I love the Lady Emily series by Tasha Alexander and am always waiting for the next in the series to come out. I was thrilled when I received this e-galley on Netgalley and I was not disappointed. I grew up for the most part in Germany and have been to Neuschwanstein Castle many times. For me, this made for a fantastic dual-timeline setting for a Lady Emily mystery. There are times when I have like one of the story lines more than the other, but these were equally as captivating. A great read.

I ended up listening to the Netgalley furnished audio version of this. Here is the review I submitted.
I was not familiar with the Lady Emily Hargreaves series and I suspect this was the wrong entry for an introduction. Lady Emily and her husband Colin are guests of Ursula, a wealthy Baroness with a country estate in Bavaria. Nearby is the "fairytale" castle of Ludwig II of Bavaria, a/k/a "Mad King Ludwig." There is a house party including Ursula's daughter Sigrid and her boorish husband, an old family friend who Ursula hoped Sigrid would marry. A beautiful young woman accompanying another family friend. Ursula's old friend Cecilia who is the connection with Lady Emily. Also present is an art dealer, Liesl, who has brought two paintings for Ursula's inspection and possible addition to her well known and large collection. There is tension in the air as to a number of the relationships among the guests.

This novel is a two timeline piece with a story about a young German man named Niels, who befriended Mad King Ludwig 40 years earlier and their "problematic" friendship that runs quite deep.

I love dual timeline novels. I like Tasha Alexander's Writing. The version I received in audio is read by a narrator named Bianca Amato and she gives a lovely performance filled with various entertaining accents. The problem is, this book just dragged and dragged for quite a while, like for 2/3 of the novel. I try hard to finish all of the books I get from NetGalley to give them a fair shake, but this got really boring. There were various accidents and incidents directed at various guests that suggest evil is afoot. The dual story lines seemed only to have the location of the players in common and the connection became apparent only at the 2/3 mark. This meant that the book felt disjointed rather than entertaining until the final third of the move. I was very entertained by the last third and since read some reviews of earlier novels in the series and recognized I might really enjoy them.

So, it was a 2-3 star book for me until the 67% mark and then a 3-4 star book for me, which would be a good rating from me. I'm giving it a solid 3. It needed something else and I believe that fans of the series will feel less negative than I do and I plan to read at least a couple of the earlier books to further decide about Alexander's writing in general.

This was quick paced, suspenseful story while the circumstances at times that kept you on your toes. I really enjoyed reading it.

Such an absolutely fun historical fiction series. Lady Emily proves how adept women can be in solving crime. With dual timelines set 40 years apart in Bavaria, I spent most of the book looking for the connecting threads! And as always Tasha Alexander does not disappoint.
If you love cozy mysteries with historical elements you’ll love this book. 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4/5 for me.
I received a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up.

In the winter of 1906, Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves are among several invited guests staying at a modern new villa built in the Bavarian Alps by Baroness Ursula von Düchtel. Over the next several days, it begins to snow heavily and after several mishaps, the guests soon realize they are trapped with someone bent on deadly mischief.

Nearby is Hohenschwangau Castle, the boyhood home of Ludwig II, who became known as the Mad King of Bavaria. A second timeline set in 1868 introduces the character Niels von Schön, who it seems has ties to someone amongst those at the new villa nearly 40 years later.

This was a lovely setting for a mystery, very atmospheric, and I quite enjoyed spending some time in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. I especially enjoyed the chapters about the relationship between Niels and young Ludwig. As for the mystery, I found the 'whodunit' quite easy to pinpoint but the motive came as a total surprise. Lady Emily and Colin once again figure it all out.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of the new cozy mystery. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I love the Lady Emily series, mysteries that also have historical backgrounds that I find fascinating. Beginning in 1906, Emily and Colin go Bavaria to visit a friend, a Baroness. In flashbacks, we learn about King Ludwig and his obsession with building castles. The house party visits his most famous castle. We learn of the Baronesses connection to the castle. Then there is a murder and Emily and Colin must solve it.
I enjoy the living relationship between Emily and Colin and the respect they have for each other. We have now been to Russia, Venice and Constantinople among other places in the series and the author does an excellent job of making you feel you are there, as well as plotting very good mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion. Please read these in order as relationships progress, you won't regret it.

Tasha Alexander involves Emily in another murder in Bavaria, close to mad King Ludwig's castle. The daughter of her hostess is found murdered in a sled out in the snow; suspicions focus on her husband who was also subject to several attacks by unknown parties. The history dates back to a paramour of King Ludwig and the gentleman;s wife. Emily and her husband try to find the criminal actor. Meanwhile the parallel story from the 1860's follows Ludwig and his lover in their impossible relationship.

