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Amory Ames #3
A Most Novel Revenge
Amory and Milo Ames are drawn into the investigation of a years-old murder by a salacious novelist in the English countryside in the latest installment in this “smart and sophisticated” (Library Reads) series from a bright new voice in traditional mysteries.
With two murder investigations behind them and their marriage at last on steady ground, Amory and Milo plan to quietly winter in Italy. The couple find their plans derailed when Amory receives an urgent summons from her cousin Laurel to the English countryside. At Lyonsgate, the country house of Laurel’s friend Redinald Lyons, Amory and Milo are surprised to discover an eccentric and distinguished group of guests have been invited, led by notorious socialite Isobel Van Allen.
Isobel has returned to England after years of social exile to write a sequel to her scandalous first book, the thinly-fictionalized account of a high-society murder at the very country house the Ameses have been called to. Her second incriminating volume, she warns the house’s occupants—all of whom were present when one of their companions was killed years ago—will tell everything that really happened that fateful night. But some bones are meant to stay buried, and when a desperate person turns to murder, it’s up to Amory and Milo to sort through a web of scandal and lies to uncover the truth, and the identity of a killer.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
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September 15, 2025
Millions of years of evolution, right? Right!? Men have to stick it in every place they can, but for women, women, it is just about security, and commitment, and—ah, whatever the fuck else! If you men only knew… but you're not the jealous type, are you? You've never been jealous about me, have you? And why haven't you ever been jealous about me!? You are very, very sure of yourself, aren't you? (lovecrimes – Frank Ocean).
Okay look, I know that’s a monologue from the movie Eyes Wide Shut, but it’s also used in “lovecrimes” by Frank Ocean, so it probably counts as a song lyric based on the arbitrary rules that I’ve made up for myself. Getting back to the topic though, I admit that I stopped my reread journey through this series because I was so fed up with Amory’s annoying ass husband, Milo, and all the irritating relationship drama in the first couple novels that it actually made me start changing my star ratings for the worse. There was a whole thing with me ranting per usual, but then I remembered that A Most Novel Revenge was actually the first book in the series that made me embarrassingly obsessed with the Amory Ames mysteries in the first place, so I figured that I shouldn’t let one bad apple spoil the batch or whatever the saying is. Besides, I kind of missed making fun of how incredibly uncool Milo was despite the author’s constant glazing. What can I say? I enjoy hating every now and then. So yeah, this is my way of letting you know that A Most Novel Revenge is the first one of these where Mr. Too Cool over here finally shows an emotion other than hyper-masculine indifference and… wait, no, that’s literally the only emotion he’s ever shown before this. Man, what a boring character. I’ve often said that Ashley Weaver is a wonderful writer who is able to weave together intricate and engaging mysteries, and I totally stand by that, but my controversial opinion is that I don’t think she’s very good at writing attractive men. I mean, this is all subjective of course, but most “book boyfriends” that flood BookTok are typically adoring, attentive, and the right amount of jealous, right? But with Milo, we’ve got a guy who’s constantly in the company of women who aren’t his wife where he's always caught just candidly enough so it looks like he's cheating, and then his excuse is always that if he’s not literally hooking up with other people, then it’s totally fine to do whatever he wants! And then when Amory calls him out on the sus behavior, he always gives her some form of “I don’t care about what other people think or how it ruins my reputation, even if that includes your rep too.” Like, what an uncaring and colossal asshole. It's also funny how Milo is often called charming, but it’s only ever said through narration rather than shown through dialogue or actions. Because when he’s actually speaking, I only ever found him to be a privileged, dull, cardboard cutout of a man.
So, what is it? Are we just supposed to assume he’s charming by word association alone? Or just because literally every character calls him as such? Because I don't know about you, but that doesn't work for me. You want an example of a charming and handsome man in a cozy mystery? How about Jasper from the High Society Lady Detective series by Sara Rosett! Now there's a dreamboat; besotted, supportive, and hot without the author needing to convince the reader he's swoon worthy through contrived and transparent language. And that's saying something considering the fact that he and Olive don’t even get together until four or five books deep, and yet their chemistry is still off the charts! Conversely, despite the fact that Amory and Milo are married for the entirety of the series, I couldn’t help but hear the thundering chant of the word “divorce” like the foreboding drumbeat of a Jumanji board every time they'd argue. Also, what’s with his name? Milo… Miloo~ooo… it sound less real the more I say it! Some people have sexy names, Prince, Daniel Kaluuya, Kit Fisto… but Milo Ames!? Sounds like the name of the entitled rich villain in an Air Bud movie! Which I guess wouldn't be too far off of his characterization in these books anyway. In other words, “Let's start by correcting your tone. Lower your finger, don't be comin' at me with condescending demeanors.” Alright, I guess I should talk about the book now, huh? Well, as I said, I always enjoyed A Most Novel Revenge for its classic aesthetic and the taking away of the glamour that the first two books were best known for. I know that’s a bit odd because most mystery novels set in the 1920’s like to focus on romanticizing the Great Gatsby flash of it all, but I’ve always felt a great bit of distance from both Milo and even Amory for this very reason. I mean, the fact that these two characters were both born into immense wealth and continue to live lavishly throughout the series is a big turn off. All walking around with butlers and maids and traveling around the world like it’s nothing, it's just not very relatable and definitely not charming! It's like those TikToks that give out cooking tips and you can just tell how well off they are when they start whipping out kitchen utensils only ever seen in Martha Stewart's billion acre ranch! I’m just saying, when it comes to eating the rich, the Ames' would be a full course meal.
