Ashley Weaver Books in Order: Amory Ames, Electra McDonnell, and More

Ashley Weaver writes historical mysteries that combine classic whodunit elements with glamorous settings, complicated relationships, and strong female protagonists. Her first series follows wealthy British socialite Amory Ames and her charming but unreliable husband, Milo, as they become involved in murders across the 1930s. Weaver’s official website describes the books as the “sleuthing escapades” of a 1930s British socialite and her playboy husband.

Her second series moves into wartime London and follows Electra “Ellie” McDonnell, a talented safecracker from a family of thieves who is recruited to use her criminal skills for Britain’s war effort. The Electra McDonnell books combine historical mystery, espionage, romance, and adventure.

Amory Ames Mysteries in Order

The Amory Ames Mysteries consist of seven main novels and one shorter companion story. The series begins with Murder at the Brightwell in 2014 and concludes, so far, with A Deception at Thornecrest in 2020.

1. Murder at the Brightwell

Published: 2014

Murder at the Brightwell introduces Amory Ames, a wealthy young woman whose marriage to notorious playboy Milo Ames has left her wondering whether she made a terrible mistake.

When Amory agrees to help her former fiancé, Gil Trent, prevent his sister from marrying the disreputable Rupert Howe, she expects a relatively simple favor. Instead, Rupert is murdered at the Brightwell Hotel and Gil is arrested.

Amory decides to investigate and prove Gil’s innocence. Milo unexpectedly arrives and becomes involved in the investigation, forcing the estranged couple to work together. The mystery also becomes a test of Amory’s feelings about her marriage and her former relationship with Gil. Weaver’s official description establishes the book as the beginning of Amory and Milo’s mystery adventures.

2. Death Wears a Mask

Published: 2015

After the events at the Brightwell Hotel, Amory hopes she and Milo can repair their troubled marriage during a quiet period in London. Her plans change when family friend Serena Barrington asks her to investigate the disappearance of valuable jewelry.

The investigation leads Amory to a lavish masked ball hosted by the notorious Viscount Dunmore. When a guest is murdered, the jewel theft becomes part of a much larger mystery.

Amory once again finds herself working with Milo while trying to determine which members of London’s fashionable society are hiding something. The novel deepens both the mystery partnership and the complicated relationship between Amory and her husband.

3. A Most Novel Revenge

Published: 2016

Amory and Milo travel to the English countryside expecting a peaceful visit, but their plans disappear when Amory is summoned to Lyonsgate, the country estate of Reginald Lyons.

The house is filled with an unusual group of guests, including the controversial socialite Isobel Van Allen. Isobel has returned from years of social exile to write a revealing sequel about a scandalous murder that took place at Lyonsgate years earlier.

When someone decides that the old secrets should remain buried, Amory and Milo must determine which guest has the strongest motive for murder. The novel combines a country-house mystery with the continuing development of the Ames marriage.

Intrigue in Capri

Published: 2017
Type: Companion story

Intrigue in Capri is a shorter companion story associated with the Amory Ames Mysteries. It is generally listed as Book 3.5, placing it between A Most Novel Revenge and The Essence of Malice.

It is not necessary to read it to understand the seven main novels, but readers looking for the complete Amory Ames reading experience can include it here.

4. The Essence of Malice

Published: 2017

When Milo receives a disturbing letter from his childhood nanny, Madame Nanette, he and Amory travel to Paris.

The case concerns the sudden death of famous parfumier Helios Belanger, whose death comes shortly before the release of a highly anticipated new perfume. Madame Nanette believes the death was not natural, and Amory and Milo begin examining the competing interests surrounding Belanger’s perfume empire.

The Paris setting gives this mystery a different flavor from the earlier books, while the investigation continues the series’ combination of murder, high society, romance, and secrets.

5. An Act of Villainy

Published: 2018

Amory and Milo encounter wealthy investor and former actor Gerard Holloway after an evening at the theater. Holloway asks for their help after revealing that his mistress, actress Flora Bell, has been receiving threatening letters.

