A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Vivian Conroy is another Miss Ashford Investigates novel, featuring Atalanta Ashford and her sometime cohort, Raoul Lemont, the famous race car driver. Raoul had just appeared outside the hotel where she had been hoping to take tea, along with luggage, seen to by her butler, Renard. The two men agreed that she needed some down time and so Raoul was here to make that happen. She didn’t discover where they were going until they arrived in time to board the famed Orient Express. They are not taking it all the way to the end but only to Tuscany. While dining they met a young woman called Catharina Lanetti, who has invited them to a party in celebration of her her father’s sixtieth birthday, and to spend some time at his villa. Both of them feel somewhat negative about the invitation but for different reasons. They plan to let her know their decision as they leave the train the next morning, but before they could catch up to her they see her punch a man in the nose. It turns out to be her brother, but confirms their suspicions that they should avoid this family.

Atalanta is an interesting character. Until she inherited her grandfather’s fortune, she taught in a Swiss boarding school for girls. Now she is wealthy and has also been encouraged to continue his habit of trying to help other people when they need it, like finding a murderer, for example. He detecting skills are being honed with practice, the help of Renard, letters her grandfather left her, and by Raoul. She isn’t sure what to make of Raoul. Are they just friends or is there more? She is never sure, but knows how much she enjoys his company. They are formidable characters, creative and determined. Both well written characters. This is a family mystery with many prongs, going back for years. Unraveling the whole thing helped with solving the murder. It was an enjoyable mystery taking place in the still formal 1930s and in a wonderful setting. Conroy takes us to a different place and time and makes the journey very enjoyable.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Harper Collins, UK, One More Chapter, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsUKOneMore Chapter #VivianConroy #AFatalEncounterInTuscany

Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery in this historical cosy series. Solid mystery, vivid historical background, well plotted and interesting characters.
The solid mystery kept me guessing and I liked it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

A delightful 1930's mystery with the heroine escaping with her race car driver "friend" Raoul on a vacation in Tuscany. Of course along the way and on a train ride on the Orient Express, she encounters her new murder mystery!!

Fun, intriguing and everything you want in historical mystery will keep you turning the pages until the end!! I cannot wait to read more!!!

Another enigmatic mystery from the pen of Vivian Conroy - who never disappoints!

In this third in series, Atalanta Ashford is whisked away on a holiday to see Italy by her friend Raoul Lemont. Starting off on the luxurious Orient Express, they meet Italian heiress Catharina Lanetti, leading to a birthday party invitation which neither of them are keen to accept. However, they find themselves at the party witnessing the murder of Catharina's father, Their relaxing road trip through Tuscany is put on hold as the amateur detectives find themselves on a bit of a busman's holiday.

Having missed the first in this series, I struggled slightly with the second but this one was like coming home. The author weaves a fine tale of mystery and intrigue and with plenty going on there is lots to consider. Who to trust? Well, one thing's for sure, they are better detectives than I'll ever be! Beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable, this easily merits all five sparkling stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is the best yet in this series. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful landscapes and the railway journey at the start of the book. A fast paced plot, with a dramatic ending!

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. However 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!
This is the third outing for Atalanta & could easily be read on its own. A delightful read, the descriptions are very well done & I liked the attention to detail. An entertaining quick read with plenty of suspects, twists & turns plus the burning question about will there be a romance between Atalanta & Raoul? I look forward to the next instalment
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was delighted to be offered an early read of the third book in the Miss Ashford Investigates series, having thoroughly enjoyed Atalanta’s sleuthing in Santorini. I’m pleased to say that I enjoyed this book just as much! I should add that each book can be read as a stand alone as the background to Atalanta and Raoul is succinctly recapped at the beginning of the story.
Invited on a secretly planned trip by the dashing Raoul Lemont, Atalanta finds herself aboard the spectacular Orient Express destined for Tuscany. A chance encounter with a young woman in the dining car brings an invitation to the birthday celebration of wealthy Cosimo Lanetti. Intrigued by Catharina, the young woman, Atalanta can’t resist attending as her intuition seems to be telling her she must. And so our detective duo find themselves in the middle of yet another murder mystery. The cast of suspects is plentiful, with each having possible motives and I really enjoyed trying to solve the mystery alongside Atalanta. The descriptions of the Orient Express and the beautiful Tuscan countryside are charming. Another super cosy mystery that certainly kept me turning the pages!
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and of course Vivian Conroy for the arc in exchange for a review.

