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Amory Ames #2
La Morte in Maschera
Dopo gli eventi del resort Brightwell e un'inaspettata riconciliazione con il marito Milo, Amory Ames non vede l'ora di passare un periodo di meritata pace nel loro appartamento londinese. Tuttavia, si ritrova presto coinvolta in un altro caso quando Serena Barrington le chiede di indagare sulla scomparsa di alcuni gioielli preziosi rubati a una cena. Incapace di dire di no a una vecchia amica di famiglia, Amory accetta di partecipare a una trappola per catturare il colpevole durante un sontuoso ballo in maschera organizzato dal famigerato visconte Dunmore. Quando però uno degli illustri ospiti della festa viene assassinato, Amory è costretta a immergersi di nuovo nel mondo delle indagini e viene arruolata dal suo vecchio alleato, l'ispettore Jones. Mentre fruga tra i moventi dei sospettati, cerca di respingere con tutte le sue forze le avances del visconte, benché circolino delle voci su Milo e una star del cinema francese. Ancora una volta, Amory e Milo dovranno mettere da parte i loro problemi sentimentali e collaborare per risolvere un mistero tra la crème de la crème londinese in cui nulla è come sembra.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
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September 30, 2024
Look into his eyes, uh-oh, he's been tellin' lies / He's a lover boy at play / He don't play by rules, uh-oh, girl, don't play the fool, no (Cold Hearted – Paula Abdul).
Well, I think me and Paula are going to have to take a little break from this series for a little while, because I rated this lower on the second read and I'm feeling kind of down about it. And keep in mind that this was an actual reread, not that glitch that's going around on here where it randomly gives "second read" dates to books that I've only read once... YEARS AGO!!! I'm not mad though, don't worry. Otherwise, sorry book, but I can’t help but feel like this time around Amory's adventures were less on the fun side of things and more of the "soul-sucking-rapid-aging-scene-from-Hercules" variety. Or like that scene where (spoilers for Game of Thrones, I guess) Melisandre takes off her The Substance amulet in Game of Thrones, take your pick of dated references. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still charmed by this series or whatever, but Death Wears a Mask falls into similar pitfalls that a lot of immediate sequels do; it escalates the same dramatic story beats from the first book rather than trying to undertake a new venture. It’s literally the same book with a slightly different coat of paint, like a palate swap in Super Smash Bros.! Amory is tired of her marriage to Milo (This time, she thinks he's cheating on her. Groundbreaking), then another handsome man and a beautiful lady drives a wedge even further between their marriage, Amory declares that she’ll never be made a fool again… and then goes back to Milo in the end. Fooled again. And while I was a lot more charitable of this in the first book, I’m over it by now. We’ve been here before! We don’t even get a proper portrayal of the Ames’ happy relationship before we’re forced back into the same old “Amory-is-suspicious-of-her-husband” shtick. And even though I'm firmly on Amory's side in these books, their relationship troubles were so frustrating that I started to dislike everybody involved. Hell, I was even mad at myself for picking this series back up again! I’m just glad that Ashley Weaver is a mystery writer, because if she strictly wrote romance, I’d probably file her under the "not for me" tag. Because damn, I might be the one who’s exhausted, but it’s the book who’s tired. You’d think I've had enough shit-talking about Milo in the last review, but… nah, when it comes to hating, I’ve always got more. Hey, I wish I could write a snarky one sentence Letterboxd review like everyone else, but unfortunately my predilection for ranting is much too powerful. I was dreamin' when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray. I know I hogged all the time in the Socratic Seminar last time, talking about how this series is about forgiveness and moving past the past and blah blah blah, but I was more generous because I figured she'd either ditch Milo and hook up with sexy ass Gil, or get back with Milo and improve their relationship. Yeah well, like I said before, this book is just the same old bullshit. In fact, if it accomplished anything, it helped cement my hatred or Milo. Like, oh okay, he is just a bad dude. There was even a point at the height of his bullshit where my eyes started watering, I was so mad! Granted, I read the last half of the book on the beach, wind all blowing sand into my eyes and shit, but I’m still going to blame Milo. He’s becoming my Dinkleberg. Miloo~oo! I can only say his name with derision and anger.
The thing is, I’m a bit of a contrarian in the sense that if a character is loved by every other character within the narrative, then I hate them. The end. It’s the “Jim from The Office” problem, where everybody thinks he’s so charming and cute and adorable, and I’m left over here asking… why? Jim started out as the audience surrogate, the everyman, but eventually he became a writer’s pet who could do no wrong. Even his marriage with Pam in the later seasons had similar shades to Milo and Amory from this series, in that the writers would constantly put Jim in situations where women would fall at his feet. Though, of course, this was never to the fault of Jim from The Office. Poor Jim from The Office, our good pal Jim from The Office, he simply can't help it that everyone loves him! These characters often become a weird mix of stand-ins for the author’s own opinions, an image of the kind of person the writers want to be, or even their dream partner. They start to exist outside the narrative and become silly caricatures rather than real characters that affect the story they exist in. I'm always seeing this character archetype showing up in whatever random thing I'm watching or reading, and guess what? They're always the worst part of whatever story their involved in! Jim from The Office, Mamoru (though, oddly not when he's Tuxedo Mask) from Sailor Moon, Donna from Parks and Recreation, literally every guest star to ever show up on Empire (Ne-Yo, Becky G, Alicia Keys), they're all boo~ooring! My problem is that Milo apparently loves his wife, yet still forces her into the “hysterical woman" role while he can sit back in all his smirking amusement, seeing himself as just so perfectly rational. Yawn. Now, I would say that this could have easily been a powerful statement on quieter forms of misogyny, but there’s just one little problem… the Amory Ames mystery books are a romance. We’re supposed to be swooning over Amory and Milo’s relationship. While yeah, I guess the writing is still impeccable, but I can’t say with confidence that Milo is written with the intention of character deconstruction. It’s in the little things, like how he’s described as the most handsome man on the planet, or how he can charm every woman he talks to, or even how he can face life-threatening danger with nothing more than a raised eyebrow and a Marvel movie quip. Are we… are we actually supposed to like this tool? Sure, Milo isn’t ever written with the idea that he’s a saint or a perfect husband, but given all the excuses he’s allowed narratively (like how the other woman kisses him or how he was actually helping with the case), I’m thinking that all his shitty behavior is actually supposed to make him, like, darkly sexy or something, but he surely can't be that alluring, right? I was mystified to the point where I even looked up handsome movie stars in the olden days to understand the image that Milo's supposed to evoke, and it's like "fossil, fossil, oh Buster Keaton was cute, fossil," so that didn't help much. Death Wears a Mask does make a valiant enough effort to pose bigger questions, yet I’m left feeling all the more disappointed when the answers to said questions don’t live up to the promise.