The case draws Amory into the world of theater, where nearly everyone has a reason to dislike Flora. The threatening letters escalate, and the possibility of murder becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.

The mystery uses the theatrical setting to explore deception, jealousy, reputation, and the difference between performance and reality.

6. A Dangerous Engagement

Published: 2019

Amory and Milo travel to New York for the wedding of Amory’s childhood friend Tabitha. Amory expects a glamorous celebration, but the discovery of a murdered member of the wedding party quickly changes the atmosphere.

The victim has connections to gangster Leon De Lora, drawing the investigation into New York’s criminal underworld. At the same time, Amory suspects that the wedding guests themselves may have motives worth examining.

Set during Prohibition, the novel brings Amory and Milo into nightclubs, bootlegging circles, and a new city where they cannot easily determine who is trustworthy.

7. A Deception at Thornecrest

Published: 2020

The seventh main Amory Ames mystery takes Amory back to her country home, Thornecrest, where she is preparing for the arrival of her baby while Milo is away in London.

Her quiet plans are disrupted when a woman appears claiming to be Mrs. Ames, insisting that she is Milo’s wife. Milo confirms that the woman is mistaken, but the strange visitors do not stop there.

When a stable hand is found dead during the local Springtide Festival, the seemingly unrelated mysteries surrounding Thornecrest begin to look much more sinister. Amory once again has to uncover the truth before another person becomes a victim.

Electra McDonnell Books in Order

The Electra McDonnell series contains five novels. It shifts from 1930s British society to World War II London, where Electra “Ellie” McDonnell’s talents as a safecracker become unexpectedly useful to British intelligence.

1. A Peculiar Combination

Published: 2021

Electra McDonnell comes from a family of thieves and has developed an exceptional talent for cracking safes. When she is caught breaking into a wealthy London home, prison seems inevitable.

Instead, a British officer offers her an unusual alternative: use her criminal skills to help the war effort.

Ellie is recruited to break into places that conventional agents cannot access. Her new work places her alongside people she does not entirely trust, including the aristocratic Major Gabriel Ramsey, creating a partnership that becomes central to the series.

The combination of wartime espionage, burglary, mystery, and romance gives this series a very different atmosphere from the Amory Ames books.

2. The Key to Deceit

Published: 2022

Ellie McDonnell continues using her safecracking abilities for Britain’s secret war effort. What began as an unusual arrangement becomes increasingly dangerous as she and her allies become involved in another operation involving secrets, deception, and people who cannot afford to be caught.

The second novel develops the relationships introduced in A Peculiar Combination while expanding the wartime world surrounding Ellie and her family.

3. Playing It Safe

Published: 2023

Playing It Safe continues Ellie’s wartime adventures as her unusual skills remain valuable to British intelligence.

The series’ central appeal becomes even clearer here: Ellie is not a conventional spy. Her background as a thief gives her abilities that trained agents simply do not possess, but it also means that her family history and criminal connections can create problems of their own.

4. Locked in Pursuit

Published: 2024

In Locked in Pursuit, Ellie remains caught between her family’s criminal past and her increasingly dangerous role in Britain’s wartime operations.

The mystery continues the series’ blend of espionage and historical crime while developing the relationships among Ellie, Gabriel, Felix, and her family. It is best read after the first three books because the personal and wartime storylines continue across the series.

5. One Final Turn

Published: 2025

One Final Turn is the fifth and most recent Electra McDonnell mystery.

Ellie’s ability to manipulate locks and security systems once again becomes crucial as she and her allies become involved in another wartime operation. The novel continues the mixture of espionage, danger, family loyalty, and romance that defines the series.

It is currently the latest published Ashley Weaver novel, and Macmillan lists it as the newest entry in the Electra McDonnell series.

Ashley Weaver Books in Publication Order

If you want to read Ashley Weaver’s major novels chronologically by publication, rather than finishing one series before starting the other, use this order:

Intrigue in Capri is omitted from this table because it is a shorter companion story rather than one of the seven main Amory Ames novels. It was published in 2017 and is generally positioned between Books 3 and 4.

Should You Read Ashley Weaver’s Books in Publication Order?