Atalanta, tired from recent sleuthing, accepts an invitation to a mystery holiday from famous racing-car driver Raoul. A chance encounter leads to an invitation, and soon there is a murder to solve. I love this cosy mystery series which takes the reader on an exciting trip to Italy, 1930s style. The suspects are numerous and vibrant, the mystery is twisty, and the chemistry between Atalanta and Raoul is tantalising. The perfect escapist read,

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I received an ARC from Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Suspense
Spice Level: Low
Blood & Gore Level: Low

A FATAL ENCOUNTER IN TUSCANY is my first mystery by Vivian Conroy.

I loved the backdrop of Italy and the connection to Paris. (Definitely gives me inspiration to travel to Europe again.) The author gives the reader enough background to know the story and history of the main character, Atalanta Ashford and the reason she works as an investigator. Her friend, Raoul Lemont, a race car driver, is the impetus for her vacation in Tuscany—to show her his adopted homeland. He also has women throwing themselves at him. This leads to Atalanta questioning his truthfulness.

At times, I just wanted them to have a solid conversation and resolve their questions. And couldn't I get a couple of kisses out of their relationship? (Yes—I think most books are better with a kiss.)

The cast of characters is large, but each person is unique and easy to keep track of. They're over-the-top: controlling, sneaky, liars, Machiavellian, and richer than Hades—at least the father and owner of the vineyard is wealthy, and the others are dependent upon him.

As with any mystery, I want to see if I can solve it before the sleuth. I was just moments before Atalanta in this book. And that makes me want to read another book by Conroy.

There were a couple of times where I didn't feel like our sleuths followed up in a logical manner. For example, if you see someone tuck a paper away, wouldn't you want to check on that immediately instead of waiting? Or if someone is distraught, do you believe the reaction or assume it's genuine? Thus, following up with that person to determine where they stand. I'm hoping this is vague enough not to give anything away but to understand that I wanted the plot a little tighter and logical.

Even though this is a murder mystery, I consider it fairly cozy—which happens to be my favorite types of mysteries.

I was surprised—in a good way—with how everything shook out.

Yes! I recommend this book.

Happy reading!

What's not to love about this book and this series! Atalanta is this time heading to Italy with her friend Raoul on the Orient Express and the author describes it so well, that you are there with them on board in the 1930's. Beautiful descriptive writing throughout with a classic Christiesque puzzle to solve. It may be read as a standalone however this is a great series so I would recommend the o=first two as well.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany is the first book I’ve read in the Miss Ashford Investigates series by Vivian Conroy. It was so delightful that I’ll be sure to read the books that follow! Though there aren't any spoilers from the first books, the author includes plenty of background information to catch you up on who the characters are, how they have come to know each other, and how Miss Ashford became involved in investigating.

In this case, Miss Atalanta Ashford heads on an unexpected vacation with her friend Raoul Lamont. He sweeps into the hotel where she’s having tea telling her he’s got everything planned and that her bags are packed, and they’re heading to Tuscany via the Orient Express. I don’t know about you, but I’d be all in! Though Atalanta is an heiress, Raoul has his own fortune from racing cars. And he’s paying. Yep, I’d be in. Though the two aren’t in a romantic relationship, Atalanta ponders pursuing one…eventually. In other words, yes, this is a completely clean cozy mystery book that won’t make you blush! She doesn’t expect to get caught up in another murder mystery; but, of course, she does!

