceptions in what she had thought was the quiet village of Allingcross, deceptions that lead to two murders. A perfect puzzle for newcomers to the series, who can enjoy it as a stand-alone, but longtime fans will really treasure this seventh Amory Ames novel. Highly recommended.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in return for an honest review.
October 23, 2020
Milo was dumb in this one which was distressing because he's become such a good character. I guess that some backsliding is a realistic character trait, but I would really rather have not had it.
July 31, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Milo's much mentioned playboy past comes to haunt the couple once again when a young woman appear at the door of their main house claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames. This is followed by another unexpected visitor and soon turns the village upside down which is followed by murder.
I love Milo and Amory as a couple; they have struggled to get where they are and it shows that relationships always require work, especially if the people do not have the tendency to be open with their emotions which was very true of the British during this time. While it makes sense to bring up Milo's playboy past in this book, I found it was brought up too many times in the last couple of books. I hope in the future there is a little less mention of it, unless appropriate because of the storyline, especially now that they have happily greeted their first born child.
This can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery but you can better appreciate what this couple has gone through if you have read some of the previous books. The mystery is satisfying with a number of twists. I eagerly await the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a impartial review.
I love Milo and Amory as a couple; they have struggled to get where they are and it shows that relationships always require work, especially if the people do not have the tendency to be open with their emotions which was very true of the British during this time. While it makes sense to bring up Milo's playboy past in this book, I found it was brought up too many times in the last couple of books. I hope in the future there is a little less mention of it, unless appropriate because of the storyline, especially now that they have happily greeted their first born child.
This can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery but you can better appreciate what this couple has gone through if you have read some of the previous books. The mystery is satisfying with a number of twists. I eagerly await the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a impartial review.
March 9, 2022
2.5 stars if I'm being honest.
I'm not a fan of cozy mysteries, but I love reading about the time period of the book in the 1930's, so I thought I would give this book a try. I found it slow moving. I jumped right into book 7 without reading previous novels, but the author did an excellent job of filling in the backstory that i didn't feel lost.
I'm not a fan of cozy mysteries, but I love reading about the time period of the book in the 1930's, so I thought I would give this book a try. I found it slow moving. I jumped right into book 7 without reading previous novels, but the author did an excellent job of filling in the backstory that i didn't feel lost.
April 6, 2021
4 Stars - Great book
Another fantastic book in the Amory Ames installment. I don’t really have anything to add to this review that I haven’t said in previous reviews. I love these characters, the story is interesting, and the writing interesting.
The whole series is a 5 star series for me. I highly recommend it.
Another fantastic book in the Amory Ames installment. I don’t really have anything to add to this review that I haven’t said in previous reviews. I love these characters, the story is interesting, and the writing interesting.
The whole series is a 5 star series for me. I highly recommend it.
November 14, 2020
Another charmingly frothy episode in this series: this time Amory and Milo are in their country house and Weaver finds a new way of introducing some tension into their marriage, as well as developing their characters. Perfect bedtime listening!
June 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read every Ashley Weaver book and I love the characters of Amory and Milo Ames. It irritates me how he acts so nonchalance, but yet you know he adores his wife.
This book takes place back home in Thorncrest, the family seat of Milo in Kent. Everything goes awry when a woman appears saying she is Mrs. Ames and we learn that Milio has a half brother he has never known about. The fireworks start from here. Murders, fairs, horses and mayhem. Milo's brother Darrien is arrested for the murder of his rival for the affections of a young lady in town. It's up to Amory, who is just ready to give birth to help the solve the murder, with Milo doing some snoopy on the back end.
In true Amory and Milo fashion, the mystery(ie) are solved and we are blessed with the birth of the newest Ames. I won't ruin the fun by saying the sex.
As always this was a fun read, it's short enough that I read it on Friday night and finished Saturday around noon.
