The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace is a delightful romp infused with wit, charm, and a cast of characters who are as quirky as they are endearing.
The story is set in village of Abington, UK, and mostly on the estate of Ardemore House, a grand yet dilapidated estate. The roof has certainly seen better days. The house, much like its former inhabitants, is filled with secrets and stories that unravel as the plot thickens.
The protagonist, Jo Jones, is an American woman with a past she’d rather not discuss and a talent for getting into trouble. When Jo inherits Ardemore House it is as much as surprise to her as it is to the residents of Abington. Jo takes up residence at Ardemore House, rather at the cottage initially, where the lewd caretaker Sid unexpectedly turns up dead on the rug. Jo is thrust into the middle of a mystery involving a missing painting, a murder, and an ensemble of eccentric residents, each with their own peculiarities. Will she ever get a chance to learn about her own family and this house?
Schillace’s writing is sharp and humorous. The pace of the novel is brisk. And there’s a sense of whimsy that permeates the narrative, making it a joy to read. The characters are wonderfully idiosyncratic, each bringing something unique to the table. Whether it’s the enigmatic barkeep with a penchant for knowing everyone’s business, or the bumbling yet lovable local detectives, Schillace has crafted a world that feels familiar yet delightfully strange.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is well-constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned mystery reader guessing.
Overall, The Framed Women of Ardemore House is a fun, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of lighthearted mysteries with a touch of the unusual. If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman or The Maid by Nita Prose, you’ll find a lot to love in this book.
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