A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder - A Review

Review

A LADY'S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER by Dianne Freeman

The First Countess of Harleigh Mystery

A year has past since her husband died and Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, is finally out of mourning. Leaving the crumbling estate she'd been relegated to sharing with her brother-in-law, the new count of Harleigh, as well as his family, Frances is happy to strike out on her own along with her young daughter. She is soon joined by her younger sister who, accompanied by Frances' favorite aunt, has come from America to have her first London Season. But if introducing an outspoken young woman to England's elite wasn't enough of a challenge, Frances also is forced to deal with her brother-in-law trying to get her funds, a thief plaguing the parties of the upper class, and police suspecting she had a role in her husband's death! Can she trust her neighbor, one of only three people who know the truth about the night her husband died...or could he be a thief, or worse, a murderer?

I was absolutely delighted with the first Countess of Harleigh Mystery. From its fascinating characters to its Victorian details Dianne Freeman had me happily captivated. Though her new life is off to a tumultuous start Frances Wynn handles everything with aplomb. She's a delightful protagonist, smart, independent, and brave at a time when those words were not positive descriptors for women. She also has a huge secret. Like Aunt Hetty, I see romance brewing with George and I am quite pleased...but equally pleased that Frances is relishing her independence and not wanting to look to a man to support her. I also really like Inspector Delaney who is intelligent, fair, and willing to see varying viewpoints, a valuable attribute for a detective.

Beyond the substance the characters contribute there's also an intricately plotted mystery that had me questioning everyone and everything. Plenty of suspects with good motives, lots of varied actions against Frances, and red herrings leading readers astray make for a page turning read.

A LADY'S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER is a fantastic start to a new series. Secrets, adventure, laughs, and romance combine to made a delightful Victorian mystery!