Call number
MYST WEA
Collection
Genres
Series
Publication
Allison & Busby (2015)
Description
"Amory Ames is a wealthy young woman who questions her marriage to her notoriously charming playboy husband, Milo. Looking for a change, she accepts a request for help from her former fiance;, Gil Trent, not knowing that she'll soon become embroiled in a murder investigation that will test not only her friendship with Gil, but will upset the status quo with her husband. Amory accompanies Gil to the luxurious Brightwell Hotel in an attempt to circumvent the marriage of his sister, Emmeline, to Rupert Howe, a disreputable ladies' man. Amory sees in the situation a grim reflection of her own floundering marriage. There is more than her happiness at stake, however, when Rupert is murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime. Amory is determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer, despite attempted dissuasion from the disapproving police inspector on the case. Matters are further complicated by Milo's unexpected arrival, and the two form an uneasy alliance as Amory enlists his reluctant aid in clearing Gil's name. As the stakes grow higher and the line between friend and foe becomes less clear, Amory must decide where her heart lies and catch the killer before she, too, becomes a victim. Murder at the Brightwell is a delicious novel in which murder invades polite society and romance springs in unexpected places. Ashley Weaver's debut is a wonderful testament to the enduring delight of the traditional mystery"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jfe16
“Murder at the Brightwell” focuses on well-to-do Amory Ames who, after five years seems to find herself in a less-than-satisfactory marriage with ne’er-do-well Milo. She agrees to accompany her former fiancé, Gil Trent, to a seaside resort in an effort to dissuade Gil’s sister Emmeline
The disparate cast of likely [and unlikely] suspects is an intriguing mix --- think Clue set in a luxurious hotel circa 1932. Add the genre’s requisite secrets, a hint or two of romance, and a perfect atmospheric setting; the result is a delightful cozy read.
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from marrying the disreputable Rupert Howe. As might be expected, shortly after their arrival at the resort Rupert meets an untimely end and, in short order, Gil is suspected of having done the deed. This, of course, prompts Amory to do a little sleuthing of her own. When Milo unexpectedly appears at the Brightwell, he and Amory form an uneasy alliance to clear Gil’s name. A second murder complicates matters, leaving Amory to ferret out the real murderer, keep herself from becoming the next victim, and, at the same time, decide if she and Milo will be able to repair their faltering marriage or if her heart truly belongs to another.The disparate cast of likely [and unlikely] suspects is an intriguing mix --- think Clue set in a luxurious hotel circa 1932. Add the genre’s requisite secrets, a hint or two of romance, and a perfect atmospheric setting; the result is a delightful cozy read.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Entertaining murder but the relationships need work.
Amory Ames is unhappily married to Milo and Gil Trant her former finance asks her to accompany him to try to dissuade his sister from making a mistake with the man she intends to marry. Then the unsuitable suitor is dead and Gil is the prime
The relationships weren't great and need work into the future but the story worked well as a murder mystery.
Amory Ames is unhappily married to Milo and Gil Trant her former finance asks her to accompany him to try to dissuade his sister from making a mistake with the man she intends to marry. Then the unsuitable suitor is dead and Gil is the prime
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suspect. Amory is drawn into the investigation and finds herself caught between her husband and her ex-fiance.The relationships weren't great and need work into the future but the story worked well as a murder mystery.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
Amory goes to stay at the Brightwell Hotel with Gil, whom she jilted to marry Milo five years ago. Her marriage is in trouble and Gil wants her to advise his sister Emmeline not to make a similar mistake in marrying her fiancé Rupert. this does not strike me as a particularly convincing plot
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It reads like a cross between Agatha Christie and Mary Stewart. Amory and Milo are fairly well drawn, but most of the other characters (including Gil) are flat. The narrative is superficial and some of the plot elements are unoriginal - the murderer turns out to be mad, one of the characters turns out to be German, the detective is competent, but Amory still feels the need to investigate and keep searching people's rooms. I did enjoy the scene with Milo and Amory in the wardrobe though.
There were a few grammatical errors in my Kindle version.
