A Fatal Waltz    by Tasha Alexander Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2008 (2008) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth A Fatal Waltz is the fourth of Tasha Alexander's novels. With much of its action in Vienna prior to World War I, it is a delight in its presentation of the fashions, foods and social lives of the English as they carry out duties for their own country's monarchy. In particular, readers learn about Mr. Worth, a famous couturier of that time, with descriptions of the lovely fabrics and laces embellishing his creations. During a lavish house party, a man of questionable character is shot and killed. Emily, Lady Ashton, is sure that the person who is arrested - her friend Ivy's husband - did not do the dirty deed. She vows to unearth the real killer. The mystery does not seem to occupy as much of the story as does the background. Rather slow moving, with little real angst, the novel redeems itself by its depiction of the lifestyles of the rich, famous and aristocracy of their day. The mansions Lady Emily visits seem like posh sets for movies. How glamorous life must have been at that time for the wealthy, with the money and time to indulge themselves. And how wonderful to ride the Orient Express in that era. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews