Deception” is the seventh of the Milo and Amory series, although it works well as a stand-alone. The development of Amory and Milo’s relationship has been an important part of the previous books, and I have to say that I haven’t yet warmed up to the famously womanizing Milo. Regardless, the setting and the plot make for a fun cozy whodunit!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Life is sweet as lavender honey for Mrs. Amory Ames, who along with her husband Milo, await the birth of their first-born, while currently residing at their country estate. The year is 1934 and Thornecrest at Allingcross, Kent with its countryside charm and its cordial, friendly residents, has provided Amory a calm and pleasant respite from the chaos of before… This is the seventh book in the cozy Amory Ames Mystery series by Author Ashley Weaver.

The story sets off with an unexpected visitor claiming to be close to her husband, Milo. A bit of a diversion from the author to remind you of the tumultuous history between the couple. At this point, I naively presumed and conjured all sorts of ideas of where this story was heading. I was wrong. Intrigued by the circumstances the visitor presents, Amory must place trust in the stable relationship she currently has with Milo. The presence of the visitor remains to be answered and thus begins the first mystery.

Encouragingly, the story develops, and several new characters are introduced, and life goes on in Allingcross. With excitement towards the upcoming Springtide Festival, crafts, edible goods, along with horse racing are among the attractions featured. After a slow-build introduction, this is where the events gallop to murder.

With daring determination, and no time to spare, Amory tentatively questions her suspects while enjoying numerous cups of tea. Strong, independent, curious and smart, she decides she must once again put together the pieces of a complicated (multiple) murder-mystery. Excellently, narrated by Amory, she (Amory) consumes the narrative and the supportive characters take a turn playing suspects. I would describe this mystery as gentle, elegant, and luring with minimal suspense. The difficult history with Milo and her previous experience solving murders, I feel, gives her a confidence, perhaps lacking in a novice sleuth.

A bit unfortunate how murders seem to happen around her (Amory), but certainly fortunate for the readers and followers who enjoy this series will enjoy this book too.

When murder happens close to home and suspects abound among friends, she will have to dig deep to unravel some unpleasant secrets in order to solve this. After all, no one wants to suspect their family, friends or acquaintances. Perhaps, she’ll solve this while enjoying some rosemary tea!

~ Patricia

I devoured this book in two days because it’s that good. I’m already a big fan of this author and this series and this latest installment didn’t disappoint. The writing is top notch and well done. The characters are fun and entertaining. The plot and mystery itself is the high point of the novel. It’s well crafted and kept me interested until the very end. I’m not going to go into any detail because you just have to read it for yourself especially if you are a reader of an excellent historical novel. Highly highly recommend!

I have not read any of the other books in this series, or other books by this author, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it. The setting and the characters give this book its sparkle. I thought the storyline was very well-written and the pace of the unveiling of the clues in the book was perfect. I have to admit that I did not anticipate a couple of the twists near the end of the book, which made me love the ending just that much more. I’m now an “Amery Ames” fan, and I’ll definitely look forward to going back and reading the other books in this series. It’s a pleasure to read a clean book that’s this interesting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another delightful book in the Amory Ames series. Amory is resting at Thornecrest awaiting the birth of her baby while Milo, her husband, is away. She is visited by a woman who says she is also married to Milo. Amory is positive that the woman is mistaken, which Milo confirms when he arrives home from his business trip to London. Then another stranger arrives at the Ames’ door and the mystery deepens..This is a fun, cozy series, but it’s not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Amory and Milo are my new favorite sleuthing couple and I've enjoyed every book in this series and they keep getting better. The relationship is finally on more solid ground, with Amory expecting their first child and relaxing at their country estate, but then a mysterious woman appears and claims to be Milo's wife. The mystery will hold your interest, but of course the real draw with these books is Milo and Amory's chemistry. For once, I was actually on Milo's side regarding Amory's involvement with yet another murder. The end was incredibly sweet and although I know the author has a new series coming out soon, I hope she doesn't abandon the Ames' now they are parents. I hope we see them again soon, and I look forward to anything Ashley Weaver writes. Fans of this series will adore this installment and anticipate more of this couple and their new family.

