I recently read A Peculiar Combination, the first entry in this author’s new series. That left me wanting to go back to read earlier novels of hers. The Essence of Malice is one of these. It is the fourth entry in her 1930s set series featuring Amory Ames and her husband Milo. It will undoubtedly delight her many fans and create some new ones for this popular writer.
This time around Milo hears from his old nanny who needs his and his wife’s help. The perfumer for whom she works has been murdered. The investigation takes Amory and Milo to Paris.
What follows is a fairly traditional mystery with a variety of suspects. There are also a dangerous situation or two facing our intrepid protagonists. Readers know that all will be resolved. Once it is , they will then want to go on to read all of the other titles in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Editorial Reviews:
“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)
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 