You can, but you do not have to.

The two major series have different protagonists, settings, and historical periods. The Amory Ames novels take place in the glamorous world of 1930s British society, while the Electra McDonnell books take place in wartime London during World War II. Weaver’s official website presents them as two separate series.

For that reason, the most straightforward approach is to finish one series before moving to the other.

If you are particularly interested in classic country-house mysteries, social intrigue, and a married detective duo, start with Murder at the Brightwell.

If wartime espionage, safecracking, secret missions, and a younger heroine sound more appealing, start with A Peculiar Combination.

Amory Ames vs. Electra McDonnell

Weaver’s own website describes Amory as a 1930s British socialite and her Electra series as the story of a safecracker and her family helping the British government during World War II.

Where Should You Start with Ashley Weaver?

Start with Murder at the Brightwell

This is the best starting point if you want to experience Ashley Weaver’s writing through the beginning of her first major series. It introduces both Amory and Milo and establishes the complicated marriage that continues through the series.

Start with A Peculiar Combination

Choose A Peculiar Combination if you prefer World War II mysteries and espionage. It introduces Ellie McDonnell and the safecracking premise that drives the entire Electra series.

Read Intrigue in Capri as a Bonus

If you become invested in Amory and Milo, add Intrigue in Capri after A Most Novel Revenge. It is a shorter companion story rather than a required eighth novel.

Are Ashley Weaver’s Books Connected?

The books within each series are connected, particularly through recurring characters and continuing relationships.

The Amory Ames books follow Amory and Milo across multiple mysteries, while the Electra McDonnell books follow Ellie’s developing role in wartime operations. The two series themselves are separate. Weaver’s official site lists them as her two principal series.

This means you should read each series in order, especially if you want the character development and relationship arcs to unfold naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ashley Weaver books are there?

Ashley Weaver currently has 12 main novels across two major series: seven Amory Ames mysteries and five Electra McDonnell mysteries. There is also the Amory Ames companion story Intrigue in Capri.

What is the first Ashley Weaver book?

Murder at the Brightwell, published in 2014, is Ashley Weaver’s first novel and the first Amory Ames mystery.

What is the latest Ashley Weaver book?

One Final Turn, published in June 2025, is currently Ashley Weaver’s latest published novel and the fifth Electra McDonnell mystery.

Is Intrigue in Capri a full-length novel?

No. Intrigue in Capri is a shorter companion story associated with the Amory Ames Mysteries. It is generally placed at Book 3.5, between A Most Novel Revenge and The Essence of Malice.

Do you need to read the Amory Ames books before Electra McDonnell?

No. The two series have different protagonists and settings. You can begin the Electra McDonnell series directly with A Peculiar Combination.

Is the Amory Ames series finished?

The seven-book Amory Ames series currently ends with A Deception at Thornecrest, published in 2020. No new Amory Ames novel is currently listed on Weaver’s official books pages.

Is the Electra McDonnell series finished?

One Final Turn is currently the fifth and latest Electra McDonnell book. No additional volume is currently listed in the series by Macmillan or on Weaver’s official website.

What is Ashley Weaver’s writing style like?

Weaver’s mysteries draw heavily on historical mystery traditions, particularly the glamour and social settings associated with Golden Age detective fiction. The Amory Ames books emphasize high society, country houses, travel, marriage, and murder, while the Electra McDonnell books add wartime espionage, safecracking, and secret operations.

Final Thoughts

Ashley Weaver’s bibliography is easy to divide once the two series are separated. The Amory Ames Mysteries offer glamorous 1930s settings, murder investigations, and the evolving relationship between Amory and Milo, while the Electra McDonnell series moves into World War II London with a safecracker recruited to help the British war effort.

For a complete reading experience, start with Murder at the Brightwell and continue through A Deception at Thornecrest, adding Intrigue in Capri between Books 3 and 4. Then begin the Electra McDonnell series with A Peculiar Combination and continue through One Final Turn. The two series do not require one another, so readers can also choose based on whether they prefer Golden Age-style social mysteries or wartime espionage.

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.