If you are a follower of this great series, you will love this new escapade. If you have never read any of her books, yes it can be read as a stand alone, but it's better if you read the first book to at least understand their relationship
I have read every Ashley Weaver book and I love the characters of Amory and Milo Ames. It irritates me how he acts so nonchalance, but yet you know he adores his wife.
This book takes place back home in Thorncrest, the family seat of Milo in Kent. Everything goes awry when a woman appears saying she is Mrs. Ames and we learn that Milio has a half brother he has never known about. The fireworks start from here. Murders, fairs, horses and mayhem. Milo's brother Darrien is arrested for the murder of his rival for the affections of a young lady in town. It's up to Amory, who is just ready to give birth to help the solve the murder, with Milo doing some snoopy on the back end.
In true Amory and Milo fashion, the mystery(ie) are solved and we are blessed with the birth of the newest Ames. I won't ruin the fun by saying the sex.
As always this was a fun read, it's short enough that I read it on Friday night and finished Saturday around noon.
If you are a follower of this great series, you will love this new escapade. If you have never read any of her books, yes it can be read as a stand alone, but it's better if you read the first book to at least understand their relationship
September 5, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 (release date 9-8-2020)
You can read all of my reviews at NerdGirlLovesBooks.
This is a good cozy historical fiction mystery. This is book 7 in the series, but this is the first one that I've read. Despite that, I didn't feel that I missed out too much by not having read the other books. The author did a good job of weaving in important facts about events that happened in previous books to give this one context. So, you can pick this one up and enjoy it without having read the other books in the series.
Amory and Milo are living in Thornecrest, their country home in a small village in England. Amory is enjoying the last few weeks before the baby arrives, and Milo is going back and forth to London for business. Amory's quiet time is shattered when a young woman arrives on her door step alleging that she is married to Milo.
Amory doesn't believe that Milo married another woman, and this is confirmed when he returns to Thornecrest. That mystery is soon solved with the arrival of another guest at Thornecrest, but a new mystery occurs when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead during the Springtide Festival.
With no shortage of suspects, Amory defies Milo's orders not to investigate the murder, and starts her sleuthing. With one red herring after another dispelled, Amory finally solves the mystery and has her baby.
I enjoyed Amory and liked the way her brain worked. Milo didn't play a huge role in this book, but I didn't care much for him. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books I would understand their relationship a bit more, but I thought he treated Amory pretty shabby. The village characters are your typical quirky, stereotypical characters. This was a quick and easy read, but it moved a bit slowly for me, and I'm not a huge fan of books told in the first person. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at NerdGirlLovesBooks.
This is a good cozy historical fiction mystery. This is book 7 in the series, but this is the first one that I've read. Despite that, I didn't feel that I missed out too much by not having read the other books. The author did a good job of weaving in important facts about events that happened in previous books to give this one context. So, you can pick this one up and enjoy it without having read the other books in the series.
Amory and Milo are living in Thornecrest, their country home in a small village in England. Amory is enjoying the last few weeks before the baby arrives, and Milo is going back and forth to London for business. Amory's quiet time is shattered when a young woman arrives on her door step alleging that she is married to Milo.
Amory doesn't believe that Milo married another woman, and this is confirmed when he returns to Thornecrest. That mystery is soon solved with the arrival of another guest at Thornecrest, but a new mystery occurs when Milo's stable hand Bertie is found dead during the Springtide Festival.
With no shortage of suspects, Amory defies Milo's orders not to investigate the murder, and starts her sleuthing. With one red herring after another dispelled, Amory finally solves the mystery and has her baby.
I enjoyed Amory and liked the way her brain worked. Milo didn't play a huge role in this book, but I didn't care much for him. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books I would understand their relationship a bit more, but I thought he treated Amory pretty shabby. The village characters are your typical quirky, stereotypical characters. This was a quick and easy read, but it moved a bit slowly for me, and I'm not a huge fan of books told in the first person. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
3.5 stars? More? Not quite 4 stars.