I started reading the lady Emily murder mystery series a few books back, and I have to say- I am obsessed! I love the idea of Lady Emily casual, yet purposeful investigation style and the way that author, Tasha Alexander sets Lady Emily up in a local with her current mystery taking place while simultaneously back in time in the same location another mystery is also unfolding! Two stories for the price of one- how can you beat it?

In this episode, Lady Emily and her husband are in Bavaria for a housewarming party when her hostesses son-in-law starts suffering from a multitude of different attacks that appear to be attempts on his life! Soon one of the party is dead and Lady Emily and her husband need to step in to unwrap this mysterious death that has taken place while they’re all snowed in!

On the flipside less than a half century earlier on the same mountain peak in Bavaria, Niels von Schön, a son of a baron accidentally stumbles across “The Mad King”, King Ludwick II while traversing the countryside and strikes up a friendship that will alter both of their lives forever…

I love how the twin mysteries often parallel each this series, but this one had a fun twist to relate the two stories. As for the mysteries themselves- I was left wondering the whole time and anxious to see the end reveal!

Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves are invited to a house party in the Bavarian Alps. The party is to showcase the art collection and the new modern villa of Baroness Ursula von Duchtel the collection is housed in. Among the attendees is Emily’s friend Cecile du Lac, as well as the Baroness’s daughter and son-in-law. There are a series of “mishaps”, any of which could have seriously injured or killed the son-in-law, and when a death eventually does occur, it is up to Emily and Colin to investigate.
There is an alternate time line story taking place in the same area in 1868, and involving King Ludwig II and a few of his friends. I enjoyed this alternate story line, and kept wondering how the earlier period was going to relate to the events of 1906.
The mystery kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the investigations of Emily, Colin, and Cecile. This is not my favorite in the series, several of the characters were not likeable, and overall both stories were rather depressing.
I received a free copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Mysterious occurrences at a house party. It was quite intriguing I was not expecting a couple of the twists that happened. It did jump back and forth between the main story and another one as well. However, both were interesting, and simultaneously, the story with the King and Niels was unique in that the King seemed so happy to be surrounded by only beautiful things. He did not hesitate to get rid of things or people he found ugly. I knew there was something special between King and Niels, but it was unfortunate that nothing could come out of it. I loved Lady Emily and her husband. Not only do they have a beautiful relationship, but they also work well together during their investigations. Overall, it was enjoyable if you want to read a detective mystery.

Thank you to the publisher!

Enjoyed visiting with Lady Emily and Colin on their adventures ,this time in Bavaria. A really fun entertaining series.#netgalley#st.martins

In DEATH BY MISADVENTURE, written by Tasha Alexander, Lady Emily and her husband, Colin Hargreaves, are attending a gathering at Baroness Ursula von Düchtel’s home in Bavaria. Kaspar Allerspach, the Baroness’s son-in-law, believes he is destined to die when he recognizes a person at the party. Is that person there to write Kaspar’s obituary? Why does Kaspar think he is going to die? Do Kaspar’s wife, Sigrid, and others share his belief that he will die? Does Kaspar die? If so, how? I have lots of questions.

I like the structure of this book. Throughout most of it, the chapters alternate between the time periods of 1906 and 1869 in Bavaria. The 1869 chapters dealing with King Ludwig II are the most interesting to me. The characters are well-drawn, and the plot works well with an interesting ending that unites the two time periods. I look forward to reading other books in the Lady Emily series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH BY MISADVENTURE.

A mystery set in the early 1900 set in the Bavaria Alps.
Lady Emily and her husband Colin are invited to a house party where there are several accidents and then a murder.
Lost of drama, suspense, surprises and twists.
A good suspense mystery..
Voluntarily reviewed.

If you love historical mysteries like I do, this you should read everything this author has written!

This series has been fantastic and I have listened to all of them mostly on Audible which is my preference due to bringing the story alive, and will also go back and do the same for this one.

A dual timeline that goes back and forth between present time (1906) and forty years earlier will keep you on your toes following the journey.

Never boring and always intriguing, don't miss this latest in the Lady Emily series

Death by Misadventure is book 18 in A Lady Emily Mystery series by Tasha Alexander.
And this is a wonderfully written historical mystery story.
A very well written read with good dialogue, descriptive settings, and a good storyline.
Historical and setting details were woven into the story without slowing the pacing. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events.
What always draws me to this author’s work is her witty, clever dialogue and swift narrative, her attention to historical and period detail, and her ability to keep me glued to the pages!
I look forward to seeing where Lady Emily's adventures take her next!

Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Death by Misadventure, the latest installment in the long-running Lady Emily historical mystery series by Tasha Alexander. It's the first book I've read by this author.
The setting is the beautiful Bavarian Alps, which brought back memories of my trip there years ago. I've visited Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, so I enjoyed reading about those castles in their heyday.
The story is told in a dual timeline. The main storyline takes place in 1906, when Lady Emily and her husband, Colin, are invited to the opening of Baroness Ursula von Düchtel’s striking new villa near Schloss Neuschwanstein, “mad” King Ludwig’s castle and retreat. Ursula is an extensive collector of art which she’ll house in this fascinating building. The collection is large enough for her to hire a curator to catalogue all the treasures. Emily, as a connoisseur and modest collector, is intrigued by the assortment of art. This part of the story is told in first person from Emily's POV.
The other timeline begins in 1868. It deals with King Ludwig and his relationship with Niels von Schön. It's told in close third person from Niel's POV.
The two stories seem unconnected (other than the setting) until about two-thirds through the novel.
In the main storyline, there are a series of failed attempts on the life of Kaspar Allerspach, Ursula’s boor of a son-in-law, who has his share of enemies. Then he takes a sleigh ride with his wife, Sigrid, and she gets shot to death. No one can figure out if Kaspar was the intended target, or if someone planned to kill Sigrid all along.
A snowstorm prevents the police from reaching the villa, so Emily and Colin take over the sleuthing, questioning the guests and staff, following the clues, and eventually solving the crime.
This was a well-written mystery, and I didn't guess the culprit until Emily does.

I love the opportunity to travel with Lady Emily and Colin. It’s always fun tagging along in new locations and solving a mystery with them. Definitely recommend you read this newest book!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Death by Misadventure is the latest in the long running Lady Emily series, although I don't think this book relies too much on prior books so you could likely read it without reading all the other titles. This time, we find Lady Emily and her husband Colin visiting Bavaria along with her good friend Cecile to attend the celebrate the completion of her villa. The villa was built specifically to display her art in the best way possible while also making use of modern architecture. The other guests are a hodgepodge including their hostess's (Baroness Von Duchtel) daughter and son-in-law, friends of the son-in-law, and an art dealer from Berlin. As always in Lady Emily books, a series of attempted murder directed at one of the guests becomes deadly while the villa is cut off from the police and nearby towns due to bad weather. Emily and Colin must work to find the killer before they can strike again.

The narration is very well done and definitely added to my enjoyment of the book. Like other titles in the series, the book has two narratives that eventually collide. This time, the past events feature Bavarian King, Ludvig, who was known as either the Fairytale King or the Mad King. One of his greatest legacies was the building of Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella's castle and is similar to Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland. I was not very familiar with Ludvig outside of the castle, so I enjoyed the chapters that gave details about his life. I found the weaving of the past and present to be more successful in this story than in some of the more recent series titles. The mystery around the death was well done and definitely kept me guessing. I continue to enjoy titles in this series, but would like to see Emily and Colin's sons start to feature more in future titles.

Death by Misadventure by Tasha Alexander is the eighteenth installment in the Lady Emily Mystery series. This dual timeline is set in gorgeous Bavaria and is riddled with murder and mayhem.

In 1868 King Ludwig II, the fairytale king of Bavaria, serendipitously meets Niels in a forest. They become fast friends and take their relationship further. Mad King Ludwig's castles and steel bridge are mentioned which took me back to this beautiful region in a nanosecond.
I felt the electric fantastical atmosphere as I re-wandered the grotto at Neuschwanstein and gaped at the castles in my mind. Ludwig's close cousin Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria is included in this storyline. As I have a big interest in Bavaria and Ludwig's story, these aspects drew me in.

Four decades later in 1906, Lady Emily and her devoted husband Colin attend Baroness Ursula von Düchtel's party to reveal her new and modern villa. While there, shenanigans started to happen in various locales, including a skiing expedition Emily participates in. But lines are crossed when shenanigans become murder. The couple investigates.

The setting is breathtaking but the story isn't my favourite in the series. It seems to be missing that special je ne sais quoi and oomph I've become besotted with. The storylines felt too separate. I miss the couple's banter and children. However, I always do like art connections so was happy to see that here.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

In Death by Misadventure, Tasha Alexander brings Lady Emily back for another thrilling mystery set against the stunning backdrop of the Bavarian Alps. The luxurious villa, complete with an impressive art collection and an array of intriguing guests, sets the stage for a series of increasingly suspicious accidents, particularly surrounding the unlikable Kaspar. Alexander’s skill in creating atmospheric settings shines through, immersing readers in both the beauty and tension of the alpine winter.

While the premise is engaging, the execution falls a bit flat. The dual timeline involving Niels and King Ludwig, although intriguing, sometimes detracts from the main storyline, making the pacing uneven. Additionally, some character motivations feel underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more depth to the eclectic cast. Lady Emily’s determination and cleverness are admirable, but the resolution feels rushed, as if the complex web of secrets wasn't fully unraveled. Despite its flaws, the book still delivers an enjoyable escapade for fans of historical mysteries, with enough intrigue to keep readers invested.