- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 1407 KB
- Print Length: 304 pages
- Publisher: Minotaur Books (Sept. 5 2017)
- Sold by: Macmillan CA
- Language: English
- ASIN: B06WRR3YPN
Book Description
The fourth installment in the Edgar-nominated mystery series set in 1930s England.
When Milo Ames receives a troubling letter from his childhood nanny, Madame Nanette, he and Amory travel to Paris where they are soon embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of a famous parfumier. Helios Belanger died suddenly, shortly before the release of his newest, highly-anticipated perfume, and Madame Nanette, who works for the family, is convinced that her employer’s death was not due to natural causes.
The more Amory and Milo look into the motives of industry rivals and the Belanger heirs who are vying for control of his perfume empire, the more they are convinced that Nanette may be right. When secrets unfold and things take a dangerous turn, Amory and Milo must work quickly to uncover the essence of the matter and catch a killer before the scent goes cold.
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
About the Author
https://www.ashley-weaver.com/
ASHLEY WEAVER is 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.
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
My Review
The Essence of Malice is the fourth book in the Amory Ames series by Ashley Weaver. This delightful series is set in the 1930s in England. The Essence of Malice takes Amory and husband Milo to France. I have read all the books in this series and found them to all be charming and intriguing. The Essence of Malice can be read as a stand alone though I don't know why you would not want to start at the beginning with Murder at the Brightwell.
The Essence of Malice is a beautifully written period piece. I found the perfume business in Paris to be fascinating. The characters are all interesting and perfect for the era and social class of these tales.
The Essence of Malice is an intriguing mystery. The ending surprised me.
Highly recommend The Essence of Malice. Already lookuing forward to the next book in the series.
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