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Amory Ames #5
An Act of Villainy: A stylishly evocative historical whodunnit
Walking through London's West End after a night at the theatre, Amory Ames and her husband Milo run into old friends, the wealthy investor and former actor Gerard Holloway and his wife Georgina. When Holloway invites them to the dress rehearsal of a new play he is directing, Amory readily accepts.However, she is shocked to learn that Holloway has cast his mistress, actress Flora Bell, in the lead role. Furthermore, the casual invitation is not what it seems-he admits to Amory and Milo that Flora has been receiving threatening letters, and he needs their help in finding the mysterious sender. Despite Amory's conflicting feelings-not only does she feel loyalty to Georgina, but the disintegration of the Holloways' perfect marriage seems to bode ill for her own sometimes delicate relationship-her curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins to make inquiries.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
November 15, 2021
It is always a pleasure to rejoin Amory and Milo in one of their investigations. This time they are looking into the death of a young actress who has been in an affair with one of their friends.
The mystery is interesting and there are heaps of possible guilty parties. Since most of them are actors Amory finds it difficult to work out who to believe when they tell their individual stories, as they are all good at playing roles. Luckily Amory is good at that too and the ending is worthy of an Agatha Christie novel, with a masterful twist.
I am looking forward to the next book already.
The mystery is interesting and there are heaps of possible guilty parties. Since most of them are actors Amory finds it difficult to work out who to believe when they tell their individual stories, as they are all good at playing roles. Luckily Amory is good at that too and the ending is worthy of an Agatha Christie novel, with a masterful twist.
I am looking forward to the next book already.
May 26, 2023
Another great mystery with Amory and Milo Ames. Such an engaging listen and as always I'm eager to start the next one sooner rather than later but I want to drag out the series a bit more
August 29, 2018
An Act of Villainy is a solid addition to Weaver's Amory Ames series. Amory and her dashing husband, Milo, are quickly pulled into another intrigue by their friend, Gerald Holloway. Holloway has written and produced a play, and his lead actress is receiving threatening letters that this performance will be her last. Amory is intrigued by the mystery but conflicted about assisting since the lead actress, Flora Bell, is also Holloway's mistress, and Hollloway's wife also happens to be a friend of the Ames. The stakes are raised even further when the words of the mysterious notes are found to be prophetic and Flora is found murdered the night that the play opens.
For those unfamiliar with the series, these mysteries are relatively tame and what I would class as more cozy than gritty and hard hitting. An Act of Villainy is in the same vein as the previous mysteries in the series and harkens back to a more classic whodunnit. While the plot, at times, suspends belief, it will certainly appeal to fans of series like Daisy Dalrymple or titles by Rhys Bowen.
As to my personal enjoyment of this latest addition, I will admit to be losing some interest in the series. I love the time period and the author's commitment to creating a sense of such a glamorous atmosphere. However, I feel as though the character development of Amory and Milo has stalled a bit. The series started out with their marriage in trouble, and while it seems to be on more stable footing at the moment, I don't feel like its really shifting to any new ground. Since this is a central part of the plot and a big part of what drives Amory, I do think there should be more momentum in that respect. I'm also starting to doubt my belief that Milo is a spy and starting to wonder if Milo quite simply is an unknowable character that simply acts as a foil to Amory. I suppose we shall see with the next book nt the series.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
For those unfamiliar with the series, these mysteries are relatively tame and what I would class as more cozy than gritty and hard hitting. An Act of Villainy is in the same vein as the previous mysteries in the series and harkens back to a more classic whodunnit. While the plot, at times, suspends belief, it will certainly appeal to fans of series like Daisy Dalrymple or titles by Rhys Bowen.
As to my personal enjoyment of this latest addition, I will admit to be losing some interest in the series. I love the time period and the author's commitment to creating a sense of such a glamorous atmosphere. However, I feel as though the character development of Amory and Milo has stalled a bit. The series started out with their marriage in trouble, and while it seems to be on more stable footing at the moment, I don't feel like its really shifting to any new ground. Since this is a central part of the plot and a big part of what drives Amory, I do think there should be more momentum in that respect. I'm also starting to doubt my belief that Milo is a spy and starting to wonder if Milo quite simply is an unknowable character that simply acts as a foil to Amory. I suppose we shall see with the next book nt the series.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 18, 2018
For once, Amory and Milo Ames are on the same page — virtually from the first page. Usually, Milo tries to deter his modern wife (modern for 1933 London, at any rate) from snooping, but it is Milo who allows an old chum of his, wealthy theater devotee Gerard Holloway, to saddle the couple in a mystery. Holloway is indulging himself with a play he’s scripted that he’s also directing and producing. But that’s not Holloway’s only indulgence: He’s cast his pretty blonde mistress Flora Bell in the title role of The Price of Victory. Miss Bell has been receiving threatening letters, and there’s no end of folks who wish her ill, not the least of which is the wronged wife, Georgina Holloway, a friend of Amory’s. Amory — naturally enough — hates the deception even if she’s intrigued by the mystery.