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setup, but anyway... Amory (who makes a point of describing every outfit she wears - and she wears a lot of them - her luggage must have been extensive) is followed to the hotel by Milo and people get murdered. The murders are solved and Amory has to choose between Milo and Gil.I wanted to like this book more than I did. It reads like a cross between Agatha Christie and Mary Stewart. Amory and Milo are fairly well drawn, but most of the other characters (including Gil) are flat. The narrative is superficial and some of the plot elements are unoriginal - the murderer turns out to be mad, one of the characters turns out to be German, the detective is competent, but Amory still feels the need to investigate and keep searching people's rooms. I did enjoy the scene with Milo and Amory in the wardrobe though.
There were a few grammatical errors in my Kindle version.
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LibraryThing member dawnlovesbooks
nice little book to enjoy on a rainy day with a cup of tea! strong, lead heroine, a little romance, and murders to solve by the sea!!
LibraryThing member Pattymclpn
I found this book a quick and interesting read. The wealthy 1930s couples on holiday and then boom a murder happens. These characters and this book reminded me of the Great Gatsby and the Fitzgerald’s. The wealthy behaving badly on holiday.This is another book that was unpredictable. The ending
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was not what I was expecting. It was easy to read and easy to follow. Not exactly packed with edge of your seat action, but it keeps you reading. Amory plays the role of private investigator with her husband Milo sneaking around and meddling to try to clear her friend Gil of murder accusations. I think that we will be hearing more from Ashley Weaver that this will maybe be a series. I plan to keep a look out for her in the future. I think she is on the right track!! I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathy89
Murder at the Brightwell is a mixture of the The Thin Man’s, Nick and Nora Charles and Noel Coward’s Private Lives play. Amory leaves her playboy husband, Milo, at home in London to accompany a former fiancé, Gil, to the seaside to talk his younger sister, Emmeline, out of marrying a man like
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Milo. The day after arriving at Brightwell, Emmeline’s fiancé is murdered. The guests at the hotel know one another, and Milo arrives to check on Amory and Gil. Amory and Milo insert themselves into the very calm and efficient Inspector Jones' investigation. Show Less
LibraryThing member mchwest
This was a pretty laid back murder mystery, I only say that because the seaside vacation was one I would love to be on, even if there is a murder involved. Very good Ashley Weaver!
LibraryThing member maneekuhi
As I approached the end of "Murder at the Brightwell" (MAB) I began to think about how I would write this review, specifically how I would describe the book. It seemed pretty clear to me that it is a cozy, a descendant if you will of the genteel who-dunits of 70-80 years ago. But then the killer is
MAB takes place in 1932 and we know this because it says so in the Chapter heading on page 1. I don't recall many additional time references that would have enhanced the story with links to what the world was like in 1932. Anyway, thirteen (by my count) friends, acquaintances, spouses gather at a beach hotel in Brighton for a week's relaxation. Our starlet, Amory Ames, is there without her husband, Milo, who is a rogue by the way, but she is with Gil, a guy she dumped five years ago to marry Milo (how could I have missed all the signs that this was going to be a mystery plus romance). Before too long there is dead body, a local cop, and a lot of who was in the sitting room with whom when the killer struck. Of course, Amory decides she is going to get to the bottom this and she beings her own investigation. Suddenly, Milo is on the scene. Soon there are a number of knee-buckling kisses followed by second thoughts or by fading scenes. But no graphic sex, remember it is 1932. And that's it. For some readers, this would be a very nice summer beach book.
