What do you think?
Rate this book
Countess of Harleigh Mystery #4
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder
Set in Victorian England, this witty and lighthearted cozy historical mystery from award-winning author Dianne Freeman will delight fans of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, as an American-born amateur sleuth investigates misdeeds among the British aristocracy.
For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances’s house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.
As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. “Mrs. Hazelton,” aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena—though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena’s life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances’ garden.
To uncover a killer—and clear their own names—Frances and George must determine which of Irena’s outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home . . .
For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances’s house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.
As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. “Mrs. Hazelton,” aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena—though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena’s life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances’ garden.
To uncover a killer—and clear their own names—Frances and George must determine which of Irena’s outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home . . .
Audible Audio
First published July 27, 2021
349 people are currently reading
4821 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Freeman
17 books1,389 followersDianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the USA Today Bestselling Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. She is an Agatha Award and Lefty Award winner, as well as a finalist for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark and Macavity Awards. After thirty years of working in corporate accounting and finance, she now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at www.DiFreeman.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
February 27, 2025
Najsłabsza w serii, a wciąż mega wciągająca!
February 20, 2023
Frances and George are engaged! Everything looks bright until a young woman appears on Frances’s doorstep claiming to be… George’s wife. If that wasn’t enough trouble she is soon found dead in Frances’s garden (that’s a second body found in that garden in less than a year btw, I would not want to hang out there).
This series gets better and better. The dynamic between Frances and George was top notch, (they make a better team than Mulder and Scully and they are not even brooding).
There was also another romance in the background which I absolutely adored!
Off to the next book!
————-
I missed you Frances and George 😍😍😍
This series gets better and better. The dynamic between Frances and George was top notch, (they make a better team than Mulder and Scully and they are not even brooding).
There was also another romance in the background which I absolutely adored!
Off to the next book!
————-
I missed you Frances and George 😍😍😍
March 21, 2023
Another cozy murder!
This series is a delight, with each story similar and yet unique enough to not get monotonous. I found this book to be quite witty and pithy, with Frances’ dry humour much more on display. The mystery itself was interesting and had many players and twists, though I did guess the murderer, this could be just because I’ve read too many of these, as I don’t think I’d say it was very obvious. These are all easily and nicely wrapped up and the victim is never anyone of consequence so you can laugh and enjoy without shame, even if it may be a bit callous, but such is cozy mystery after all. I love the little historical elements to this, where we are grounded in the times with things like the advent of motorcars and telegrams and quick trips across country by train. George again causes problems here, luckily he has Frances to sort them out for him in the end. Still, he doesn’t seem like much of a spy and I’m still on the fence about him, but I guess she’s marrying him so we are stuck with him in this series.
Overall a good addition to the group, and a nice easy read to pass the time.
This series is a delight, with each story similar and yet unique enough to not get monotonous. I found this book to be quite witty and pithy, with Frances’ dry humour much more on display. The mystery itself was interesting and had many players and twists, though I did guess the murderer, this could be just because I’ve read too many of these, as I don’t think I’d say it was very obvious. These are all easily and nicely wrapped up and the victim is never anyone of consequence so you can laugh and enjoy without shame, even if it may be a bit callous, but such is cozy mystery after all. I love the little historical elements to this, where we are grounded in the times with things like the advent of motorcars and telegrams and quick trips across country by train. George again causes problems here, luckily he has Frances to sort them out for him in the end. Still, he doesn’t seem like much of a spy and I’m still on the fence about him, but I guess she’s marrying him so we are stuck with him in this series.
Overall a good addition to the group, and a nice easy read to pass the time.
July 13, 2021
I am really enjoying this series even though I read book three first and then had to play catch up. Then this came up on Netgalley so I just had to read it!
In A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder (great title!) Frances, the wonderful Countess of Harleigh and her future husband, the Hon. George Hazelton, have to deal with the advent of George's wife - or is she? This is a social disaster for Frances and George and when a murder occurs things become really sticky.
