Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver

I am happy to see the positive ratings for Murder at the Brightwell because it is the type of light and cozy English mystery that I find to be a welcome diversion. Set in 1932 England, this story by debut author Ashley Weaver focuses on Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman who accompanies a friend to the deliciously upper-crust Brightwell Hotel in attempt to prevent a courtship from turning into a marriage as empty as her own. While there, a murder occurs, Amory’s handsome husband Milo arrives, her friend Gil is arrested and she puts herself in danger in order to clear Gil‘s name. Having been to the Art Deco hotel on Burgh Island in south Devon, I had truly enjoyed picturing the guests, their fashionable clothing, and the seaside resort at the Brightwell, all of which definitely added to the charm of this mystery and to its connection with Agatha Christie.

 

I hope that Amory grows into an even stronger character who is less apt to obsess about defining herself in terms of relationships with her estranged husband and former fiancé, but her musings added romantic tension to the novel and will increase the appeal for many readers. Faculty and staff who like mysteries will definitely enjoy Murder at the Brightwell and I look forward to more adventures in this entertaining series.