Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany is the third historical cozy mystery by Vivian Conroy to feature amateur high society discreet inquiry agent Miss Atalanta Ashford. Released 13th April 2023 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 369 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well written destination mystery very much in the style of the Golden Age; more Marsh/Sayers than Christie. It's full of well-heeled high society characters, moderately witty repartee, and gentility. The plot is straightforward with a satisfying denouement and resolution. Although it's the 3rd book in the series, it is self contained and works well as a standalone.
With four books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for a long weekend binge or buddy read. The language is clean and the crimes are cozy acceptable and not bloody.
Four stars. Well written and engaging.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 1 September, 2023: Started reading
- 1 September, 2023: Finished reading
- 1 September, 2023: Reviewed