Thanks to ONE MORE CHAPTER and Net Galley for this ARC. I didn't realize this was part of a series but i have read other Vivian Conroy books and i know she is a good writer. This is a great series, after reading this book i went back to the beginning. This can be read stand alone but i wouldn't advise it. I love the character development and the plot is very twisty. Really hope there will be more to come.

Book Review: Last Dance in Salzburg by Vivian Conroy

Rating: Solid 3 Stars

I recently picked up Last Dance in Salzburg by Vivian Conroy, and it was a cozy escapade through the wintery charm of 1930s Austria. The story follows Miss Atalanta Ashford, who finds herself attending a ballet in the picturesque city of Salzburg. What starts as an enchanting evening quickly turns dark when a notorious jewel thief is discovered dead in the concert hall—a location linked to a heist from ten years earlier. It begs the question: did he come back to clear his name, or is there something more sinister at play among the elegant crowd?

As much as I wanted to love this book, I found the pacing a bit sluggish at times. The mystery unfolds slowly, which had me flipping pages with more curiosity than urgency. However, the setting of Salzburg is simply enchanting; the vivid descriptions of the snowy streets filled with the aromas of Glühwein and Lebkuchen brought a delightful atmosphere to the story.

What really stood out for me, though, was the character development. Atalanta's journey was intriguing, especially her evolving relationship with Raoul and the surprising revelations about her grandfather's past. This blend of romantic tension and mystery kept me invested, and I appreciated how the author fleshed out her characters.

The ending was satisfying and tied up loose ends nicely, leaving me with a sense of closure that I always appreciate. Overall, while Last Dance in Salzburg had its slow moments, the beautiful setting and rich character arcs made it an enjoyable read. I’d give it three stars—definitely worth a look for fans of cozy historical mysteries!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This was such a delightful historical cozy mystery with the added element of continental travels and a touch of romantic angst. Our plucky protagonist, Atalanta, inherits her grandfather's estate with the hope that she will continue with his investigatory services. She receives a cryptic birthday party invitation intended for her grandfather and decides, perhaps she'll pay tribute in his absence and do a bit of sleuthing on the side. She'll just use a continental visit to dishy care-racer friend Raul and the Munich holiday market as a ruse to check out the Salzburg birthday bash. One thing leads to another, a body is found and she's now on the case.

Frankly, author Vivian Conroy had me at the mere mention of Salzburg, my absolute favorite city in the world. It is very walkable and has a tremendous amount of old world charm and live music on every street corner which Ms. Conroy so deftly brough to bear. The mise en scène is cinematic in scope and as such, one could easily smell the cinnamon and clove emanating from the shops, here the gentle clop of horse hooves on the cobble stone streets, and imagine the large castle looming over its city. The wardrobe and food descriptions were equally fine. The writing is smooth and the banter between Atalanta and Raul, most charming. There were a number of red herrings and a few fun surprises making this engaging story move steadily along. The tension builds gradually to a peak and then gently subsides to a most satisfying conclusion. This was the perfect read leading into the holidays and I eagerly look forward to more books in this series.

Even though this was the fourth book in series and I had not previously read the other three, I found that there were sufficient fleshed-out references to earlier occurrences that I was not asea while reading this story.

I am grateful to Ms. Conroy and her publisher, One More Chapter, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: ‎One More Chapter
Publication Date: November 21, 2024
Number of Pages: 316
ISBN:‎ 978-0008549299

Cozy murder-mystery with great setting in Salzburg. Atalanta is a very likeable character and the dynamic with her butler is great. Only the supposedly love story with Raoul is somewhat laking in real romantic feelings. However I really liked the connection of old and new mystery and it was suspensful until the final reveal of the murderer.

The Last Dance in Salzburg by Vivian Conroy is a compelling mystery featuring Miss Atalanta Ashford, a young woman who has inherited both her grandfather’s fortune and his investigative legacy. Having already solved several cases, Atalanta is contemplating joining her friend Raoul in Milan for the Christmas markets, as well as the promise of good food. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she receives an invitation to a birthday party in Salzburg, accompanied by a cryptic message about righting a wrong her grandfather committed ten years earlier.

Determined to uncover the truth, Atalanta turns to Renard, her grandfather's loyal butler, but his lack of answers leaves her frustrated. Her grandfather never kept records, so the investigation appears to be dead-ended. Undeterred, Atalanta decides to visit Salzburg and, perhaps, use the trip to also see Raoul.

Atalanta’s new life is filled with mixed emotions—she is eager to pursue a deeper relationship with Raoul, yet he remains resolutely distant, unwilling to risk their friendship. The birthday party in Salzburg soon takes a dark turn when a dead body is discovered, and Atalanta finds herself surrounded by individuals who all seem to know something about the mistake her grandfather made, but none of them possesses the final piece of the puzzle.

As Atalanta wrestles with her feelings for Raoul and the shadow of her grandfather’s past, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth. The case reminds her time and again that the most unexpected people are capable of committing crimes.

