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An Act of Villainy: An Amory Ames Mystery Kindle Edition

by Ashley Weaver (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 570 ratings
See all formats and editions

Edgar Award-shortlisted author Ashley Weaver returns with the fifth installment in the Amory Ames mystery series.

An Act of Villainy is an a gem, set in 1930s London and filled with style, banter, and twists that traditional mystery fans will positively relish.

"So you've gotten yourself involved with another murder, have you?"

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.

Also out now in the Amory Ames mysteries: Murder at the Brightwell, Death Wears a Mask, A Most Novel Revenge, and The Essence of Malice.

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  1. Book 5 of 7
    Amory Ames Mysteries
  2. Print length
    310 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Minotaur Books
  6. Publication date
    September 4, 2018
  7. File size
    2908 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for An Act of Villainy:

"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."–Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

"An excellent addition to the series, this could also be read independently. The period setting is as always meticulous and the main characters riveting. Fans of lights period mysteries with fashion and flair will be caught up in Amory's latest adventure."―Library Journal

"Elegant...lovers of classic, twisty British mysteries will have jolly good fun."―Publishers Weekly

"True to the style and substance of the Golden Age while simultaneously giving it a fresh touch, An Act of Villainy represents a traditional, twisty whodunit that’s at once fizzy and filling. Please, ma’am, may we have some more?"―Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

"Highlights Weaver's light touch with plotting and refreshingly adult insights into the complications of marriage. It's always a good sign when an ongoing mystery series scarcely requires a murder to keep you reading, and that's certainly the case here."―Open Letters Review

"Another beguiling novel that brings today's reader back nearly one hundred years to a social set and time quite different from our own. It's a charming fantasy life to read about, but here's an excellent mystery here as well."―Marilyn's Mystery Reads

"Tailor-made for readers who love mystery novels mixed with a little love and romance as they keep guessing what's coming next. From a perfectly calibrated plot to incisively built characters, Ashley Weaver handles everything careful to make it entertaining for you."―The Washington Book Review

"Ashley Weaver makes terrific use of misdirection and red herrings as Amory hunts down motives and clues. The ending is just as dramatic as the play at the center of this story revolving around actors and wronged lovers."―Fresh Fiction

Praise for The Essence of Malice:

"In this highly enjoyable and engrossing mystery Ashley Weaver - with her sure touch for evoking elegance and glamour - wafts her appealing and determined heroine Amory into the world of perfumers, family secrets, and the heady whiff of murder. I loved the evocation of scents, skillful shifts of suspicion and the satisfying conclusion."―Frances Brody

"The scent of murder and betrayal fills the Paris air . . . Weaver, a librarian, has a deft touch with the 1930s' upper-class repartee. The climactic surprise makes this the best of her mysteries to date."―Kirkus Reviews

"Sparkling...the power skirmishes between these equally clever spouses shine throughout."―Publishers Weekly

“The fourth addition to this lively historical series is one of its best with an evocative 1930s Parisian setting and an unexpected surprise climax.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

“This novel presents an intricate puzzle to solve. It has roots in the tradition of upper-crust amateur sleuths from the era but remains fresh and unpredictable. The main characters are sophisticated, stylish, and multi-dimensional. Effective hooks keep the action moving swiftly, and clever dialogue paired with well-developed atmosphere make it quite entertaining.” ―Historical Novel Society

“The Ameses make a beautiful pair, stylish and clever, and Weaver infuses her story with all of the Golden Age splendor a reader could want . . . This is an excellent entrée into a delightful (librarian-penned) series.” ―Booklist

Praise for the Amory Ames Mysteries:

“Fans with fond memories of Georgette Heyer’s mysteries set in the same period will be delighted with the gallery of suspects and the edgy romance.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Sure to appeal to Agatha Christie devotees.” ―Booklist

“It's all very Downton Abbey... [Weaver] channels the ambiance and spirit of British society during the post-World War I years.” ―Associated Press

