Miss Ashford Investigates – book four
Vivian Conroy
November 1930
After accepting an invitation to attend the ballet in snowy Salzburg, Miss Atalanta Ashford is shocked when a convicted jewel thief is found dead in the concert hall where the theft occurred a decade ago.
Did he return to the scene of the crime because he wanted to prove his innocence?
Is the real culprit among the high-society guests?
In her quest for the truth, Atalanta uncovers dangerous secrets about the European elite that put her own life in mortal danger….
My Review:
Last Dance in Salzburg is the fourth book in Vivian Conroy’s Miss Ashford Investigates series, and is a delightful addition to the cozy historical mystery genre. Despite being new to the author and this series, I found the writing style welcoming and easy to follow, making it simple to dive straight into the story.
The slower pace initially gave me pause, as I usually gravitate towards faster-moving plots, but it turned out to be a perfect match for the cozy, atmospheric tone of the book. I’m eager to explore the earlier titles in the series to learn more about Atalanta Ashford and her background, as I do love a classic murder mystery with a strong, engaging protagonist.
The setting was one of my favorite aspects. Salzburg, a beautiful city in Austria, is a place I’ve visited multiple times, and it’s what drew me to the book in the first place. Vivian Conroy captures its charm beautifully, painting vivid and magnificent descriptions that transported me right back to its historic streets and grand stately homes.
The mystery begins intriguingly, with Atalanta receiving a mysterious invitation addressed to her late grandfather. This leads her to Salzburg, accompanied by her friend Raoul, to attend a birthday party featuring an exclusive ballet performance. What starts as a curious investigation quickly unravels into a web of lies, power, and danger. The historical details felt authentic, adding depth and a sense of time and place to the twisty, engaging investigation.
However, while I appreciated the dynamic between Atalanta and Raoul, I felt their romantic tension was a little overemphasized. The “will they, won’t they” dynamic detracted from the mystery’s momentum and felt drawn out.
Overall, Last Dance in Salzburg is an atmospheric and engaging read for fans of cozy historical mysteries. It blends a compelling plot with evocative settings, and I look forward to reading more in the series to see where Atalanta’s adventures take her next. The next book has been announced and it’s set on a river cruise on the Rhine, Germany which is another of my favourite places.
The Author:
Vivian Conroy is a multi-published mystery author with 25+ contracted titles. Away from writing, she enjoys hiking, crafting and spending too much time on Twitter where readers can connect with her under @VivWrites.
The Book:
Title: Last Dance in Salzburg
Series: Miss Ashford Investigates (book 4)
Publication Date: 8 November 2024
Number of pages: 288
Purchase Link: digital and paperback
The Series:
Figure out whodunnit in this exciting new 1930s crime series that whisks you away to the most gorgeous escapist destinations! Look out for more Miss Ashford mysteries and get your passports ready as you travel with her to some of the most sought-after destinations on the continent…
Book 1: Mystery in Provence
A lush French estate, a wedding, a mysterious murder…and a novice detective intent on solving her first case. Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atalanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather’s substantial fortune. But with this fortune – and an elegant new Parisian home – comes a legacy passed down from grandfather to granddaughter… sleuthing discreetly for Europe’s elite. This amateur detective isn’t one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case, which takes her to the lush lavender fields of Provence and a wedding at the mansion of the Comte de Surmonne. Now, as murder strikes twice, Atalanta will have to race to solve the case to stop the blushing bride from facing a fatal ‘I do’.
Book 2: Last Seen in Santorini
Miss Atalanta Ashford is sightseeing near Venice when a mysterious veiled lady approaches her with the urgent request to look into her daughter’s mysterious death on the idyllic Greek island of Santorini. Whilst working as a companion for the eminent Bucardi family, the unfortunate girl took a plunge from the dramatic cliffs during a walk alone. But is all as it seems? Sailing to Santorini and going undercover as the new companion, Miss Ashford soon discovers that her client hasn’t told her the full truth. Someone is watching her. Now she must unravel the mystery and prevent the breathtaking azure sea views from becoming the last she too will ever see…
Book 3: A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany
An escape to Tuscany. An unexpected invitation. A murder at midnight…
When novice detective Atalanta Ashford is whisked away to Italy by her friend, race car driver Raoul Lemont, she anticipates a happy holiday under the Tuscan sun. But a chance meeting on the Orient Express with Italian heiress Catharina Lanetti leads to a party invitation…and front row seats for a mysterious murder! With their new friend under suspicion Atalanta and Raoul set to work trying to discover who really murdered Catharina’s father. But with more than half a dozen suspects – all with compelling motive – Atalanta may just be facing her toughest case yet!
Book 4: Last Dance in Salzburg
After accepting an invitation to attend the ballet in snowy Salzburg, Miss Atalanta Ashford is shocked when a convicted jewel thief is found dead in the concert hall where the theft occurred a decade ago. Did he return to the scene of the crime because he wanted to prove his innocence? Is the real culprit among the high-society guests? In her quest for the truth, Atalanta uncovers dangerous secrets about the European elite that put her own life in mortal danger…
Book 5: Death on the Rhine
The new instalment in the Miss Ashford Investigates series takes Atalanta on a river cruise along stunning castles, picturesque villages and fairytale forests. Available to pre-order now.
The Review
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I will never charge for a book review—#FreeBookReviewsAlways This review, or excerpts from it, may also be shared on my social media platforms (find me everywhere as momobookdiary) and on book sites like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Amazon. All links are accurate at the time of publication.
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