And it’s not even like I’m trying to be stingy here, because I can enjoy books about rich characters! The Wrexford & Sloane series by Andrea Penrose features a damn count as the main character! But because he's balanced out by the fact that the other lead is a lady who writes satirical cartoons about all the rich folk in high society, there's a grounded nature to the series that keeps it from romanticizing immense wealth. Then there’s the aforementioned High Society Lady Detective with Olive's man, Jasper, who despite being wealthy, never holds it over Olive or tries to save her with it. Oh yeah! The Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries has Penelope, who knows exactly what it was like to be hungry long before she has her Knives Out Marta moment in the first novel! My point is that it’s possible to have a mystery series that focuses on the glamorous life without falling into its rather shallow trappings as well. Maybe that’s why I have such an aversion to the constant shilling for Milo's “irresistible charm," because it's clear that most of it only stems from the fact that he's rich. Sorry, but there has to be a deeper emotional core than just excess and pretty views. Anyway, let’s talk about the story! We find Amory and newly good boy Milo going on a staycation among old friends and even older enemies, hosted by the cruel socialite Isobel Van Allen. See, seven years ago all of these guests outside of Amory and her husband attended a party of a similar making where one of them died mysteriously, a death of which Isobel profited off of by writing a novel about the tragedy that all but implicated one of them. Now it’s time for round two, and it’s up to Amory to solve mysteries both old and new, no matter how many simmering wounds she might have to re-open along the way. Look, it’s not the most unique set-up, but I’m a sucker for this kind of stuff because awkward dinner parties are always so much fun… to read, not to attend. And even if I’ve since found mystery books much more suited to my reading tastes, I still liked this book. It's like when you read The Alchemist as a kid and find it to be the most transformative piece of literature you've ever read! Only to then realize much, much later that at that point in your life you haven't actually read much literature at all and that there's much, much more out there... but that still doesn't change the fact that you'll always hold a fondness for the book regardless. Um, not that I'm speaking from experience or anything. And sure, I’ve noticed that the Amory Ames Mystery series strongly adheres to strict gender roles through the main couple, with underlying statements that the "ideal" man should be impassive and unfazed while women should aspire to be the restrained and tolerant ones, but it’s nonetheless a wonderfully crafted mystery with enough intrigue to make any Complaining Calvin forget about the page count.
“So you see, living with the memory of a tragedy is not the worst thing Mrs. Ames. It’s far worse to live with only the vague outline of one, with a hazy memory of something that should be imprinted on one’s brain. It feels like a betrayal, somehow, not knowing what happened that night.”
Okay look, I know that’s a monologue from the movie Eyes Wide Shut, but it’s also used in “lovecrimes” by Frank Ocean, so it probably counts as a song lyric based on the arbitrary rules that I’ve made up for myself. Getting back to the topic though, I admit that I stopped my reread journey through this series because I was so fed up with Amory’s annoying ass husband, Milo, and all the irritating relationship drama in the first couple novels that it actually made me start changing my star ratings for the worse. There was a whole thing with me ranting per usual, but then I remembered that A Most Novel Revenge was actually the first book in the series that made me embarrassingly obsessed with the Amory Ames mysteries in the first place, so I figured that I shouldn’t let one bad apple spoil the batch or whatever the saying is. Besides, I kind of missed making fun of how incredibly uncool Milo was despite the author’s constant glazing. What can I say? I enjoy hating every now and then. So yeah, this is my way of letting you know that A Most Novel Revenge is the first one of these where Mr. Too Cool over here finally shows an emotion other than hyper-masculine indifference and… wait, no, that’s literally the only emotion he’s ever shown before this. Man, what a boring character. I’ve often said that Ashley Weaver is a wonderful writer who is able to weave together intricate and engaging mysteries, and I totally stand by that, but my controversial opinion is that I don’t think she’s very good at writing attractive men. I mean, this is all subjective of course, but most “book boyfriends” that flood BookTok are typically adoring, attentive, and the right amount of jealous, right? But with Milo, we’ve got a guy who’s constantly in the company of women who aren’t his wife where he's always caught just candidly enough so it looks like he's cheating, and then his excuse is always that if he’s not literally hooking up with other people, then it’s totally fine to do whatever he wants! And then when Amory calls him out on the sus behavior, he always gives her some form of “I don’t care about what other people think or how it ruins my reputation, even if that includes your rep too.” Like, what an uncaring and colossal asshole. It's also funny how Milo is often called charming, but it’s only ever said through narration rather than shown through dialogue or actions. Because when he’s actually speaking, I only ever found him to be a privileged, dull, cardboard cutout of a man.
So, what is it? Are we just supposed to assume he’s charming by word association alone? Or just because literally every character calls him as such? Because I don't know about you, but that doesn't work for me. You want an example of a charming and handsome man in a cozy mystery? How about Jasper from the High Society Lady Detective series by Sara Rosett! Now there's a dreamboat; besotted, supportive, and hot without the author needing to convince the reader he's swoon worthy through contrived and transparent language. And that's saying something considering the fact that he and Olive don’t even get together until four or five books deep, and yet their chemistry is still off the charts! Conversely, despite the fact that Amory and Milo are married for the entirety of the series, I couldn’t help but hear the thundering chant of the word “divorce” like the foreboding drumbeat of a Jumanji board every time they'd argue. Also, what’s with his name? Milo… Miloo~ooo… it sound less real the more I say it! Some people have sexy names, Prince, Daniel Kaluuya, Kit Fisto… but Milo Ames!? Sounds like the name of the entitled rich villain in an Air Bud movie! Which I guess wouldn't be too far off of his characterization in these books anyway. In other words, “Let's start by correcting your tone. Lower your finger, don't be comin' at me with condescending demeanors.” Alright, I guess I should talk about the book now, huh? Well, as I said, I always enjoyed A Most Novel Revenge for its classic aesthetic and the taking away of the glamour that the first two books were best known for. I know that’s a bit odd because most mystery novels set in the 1920’s like to focus on romanticizing the Great Gatsby flash of it all, but I’ve always felt a great bit of distance from both Milo and even Amory for this very reason. I mean, the fact that these two characters were both born into immense wealth and continue to live lavishly throughout the series is a big turn off. All walking around with butlers and maids and traveling around the world like it’s nothing, it's just not very relatable and definitely not charming! It's like those TikToks that give out cooking tips and you can just tell how well off they are when they start whipping out kitchen utensils only ever seen in Martha Stewart's billion acre ranch! I’m just saying, when it comes to eating the rich, the Ames' would be a full course meal.
And it’s not even like I’m trying to be stingy here, because I can enjoy books about rich characters! The Wrexford & Sloane series by Andrea Penrose features a damn count as the main character! But because he's balanced out by the fact that the other lead is a lady who writes satirical cartoons about all the rich folk in high society, there's a grounded nature to the series that keeps it from romanticizing immense wealth. Then there’s the aforementioned High Society Lady Detective with Olive's man, Jasper, who despite being wealthy, never holds it over Olive or tries to save her with it. Oh yeah! The Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries has Penelope, who knows exactly what it was like to be hungry long before she has her Knives Out Marta moment in the first novel! My point is that it’s possible to have a mystery series that focuses on the glamorous life without falling into its rather shallow trappings as well. Maybe that’s why I have such an aversion to the constant shilling for Milo's “irresistible charm," because it's clear that most of it only stems from the fact that he's rich. Sorry, but there has to be a deeper emotional core than just excess and pretty views. Anyway, let’s talk about the story! We find Amory and newly good boy Milo going on a staycation among old friends and even older enemies, hosted by the cruel socialite Isobel Van Allen. See, seven years ago all of these guests outside of Amory and her husband attended a party of a similar making where one of them died mysteriously, a death of which Isobel profited off of by writing a novel about the tragedy that all but implicated one of them. Now it’s time for round two, and it’s up to Amory to solve mysteries both old and new, no matter how many simmering wounds she might have to re-open along the way. Look, it’s not the most unique set-up, but I’m a sucker for this kind of stuff because awkward dinner parties are always so much fun… to read, not to attend. And even if I’ve since found mystery books much more suited to my reading tastes, I still liked this book. It's like when you read The Alchemist as a kid and find it to be the most transformative piece of literature you've ever read! Only to then realize much, much later that at that point in your life you haven't actually read much literature at all and that there's much, much more out there... but that still doesn't change the fact that you'll always hold a fondness for the book regardless. Um, not that I'm speaking from experience or anything. And sure, I’ve noticed that the Amory Ames Mystery series strongly adheres to strict gender roles through the main couple, with underlying statements that the "ideal" man should be impassive and unfazed while women should aspire to be the restrained and tolerant ones, but it’s nonetheless a wonderfully crafted mystery with enough intrigue to make any Complaining Calvin forget about the page count.