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identified with still several chapters to go, and the book seemed to morph into a romance/mystery. As I view the mystery market, it seems to me that this niche evolved from the 200 page romance novels found on drugstore racks along with along with other books apparently featuring half-naked muscular cowboys. But this is a better book than many of those. I suppose MAB might bring back some memories of those "Thin Man" movies, only the lead character in a movie of MAB would be Myrna Loy, not William Powell. Why is this so important? There is a lot of crime fiction out there these days with a number of niches like the two I mentioned above, and many writers have strong preferences for their favorite types. I don't care for either cosies or romance/mysteries and I read MAB because of some favorable reviews from blogs I follow and as a break from my own favorite stuff. This is Weaver's first book, and I thought it was OK.; I note this will be a series, no surprise, and book 2 is due in October, 2015.MAB takes place in 1932 and we know this because it says so in the Chapter heading on page 1. I don't recall many additional time references that would have enhanced the story with links to what the world was like in 1932. Anyway, thirteen (by my count) friends, acquaintances, spouses gather at a beach hotel in Brighton for a week's relaxation. Our starlet, Amory Ames, is there without her husband, Milo, who is a rogue by the way, but she is with Gil, a guy she dumped five years ago to marry Milo (how could I have missed all the signs that this was going to be a mystery plus romance). Before too long there is dead body, a local cop, and a lot of who was in the sitting room with whom when the killer struck. Of course, Amory decides she is going to get to the bottom this and she beings her own investigation. Suddenly, Milo is on the scene. Soon there are a number of knee-buckling kisses followed by second thoughts or by fading scenes. But no graphic sex, remember it is 1932. And that's it. For some readers, this would be a very nice summer beach book.
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LibraryThing member Pmaurer
This is a better than average murder mystery / cozy that takes place at a seaside hotel. The "detective" Amory is called on to help her childhood friend, Gil, persuade his sister not to marry the scoundrel that is murdered early in the book. The most unusual part is that Amory is married to another
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scoundrel, Milo and tossed over Gil five years previously. Lifestyles and time period reminded me of the Nick and Nora books. Show Less
LibraryThing member muddyboy
A skillfully done throwback of a mystery from days gone by. A classic British whodunit that takes place at an ocean side resort. There are series of deaths and not only are the police looking for the culprit but also one of the lady guests takes it upon herself to do her own investigation. Then you
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can throw in some sexual tension between her wayward husband and a former beau who is staying at the resort. It was very refreshing to read an old school mystery that takes place in the 1930's. I hope Ms. Weaver continues to bless us with these well conceived yarns. Show Less
LibraryThing member booklovers2
Murder Mystery set in 1930's England. Smart and snappy, you would never believe written by a Louisiana Librarian! The dialogue felt very authentic for the time period. Wonderful, fast paced and definitely a good read!
LibraryThing member leslie.98
The mystery was pretty good but I was not so thrilled with the protagonist and her mixed up relationship with her husband. I also think that the author's portrayal of 1932 England did not come across as very believable -- perhaps I have read too many mysteries that were actually written in the
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1930s to enjoy the faux experience! Show Less
LibraryThing member Jaylia3
Set at a luxury resort by the sea in 1930’s Britain, Murder at Brightwell has all the ingredients of a perfect diversion--well burnished prose, a captivating plot, witty dialog, elegant fashions, charming cads, upper class shenanigans, love gone wrong, secrets galore, an appealing main character,
Five years ago Amory Ames married Milo, her far too charismatic playboy husband, and then regretted that choice almost immediately. Milo jaunts off to places like Monte Carlo to engage in gossip column worthy amusements far too often, leaving Amory all alone with the servants, so when her former fiancé knocks on the door one day Amory can’t help wondering what might have been. Amory has known Gil Trent since they were children and he’s everything Milo is not--steady, dependable, and trustworthy. After years of no contact he’s come to ask a favor that involves Amory accompanying him on a holiday by the sea, and Amory decides, why not? It’s a request and opportunity she can’t resist, but then someone is murdered and Gil is accused and Milo of all people shows up making everything all the more confusing.
Amory investigates, of course, and a wonderful cast of characters make up the possible suspects. The romance and murder aspects of the story are finely balanced so that both threads kept me in suspense for most of the book. Murder at Brightwell is author Ashley Weaver’s debut novel, and I will be eagerly awaiting her second.
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and murder. What could be more fun than that? I dashed through the story.Five years ago Amory Ames married Milo, her far too charismatic playboy husband, and then regretted that choice almost immediately. Milo jaunts off to places like Monte Carlo to engage in gossip column worthy amusements far too often, leaving Amory all alone with the servants, so when her former fiancé knocks on the door one day Amory can’t help wondering what might have been. Amory has known Gil Trent since they were children and he’s everything Milo is not--steady, dependable, and trustworthy. After years of no contact he’s come to ask a favor that involves Amory accompanying him on a holiday by the sea, and Amory decides, why not? It’s a request and opportunity she can’t resist, but then someone is murdered and Gil is accused and Milo of all people shows up making everything all the more confusing.