I really admire the way Frances deals with every issue which comes up, and I love the way George stands up with her. I found the story fun and intriguing and it moved at a great pace towards a very satisfactory ending.
An excellent series altogether and I hope the author continues to write them!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder (great title!) Frances, the wonderful Countess of Harleigh and her future husband, the Hon. George Hazelton, have to deal with the advent of George's wife - or is she? This is a social disaster for Frances and George and when a murder occurs things become really sticky.
I really admire the way Frances deals with every issue which comes up, and I love the way George stands up with her. I found the story fun and intriguing and it moved at a great pace towards a very satisfactory ending.
An excellent series altogether and I hope the author continues to write them!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 8, 2021
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is book 4 in A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in London 1899 when a French woman turns up on Frances, Countess of Harleigh’s doorstep claiming to be her fiancée George Hazeldon’s wife. She is later found dead in Frances’ garden and these developments may have a detrimental effect on Frances’s and George’s reputations and future marriage. With her usual energy and force Frances meddles in police investigation with the help of her fiancée. Both use their social skills and contacts to avoid a massive scandal.
Main character is Frances, Countess of Harleigh who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to mysteries and who has no problems taking risks. She seems a person with a zest for life who deals effectively with whatever is thrown her way. I love that about her.
Supporting character is the Hon. George Hazelton. There seems to be plenty of mystery related to his background, which I’m sure will gradually be revealed in future books. He seems attentive to Frances and has the makings of a good Victorian husband.
What I enjoyed the most about this story is that it reads like a sitcom. It stands out with the particularly funny start when George’s alleged wife turns up. The plot and characters are catching and keep me fascinated all the way through to the totally surprising ending. I loved how the murder victim’s mysterious background and her connections to Russia included a lot of drama and surprise elements to the story. The drama of investigating the murder understandably took center stage, but we are still able to sense the connection between Frances and George. How they function as a couple in the stressful situation when his alleged first wife turns up. In short this is an unputdownable book I thoroughly enjoyed.
The lighthearted dialogue and writing kept me entertained and I will recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny and easy read suitable all year round. It is part of a series, but no actual need to read it in order because each story stands perfectly on its own. I did, however, get curious about how Frances came to be a Countess. -Maybe you will too. But I also look forward to seeing what the next book in the series will be about.
Similar authors to explore might be Anna Lee Huber or Katharine Schellman.
Thank you to #Kensington Books, #Dianne Freeman and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the unputdownable new mystery where Frances solves the murder of a woman with connections to Russia who claims to be George’s first wife.
Main character is Frances, Countess of Harleigh who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to mysteries and who has no problems taking risks. She seems a person with a zest for life who deals effectively with whatever is thrown her way. I love that about her.
Supporting character is the Hon. George Hazelton. There seems to be plenty of mystery related to his background, which I’m sure will gradually be revealed in future books. He seems attentive to Frances and has the makings of a good Victorian husband.
What I enjoyed the most about this story is that it reads like a sitcom. It stands out with the particularly funny start when George’s alleged wife turns up. The plot and characters are catching and keep me fascinated all the way through to the totally surprising ending. I loved how the murder victim’s mysterious background and her connections to Russia included a lot of drama and surprise elements to the story. The drama of investigating the murder understandably took center stage, but we are still able to sense the connection between Frances and George. How they function as a couple in the stressful situation when his alleged first wife turns up. In short this is an unputdownable book I thoroughly enjoyed.
The lighthearted dialogue and writing kept me entertained and I will recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny and easy read suitable all year round. It is part of a series, but no actual need to read it in order because each story stands perfectly on its own. I did, however, get curious about how Frances came to be a Countess. -Maybe you will too. But I also look forward to seeing what the next book in the series will be about.
Similar authors to explore might be Anna Lee Huber or Katharine Schellman.
Thank you to #Kensington Books, #Dianne Freeman and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the unputdownable new mystery where Frances solves the murder of a woman with connections to Russia who claims to be George’s first wife.