I won’t spoil the novel, the fifth in this fabulous series, by revealing any more; however, author Ashley Weaver has not lost her touch: sparkling dialogue, plenty of twists and a shocking ending make An Act of Villainy pure pleasure.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in return for an honest review.
I won’t spoil the novel, the fifth in this fabulous series, by revealing any more; however, author Ashley Weaver has not lost her touch: sparkling dialogue, plenty of twists and a shocking ending make An Act of Villainy pure pleasure.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in return for an honest review.
August 13, 2018
This is one of my favorite series. The characters of Amory and Milo are so charming that I love hearing about their adventures. I haven't been disappointed in the past, so I had high hopes for this one. This story follows Amory and Milo helping out a society friend, Gerard Holloway, who is putting on a new play. His lead actress, Flora Bell, has been receiving threatening letters and doesn't want the police involved. That's when he enlists Amory and Milo to investigate the problem for him. Soon though, there are more problems than just threatening letters. A murder occurs after the first showing of the play. So begins the true investigation. At first, I was just going to give this story 4 stars but the ending took me by surprise. Complete surprise!! Which just continues to prove that this series will continue to be one of my favorite cozy mystery books. Loved this one!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2019
Weaver does it again! Every installment in her pitch-perfect Amory Ames series both thrills and charms. Combining a stylish protagonist, a delightfully roguish husband, witty banter, gorgeous prose, and intriguing mysteries, there is much to fall in love with. Her books are a glittering, whirling throwback to the golden age of mysteries, yet crafted with a panache all their own.
July 21, 2020
'Walking through London’s West End after a night at the theater, Amory Ames and her husband Milo run into wealthy investor and former actor Gerard Holloway. Holloway and his wife Georgina are old friends of theirs, and when Holloway invites them to the dress rehearsal of a new play he is directing, Amory readily accepts.
However, Amory is shocked to learn that Holloway has cast his mistress, actress Flora Bell, in the lead role. Furthermore, the casual invitation is not what it seems—he admits to Amory and Milo that Flora has been receiving threatening letters, and he needs their help in finding the mysterious sender. Despite Amory’s conflicting feelings—not only does she feel loyalty to Georgina, but the disintegration of the Holloways’ perfect marriage seems to bode ill for her own sometimes delicate relationship—her curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins to make inquiries.
It quickly becomes clear that each member of the cast has reason to resent Flora—and with a group so skilled in the art of deception, it isn’t easy to separate truth from illusion. When vague threats escalate, the scene is set for murder, and Amory and Milo must find the killer before the final curtain falls.'
_____________________________
An Act of Villainy is the fifth book in Ashley Weaver's An Amory Ames Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in 1930s London.
I do believe that this has been my favorite book in the series thus far. The crime had layers to it and I found it to be the most intriguing case that Amory has come across yet. I had a hunch that things might move in the direction that they did, but the reveal still surprised me and I just thought it was so perfect. I guess I really enjoy a flair for the dramatic at such a critical moment in the plot, I really loved it.
Milo and Amory are finally on the same page! They're working together like they ever never have before. They still go off alone to play to their strengths, but then they readily come back together to compare notes unlike in previous books. I mean sure, those same fears are still there to make an appearance on occassion, but he's always so flippant about it all that you can't really blame her. Still really hoping he's a spy. Being able to see the moments of genuine concern for Amory on Milo's part really helped me warm to his character during this book. Before I found him amusing, but mostly thought she was better off without him. Now I'm feeling a bit more kindly toward him. I was also happy to see that Emile was still there and not forgotten.
I purposefully tried to take my time reading this book in the hopes that the next in the series, A Dagerous Engagement, that I ordered a while ago would have been delivered, but alas I didn't time it right. Hopefully it should be here within the next couple of days and I'll be able to continue on with the series. because I'm very much looking forward to reading more.
However, Amory is shocked to learn that Holloway has cast his mistress, actress Flora Bell, in the lead role. Furthermore, the casual invitation is not what it seems—he admits to Amory and Milo that Flora has been receiving threatening letters, and he needs their help in finding the mysterious sender. Despite Amory’s conflicting feelings—not only does she feel loyalty to Georgina, but the disintegration of the Holloways’ perfect marriage seems to bode ill for her own sometimes delicate relationship—her curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins to make inquiries.
It quickly becomes clear that each member of the cast has reason to resent Flora—and with a group so skilled in the art of deception, it isn’t easy to separate truth from illusion. When vague threats escalate, the scene is set for murder, and Amory and Milo must find the killer before the final curtain falls.'
_____________________________
An Act of Villainy is the fifth book in Ashley Weaver's An Amory Ames Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in 1930s London.
