A Fatal Waltz
📘 About This Book
From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander comes the third Lady Emily mystery. A deadly dance between two implacable enemies . . . At her friend Ivy's behest, Lady Emily Ashton reluctantly agrees to attend a house party at the country estate of Lord Fortescue, a man she finds as personally odious as he is politically powerful. But on arrival she finds him to be the least of her problems. Among the guests is Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess who had once been linked romantically with Emily's fiancé, Colin Hargreaves, and she makes no secret of that fact, tormenting Emily for her own amusement. Annoying for Emily - but then matters turn deadly serious when Lord Fortescue is found murdered and his protégé, Robert Brandon - Ivy's husband - is arrested for the crime. Emily's efforts to clear her friend's name take her to Vienna, a place of glittering balls, sordid back streets, chic cafes . . . and home to her nemesis, the Countess von Lange. Praise for Tasha Alexander 'A thoroughly enjoyable adventure with both historical texture and emotional depth' Anne Perry 'Captivating characters are superbly brought to life in this riveting historical . . . [a] cleverly plotted and suspenseful mystery' FreshFiction 'A captivating addition to the adventures of an irresistible Victorian iconoclast' Booklist 'Immediately engrossing and thoroughly entertaining . . . Alexander writes with a fullness and richness that leaves the reader extremely satisfied' Crimespree 'Sometimes touching, sometimes funny and always absorbing, this Victorian-era mystery hits all the right notes' Romantic Times 'Enchanting... Alexander keeps readers guessing until the very end' Publishers Weekly 'Tasha Alexander is one to watch - and read... despite her cliffhanger climaxes and witty repartee, there's a depth of sensitivity that sets her apart' The Huffington Post
📖 Summary
Tasha Alexander transports readers back to the elegance and intrigue of the Victorian era in her compelling third Lady Emily mystery novel, A Fatal Waltz. Published in 2013 and spanning a tight and brisk two hundred twenty-seven pages, the narrative dives headfirst into high society drama, psychological tension, and a high-stakes murder investigation. The story follows the sharp-witted and fiercely independent Lady Emily Ashton, a protagonist whose intelligence often outpaces the rigid social expectations of her time. At the urgent request of her dear friend Ivy, Emily reluctantly agrees to attend an exclusive house party hosted by Lord Fortescue. Fortescue is a figure whom Emily despises, viewing him as both personally odious and excessively powerful within the political sphere. Little does Emily know that the abrasive host will soon become the least of her escalating troubles. Upon arriving at the grand country estate, Emily discovers she must navigate a minefield of personal rivalries and romantic ghosts from the past. Among the assembled guests is Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess notorious for her past romantic involvement with Emily's own fiancé, Colin Hargreaves. The countess wastes no time making her presence felt, openly taunting and tormenting Emily for her own malicious amusement. What begins as an uncomfortable social ordeal of wounded pride and aristocratic petty games, however, quickly spirals into a dark and perilous nightmare. The atmosphere of the house party shifts dramatically when Lord Fortescue is discovered brutally murdered within the estate. The tragedy strikes closest to home when Robert Brandon, Fortescue's ambitious protégé and, crucially, the husband of Emily's friend Ivy, is swiftly arrested for the crime. Faced with the wrongful accusation of a man dear to her inner circle, Emily refuses to stand idly by. She steps into the role of an amateur detective, determined to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear Robert's name. As Emily delves into the dark undercurrents of the estate, she must match wits with a killer who is as dangerous as they are cunning. The narrative weaves a tight web of suspicion, forcing Emily to confront dangerous adversaries while managing her own emotional vulnerabilities, particularly regarding her relationship with Colin. Through sparkling period detail and swift pacing, Alexander crafts a world where every polite conversation hides a dagger and every ballroom can become a crime scene. A Fatal Waltz offers a delightful blend of historical fiction and traditional whodunit mystery, keeping readers guessing until the final pages as Emily fights to restore justice and protect the people she loves from ultimate ruin.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and fast-paced historical mystery plot.
Witty and resilient protagonist in Lady Emily.
Richly detailed Victorian house party setting.
Compelling interpersonal drama and romantic tension.
⚠️ Cons
Shorter page count may leave some readers wanting more depth.
Certain secondary characters border on classic genre tropes.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of A Fatal Waltz? +
The book was written by New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander.
What number in the series is this book? +
A Fatal Waltz is the third Lady Emily mystery.
Why does Lady Emily attend the house party? +
She attends at the urgent behest of her friend Ivy, despite her dislike for the host.
Who is accused of the murder of Lord Fortescue? +
Robert Brandon, Fortescue's protégé and Ivy's husband, is arrested for the crime.
Who is Kristiana von Lange? +
She is an Austrian countess previously linked romantically to Emily's fiancé, Colin Hargreaves, who torments Emily at the party.
