Vivian Conroy the author of Last Seen in Santorini reached out to me on Twitter after seeing my review requesting me to read her book. This is the first time have read Vivian Conroy and I wasn't sure what to expect. The story starts off very slowly and it takes a little time to really get into the mystery. The author creates her world in the book that will have reader transported into Venice, Santorini and the many different locations that will come to life.

The story does get a little wordy at times, Atalanta needs less internal monologues, and lastly yes, I figured out the mystery before the characters. That being said Vivian Conroy creates a cozy mystery that will bring readers into her colorful world and a mystery that needs to be solved.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for advance copy of Last Seen In Satorini.

3.5 stars rounded up

Miss Ashford Investigates #2Miss Atlanta Ashford is sightseeing near Venice when a mysterious veiled lady approaches her with the urgent request to look into her daughter's mysterious death on the idyllic Greek Island of Santorini. Whilst working as a companion for the eminent Bucardi family, the unfortunate girl took a plunge from the dramatic cliffs during a walk alone. But is all as it seems?

I quite like a good cosy mystery especially in the cold winter nights. Set in the 1930s. this book has been descriptively written. There are plenty of twist and turns and nobody seems to be whom they first appeared. Atlanta was asked to investigate the death of a young woman on the island and it's not long before she realises her client hasn't told her the truth. I suspected everybody' I do like Atlanta, she's a well-rounded character. This book could be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #VivianConroy for my ARC of #LastSeenInSantorini in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolute pleasure to read. The story flows well and the descriptions are rich, It is written in the third person and is the second book in the series. I haven’t read the first one, but I was able to follow along and there are no spoilers so I can go back and read the first case. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cosy mystery. Looking forward to reading further adventures. Thank you #netgalley

If I'm honest I wasn't really sure what I was expecting! I hadn't read the first book in the series and I can honestly say that It doesn't matter. the storyline is fast paced and keeps you guessing throughout. some beautiful descriptions of the locations entwined in too. I can safely say that I'm off to read the first book and looking forward to the next one already.

A lot of mysteries claim they will satisfy fans of Agatha Christie, but this book actually did. It is one of the better cozy mysteries I've read, as it kept me thinking, trying to figure out the murder and motives. I especially enjoyed the the way the setting came to life. I felt as though I was immersed in the beautiful, exotic setting. The detective, Atalanta Ashford, is a very likeable character, a genuinely sincere and good person. I recommend this novel to cozy mystery fans.

Thank you to One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this delightful novel. I will be posting reviews on Goodreads, B&N and Amazon.

A slightly disappointing though enjoyable read. I haven't read the first Atalanta novel but enough background is given about her relationship with Raoul that I didn't feel I was missing anything. Rather than solve the crime, Atalanta kept asking questions and running through scenarios until the characters themselves revealed all. There is a lot of repetition and at times I felt like giving up. The conclusion was somewhat predictable. However, I'm sure many people will enjoy this gentle murder mystery.

Last Seen in Santorini is the second Miss Ashford Investigates series book. Drawn to the idyllic cover with blue, white and red splashes, this book did not disappoint! Vivian Conroy reels you with an exciting plot and beautiful descriptions etched with myths, superstitions and history. Atalanta Ashford is a great character, a cosy mystery sleuth slowly building her confidence and being highly observational, rational and empathetic. However, the numerous unanswered questions get repetitive, slightly hindering my reading experience. This resulted in the element of suspense being dragged on for far too long. The cosy mystery slowly evolves into a domestic drama with a memorable ending, and it is a delight when all the puzzle pieces come together. Even though this book is set in the 1930s, there's minimal reference to the time period. It can easily pass as a modern-day cosy mystery. If you're seeking a tropical getaway in your mind's eye, do not skip this one. It will be an excellent way to start the new year as this book releases on 6 January 2023.

Thank you to NetGalley & One More Chapter for giving me this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

Atalanta Ashford inherited her grandfather’s wealth and his occupation as a society sleuth. She has been able to give up her job teaching at a Swiss boarding school and after solving a murder case in Provence is travelling in Italy. While enjoying sightseeing in Venice, she is approached by a veiled woman in black who asks her to go to Santorini to investigate the sudden death of her daughter Leticia who was working as a companion to an elderly lady. Using an undercover name, Atalanta takes over Leticia’s job and starts to find out what the family and their employees know about Leticia and her untimely end.

I wanted to like this novel with its delightfully stylish cover, its beautiful location and excellent premise for a cosy mystery, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I really like historical mysteries that have a good sense of time and place. However, while the early scenes in Venice were a visual feast, the location of Santorini could have been better exploited as most of the action happens in the family’s castle/burg with no local colour. By the end it felt more like a family drama than a mystery. There also wasn’t much of a historical feel of the 1930s and the tale could very well have been set in the present day. I also found most of the characters very superficially described with Atalanta less of an undercover detective and more adept at having constant repetitive interior monologues. She had many, many questions but didn’t so much as search for answers as have them fall in her lap.