Amory investigates, of course, and a wonderful cast of characters make up the possible suspects. The romance and murder aspects of the story are finely balanced so that both threads kept me in suspense for most of the book. Murder at Brightwell is author Ashley Weaver’s debut novel, and I will be eagerly awaiting her second.
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LibraryThing member Christina_E_Mitchell
If a snippet of a book review reads, "It's all very Downton Abbey," one could lay a bet that I will show an interest. True to anticipation, life for the posh and wealthy of post-WWII England at the seaside resort of Brightwell is just all that − that is, murder under the best of manners in the
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most luscious of wardrobes all on display through the politest biting sarcasm. Show Less
LibraryThing member LongDogMom
I enjoyed it. Sort of Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie. Set in the 1930's, it's a murder mystery at a beachside resort that a group of upper class acquaintances have gathered for a holiday. I like the main sleuth, Amory Ames, and the interactions with her husband Milo. They have a lot of
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chemistry. I think this series will only improve as the author becomes more comfortable with her characters and the reader gets to know them better. Already reading the next book in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Auntie-Nanuuq
1932: Amory broke her engagement to Gil in order to marry the well known playboy, Milo.
Milo has just returned from Monte Carlo, when Gil visits & asks Amory to accompany him to the seaside resort of Brightwell in order to convince his sister Emmaline not to marry her Playboy fiancee Rupert....
Gil
In the mean time Milo shows up, complicating matters; Gil is arrested for Ruperts murder; a wife is drugged & her husband is drown in his bath while Amory & Milo are hiding in his closet; Amory's aspirins are switched w/ sleeping tablets; a gauche femme fatale makes for Milo; and a young woman attempts suicide....
Fast paced, interesting w/ romantic tension and fashion description....
Milo has just returned from Monte Carlo, when Gil visits & asks Amory to accompany him to the seaside resort of Brightwell in order to convince his sister Emmaline not to marry her Playboy fiancee Rupert....
Gil
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is overheard arguing w/ Rupert and the next day Amory finds Rupert dead, pushed over the terrace.In the mean time Milo shows up, complicating matters; Gil is arrested for Ruperts murder; a wife is drugged & her husband is drown in his bath while Amory & Milo are hiding in his closet; Amory's aspirins are switched w/ sleeping tablets; a gauche femme fatale makes for Milo; and a young woman attempts suicide....
Fast paced, interesting w/ romantic tension and fashion description....
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LibraryThing member ParadisePorch
A murder mystery in the classic style of Agatha Christie and a country-house murder. Really, really liked this. Will be back for more.
LibraryThing member lindapanzo
This first book in the Amory Ames cozy series, which is set in 1930's England at a seaside hotel, has the feel of a "golden age" mystery, though it was published in 2014.
Interesting plot and a lead character, sleuth Amory Ames, is a person I would love to read more about. I'm not sure how many of
If you enjoy reading a historical mystery about murder among the upper crust, and I do, this one's for you. In fact, I'm tracking down the other books in this enjoyable series in an effort to get caught up.
A fun read that I'd recommend to my cozy-loving friends!!
(I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
Interesting plot and a lead character, sleuth Amory Ames, is a person I would love to read more about. I'm not sure how many of
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the other characters, if any, will appear in future books, but they were well done.If you enjoy reading a historical mystery about murder among the upper crust, and I do, this one's for you. In fact, I'm tracking down the other books in this enjoyable series in an effort to get caught up.
A fun read that I'd recommend to my cozy-loving friends!!