This is a terrific addition to the series, combining human emotion with intriguing mysteries and unexpected twists. Well done, Ms. Conroy!

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Solid read. I do like this one a lot. Beautifully written detective story with still learning her job Lady Atalanta Ashford. Complicated case, but truth needs comes out to light and it does. I like Vivian Conroy's writing style and how she telling the story.

I loved this book. Having read 2 of the previous books it was good to be back with Atalanta solving another crime. I really like how we are seeing more depths of her character as the series evolves and I would really like her to get together with Raoul but I don't think it's going to happen. I loved the storyline of it being something that her grandad has 'solved' 10 years ago that wasn't quite as it seemed! I loved how she worked it all out.

Last Dance in Salzburg is the fourth book in Vivian Conroy's Miss Ashford Investigates series, and is a delightful addition to the cozy historical mystery genre. Despite being new to the author and this series, I found the writing style welcoming and easy to follow, making it simple to dive straight into the story.
The slower pace initially gave me pause, as I usually gravitate towards faster-moving plots, but it turned out to be a perfect match for the cozy, atmospheric tone of the book. I’m eager to explore the earlier titles in the series to learn more about Atalanta Ashford and her background, as I do love a classic murder mystery with a strong, engaging protagonist.
The setting was one of my favorite aspects. Salzburg, a beautiful city in Austria, is a place I’ve visited multiple times, and it’s what drew me to the book in the first place. Vivian Conroy captures its charm beautifully, painting vivid and magnificent descriptions that transported me right back to its historic streets and grand stately homes.
The mystery begins intriguingly, with Atalanta receiving a mysterious invitation addressed to her late grandfather. This leads her to Salzburg, accompanied by her friend Raoul, to attend a birthday party featuring an exclusive ballet performance. What starts as a curious investigation quickly unravels into a web of lies, power, and danger. The historical details felt authentic, adding depth and a sense of time and place to the twisty, engaging investigation.
However, while I appreciated the dynamic between Atalanta and Raoul, I felt their romantic tension was a little overemphasized. The “will they, won’t they” dynamic detracted from the mystery’s momentum and felt drawn out.
Overall, Last Dance in Salzburg is an atmospheric and engaging read for fans of cozy historical mysteries. It blends a compelling plot with evocative settings, and I look forward to reading more in the series to see where Atalanta’s adventures take her next. The next book has been announced and it's set on a river cruise on the Rhine, Germany which is another of my favourite places.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

All opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I will never charge for a book review—#FreeBookReviewsAlways This review, or excerpts from it, may also be shared on my social media platforms (find me everywhere as momobookdiary) and on book sites like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Amazon. All links are accurate at the time of publication.

A cozy wintry mystery with toppings of intrigue and romance. A great ambience was created when describing most of the settings from luxurious rooms to the streets of the city in this book. My only critique is the storytelling and pacing was a bit too slow in most places, especially at the very beginning when the goal should be to instantly hook in a reader.

Thank you One More Chapter and Netgalley for the digital ARC!

I really enjoy this series. Atalanta Ashford inherited her late grandfather's detective business along with his wealth. Wanting to live up to the man she only met once, Atalanta has stumbled upon several murder cases among the higher classes as she travels through Europe. Playboy racing driver Raoul Lemont has become her right hand man and confidant but her feelings for him are ready to engulf her. In this book, Atalanta receives an invitation, addressed to her grandfather, to an 18th birthday party in Salzburg. A cryptic message is attached and she discovers that something happened a decade ago that her grandfather is being blamed for. Atalanta heads off to investigate, meeting Raoul on the way. Intriguing, and a good story set in 1930 Europe. #netgalley #lastdanceinsalzburg

This is the 4th book in this series but the first I have read. This was a mix of intrigue, romance although more will they wont they and past history. I felt that the will they wont they side of things was a bit overdone and repetitive making it long winded which did take away from the story for me. Perhaps it was down to me not having read the earlier books but I dont know either way it just bored me a bit. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Atalanta is feeling low as winter comes in at her home in Paris. An invitation from Raoul in Munich and an invitation to a birthday party in Salzburg arrive on the same day. There is some mystery to the birthday invitation.
Atalanta goes to Munich to meet Raoul and then on to Salzburg. Her confidence in herself and her grandfather, who knew the family is shaken by past and present events.
I did not see the solution to past theft and current murder coming.
I enjoyed reading more of Atalanta and recommend this mystery set in the 1930s.
Thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of Vivian Conroy's novel 'Last Dance in Salzburg" in exchange for my honest review.

The central plot of 'Last Dance in Salzburg' sees Atalanta Ashford seeking to uncover the truth behind a jewellery robbery that her grandfather had investigated 10 years prior. Accepting an intriguing invitation to attend another birthday party on the 10th anniversary of the theft, Atalanta investigation turns up many hidden secrets.

As an avid reader of historically set murder mysteries, I can't say that I would recommend this novel. I felt the narrative was especially repetitious and the dialogue between Atalanta and Raoul to be unnecessarily long winded. I found myself skimming large sections of the dialogue in order to get back to the main plot. I also didn't think the murder reveal was especially exciting as it was fairly obvious early on who the murderer was (even if the motive wasn't clear).