I mean, the big theme of this book is Amory threatening to divorce Milo after he’s caught, on CAMERA kissing another woman. He’s proven innocent (again), but I don’t know, the way he gives Amory a billion rational reasons as to what actually happened came across creepily like he was gaslighting her. He’s worse than David from the Truly Devious series! This. Guy. Sucks. Ass. Again, I wouldn’t have an issue with any of this if it weren’t advertised as a romance! No offence, but if you want to write a cheating story, then write one. You can’t just create a story with all the shades of one and then rug pull the whole thing at the end to justify a happy ending. Gillian Flynn wouldn’t do me like this! I’ve got to say, I’m a little embarrassed at how angry this book made me. Seriously, I was sitting there affronted like I was the one Milo wronged! I feel like I should chill and stop getting so emotional about this haha. Hipster alert, but while every else is crying over Heartstopper I’m over here making break-up playlists for fictional scorned women in a 1930’s murder mystery written ten years ago. But you know, maybe I’ve been relating a little too deeply to this story considering there’s very little here that’s actually made with people like me in mind. What I mean is that the constant relationship troubles of Amory and Milo isn’t the only thing that has me getting increasingly weary of this series, because it was with this installment that I realized with shocking clarity that people like me, queer folks and people of color, don’t seem to exist in Ashley Weaver’s pretty little glamourous and idealized image of the 1930’s. I don’t mean this as a condemnation, it’s just a statement of fact. So what's my point here? Well, maybe I should stop caring as much as I do about a book series where I'm clearly not the target demographic. Still, it’s a bit of a bummer, is all I’m saying, because the Amory Ames books were some of the first mysteries that made me fall in love with the genre, and now I'm scared to keep reading them because I might not like them as much anymore. Maybe I should step back for a while, you know? Hm, should I try taking up Heartstopper? I've heard it's pretty good by literally everyone on Goodreads. So much so, that I've kind of already read them by proxy. Anyway, I think my reread journey will be on pause for now, because these books are starting to stress me out. Death Wears a Mask is about robberies, and sure enough, the author robbed us of the chance at seeing Milo act like a human being for once and apologize. No really, half of my complaints about this novel would have been negated had he crawled on his hands and knees and begged forgiveness. That sound petty, but come on, the first rule of putting a character like Milo in a story, a character who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, is to challenge them. Put them through the ringer! Like, what are we even doing here!? Because otherwise, the only real challenge is trying to get through this book without throwing it at the wall.
“Fair enough. You can’t blame a man for trying.” You could, in fact. But I decided that was an opinion best kept to myself.
Well, I think me and Paula are going to have to take a little break from this series for a little while, because I rated this lower on the second read and I'm feeling kind of down about it. And keep in mind that this was an actual reread, not that glitch that's going around on here where it randomly gives "second read" dates to books that I've only read once... YEARS AGO!!! I'm not mad though, don't worry. Otherwise, sorry book, but I can’t help but feel like this time around Amory's adventures were less on the fun side of things and more of the "soul-sucking-rapid-aging-scene-from-Hercules" variety. Or like that scene where (spoilers for Game of Thrones, I guess) Melisandre takes off her The Substance amulet in Game of Thrones, take your pick of dated references. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still charmed by this series or whatever, but Death Wears a Mask falls into similar pitfalls that a lot of immediate sequels do; it escalates the same dramatic story beats from the first book rather than trying to undertake a new venture. It’s literally the same book with a slightly different coat of paint, like a palate swap in Super Smash Bros.! Amory is tired of her marriage to Milo (This time, she thinks he's cheating on her. Groundbreaking), then another handsome man and a beautiful lady drives a wedge even further between their marriage, Amory declares that she’ll never be made a fool again… and then goes back to Milo in the end. Fooled again. And while I was a lot more charitable of this in the first book, I’m over it by now. We’ve been here before! We don’t even get a proper portrayal of the Ames’ happy relationship before we’re forced back into the same old “Amory-is-suspicious-of-her-husband” shtick. And even though I'm firmly on Amory's side in these books, their relationship troubles were so frustrating that I started to dislike everybody involved. Hell, I was even mad at myself for picking this series back up again! I’m just glad that Ashley Weaver is a mystery writer, because if she strictly wrote romance, I’d probably file her under the "not for me" tag. Because damn, I might be the one who’s exhausted, but it’s the book who’s tired. You’d think I've had enough shit-talking about Milo in the last review, but… nah, when it comes to hating, I’ve always got more. Hey, I wish I could write a snarky one sentence Letterboxd review like everyone else, but unfortunately my predilection for ranting is much too powerful. I was dreamin' when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray. I know I hogged all the time in the Socratic Seminar last time, talking about how this series is about forgiveness and moving past the past and blah blah blah, but I was more generous because I figured she'd either ditch Milo and hook up with sexy ass Gil, or get back with Milo and improve their relationship. Yeah well, like I said before, this book is just the same old bullshit. In fact, if it accomplished anything, it helped cement my hatred or Milo. Like, oh okay, he is just a bad dude. There was even a point at the height of his bullshit where my eyes started watering, I was so mad! Granted, I read the last half of the book on the beach, wind all blowing sand into my eyes and shit, but I’m still going to blame Milo. He’s becoming my Dinkleberg. Miloo~oo! I can only say his name with derision and anger.
The thing is, I’m a bit of a contrarian in the sense that if a character is loved by every other character within the narrative, then I hate them. The end. It’s the “Jim from The Office” problem, where everybody thinks he’s so charming and cute and adorable, and I’m left over here asking… why? Jim started out as the audience surrogate, the everyman, but eventually he became a writer’s pet who could do no wrong. Even his marriage with Pam in the later seasons had similar shades to Milo and Amory from this series, in that the writers would constantly put Jim in situations where women would fall at his feet. Though, of course, this was never to the fault of Jim from The Office. Poor Jim from The Office, our good pal Jim from The Office, he simply can't help it that everyone loves him! These characters often become a weird mix of stand-ins for the author’s own opinions, an image of the kind of person the writers want to be, or even their dream partner. They start to exist outside the narrative and become silly caricatures rather than real characters that affect the story they exist in. I'm always seeing this character archetype showing up in whatever random thing I'm watching or reading, and guess what? They're always the worst part of whatever story their involved in! Jim from The Office, Mamoru (though, oddly not when he's Tuxedo Mask) from Sailor Moon, Donna from Parks and Recreation, literally every guest star to ever show up on Empire (Ne-Yo, Becky G, Alicia Keys), they're all boo~ooring! My problem is that Milo apparently loves his wife, yet still forces her into the “hysterical woman" role while he can sit back in all his smirking amusement, seeing himself as just so perfectly rational. Yawn. Now, I would say that this could have easily been a powerful statement on quieter forms of misogyny, but there’s just one little problem… the Amory Ames mystery books are a romance. We’re supposed to be swooning over Amory and Milo’s relationship. While yeah, I guess the writing is still impeccable, but I can’t say with confidence that Milo is written with the intention of character deconstruction. It’s in the little things, like how he’s described as the most handsome man on the planet, or how he can charm every woman he talks to, or even how he can face life-threatening danger with nothing more than a raised eyebrow and a Marvel movie quip. Are we… are we actually supposed to like this tool? Sure, Milo isn’t ever written with the idea that he’s a saint or a perfect husband, but given all the excuses he’s allowed narratively (like how the other woman kisses him or how he was actually helping with the case), I’m thinking that all his shitty behavior is actually supposed to make him, like, darkly sexy or something, but he surely can't be that alluring, right? I was mystified to the point where I even looked up handsome movie stars in the olden days to understand the image that Milo's supposed to evoke, and it's like "fossil, fossil, oh Buster Keaton was cute, fossil," so that didn't help much. Death Wears a Mask does make a valiant enough effort to pose bigger questions, yet I’m left feeling all the more disappointed when the answers to said questions don’t live up to the promise.