Amory and Milo Ames are settled in at Thornecrest to prepare for the arrival of their first child and the Springtime Festival. Milo has some business to attend to in London so he is going back and forth but is eager for the baby to be born. While Milo is away, Amory receives a visitor, a woman claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames! This woman, Imogen, claims she met Milo in Brighton and they married, consummated their relationship and then he abandoned her. Amory is certain Milo wasn't in Brighton and he's been a much better husband of late but still, some niggling doubts are left, especially when Imogen identifies Milo from a photograph. However, when Milo returns, Imogen's problem turns out to be a case of mistaken identity. Even the vicar's wife was fooled into thinking she saw Milo in the village when he was supposed to be in London. The mystery is quickly solved when a man claiming to be Milo's half-brother Darien shows up at Thornecrest. There's no doubt he is an Ames, he has Milo's dark hair, blue eyes and a dimple in his cheek but Milo wants nothing to do with this long-lost brother. He can already tell Darien is a scoundrel not worth knowing. Amory is more sympathetic. As Darien settles into the village it becomes clear he has no interest in Imogen and is actively pursuing a local girl, Marena Hodges, much to the dismay of Marena's ex-boyfriend, Bertie Phipps. The two men comes to blows and Darien is heard threatening Bertie. Still, it comes as a huge shock when Bertie is found dead at the Springtime Festival. At first Inspector Wilson assumes it was a horse riding accident but Bertie was an experienced horseman and wouldn't attempt to ride an untrained horse. Then the doctor confirms Milo's suspicions that Bertie was murdered! Amory is deeply shocked that someone they know could do such a thing. When Damien is arrested and Milo washes his hands of his brother, Amory knows it is up to her to figure out what happens.
As always, the writing style was engaging and the plot kept me up late turning pages until I was done. Just as I was going to put it down, a new development occurred and then a second death! Whodunit was impossible to guess. I never even thought about the conclusion Amory comes up with. I was truly saddened by both deaths. This story is bittersweet because the murder is so very tragic yet the impending arrival of a new baby and the spring setting make for a happy scene. Some of the information, especially in the beginning, is repetitive and I don't even mean recapping the characters' history from previous books. This mystery stands alone without reference to any of the others except Inspector Jones makes a cameo and Amory frequently mentions Milo's playboy past and how he's been more attentive of late trying to reform.
Amory is bored with her imposed period of inactivity. She's already decorated the nursery and knit a blanket and a bootie. I feel her frustration and wouldn't want to be her. Her active and curious mind doesn't like to be still. She gets more than she bargained for in this book. I wasn't crazy about her at first because of the way she put up with Milo but she's grown a lot and gotten better at communicating her feelings. I really like her compassionate and generous nature. She'll be a great mum. I am not so in love with Milo. At first I thought for sure he must be some sort of spy or private inquiry agent working undercover. Surely there had to be a good reason for his frequent trips to London and the tabloid photos of him with other women. I was sad when that proved to be untrue. I am happy he's been working on his relationship but he still needs to work on communicating his feelings. Even his expressions are largely unreadable, even sometimes for Amory. He does seem to be more loving and attentive now she's expecting but his attitude towards Darien is horrible cold.
I was bored by the illegitimate half-brother plot. That's a common trope in Regency fiction. Snooze! Then I got into the story once it was clear that it wasn't about Darien. Darien is a rogue but he says there's another side to the story Imogen isn't telling. I think it might be somewhere in the middle. Like Amory, I'm immune to charm and flattery and I don't think Darien is a murderer. He's lazy, selfish and perhaps cruel in his dealings with women but I agree with Amory that he's more vulnerable than he acts.
