A review by the_sassy_bookworm
Last Dance in Salzburg by Vivian Conroy

adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

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⚠️