(I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
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LibraryThing member managedbybooks
Amory Ames is a wealthy young woman who regrets her marriage to her notoriously charming playboy husband, Milo. Looking for a change, she accepts a request for help from her former fiancé, Gil Trent, not knowing that she’ll soon become embroiled in a murder investigation that will test not only
Amory accompanies Gil to the Brightwell Hotel in an attempt to circumvent the marriage of his sister, Emmeline, to Rupert Howe, a disreputable ladies’ man. Amory sees in the situation a grim reflection of her own floundering marriage. There is more than her happiness at stake, however, when Rupert is murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime. Amory is determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer, despite attempted dissuasion from the disapproving police inspector on the case. Matters are further complicated by Milo’s unexpected arrival, and the two form an uneasy alliance as Amory enlists his reluctant aid in clearing Gil’s name. As the stakes grow higher and the line between friend and foe becomes less clear, Amory must decide where her heart lies and catch the killer before she, too, becomes a victim.
Murder at the Brightwell is a delicious mystery in which murder invades polite society and romance springs in unexpected places. Weaver has penned a debut in the tradition of Jacqueline Winspear.
This was pitched to me as Agatha Christie-esque, but it really wasn't. I found myself disappointed mostly because I was expecting something much different. The story itself was okay and the plot was well-developed, but there were some subplots that were just completely unnecessary.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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her friendship with Gil, but will upset the status quo with her husband.Amory accompanies Gil to the Brightwell Hotel in an attempt to circumvent the marriage of his sister, Emmeline, to Rupert Howe, a disreputable ladies’ man. Amory sees in the situation a grim reflection of her own floundering marriage. There is more than her happiness at stake, however, when Rupert is murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime. Amory is determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer, despite attempted dissuasion from the disapproving police inspector on the case. Matters are further complicated by Milo’s unexpected arrival, and the two form an uneasy alliance as Amory enlists his reluctant aid in clearing Gil’s name. As the stakes grow higher and the line between friend and foe becomes less clear, Amory must decide where her heart lies and catch the killer before she, too, becomes a victim.
Murder at the Brightwell is a delicious mystery in which murder invades polite society and romance springs in unexpected places. Weaver has penned a debut in the tradition of Jacqueline Winspear.
This was pitched to me as Agatha Christie-esque, but it really wasn't. I found myself disappointed mostly because I was expecting something much different. The story itself was okay and the plot was well-developed, but there were some subplots that were just completely unnecessary.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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LibraryThing member LadyoftheLodge
"Murder at the Brightwell" reminds me of novels from the Golden Age of mystery. The characters are interesting and described in a way that makes them come alive to the reader. The main premise is a classic one: a group of people are on holiday at a seaside resort. One of them is murdered. The
I received this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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question is "Who is the murderer?" I enjoyed the interweaving of the different plot lines and how the personalities of the potential murderers are revealed. I also appreciated the subtle interplay between Amory, the main character and amateur sleuth, and her estranged husband Milo. The seaside setting adds drama to the plot. I received this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
3.5 / 5.0 stars
This first book in series was a delicious introduction to the Amory Ames mystery series by talented author, Ashley Weaver. There is depth to her very human characters, each one a bit flawed in their own special way. The interplay among characters is quite believable, as emotions run
England, Summer of 1932
Amory Ames, is a delightful young aristocrat whose errant husband of five years, Milo Ames, has caused pure embarrassment to her and brought shame to their marriage. In her frustration and sorrow, she is at a crossroad in her life. She tires of hearing the tawdry gossip concerning Milo and his playboy exploits all over the continent. Shortly after he returns home to Kent, Amory is visited by Gilmore Trent, the fiancé she jilted when swept up into the vortex of Milo's exhilarating and thrilling existence. Gil seeks out Amory on the pretense that he needs her assistance in shepherding his sister, Emmeline, away from a disastrous engagement to Rupert Howe. Would she please consider joining them at the seaside and advise Emmeline away from a marriage which would
problably become too much like her own. Sure, why not get away and head for the seaside? What's good for the goose is surely good for the gander. And off they go, leaving Milo behind, or did they?
That first night at the Brightwell, dinner was awkward and a bit stiff with all the posh friends of Gil's and Emmeline's. It didn't take Amory long to size up the members of the group and determine who was friend and who should be avoided at all costs. By the next morning, it appeared that one of their party had taken a spill over the hotel balcony and wouldn't be joining them for breakfast or any subsequent meals. As it was Amory who spotted the body, she decides to take on the sleuthing work to figure out who really is friend and who is foe. Then enter stage right, Milo Ames, just to stir things up and provide fodder for the gossip rags.