July 27, 2021
Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery #4
Publication Date: 7/27/21
Period: Victorian London - 1899
Number of Pages: 304
Goodness Gracious Me – I do believe I’ve become addicted to Countess of Harleigh and George Hazelton! Each book in the series seems to get better than the last and I come to appreciate the intrepid duo and their cast of friends more and more. I had hoped we’d have a wedding in this one, but we fell just a tad short in our timing, so, surely the next book will either contain the wedding or it will have already happened and we’ll be off on – perhaps an adventurous honeymoon. Who knows? Either way, I can’t wait.
Things are all abuzz in London with the visit of Duke Michael Mikhailovich and his wife, Sophie, Countess de Torby who are members of the ruling Romanov family of Russia. While it isn’t a state visit – since Mikhailovich is exiled from Russia – Prince Albert still wants to fete them. So, it was with a heavy heart that Frances, Countess Harleigh, canceled her trip to Paris to purchase a gown for her engagement ball. Still, she’ll have a lovely Parisian gown, but it will be chosen by her 8-year-old daughter and her mother who is still making the trip.
Frances has hardly seen her mother and daughter off when Inspector Delaney shows up at her door with a young woman, Irena Teskey, in tow. This young woman insists she is the wife of George Hazelton. OMGoodness! Frances doesn’t believe it for a minute and can’t wait for George to arrive and straighten it all out. Too bad the whole thing is witnessed by Alicia Stoke-Whitney. Will the woman keep it quiet? This could be a huge scandal because gossip spreads like wildfire among the ton – whether it is true or not.
When George denies it, the young woman keeps insisting it is true. She also insists someone has sent her threatening letters and someone has been following her. Oh! And by the way, she is under arrest for throwing a rock at the Russian duke. Yes, Irena is quite a piece of work. She’s spoiled, immature, petulant, whiny, and maybe just a tad barmy as well. Yet, when she turns up dead – In Frances’s garden – perhaps there was something to her story after all.
Now, Frances and George not only have to prove George wasn’t married to Irena – they have to prove he didn’t murder her. Putting all of the pieces together and solving the puzzle of Irena’s background and who murdered her will not be easily done. Even if George can convince everyone he wasn’t married to Irena – he really can’t convince anyone he didn’t murder her.
There are suspects aplenty because it seems everybody who encountered the young woman was soon ready to strangle her. There are many red herrings, false trails, and questionable characters, but through it all, Frances’s belief in George never wavers. She’s willing to face down the ton and any gossip in support of George. She’s steadfast and unwavering. What a great female lead character.
While there is a serious murder mystery to be solved and a heart-fluttering romance, there are also some light moments. One of my favorite lighter moments was Frances’s first ride in a motor car. The descriptions are delightful and her reactions are priceless. Her verdict is, of course, that those things will never replace a horse and buggy.
I can definitely recommend this book because it is a wonderfully well-written, perfectly paced, and well-delivered story. The characters are delightful and you will come to like them more and more each time you meet them. Of course, the villain is unexpected and the motive, while not totally unexpected, is still a surprise. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 7/27/21
Period: Victorian London - 1899
Number of Pages: 304
Goodness Gracious Me – I do believe I’ve become addicted to Countess of Harleigh and George Hazelton! Each book in the series seems to get better than the last and I come to appreciate the intrepid duo and their cast of friends more and more. I had hoped we’d have a wedding in this one, but we fell just a tad short in our timing, so, surely the next book will either contain the wedding or it will have already happened and we’ll be off on – perhaps an adventurous honeymoon. Who knows? Either way, I can’t wait.
Things are all abuzz in London with the visit of Duke Michael Mikhailovich and his wife, Sophie, Countess de Torby who are members of the ruling Romanov family of Russia. While it isn’t a state visit – since Mikhailovich is exiled from Russia – Prince Albert still wants to fete them. So, it was with a heavy heart that Frances, Countess Harleigh, canceled her trip to Paris to purchase a gown for her engagement ball. Still, she’ll have a lovely Parisian gown, but it will be chosen by her 8-year-old daughter and her mother who is still making the trip.