I do believe that this has been my favorite book in the series thus far. The crime had layers to it and I found it to be the most intriguing case that Amory has come across yet. I had a hunch that things might move in the direction that they did, but the reveal still surprised me and I just thought it was so perfect. I guess I really enjoy a flair for the dramatic at such a critical moment in the plot, I really loved it.
Milo and Amory are finally on the same page! They're working together like they ever never have before. They still go off alone to play to their strengths, but then they readily come back together to compare notes unlike in previous books. I mean sure, those same fears are still there to make an appearance on occassion, but he's always so flippant about it all that you can't really blame her. Still really hoping he's a spy. Being able to see the moments of genuine concern for Amory on Milo's part really helped me warm to his character during this book. Before I found him amusing, but mostly thought she was better off without him. Now I'm feeling a bit more kindly toward him. I was also happy to see that Emile was still there and not forgotten.
I purposefully tried to take my time reading this book in the hopes that the next in the series, A Dagerous Engagement, that I ordered a while ago would have been delivered, but alas I didn't time it right. Hopefully it should be here within the next couple of days and I'll be able to continue on with the series. because I'm very much looking forward to reading more.
February 4, 2023
Amory and Milo Ames get invited to see a play an old friend of theirs is putting on. And at a charity gala following opening night, the lead actress is MURDERED! Amory, of course, discovers the body and decides it's time to investigate. After putting all her energy into having lots and lots of brash conversations about the dead woman, will Amory be able to figure out which of the multitudes of actors she's dealing with is being a dirty liar?
1. This mystery and denouement was: hmm.
2. Here's the thing: I really, really want to enjoy Amory and Milo's relationship, but the fact that these things are in first person and it's the FIFTH BOOK IN THE SERIES and Milo is still refusing to use his words makes things really hard to enjoy. We start to get inklings of his fondness for Amory , but it's preceded by some weird shit about his pal Gerard's affair being fine or whatever. Almost to the point of idiocy since it's so clearly also about his own infidelities.
It feels patently obvious that he has no interest in apologizing or feeling remorse for his actions in the early days of their marriage, and I don't know: that doesn't feel super romantic or loving. It just feels like Milo's an unfixed wanderer.
(Here's where I acknowledge that SOME peek behind his curtain would go miles in making this moot: he could be a man in the midst of finding himself and new purpose and growing but there is no context for that beyond him actually admitting he'd like Amory to stick around.)
3. If we're going to involve Milo in these cases as an investigator, there has to be an easier way of dropping his exposition without having Amory awkwardly hover or ask a bunch of questions. Ugh, first person POV.
1. This mystery and denouement was: hmm.
2. Here's the thing: I really, really want to enjoy Amory and Milo's relationship, but the fact that these things are in first person and it's the FIFTH BOOK IN THE SERIES and Milo is still refusing to use his words makes things really hard to enjoy. We start to get inklings of his fondness for Amory , but it's preceded by some weird shit about his pal Gerard's affair being fine or whatever. Almost to the point of idiocy since it's so clearly also about his own infidelities.
It feels patently obvious that he has no interest in apologizing or feeling remorse for his actions in the early days of their marriage, and I don't know: that doesn't feel super romantic or loving. It just feels like Milo's an unfixed wanderer.
(Here's where I acknowledge that SOME peek behind his curtain would go miles in making this moot: he could be a man in the midst of finding himself and new purpose and growing but there is no context for that beyond him actually admitting he'd like Amory to stick around.)
3. If we're going to involve Milo in these cases as an investigator, there has to be an easier way of dropping his exposition without having Amory awkwardly hover or ask a bunch of questions. Ugh, first person POV.
June 25, 2018
Milo and Amory have become one of my favourite sleuthing duos. Their tales, set in Weaver's pitch- perfect setting of ambience and crystal-cut-glass dialogue are refined, surprising and deliciously elegant.
However, despite the vintage splendour, the human interest piece and the very flawed characters that populate her high London set make the series easily accessible. For no matter whether you are dripping in diamonds and lush dressing gowns, matters of the heart, betrayal and jealousy transcend time and class.
It is quite obvious that Weaver has a passion for the russet chairs and electric marquises of the theatre. Here, in a mystery that evokes the West End in a delectable age, she carefully unveils a tale of affairs, lovers, the spotlight and murder. In the meta moments when the play is brought to life, we see that Weaver has a nose for secondary plots ( and even for theatrical writing. Seriously, reader friends, I would watch this play to DEATH! <--- pun intended)
I cannot say enough for the atmosphere here which in all books is perfect-- but in this one becomes more and more delicious as the curtain is tugged open to reveal a world sinister and splendid.
With several plausible suspects, Milo and Amory's healing marriage (SUCH ROMANCE), a monkey (!!!) and a really well-honed sense of rapier wit, An Act of Villainy is a love letter to an era Weaver owns in current mystery ( I said on twitter recently I prefer her to Agatha Christie-- and I do). Amory's inimitable narrative is paired here with a city I love and a hobby I adore.
