A Deception at Thornecrest (Amory Ames Series #7)

by Ashley Weaver Narrated by Alison Larkin

Overview

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. Although 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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A splendid resurrection of a formula popular in the 1930s combining romance and glamour with a tricky case of murder."—Kirkus

"Sprightly . . . Those who enjoy escaping into make-believe English villages in the company of pleasant vicars, mildly eccentric aristocrats, and wily village folk will be satisfied."—Publishers Weekly

"The tightly focused plot emphasizes its appealing, realistic characters as Weaver's affinity for details makes the story fresh. The Ames' deep love and respect for each other highlight the charming A Deception at Thornecrest."—Shelf Awareness

Praise for An Act of Villainy:

"Weaver does it again! Every installment in her pitch-perfect Amory Ames series both thrills and charms. Combining a stylish protagonist, a delightfully roguish husband, witty banter, gorgeous prose, and intriguing mysteries, there is much to fall in love with. Her books are a glittering, whirling throwback to the golden age of mysteries, yet crafted with a panache all their own."–Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

"An excellent addition to the series, this could also be read independently. The period setting is as always meticulous and the main characters riveting. Fans of lights period mysteries with fashion and flair will be caught up in Amory's latest adventure."—Library Journal

"Elegant...lovers of classic, twisty British mysteries will have jolly good fun."—Publishers Weekly

Praise for the Amory Ames Mysteries:

“Fans with fond memories of Georgette Heyer’s mysteries set in the same period will be delighted with the gallery of suspects and the edgy romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sure to appeal to Agatha Christie devotees.” —Booklist

“The fourth addition to this lively historical series is one of its best with an evocative 1930s Parisian setting and an unexpected surprise climax.” —Library Journal (starred review) on The Essence of Malice

“It's all very Downton Abbey... [Weaver] channels the ambiance and spirit of British society during the post-World War I years.” —Associated Press

“With a profound nod to the Golden Age of the British whodunit, Weaver creates a classic mystery, complete with a fashionable setting, a cast of upper-crust Brits, and witty prose.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch

Kirkus Reviews

2020-06-17
A dashing detective duo in 1930s England is in for some unpleasant surprises.

Amory Ames has had her share of rocky times in her marriage to Milo, but never before has a young woman turned up claiming to be his wife. Milo is naturally annoyed that his heavily pregnant wife has to deal with this false accusation against him, but all is explained when the next shock arrives on their doorstep in the form of Darien Ames, the illegitimate half brother he never knew existed. Darien, a dead ringer who shares Milo’s looks and some of his wilder proclivities, used Milo’s name while seducing then declining to marry Imogen Prescott, who’s stayed in town to confront him. Darien has evidently moved on to Marena Hodges, who, unable to get along with her own mother, has become almost a daughter to the local vicar and his wife. Marena’s discarded beau, Bertie Phipps, punches Darien after a war of words, and when he’s found dead in a field, Darien is arrested for his murder. At first it looks as if Bertie, a splendid horseman, was thrown and hit his head, but an autopsy shows he was murdered. Milo insists that Amory leave the investigation to the authorities, but the inveterate sleuth, determined to clear Darien, continues to ask probing questions and uncovers many hidden secrets that may be motives for murder.

A splendid resurrection of a formula popular in the 1930s combining romance and glamour with a tricky case of murder.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173142429
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	09/08/2020
Series:	Amory Ames Series , #7
Edition description:	Unabridged

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