The stylish, charming next novel in Ashley Weaver’s Edgar-nominated Amory Ames mystery series, set in 1930s England, A Deception at Thornecrest. “Thornecrest looked beautiful in the evening light. One would never imagine the turmoil that had just occurred within its walls.” Amory Ames is alone at her country house Thornecrest, enjoying her last few weeks of peace and quiet as she prepares for … 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, claiming to be another 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 alleged second Mrs. Ames seems earnest, Amory is convinced she must be mistaken, a belief that Milo confirms upon his homecoming. However, when another 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.
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There isn’t anything about this book to dislike. I love historical cozies and this definitely fits the bill. A charming setting and fantastic, interesting characters make this a must read book and series.
First time I have read this author or series. It’s actually number 7 in the series, but I didn’t know that, when I asked to read it. Even though, it was number 7, I had no problem understanding what was going on in the series.
Amory Ames is an amateur sleuth. While at home at Thorncrest, waiting on having a baby, she finds herself intrigued by a new mystery. She also finds a new visitor at her doorstep who has quite a surprise for her and Milo.
When a local citizen of the village ends up dead, she can’t help but get involved. Whole trying to solve this murder, another one happens. Two people, is there one murderer or more? Why would anyone want these two dead? Can she figure it before she has her baby and Milo puts a stop to her investigation?
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for the Kindle Version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Happy Reading
The author was able to keep a cast of characters all in line. I had no problem following the individual villagers who made up the plot.
With a strong heroine, who is eight months pregnant, witty dialogue, and charming characters this 1930’s England novel was an enjoyable story. Thank you Ashley Weaver. I’m glad to know there are other stories in this series.
A Deception At Thornecrest
By Ashley Weaver
A Deception At Thornecrest is the seventh installment in the fantastic Amory Ames Cozy Mystery Series. Amory is enjoying some down time in their Thornecrest country home, and we all know what that means. No rest for the weary and in fact several issues come along with some unwelcomed guests and a murder in their country house, of their stable hand Bernie. This series just keeps getting better and better. I always enjoy this fantastic series for amazing story line, twists and turns, and a murder mystery to solve.
I really enjoyed this and the series.
I found this to be utterly charming and exactly what I was looking for in a good mystery. Although this is the seventh book in the series, this is the first one I have read. This series has been on my radar for quite some time. I will now have to rectify the situation and read the backlist of books. While this can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, I am sure the character arc would be best appreciated by reading the series in order.
This had everything I look for in a good mystery, expert plot pacing, clues parceled out slowly, many possibilities for the whodunit that kept me guessing from beginning to end. And tucked into the pages is a subtle story of family and how those ties form us for better or worse.
I loved the dynamics between Amory and her husband Milo. They definitely are joining the ranks of some of my favorite sleuthing couples. I can’t wait to see how they develop in their new role as parents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is my first Ashley Weaver Amory Ames mystery and it’s quite delightful. You’re not even aware this is a cozy mystery in the beginning because the body doesn’t appear until the middle of the book. The characters and the location are so fascinating, as is the manner in which we get inside Amory’s thoughts. Much fun! And we get a bit of relationship-building, too, in the form of Amory and Milo’s romance-cum-marriage. The protagonist is such a strong woman, though she has to contend with societal norms that modern readers can relate to.
Absolutely love this series!! In this installment Amory and Milo are entering the final days before the baby is born. While they are making final preparations an unexpected relative shows up and a young stable hand is killed. While Amory should be resting she can’t quite relax until she helps unravel this mystery, much to Milo’s vexation. A fantastic twist at the end and we meet the newest member of the Ames clan! A wonderful read all around!!
This is a wonderfully written historical mystery! Filled with interesting, quirky and complex characters, it has lots of twists and turns. The story keep you guessing to the end. A Must Read!