I mean, the big theme of this book is Amory threatening to divorce Milo after he’s caught, on CAMERA kissing another woman. He’s proven innocent (again), but I don’t know, the way he gives Amory a billion rational reasons as to what actually happened came across creepily like he was gaslighting her. He’s worse than David from the Truly Devious series! This. Guy. Sucks. Ass. Again, I wouldn’t have an issue with any of this if it weren’t advertised as a romance! No offence, but if you want to write a cheating story, then write one. You can’t just create a story with all the shades of one and then rug pull the whole thing at the end to justify a happy ending. Gillian Flynn wouldn’t do me like this! I’ve got to say, I’m a little embarrassed at how angry this book made me. Seriously, I was sitting there affronted like I was the one Milo wronged! I feel like I should chill and stop getting so emotional about this haha. Hipster alert, but while every else is crying over Heartstopper I’m over here making break-up playlists for fictional scorned women in a 1930’s murder mystery written ten years ago. But you know, maybe I’ve been relating a little too deeply to this story considering there’s very little here that’s actually made with people like me in mind. What I mean is that the constant relationship troubles of Amory and Milo isn’t the only thing that has me getting increasingly weary of this series, because it was with this installment that I realized with shocking clarity that people like me, queer folks and people of color, don’t seem to exist in Ashley Weaver’s pretty little glamourous and idealized image of the 1930’s. I don’t mean this as a condemnation, it’s just a statement of fact. So what's my point here? Well, maybe I should stop caring as much as I do about a book series where I'm clearly not the target demographic. Still, it’s a bit of a bummer, is all I’m saying, because the Amory Ames books were some of the first mysteries that made me fall in love with the genre, and now I'm scared to keep reading them because I might not like them as much anymore. Maybe I should step back for a while, you know? Hm, should I try taking up Heartstopper? I've heard it's pretty good by literally everyone on Goodreads. So much so, that I've kind of already read them by proxy. Anyway, I think my reread journey will be on pause for now, because these books are starting to stress me out. Death Wears a Mask is about robberies, and sure enough, the author robbed us of the chance at seeing Milo act like a human being for once and apologize. No really, half of my complaints about this novel would have been negated had he crawled on his hands and knees and begged forgiveness. That sound petty, but come on, the first rule of putting a character like Milo in a story, a character who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, is to challenge them. Put them through the ringer! Like, what are we even doing here!? Because otherwise, the only real challenge is trying to get through this book without throwing it at the wall.
“Fair enough. You can’t blame a man for trying.” You could, in fact. But I decided that was an opinion best kept to myself.
April 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series so it was an easy decision to move on to #2. It turned out to equally good so I was happy!
Amory and Milo continue to fall out and make up. Milo does seem to be out of line but maybe that's how the rich lived in those days. Of course someone is murdered at a house party attended by Amory and she is asked to help solve the crime. The investigation becomes quite involved and confusing but Amory solves it all in the end.
It is easy to become involved with the two main characters. They are both charming and witty and their dialogue is very well written. The tension between them really works, as their most entertaining comments usually occur when they are sparring. I will be continuing the series to see what happens to the two of them.
Amory and Milo continue to fall out and make up. Milo does seem to be out of line but maybe that's how the rich lived in those days. Of course someone is murdered at a house party attended by Amory and she is asked to help solve the crime. The investigation becomes quite involved and confusing but Amory solves it all in the end.
It is easy to become involved with the two main characters. They are both charming and witty and their dialogue is very well written. The tension between them really works, as their most entertaining comments usually occur when they are sparring. I will be continuing the series to see what happens to the two of them.
October 9, 2023
A real holiday read. Fun but not very taxing.
This book says Christie-esque on the cover and i suppose in a way it is, but just not as good, sorry Ms Weaver.
In this novel socialite Amory Ames involves herself in the investigation of stolen jewels,which leads to murder. Aided and hindered by her husband,the pace is swift and Amory must ensure she is not the next to be murdered.
This book says Christie-esque on the cover and i suppose in a way it is, but just not as good, sorry Ms Weaver.
In this novel socialite Amory Ames involves herself in the investigation of stolen jewels,which leads to murder. Aided and hindered by her husband,the pace is swift and Amory must ensure she is not the next to be murdered.
September 30, 2017
I cannot for the life of me figure out why Amory hasn’t fired Winnelda or sent Milo packing.
October 6, 2015
Death Wears a Mask is the utterly charming follow-up to Ashley Weaver Murder at the Brightwell (which I also loved). This second installment continues the momentum of the first, throwing it’s amateur lady detective, Amory Ames into another investigation and into more relationship drama with her husband, Milo.
Asked by a family friend, Serena Barrington, to look into the apparent theft of her jewels during a dinner party, Amory finds herself looking at the motives of the dinner guests. Amory’s reputation from the events at the Brightwell have preceded her arrival in London, and Serena is sure that Amory can put her investigative skills to use and catch the culprit. Amory is not really given a chance to refuse, and so begins her investigation, which leads to murder, mayhem and disguises (okay, well, just one).
In addition to Amory’s investigation she also has to contend with more trouble in her marriage to Milo. While they had reconnected during the events of Murder at the Brightwell, Milo appears to back to his old habits when he’s photographed with a popular actress. It seems that Amory has to make a decision about what to do about her husband, does she let him get away with his apparent infidelities or does see seek out a divorce and make a clean break.
Now, I have to admit I have my own pet theory about Milo’s apparent playboy behaviour. I am 95% certain that Milo is a spy or some sort of government agent. There are just too many red flags that seem to indicate that this might be the case. Something is just not right with his convenient explanations or his sudden appearances at certain events. At any rate, the conflict between Amory and Milo makes for good reading and it complements the mystery really well. That said, I do hope that book three brings these two together on a more common ground; the waffling about their relationship and the deep-seated problems never seem to totally get resolved. Is Amory ever going to be able to trust her husband who clearly does not share everything with his wife? But, hey, it will bring me back for book three, so the author clearly knows what she’s doing.
In addition to the Amory’s relationship turmoil, the setting and it’s heroine continue to charm. 1930s London was a lot of fun. While Death Wears a Mask isn’t high on historical detail, the atmosphere of the 1930s, and it’s opulence, at least for the rich, gives this series a wonderful sense of place. Amory and Milo do not represent the masses. Amory has no commitments and no career; her social life is her entire life it seems. In a lot of ways Amory could have become a boring character, instead I find her appealing, having an earnestness that one wouldn’t expect of a woman of her class. I also like the fact that crime solving is an outlet for Amory, a career of sorts. I would really like to see how this idea of Amory as an independent investigator will change through the series.
Death Wears a Mask is another wonderful adventure with the intrepid Amory Ames. The setting and its light mystery continues to charm as does its heroine and her relationship woes. This is the perfect read for those who like a more character-driven mystery, as well as much less focus on the procedure of solving the crime. Fans of the first book, you wont be disappointed.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Asked by a family friend, Serena Barrington, to look into the apparent theft of her jewels during a dinner party, Amory finds herself looking at the motives of the dinner guests. Amory’s reputation from the events at the Brightwell have preceded her arrival in London, and Serena is sure that Amory can put her investigative skills to use and catch the culprit. Amory is not really given a chance to refuse, and so begins her investigation, which leads to murder, mayhem and disguises (okay, well, just one).
In addition to Amory’s investigation she also has to contend with more trouble in her marriage to Milo. While they had reconnected during the events of Murder at the Brightwell, Milo appears to back to his old habits when he’s photographed with a popular actress. It seems that Amory has to make a decision about what to do about her husband, does she let him get away with his apparent infidelities or does see seek out a divorce and make a clean break.