I like all the characters and don't want any of them to be murdered or be murderers. Bertie seems like a nice young man, totally devoted to horses. I believe he cared for Marena but horses came first. He wanted to do the right thing so I also think he was an honorable man but he was also caring because he didn't want anyone to get hurt. His death is a true tragedy. I like Marena but she's a complicated character. Amory never says how old Marena is but she's young and dreamy. I can relate to her dreams of wanting a better life and I understand why she'd want some man to sweep her off her feet. She looks around and that's what she sees. She doesn't know about the hard work Amory and Milo put into staying married. Marena doesn't yet understand rogues and broken hearts. Her mothers, Mrs. Hodges, is pretty tough to like. I think she reminds me of the mother in A Girl of the Limberlost. I appreciate the fact she cares for her bees more than the village people but not at the expense of her daughter. It's no wonder Marena wants to spend most of her time at the vicarage. Mrs. Hodges is too cold, tough and unfeeling. Yet I think part of her wanted to spare her daughter the heartache of knowing the ugly truths about men and the dangers women faced from them.
Rev. and Mrs. Busby are a lovely couple. He's jovial and kind. He's a vicar but he doesn't offer empty platitudes. He truly tries to help people feel better. Mrs. Busby is disabled after being in a car accident. She's confined to a wheelchair but that doesn't stop her from trying. She's an independent woman at heart. I really like her kindness towards Marena and how Mrs. Busy has managed to overcome the pain of the past and be motherly towards her late daughter's friend. I don't want either of them to be murderers!
If it's not Damien, the Busbys, Marena or Mrs. Hodges, could it be Lady Alma? NO!!! I hope not! I like her best of all. Eccentric spinsters are my favorite, being one myself. She's wealthy and does and says what she pleases. Lady Alma doesn't set store by social niceties and prefers horses to humans. I want to be her but with dogs!
Inspector Wilson may lack imagination but that doesn't make him a bad policeman. He has to follow the evidence. Dr. Jordan is a wise doctor who knows what he sees and doesn't let anyone influence him otherwise.
This book was a fitting end to the series. If it's not, I'll stop here. The story concluded nicely.
Amory and Milo Ames are settled in at Thornecrest to prepare for the arrival of their first child and the Springtime Festival. Milo has some business to attend to in London so he is going back and forth but is eager for the baby to be born. While Milo is away, Amory receives a visitor, a woman claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames! This woman, Imogen, claims she met Milo in Brighton and they married, consummated their relationship and then he abandoned her. Amory is certain Milo wasn't in Brighton and he's been a much better husband of late but still, some niggling doubts are left, especially when Imogen identifies Milo from a photograph. However, when Milo returns, Imogen's problem turns out to be a case of mistaken identity. Even the vicar's wife was fooled into thinking she saw Milo in the village when he was supposed to be in London. The mystery is quickly solved when a man claiming to be Milo's half-brother Darien shows up at Thornecrest. There's no doubt he is an Ames, he has Milo's dark hair, blue eyes and a dimple in his cheek but Milo wants nothing to do with this long-lost brother. He can already tell Darien is a scoundrel not worth knowing. Amory is more sympathetic. As Darien settles into the village it becomes clear he has no interest in Imogen and is actively pursuing a local girl, Marena Hodges, much to the dismay of Marena's ex-boyfriend, Bertie Phipps. The two men comes to blows and Darien is heard threatening Bertie. Still, it comes as a huge shock when Bertie is found dead at the Springtime Festival. At first Inspector Wilson assumes it was a horse riding accident but Bertie was an experienced horseman and wouldn't attempt to ride an untrained horse. Then the doctor confirms Milo's suspicions that Bertie was murdered! Amory is deeply shocked that someone they know could do such a thing. When Damien is arrested and Milo washes his hands of his brother, Amory knows it is up to her to figure out what happens.
As always, the writing style was engaging and the plot kept me up late turning pages until I was done. Just as I was going to put it down, a new development occurred and then a second death! Whodunit was impossible to guess. I never even thought about the conclusion Amory comes up with. I was truly saddened by both deaths. This story is bittersweet because the murder is so very tragic yet the impending arrival of a new baby and the spring setting make for a happy scene. Some of the information, especially in the beginning, is repetitive and I don't even mean recapping the characters' history from previous books. This mystery stands alone without reference to any of the others except Inspector Jones makes a cameo and Amory frequently mentions Milo's playboy past and how he's been more attentive of late trying to reform.