This was a very good read. The characters were delightful and the mystery was interesting. I love the village setting and the festival. I haven't read much of this series but had no trouble following along. There were several situations going on that kept you on your toes. Lots of family themes and the difficulties in those relationships. Really good time.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Ashley Weaver for the Advance Readers Copy of “A Deception at Thornecrest”.

I throughly enjoyed this who do it novel. This is the first book of Ashley Weaver that I have read. I will look forward to reading other works by her. The book is a sweet mystery taking place in the countryside outside of London. It is a clean, sweet read. The book starts out as more of a woman’s fictional novel then develops into a murder mystery. The book had me guessing which included the surprise ending.

If you are looking for a light mystery, pick up this book.

When I discovered the Amory Ames series, I binge-read all the books. It was so fun immersing into the 1930s world with Amory and her husband Milo, enjoying all their capers as amateur sleuths. So when this book came out, of course I had to get my hands on it.

While I was super excited that this story takes place at Thornecrest, their beloved home mentioned often in the previous books, what intrigued me most was the premise. Someone showing up at their door claiming to be Mrs. Ames! WHAAAA??!! Milo hadn't always been the most attentive husband but over the course of the series he'd proven his devotion to Amory. So of course I had to devour this story and discover how Milo gets out of this one. And I have to say it was cleverly done!

Also the murder mystery was one of the best in this series. I had no clue who was the culprit and I was shocked - in the very best way!- at the conclusion.

I can't wait to read more from this talented author!

*I received a copy of this story from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Ashley Weaver was a new-to-me author, and I am so glad to have discovered her. I believe fans of Julianna Deering would quickly become fans of Ashley Weaver, and vice versa. A Deception at Thornecrest was a great clean mystery set in a 1934 English village with the requisite vicar, village gossip, inn, festival, manor house, and murder. I read the book in about twenty-four hours as I truly couldn't put it down. I give this book five stars and am very grateful to have received a copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Deception at Thornecrest.” All opinions are my own.

Amory Ames is very pregnant in this, the seventh in the series. She gets what is close to the worst news a wife can hear – a woman shows up at the door of the ancestral home (the Thornecrest of the title) claiming to also be Mrs. Milo Ames. Thus begins the latest in this not so cozy series. This one’s set in 1934.

There have been bumps in the Ames marriage – readers of the books certainly know that. In between, the Ames have solved many a mystery and a murder. These bumps have led to sleepless nights, and so Amory thinks for a microsecond that maybe, just maybe…. Milo is not at home, but shows up shortly, and they are both relieved when the young woman says “It’s not him.” Then – complication! Who shows up at the door but a long-lost half-brother! A cad, of course. Who’s already turned the head of a young woman in the village. Who has dumped a young groom for the cad. Amory doesn’t need this at eight months enceinte.

Pretty soon we have a village fete – and a murder. And the brother is accused. And Milo can’t be bothered with it all. Now, gentle reader, who does that leave? Luckily Amory has had seven books to hone her investigative techniques, and the author knows how to throw us a bone in just the right way – questioning suspects, leaving a little red herring here and there, painting word pictures of clues and evidence. She also does a great job of defining time and place – a quaint English village, sprawling manor house, and all the denizens therein; the village curmudgeon, the village gossip, the elderly titled Lady that owns the estate next door, the young woman that’s become like a daughter to the vicar and his wife. Different levels of society, some that are content, some that are not.

Inner thoughts – Amory does a lot of that. We get to “see” how she perceives her marriage, which wasn’t always rosy, and how she’s viewing this baby with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The author’s gift is such that you’ll recognize these emotions, because they are authentic. And the soon-to-be parents -- the book is quite concerned with the tension between the two. Ms. Weaver sticks true to the characters here, even if Milo seems a little “off.” But that can be forgiven. Of course, the two work out their differences at the end.

We do get a wonderful scene with Inspector Jones, who’s there so Amory has someone to toss ideas around with. She uses him to get everyone in one place, where under her questioning, the truth comes out. Can you put it together before she does?