Now, I have to admit I have my own pet theory about Milo’s apparent playboy behaviour. I am 95% certain that Milo is a spy or some sort of government agent. There are just too many red flags that seem to indicate that this might be the case. Something is just not right with his convenient explanations or his sudden appearances at certain events. At any rate, the conflict between Amory and Milo makes for good reading and it complements the mystery really well. That said, I do hope that book three brings these two together on a more common ground; the waffling about their relationship and the deep-seated problems never seem to totally get resolved. Is Amory ever going to be able to trust her husband who clearly does not share everything with his wife? But, hey, it will bring me back for book three, so the author clearly knows what she’s doing.
In addition to the Amory’s relationship turmoil, the setting and it’s heroine continue to charm. 1930s London was a lot of fun. While Death Wears a Mask isn’t high on historical detail, the atmosphere of the 1930s, and it’s opulence, at least for the rich, gives this series a wonderful sense of place. Amory and Milo do not represent the masses. Amory has no commitments and no career; her social life is her entire life it seems. In a lot of ways Amory could have become a boring character, instead I find her appealing, having an earnestness that one wouldn’t expect of a woman of her class. I also like the fact that crime solving is an outlet for Amory, a career of sorts. I would really like to see how this idea of Amory as an independent investigator will change through the series.
Death Wears a Mask is another wonderful adventure with the intrepid Amory Ames. The setting and its light mystery continues to charm as does its heroine and her relationship woes. This is the perfect read for those who like a more character-driven mystery, as well as much less focus on the procedure of solving the crime. Fans of the first book, you wont be disappointed.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 2, 2016
After enjoying the first book in the series, this was a big disappointment, mainly because of the continuing dysfunctional relationship between Amory and Milo. They are both such potentially likeable characters, but I got so, so tired of Milo's cluelessness about the effect of his behavior on his wife and Amory's unwillingness to discuss it.
I just don't understand why he thinks he can just come and go with no explanation and dine with women who aren't his wife, and then he is surprised that Amory is upset about it. "But it didn't mean anything." "Nothing happened." Yeah, whatever.
But it is even harder to understand that Amory doesn't just say, "If you're going somewhere, you have to tell me. Better yet, bring me with you. That's what loving couples do. And don't you ever, ever go out for dinner alone with another woman. That is just insulting." But after spending most of the book refusing to discuss it, she excuses him with the realization that he's just "not at her beck and call" as if that explains it and everything's ok. My husband isn't at my beck and call either, but he would never treat me with the same cavalier indifference Milo shows her.
I'll believe "spunky heroine" when she starts acting like it, in her marriage as elsewhere. One more book in this series, and if they're still doing this stupid dance, I'm done.
I just don't understand why he thinks he can just come and go with no explanation and dine with women who aren't his wife, and then he is surprised that Amory is upset about it. "But it didn't mean anything." "Nothing happened." Yeah, whatever.
But it is even harder to understand that Amory doesn't just say, "If you're going somewhere, you have to tell me. Better yet, bring me with you. That's what loving couples do. And don't you ever, ever go out for dinner alone with another woman. That is just insulting." But after spending most of the book refusing to discuss it, she excuses him with the realization that he's just "not at her beck and call" as if that explains it and everything's ok. My husband isn't at my beck and call either, but he would never treat me with the same cavalier indifference Milo shows her.
I'll believe "spunky heroine" when she starts acting like it, in her marriage as elsewhere. One more book in this series, and if they're still doing this stupid dance, I'm done.
January 5, 2021
💎💎💎💎 (four stars as rated in certifiably genuine, though perhaps convincingly fake, but still more than likely entirely real sapphire colored gemstones.)
Oh I am in love with this series. I really love these mysteries. They are wonderfully crafted and, while all the pieces are there, I enjoy how hard it is for me to actually put them all together until right up at the end. I am very satisfied with how things turned out, well despite ONE unsavory and predatory character being let off with only so much as a broken nose. BUT, I am hopeful that he will perhaps get his just desserts in a future book??
Let's talk about the romance. Also, while this love story is not the most important arc of the story, I am really enjoying the way that Weaver has woven it's highs and lows into the investigation of two murders. Consider me fully invested in the remainder of this series!
Content warnings for this book: suicide, assault, infidelity, sexually predatory behavior, murder
October 17, 2018
Death Wears A Mask took up two months after Murder At The Brightwell. I enjoyed this mystery and DI Jones was once again along for the ride.
I will leave it to other readers as to how they feel about Amory’s and Milo’s relationship. As for me, I needed to remind myself that the married couple were part of the British upper class and the 1930s retained a rigid social structure. There was a constant push/pull with a dose of unwillingness to listen to each other- i.e., marriage mind games. At one point, Amory considered a desperate measure.
But I am hooked on this series. The atmosphere was stylish and moody ala Agatha Christie. The quips were entertaining. The whodunit was well-written and the characterization was clever. The suspense flowed and for the most part, there were no awkward pauses.
I will leave it to other readers as to how they feel about Amory’s and Milo’s relationship. As for me, I needed to remind myself that the married couple were part of the British upper class and the 1930s retained a rigid social structure. There was a constant push/pull with a dose of unwillingness to listen to each other- i.e., marriage mind games. At one point, Amory considered a desperate measure.
But I am hooked on this series. The atmosphere was stylish and moody ala Agatha Christie. The quips were entertaining. The whodunit was well-written and the characterization was clever. The suspense flowed and for the most part, there were no awkward pauses.
March 27, 2016
Pity poor Amory Ames, a bright, young thing who has just reconciled with her devilishly handsome and charming (but philandering) Milo. Even in August 1932, the couple doesn’t want for money, and they’ve been working on their five-year-old marriage since it almost died along with two murder victims in the series’ debut, Murder at the Brightwell.
Amory believes that the bad times are finally over, but no such luck! Now that they’re back in London, Milo Ames appears once again, to be straying, and yet another corpse turns up on during a masquerade ball thrown by an aristocratic lady’s man with his eye on Amory. Needless to say, the endlessly curious Amory, urged on by an old family friend, Serena Barrington, takes it upon herself to discover what the police cannot from the members of her social set and uncover the culprit.
I did not think that I would like Murder Wears a Mask as well as Murder at the Brightwell — and, at first, I didn’t. But the jewel heist that opens the novel and the splendidly drawn characters soon had me glued to the novel. The charming Amory, the period touches, and the clever dialogue put me in the mind of a less dour Harriet Vane or another Tuppence Beresford. What a delight! Even though I sort of guessed the perpetrator before the big reveal, I never stumbled onto his motive. Yet, even if I had, the novel was so charming and riveting, that I wouldn’t have cared a fig!
Now, if I could only figure out how I will be able to wait until the third novel in the series, A Most Novel Revenge, is released in October! Too bad I don’t have the option to flee to Monte Carlo or Paris in the company of Milo and Amory.
Caveat emptor: I listened Audible edition of Murder at the Brightwell, in which narrator Billie Fulford-Brown did a charming job narrating; however, Fulford-Brown was replaced with Alison Larkin, who sounds like Billie Burke in film The Wizard of Oz. The voice narration was so annoyingly screechy that I had to return the Audible edition and read the book in the Kindle format.
Amory believes that the bad times are finally over, but no such luck! Now that they’re back in London, Milo Ames appears once again, to be straying, and yet another corpse turns up on during a masquerade ball thrown by an aristocratic lady’s man with his eye on Amory. Needless to say, the endlessly curious Amory, urged on by an old family friend, Serena Barrington, takes it upon herself to discover what the police cannot from the members of her social set and uncover the culprit.