“So you see, living with the memory of a tragedy is not the worst thing Mrs. Ames. It’s far worse to live with only the vague outline of one, with a hazy memory of something that should be imprinted on one’s brain. It feels like a betrayal, somehow, not knowing what happened that night.”
February 20, 2021
Another good book in this excellent series.
In A Most Novel Revenge Amory and her husband, Milo, are invited to a house party in the country. Milo is sure it will be a complete bore but of course there is a murder and Amory helps solve the case.
The mystery is good but it is the relationship between the two main characters which is the highlight of the story. Milo has always had a tendency to dally with other females but this time, when Amory is in danger, he shows his devotion to her. As a couple they are very entertaining. I am very much looking forward to what happens to them next.
In A Most Novel Revenge Amory and her husband, Milo, are invited to a house party in the country. Milo is sure it will be a complete bore but of course there is a murder and Amory helps solve the case.
The mystery is good but it is the relationship between the two main characters which is the highlight of the story. Milo has always had a tendency to dally with other females but this time, when Amory is in danger, he shows his devotion to her. As a couple they are very entertaining. I am very much looking forward to what happens to them next.
July 29, 2017
Ok, this is fluff, but it's stylish, glamorous fluff! Weaver pays homage to Golden Age crime with her country house setting, and I adore her Bright Young Things narrator with her impossibly handsome husband. Now that their marriage has settled down there's a slight lessening in romantic tension but still enough marital banter to keep me grinning. Charming switch-off reading and I'm already looking forward to the next adventure with Amory and the divine Milo!
February 23, 2021
📰📰 (two stars as rated in salaciously titillating tabloids)
What really happened at Lyonsgate? Like it or not, Amory Ames and her husband Milo are back in the throes of another perplexing mystery - this time a years old death under terribly mystifying circumstances at a secluded English manor. The question of what really happened that night has plagued the rumor mills (and gossip rags) for years. But when the Ames' are invited to visit the estate, the truth begins the surface. And some secrets are better left buried...
I must admit, I was a bit disappointed by the third book in what has otherwise been an enjoyable series. I just didn't feel quite as much of a pull to finish the thing. By the end, I was rather dragging myself through it. That being said, I remain fully committed to reading more of the Ames' adventures. And I am wondering if the lack of romantic drama between Miles and Amory (and lack of sexual tension, thereby) was a bit of what let me down? Don't get me wrong here: I adore that the pair have managed to find peace and understanding within their marriage. That, in and of itself, is a delight. The actual mystery, however, just left a lot to be desired.
Content warnings for this book: murder, death, relationship between an adult and a minor
April 25, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to reflect my love of the series
It's taken me too long to get to the next book in this fabulous series and this was just the right time to read a cosy, glamorous, compelling mystery set in 1930s England.
Amory and Milo, completely gorgeous wife and husband, embark on a trip to a country house summoned by Amory's cousin Laurel who worries that a tragedy that happened in the same house 10 years ago may have repercussions now...
Her suspicions are confirmed and a mystery needs solving!
I love me some cosy crime and I really do like these two...looking forward to more in this series :)
It's taken me too long to get to the next book in this fabulous series and this was just the right time to read a cosy, glamorous, compelling mystery set in 1930s England.
Amory and Milo, completely gorgeous wife and husband, embark on a trip to a country house summoned by Amory's cousin Laurel who worries that a tragedy that happened in the same house 10 years ago may have repercussions now...
Her suspicions are confirmed and a mystery needs solving!
I love me some cosy crime and I really do like these two...looking forward to more in this series :)
December 9, 2022
Amory (and her newly focused husband, Milo) Ames is summoned by her cousin to Lyonsgate, a country house that has sat abandoned for the last seven years since the unfortunate death of a guest, found nearly nude in the snow. Now, all the guests who are still alive have been summoned by the notorious Isobel Van Allen, author of the scandalous tell-all The Dead of Winter about the alleged events of that night. She wants to write volume two—and it seems like just about everyone would do anything to stop her. DUN DUN DUN.
1. This was entertaining!
2. While I do enjoy Milo and Amory settling into marriage, I do wish they would just fucking communicate a little bit. Milo's flaring jealously was an interesting choice, but to have Amory not engage with it was frustrating. I'm not sure if it's because she wants to give him a taste of his own medicine, or if it's because she just doesn't realize that he feels that way, but regardless: it doesn't really encourage me to think that their relationship is truly settling into anything healthy or long-term. It continues to feel like something of a game.
Furthering this is the sensation of Milo's attentions to Amory persisting partially because her priority is no longer him: it's her mysteries. The tension in this volume seemed to be 75% The Mystery of Lyonsgate, and 25% Amory Persists at Investigating, Regardless of Milo's Attempts to Dissuade Her.
And it didn't entirely read as if it was because he was worried about her, but rather because he would rather she focus entirely on him.
3. (An extra star for the gift of the revolver, though! Since it didn't ever reappear after that scene, I'll hold my opinion on whether it actually signifies a deepening / establishment of their partnership and Milo's begrudging acceptance of a detective wife, or if it was merely a smokescreen that knows what buttons to push.)
4. Overall, things did feel pretty uneven and unsettled. The ending was abrupt and deliberately obfuscated and it didn't seem to want to let anyone know if Amory had actually solved it or just guessed well. It was not impressive, ultimately.
5. Milo's panic over Amory covered in blood was so promising, though. A good, devoted partnership is in there, somewhere: I can just about make it out if I squint...