Frances has hardly seen her mother and daughter off when Inspector Delaney shows up at her door with a young woman, Irena Teskey, in tow. This young woman insists she is the wife of George Hazelton. OMGoodness! Frances doesn’t believe it for a minute and can’t wait for George to arrive and straighten it all out. Too bad the whole thing is witnessed by Alicia Stoke-Whitney. Will the woman keep it quiet? This could be a huge scandal because gossip spreads like wildfire among the ton – whether it is true or not.
When George denies it, the young woman keeps insisting it is true. She also insists someone has sent her threatening letters and someone has been following her. Oh! And by the way, she is under arrest for throwing a rock at the Russian duke. Yes, Irena is quite a piece of work. She’s spoiled, immature, petulant, whiny, and maybe just a tad barmy as well. Yet, when she turns up dead – In Frances’s garden – perhaps there was something to her story after all.
Now, Frances and George not only have to prove George wasn’t married to Irena – they have to prove he didn’t murder her. Putting all of the pieces together and solving the puzzle of Irena’s background and who murdered her will not be easily done. Even if George can convince everyone he wasn’t married to Irena – he really can’t convince anyone he didn’t murder her.
There are suspects aplenty because it seems everybody who encountered the young woman was soon ready to strangle her. There are many red herrings, false trails, and questionable characters, but through it all, Frances’s belief in George never wavers. She’s willing to face down the ton and any gossip in support of George. She’s steadfast and unwavering. What a great female lead character.
While there is a serious murder mystery to be solved and a heart-fluttering romance, there are also some light moments. One of my favorite lighter moments was Frances’s first ride in a motor car. The descriptions are delightful and her reactions are priceless. Her verdict is, of course, that those things will never replace a horse and buggy.
I can definitely recommend this book because it is a wonderfully well-written, perfectly paced, and well-delivered story. The characters are delightful and you will come to like them more and more each time you meet them. Of course, the villain is unexpected and the motive, while not totally unexpected, is still a surprise. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 29, 2024
To nie jest mój ulubiony tom ten serii, ale wciąż utwierdza mnie w przekonaniu, jak bardzo lubię Frances i George’a, ich relację oraz śledztwa.
Kocham tę serię niezmiennie 💙.
Kocham tę serię niezmiennie 💙.
March 30, 2025
Troszkę słabsza część w porównaniu z poprzednimi i zbyt "przekombinowana". Mimo kilku irytujacych momentów jest to nadal lekka lektura - sprawdzi się, gdy do czegoś poważniejszego nie mamy głowy lub czasu.
November 15, 2024
The countess of Harleigh, Frances Wynn, is a widow but she is now the fiancée of George Hazleton. That is until Inspector Delaney arrives at her home with a French woman claiming to be Mrs George Hazleton. Frances does not believe a word of it, since the woman Irena is making other claims like that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty among other things like being abducted multiple time and being sent threatening letters. But they do learn that the part about being related to Russian royalty is true. When news leaks out about George’s marriage to Irena it is bad enough, as society is shocked. But then Irena is found dead in Frances’ garden. Suddenly Frances and George are suspects in a murder. They have to investigate to clear themselves of murder. Will they be able to solve the mystery? The reader suspects given their previous success in solving crimes they will. But more deaths could be on the horizon if they are not careful.
This is a fun series. It is book 4 in the series about The Countess of Harleigh and they make for easy reading. I have enjoyed the 3 previous books and also enjoyed this one. Lighthearted banter between characters and with historical setting In London in 1889 this is rich in fun and historical detail. And it is interesting to see the way the plot unfolds and the dangers and problems encountered. A delightful cosy mystery that is certain to please many readers as it did me.