I did not think that I would like Murder Wears a Mask as well as Murder at the Brightwell — and, at first, I didn’t. But the jewel heist that opens the novel and the splendidly drawn characters soon had me glued to the novel. The charming Amory, the period touches, and the clever dialogue put me in the mind of a less dour Harriet Vane or another Tuppence Beresford. What a delight! Even though I sort of guessed the perpetrator before the big reveal, I never stumbled onto his motive. Yet, even if I had, the novel was so charming and riveting, that I wouldn’t have cared a fig!
Now, if I could only figure out how I will be able to wait until the third novel in the series, A Most Novel Revenge, is released in October! Too bad I don’t have the option to flee to Monte Carlo or Paris in the company of Milo and Amory.
Caveat emptor: I listened Audible edition of Murder at the Brightwell, in which narrator Billie Fulford-Brown did a charming job narrating; however, Fulford-Brown was replaced with Alison Larkin, who sounds like Billie Burke in film The Wizard of Oz. The voice narration was so annoyingly screechy that I had to return the Audible edition and read the book in the Kindle format.
March 28, 2018
I enjoyed this light-hearted mystery with a major amount of glamour!
Set in London in 1932 Amory and Milo Ames become involved in another high-class murder which is carried out during a masked ball no less.
This is written from Amory's POV and she is a naive but charming and intelligent high society lady.
Don't think too hard about this one, if you can allow yourself to enjoy it it is very rewarding - fast-paced, funny and intriguing.
I will certainly be reading more in this series.
Set in London in 1932 Amory and Milo Ames become involved in another high-class murder which is carried out during a masked ball no less.
This is written from Amory's POV and she is a naive but charming and intelligent high society lady.
Don't think too hard about this one, if you can allow yourself to enjoy it it is very rewarding - fast-paced, funny and intriguing.
I will certainly be reading more in this series.
May 9, 2023
4.5 stars. Listening to this series as an audiobook and really enjoying the experience. It has the familiar coziness but stabby of good Cozy mysteries and a lot of drama. The adds to a very intruiging plot not only with the case but the characters. But tought the finaley was a bit to easy to guess. Want to get to next one sooner rather than later.
May 23, 2018
Level of obsession: high to very high
February 2, 2019
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
Death Wears a Mask is another competent cozy-ish mystery in the same vein as the first, with the side plot of Amory’s playboy husband being, well, a playboy. There’s a fair bit of relationship drama here, where he gets into compromising situations and she refuses to quite believe he’s faithful to her. Plenty of misunderstandings on her side, while he’s actually mostly perfect (cares about her, acts wild but is faithful, etc). Spare me. I hope the oh-no-is-he-cheating drama is over as of this book, because yeesh.
The mystery itself was somewhat predictable, as was the resolution of the relationship drama. The attraction remains that it’s just a really easy and fast read, without being too involving emotionally or too full of guts and gore. A mild pleasure rather than something that bowled me over in any fashion.
Actually, I’m so lukewarm on this and only a little warmer on the following book (which I’ve already read — I’m just behind on actually writing up my reviews) that I wonder why I’m continuing with the series when I have so many lovely things to read.
Death Wears a Mask is another competent cozy-ish mystery in the same vein as the first, with the side plot of Amory’s playboy husband being, well, a playboy. There’s a fair bit of relationship drama here, where he gets into compromising situations and she refuses to quite believe he’s faithful to her. Plenty of misunderstandings on her side, while he’s actually mostly perfect (cares about her, acts wild but is faithful, etc). Spare me. I hope the oh-no-is-he-cheating drama is over as of this book, because yeesh.
The mystery itself was somewhat predictable, as was the resolution of the relationship drama. The attraction remains that it’s just a really easy and fast read, without being too involving emotionally or too full of guts and gore. A mild pleasure rather than something that bowled me over in any fashion.
Actually, I’m so lukewarm on this and only a little warmer on the following book (which I’ve already read — I’m just behind on actually writing up my reviews) that I wonder why I’m continuing with the series when I have so many lovely things to read.
December 21, 2016
I'm a little amazed at how much I'm enjoying what's a fairly thin series. The atmosphere is the selling point here: it's a unique look at the 1930s upper class. (It's not a Sayers sort of atmosphere, though - I can't see fitting Lord Peter into this scene.) Which might mean that part of the appeal of this series is its rarified air, that it plays on wish fulfillment, that there's something escapist about someone who wears beautiful dresses and goes to parties and doesn't need to work. Or maybe there's something touching about that same person - who seems not to have a care in the world - being really cut up over her husband's carelessness.
This works because it's historical. I think a modern-day equivalent would make me roll my eyes over the first-world problems of it all. But here's Amory, who grows up knowing nothing but the life she has, with limited contact to the very different world half a city away; her world doesn't provide her with tools to bridge the gap, or even to understand it.
All of which is to say that the central mystery, which is thin, feels more substantial because of the characters - and the characters feel more substantial, even though their conflict isn't new, because of the way they play off each other and the setting. This book really does rehash the previous book's dilemma, but it is more specific - photographic evidence! - and Amory is finally able to express just how drastic of an option she's considering. (How times have changed.) This specific historical interplay elevates the characters and the mystery, and somehow these thin disparate elements combine to form something pretty great.
This works because it's historical. I think a modern-day equivalent would make me roll my eyes over the first-world problems of it all. But here's Amory, who grows up knowing nothing but the life she has, with limited contact to the very different world half a city away; her world doesn't provide her with tools to bridge the gap, or even to understand it.
All of which is to say that the central mystery, which is thin, feels more substantial because of the characters - and the characters feel more substantial, even though their conflict isn't new, because of the way they play off each other and the setting. This book really does rehash the previous book's dilemma, but it is more specific - photographic evidence! - and Amory is finally able to express just how drastic of an option she's considering. (How times have changed.) This specific historical interplay elevates the characters and the mystery, and somehow these thin disparate elements combine to form something pretty great.
November 25, 2021
On the one hand, Amory and Milo need to sit down and have a long conversation about what they each expect from their marriage. On the other hand, I am okay if it's all (fairly) smooth sailing for here on out.
Re-read November 2021
I didn't remember the mystery in this AT ALL. I also forgot just how bad Milo looked. Oh Milo.
Re-read November 2021
I didn't remember the mystery in this AT ALL. I also forgot just how bad Milo looked. Oh Milo.
October 20, 2017
I listened to the audiobook for this reread. Overall, I found the narrator's voice for Amory didn't match what I had in my head. This voice was too high and pinched. She did better with some of the other female character voices.
Original review - read in January 2016: This was a fitting follow-up to the first book in the series,Murder at the Brightwell. While the mystery aspect of it isn't the strongest, the charged dynamics between amateur sleuth Amory and her rakish husband, Milo, are what intrigued me the most.
Original review - read in January 2016: This was a fitting follow-up to the first book in the series,Murder at the Brightwell. While the mystery aspect of it isn't the strongest, the charged dynamics between amateur sleuth Amory and her rakish husband, Milo, are what intrigued me the most.
April 1, 2019
Another enjoyable and fun historical mystery with Amory and her ne'er-do-well husband, Milo. I have to say that Milo grows on me in this one. Once again, she goes to a party and - gasp! - death occurs. (After a point, wouldn't you stop inviting the Ames?)
These books are written with a light touch, but they are no lightweights. Real issues are confronted and dealt with intelligently.
We also have jewel thieves, abusive partners, and discussion of divorce.
These books are written with a light touch, but they are no lightweights. Real issues are confronted and dealt with intelligently.
We also have jewel thieves, abusive partners, and discussion of divorce.
July 5, 2022
I really love Milo and Amory, this isn't my favorite mystery series but these two are definitely one of my favorite pairings. I love the point where we started in their relationship and the way its progressing.