1. This was entertaining!
2. While I do enjoy Milo and Amory settling into marriage, I do wish they would just fucking communicate a little bit. Milo's flaring jealously was an interesting choice, but to have Amory not engage with it was frustrating. I'm not sure if it's because she wants to give him a taste of his own medicine, or if it's because she just doesn't realize that he feels that way, but regardless: it doesn't really encourage me to think that their relationship is truly settling into anything healthy or long-term. It continues to feel like something of a game.
Furthering this is the sensation of Milo's attentions to Amory persisting partially because her priority is no longer him: it's her mysteries. The tension in this volume seemed to be 75% The Mystery of Lyonsgate, and 25% Amory Persists at Investigating, Regardless of Milo's Attempts to Dissuade Her.
And it didn't entirely read as if it was because he was worried about her, but rather because he would rather she focus entirely on him.
3. (An extra star for the gift of the revolver, though! Since it didn't ever reappear after that scene, I'll hold my opinion on whether it actually signifies a deepening / establishment of their partnership and Milo's begrudging acceptance of a detective wife, or if it was merely a smokescreen that knows what buttons to push.)
4. Overall, things did feel pretty uneven and unsettled. The ending was abrupt and deliberately obfuscated and it didn't seem to want to let anyone know if Amory had actually solved it or just guessed well. It was not impressive, ultimately.
5. Milo's panic over Amory covered in blood was so promising, though. A good, devoted partnership is in there, somewhere: I can just about make it out if I squint...
November 13, 2016
Pretty, inquisitive, stylish Amory Ames returns in the third novel — and so far, best — in Ashley Weaver’s delightful series. She and her devilishly handsome and charming husband Milo attend a house party at the Shropshire country estate of Lyonsgate in February 1933. In 1925, there was a mysterious death at a different house party at Lyonsgate; one of the guests, the unscrupulous Isobel Van Allen, goes on to publish a thinly fictionalized, sensationalized account that causes a scandal so great that several of the guests literally go into exile.
Amory’s beloved cousin Laurel Ellison was there in 1925, and she begs Amory — and “Bring Milo if you must” — to join her at Lyonsgate for the Lyons’ newest party — one that, once again, includes Isobel Van Allen. Understandably, Laurel has a very bad feeling when the guest list includes all of those who were there seven years ago, and she hopes Amory, who had such success with sleuthing in two other cases, can shed some light.
Like Murder at the Brightwell and Death Wears a Mask, A Most Novel Revenge sparkles with its charming and astute heroine, clever dialogue, and homages to the great mystery writers of the 1930s. Don’t miss it! While reading the previous novels first makes for a most satisfactory read, readers new to the series will still enjoy A Most Novel Revenge very much. They’ll find that the wry characters and the novel’s many twists and turns will keep them reading much too late into the night.
Lastly, narrator Alison Larkin proved so annoying in Death Wears a Mask that I had to return the Audible edition and read the book in the Kindle format. She’s more tolerable in A Most Novel Revenge; however, she still resembles Billie Burke in a particularly over-the-top performance, and I do wish they’d either bring back the original narrator, Billie Fulford-Brown — or, really, anyone who doesn’t sound like a lisping, breathy preschooler from a posh family.
Amory’s beloved cousin Laurel Ellison was there in 1925, and she begs Amory — and “Bring Milo if you must” — to join her at Lyonsgate for the Lyons’ newest party — one that, once again, includes Isobel Van Allen. Understandably, Laurel has a very bad feeling when the guest list includes all of those who were there seven years ago, and she hopes Amory, who had such success with sleuthing in two other cases, can shed some light.
Like Murder at the Brightwell and Death Wears a Mask, A Most Novel Revenge sparkles with its charming and astute heroine, clever dialogue, and homages to the great mystery writers of the 1930s. Don’t miss it! While reading the previous novels first makes for a most satisfactory read, readers new to the series will still enjoy A Most Novel Revenge very much. They’ll find that the wry characters and the novel’s many twists and turns will keep them reading much too late into the night.
Lastly, narrator Alison Larkin proved so annoying in Death Wears a Mask that I had to return the Audible edition and read the book in the Kindle format. She’s more tolerable in A Most Novel Revenge; however, she still resembles Billie Burke in a particularly over-the-top performance, and I do wish they’d either bring back the original narrator, Billie Fulford-Brown — or, really, anyone who doesn’t sound like a lisping, breathy preschooler from a posh family.
September 30, 2017
I've enjoyed this series, but this book has been my least favorite so far.
As with the previous stories, the upper class 1930's English setting was fun. Amory again flouted expectations for a young society woman by involving herself in yet another murder mystery. But there were a number of aspects of the case that simply did not ring true. Not the least of these was why, with no apparent coercion involved, all the players present at the years ago scandal and death agreed to return to the scene of the crime. Even at the climax, the revelation of some characters' motivations elicited no satisfying "aha!" but more a muted "huh."
In addition, I found some of the characters in this book to be puzzling or frustrating. Cousin Laurel supposedly was Amory's best friend, like a sister, yet they chose to spend little time together and there was scant evidence of that closeness in their interactions. Milo's character, though, is the one I found most disappointing. His greatest attributes seem to be looks and charm, with little outward substance evident. As Amory noted, he loves to be adored and rarely is serious about anything. His cavalier attitude about scandal and its effect on Amory-whom he professes to love--have been hard to forgive. I've tried over the course of the last three books to explain this away by imagining he was some kind of covert agent whose assignments often take him away and he has used the playboy persona as a cover. But I've yet seen no evidence that this is so and I'm having a hard time seeing him as a worthy partner to Amory when the handsome-but-shallow appearance seems to be real.
Oh, well. I will read the next book in the series, mostly because I like Amory but perhaps a little because I still harbor some hope of redemption for Milo.
As with the previous stories, the upper class 1930's English setting was fun. Amory again flouted expectations for a young society woman by involving herself in yet another murder mystery. But there were a number of aspects of the case that simply did not ring true. Not the least of these was why, with no apparent coercion involved, all the players present at the years ago scandal and death agreed to return to the scene of the crime. Even at the climax, the revelation of some characters' motivations elicited no satisfying "aha!" but more a muted "huh."
In addition, I found some of the characters in this book to be puzzling or frustrating. Cousin Laurel supposedly was Amory's best friend, like a sister, yet they chose to spend little time together and there was scant evidence of that closeness in their interactions. Milo's character, though, is the one I found most disappointing. His greatest attributes seem to be looks and charm, with little outward substance evident. As Amory noted, he loves to be adored and rarely is serious about anything. His cavalier attitude about scandal and its effect on Amory-whom he professes to love--have been hard to forgive. I've tried over the course of the last three books to explain this away by imagining he was some kind of covert agent whose assignments often take him away and he has used the playboy persona as a cover. But I've yet seen no evidence that this is so and I'm having a hard time seeing him as a worthy partner to Amory when the handsome-but-shallow appearance seems to be real.