Also, Milo is chocolate, moonlight and Valentino ( of course) and we even meet Amory's mother!
I am so in love with this series. I read each book more than once and act of Villainy is yet another immensely enjoyable addition to a series that really, truly, wonderfully stands out.
(with thanks to the author for the ARC copy )
However, despite the vintage splendour, the human interest piece and the very flawed characters that populate her high London set make the series easily accessible. For no matter whether you are dripping in diamonds and lush dressing gowns, matters of the heart, betrayal and jealousy transcend time and class.
It is quite obvious that Weaver has a passion for the russet chairs and electric marquises of the theatre. Here, in a mystery that evokes the West End in a delectable age, she carefully unveils a tale of affairs, lovers, the spotlight and murder. In the meta moments when the play is brought to life, we see that Weaver has a nose for secondary plots ( and even for theatrical writing. Seriously, reader friends, I would watch this play to DEATH! <--- pun intended)
I cannot say enough for the atmosphere here which in all books is perfect-- but in this one becomes more and more delicious as the curtain is tugged open to reveal a world sinister and splendid.
With several plausible suspects, Milo and Amory's healing marriage (SUCH ROMANCE), a monkey (!!!) and a really well-honed sense of rapier wit, An Act of Villainy is a love letter to an era Weaver owns in current mystery ( I said on twitter recently I prefer her to Agatha Christie-- and I do). Amory's inimitable narrative is paired here with a city I love and a hobby I adore.
Also, Milo is chocolate, moonlight and Valentino ( of course) and we even meet Amory's mother!
I am so in love with this series. I read each book more than once and act of Villainy is yet another immensely enjoyable addition to a series that really, truly, wonderfully stands out.
(with thanks to the author for the ARC copy )
January 11, 2022
This remains one of the lovely series I look forward to reading each year. I am thinking of asking for Milo POV for Yuletide.
Re-read January 2022
Now we're getting into the books I remember better! I really like Balthazar. I remember that from before.
Re-read January 2022
Now we're getting into the books I remember better! I really like Balthazar. I remember that from before.
September 7, 2018
I love this series and these characters a lot. The mystery's not too bad, either. I know I have a lot of friends who are really good at guessing the murderer, but I'm only passably good at that, and I was genuinely shocked here; I only guessed at one tiny aspect of the plot.
The writing isn't as zingy, maybe, and there's less interpersonal tension, which is a good thing (too much and it becomes unrealistic!) and a bad thing, too (too little and it becomes blah). But it does have this line, which made me laugh out loud:
Not enough about clothes in this one, though. And honey: you've definitely worn a formal black dress before.
The writing isn't as zingy, maybe, and there's less interpersonal tension, which is a good thing (too much and it becomes unrealistic!) and a bad thing, too (too little and it becomes blah). But it does have this line, which made me laugh out loud:
“Hello, Mother,” I said. “I didn't hear you knock.”Lolllll.
“That's because I didn't. The door was ajar, and I heard voices. I must say, if this is the way you spend your evenings alone, it's no wonder I haven't any grandchildren.”
Not enough about clothes in this one, though. And honey: you've definitely worn a formal black dress before.
July 19, 2021
Generally I read the Amory Ames books for the romance between the husband and wife and the cozy mystery comes along as sort of a nice "extra." But in this case, I think the mystery finally took center stage!
In fact, I did not care much for the drama between Amory and her husband. It felt a little forced after all they've been through. By the end it made more sense but at the time it curbed my enthusiasm.
The climax and conclusion, however, made up for the beginning and left me quite satisfied. Maybe 3 stars for Amory, but up another for exceeded expectations.
In fact, I did not care much for the drama between Amory and her husband. It felt a little forced after all they've been through. By the end it made more sense but at the time it curbed my enthusiasm.
The climax and conclusion, however, made up for the beginning and left me quite satisfied. Maybe 3 stars for Amory, but up another for exceeded expectations.
January 23, 2019
I like Milo and Amory working together, and also working with Inspector Jones (I want to know more about his family!). I also really enjoyed the introduction to Amory’s mother - I feel like we got a little more insight into her character that way, even though it’s not like the books aren’t all written from her POV.
Amory is basically a 1930s British Jessica Fletcher though, at this point.
Amory is basically a 1930s British Jessica Fletcher though, at this point.
November 25, 2018
Milo being super protective of Amory is basically all I have ever wanted. I was very heart eyes about it all.
November 8, 2018
This was fun. I do prefer Amory and Milo when they're working together, especially now. And I do enjoy a murder mystery set in the theatre, plus I enjoy the Inspector. This is a solid romp, even if the resolution wasn't really a surprise (mostly because I was fairly confident of the red herrings and little else remained), . Even enjoyed Amory's mother in the end.