December 5, 2018
Milo and Amory very much need to sit down and just talk to each other already.
That said, I am very much enjoying this series even as they hurt me, on a deep personal level.
That said, I am very much enjoying this series even as they hurt me, on a deep personal level.
November 8, 2022
Amory Ames has been having a good time with her husband until he shows up with a French movie star on his arm to a party he skipped. Oh, and also there's a jewel thief and a murder to complicate the affairs of the heart. Sigh.
1. I appreciate that Milo isn't changing his stripes dramatically and without any fuss, but it does make it a little hard to 100% root for him when he plays fast and loose with his boundaries. It's also hard when Amory's boundaries are made of sterner stuff for everyone save Milo. It's just kind of ... icky.
2. The mystery was a little light on the ground this time: I actually figured a piece of it out and was right, which is something. Also the characters didn't feel as fully fleshed as they did in the first book, which was a mite disappointing.
3. I did appreciate Amory confessing her messy feelings for Milo, but would have appreciated him doing the same, I think?
I don't know: overall, this thing felt too much like filler with not enough development.
1. I appreciate that Milo isn't changing his stripes dramatically and without any fuss, but it does make it a little hard to 100% root for him when he plays fast and loose with his boundaries. It's also hard when Amory's boundaries are made of sterner stuff for everyone save Milo. It's just kind of ... icky.
2. The mystery was a little light on the ground this time: I actually figured a piece of it out and was right, which is something. Also the characters didn't feel as fully fleshed as they did in the first book, which was a mite disappointing.
3. I did appreciate Amory confessing her messy feelings for Milo, but would have appreciated him doing the same, I think?
I don't know: overall, this thing felt too much like filler with not enough development.
August 7, 2020
'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 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.'
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Death Wears a Mask is the second book in Ashey Weaver's debut series, The Amory Ames Mystery Series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
This book read very much like a game of Clue with a murder occurring during a big house party and a set number of suspects and conspicuous rooms in play. Clue will forever be my favorite childhood game and so I love a good plot that reads this way. At the same time though I didn't really enjoy the way everything was introduced, it seemed a bit convoluted and childish the scheme that she and Mrs. Barrington cooked up.
I really enjoy the dynamic between Amory and Milo, even though he's infuriating. I never find them more amusing than when their sparing or making digs at each other. I jut wish that Amory stood up for herself a little more.
Milo really took a big step back from where he's come in the first book. He is so absolutely infuriating at times, h is disregard for her feelings and his thoughtlessness to humilate her by having his name printed time and again in connection with other women. Regardless of whether or not things are as they seem in the gossip rags he is still responsible for putting himself into such positions, even if he does always have an exucse at the ready. I still however have the feeling that he might be a spy. Please, please, please let it be so, it would would make him ever so much more likable for me.
Overall I enjoyed the spot of danger and the unfolding of the mystery. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series and would recommend it to others.
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.'
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Death Wears a Mask is the second book in Ashey Weaver's debut series, The Amory Ames Mystery Series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
This book read very much like a game of Clue with a murder occurring during a big house party and a set number of suspects and conspicuous rooms in play. Clue will forever be my favorite childhood game and so I love a good plot that reads this way. At the same time though I didn't really enjoy the way everything was introduced, it seemed a bit convoluted and childish the scheme that she and Mrs. Barrington cooked up.
I really enjoy the dynamic between Amory and Milo, even though he's infuriating. I never find them more amusing than when their sparing or making digs at each other. I jut wish that Amory stood up for herself a little more.
Milo really took a big step back from where he's come in the first book. He is so absolutely infuriating at times, h is disregard for her feelings and his thoughtlessness to humilate her by having his name printed time and again in connection with other women. Regardless of whether or not things are as they seem in the gossip rags he is still responsible for putting himself into such positions, even if he does always have an exucse at the ready. I still however have the feeling that he might be a spy. Please, please, please let it be so, it would would make him ever so much more likable for me.
Overall I enjoyed the spot of danger and the unfolding of the mystery. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series and would recommend it to others.
January 13, 2016
Amory Ames is looking forward to rekindling her romance with her rakish husband Milo but agrees to attend a dinner party at the home of her mother's friend Mrs. Barrington. Mrs. Barrington has an ulterior motive for inviting Amory; Mrs. Barrington wants Amory to discover what has happened to her missing jewels. Amory isn't sure the jewels were stolen in the first place but agrees to help. The suspect list includes the Barrington's nephew, James Harker; a famous tennis player, Mr. Foster; the handsome and very roguish Viscount Dumore; Dumore's rumored mistress Mrs. Garmond; a Mr. Garmond; a pair of spinster sisters, Marjorie and Felicity Rccles; and a newly wed couple from different social classes. Amory has her work cut out for her but when Mrs. Barrington suggests they lay a trap for the thief at a masquerade ball hosted by Lord Dumore, Amory goes along with the plan. Then one of the suspects dies and Detective Inspector Jones enlists Amory's help to find out who the murderer was. Amory has her hands full dealing with her husband's routine disappearances, his appearances in the gossip rags on the arm of a lovely French actress and fending off the advances of Viscount Dunmore. She's determined to solve the mystery herself to keep occupied until she decides what to do about Milo.
I enjoyed this book much more than Murder at the Brightwell. The mystery grabbed me right away and I had a very hard time putting the book down until I knew everything. Though I guessed half the mystery, I never guessed who did it. There were so many suspects and so many motives that it could have been any of them. I didn't feel the story was overpopulated with characters though since most of the story focuses on Amory. There's a lot more Amory and Milo and their relationship. All love scenes are hinted at as Amory and Milo attempt to kiss and make up. I liked Amory a lot more in this story. I felt bad for her and agreed that Milo was not being a very good husband. He's selfish and doesn't consider how his actions, no matter how innocent he claims them, reflect on Amory and how much she cares what others think of her. He should have more respect for her feelings. They seem to love one another but as Anory says sometimes love just isn't enough.
There are a ton of new characters here. Mrs. Barrington seems nice if a little forceful and maybe forgetful. Her husband seems to love her which is unusual in an upper-class marriage of that time. I liked Mr. Barrington until his secrets were revealed. (Not a spoiler everyone has secrets). I also really liked Amory's new friend, Mrs. Douglas-Hughes. She's refreshingly open and kind, a result of her American upbringing and time spent on the stage. Her husband is not particularly appealing. He has secrets and he's a bit stuffy. I also liked sweet Felicity Eccles and wanted to know more about her. I disliked her sister Marjorie right away and was convinced that Marjorie was bullying her sister about something. They don't have much of a story but one may be a thief or murderer or both. Amory's maid Winnelda is cute and a more toned down version of Queenie in the "Her Royal Spyness" mysteries.
The male characters don't fare as well as the women. The remaining men don't have many redeeming qualities and one should be arrested. I had bad vibes about that person right away and knew they were up to no good. The revelations about him surprised me though I disliked him immensely.
I recommend this series to fans of 1920s and 30s set mysteries. Downton Abbey fans may enjoy the high society aspect.
I enjoyed this book much more than Murder at the Brightwell. The mystery grabbed me right away and I had a very hard time putting the book down until I knew everything. Though I guessed half the mystery, I never guessed who did it. There were so many suspects and so many motives that it could have been any of them. I didn't feel the story was overpopulated with characters though since most of the story focuses on Amory. There's a lot more Amory and Milo and their relationship. All love scenes are hinted at as Amory and Milo attempt to kiss and make up. I liked Amory a lot more in this story. I felt bad for her and agreed that Milo was not being a very good husband. He's selfish and doesn't consider how his actions, no matter how innocent he claims them, reflect on Amory and how much she cares what others think of her. He should have more respect for her feelings. They seem to love one another but as Anory says sometimes love just isn't enough.