Oh, well. I will read the next book in the series, mostly because I like Amory but perhaps a little because I still harbor some hope of redemption for Milo.
December 21, 2016
Points for the brashness of this mystery, but mostly: I wanted more of the Milo/marriage storyline!
August 14, 2020
'Amory and Milo Ames are drawn into the investigation of a years-old murder by a salacious novelist in the English countryside in the latest installment in this “smart and sophisticated” (Library Reads) series from a bright new voice in traditional mysteries.
With two murder investigations behind them and their marriage at last on steady ground, Amory and Milo plan to quietly winter in Italy. The couple find their plans derailed when Amory receives an urgent summons from her cousin Laurel to the English countryside. At Lyonsgate, the country house of Laurel’s friend Redinald Lyons, Amory and Milo are surprised to discover an eccentric and distinguished group of guests have been invited, led by notorious socialite Isobel Van Allen.
Isobel has returned to England after years of social exile to write a sequel to her scandalous first book, the thinly-fictionalized account of a high-society murder at the very country house the Ameses have been called to. Her second incriminating volume, she warns the house’s occupants—all of whom were present when one of their companions was killed years ago—will tell everything that really happened that fateful night. But some bones are meant to stay buried, and when a desperate person turns to murder, it’s up to Amory and Milo to sort through a web of scandal and lies to uncover the truth, and the identity of a killer.'
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A Most Novel Revenge is the third book in Ashley Weaver's debut series, The Amory Ames Mystery Series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
Cozy mystery house party vibe in this book results in murder, but with a twist. Like the previous book in the series, this book has a definite Clue game vibe, which I will forever have a weakness for.
Despite being largely better behaved, Milo is still being a bit of a turd. Regardless of if Amory feels threatened or not, he needs to respect his wife more and stop making her look bad because no amount of charm can make up for it in my books. I'm still very much hoping for a redemption for him at some point, I'm truly hoping this persona and the absences can be excused by him being some form of secret agent.
It took me a little bit to get into this one, mainly because I found the premise justifying Amory and Milo's presence at this gathering to be stretching the realms of believablity. It's a bit strange that the owner of the home would extend the invitation to return to the scene of the worst thing to ever happen to this group solely because Laurel asked. That's really my only complaint though, because as a whole I enjoyed this addition to the series and I really liked the way the reveal was handled.
Really loving this series so far and recommend it to other who enjoy some cozy style historical mysteries.
With two murder investigations behind them and their marriage at last on steady ground, Amory and Milo plan to quietly winter in Italy. The couple find their plans derailed when Amory receives an urgent summons from her cousin Laurel to the English countryside. At Lyonsgate, the country house of Laurel’s friend Redinald Lyons, Amory and Milo are surprised to discover an eccentric and distinguished group of guests have been invited, led by notorious socialite Isobel Van Allen.
Isobel has returned to England after years of social exile to write a sequel to her scandalous first book, the thinly-fictionalized account of a high-society murder at the very country house the Ameses have been called to. Her second incriminating volume, she warns the house’s occupants—all of whom were present when one of their companions was killed years ago—will tell everything that really happened that fateful night. But some bones are meant to stay buried, and when a desperate person turns to murder, it’s up to Amory and Milo to sort through a web of scandal and lies to uncover the truth, and the identity of a killer.'
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A Most Novel Revenge is the third book in Ashley Weaver's debut series, The Amory Ames Mystery Series and is a historical mystery set in the 1930s.
Cozy mystery house party vibe in this book results in murder, but with a twist. Like the previous book in the series, this book has a definite Clue game vibe, which I will forever have a weakness for.
Despite being largely better behaved, Milo is still being a bit of a turd. Regardless of if Amory feels threatened or not, he needs to respect his wife more and stop making her look bad because no amount of charm can make up for it in my books. I'm still very much hoping for a redemption for him at some point, I'm truly hoping this persona and the absences can be excused by him being some form of secret agent.
It took me a little bit to get into this one, mainly because I found the premise justifying Amory and Milo's presence at this gathering to be stretching the realms of believablity. It's a bit strange that the owner of the home would extend the invitation to return to the scene of the worst thing to ever happen to this group solely because Laurel asked. That's really my only complaint though, because as a whole I enjoyed this addition to the series and I really liked the way the reveal was handled.
Really loving this series so far and recommend it to other who enjoy some cozy style historical mysteries.
August 24, 2024
I am obsessed with these Mysteries. I enjoyed every page. I just knew I had guessed the bad guy. I was totally wrong. Great writing and wonderful characters
December 5, 2021
3.5
I didn't like this as well as the first two. I think some of it is Weaver's writing tics bothering me. There's a lot of "Something about our conversation bugged me, but I couldn't put my finger on what." Just trust that the reader will pick up on the clue without that hint. (Actually, this reader mostly didn't, so that just annoyed me more because I'd want to flip back and see what I was supposed to figure out.)
I DID like getting to meet Laurel and I appreciate that Amory and Milo's marriage really does seem okay now.
Re-read Nov/Dec 2021
I remembered a little more of this one!
I didn't like this as well as the first two. I think some of it is Weaver's writing tics bothering me. There's a lot of "Something about our conversation bugged me, but I couldn't put my finger on what." Just trust that the reader will pick up on the clue without that hint. (Actually, this reader mostly didn't, so that just annoyed me more because I'd want to flip back and see what I was supposed to figure out.)
I DID like getting to meet Laurel and I appreciate that Amory and Milo's marriage really does seem okay now.
Re-read Nov/Dec 2021
I remembered a little more of this one!
June 26, 2018
I just love this series! It's so charming, and Amory continues to be such a great character. The 1930s country house party is the perfect Golden Age cozy mystery setting. Amory and Milo are charming, glamorous, and a delight to follow, as Amory delves into a murder case and Milo tries to make sure she doesn't get herself into serious trouble. I've read the first two books, but this was the first one I listened to an audio, and the narrator was perfect.
November 27, 2016
Love, love, love this series. This book was excellent, and I loved it. The mystery, setting, and characters were all delightful, and I must say I'm glad the drama between Amory and Milo has wrapped itself up. Highly recommend! Can't wait for the next one.
January 4, 2021
3 Stars - Good book
The Amory Ames series has become my go-to for a quick but engaging read.