The one sour note is that this series used to be an immediate one to buy for me, until either Kobo or the publisher chose to increase the price of the books by about 50%. Note to all e-book retailers: I'm not going to pay $16 for an e-book. I will wait for the library, thank you very much (and probably be bitter, and less likely to buy your books moving forward, FYI). It's hard to justify an increase of that margin especially when there's no physical product. Which is a shame, because I really loved this series.
The one sour note is that this series used to be an immediate one to buy for me, until either Kobo or the publisher chose to increase the price of the books by about 50%. Note to all e-book retailers: I'm not going to pay $16 for an e-book. I will wait for the library, thank you very much (and probably be bitter, and less likely to buy your books moving forward, FYI). It's hard to justify an increase of that margin especially when there's no physical product. Which is a shame, because I really loved this series.
September 3, 2018
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2018/09...
The latest Amory Ames mystery finds Amory and her husband investigating a series of threatening letters directed at the star of a new play—who happens to be having an affair with her director. I like these characters a lot, but this mystery didn’t work for me. It’s one of those where they all just have a lot of conversations until the solution is revealed. I did guess one major portion of it, but then the end strained credulity so much that I probably would have thrown the book across the room had I not been reading on my Kindle. I will probably give this series another chance but this one did not work for me. B/B-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
The latest Amory Ames mystery finds Amory and her husband investigating a series of threatening letters directed at the star of a new play—who happens to be having an affair with her director. I like these characters a lot, but this mystery didn’t work for me. It’s one of those where they all just have a lot of conversations until the solution is revealed. I did guess one major portion of it, but then the end strained credulity so much that I probably would have thrown the book across the room had I not been reading on my Kindle. I will probably give this series another chance but this one did not work for me. B/B-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
February 10, 2022
AN ACT OF VILLAINY
Ashley Weaver
Socialites Amory and Milo Ames are the stars of this series, with Amory being the lead in the unit. While they are investigating a threat to the star of Milo's friend's (Holoway) play, that star, Flora Bell, is murdered. The worst is that the star is murdered on stage! With the curtain rope! GOOD GRIEF!
Another point of interest for Amory and Milo is that Flora is the supposed mistress to Holoway and seems to be at odds with another star, Christopher Landon. Amory is really worried about this affair thing as she fears that Holoway's marriage to Georgina is really in jeopardy. This sets Amory into spurred motion with full speed to save that marriage!
But then Flora is hanged! OMG and the suspect list is long! Was it Holoway? Either of them? Or could it have been Flora's understudy? This would surely get her career moving. Or could it be Landon who is in love with the now-deceased star? Or even her money-hungry brother?
Amory and Milo go at the investigation like they are keeping golf scores! Ticking off boxes as they move through the suspect list almost like the game of CLUE!
I really enjoyed this book and I love Amory and Milo.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
Ashley Weaver
Socialites Amory and Milo Ames are the stars of this series, with Amory being the lead in the unit. While they are investigating a threat to the star of Milo's friend's (Holoway) play, that star, Flora Bell, is murdered. The worst is that the star is murdered on stage! With the curtain rope! GOOD GRIEF!
Another point of interest for Amory and Milo is that Flora is the supposed mistress to Holoway and seems to be at odds with another star, Christopher Landon. Amory is really worried about this affair thing as she fears that Holoway's marriage to Georgina is really in jeopardy. This sets Amory into spurred motion with full speed to save that marriage!
But then Flora is hanged! OMG and the suspect list is long! Was it Holoway? Either of them? Or could it have been Flora's understudy? This would surely get her career moving. Or could it be Landon who is in love with the now-deceased star? Or even her money-hungry brother?
Amory and Milo go at the investigation like they are keeping golf scores! Ticking off boxes as they move through the suspect list almost like the game of CLUE!
I really enjoyed this book and I love Amory and Milo.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
February 21, 2025
The denouement was surprising to me as I was working to solve the mystery. I enjoyed how the author worked it out. Excited for the next book on the series!
October 29, 2021
After a few installments during which Milo made Amory miserable, we get the magic back in this book. Amory is the lead in all ways this time, making most of the discoveries in the investigation into the murder of an actress. The actress is in a play produced by a friend of the Ames’ and he is having an affair with the woman. In addition to tracking the murderer, Amory deals with her feelings about marriage and infidelity, with Milo rising to the occasion at times and disappointing her at others. We end on a high note, with the murder solved, a reunion of two former lovers, and the Ames in a good place.
July 5, 2022
I love how even though these are rereads I never remember the killers which just makes these rereads fun. I loved the setting for this one, a lot of the characters I didn't like but I liked the murder mystery.
August 14, 2018
I adore this series and was so happy to read this ARC copy while on holiday. I am not the biggest fan of mysteries set in the theatre but alas, pretty much every series will end up having one that has a theatre setting and Amory Ames is no exception. Also, the overall plot is very similar to another mystery that I read not so long ago, but the conclusion, thankfully, was completely different. Very enjoyable and I am already looking forward to no. 6!
