A Deception at Thornecrest: An Amory Ames Mystery
The seventh installment in Ashley Weaver's Edgar-nominated Amory Ames mystery series brings readers back to 1930s England for a compelling tale of deception, murder, and hidden identities. This historical mystery novel combines period charm with suspenseful intrigue as Amory Ames confronts an unexpected threat at her country estate.
The Mystery Unfolds at Thornecrest
Amory Ames is enjoying quiet solitude at Thornecrest, her country house, preparing for the arrival of her first child while her husband Milo conducts business in London. The tranquility shatters when a woman appears claiming to be another Mrs. Ames—Milo's wife. Though Amory's marriage has weathered difficulties, her restored faith in her husband seems unshakeable, and Milo's excitement about fatherhood has been genuine.
When Milo returns home and confirms the woman must be mistaken, Amory believes the matter resolved. However, additional unexpected visitors arrive at Thornecrest, bringing secret identities and mysterious romances that transform the peaceful estate into a web of intrigue. The situation escalates from puzzling to deadly during the village's Springtide Festival when Bertie, Milo's stable hand, is discovered murdered.
Historical Mystery in 1930s England
This paperback mystery captures the atmosphere of 1930s English country life, from the well-meaning village ladies preparing for seasonal festivals to the elegant estate setting of Thornecrest. The novel balances cozy mystery elements with serious crime investigation as Amory must identify a killer hiding among the festival crowds and mysterious strangers.
About the Amory Ames Series
A Deception at Thornecrest continues the adventures of amateur sleuth Amory Ames in this long-running mystery series. Ashley Weaver has crafted six previous novels featuring these characters: Murder at the Brightwell, Death Wears a Mask, A Most Novel Revenge, The Essence of Malice, An Act of Villainy, and A Dangerous Engagement. The Edgar nomination recognizes the series' quality within the crime fiction genre.
About Ashley Weaver
Ashley Weaver serves as the technical services coordinator at the Allen Parish Libraries in Oberlin, Louisiana. Her career in libraries began at fourteen as a page, progressing to clerk before earning her MLIS from Louisiana State University. This extensive library background informs her meticulous research and authentic period detail in historical mysteries.
Published by Minotaur Books in September 2020, this women sleuth mystery delivers both character development and plot complexity as Amory navigates pregnancy, marriage challenges, and murder investigation simultaneously.
