The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham
Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart
Freddie and Grace Mysteries – Book 1
I love to read books set during the Christmas holidays. This 1913 book begins in November and ends at Christmas.
Grace Ferguson is more interested in the library at the mansion where her sister Lillias will marry an earl in a week’s time. The arranged marriage will save the earl’s England estate and Lillias is only marrying a man she doesn’t know to please her father.
Frederick Percy is trying to make up for his past by marrying Lillias. When she elopes after meeting him, Grace convinces him to marry her instead.
Attempts have been made on Frederick’s life and soon Grace is also threatened. She dearly loves solving mysteries—and she must solve this one before her new husband is murdered.
I enjoyed the story overall. The growing relationship between the newlyweds is very romantic and perhaps too quick. My interest was snagged by the mysterious attempts to kill Frederick and I tried to solve the mystery along with characters.
Some characters are as full of surprises as the twists and turns. The story left the door open to solve more mysteries in future books!