Amory is bored with her imposed period of inactivity. She's already decorated the nursery and knit a blanket and a bootie. I feel her frustration and wouldn't want to be her. Her active and curious mind doesn't like to be still. She gets more than she bargained for in this book. I wasn't crazy about her at first because of the way she put up with Milo but she's grown a lot and gotten better at communicating her feelings. I really like her compassionate and generous nature. She'll be a great mum. I am not so in love with Milo. At first I thought for sure he must be some sort of spy or private inquiry agent working undercover. Surely there had to be a good reason for his frequent trips to London and the tabloid photos of him with other women. I was sad when that proved to be untrue. I am happy he's been working on his relationship but he still needs to work on communicating his feelings. Even his expressions are largely unreadable, even sometimes for Amory. He does seem to be more loving and attentive now she's expecting but his attitude towards Darien is horrible cold.
I was bored by the illegitimate half-brother plot. That's a common trope in Regency fiction. Snooze! Then I got into the story once it was clear that it wasn't about Darien. Darien is a rogue but he says there's another side to the story Imogen isn't telling. I think it might be somewhere in the middle. Like Amory, I'm immune to charm and flattery and I don't think Darien is a murderer. He's lazy, selfish and perhaps cruel in his dealings with women but I agree with Amory that he's more vulnerable than he acts.
I like all the characters and don't want any of them to be murdered or be murderers. Bertie seems like a nice young man, totally devoted to horses. I believe he cared for Marena but horses came first. He wanted to do the right thing so I also think he was an honorable man but he was also caring because he didn't want anyone to get hurt. His death is a true tragedy. I like Marena but she's a complicated character. Amory never says how old Marena is but she's young and dreamy. I can relate to her dreams of wanting a better life and I understand why she'd want some man to sweep her off her feet. She looks around and that's what she sees. She doesn't know about the hard work Amory and Milo put into staying married. Marena doesn't yet understand rogues and broken hearts. Her mothers, Mrs. Hodges, is pretty tough to like. I think she reminds me of the mother in A Girl of the Limberlost. I appreciate the fact she cares for her bees more than the village people but not at the expense of her daughter. It's no wonder Marena wants to spend most of her time at the vicarage. Mrs. Hodges is too cold, tough and unfeeling. Yet I think part of her wanted to spare her daughter the heartache of knowing the ugly truths about men and the dangers women faced from them.
Rev. and Mrs. Busby are a lovely couple. He's jovial and kind. He's a vicar but he doesn't offer empty platitudes. He truly tries to help people feel better. Mrs. Busby is disabled after being in a car accident. She's confined to a wheelchair but that doesn't stop her from trying. She's an independent woman at heart. I really like her kindness towards Marena and how Mrs. Busy has managed to overcome the pain of the past and be motherly towards her late daughter's friend. I don't want either of them to be murderers!
If it's not Damien, the Busbys, Marena or Mrs. Hodges, could it be Lady Alma? NO!!! I hope not! I like her best of all. Eccentric spinsters are my favorite, being one myself. She's wealthy and does and says what she pleases. Lady Alma doesn't set store by social niceties and prefers horses to humans. I want to be her but with dogs!
Inspector Wilson may lack imagination but that doesn't make him a bad policeman. He has to follow the evidence. Dr. Jordan is a wise doctor who knows what he sees and doesn't let anyone influence him otherwise.
This book was a fitting end to the series. If it's not, I'll stop here. The story concluded nicely.
July 5, 2022
Glad that this was set in Thornecrest and that this was a pregnancy book but unfortunately, the characters and the murders weren't very interesting to me. Satisfying ending to the series though.
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