September 19, 2018
Not as engaging as the previous books unfortunately. I would also like to see more character development between Milo and Amory. But it was still fun. Just thought previous mysteries were more engaging
September 23, 2018
Whodunit? Well, Ashley Weaver has done it again with the fifth Amory Ames mystery! This is a sparkling, clever, romantic installment in the series. It has all the elements we've come to know and love. And these last two installments have been more complexly and intricately plotted, so kudos to Weaver for that.
Milo and Amory are back in London after their sojourn abroad. After coming out of a theater one night, (having seen a murder mystery play, no less) they're approached by Milo's old friend Gerard Holloway. Gerard is a wealthy theater investor/director/playwright. He has a new play opening soon. The catch: his mistress, the lead of the play, has been getting threatening notes. As Gerard's heard of the Ameses mystery solving success, he asks them to look into it. Amory is put in an awkward position, as she's friends with Georgina, Gerard's wife. But she and Milo agree to investigate. Unsure of the seriousness of the notes, they're unable to prevent things from turning deadly. And this case may be the hardest one yet when it comes to Amory and Milo's marriage.
We find a fun setting in the London stage, which comes with a colorful cast of suspects. An Act of Villainy is a great page-turner. Really, where is the show for this?! It would fill the Poirot and Marple sized hole in my heart now that those shows are off the air,
I love the network of help Amory calls upon when investigating. Five books in and I feel like I really know this eccentric squad (#SquadGoals). They really are the best combo of resources. The book contains well placed bursts of ominous foreshadowing. There's a very Poirot denouement with a twist! Brava, Ms. Weaver! Well played.
Weaver continues to sensitively explore the issues of the Ameses' complex marriage, this time through the lens of their friends' marriage. We explore Amory's insecurities and uncertainties about Milo's affection, along with Milo's communication issues and reticence. Still, no matter what, they're the dream team. I love their connection. I also love how Amory and Milo usually get there at the same time as to whodunit, unbeknownst to each other. It just goes to show that they're on the same wavelength.
If you loved Nancy Drew as a kid, and are all grown up now, the Amory Ames mysteries are for you. Read them! You're missing out! And if anything, you have to get to them before the inevitable TV adaptation I keep blathering on about becomes a thing ;)
Milo and Amory are back in London after their sojourn abroad. After coming out of a theater one night, (having seen a murder mystery play, no less) they're approached by Milo's old friend Gerard Holloway. Gerard is a wealthy theater investor/director/playwright. He has a new play opening soon. The catch: his mistress, the lead of the play, has been getting threatening notes. As Gerard's heard of the Ameses mystery solving success, he asks them to look into it. Amory is put in an awkward position, as she's friends with Georgina, Gerard's wife. But she and Milo agree to investigate. Unsure of the seriousness of the notes, they're unable to prevent things from turning deadly. And this case may be the hardest one yet when it comes to Amory and Milo's marriage.
We find a fun setting in the London stage, which comes with a colorful cast of suspects. An Act of Villainy is a great page-turner. Really, where is the show for this?! It would fill the Poirot and Marple sized hole in my heart now that those shows are off the air,
I love the network of help Amory calls upon when investigating. Five books in and I feel like I really know this eccentric squad (#SquadGoals). They really are the best combo of resources. The book contains well placed bursts of ominous foreshadowing. There's a very Poirot denouement with a twist! Brava, Ms. Weaver! Well played.
Weaver continues to sensitively explore the issues of the Ameses' complex marriage, this time through the lens of their friends' marriage. We explore Amory's insecurities and uncertainties about Milo's affection, along with Milo's communication issues and reticence. Still, no matter what, they're the dream team. I love their connection. I also love how Amory and Milo usually get there at the same time as to whodunit, unbeknownst to each other. It just goes to show that they're on the same wavelength.
If you loved Nancy Drew as a kid, and are all grown up now, the Amory Ames mysteries are for you. Read them! You're missing out! And if anything, you have to get to them before the inevitable TV adaptation I keep blathering on about becomes a thing ;)
March 22, 2022
Amory Ames and her husband Milo are not averse to doing a little bit of investigation when crimes are committed within their circle of acquaintances. And one evening in London in 1933 they are walking through the streets after the theatre audiences have exited their respective theatres when they meet an old friend, Gerard Holloway.
He is an entrepreneur and one time actor who is just about to launch a new play and he asks them to a dress rehearsal. What they discover is that the leading lady, Flora Bell, is not only the star, she is Gerard's mistress as well. And as Amory is very friendly with Gerard's wife, Georgina, she finds herself in an invidious position. But she decides to make the best of it, with the help of her sometimes philandering husband as her assistant.
What transpires is an exciting mystery involving Flora Bell and it would seem the rest of the cast of the new play, whose petty jealousies show through from the beginning. In addition the tension between Gerard and Georgina is immense and Amory sometimes finds it difficult to be objective about the situation.
