Scan barcode
cheesygiraffe's review against another edition
5.0
Very thrilling. Emily was in more danger in this one than the first 2 combined. I can't wait to read the next one. I guess I'm going to the library for it. ;)
ktaylor1164's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this installment in the series--not only in terms of the vivid settings and characters, but mainly because of the beautiful development of the relationship between Colin and Emily. What a pleasure to read a late 19th century novel that acknowledges the complex social fabric of gender relationships and provides a romance that moves beyond the conventional. While all of the Lady Emily mysteries fall more into the mystery category, I love these two characters. Their partnership in this unlikely historical context is refreshing.
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
In A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander, the third novel in the Lady Emily mystery series, we find ourselves again in Victorian England with Lady Emily Ashton. This time, we follow Lady Emily to a house party in the country, hosted by Lord Basil Fortesque. Unfortunately for Lord Fortesque, he winds up dead as the recipient of a bullet from a dueling pistol. Lady Emily sets her mind to discovering who the killer is after the husband of one of her good friends is erroneously implicated as the murderer. Unfortunately Lady Emily has little to go by, as the only clue is a letter sent to the deceased that references a political assassination. Acting on the information contained in the letter, Lady Emily travels to Vienna, where she must dig up new details and place together new clues. Fortunately she gets to spend some time with her fiance, Colin Hargreaves (an undercover agent for the crown). She is also involved in an interesting twist when she must make friends with his former lover, Kristiana Von Lange, in order to get out of a difficult situation. With all of the twists and turns thrown at Lady Emily it begins to seem as if the murder will never get solved! Will her engagement end now that Kristiana is back in Colin’s life? Will Emily be able to make a breakthrough in the case before it’s too late?
Immediately after finishing A Poisoned Season, I picked up A Fatal Waltz ready to jump into another mystery with Emily and Colin. I couldn’t wait to read not only how their relationship progressed, but also the tongue-in-cheek humor that I’ve come to expect from Alexander’s writing. While Waltz moved a bit slower than the first two in the series, it did NOT disappoint on the mystery front. I was guessing the entire time, thinking myself a better sleuth than I actually was! I failed miserably, guessing completely wrong. Hopefully by the sixth book in the series I’ll have picked up some detective skills from Emily that help me figure out whodunit before the story ends (I can only hope).
As in the previous novels of the series, Emily is a modern-thinking woman, keen on keeping her independence and freedom. She’s an absolutely fascinating heroine to follow, as she really gives a big middle finger to the social restrictions on women. She reminds me of Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice in multiple ways. She allows her wit and intelligence to ease the way for her non-traditional values and decisions. Most of the people she meets are enthralled by her and for the most part come around to her way of thinking. Maybe they don’t 100% agree with her, yet they respect her views enough to allow for the freedom of discussion about them. She’s a heroine I’m proud to like, and I think that anyone who gives these novels a chance would definitely appreciate her mind and find themselves growing quite attached to her. Not only this, But I’m willing to bet that once you begin to read the first novel in this series, you won’t be able to stop until the sixth and most current novel ends up in your “finished” pile. They’re that good!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Kl
Immediately after finishing A Poisoned Season, I picked up A Fatal Waltz ready to jump into another mystery with Emily and Colin. I couldn’t wait to read not only how their relationship progressed, but also the tongue-in-cheek humor that I’ve come to expect from Alexander’s writing. While Waltz moved a bit slower than the first two in the series, it did NOT disappoint on the mystery front. I was guessing the entire time, thinking myself a better sleuth than I actually was! I failed miserably, guessing completely wrong. Hopefully by the sixth book in the series I’ll have picked up some detective skills from Emily that help me figure out whodunit before the story ends (I can only hope).
As in the previous novels of the series, Emily is a modern-thinking woman, keen on keeping her independence and freedom. She’s an absolutely fascinating heroine to follow, as she really gives a big middle finger to the social restrictions on women. She reminds me of Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice in multiple ways. She allows her wit and intelligence to ease the way for her non-traditional values and decisions. Most of the people she meets are enthralled by her and for the most part come around to her way of thinking. Maybe they don’t 100% agree with her, yet they respect her views enough to allow for the freedom of discussion about them. She’s a heroine I’m proud to like, and I think that anyone who gives these novels a chance would definitely appreciate her mind and find themselves growing quite attached to her. Not only this, But I’m willing to bet that once you begin to read the first novel in this series, you won’t be able to stop until the sixth and most current novel ends up in your “finished” pile. They’re that good!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Kl
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the parts set in Vienna and Sissi as a character (Empress Elisabeth, such a tragic figure).