“With a profound nod to the Golden Age of the British whodunit, Weaver creates a classic mystery, complete with a fashionable setting, a cast of upper-crust Brits, and witty prose.” ―Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Captivating.... Fascinating and stylish characters fill out a finely tuned traditional mystery." ―Publishers Weekly on A Most Novel Revenge

"This debut novel by a librarian lays the foundation for a stylish series with Milo and Amory channeling Nick and Nora Charles." ―Booklist on Murder at the Brightwell

"A spunky heroine, a tense romance and red herrings galore make Weaver's debut a pleasant read for nostalgia buffs who miss Agatha Christie." ―Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the Brightwell

“Fans with fond memories of Georgette Heyer’s mysteries set in the same period will be delighted with the gallery of suspects and the edgy romance.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Death Wears a Mask

About the Author

ASHLEY WEAVER is the Technical Services Coordinator at the Allen Parish Libraries in Oberlin, Louisiana. Weaver has worked in libraries since she was 14; she was a page and then a clerk before obtaining her MLIS from Louisiana State University. She is the author of Murder at the Brightwell, Death Wears a Mask, and A Most Novel Revenge. Weaver lives in Oakdale, Louisiana.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079DW47K6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books (September 4, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 4, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2908 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 570 ratings

About the author

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Ashley Weaver

Ashley Weaver

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Ashley Weaver is the author of the Amory Ames Mysteries and the Electra McDonnell series. She is also the Technical Services Coordinator for the Allen Parish Libraries in Louisiana. Weaver has worked in libraries since she was 14; she was a page and then a clerk before obtaining her MLIS from Louisiana State University. She lives in Oakdale, Louisiana.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
570 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sarah M
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite from this series thus far. The reveal really brings the book together perfectly
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2020
Verified Purchase
'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.
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Allison Williams
4.0 out of 5 stars Best Mystery Novel ever!
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book is well written and captures the period as well as fills out the characters that make them come alive. Ending quite unexpected...I will definitely become a follower of this author.
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BritMumof4
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
I fell in love with Milo and Amory in the first book and I just keep falling! Every book in this series adds new dimensions to their relationship and detecting partnership. This story was told so well. All the clues are there and it’s both solvable and surprising. I like to relax and just enjoy the rhythm of words and story...and I’ve not been disappointed by Ms Weaver [Now if she could write four or five books a year of this quality then my birthday wish would come true! ;) ]. So my advice is buy all of this series; I have and I’m looking forward to the next Ames Adventure.
6 people found this helpful
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Linda S.B.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not as Good as Her Others
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2019
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I was eager to read this book but after buying it, was disappointed when I read it. The setting is tight, pertaining mostly to a theatre and the murdered woman's name is most contrived. Amory herself isn't as interesting is usual in these books. The "Nick and Nora" type wit and repartee between Amory and her husband was missing. Hopefully the next book will be better. Stick with the first four books; they are indeed good!
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Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific...don't miss this series
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2019
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Read this one. You won't be sorry. I just discovered the Amory Ames series and it has given me hours of pleasure. An Act of Villainy is the best of the series with an ending I did not even come close to guessing. I particularly like that the relationship of Amory and Milo is not perfect. Watching them work through the relationship over the course of the six books (5 books and 1 kindle single) has just added interest to the already intriguing mysteries. I hope Ashley Weaver just keeps writing and writing!
2 people found this helpful
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Valerie A Kader
4.0 out of 5 stars Theatrical
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022
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I love historical mysteries! I’ve read all of the earlier books in the series and liked all of them, even loved most of them. This book had a mildly intriguing premise - play director/patron asks heroine & husband to investigate threatening letters sent to his leading lady. The heroine, Amory, was wonderful as usual - beautiful, clever, kind, and loyal. Her husband, Milo, was more appealing than aggravating - a feat for him - especially during the final scene. The peripheral characters were a little more two-dimensional than usual. The storyline and dialogue were much more theatrical than usual, perhaps this was intentional to suit the setting, but it was not as appealing to me. Overall, a good book, not as great as the prior books in the series.