A delightfully cosy murder mystery, set in 1930’s Santorini. Very much in the style of Agatha Christie, the story twists and turns, with no one being who they first appear to be. I found myself suspicious of everyone right until the very, satisfying, end! Fabulous.

It was pure joy to be whisked away to somewhere hot in these freezing temperatures right now.

The mystery itself seemed to get a bit lost in all these vivid descriptions of setting, which whilst lovely, didnt keep up the intensity of the read. Tad repetitive at time, with same questions, and less answers.

Nice read.

I wasn’t quite sure initially but this story really grew on me. The settings were well described and the complexities of the characters were so well drawn. Plenty of interesting personalities, a double murder and secrets and twists made for ab ultimately enjoyable read.

Miss Ashford Investigates #2.

It’s August 1930, and wealthy heiress Miss Atalanta Ashford is holidaying in Venice and thoroughly enjoying the sights. To her surprise, she is approached by a mysterious woman who begs her to investigate the death of her daughter Leticia on the Greek island of Santorini. She has been working for the well known and wealthy Bucardi family. Atalanta travels to the island, changes her surname to Renard and works as a companion to Mrs Bucardi, she is determined to uncover the truth of Leticia‘s fate.

First of all, it is rich in atmosphere and you do feel as if you have had a trip to Venice and Santorini! It also feels evocative of the times, although it can also be said to feel fresh, modern and lively via the manner in which it is told. There is an interesting and varied array of characters, Atalanta is very likeable with the others not quite so much! The mystery is good, things don’t add up as it’s apparent secrets of being kept and large lies are concealing them. There is tension between characters which is evident via cryptic comments and strange behaviour. The denouement is certainly very dramatic!

However, much as I like Atalanta she doesn’t half go over the same old ground asking the same old questions. Just get to the answer, already! It’s overly long and this is because of its lengthy descriptions which are long winded. For example, we spent a long time dandering about around Venice, nice thought that is. I’d much rather it got straight to the point.

Overall, it’s certainly a decent read but it’s not as riveting as I hoped for. It’s is a decent read to escape the here and now and if you like a cozy mystery in great settings this one may fit the bill.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins U.K., One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Publication Jan. 6, 2023 Miss Ashford Investigates #2

I first crossed paths with this book when the author noticed I'd shared several cozy mystery reviews on Twitter, of all places, and suggested this one as one I might like. Despite the slow-to-me start, once I settled into the slower pace, I was hooked. I haven't read book one but other than wondering if it might have made it clearer why Atalanta Ashford didn't completely trust Raoul, there were no issues. In fact, I deducted that it was her own feelings toward the handsome race driver that she didn't trust, not Raoul himself. I also give credit to the book for distracting me while dealing with an unhappy tummy over the weekend, meaning it definitely kept my interest.

The author does a lovely job of description. It allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my arm-chair traveler experience to both Venice and Santorini. Heck, it even seen me to research Santorini, which I knew little about. The photos I found made the scene come that much more alive but, no, you don't need to research your arm-chair travel to enjoy. You'll hear, see, and smell the noises, voices, vivid blues of the sea, and aroma of the flowers. All without leaving home!

As for the murder, this is only Atalanta's second case. She seems to have become a tad over-confident after solving the first, only reluctantly only giving Raoul the deserved credit for his help, not to mention info found in her late grandfather's papers. In this case, she responds to the distress and sadness of a woman in black who begs her to investigate a daughter's death in Santorini. 

Thanks to her butler's info, Raoul seen appears. She spends a great deal of time denying her interest in him to herself, despite spending real time with him that is easily observed by others. Heck, she even thinks he may be part of the problem, if not the solution to at least one of her questions. Then, another death. The Bucardi family is not all it appears on the surface and, in fact, she fears for the young son's well-being. Convinced she can solve the investigation on her own, Atalanta tends to leap from one supposition to another. She even resents Raoul pointing out that just because she believes something to be true doesn't mean it is. Her attitude was rather annoying at times but I liked her.

Supposedly arriving to be caretaker to an elderly aunt of the Bucardi family, Atalanta quickly discovers all is not as it appears. Pirate's treasure? Quick tempers that flash into violence? Why are Luca's parents so cool toward him? Why does his father react so violently when Luca is given a puppy? Was Titia the innocent young victim she appears on the surface or could her photos hold a clue? Then, another murder? How the heck does the victim's body wind up in bed when evidence indicates they died elsewhere? Is Atalanta truly safe? Will she ever learn to trust both Raoul and her heart? Who.....oh, enough teasers. You're just going to have to read the book. I know I'll be looking forward to Atalanta's next adventure.

Thanks #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter, not to mention author #VivianConroy for bringing this book to my attention. Venice sounded dreamy but Santorini, with all its history and beauty was amazing.

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery. Didn’t realise it was a second book in a series but it didn’t matter as this was not a spoiler for the previous book. It was an easy read and real escapism. Despite being set in the 1930s it could of been set in Ian other time. That being said I am a hinged fan of the 39s so for me the book was an absolute win.