When all is said and done, we have a baby, happy, that! And an ending to our mystery, not so happy, that. People who want to live above their station; well, sometimes they make mistakes in more ways than one.

This lighthearted and charming whodunit is set in a tiny village in the English countryside and filled with a variety of colorful characters. During a popular village fair, a crime is committed and the chase is on to find the culprit. The protagonist is a level headed woman who has apparently had experience (in previous books) with solving crimes, so she is not rattled, but is determined to find the killer and restore order to this idyllic village life.
Recommended as a light, easy read. It could be the perfect thing to read to someone recovering from an illness or a trauma as it is a lovely escape to a peaceful time and place, and i believe could be read effectively in increments without losing the storyline.

Another delightful installment in the Amory Ames mysteries. This time around Amory and Miles are staying at the country home, Thornecrest, while they await the arrive of their baby. What they hope will be a quite time together becomes anything but! A young women, Imogen Prescott, appears, claiming that she met Miles early that year and he married her and promised to meet her in London. Just as that mystery is cleared up, one of their stable hands is found murdered in a field while a festival and local race horse is going on., With a cast of eccentric characters, a fast-paced plot, and witty banter, this is another welcome addition to this series. Plenty of plot twists and red herrings make this historical 1930s era cozy mystery a fun and entertaining read. If you haven't read the earlier titles in this series, check them out. Well worth the time investment!

This is the seventh book in the Amory Ames series but it is the first that I have read. I was able to pick up the threads of the overall plot line and easily get into the story line of this mystery.

Amory is expecting her first baby. Her husband, Milo, who has been a wild card in their marriage, seems to be settling down. A monkey wrench is thrown at them when a young woman shows up claiming that she is Mrs. Milo Amory.

Has Milo been up to his old tricks or is something more going on? Yet another stranger appears at Thornecrest who sheds light on the situation.

A murder occurs and Milo and Amory are at odds. Milo wants Amory to stay out of it, prepare for the soon to arrive baby and stay safe. Amory cannot help herself. She has to help. Helping means investigating and leads to dangerous situations for not only Amory but for others as well.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Thornecrest, Allingross, Kent - 1934

While Amory Ames’s husband, Milo was in London for the weekend, a woman arrived claiming to be Mrs. Imogen Ames, Milo’s wife. The young woman said she met Milo in Brighton and after a whirlwind courtship of one week, they married. She returned to her job in London and he promised to follow, but he didn’t. Now, she is searching for him. Seeing a picture of Milo, she says that is him. Amory suggests that she stay at a local inn. Then she sends a message to Milo asking him to come home right away.

Amory is 8 months pregnant and is preparing for the birth of her baby. She is involved in the local community and is busily organizing the Springtide Festival, along with Lady Alma Bedford. This is where locals sell their jellies and crafts and some pit their best horses against one another in a race.

When Milo returns home, he denies any knowledge of another wife. Then, a young American man arrives. He looks just like Milo and claims that he is Darien Ames, Milo’s half brother. Shocked, Milo and Amory wonder if Darien could be the man who married Imogen.

At the festival, a young groom is is found murdered and the finger of suspicion points to Darien. While Milo believes he is guilty, Amory is not so sure. Even though Milo has requested she not get involved with her sleuthing, she cannot resist. But when another person dies, Amory puts on her sleuth hat and solves the mystery,

This is the first of this author’s books that I have read. I found it difficult to get into but it soon picked up. If I had read other’s of her books, I’m sure I would be familiar with how they flow. As the books winds up, I couldn’t help to think of Poirot as he solves his mysteries. Enjoyable mystery.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Set in 1934 Kent, the 7th book in the Amory Ames series feels like a village mystery - because it is! Amory and Miles have come to Thornecrest (Miles family manor) to await the birth of their child. I love the first sentence of the book. "It was on a sunny spring morning in the 8th month of my pregnancy that a woman arrived on my doorstep claiming to be married to my husband." The book is written in 1st person from the perspective of Amory. The characters that populate the village are expected yet interesting. There are deceptions, secrets, rogues, festivals, horses, and tea (lots of tea!) A really interesting mystery with a solution that I did not guess (and that is rare!)