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Maureen Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun reading
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
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Another fun mystery solved by Amory and Milo. This book had some good twists in it. It is also good to have Amory and Milo relationship growing.
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Shabby Elf
5.0 out of 5 stars A very original plot!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2019
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This may be my favourite Amory Ames book yet! Amory and Milo seem to have finally settled into their marriage. Consequently, the focus of this book falls more on the mystery and less on the romance. But this is all to the good because this is one of the best mysteries I have read - ever. Intricately plotted, I defy anyone to guess who the murderer is before the last page. All that is not to say that Amory and Milo don't have plenty of scenes together, they do (and yes, some of them are romantic), but the will-they-won't-they-stay-together tension of the earlier books could only last so long and was beginning to grow tedious. In this fifth installment, Ashley Weaver has seamlessly transitioned the pair into a functioning detective duo and taken her always excellent plotting to a new level, proving that continual romantic tension is not a requirment to keep people engaged in a series. I am looking forward to the next installment.
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Canadiangardener
5.0 out of 5 stars Better every time
Reviewed in Canada on February 10, 2022
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Her books are really improving. I found the first in the series a bit irritating but promising - glad I continued with them series. Looking forward to the next one - hope it's as good as this one was.
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jasmin d'été
5.0 out of 5 stars un épisode très prenant
Reviewed in France on January 4, 2021
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Pour ceux qui aiment Agatha Christie et ce genre de littérature mystères meurtres sans la violence et sans les services de médecine légale, c'est l'idéal. Un superbe couple Amory et Milo très tendance et people des années 20 forment un duo très efficace pour découvrir les meurtriers . Toute la série est délicieuse mais celui-ci est charmant
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V. Coldwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing new to bring to the table
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2020
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Whilst I really enjoyed this (good storyline, characters are well described and one doesn't have to have read any of the other books in the series to be able to get this book) but why use an American actress putting on a British accent on the audio book version?? Also, as far as Golden Age Murder Mysteries are concerned. this series doesn't have anything new to bring to the table. I'd much rather stick to the original dames of Golden Age Mysteries - Ngaio Marsh (my own personal favourite), Gladys Mitchell, and of course Agatha Christie.
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Terrywithay
4.0 out of 5 stars Ashley weaves a marvellous mystery
Reviewed in Australia on June 21, 2021
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Who doesn’t enjoy this wonderful series - really enjoyed the storyline in this particular book - love the tension between Amory and Milo - and the rebuilding of trust. It’s a fascinating journey of mistrust, dedication and commitment. The twist at the end was exceptional and extremely clever
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BananaTricky
4.0 out of 5 stars 1930s British theatre murder mystery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
Our detective duo Amory and Miles are drawn into another murder investigation.

One of Amory and Miles' friends, the investor Gerard Holloway, is directing a new play in London's West End and invites them to watch the dress rehearsal. The leading lady, Flora Bell, who turns out to be Gerard's mistress, is receiving threatening, albeit vague, letters but before Amory can persuade her to contact the police she is brutally murdered on the stage while the cast and friends are attending a first night after party.

Amory and Miles investigate with the consent of their favourite detective but it seems as though everyone had a motive. Could it be her understudy Dahlia? Or the lover and co-star she spurned for Gerard? Or Gerard's wife? Or Gerard himself? Or even her ne'er do well brother Freddie? Or the villain in the play?

I have to say this ended in a way I did not see coming. Arguably no-one could have predicted the motive for the murder from the clues, and yet it didn't feel like a con on the reader. As with many readers I would like to better understand Milo's behaviour, but I think we have seen a small glimpse into his heart - only the next book will tell.

If you like Colombo and Poirot and 1930s British aristocracy then I think you will love this series.
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