A Deception at Thornecrest by Ashley Weaver ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I was kind of on the fence about continuing with this series. However, I have enjoyed it more and more with each book that I've read. A Deception at Thornecrest has moved it to my must-read series list.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2020; Minotaur Books; 978-1250159793
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); cozy mystery

After discovering the series with A Dangerous Engagement (read my review), I did go back and read the first book in the series as I thought I was missing something with the characters by starting with book 6. I liked Amory enough but I wanted more of who she and Milo were as a couple. Reading book 1, Murder at the Brightwell (read my review) did feel me in on the beginnings of their relationship. Again, it was an enjoyable read but I didn't feel compelled to seek out the intervening books.

When I saw A Deception at Thornecrest at NetGalley I debated requesting it. I love the 1930s and I really like Amory. I figured it would a light read so I went ahead and requested it. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it and find myself excited about future books in this series. I'm even thinking about going back picking up books 2 - 5.

Milo and Amory are more of a team than they were in the previous books I read. They've had a rocky marriage and they seem like they are more of a happy couple in this book. Which definitely played a part in my overall enjoyment of the story. Another reason I think I liked this novel more is that we get a lot of backstory on Milo that helps the reader understand him better. 

Amory and Milo are at his family's country home while they await the arrival of their first child. Milo's mother died in childbirth so naturally, there is a bit about her but we also learn more about Milo's father when an unexpected visitor arrives.

I'm still curious about their background. They don't appear to be titled gentry, yet they have a country home and a flat in London (and possibly a house there as well). It is the 1930s and in most other books I read set during this period in England there is at least mention of the financial hardships the people are experiencing. However, there is no mention, not even a hint, that the country is experiencing an economic depression. It's a curiosity that I hope in a future book will be explained.

The mystery in A Deception at Thornecrest is a good one. Amory will soon learn that though everyone seems to know everyone's business in this small village there are a number of secrets that have remained buried. Is one of these secrets worth killing for? 

I didn't guess the solution to the mystery. We have all the clues, but like Amory, I didn't feel like the pieces quite fit together. 

I recommend spending the weekend in the country with Milo and Amory as this book is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading.

Buy A Deception at Thornecrest at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up today! Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.