This was a fun story with a bit more depth than most cozy mysteries. This seems to be the way of most historically set mysteries. With six books already out in this series, it would appear that this reader has some catching up to do and they're looking forward to it.
I am grateful to author Ashley Weaver and her publsiher, Thomas Minotaur Books for having provided a free uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman questioning her marriage to her notoriously charming playboy husband, Milo, is looking for a change. She accepts a request for help from her former fiancé, Gil Trent, not knowing that she’ll soon become embroiled in a murder investigation that will not only test her friendship with Gil, but also will upset the status quo with her husband.
Amory accompanies Gil to the luxurious Brightwell Hotel in an attempt to circumvent the marriage of his sister, Emmeline, to Rupert Howe a disreputable ladies man. There is more than her happiness at stake, however, when Rupert is murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime. Matters are further complicated by Milo’s unexpected arrival, and as the line between friend and foe becomes less clear, Amory must decide where her heart lies and catch the killer before she, too, becomes a victim.
This first book in series was a delicious introduction to the Amory Ames mystery series by talented author, Ashley Weaver. There is depth to her very human characters, each one a bit flawed in their own special way. The interplay among characters is quite believable, as emotions run
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high throughout the story. One gets a strong sense of time, place, and the glitz and glamour of the Bristish aristocracy on holiday at the seaside. It doesn't take long for a corpse to appear on scene. Then it's off to the races to figure out who had it in for the poor soul.England, Summer of 1932
Amory Ames, is a delightful young aristocrat whose errant husband of five years, Milo Ames, has caused pure embarrassment to her and brought shame to their marriage. In her frustration and sorrow, she is at a crossroad in her life. She tires of hearing the tawdry gossip concerning Milo and his playboy exploits all over the continent. Shortly after he returns home to Kent, Amory is visited by Gilmore Trent, the fiancé she jilted when swept up into the vortex of Milo's exhilarating and thrilling existence. Gil seeks out Amory on the pretense that he needs her assistance in shepherding his sister, Emmeline, away from a disastrous engagement to Rupert Howe. Would she please consider joining them at the seaside and advise Emmeline away from a marriage which would
problably become too much like her own. Sure, why not get away and head for the seaside? What's good for the goose is surely good for the gander. And off they go, leaving Milo behind, or did they?
That first night at the Brightwell, dinner was awkward and a bit stiff with all the posh friends of Gil's and Emmeline's. It didn't take Amory long to size up the members of the group and determine who was friend and who should be avoided at all costs. By the next morning, it appeared that one of their party had taken a spill over the hotel balcony and wouldn't be joining them for breakfast or any subsequent meals. As it was Amory who spotted the body, she decides to take on the sleuthing work to figure out who really is friend and who is foe. Then enter stage right, Milo Ames, just to stir things up and provide fodder for the gossip rags.
This was a fun story with a bit more depth than most cozy mysteries. This seems to be the way of most historically set mysteries. With six books already out in this series, it would appear that this reader has some catching up to do and they're looking forward to it.
I am grateful to author Ashley Weaver and her publsiher, Thomas Minotaur Books for having provided a free uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman questioning her marriage to her notoriously charming playboy husband, Milo, is looking for a change. She accepts a request for help from her former fiancé, Gil Trent, not knowing that she’ll soon become embroiled in a murder investigation that will not only test her friendship with Gil, but also will upset the status quo with her husband.
Amory accompanies Gil to the luxurious Brightwell Hotel in an attempt to circumvent the marriage of his sister, Emmeline, to Rupert Howe a disreputable ladies man. There is more than her happiness at stake, however, when Rupert is murdered and Gil is arrested for the crime. Matters are further complicated by Milo’s unexpected arrival, and as the line between friend and foe becomes less clear, Amory must decide where her heart lies and catch the killer before she, too, becomes a victim.