As I’ve said in other reviews of books in this series, some of the plotlines are a bit ridiculous but overall engaging.
This time Amory and her husband Milo end up in the midst of a dramatic scene when Amory’s cousin, Laurel, requests Amory join her at a friend’s country estate. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that there’s murder and Amory jumps into action.
Of the 3 Weaver books I’ve read to-date, I think this one has the most unsympathetic characters. That is to say there’s a handful of them that I just could not connect with and frankly just didn’t like. Honestly, that’s fine with me because I like other characters, it’s just that this is the first book where some characters just seemed like evil, awful people.
Recommended if you’ve read the 2 previous books.
The Amory Ames series has become my go-to for a quick but engaging read.
As I’ve said in other reviews of books in this series, some of the plotlines are a bit ridiculous but overall engaging.
This time Amory and her husband Milo end up in the midst of a dramatic scene when Amory’s cousin, Laurel, requests Amory join her at a friend’s country estate. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that there’s murder and Amory jumps into action.
Of the 3 Weaver books I’ve read to-date, I think this one has the most unsympathetic characters. That is to say there’s a handful of them that I just could not connect with and frankly just didn’t like. Honestly, that’s fine with me because I like other characters, it’s just that this is the first book where some characters just seemed like evil, awful people.
Recommended if you’ve read the 2 previous books.
April 20, 2020
Ashley Weaver’s A Most Novel Revenge (Amory Ames #3) is set in the 1930s at Lyonsgate, a Tudor-style country house which needs a great deal of tlc. Reggie and Beatrice, brother and sister, let Isobel Van Allan, a “notorious socialite”, invite all who were present at a tragic house party they gave seven years prior. Included this time are Amory and Milo Ames as Amory’s cousin, Laurel, requested the owner invite them. Amory and Milo were on their was to Italy for a delightfully warm vacation when Amory received the invitation to Lyonsgate, and her desire to visit with her cousin talked Milo into go to cold and drafty Lyonsgate instead. Laurel thought with Amory’s ‘experience’ investigating murders, it might be wise to have Amory and Milo present as the previous ‘house party’, a death occurred. To be honest I think the author’s reasoning why the Ames are invited is pretty weak. I believe that I would have gone to Italy! When Amory and Milo arrive, Amory begins to ‘pick up on’ the attendees’ moods which all tend to be negative. The author’s descriptive prose is well done, and the ending may just blow you away, but this Amory Ames mystery,I feel, is too long and too far-fetched. 3 stars.
June 12, 2018
Most mysteries you can pick up wherever, without missing too much. This one, with a married couple at the center, makes much reference to how their marriage used to be. Not once or twice, but repeatedly, enough to annoy me.
The mystery is an old standard--someone threatens to write a tell all, to the people they are going to tell all about, then ends up dead. Everyone's a suspect. The weird marriage dynamic of the protagonists is echoed in the suspects, too. Some have strange relationships, others are simply strained. Overall, the observations on their strained behavior felt repetitive and uninformative. The end does wrap up neatly, though.
The mystery is an old standard--someone threatens to write a tell all, to the people they are going to tell all about, then ends up dead. Everyone's a suspect. The weird marriage dynamic of the protagonists is echoed in the suspects, too. Some have strange relationships, others are simply strained. Overall, the observations on their strained behavior felt repetitive and uninformative. The end does wrap up neatly, though.
April 27, 2021
2021
The mystery in this one may not be quite as engaging as its predecessors, but Amory and Milo's dynamic is better, so I feel it evens out.
2016
So, I read the three of these in a day and a half. Because apparently that is the sort of thing I do. I just really enjoy this series. This one is probably not my favourite, but I do enjoy attentive-Milo, and learning-to-be-vulnerable-Amory.
The mystery in this one may not be quite as engaging as its predecessors, but Amory and Milo's dynamic is better, so I feel it evens out.
2016
So, I read the three of these in a day and a half. Because apparently that is the sort of thing I do. I just really enjoy this series. This one is probably not my favourite, but I do enjoy attentive-Milo, and learning-to-be-vulnerable-Amory.
October 27, 2021
This installment of the Amory Ames series was more fun than usual - Amory and Milo are more in sync than before, though Amory is still the driving force in the investigation.
A group of people who were together for a wild house party at which there was a murder years ago are back together. Of course, someone dies and Amory gets to the bottom of it. Though there wasn’t as much action in this story, it moved quickly and constant revelations kept me engaged.
The evolution of Amory and Milo’s relationship is the side story that is more positive and fun in this book (compared to the last, where Amory still felt neglected at times).
A group of people who were together for a wild house party at which there was a murder years ago are back together. Of course, someone dies and Amory gets to the bottom of it. Though there wasn’t as much action in this story, it moved quickly and constant revelations kept me engaged.
The evolution of Amory and Milo’s relationship is the side story that is more positive and fun in this book (compared to the last, where Amory still felt neglected at times).
November 6, 2016
Now that Amory and her husband Milo are happier than ever, they plan to spend a romantic winter in Italy alone. However, Amory's cousin Laurel wants Amory to come join a house party at Lysonsgate, the scene of a tragic event years earlier that tore apart the lives of several young people. Amory discovers that the house party was assembled by one Miss Isobel Van Allen, a notorious writer who wrote a scandalous tell-all novel about that fateful night. Now Isobel claims she has evidence that she had been wrong and the killer is still out there. She plans to unmask the killer in her new novel, but the killer finds her first. One of the guests or the hosts must be the culprit and Amory won't rest until she solves the mystery.
I liked the mystery better than the previous two. It seemed like it might be the typical pick them off one by one story but it stayed central to the core mystery-what happened after a wild night of partying that resulted in a young man's death. Was it merely a toxic combo of drugs and alcohol plus exposure to the cold or was it murder? If it was murder, then who? Someone doesn't want anyone to know. The mystery kept me guessing and I never ever guessed. The story didn't go in the direction I expected in terms of old secrets. That was a nice change from typical mysteries set in this period.
Now Amory and Miles are getting along better, I like her. She is now communicating with her husband and he recognizes now that she is not invulnerable and she does love him. He's a very attentive husband now but still charming as ever. None of the other characters are even remotely likeable. Isobel is a despicable human being. She encourages scandalous behavior only for the purposes of exploitation. She drives the action in the story both before the novel begins and after her death. She ruined several lives in the process of trying to become a rich and famous writer. Reggie Lyons seems like a nice fellow. He had a difficult time during the war but still he fell prey to Isobel and went along with her schemes so he was just as responsible for the destruction of his family and friends, yet no one sees it that way. His sister Beatrice comes across as a cold-hearted witch. Lucinda acts like a child. I thought she was 16 but she was apparently 16 at the time of the incident. I felt sorry for her to have a sister like Beatrice but not sorry for her because she threw herself at a married man. I felt sorry for Amory's old friend Freida, but she had choices and chose a path that led to unhappiness. Her husband is creepy. Desmond Roberts is weak and whiny. Like Freida, he made bad choices that led to unhappiness.