The more Amory and Milo delve, the more mysterious the situation becomes and the more danger they find themselves in until an unfortunate incident takes place that puts a whole different complexion on the issue. But the couple battle on with the help, or under the direction of, Inspector Jones. And, after a great deal of investigative work and in a very Hercule Poirot style denouement, they reveal the truth of what has been happening and who did what, when, where and why.
The story simmers all the way through until it reaches its surprising climax; an excellent read.
He is an entrepreneur and one time actor who is just about to launch a new play and he asks them to a dress rehearsal. What they discover is that the leading lady, Flora Bell, is not only the star, she is Gerard's mistress as well. And as Amory is very friendly with Gerard's wife, Georgina, she finds herself in an invidious position. But she decides to make the best of it, with the help of her sometimes philandering husband as her assistant.
What transpires is an exciting mystery involving Flora Bell and it would seem the rest of the cast of the new play, whose petty jealousies show through from the beginning. In addition the tension between Gerard and Georgina is immense and Amory sometimes finds it difficult to be objective about the situation.
The more Amory and Milo delve, the more mysterious the situation becomes and the more danger they find themselves in until an unfortunate incident takes place that puts a whole different complexion on the issue. But the couple battle on with the help, or under the direction of, Inspector Jones. And, after a great deal of investigative work and in a very Hercule Poirot style denouement, they reveal the truth of what has been happening and who did what, when, where and why.
The story simmers all the way through until it reaches its surprising climax; an excellent read.
May 20, 2020
I'm a fan of this series and loved how this book combined the sophistocation of the two main characters, Amory and Milo, with the capricious atmosphere of the London theater scene. The theater setting itself was used to good advantage as a place where illusion and deception merge and where egos are apt to collide dangerously. Amory and Milo make a great sleuthing team, while the author still maintains Amory's slight uneasiness about their marriage. The ending surprised me!
November 8, 2020
Love this series for Amory and the divine Milo, but this wasn't my favourite outing as the plot is convoluted and, ultimately, pretty silly.
April 4, 2019
Amory Ames and her husband Milo have returned to London after their holiday in Italy and Paris. After a night on the town, the Ameses run into Milo's old friend, Gerard Holloway. Gerard, a former actor turned writer and producer invites the couple to his newest play, "The Price of Victory." Amory is eager to accept the invitation until she learns Gerard's name has been linked to his leading lady, Flora Bell. This upsets Amory, being a friend of Georgina Holloway and having experienced something similar in her own marriage. Amory is determined to be a good friend for Georgina and help the formerly happy, loving couple through this. When Gerard sought out Amory and Milo, he had an ulterior motive. Flora has been receiving threatening letters but refuses to go to the police. Since Amory and Milo have some experience in these matters, Gerard asks them to look into it. Milo agrees only because he knows Amory won't rest until she gets to the bottom of the mystery but Amory never dreams that the situation will come to murder. Flora was a talented actress whose life was snuffed out cruelly and Amory is determined to get justice for the young woman and help her friends get their marriage back on track.
This mystery was rather boring for most of the book. I didn't really care who killed Flora. I had a suspect in mind and a hint of a motive but I wasn't 100% positive. The mystery was complicated as it seems everyone had a reason to be angry with Flora at one time or another. Then after it seems all is resolved, a final plot twist shocked me to my core and bumped my rating up to 4 (out of 5) stars! I never saw the twist coming and I was so surprised by what actually happened. I am in awe of the author's skill and defy the readers to figure it out on their own.
It was nice to see Milo a little more affectionate towards Amory. I feel sorry for her having insecurities and projecting her feelings about her own marriage into the Holloways' marriage. I have no doubt Milo loves Amory in his own way, but he does have an odd idea of what marriage is about. Granted, his mother died when he was young so he never had a marriage to look up to and model his own on. While Amory's parents are cooly distant in the very British upper class fashion, they are married and don't believe in causing scandals. At least Amory and Milo talk about some of her feelings as they work on investigating the murder. I don't find him all that charming and I'm not sure I'd still be married to him if I were Amory.
I don't like any of the theatrical people. They're all selfish and all playing a role. Flora Bell was a wonderful actress and a determined young woman. It's such a shame her life was cut short. She could have been a leading light of the British stage. Her understudy, Dahlia Dearborn, doesn't have half the talent, drive or dedication of Flora. I see Dahlia as a bored dilettante and social climber. The leading man, Christopher Landon, is brooding and possibly a liar. The old actor, Balthazar Lebeau, is a consummate actor, always playing a role, not letting anyone see his true self, if he even knows who he is anymore. His ego knows no bounds and I find him rather rude. Gerard Holloway put the Ameses in this difficult position. He knows Amory is friends with his wife yet he wants her to investigate on behalf of his mistress. That's a little slimy and I don't appreciate his infidelity to his loving wife. Georgina is a cool customer who doesn't allow her emotions to overcome rational sense. I feel sorry for her being put in this situation. Flora also had a brother who is in need of money. I don't like his gambling addiction but I understand it's a disease and I do feel bad for him losing his own family member. I don't think he's a killer because Flora is worth more to him alive than dead but who can say he didn't commit a crime of passion? Read the book to find out!