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LibraryThing member Vesper1931
Amory Ames is asked by her former fiancé, Gil Trent, to accompany him to the Brightwell Hotel and talk to his sister, Emmeline, concerning the man she is marrying. Gil is convinced that there is something wrong with him and his attentions to his sister. But it is not long before a body is found,
An enjoyable easily read mystery.
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is it an accident or murder. Amory investigates.An enjoyable easily read mystery.
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LibraryThing member PattyLee
Gee, this is a swell mystery. Set in the 30's amongst the well to do set in England. Charmingly done with engaging main characters.
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
It's going to be hard to say anything about this one without making it sound like I'm damning it with faint praise. The cover quote says it's "An elegant Christie-esque romp". Putting aside that I'd hardly call most of Christie's work a "romp", there is a similarity in tone, and certainly setting.
The main characters are upper-class repressed Brits in the 1930's. It seems things changed enough after WWI that a bit of scandal was acceptable, although nobody had better get too emotional about it. Very stiff-upper-lip. It sounds like I'm being snarky - but I'm not, I quite enjoyed the calm control that is such a part of Amory she could hardly be anything else; even during situations where a bit of hysteria could be considered appropriate.
Amory is married to a rogue. He charmed her out of her engagement with her childhood friend, and then promptly left her at home while he played about the continent. After 5 years, her ex comes to her and asks for help convincing his younger sister not to make the same mistake Amory did, and Amory decides what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Only her husband, Milo, follows her. And someone ends up dead.
Here's my only real complaint about the book: Amory consistently forgets to be mad at Milo. She certainly has plenty of reason, and it's not like she's a limp rag around him, but he need only say something charming, or kiss her, and she forgets all about pursuing their marital issues. It's trying to the reader's patience after awhile. I don't care if Milo looks like Thor and acts like James Bond, if I was married to him and his name was linked to every other woman in Europe, we'd be having that row and I'd not be distracted.
The mystery was awesome at the end. Never saw that coming. Incredibly well-plotted, although the writer doesn't give up a lot of clues. I don't mind this but I know some people do. Amory flirts with TSTL a couple of times, but mostly, it works.
Overall, a very, very good debut novel I enjoyed immensely. I'm quite looking forward to the second book out at the end of this year.
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This is a well-written, relaxing read.The main characters are upper-class repressed Brits in the 1930's. It seems things changed enough after WWI that a bit of scandal was acceptable, although nobody had better get too emotional about it. Very stiff-upper-lip. It sounds like I'm being snarky - but I'm not, I quite enjoyed the calm control that is such a part of Amory she could hardly be anything else; even during situations where a bit of hysteria could be considered appropriate.
Amory is married to a rogue. He charmed her out of her engagement with her childhood friend, and then promptly left her at home while he played about the continent. After 5 years, her ex comes to her and asks for help convincing his younger sister not to make the same mistake Amory did, and Amory decides what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Only her husband, Milo, follows her. And someone ends up dead.
Here's my only real complaint about the book: Amory consistently forgets to be mad at Milo. She certainly has plenty of reason, and it's not like she's a limp rag around him, but he need only say something charming, or kiss her, and she forgets all about pursuing their marital issues. It's trying to the reader's patience after awhile. I don't care if Milo looks like Thor and acts like James Bond, if I was married to him and his name was linked to every other woman in Europe, we'd be having that row and I'd not be distracted.
The mystery was awesome at the end. Never saw that coming. Incredibly well-plotted, although the writer doesn't give up a lot of clues. I don't mind this but I know some people do. Amory flirts with TSTL a couple of times, but mostly, it works.
Overall, a very, very good debut novel I enjoyed immensely. I'm quite looking forward to the second book out at the end of this year.
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LibraryThing member leslie.98
The mystery was pretty good but I was not so thrilled with the protagonist and her mixed up relationship with her husband. I also think that the author's portrayal of 1932 England did not come across as very believable -- perhaps I have read too many mysteries that were actually written in the
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1930s to enjoy the faux experience! Show Less
Awards
Edgar Award (Nominee — First Novel — 2015)
RUSA CODES Reading List (Winner — Mystery — 2015)
ISBN
0749017414 / 9780749017415