Only Laurel is normal and nice but she's pretty bland. Mr. Winters, the artist, may be likable. He amused me but he is hard to read and may be hiding something. I'll leave you to read the book and figure out the killer's identity!
I liked the mystery better than the previous two. It seemed like it might be the typical pick them off one by one story but it stayed central to the core mystery-what happened after a wild night of partying that resulted in a young man's death. Was it merely a toxic combo of drugs and alcohol plus exposure to the cold or was it murder? If it was murder, then who? Someone doesn't want anyone to know. The mystery kept me guessing and I never ever guessed. The story didn't go in the direction I expected in terms of old secrets. That was a nice change from typical mysteries set in this period.
Now Amory and Miles are getting along better, I like her. She is now communicating with her husband and he recognizes now that she is not invulnerable and she does love him. He's a very attentive husband now but still charming as ever. None of the other characters are even remotely likeable. Isobel is a despicable human being. She encourages scandalous behavior only for the purposes of exploitation. She drives the action in the story both before the novel begins and after her death. She ruined several lives in the process of trying to become a rich and famous writer. Reggie Lyons seems like a nice fellow. He had a difficult time during the war but still he fell prey to Isobel and went along with her schemes so he was just as responsible for the destruction of his family and friends, yet no one sees it that way. His sister Beatrice comes across as a cold-hearted witch. Lucinda acts like a child. I thought she was 16 but she was apparently 16 at the time of the incident. I felt sorry for her to have a sister like Beatrice but not sorry for her because she threw herself at a married man. I felt sorry for Amory's old friend Freida, but she had choices and chose a path that led to unhappiness. Her husband is creepy. Desmond Roberts is weak and whiny. Like Freida, he made bad choices that led to unhappiness.
Only Laurel is normal and nice but she's pretty bland. Mr. Winters, the artist, may be likable. He amused me but he is hard to read and may be hiding something. I'll leave you to read the book and figure out the killer's identity!
October 17, 2017
3.5 stars
What could be more evocative of the charm of the golden age mysteries than a murder set at an English country estate, complete with a limited pool of suspects? The third book in the Amory Ames series, set in the early 1930s, yields just such an environment with equally charming results.
Planning an Italian, romantic getaway, Amory and her dashing husband Milo instead find themselves diverted to the English countryside, at the pleading request of Amory's cousin, Laurel. The site of a tragic death some seven years prior during a particularly hedonistic party weekend, Lyonsgate has remained abandoned and those who were present for the tragedy have lived in its shadow during the interim years. It was an event that spawned a salacious best selling novel that, in turn, led to more tragedy. It is to this same estate that Amory and Milo find themselves summoned, along with all of the original party guests. None of them know why they've been summoned (and, indeed, readers have to hand wave away the logic as to why any of them should bother to show up at all) but tensions are running high and Laurel, who was one of those present seven years ago, calls in Amory for moral support in case things get dicey. When a new dead body turns up, Amory's sleuthing skills are needed once again...much to Milo's dismay.
This is a light and entertaining series that just oozes elegance and charm. The mysteries are not necessarily the strongest but I do think that this installment was stronger than the second book and more equal in quality to the first book, Murder at the Brightwell. In any event, the real highlight for me is the coupling of Amory and Milo and their amusing marital banter. They are more settled in their marriage and while Milo still loves the admiration of women, he is clearly adoring of Amory and makes the extra effort to tell her - and show her - so. And that's progress. :-) I look forward to more Amory and Milo adventures.
What could be more evocative of the charm of the golden age mysteries than a murder set at an English country estate, complete with a limited pool of suspects? The third book in the Amory Ames series, set in the early 1930s, yields just such an environment with equally charming results.
Planning an Italian, romantic getaway, Amory and her dashing husband Milo instead find themselves diverted to the English countryside, at the pleading request of Amory's cousin, Laurel. The site of a tragic death some seven years prior during a particularly hedonistic party weekend, Lyonsgate has remained abandoned and those who were present for the tragedy have lived in its shadow during the interim years. It was an event that spawned a salacious best selling novel that, in turn, led to more tragedy. It is to this same estate that Amory and Milo find themselves summoned, along with all of the original party guests. None of them know why they've been summoned (and, indeed, readers have to hand wave away the logic as to why any of them should bother to show up at all) but tensions are running high and Laurel, who was one of those present seven years ago, calls in Amory for moral support in case things get dicey. When a new dead body turns up, Amory's sleuthing skills are needed once again...much to Milo's dismay.
This is a light and entertaining series that just oozes elegance and charm. The mysteries are not necessarily the strongest but I do think that this installment was stronger than the second book and more equal in quality to the first book, Murder at the Brightwell. In any event, the real highlight for me is the coupling of Amory and Milo and their amusing marital banter. They are more settled in their marriage and while Milo still loves the admiration of women, he is clearly adoring of Amory and makes the extra effort to tell her - and show her - so. And that's progress. :-) I look forward to more Amory and Milo adventures.
June 16, 2020
Charming, fun read!
October 31, 2016
Amory and her husband, Milo, are invited to a house party, which is being held at the scene of a suspicious death seven years earlier. The other guests are those who were present at that time, except for one. That one committed suicide after being accused of the murder in a book written by another guest, who is murdered at this party. Amory, of course, is all too ready to get involved in the investigation.
Amory and Milo's marriage is still in recovery stage after the events of the previous books, and, although Amory seems to be pleased that Milo has stopped straying, she treats him as more of an annoyance than a loved husband. She doesn't like him fussing over her or telling her what to do, she practically pushes him at a young girl who has a crush on him (while warning him to be easy on her), and sends him on his way while she does "important stuff". Any interaction is mostly limited to him seducing her at every opportunity. Their relationship was the best part of the previous books, and I miss it here. The plot kept my interest but, in my opinion, was weakened by Amory's dismissal of Milo as a handsome and charming man with no depth.
Amory and Milo's marriage is still in recovery stage after the events of the previous books, and, although Amory seems to be pleased that Milo has stopped straying, she treats him as more of an annoyance than a loved husband. She doesn't like him fussing over her or telling her what to do, she practically pushes him at a young girl who has a crush on him (while warning him to be easy on her), and sends him on his way while she does "important stuff". Any interaction is mostly limited to him seducing her at every opportunity. Their relationship was the best part of the previous books, and I miss it here. The plot kept my interest but, in my opinion, was weakened by Amory's dismissal of Milo as a handsome and charming man with no depth.