"Last Seen in Santorini" is a mystery set in 1930 in Venice and Santorini. This is the second book in a series. You can understand it without reading the first book, and this book didn't spoil the mystery of the previous book. Frankly, I kept forgetting that this was a historical as it could have happened in modern day. Even the setting was only briefly described as most of the action happened at the Bucardi house.

After solving one case, Atalanta now felt very confident that her logic could solve any case. She avoided requesting information and advice from her staff or her grandfather (through his letters), which was disappointing as I liked their involvement in the first case. She agreed to the racecar driver going with her to keep her safe, yet she still didn't trust him. He challenged her assumptions when she shared her ideas, but she didn't share everything with him. She was more interested in poking her nose into his past than in realizing that blackmail could be done based on what someone in power might believe, whether true or not.

She spent more time asking herself questions about the crime than in finding answers. She went over the same scenarios again and again in her thoughts, getting stuck on certain assumptions. Basically, she frustrated me, though she was generally likable. Still, there were enough clues that I had no trouble figuring out how the second murder happened and who was most likely to have done it. Further clues only confirmed my guess. I didn't even have trouble guessing the truth about the boy. Atalanta probably wouldn't have figured it out before the reveal if she hadn't finally read some advice from her grandfather. There was no sex or bad language.

A quick, easy and enjoyable cosy mystery that I read in one sitting. Well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I really enjoyed it.

Hi and welcome to my review of Last Seen in Santorini!

When Vivian Conroy informed me that her upcoming book was available for request on NetGalley, I didn’t hesitate for a second, even though I had sworn I wouldn’t be requesting any more ARCs. I’d had such a great time with her A Murder Will Follow series and her Merriweather and Royston mysteries that I was really curious about this new cosy mystery series. Moreover, with the miserable weather we’d been having, the idea of going to Santorini, even if only in spirit, sounded absolutely divine 😄

Last Seen in Santorini is the second book in the Miss Ashford Investigates series, but don’t let that stop you if you haven’t read its predecessor, I hadn’t either but I could follow the Santorini tale perfectly fine: enough background is given but no spoilers are revealed should you want to go back to book 1 (Mystery in Provence), which I do, I bought a copy right after finishing Last Seen in Santorini!

Last Seen in Santorini kicks off, not in Greece as you might expect, but in Venice, Italy. Atalanta Ashford is enjoying a well-deserved holiday when she is approached by a mysterious veiled woman in black who tells her that her daughter was murdered in Santorini and begs Atalanta to find the killer. The woman claims she knew Atalanta’s grandfather, in whose sleuthing footsteps Atalanta has followed, and that he once promised her he’d help her anyplace anytime. Now how can Atalanta refuse?!

Off to Santorini she goes, under the guise of a position as companion to the elderly aunt of the family she is to investigate. But before she can find out anything, another death occurs and quite a few other things seem more than a little off.

I do love me a cosy mystery and Last Seen in Santorini is a fabulous one. The setting – a wealthy family’s Santorinian burg in the 1930s – is perfect, the protagonist – feisty and likeable – is fantastic, there are enough secretive and somewhat dodgy side characters to muddy the waters and there are a whole bunch of mysterious affairs to figure out. I had a ball and if cosy mysteries are your bag, I’m sure you’ll have one too. Recommended to fans of the genre.

Last Seen in Santorini is out on 6 January 2023.

Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I typically enjoy cosy mysteries, and I got the impression that this might be a historical cosy mystery, maybe a little bit like Agatha Christie, so I was pleased to be approved for a review.

The writing in general was excellent, and the story provided the kind of escapism that I would expect from reading a cosy mystery. Atlanta was a protagonist that I warmed to, and identified with in some ways, and the story itself was entertaining. It did remind me a little bit of Agatha Christie too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

An Idyllic Place…?
The second of the Miss Ashford Investigates series of historical mysteries finds our intrepid heroine making the trip from Venice to the beautiful island of Santorini at the behest of a veiled lady mourning the death of her daughter. It seems that the death may be suspicious and so she wastes no time in attending and securing a position working undercover. Amidst this idyllic island, dark forces may well be at work. Another enjoyable and immersive outing in new places as our engaging protagonist travels the world. Deftly drawn characters and a nicely plotted mystery.

amateur-sleuth, inheritance, 1930, family-drama, undercover, private-investigators, family-dynamics, murder, murder-investigation, secrets, lies, jealousy, friendship, threats, suspense****

If you enjoy stream of consciousness in a historical soap opera you will adore this book. Atalanta is tasked with discovering the truth about a young woman's death, becomes companion to a senior member of a wealthy family, and discovers a concealed murder on beautiful Santorini, and even a locked room murder mystery. Let the sleuthing begin as the twists and red herrings multiply until the Grand Confrontation! Excellent read
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter via NetGalley. Thank you!