1930’s murder amongst the vines!

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany (Miss Ashford Investigates #3) by Vivian Conroy    

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Atlanta Ashford’s relationship with racing car driver Raoul Lemont (he later declares he’s Italian by heart, not birth) is somewhat of an unknown, punctuated with Atlanta’s inner moonings of does he like me or not. Atlanta seems to be attracted to Raoul but is unsure, or scared of, his responses. Sometimes she’s looking forward to his company, other times his perceived chauvinism annoys her, or the prejudices of others frustrate her, particularly when he’s referred to over her because he’s male. It’s like Atlanta’s metaphorically pulling the petals of daisies to uncover her feelings, with jealousy only a nanosecond away.

Anyway Atlanta’s decided to take time out from detecting and go on a holiday with Raoul, as a ‘travelling companion’, (Atlanta’s unsure of what that means) motoring through his beloved Tuscany, stopping off at little towns and inns along the way. No investigating! Purely and simply a restful holiday.

They’re taking the Orient Express to Simplon Pass where Raoul’s arranged for a car.  Aboard the train they meet an heiress whose father, Cosimo Lanetti owns a palazzo surrounded by vineyards. Atlanta’s persuaded by Catharina to join her there for Cosimo’s eightieth birthday celebrations. Raoul is not sympatico with this change.

Of course someone dies and Atlanta finds herself thrust into the situation.

Raoul had wanted to avoid the party but is happy to assist Atalanta. The details of the death are finely wrought. Catharina becomes the major suspect. Cosimo’s Will opens up several avenues to explore.

I must say that by now Atlanta’s relationship with Raoul is annoying me even more intensely.

I’m not convinced of the chemistry hinted at between them. Furthermore I’m not fully sold on this episode of Atlanta bravely solving murder amongst the vines of Tuscany. I hope the series doesn’t unraval as Atlanta sashays around Europe, presumably with Monsieur Lemont, to become a travelogue with murder always on the list. 

I do object to Atlanta being seen as channeling a cross between Agatha Christie and Julie Caplan. Agatha—a resounding No! Julie—a maybe! 

Still I must confess I’ll be interested to see where the next book takes us.

A One More Chapter ARC via NetGalley                             

Many thanks to the author and publisher.