This is a fun series. It is book 4 in the series about The Countess of Harleigh and they make for easy reading. I have enjoyed the 3 previous books and also enjoyed this one. Lighthearted banter between characters and with historical setting In London in 1889 this is rich in fun and historical detail. And it is interesting to see the way the plot unfolds and the dangers and problems encountered. A delightful cosy mystery that is certain to please many readers as it did me.
May 24, 2021
This is the fourth book in Ms. Freeman's Countess of Harleigh mystery series and the best one yet. I was quickly drawn into the story from the first chapter when "Mrs. George Hazelton" showed up on Frances' doorstep with Inspector Delaney.
The story moves swiftly and becomes complex as not only is "Mrs. George Hazelton"/Irena a drama queen but her stories are a combination of some truth and lots of fantasy which Frances and George need to sort out before they can begin to get to the truth. Ms. Freeman's descriptive writing includes visiting Russian royals, Irena's real husband, a diverse group of suspects and a huge plot twist that I never saw coming. I also loved that Frances' Aunt Hetty got to shine in this one with her own new relationship as well as her business acumen. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The story moves swiftly and becomes complex as not only is "Mrs. George Hazelton"/Irena a drama queen but her stories are a combination of some truth and lots of fantasy which Frances and George need to sort out before they can begin to get to the truth. Ms. Freeman's descriptive writing includes visiting Russian royals, Irena's real husband, a diverse group of suspects and a huge plot twist that I never saw coming. I also loved that Frances' Aunt Hetty got to shine in this one with her own new relationship as well as her business acumen. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 25, 2021
Take Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey (first book: Silent in the Grave), mix with Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum (first book: One for the Money) transported back to the London of 1899, and you’ll have Frances, Lady Harleigh. Like Lady Julia, Frances is intelligent and not afraid to break rules (whether laws or society’s norms); like Stephanie, Frances is a witty American with a hilarious family.
In this novel, Frances is soon to be married to her next-door neighbor, George Hazelton, an agent of sorts for England and the Prince of Wales. A self-dramatizing Russian actress who is an illegitimate member of the Romanov family turns up, claiming to be Hazelton’s wife and in grave danger. (She ends up dead, so at least that part was true.) A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder has plenty of twists and fun dialogue, and, even though it’s the fourth in the series, I never felt lost. Was the book as good as Raybourn’s or Evanovich’s early stuff? No, but it was good enough that I’m going to start the series at the beginning. Definitely the perfect read when you want something light and humorous.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel, Frances is soon to be married to her next-door neighbor, George Hazelton, an agent of sorts for England and the Prince of Wales. A self-dramatizing Russian actress who is an illegitimate member of the Romanov family turns up, claiming to be Hazelton’s wife and in grave danger. (She ends up dead, so at least that part was true.) A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder has plenty of twists and fun dialogue, and, even though it’s the fourth in the series, I never felt lost. Was the book as good as Raybourn’s or Evanovich’s early stuff? No, but it was good enough that I’m going to start the series at the beginning. Definitely the perfect read when you want something light and humorous.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
A woman who's an illegitimate child of Russian nobility appears on George's doorstep claiming to be his long-lost wife. Say what now????
Frances is standing there obviously shocked & saddened.
I was hooked and had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Shortly afterwards, there's a murder and George & Frances are off & running to solve it.
The writer turned it up a notch for the 3rd book in this series. It was a page turner with lots of suspense and a gripping mystery moving at a quick pace.
Frances is standing there obviously shocked & saddened.
I was hooked and had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Shortly afterwards, there's a murder and George & Frances are off & running to solve it.
The writer turned it up a notch for the 3rd book in this series. It was a page turner with lots of suspense and a gripping mystery moving at a quick pace.
October 7, 2021
Enjoyable mystery with romance that has continued from previous books. I liked the book, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood as I didn't love it. The mystery was good but I didn't care much for the side story of how gossip harms people. I plan on reading the next book as I enjoy the characters. I rate it 3.5* and rounded up.
