Now engaged to Colin Hargreaves, Lady Emily Ashton finds herself with fiance in tow at a house party given by the mentor of her best friend Ivy’s husband Robert. Emily isn’t fond of Lord Fortescue but knows she needs to support her friend. Unfortunately, she discovers a new nemesis at the party in the form of Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess who clearly has previously been enamored with Emily’s fiance. Even worse, the host of the party is murdered, and Ivy’s husband is arrested for the crime. In a quest to rescue her newly pregnant friend’s husband, Emily finds herself travelling to Vienna in search of a murderer.
It had been too long since I read the last Emily Ashton mystery when I picked this one up, and as a result the details in my head were a bit foggy. I couldn’t really remember what happened in the last one, A Poisoned Season. Lucky for me, these mysteries each stand fairly well on their own two feet, and I found myself slipping into the story effortlessly as I became reacquainted with Emily’s world.
Emily remains something of an unconventional heroine at this point in the series. She may be engaged to a respectable man, but she’s still more inclined to drink port and get herself involved in her society and solving its crimes than a respectable lady of her time might, as Emily’s mother often notes. As a result, she remains somewhat anachronistic, at least to this reader, but her character is so delightful and believes so deeply in the way women should be treated – as equals – that it’s impossible for a modern girl not to appreciate and like her. Her romance with Colin is still breathtaking despite their engagement; in this at least, the author stays true to Victorian mores as Emily behaves properly for once and completely resists even touching Colin in the presence of others. They do exchange kisses, but that’s as far as it goes, and this creates a really nice and unusual sense of both restraint and excitement. We can feel how eager they are to be married and the waiting makes it almost better – especially when Emily gets jealous of Kristiana. She starts to feel very human in this one.
The plot itself didn’t honestly do all that much to capture my attention, especially at the start. I was more enjoying the atmosphere and character development. I wasn’t racing through to get to the end, but as the book is 300 pages long and I read it on a Saturday, I finished it in one sitting. I loved the part of the novel that was set in Vienna. I do love England, but it’s just wonderful to have a change of scene, and this brooding, snow-covered city suited the mood of the book perfectly. Emily’s investigations frequently led to a few twists and turns with the mystery itself, with some tense scenes particularly towards the end. I have two more of these books, so I knew nothing was really going to happen to Emily, but there were no guarantees about anyone else.
A Fatal Waltz served its purpose well; it is a diverting, very romantic historical mystery that has plenty for modern readers to get involved in. I actually really enjoyed it and cracked open the next Emily Ashton book just a week later. I don’t think I’ll be letting the rest of the series sit as long as I left this one!
I am an Amazon Associate. I purchased this book.
I have looked at this series a couple times, but can’t decide if it is for me. I only read a few historical mysteries, so maybe when I finish one I have on the go I will look into this one.
Kailana´s last post …Daughter of the Forest Sevenwaters Series- Book 1 by Juliet Marillier
Sometimes books like this are a pleasure simply because of their setting. I’m glad to see you enjoyed this.
I have the same problem with a particular series that I am reading. It’s been so long since I have read the last book that I am worried about picking up the next one in fear that I am going to be very lost. I am glad to hear that though you had some problems in this area that you were still able to enjoy this book, and I think you wrote a lovely review on it!
zibilee´s last post …Spotlight on Books being featured at the UCF Orlando Book Festival
I think I’d enjoy this series for the setting alone.
Nymeth´s last post …Reading Women by Stephanie Staal
I read the first book in this series and decided not to go on. I just did not think the heroine was realistic at all- she seemed to have no motivation to do anything except to anger her mother, and she seemed very immature to me. I think the author and her husband were also involved in one of those “Don’t you dare review my book poorly on Amazon or I’ll come after you” scandals…
That said, though, I’m glad the second book seems to be better than the first! Though I think I’ll still skip this series
Aarti´s last post …TSS Musings- Clouds of Witness
I’d like to read this particularly because of the setting.
Mystica´s last post …Review – A room with a view by E M Forster
Romantic historical mystery? I like the sound of that! I am intrigued by this now!
Amused´s last post …What Do You Do With Your Books
I know just what you mean — sometimes the characters and the setting are quite enough.
Beth F´s last post …Review- Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
I’m with Aarti on this one. I read the first one and found it disappointing but harmless, trying to juggle romance and historical fiction and literary fiction and coming up short on all three. It does sound like they’ve improved with writing, though, but I can’t say I’m going to rush out to read them. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Kate´s last post …The Help- When fiction and reality meet
I really enjoyed this one – I spent a glorious summer in Vienna and have always found the lack of romantic fiction there a bit surprising. I mean, scandal, champagne, waltzing! I’m enjoying Lady Ashton’s ventures outside of England. I’m glad to see you enjoyed this one.
I’ve linked to your review here.