There are a ton of new characters here. Mrs. Barrington seems nice if a little forceful and maybe forgetful. Her husband seems to love her which is unusual in an upper-class marriage of that time. I liked Mr. Barrington until his secrets were revealed. (Not a spoiler everyone has secrets). I also really liked Amory's new friend, Mrs. Douglas-Hughes. She's refreshingly open and kind, a result of her American upbringing and time spent on the stage. Her husband is not particularly appealing. He has secrets and he's a bit stuffy. I also liked sweet Felicity Eccles and wanted to know more about her. I disliked her sister Marjorie right away and was convinced that Marjorie was bullying her sister about something. They don't have much of a story but one may be a thief or murderer or both. Amory's maid Winnelda is cute and a more toned down version of Queenie in the "Her Royal Spyness" mysteries.
The male characters don't fare as well as the women. The remaining men don't have many redeeming qualities and one should be arrested. I had bad vibes about that person right away and knew they were up to no good. The revelations about him surprised me though I disliked him immensely.
I recommend this series to fans of 1920s and 30s set mysteries. Downton Abbey fans may enjoy the high society aspect.
April 5, 2021
RATING: 3.5 STARS
Death Wears a Mask is my least favourite of the series, but I still enjoyed reading it. This is the follow up to the first book of the series (Murder at the Brightwell). Amory and Milo are back in town, and trying to spend some time alone. After years of uncertainty with Milo, the two have reconciled into a new life. When a family friend asks her to help her find the culprit who stole her jewelry, she finds that she cannot say no. As they were stolen at a dinner party, Amory attends a ball hoping that she can find some clues, instead she finds herself involved in another murder. As she tries to help Detective Inspector Jones with the suspect list, she finds herself trying to ward off advances from a Viscount and not get rattled by rumours of Milo and French star. Can Amory solve another murder?
I enjoyed this one seeing Amory and Milo's relationship evolve in a realistic banter-filled way. Amory is a fun character that reminds me of characters from 1930s movies. I like that there is humour and lightness in the novel that takes you away from real life for awhile. I rated this one lower than the first book, as I didn't care for the mystery story as much. I am excited for the next book!
Death Wears a Mask is my least favourite of the series, but I still enjoyed reading it. This is the follow up to the first book of the series (Murder at the Brightwell). Amory and Milo are back in town, and trying to spend some time alone. After years of uncertainty with Milo, the two have reconciled into a new life. When a family friend asks her to help her find the culprit who stole her jewelry, she finds that she cannot say no. As they were stolen at a dinner party, Amory attends a ball hoping that she can find some clues, instead she finds herself involved in another murder. As she tries to help Detective Inspector Jones with the suspect list, she finds herself trying to ward off advances from a Viscount and not get rattled by rumours of Milo and French star. Can Amory solve another murder?
I enjoyed this one seeing Amory and Milo's relationship evolve in a realistic banter-filled way. Amory is a fun character that reminds me of characters from 1930s movies. I like that there is humour and lightness in the novel that takes you away from real life for awhile. I rated this one lower than the first book, as I didn't care for the mystery story as much. I am excited for the next book!
January 21, 2016
Ashley Weaver has made me fall in love with 1930s England! Through her narrative and dialogue, she captures the sophistication of British society and even the debauchery that often went along with it. I felt completely immersed in the period and enjoyed the references to the clothing, jewelry, slang, and pastimes that marked the era. But mostly I adore the characters of Amory and her husband Milo. We're often kept guessing whether Milo can be trusted, but even when he appears to be at his worst he is unerringly charming. And Amory is the epitome of a British woman with a stiff upper lip even though she might be crying inside. Their relationship, as well as the larger mystery thread, is an intricate dance that keeps the reader on their toes!
October 24, 2021
It is 1932 and Amory Ames and her (supposedly) reformed playboy husband Milo are exchanging friendly banter (as they often do) in their London flat prior to going for an evening meal at the Barrington's home. 'Remind me why we are going to the Barrington's tonight?' asks Milo. The best reason Amory can offer is, 'She's an old friend of my mother's' to which Milo sardonically replies, 'All the more reason to avoid her.' But avoid her they don't and the evening is a prequel to an enticing mystery, which involves a whole host of fascinating characters.
The evening leads to an invitation to a masked ball at Lord Dunmore's London residence two nights hence that all the guests - and more - from the dinner party will be attending. Amory is undecided about going but when Mrs Barrington tells her that she needs her help as she believes that someone is stealing from her and, knowing Amory's reputation in dealing with an earlier case, she feels that she is the ideal person to help in identifying the culprit. Amory can't resist a challenge so she agrees to attend.
She goes alone, having organised a mask and suitable outfit, but Milo, masked and accompanied by an unexpected companion, also arrives. Amory is far from pleased and avoids contact until she cannot avoid doing so after a gunshot has been heard on the upper floor. One of the guests is discovered dead and suicide is initially suspected. But once Detective Inspector Jones is called in, it turns out be something completely different. And to complicate matters is the discovery of more missing jewellery.
Mrs Barrington presses Amory to continue her investigations but Amory is reluctant to do so, saying, 'But surely the police ...' before Mrs Barrington interrupts her with 'The police will do what they can, of course, but they cannot go where you go, Mrs Ames. They haven't the influence in our sphere that you do. You know that people of our set won't be open with policemen ... but they will be open with you. You were able to do it before, on the south coast, I'm asking you to do it again now.' And so the mystery develops with Amory speaking with all the leading suspects, of which none appears a front runner.
It is a great atmosphere, superb setting with plenty of tension, not only between the various suspects but also between Amory and Milo plus between Amory and a couple of persistent suitors. And eventually an unexpected end reveals what has happened and who is the guilty party. Amory, with, of course, a little assistance from Inspector Jones, has done a splendid job and we look forward to more of the same.
The evening leads to an invitation to a masked ball at Lord Dunmore's London residence two nights hence that all the guests - and more - from the dinner party will be attending. Amory is undecided about going but when Mrs Barrington tells her that she needs her help as she believes that someone is stealing from her and, knowing Amory's reputation in dealing with an earlier case, she feels that she is the ideal person to help in identifying the culprit. Amory can't resist a challenge so she agrees to attend.
She goes alone, having organised a mask and suitable outfit, but Milo, masked and accompanied by an unexpected companion, also arrives. Amory is far from pleased and avoids contact until she cannot avoid doing so after a gunshot has been heard on the upper floor. One of the guests is discovered dead and suicide is initially suspected. But once Detective Inspector Jones is called in, it turns out be something completely different. And to complicate matters is the discovery of more missing jewellery.
Mrs Barrington presses Amory to continue her investigations but Amory is reluctant to do so, saying, 'But surely the police ...' before Mrs Barrington interrupts her with 'The police will do what they can, of course, but they cannot go where you go, Mrs Ames. They haven't the influence in our sphere that you do. You know that people of our set won't be open with policemen ... but they will be open with you. You were able to do it before, on the south coast, I'm asking you to do it again now.' And so the mystery develops with Amory speaking with all the leading suspects, of which none appears a front runner.
It is a great atmosphere, superb setting with plenty of tension, not only between the various suspects but also between Amory and Milo plus between Amory and a couple of persistent suitors. And eventually an unexpected end reveals what has happened and who is the guilty party. Amory, with, of course, a little assistance from Inspector Jones, has done a splendid job and we look forward to more of the same.
