Review
A LADY'S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER by Dianne Freeman
The Third Countess of Harleigh Mystery
In order to avoid a scandal Frances Wynn, the Countess of Harleigh, devises a plan. Lily and Leo need not elope, they will simply push the wedding up by a few weeks stating they just wanted a quiet affair with close family and friends. Since her neighbor, George Hazelton, is hosting a shooting party at his brother's estate, everyone would be welcome to stay for the week and culminate the festivities with the wedding. Things are off to a bumpy start, however, with Leo's bickering sisters and a runaway luggage cart at the station. Mishaps continue to plague the party. Are these merely accidents or is someone targeting one of the guests? Frances and George team up once more to investigate. Will the mischief stop Lily and Leo's wedding? Or will it put an end to Frances and George altogether?
A LADY'S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER brings a complex mystery to a country house party. The fact that all of the "accidents" appear so random and target such a variety of people, from staff to guests, make the mystery that much more intriguing. I love the relationship between Frances and George, how they compliment and work with each other. I also appreciate how their relationship isn't perfect. They have doubts and get angry but ultimately communicate and work things out.
The third Countess of Harleigh Mystery is a story of family. Not only do we have the blending of families with the upcoming wedding of Lily and Leo, as well as the soon to be announcement of Frances and George, but the way family members deal with each other. We see the bickering of sisters, the plight of the son-in-law in regards to family business, and the varied actions and reactions of mothers.
A LADY'S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER is a multilayered historical mystery that shows the importance of family in its many different forms. I absolutely love this series and this book and look forward to returning to Victorian England with the Countess of Harleigh soon.
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A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery) by Dianne Freeman
About A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
Historical Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (July 28, 2020)
Hardcover: 288 pages
In Dianne Freeman’s charming Victorian-era mystery series, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her sister’s wedding threatened by a vow of vengeance.
London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host—or hide—any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits—shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.
But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiancé, Leo. Frances’s mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George—a man who loves her for much more than her dowry—she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.
As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll. . . .
About Dianne Freeman
Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. She is an Agatha Award and Lefty Award finalist, as well as a nominee for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award from Mystery Writers of America. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at difreeman.com.
Author Links:
Website - www.difreeman.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DianneFreemanAuthor/
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17347322.Dianne_Freeman
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I love the title and the cover would love to read and review on a few sites. Thank you for giving away a print copy battling a disease can only do print! peggy clayton
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting chain of events. Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteLove the whimsical look of the cover.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds wonderful and I love the cover!
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