I was thrilled to be invited to read this fourth book following Atalanta Ashford and her newfound career as a private detective. This book didn’t disappoint at all. Full of twists and turns, further exploration of Atalanta’s blossoming relationship with Raoul, and revelations about her grandfather’s past, this book quickly gets going and had me turning the pages eagerly. Another terrific mystery solved by our heroine! I can’t wait for her next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a copy in exchange for a review.

If you enjoy cosy historical mysteries written in a classic murder mystery style with glamorous European locations, the Atalanta Ashforc cosy crime stories are perfect. When Atalanta receives a mysterious note addressed to her dead grandfather, she has to pursue it. Already attending the Gena Christmas markets, she persuades her friend, racing driver Raoul, to take her to Salzburg. Soon, as a house guest, Atalanta witnesses history repeating itself. Embroiled in a deadly web of lies and power, Atalanta has to find the courage to face the past and the dangerous present and solve the mystery. I like Atalanta; she is courageous, impulsive, intelligent, and someone you invest in. Her romantic woes show her naivety and contrast with her investigative abilities. I like the sinister ethos created and the mystery that echoes the past and brings danger to Atalanta. I enjoyed the historical and locational details that add authenticity. Most of all, I enjoyed the twisty investigation.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vivian Conroy for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Last Dance in Salzburg coming out November 8, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I forgot to upload my review! This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy historical mysteries, so I was excited to check it out. I definitely need to read the other books in the series. Atalanta was a really interesting and smart character. She felt like a real person who wanted romance and intrigue. I loved that the mystery was surrounding a grand ball with high society. The time period and place were perfect. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries!

Another puzzling mystery from Vivan Conroy!

Atalanta Ashford is invited to a ballet performance in a private home in Salzburg. When she discovers that there was a theft at a similar event 10 years ago and her late grandfather was involved in the investigation, she decides she has to be there but it turns out that not only is there a repeat performance of the ballet but this time round it's not a theft which occurs, but a murder. Atalanta is unable to walk away, her sleuthing nose just won't let her - but is she putting herself in danger?

I love a good period mystery, and this is a series which allows me to enjoy the delights of travel from my armchair. This is a well thought out mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. So much going on - who to trust? A terrific series and I look forward to more. For me, an easy five stars.

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

The Last Dance in Salzburg by Vivian Conroy is a mystery to be solved by Miss Atalanta Ashford. Atalanta had been left her grandfather’s fortune and home and has been encouraged to carry on his business of investigations. She has several under her belt and is contemplating joining her friend, Raoul, in Milan for the Christmas markets as well as the food. Then, she opens another piece of mail containing an invitation to a birthday part in Salzburg, along with a cryptic message about righting a wrong made by her grandfather ten years earlier. She asks Renard, her grandfather’s butler, what he knows of the case but he has no answers. Her grandfather never kept files so that was useless. She decided to see Raoul and maybe take a side trip to this birthday party.

Atalanta is settling nicely into her new life. She wishes desperately to explore a relationship with Raoul, but he stands firm in refusing her. He has no wish for either of them to be hurt. Typical words from a male. Atalanta meets many new people at the birthday party, including a dead body. Everyone knows something about what happened all those years ago and how her grandfather made a mistake and sent the wrong man to prison, but none seem to have the pertinent information. The last bit she needs. Raoul weighs heavy on her mine, but so does her grandfather. There had always been a letter to guide her, but this time there was none. This is a terrific series, filled with human emotion and interesting crimes to solve. The most surprising people commit crimes, as Atalanta is constantly reminded. Well done, Ms. Conroy!

I was invited to read The Last Dance in Salzburg by Harper Collins UK One More Chapter. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsUKOneMoreChapter #VivianConroy #TheLastDanceInSalzburg

In this latest book in the series Atalanta is invited to attend a ballet celebrating an 18th birthday in Salzburg, where her grandfather successfully tracked down a jewellery thief 10 years before. Naturally, because Atalanta is involved, there is a murder.
There were plenty of twists and turns with so many suspects that I wasn't sure who the guilty person was right until the end. She is still unsure of her relationship with Raoul, a racing driver who has assisted her in previous cases, and is worried that she had upset Renard, her valet who had worked for her grandfather. Add in some self-doubts that she is going through and she struggles finding out what really happened all those years ago and at this year's party. A good, solid murder mystery that I definitely enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This latest addition to the series is a delightful blend of historical intrigue, picturesque European settings, and a fiercely independent protagonist. Atalanta's journey isn’t only about solving mysteries; she’s also at a crossroads with her own heart.

While I enjoyed the story and Atalanta’s deductive prowess, I felt the pacing could have been tighter. Her conversations with Raoul, particularly around their relationship, occasionally felt repetitive, as did some flashbacks to the original jewel theft incident at the Selzers’ mansion. Despite these minor issues, Miss Ashford Investigates remains an engaging mystery that will appeal to fans of historical whodunits.