This is the first book I’ve read in the Amory Ames series. But while part of a series, you can definitely read this book as a stand-alone. I do think it would help the reader to have some background about the Milo and Amory. There are twists and turns that makes for a good mystery. And I love it when a book allows you to be surprised. A great summer read and one that enjoyed during a time when we were having to stay at home because of the coronavirus. I may go back and read the previous books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
A Deception At Thornecrest, by Ashley Weaver, is available at booksellers on 9-8-2020. Deception is book 7 in An Amory Ames Mystery series. I’ve so enjoyed this story that I’m now going looking for the previous books. I’m very interested in Amory and Milo and their strange relationship. I thought the plot was good and the writing style reminded me of an episode of Downton Abbey. The prose is very Darling and My Love, proper all the same. It’s very English and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
#ADeceptionAtThornecrest #AmoryAmesMystery #AshleyWeaver #Netgalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartin’sPress
This is the 7th book in the Amory Ames series. I had didn’t know this was a series when I decided to read it. I enjoyed it very much and may have to go back and read the series from the beginning. This book stands alone very well. The characters are interesting and developed nicely. The author did a good job of creating realistic tension between the characters. I liked the setting of 1930s England. I have been reading more British mysteries and I find the small towns appealing. This book was engaging and moved along steadily. I recommend this book.
Another great adventure for Amory Ames who is a little encumbered by her pregnancy but still sharp enough to figure out a complicated murder mystery. Love this series so much! You can start with this one, but then you’ll want to go back and read the whole series.
I love this series and the village setting was wonderful. I enjoyed the mystery and was surprised by the twist. Amory is very smart and clever and I like that she bounces her ideas off of others to get their insights. Fun reading about Milo’s reactions to the upcoming birth of their first child. Enjoyed meeting the folks from the village and look forward to reading more about them in the future. Hopefully the Ames family will stay put for awhile as we watch Baby Ames grow. Really looking forward to the next book.
A Deception at Thornecrest by Ashley Weaver is the epitome of an English gentry mystery, although written by a woman from Louisiana. It is April of 1934 and Amory Ames is in her last month of pregnancy, so not in the best of humors, when the butler, Grimes, announces the arrival of a woman named Mrs. Milo Ames. Odd, since that is Amory’s title as well. When the woman enters and they discuss the situation, she identifies a photo of Amory’s Milo as her husband. Needless to say, Amory has Grimes track down Milo and London and request that he return home immediately. The next day, when the pseudo Mrs. Ames arrives, she sees immediately that Milo is not that man she married, despite the fact he looks very much the same. Next on this very odd agenda is the arrival of a young man who claims to be Milo’s half-brother, Darien, and is a slightly younger, almost identical version of him. After verifying his details, Milo offers him some money, by way of his inheritance, which Darien refuses, leaving the question: What does he want? Of course, the next item on the agenda is a murder, in which somehow both strangers play a part. Complicated? Yes, indeed.
This is a delightful novel, which makes me ask: Where have I been? I have not heard of this series, nor read any of the previous books. The mystery is an interesting one, taking place in a small town, where the only two strangers are Darien and Imogen, the ersatz wife. How can they possibly be involved? Amory is itching to investigate but Milo, not only doesn’t care, but is concerned for his wife and unborn child. He has no feelings for this man who is his brother and believes that law enforcement will sort it all out. Amory can’t leave it alone and forges straight into the mystery. She is a delightful character, elegant and curious, not afraid to dive in headfirst. She appears to have the respect, not only of her staff, but of the townsfolk as well. Milo is a little more standoffish and is still recovering from the reputation her earned in his misspent youth, so he is not quite as popular. There are some entertaining peripheral characters in this lovely English village, which make this entirely English novel too delectable for words. I adored it. You will, too.
I was invited to read a free ARC of A Deception at Thornecrest by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #adeceptionatthornecrest
This was a very good read. The characters were delightful and the mystery was interesting. I love the village setting and the festival. I haven’t read much of this series but had no trouble following along. There were several situations going on that kept you on your toes. Lots of family themes and the difficulties in those relationships. Really good time.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
When I discovered the Amory Ames series, I binge-read all the books. It was so fun immersing into the 1930s world with Amory and her husband Milo, enjoying all their capers as amateur sleuths. So when this book came out, of course I had to get my hands on it.
