Publishers Weekly - Audio
02/23/2015
Voice actress Fulford-Brown turns in a lackluster reading of Weaver’s Edgar Award–nominated debut mystery, set in 1932 England. The story revolves around Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman who becomes a plucky amateur sleuth when she learns that her former fiancé is a suspect in a murder investigation. Weaver’s tremendously strong plot, fresh style, and skillfully crafted writing fades in Fulford-Brown’s presentation of it, which is dirge-like and frequently belies the text. The excellent production value is lost on her fatigued read, with its frequently off-putting intonation, pronunciation, and cadence. A Minotaur hardcover. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
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
“Murder at the Brightwell is an elegant Christie-esque 1930s romp that will delight fans of Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie series with its wit, charm, and strong independent heroine. With its dash of romance, Amory Ames and her rakish husband Milo might just be the new Nick and Nora Charles.” —Deborah Crombie, New York Times bestselling author of To Dwell in Darkness
“If you love Downton Abbey, you'll adore Ashley Weaver's charming debut novel, set amidst the upper-crust of British society at a posh seaside resort in the 1930s. There are handsome cads, gorgeous gowns, and red herrings galore as our winsome heroine Amory Ames puts all the clues together to find the murderer—as well as love.” —Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times-bestselling author of the Barry Award-winning Maggie Hope series.
“A charming mystery including all my favorite elements—a grand seaside hotel in 1930s England with a background love story.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness mysteries
“Ashley Weaver's debut novel delivers the goods—an appealing heroine, an abundance of suspects and enough red herrings to satisfy the most demanding of readers—all rendered with an expert hand.” —Carol K. Carr, national bestselling author of the Madame of Espionage mysteries
“A witty and charming debut mystery with a believably spunky sleuth and a compelling story of love that never runs smoothly. I was caught up by the author's subtle humor and gift for dialogue. I hope we see more of Amory Ames in the future.” —G.M. Malliet, Agatha Award-winning author of the St. Just and Max Tudor mysteries
“An engaging mystery that kept me guessing right up to the end. I especially enjoyed the playful and at times snarky banter between Amory and Milo, which had me rooting for them not only to solve the murder, but to realize how perfect they are for each other. I hope they will continue on in the vein of Nick and Nora Charles, for I would happily follow them on the trail of future mysteries!” —Jennifer Delamere, author of An Heiress at Heart
“A posh hotel that specializes in good wines, fine foods, and servants that cater to every whim in this charming period piece will appeal to Downton Abbey fans.” —Odine H. Cogdill, Fisher Island Magazine
Agatha Award-winning author of the St. Just and Ma G.M. Malliet
A witty and charming debut mystery with a believably spunky sleuth and a compelling story of love that never runs smoothly. I was caught up by the author's subtle humor and gift for dialogue. I hope we see more of Amory Ames in the future.
national bestselling author of the Madame of Espio Carol K. Carr
Ashley Weaver's debut novel delivers the goods--an appealing heroine, an abundance of suspects and enough red herrings to satisfy the most demanding of readers--all rendered with an expert hand.
New York Times bestselling author of the Molly Mur Rhys Bowen
A charming mystery including all my favorite elements--a grand seaside hotel in 1930s England with a background love story.
New York Times-bestselling author of the Barry Awa Susan Elia MacNeal
If you love Downton Abbey, you'll adore Ashley Weaver's charming debut novel, set amidst the upper-crust of British society at a posh seaside resort in the 1930s. There are handsome cads, gorgeous gowns, and red herrings galore as our winsome heroine Amory Ames puts all the clues together to find the murderer--as well as love.
New York Times bestselling author of To Dwell in D Deborah Crombie
Murder at the Brightwell is an elegant Christie-esque 1930s romp that will delight fans of Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie series with its wit, charm, and strong independent heroine. With its dash of romance, Amory Ames and her rakish husband Milo might just be the new Nick and Nora Charles.
Library Journal
05/15/2015
A 1932 seaside holiday at the posh Brightwell Hotel is the scene of a ghastly murder. Amory Ames, at a turning point in her own life, solves the crime and finds misplaced love, while keeping her poise and elegance intact. VERDICT This 2015 Reading List winner and Edgar Award nominee is a charming romp for admirers of traditional golden age mysteries and fans of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence, Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher, and Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie. (LJ 9/15/14)
DECEMBER 2015 - AudioFile
Unhappily married Amory Ames seeks solace from an old flame at her sister’s wedding, held at an English seaside hotel called Brightwell. When the groom is murdered, narrator Billie Fulford-Brown turns up the action, capturing the tension felt by the quirky guests, all suspects, as they’re interrogated. Fulford-Brown paints vivid images of each character. She effectively portrays Amory’s emotional struggle with her old flame, and especially charming is her interpretation of Amory’s witty playboy husband—who is very Cary Grant. Eccentric suspects, a man falsely accused, and a husband-and-wife sleuth team in search of a killer make for an engaging story told by a skilled narrator. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