Content is clean other than some
Mild violence
marital infidelity
gambling
drinking
This mystery was rather boring for most of the book. I didn't really care who killed Flora. I had a suspect in mind and a hint of a motive but I wasn't 100% positive. The mystery was complicated as it seems everyone had a reason to be angry with Flora at one time or another. Then after it seems all is resolved, a final plot twist shocked me to my core and bumped my rating up to 4 (out of 5) stars! I never saw the twist coming and I was so surprised by what actually happened. I am in awe of the author's skill and defy the readers to figure it out on their own.
It was nice to see Milo a little more affectionate towards Amory. I feel sorry for her having insecurities and projecting her feelings about her own marriage into the Holloways' marriage. I have no doubt Milo loves Amory in his own way, but he does have an odd idea of what marriage is about. Granted, his mother died when he was young so he never had a marriage to look up to and model his own on. While Amory's parents are cooly distant in the very British upper class fashion, they are married and don't believe in causing scandals. At least Amory and Milo talk about some of her feelings as they work on investigating the murder. I don't find him all that charming and I'm not sure I'd still be married to him if I were Amory.
I don't like any of the theatrical people. They're all selfish and all playing a role. Flora Bell was a wonderful actress and a determined young woman. It's such a shame her life was cut short. She could have been a leading light of the British stage. Her understudy, Dahlia Dearborn, doesn't have half the talent, drive or dedication of Flora. I see Dahlia as a bored dilettante and social climber. The leading man, Christopher Landon, is brooding and possibly a liar. The old actor, Balthazar Lebeau, is a consummate actor, always playing a role, not letting anyone see his true self, if he even knows who he is anymore. His ego knows no bounds and I find him rather rude. Gerard Holloway put the Ameses in this difficult position. He knows Amory is friends with his wife yet he wants her to investigate on behalf of his mistress. That's a little slimy and I don't appreciate his infidelity to his loving wife. Georgina is a cool customer who doesn't allow her emotions to overcome rational sense. I feel sorry for her being put in this situation. Flora also had a brother who is in need of money. I don't like his gambling addiction but I understand it's a disease and I do feel bad for him losing his own family member. I don't think he's a killer because Flora is worth more to him alive than dead but who can say he didn't commit a crime of passion? Read the book to find out!
Content is clean other than some
Mild violence
marital infidelity
gambling
drinking
August 31, 2018
Amory and Milo in a dramatic mystery filled with ingénues, leading men and a killer on the loose. Leaving the theatre one night, Milo and Amory run into wealthy investor Gerard Holloway. He invites them to a dress rehearsal of his upcoming play. Amory readily accepts. Little do they know Amory’s about to star in a murder and when the curtain falls, she could very well be the next victim.
Move over Nick and Nora Charles, Amory and Milo have taken your place. In classic 1930’s chic style, An Act of Villainy reads like a Thin Man comedy with smart dialogue, a trope of cagy suspects, sophisticated amateur detectives and instead of a fluffy dog, the Ames have a cuddly monkey. Cloak and dagger false clues kept me riveted and when the murderer was unveiled, shock erupted from my lips.
Highly recommend, especially if you love Agatha Christie and screwball mysteries set in the 1930’s. I can’t wait to read more from this series!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books) via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
Move over Nick and Nora Charles, Amory and Milo have taken your place. In classic 1930’s chic style, An Act of Villainy reads like a Thin Man comedy with smart dialogue, a trope of cagy suspects, sophisticated amateur detectives and instead of a fluffy dog, the Ames have a cuddly monkey. Cloak and dagger false clues kept me riveted and when the murderer was unveiled, shock erupted from my lips.
Highly recommend, especially if you love Agatha Christie and screwball mysteries set in the 1930’s. I can’t wait to read more from this series!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books) via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
September 20, 2018
This is a good series but it needs to move forward. I’m getting a bit bored of amory constantly questioning milo and his past. I STILL have no idea if he cheated on her way back when, I assume not, but who knows anymore because the riddle is NEVER solved. Either answer it or move on. I was also disappointed because I thought we’d get some drama in their personal lives in the form of a possible baby(thought I saw signs last book) but that led nowhere so .. oh well. It could still happen, I just thought it would be cool to get more hints and see how this would effect their relationship.
So maybe I’ll stick with the series but might wait til a few more books are out so it doesn’t feel so drug out.
So maybe I’ll stick with the series but might wait til a few more books are out so it doesn’t feel so drug out.
April 26, 2019
Another delightful romp with Milo and Amory! The ending was a bit wild and seemed a bit outlandish, but was certainly entertaining. The narrator, Alison Larkin, is wonderful and I highly recommend audio for this series.I read the first two, then switched to audio, and I'm so glad. Looking forward to book six.
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