While I was super excited that this story takes place at Thornecrest, their beloved home mentioned often in the previous books, what intrigued me most was the premise. Someone showing up at their door claiming to be Mrs. Ames! WHAAAA??!! Milo hadn’t always been the most attentive husband but over the course of the series he’d proven his devotion to Amory. So I just had to devour this story and discover how Milo gets out of this one. And I have to say it was cleverly done!
Also the murder mystery was one of the best in this series. I had no clue who was the culprit and I was shocked – in the very best way!- at the conclusion.
I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!
*I received a copy of this story from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a free electronic copy of this historical British who-done-it from Netgalley, Ashley Weaver, and Minotaur Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Ashley Weaver brings us a well-crafted tale that takes place in the small town of Allingcross, in Kent, England in the spring of 1934. We view all from the first-person perspective of a very pregnant Amory Ames as she weathers catastrophe and murders galore. This is the 7th novel of Weaver’s Amory Ames mysteries, though perfectly stand alone.
If you are an Agatha Christie fan, this mystery will be right up your alley. It is the quintessential village murder mystery, full of suspects and secrets. Very pregnant Amory Ames is taking it easy at Milo’s family home in the country. Until a woman claiming to be Mrs. Milo Ames shows up. Her announcement sets off a chain of events culminating in murder. Amory must investigate and get answers before the baby comes.
Thornecrest, Allingross, Kent – 1934
While Amory Ames’s husband, Milo was in London for the weekend, a woman arrived claiming to be Mrs. Imogen Ames, Milo’s wife. The young woman said she met Milo in Brighton and after a whirlwind courtship of one week, they married. She returned to her job in London and he promised to follow, but he didn’t. Now, she is searching for him. Seeing a picture of Milo, she says that is him. Amory suggests that she stay at a local inn. Then she sends a message to Milo asking him to come home right away.
Amory is 8 months pregnant and is preparing for the birth of her baby. She is involved in the local community and is busily organizing the Springtide Festival, along with Lady Alma Bedford. This is where locals sell their jellies and crafts and some pit their best horses against one another in a race.
When Milo returns home, he denies any knowledge of another wife. Then, a young American man arrives. He looks just like Milo and claims that he is Darien Ames, Milo’s half brother. Shocked, Milo and Amory wonder if Darien could be the man who married Imogen.
At the festival, a young groom is is found murdered and the finger of suspicion points to Darien. While Milo believes he is guilty, Amory is not so sure. Even though Milo has requested she not get involved with her sleuthing, she cannot resist. But when another person dies, Amory puts on her sleuth hat and solves the mystery,
This is the first of this author’s books that I have read. I found it difficult to get into but it soon picked up. If I had read other’s of her books, I’m sure I would be familiar with how they flow. As the books winds up, I couldn’t help to think of Poirot as he solves his mysteries. Enjoyable mystery.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have a weakness for historical mysteries and cozies so this delightful series holds its spot on my must read list. First, it can be read as a stand alone. However, to get the most out of the relationship between Amory and Milo and how it has evolved over seven books, treat yourself to a binge and catch up. From the first book and the rocky situation of their marriage to a much more solid relationship, Amory is eight months pregnant and taking time to nest at Milo’s family home, Thornecrest, in Kent. We have enjoyed many settings with them but it’s great to see their life in the country. It should be a lazy time, getting ready for the baby, not a thought of homicide on the scene.
Milo is off in London on business when Amory receives an unexpected visitor – a comely young woman who introduces herself as Mrs. Ames, married in a whirlwind fashion to Milo. Now Milo might have a bit of a checkered past but bigamy just isn’t possible and Amory needs to find some answers fast. Milo returns from London and soon things heat up and there is a murder to be solved. Not exactly what a soon-to-be first time mother wants to deal with.
I won’t say more for fear of spoilers. I will say I really like the way Amory and Milo interact in this mystery. The humor is just right and the village setting of 1934 England is so comfortable, it was the perfect escape I needed during these trying times. The puzzle kept me engaged from the first page and I was sorry when I reached the end. More, please.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.