I highly recommend A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany. It is a charming cozy mystery, set during a time period about which I enjoy reading (the 1930s). The book is filled with well-developed and a diverse cast of characters. The mystery is puzzling but easy enough to solve if you follow the clues. Furthermore, it takes place in a setting I would adore visiting! I’m looking forward to seeing what Miss Ashford investigates next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Atalanta Ashford is in France drinking her tea minding her business when the hotel manager begs her assistance for a missing ring. A case which Miss Ashford quickly solves to the dismay of Inspector d’orient who has a vast dislike for her. When she once again goes to have her T Raul shows up and tells her he’s there to kidnap her in as they speak Renard is packing her bags. They first have champagne on the top of the Eiffel tower and then catch the orient express he’s taking her to Tuscany his home away from home she is nervous about the feelings she is starting to have for him but quickly puts them away to enjoy the nice trip whether it be as friends or something more. When they go to have dinner the dining cart is full but soon after arriving he accidentally bumped into the table of a woman name Catherine Who invites them to have dinner with her once they sit and start talking they learned her father owns one of the biggest vineyards in Tuscany enRaul is very familiar with her family and they are wine but soon she tells them more than they need to know about her step brothers and how her dad is disappointed in her and wants her to marry and take over the Vineyard and oh yes her fathers 60th birthday party is this weekend and she wants them to go it’s a masquerade party where everyone’s going to dress up like someone popular from Tuscany although Atalanta isn’t so happy with their new friend due to her flirting with Raul she can’t help but be interested in going. The next day when their new companion shows them a threatening letter she received the couple or dubious about its origins but quickly learn it was a real threat sent to her by her brother and with Atlantis curious nature she knows she must attend the party. This is where someone is poisoned and a missing family member shows up and Mrs. Ashford is on the case with Raul yet again. I know I love a book when I go to review it and want to tell the whole story which is what’s happening with the third book in the mist Ashford mysteries I don’t read many cozy mysteries but I love these books the international flair the growing romance the LOL moments all makes for a great reading experience and one I wish was on audio but nevertheless whether it’s on Kindle or audio I love it still an all it has a great plot talented riding and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages I absolutely love those authors cozy mysteries and definitely think it is a five star read!
I also think the letters from her grandfather is such a nice touch it’s too bad there’s not opportunity for more of those or a story surrounding them I think that’s so cool I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Travel back to the nineteen thirties with Atalanta Ashford once more
This intrepid sleuth is going to Tuscany to explore.
Whisked away by Raoul on the Orient Express train
Hoping a break from detective work will pertain.

A chance encounter, an invitation, too!
Will they attend? What should they do?
A party, a death, and a retired police chief on the case...
Why do so many things seem out of place?

A new acquaintance under suspicion, what should they do-
Keep quiet and leave or investigate, too?
With a dysfunctional family, full of drama and hate,
Can they help solve the case before it is too late?

With so many suspects, motives and secrets, too,
Can Atalanta trust Raoul and together find what's true?
A story filled with drama and mystery,
Linking together with past family history.

An engaging read and great addition to the series, too,
A book I don't hesitation to recommend here to you!
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

What a fabulous addition to the series. Having read a couple of Conroy's books previously, I was pretty sure this is going to end up being one of my favorite series.

What's not to like about A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany? We have Atalanta's journey on the Orient Express. A chance encounter with an Italian heiress and her messy/dysfunctional family. A party to celebrate Catharina's father's sixtieth birthday - which finally ends up with a murder. There's also a link to the 'famous' Medici antique - a goblet with a secret chamber (for poison).

I was hooked on to this story and couldn't put it down until the end. I read it in one sitting - I had to, you see. Lots of 'what ifs' and suspects. Soon after the murder, Catharina is arrested for the crime - the one she did not commit. Raoul and Atalanta were at the party as Catharina's guests, so they feel responsible for finding the real killer.

Dysfunctional family dynamics was the main theme of this story. Secrets and rumors play an important role in Atalanta and Raoul's investigation. Finally, it is Atalanta who solves the case - in a Poirot-like denouement scene.

