Mystery Annotation

Death Wears a Mask

Author- Ashley Weaver
publication date- October, 2015 
pages-336
Genre-Mystery
Geographic Location-England
Time Period-1930's

Synopsis

Mystery readers were introduced to amateur sleuth Amory Ames and her husband, Milo, in Murder at the Brightwell in which she revealed her acumen at solving crime. In Death Wears a Mask, once again Amory finds herself entangled in a murder mystery.

While attending a dinner party hosted by family friend Serena Barrington, Amory’s aid is requested by the hostess to investigate the circumstances relating to the recent disappearance of her jewelry. As Amory is studying the list of possible suspects, she is also dealing with discord in her marriage as rumors fly about the philandering of her husband. She sets her plan to uncover the culprit into action during a masked ball hosted by the disreputable Viscount Dunmore. During the evening, a murder is committed, thus complicating the situation further. Amory finds herself entangled in the solving of both crimes, as Detective Inspector Jones, known to her through the Brightwell incident, elicits her aid in the investigation. As the investigation proceeds, readers will be perplexed as to the identity of the thief/murderer because of the many red herrings thrown in by the author.

           London in the 1930’s is the setting of this mystery and readers will enjoy details of this period in upscale London society. Followers of the Nick and Nora series and Agatha Christie mysteries will latch onto this one and hope that it is the second of many mystery adventures with Amory Ames.

Appeal

Characterization

In mysteries, the investigator of the crime, professional or amateur, is a major reason why readers enjoy the book and most importantly, follow a character throughout a series. Amory becomes known to the reader from the first book. Her life circumstances, such as her marital difficulties, are an integral part of the story.  She is likable and readers will be rooting for her as she solves the crime.

Storyline

As befits many amateur detectives, Amory approaches solving the mystery of the disappearance of the jewelry as a puzzle and enjoys putting together the pieces.  When she finds herself in the midst of the murder investigation, she again cannot resist delving into the circumstances to discover the identity of the murderer.

Tone

In this genre, tone can vary greatly. Considering someone has just been murdered, and infidelity and thievery abound, the tone is surprisingly light.

Frame

The setting, London society in the 1930’s, is integral to the story line and readers will find themselves immersed into the time period and location. As in many mysteries, the frame is central to its appeal. 

Read-a-likes

Nick and Nora mysteries- The similarity between Nick and Nora and Amory and Milo as well as the English setting will draw readers to this mystery series.

Agatha Christie Mysteries- Those featuring Miss Marple, in particular, will be enjoyed by fans of Amory Ames. Both feature strong, intelligent amateur detectives. 

Rhys Bowen mysteries – In particular, the Royal Spyness mysteries by Rhys Bowen, will attract readers as they are set in 1930’s London and feature a young female amateur detective.