October 31, 2017
The third book is showing signs of weakness. No character development or advancement for Amory or Miles. Just reviving the exact same plot structure. I still really enjoy these books, I just wish these book deals would allow time for authors to write better (or maybe be edited better). Don't get stuck in formulas! Don't become Tasha Alexander!
August 6, 2018
My favorite of the series so far! I'm glad Mr. Ames is starting to shape up. It makes the story so much more enjoyable. I like the different feel the romance between a married couple has.
A fun, torrid mystery full of fluff and endless drama.
A fun, torrid mystery full of fluff and endless drama.
November 3, 2016
Need more Milo and Amory sleuthing TOGETHER. Not Amory trying to get Milo out of the way and complaining about him for caring and being too attentive.
March 28, 2018
This is Weaver's third entry in her Amory and Milo Ames mystery series with a 1930s setting. The series is reminiscent of the style of Agatha Christie's stories and the characters remind one of Nick and Nora Charles of Dashiell Hammett's THE THIN MAN. We first met rich, upper-class Brits Amory and Milo in MURDER AT THE BRIGHTWELL, in which Amory had her first chance to solve a murder mystery. This was followed by another murder to solve in DEATH WEARS A MASK. And that's why Milo asks Amory at the beginning of this third book "Well, darling, who do you suppose will turn up dead this time?"
The couple are on their way to Lyonsgate, at the request of Amory's cousin Laurel, who is to be a guest at the manor home of Reginald Lyons. Eight years ago a group of hard-partying guests had been together at Lyonsgate when tragedy occurred. One of the guests died of an apparent overdose and possible hypothermia, the death being ruled accidental. However, this incident inspired the writing of a scandalous novel by Isobel Van Allen, who had been one of the guests and Reginald's lover at the time. The novel posited that the death was murder and implicated one of other guests, who subsequently committed suicide.
Now all the surviving guests are being reunited at Lyonsgate and Laurel, fearing the worst, invites Amory (and bring Milo, she says, "if you must"). So off Amory and Milo go to Lyonsgate, where we meet all the 'suspects' and Isobel Van Allen announces to all that she is planning a new novel on the subject, having changed her mind about who the killer really was. Amory digs around to the best of her ability to sort everything out, somebody is murdered, and we readers try to decide who the murderer is. There are secrets and lies and unexpected relationships that are revealed during the investigation.
This is one of those cozy, stylized mysteries, where perhaps not enough is divulged to the readers for them to know for certain "whodunit", followed at the end by a gathering of all the guests for the big reveal by Amory. If you enjoy Hercules Poirot, Miss Marple, Father Brown, Nick and Nora, etc., you will also enjoy Weaver's mystery series, which is a throwback to that style of writing.
In addition, if you're a romance lover, we have the ongoing troubled relationship of Amory and Milo, which seems to be settling down in this third story. In the first two books, the reader (and Amory) is convinced that Milo is an unfaithful, partying, world-traveling (without Amory) rake. In this third book we are to believe that they have come to some kind of accord in their marriage and that Milo is trying to prove his love for Amory. I was not totally convinced by his behavior here. He still seems to be egocentric, selfish and a bit immature for my taste in husbands, but I suppose if Amory is feeling comfortable about him, that's what matters.
The couple are on their way to Lyonsgate, at the request of Amory's cousin Laurel, who is to be a guest at the manor home of Reginald Lyons. Eight years ago a group of hard-partying guests had been together at Lyonsgate when tragedy occurred. One of the guests died of an apparent overdose and possible hypothermia, the death being ruled accidental. However, this incident inspired the writing of a scandalous novel by Isobel Van Allen, who had been one of the guests and Reginald's lover at the time. The novel posited that the death was murder and implicated one of other guests, who subsequently committed suicide.
Now all the surviving guests are being reunited at Lyonsgate and Laurel, fearing the worst, invites Amory (and bring Milo, she says, "if you must"). So off Amory and Milo go to Lyonsgate, where we meet all the 'suspects' and Isobel Van Allen announces to all that she is planning a new novel on the subject, having changed her mind about who the killer really was. Amory digs around to the best of her ability to sort everything out, somebody is murdered, and we readers try to decide who the murderer is. There are secrets and lies and unexpected relationships that are revealed during the investigation.
This is one of those cozy, stylized mysteries, where perhaps not enough is divulged to the readers for them to know for certain "whodunit", followed at the end by a gathering of all the guests for the big reveal by Amory. If you enjoy Hercules Poirot, Miss Marple, Father Brown, Nick and Nora, etc., you will also enjoy Weaver's mystery series, which is a throwback to that style of writing.
In addition, if you're a romance lover, we have the ongoing troubled relationship of Amory and Milo, which seems to be settling down in this third story. In the first two books, the reader (and Amory) is convinced that Milo is an unfaithful, partying, world-traveling (without Amory) rake. In this third book we are to believe that they have come to some kind of accord in their marriage and that Milo is trying to prove his love for Amory. I was not totally convinced by his behavior here. He still seems to be egocentric, selfish and a bit immature for my taste in husbands, but I suppose if Amory is feeling comfortable about him, that's what matters.
April 9, 2019
An English country home mystery with Strozzis? Sign me up!! What larks!
Amory & Milo are invited to a party at a country house in the dead of winter -- a drafty country house. Of course, a dead body becomes part of the festivities. Enter a handsome police inspector for Amory's cousin to fall over and plenty of ladies for Milo to flirt with, and we have the elements all in place.
Of course, plenty of people despised the victim. But who did the dreadful deed? Amory cannot resist digging in!
Loving this series!!
Amory & Milo are invited to a party at a country house in the dead of winter -- a drafty country house. Of course, a dead body becomes part of the festivities. Enter a handsome police inspector for Amory's cousin to fall over and plenty of ladies for Milo to flirt with, and we have the elements all in place.
Of course, plenty of people despised the victim. But who did the dreadful deed? Amory cannot resist digging in!
Loving this series!!
November 9, 2018
Just as charming as the others in this series! The book draws you in from start to finish. It has a very Hercule Poirot feel to it, but with a glamorous, stylish and witty couple as its sleuths. Amory is fantastic and who doesn’t love her sidekick (and handsome) husband?!
July 5, 2022
Glad that the relationship between Amory and Milo is tightknit but his personality is the same. They are honestly very funny. I don't know if I liked the setting all that much but its always entertaining to be stuck in a mansion with a certain group.
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