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Vivian Conroy was a fun and interesting read. Likeable characters, excellent storytelling, and an interesting murder mystery to keep one guessing till the end.

I loved this, this is the second of the Miss Ashford Investigates books that I have read. You don't need to read them in order I have found as whilst there is a little of her story uncovered in each it's not necessary to know the back story as enough is given in each book for you to understand. Fabulous story and I just love how descriptive it is of there areas they travel within so you really understand the scene. No spoilers on the storyline but I hadn't worked it out!

When Raoul decides to surprise Atalanta with a trip to Tuscany , it seems that she will get the break that she deserves after the events of Santorini.
However, a chance meeting with Catharina Lanetti on the Orient Express sees them attending the 60th birthday party of her father, Cosimo, at his Tuscan Palazzo.
His murder at the party sees Catharina accused of the deed by retired Police Chief, Foselli, an old family friend, who was also at the party.
Atalanta and Raoul feel compelled to investigate whilst feeling disgusted at the attitude of the family towards Catharina.

Miss Ashford Investigates #3

When novice detective Atlanta Ashford is whisked away to Italy by her friendly 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 Catherina Lanetti leads to a party invitation.... and front row seats for a mysterious murder. With their new friend under suspicion, Atlanta and Raoul set to work out who really killed Catherina's father.

Set in the 1930s. With plenty of suspects to choose from, this quick and fun read is a great addition to the series. What was supposed to be a relaxing holiday, with her friend Raoul Lemont soon turns into a murder investigation. The story is told from Atlanta's point of view. The characters are well developed, and I love the will they, won't they relationship that Atlanta and Raoul share. The story is descriptively written. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I love this cosy murder mystery series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #VivianConroy for my ARC of #AFatalMurderInTuscany in exchange for an honest review.

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER IN TUSCANY is the third book in the Miss Ashford Investigates Mysteries by Vivian Conroy. While I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, I found this book easy to read as a standalone. There are just enough references to the backstory to catch me up, without slowing down the plot. I enjoyed that the protagonist, Atalanta Ashford, is an independent woman, both intellectually and financially. She doesn’t cave in to the norms for the time period (early 1930s) and instead, is happy to pursue adventures and solve crimes. As such, the reader taken along for a ride as she boards the Orient Express to head to Tuscany with her friend, race car driver, Raoul. Ms. Conroy does an admirable job in capturing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Italy and brings each scene to life.

The mystery starts with a chance meeting with Catharina Lanetti, an Italian heiress who is heading home for her father’s birthday celebration. Invited to join the festivities, despite Catharina receiving a threatening note while on the train, Atalanta and Raoul make their way to her family’s villa. The event is filled with lavish and over-the-top extravagances, but there’s also an undertone of family conflict between the siblings and between their father. When the patriarch is found murdered in his study, during the party, all evidence points at Catharina being the killer, and Atalanta is pulled into the investigation. There were suspects galore to keep me guessing and some twists involving a long-ago death that had a bearing on the current day murder as well. While the overall pace might be a tad slower than current day mysteries, I felt it fit with the historical time period… after all, they didn’t have cell phones or Google back then to speed things along. At the reveal, the threads of the story came together in a cohesive wrap-up with a hint of what might be coming next for Atalanta and Raoul.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another fun, easy to read and enjoyable cosy murder mystery from Vivian Conroy. Set in a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany, we catch up with Atalanta and Raoul as they unwittingly get caught up in a murder at a party. Filled with family secrets, lies and betrayal, our two sleuths set out to prove their new friends innocence. Perfect for fans of cosy crime. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great mystery in this series. Atalanta meets up with her friend Raoul, a race car driver and he invites her to a trip to Tuscany. While they are on the Orient Express, they meet a woman Catharina and she invites them to her fathers party, but on the train she receives a note telling her to stay away. Who sent it and why?

Great mystery with brilliant characters and fantastic descriptive scenery.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.