Book & Audio Review: A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander

A Fatal Waltz
Author: Tasha Alexander

Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore
Series: Lady Emily Mysteries (Book 3)
Publication: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (June 23, 2009); Tantor Audio (May 9, 2015)

Length: 9 hours and 35 minutes; 308 p.

Description: From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander, a spectacular novel of historical suspense featuring the strong-minded and spirited Lady Emily Ashton

At her friend Ivy's behest, Lady Emily Ashton reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the sprawling English country estate of a man she finds odious. But the despised Lord Fortescue is not to be her greatest problem. Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess once linked romantically with Emily's fiancé, the debonair Colin Hargreaves, is a guest also. And a tedious evening turns deadly when their host is found murdered, and his protégé, Robert Brandon—Ivy's husband—is arrested for the crime.

Determined to right a terrible wrong, Emily embarks on a quest that will lead her from London's glittering ballrooms to Vienna's sordid backstreets—and into a game of wits with a notorious anarchist. But putting Colin in deadly peril may be the price for exonerating Robert—forcing the intrepid Emily to bargain with her nemesis, the Countess von Lange, for the life of her fiancé.

My Thoughts: This is the third book in the Lady Emily Mysteries. It begins with Lady Emily Ashton at a house party providing support for her friend Ivy and her husband Robert Brandon who is trying to build a political career. The party is hosted by Lord Fortescue who is very influential in politics but not a nice person. He uses blackmail and other unsavory techniques and has taken a strong dislike to Emily. She returns the feelings.

To add to the goings-on, she is with her fiancé Colin Hargreaves who is an agent for the British Crown and also with the woman - Kristiana von Lange - who was once his lover and who is still a partner in his work. Kristiana loves throwing their past relationship in Emily's face and Emily isn't at all convinced that Kristiana is going to give up Colin graciously.

When Lord Fortescue is found murdered on the hunting field after a falling out with Brandon, Ivy's husband is arrested for the crime. Emily needs to find out what really happened to Lord Fortescue to save her friend's husband. But there are so many political things going on that her task won't be an easy one. 

Unravelling the mystery takes her to Vienna and another complicated political situation filled with anarchists, very suspicious "suicides." and an English agent who seems to want to cause a war between Britain and Germany.

I loved the historical detail in this story which takes place in 1891. I really liked Emily who is an intrepid and intelligent woman despite some bit of insecurity regarding Colin's love for her. The plot was nicely twisty and filled with engaging characters ranging from an Empress to a young man just beginning a future as an artist. 

Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this story and be glad that there are still more adventures of Lady Emily Ashton to read. 

Favorite Quote:

"It's delicious to have people adore you, but it's exhausting, too. Particularly when your feelings don't match theirs."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.