Death by Misadventure

Tasha Alexander’s Death by Misadventure is the latest in her Lady Emily Mystery series. In this volume, Lady Emily and her husband visit Bavaria, only for the local family history to take a particularly strange turn.

By this point, Lady Emily has more than proven herself, not only to her loved ones but to readers as well. As a result, it’s little surprise when she begins investigating the matter at hand, even as her loved ones express concern. The story spends less time dwelling on her need to prove herself, which is refreshing.

The era-styled dialogue is charming, with lines like “Enlightened has always tempted me more than handsome… handsome rarely leads to anything but trouble” fitting seamlessly into the 1906 setting. The upper-class environment suits the potential sexual undertones of such a line, disguised cleverly in a way that feels appropriate. It adds humor and style to the book without pulling the reader out of the period, and that’s appreciated.

The setting, including the whimsical castle, is well realized. Moving the story to the Alps adds a refreshing change of scenery, and the combination provides new challenges and unfamiliarity for both Lady Emily and the reader as they work to solve the crime.

The mystery itself unfolds effectively. A death, naturally, sets the stage, and an increasing number of “accidents” begin happening to the baroness’s annoying son-in-law. While one or two incidents might be written off as coincidence, the mounting number makes it clear something more sinister is at work. The added element of local lore, with ties to King Ludwig, enriches the atmosphere.

Fans of the era—this story is set in 1906—will appreciate that the setting remains fairly accurate, with historical references and technology appropriate for the time. While some societal attitudes may be more forward-thinking, it’s a reminder that the past wasn’t universally backward; progressive thought was present in contextually appropriate ways.

Mercifully, there are no heavy-handed hints about the impending First World War, which often feel forced in period pieces set in the early 20th century.

The historical notes in the author’s note at the end are brief but effective, explaining the choice of details from this time period and adding to the story’s authenticity.

For fans of the series and Alexander’s work, this book is a no-brainer. For new readers, it’s also a good place to start; while the characters have developed over the series, this story is clear and engaging without requiring extensive backstory.

With well-executed historical details, some surprising twists, and Alexander’s engaging style, Death by Misadventure is an easy recommendation for fans and newcomers alike