Tasha Alexander's A Fatal Waltz book review

A Fatal Waltz

Book Four of the (mis)adventures of Lady Emily Ashton picks up not long after the end of A Poisoned Season. In A Fatal Waltz, Lady Emily is a true friend to Ivy and attends a shooting party at Lord Fortescue's estate. A murder at the shooting party puts Robert, Ivy's husband, in the spotlight as the main suspect for the murder. In order to save her dear friend's husband from hanging for a crime he didn't commit, Lady Emily takes her investigation on the road - to Vienna, a city full of life, artists and intrigue. Will Lady Emily be able to solve the murder case before Robert's trial? Colin makes an appearance in Vienna to lend a bit of assistance to her inquiries, of course, but is in clear and present danger.

What I liked about A Fatal Waltz, and previous books in this series by Tasha Alexander, is the strong will of Lady Emily. Four books later, she still is in love with Greek, Colin and port (but not necessarily in that order). Considering the time period (late 1800s), she is the exception and not the rule. Somehow, she maintains her independence despite agreeing to marrying Colin. In the end, I admit, I was surprised to find out who the killer really was. Hindsight is always 20/20 and the clues were there, if the reader is intuitive enough to piece the pieces of the puzzle together.

One thing I love about Tasha Alexander is that she has written this quartet of books in just about two years. That averages out to one book every six months. For me, that is a big plus because it's not so long the storyline fades from mind. I hate it when I find an author I love only to find out they write a book once every few years. I like consistency and so far, Tasha Alexander has provided that to me and I thank her for that. I am looking forward to the next installment of Lady Emily and I know it won't be too far in the future that I will again be engrossed in another one of Tasha Alexander's delicious novels.

Tasha Alexander's A Poisoned Season book review

A Poisoned Season starts off with Lady Emily Ashton quickly becoming embroiled in the sudden rash of cat burglaries related to Marie Antoinette jewelry. When an acquaintence is murdered after she urged him to report the theft of a jewel, Lady Emily Ashton is convinced that the one charged with the crime is innocent and sets out to prove it as a favor to the man's widow. When the cat burglar burgles her own manse, it becomes personal.

Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about the virtue of Lady Emily and suddenly society is giving her the cut. Her feelings for Colin Hargreaves continue, while the cat burglar plays a game of cat and mouse with her. To quell the rumors, the Queen steps in and gives her an ultimatum she cannot refuse. Pressed for time, Emily must solve two mysteries, while dealing with her own personal drama.

A Poisoned Season has enough romance and intrigue to thrill any reader and I really felt that Lady Emily has started to grow into her own. She has just gotten to the part where she enjoys her freedom and begins to wonder if marrying would tie her down in such a fashion that she would lose all of what she has become. Lady Emily fans will not be disappointed and once finished with A Poisoned Season I look forward to the next book in the Lady Emily series, A Fatal Waltz. Santa has been given a list of must-have books this Christmas, and A Fatal Waltz is on the top of the list.

And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander - a nice cozy mystery

I requested Tasha Alexander's And Only to Deceive based on a fellow blogger's recommendation that it would be along the same lines as Deanna Raybourn's Lady Grey series.

I rather liked the book, but the plot seemed to drag on a bit. Comparing it to Deanna Raybourn's work would leave Ms. Alexander's work a little flat. Lady Julia Grey is a rather spunky lady and Lady Emily Ashton is less exciting in comparison. Both Ladies toss conventional behavior out the window, but Lady Julia comes out way ahead with her wit. Comparing the two Ladies as sleuths, it is evident that Lady Julia is more hands-on and active in investigating matters. I was somewhat disappointed that Lady Ashton wasn't more zealous in her pursuit of the investigation into her husband's death and possible criminal activities.

There were a few surprises in the plot, but nothing that I would call earth shattering by any means. I did, however, like the evolution of her character. She was meeker in the beginning and quite brazen by the end.

All in all, I found this mystery satisfying. I would read other books in this series because it was an interesting mystery.