July 18, 2018
3.5 stars
Almost a 4 star read, but the culprit was just a tad too obvious for me. He/she had a predictable motive that I guessed before the murder even took place.
I do love Amory Ames, though. She is strong, feminine, and not stupid. I like her relationship with the Inspector. It is so refreshing to have an understanding policeman! I also like the tangled relationship with her husband.
I have mixed feelings with Milo Ames. I like him, but I am frustrated by him. His motivation feels so obscure at times. Perhaps the problem is, the readers hears about his past infidelities from Amory, but we never actually get examples or reasons to think poorly of him. It is this weird mix of "HE IS SUCH A CHEATING TURD" and "Except...we have no examples, stories, nothing, in fact, but the reference to scandal magazines."
So did he cheat in the past? Or was it all misunderstandings? Is that supposed to be part of the tension of their marriage? Or is that just something the reader accepts as part of their history?
It left me super confused and distracted from the otherwise winning romantic tension between them.
Overall, though, I am rapidly becoming an Amory Ames fan! Already have the next one on hold at my library.
Almost a 4 star read, but the culprit was just a tad too obvious for me. He/she had a predictable motive that I guessed before the murder even took place.
I do love Amory Ames, though. She is strong, feminine, and not stupid. I like her relationship with the Inspector. It is so refreshing to have an understanding policeman! I also like the tangled relationship with her husband.
I have mixed feelings with Milo Ames. I like him, but I am frustrated by him. His motivation feels so obscure at times. Perhaps the problem is, the readers hears about his past infidelities from Amory, but we never actually get examples or reasons to think poorly of him. It is this weird mix of "HE IS SUCH A CHEATING TURD" and "Except...we have no examples, stories, nothing, in fact, but the reference to scandal magazines."
So did he cheat in the past? Or was it all misunderstandings? Is that supposed to be part of the tension of their marriage? Or is that just something the reader accepts as part of their history?
It left me super confused and distracted from the otherwise winning romantic tension between them.
Overall, though, I am rapidly becoming an Amory Ames fan! Already have the next one on hold at my library.
May 13, 2016
If you'd like to escape real life and enter into a world filled with intrigue and colourful characters, this series is for you. Set in England during the 1930s, this mystery series stars a spunky amateur sleuth and her charming husband. Plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing and a stylish atmosphere add up to a most satisfying read.
November 7, 2018
Okay, I have a teensy tiny note and while I get why Amory thinks she can't change Milo, she's not wrong to want him to be a better husband!! I wish she didn't think she was asking for too much because she does.
Regardless, still super charming and I can't wait to read more.
Regardless, still super charming and I can't wait to read more.
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June 23, 2022never talk to cops, but especially never reveal your nefarious plot involving jewel theft and murder to a perky english woman! this was fine, absolutely perfect listening material for cleaning my room (it is not clean). but if you're going to set a series in 30's upper crust london then there should be more glamor! sorry, glamour. give me more lush period details, not just that her dress was red and had a flounce! it's very taylor swift's wildest dreams lyrics-y (inadequate dress descriptions).
November 1, 2015
Death Wears a Mask begins about two months after the events of Murder at the Brightwell. Milo and Amory Ames have retired to their country estate, mostly to avoid the press, but also to try to repair their faltering marriage. Things on the relationship front seem to be proceeding well and they hope the tabloid furor has died down. However, when you are young, rich and beautiful in 1930s London, the press is always on hounding you. Milo's well-deserved reputation as a playboy doesn't help.
Upon their return to London, one of the first invitations they receive is from Lady Serena Barrington, an old friend of Amory's mother. Their presence is requested at a dinner party. Upon arrival, they encounter a group that is only somewhat familiar. The group includes a woman of mystery, a voluble nephew of the Barrington's, two sisters, a tennis star, a highly placed foreign office official and his American wife, and the very dodgy Lord Dunmore. Lord Dunmore delights in scandalizing Society at every opportunity. Serena Barrington has a personal agenda, however; there have been a series of jewel thefts occurring at her dinner parties. All the guests at the dinner party were also guests at the parties in question. She asks Amory to investigate the thefts, based upon her success at the Brightwell Hotel. When her old acquaintance, Inspector Jones, now of Scotland Yard, also asks for her help she accedes. After all, Amory can go places in Society where Inspector Jones cannot. When a murder occurs at a masquerade ball hosted by the dodgy Lord Dunmore, Amory is committed to the investigation fully. Everyone at this particular ball seems to be wearing a mask, both literally and figuratively. Things are not good on the homefront, though; Milo appears to be embroiled in more playboy behavior with a French actress.
The fact that I enjoy this series so much is quite a tribute to Ashley Weaver's writing chops. Everyone in Amory's world seems to be living useless lives of shopping, lunching and partying. No one even seems to be aware that there is a world depression, not to mention events in the rest of Europe at the time. In spite of that, I like Amory quite a lot. She is reckless at times but dogged in her search for answers. I can't find the same liking for Milo who seems to be determined to hurt Amory with his seeming philandering and poor excuses. I have my pet theories about Milo and while he redeems himself somewhat at the end of Death Wears a Mask, I am not convinced! The relationship tension is a plus, though; will she kick him to the curb or will he come clean at last?
Death Wears a Mask is a very enjoyable look at an era long gone; one in which there were idle aristocrats who lived lives of complete leisure. No wonder they got up to so much hanky-panky! I also have to give Minotaur kudos for the beautiful, evocative covers on both books in the series.
Upon their return to London, one of the first invitations they receive is from Lady Serena Barrington, an old friend of Amory's mother. Their presence is requested at a dinner party. Upon arrival, they encounter a group that is only somewhat familiar. The group includes a woman of mystery, a voluble nephew of the Barrington's, two sisters, a tennis star, a highly placed foreign office official and his American wife, and the very dodgy Lord Dunmore. Lord Dunmore delights in scandalizing Society at every opportunity. Serena Barrington has a personal agenda, however; there have been a series of jewel thefts occurring at her dinner parties. All the guests at the dinner party were also guests at the parties in question. She asks Amory to investigate the thefts, based upon her success at the Brightwell Hotel. When her old acquaintance, Inspector Jones, now of Scotland Yard, also asks for her help she accedes. After all, Amory can go places in Society where Inspector Jones cannot. When a murder occurs at a masquerade ball hosted by the dodgy Lord Dunmore, Amory is committed to the investigation fully. Everyone at this particular ball seems to be wearing a mask, both literally and figuratively. Things are not good on the homefront, though; Milo appears to be embroiled in more playboy behavior with a French actress.
The fact that I enjoy this series so much is quite a tribute to Ashley Weaver's writing chops. Everyone in Amory's world seems to be living useless lives of shopping, lunching and partying. No one even seems to be aware that there is a world depression, not to mention events in the rest of Europe at the time. In spite of that, I like Amory quite a lot. She is reckless at times but dogged in her search for answers. I can't find the same liking for Milo who seems to be determined to hurt Amory with his seeming philandering and poor excuses. I have my pet theories about Milo and while he redeems himself somewhat at the end of Death Wears a Mask, I am not convinced! The relationship tension is a plus, though; will she kick him to the curb or will he come clean at last?
Death Wears a Mask is a very enjoyable look at an era long gone; one in which there were idle aristocrats who lived lives of complete leisure. No wonder they got up to so much hanky-panky! I also have to give Minotaur kudos for the beautiful, evocative covers on both books in the series.
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