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy for review.

A Deception at Thornecrest is another wonderful installment in the Amory Ames mystery series. The story takes place in the village of Allingcross in the 1930s. The author does a tremendous job describing Allingcross and Thornecrest, the ancestral home of Milo, Amory's husband, leaving the reader feeling as if you've visited many times. After reading the first sentence, you immediately "fall into" the book and do not want to put the book down until you are finished (and then you don't want it to end!)

The story opens with Amory quietly at home, while Milo is taking care of business in London. When a young woman arrives at Thornecrest claiming to be Milo Ames' wife, Amory for a brief moment wonders if her husband really has changed his ways, but in the long run is certain the young woman must be mistaken. Upon meeting Milo in person, the young woman realizes that he is not her husband. An unexpected visitor to the Ames' home soon explains the case of mistaken identity. As the story unfolds, a murder occurs at the Springtide Festival and Amory quickly becomes involved, much to Milo's consternation, given Amory's condition. Through Amory's sleuthing she is able to put all of the pieces together for a surprise ending.

The story contains many possible suspects and many twists and turns, revealing much information about the characters and insight into their relationships. The interaction between Amory and Milo is engaging, the atmosphere of the English village and her characters brings to mind St. Mary Mead. This is a wonderful series and highly recommended. Looking forward to the next installment!

This review is based upon an ARC received from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for which I thank them!

. I did some prep work before reading this book by listening to the first three books in the series on audiobook. I fell in love with Amory and especially Milo. Milo is that handsome good, possibly bad, boy I love to read about!

I just love the characters of Amory and Milo, they have made it through some tough times in their marriage. So, a young woman coming to the door claiming to be married to Milo isn’t as far fetched as it might seem. Both Amory and Milo are intelligent and witty and the dialogue in the book reflects that.

The mystery itself was difficult to figure out with plenty of potential suspects. In fact, I suspected someone that later ended up dead, so there goes my sleuthing ability!

I was glad I had read the first three books in the series to get a sense of what Milo and Amory were like early on in their marriage. I do plan to go back and catch up with the other books in the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this smart and entertaining historical mystery. I recommend this book to all historical/cozy mystery lovers. 4.5/5

I have a weakness for historical mysteries and cozies so this delightful series holds its spot on my must read list. First, it can be read as a stand alone. However, to get the most out of the relationship between Amory and Milo and how it has evolved over seven books, treat yourself to a binge and catch up. From the first book and the rocky situation of their marriage to a much more solid relationship, Amory is eight months pregnant and taking time to nest at Milo's family home, Thornecrest, in Kent. We have enjoyed many settings with them but it's great to see their life in the country. It should be a lazy time, getting ready for the baby, not a thought of homicide on the scene.
Milo is off in London on business when Amory receives an unexpected visitor - a comely young woman who introduces herself as Mrs. Ames, married in a whirlwind fashion to Milo. Now Milo might have a bit of a checkered past but bigamy just isn't possible and Amory needs to find some answers fast. Milo returns from London and soon things heat up and there is a murder to be solved. Not exactly what a soon-to-be first time mother wants to deal with.
I won't say more for fear of spoilers. I will say I really like the way Amory and Milo interact in this mystery. The humor is just right and the village setting of 1934 England is so comfortable, it was the perfect escape I needed during these trying times. The puzzle kept me engaged from the first page and I was sorry when I reached the end. More, please.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Amory Ames is delightful, proper but not above or below investigating petty crime and even murder. Milo Ames, her husband is drawn as beyond handsome with a brightly colored past. He is a chap who enjoys “standing on the precipice between victory and loss, waiting to see which way the chips would fall.” They live a charmed life, known to society as well as their country neighbors and at times the local constabulary as well as Scotland Yard.

This is another good period mystery. Set in April 1934 in Allingcross, Kent, England the lovely Amory Ames is in the eighth month of her first pregnancy and imagine her surprise when a woman arrives at her home announcing that they share a husband. Oh my, Milo has some explaining to do. It eventually gets sorted between tea, cakes, a little hilarity, and a dash of murder.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books / St. Martin’s Publishing for a copy.