Apparently Emily and Colin's wedding is floating around on the Internet since it isn't in this book or the beginning of the next.
And Lady Emily's mom is super annoying.
Apparently Emily and Colin's wedding is floating around on the Internet since it isn't in this book or the beginning of the next.
And Lady Emily's mom is super annoying.
garnetofeden's review against another edition
4.0
After the bumps in the second book during the whispers of scandal that threatened Emily's social standing, Ivy's and Emily's friendship is stronger than ever. Emily's investigative abilities are put to the test when her friend's husband is falsely accused of murdering his political mentor (who was a truly odious and sexist man but hardly deserved to die for being like many men of his time).
Emily always shines the most when she is able to act more independently, so I was pleased for the return to travels similar to the first book. I was also pleased to see the return of epistolary asides, in the form of letters this time instead of journal entries. The letters from Emily's friends and family really add depth to the story. The mysteries continue to provide an interesting frame for themes surrounding the arts.
Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
Emily always shines the most when she is able to act more independently, so I was pleased for the return to travels similar to the first book. I was also pleased to see the return of epistolary asides, in the form of letters this time instead of journal entries. The letters from Emily's friends and family really add depth to the story. The mysteries continue to provide an interesting frame for themes surrounding the arts.
Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
seshat59's review against another edition
4.0
In which Colin’s job and past are explored.
A Fatal Waltz continues Emily’s adventures. Now engaged to Colin Hargreaves, a murder of a prominent British politician implicates Emily’s best friend Ivy’s husband and Emily is charged with exonerating him. Her adventures take her go Vienna to waltz and fraternize with both artists and anarchists.
So far, so good with the series. Amidst the delightfully entertaining twaddle, witty dialogue, and men falling for Emily left and right, this book does continue to deepen Emily’s character and those of her friends. I really enjoyed the interactions of Emily’s diverse group of girlfriends. Also, faced with Colin’s former paramour, insecurity rears its ugly head. And despite Emily’s penchant for investigations, that territory is often dangerous and potentially fatal, and never more so than in this installment.
The Austrian setting is delightful and very atmospheric. (How can you not love Cecile’s affair with Gustav Klimt?)
I’m not looking forward to the next novel as it disillusioned me years ago, but here’s to second chances.
3.5-4 stars
A Fatal Waltz continues Emily’s adventures. Now engaged to Colin Hargreaves, a murder of a prominent British politician implicates Emily’s best friend Ivy’s husband and Emily is charged with exonerating him. Her adventures take her go Vienna to waltz and fraternize with both artists and anarchists.
So far, so good with the series. Amidst the delightfully entertaining twaddle, witty dialogue, and men falling for Emily left and right, this book does continue to deepen Emily’s character and those of her friends. I really enjoyed the interactions of Emily’s diverse group of girlfriends. Also, faced with Colin’s former paramour, insecurity rears its ugly head. And despite Emily’s penchant for investigations, that territory is often dangerous and potentially fatal, and never more so than in this installment.
The Austrian setting is delightful and very atmospheric. (How can you not love Cecile’s affair with Gustav Klimt?)
I’m not looking forward to the next novel as it disillusioned me years ago, but here’s to second chances.
3.5-4 stars
britks's review against another edition
4.0
Keeps getting better and better. Lady Emily is turning out to be a competent sleuth and her cases are anything but boring. Currently Lady Emily is in Vienna, away from the confines of her home to solve a murder. In Vienna, Emily becomes more aquatinted with Colin's ex-lover Kristiana and eventually proves herself her equal. Colin and Emily also prove that they are meant to be without disregarding their pasts and the book ends once again on the lovely island of Santorini. Seems as though I am officially a fan and cannot put these books down.
jkkb332's review against another edition
3.0
This was really dragging by the last third, although it did pick up a bit at the end. Cecile is the most fascinating character. Jeremy is second. None of the first three books in this series are distinct enough. I feel like I read basically the same book twice in a row. At least the ending was satisfying and the mystery kept me on my toes. Was intrigued by the complexity of Emily and Colin's relationship.
vof5017's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite of the series so far! Can't wait to read the next one!
karenreads1000s's review against another edition
3.0
Another good read. Murder, suicide, mayhem. This book way more murder and political intrigue than Greek and antiquities.