October 3, 2023
3.75 Stars
This was cute and I love that characters return from previous novels and often add to the current story.
Relaxing and atmospheric. Perfect for fans of costum dramas.
This was cute and I love that characters return from previous novels and often add to the current story.
Relaxing and atmospheric. Perfect for fans of costum dramas.
July 28, 2021
'For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances's house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.
As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena--though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena's life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances' garden.
To uncover a killer--and clear their own names--Frances and George must determine which of Irena's outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home...'
___________________________________
4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth book in Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
Ugh, I honestly adore the dynamic between Frances and George. They're such a good investigative team and couple. In this book, their relationship and engagement are put to the test when a woman arrives claiming to be Mrs. George Hazelton. Trust tested and they have to face gossip and disapproving public opinion.
I loved how the mystery unfolded in this book. Clues came together at the perfect pace, so that it didn't give things away too early. There some tense moments and some danger, our characters are put into some fairly uncomfortable situations, but the banter and wit carries throughout without being too much. The wit is one if the key characteristics of this series and I adore it, I hope there will be several more book to come.
I recommend this book and the series as a whole. You don't necessarily have to read them together and in order, this could serve as a stand-alone. But I think one would enjoy them more read in order. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and whatever mystery they'll face next.
_____
I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder with me. This is my honest review.
As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena--though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena's life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances' garden.
To uncover a killer--and clear their own names--Frances and George must determine which of Irena's outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home...'
___________________________________
4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth book in Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
Ugh, I honestly adore the dynamic between Frances and George. They're such a good investigative team and couple. In this book, their relationship and engagement are put to the test when a woman arrives claiming to be Mrs. George Hazelton. Trust tested and they have to face gossip and disapproving public opinion.
I loved how the mystery unfolded in this book. Clues came together at the perfect pace, so that it didn't give things away too early. There some tense moments and some danger, our characters are put into some fairly uncomfortable situations, but the banter and wit carries throughout without being too much. The wit is one if the key characteristics of this series and I adore it, I hope there will be several more book to come.
I recommend this book and the series as a whole. You don't necessarily have to read them together and in order, this could serve as a stand-alone. But I think one would enjoy them more read in order. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and whatever mystery they'll face next.
_____
I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder with me. This is my honest review.
August 22, 2024
Czwarty tom losów Frances Wynn to kolejna groźba skandalu na ogromną skalę oraz morderstwo w tle. Kobieta teraz jest szczęśliwa ze swoim narzeczonym Hazeltonem, ale to szczęście nie potrwa długo. Wszystko zmienia się w momencie kiedy pod domem Frances pojawia się Irena Teskey wraz z inspektorem Delaneyem. Ta kobieta śmiało twierdzi, że jest żoną George'a Hazeltona, a jej przeszłość jest tak bujna, że nie wiadomo co jest prawdą, a co kłamstwem. Sam George twierdzi, że Irena nigdy nie była jego żoną, ale żeby nie wybuchł skandal to decyduje się pomóc kobiecie. Jak już zdążyłam wspomnieć - pojawi się morderstwo i można bardzo łatwo przewidzieć kto się stanie ofiarą.
Autorka po raz czwarty mnie nie zawiodła. Świetnie poprowadzona akcja, świetni główni bohaterowie oraz świetnie oddany klimat wiktoriańskiej Anglii. Plotki, ploteczki, skandale, maniery, dwulicowość niektórych ludzi - wiele w tej książce można znaleźć. Intryga kryminalna poprowadzona została w całkiem ciekawy sposób. Kiedy wydaje mi się, że autorka nie wymyśli już nic nowego i raczej będziemy odgrzewać kotleta to nagle okazuje się, że jednak można dalej tworzyć coś nowego i za każdym razem równie intrygującego.
Czekam z niecierpliwością na kolejne tomy.
Autorka po raz czwarty mnie nie zawiodła. Świetnie poprowadzona akcja, świetni główni bohaterowie oraz świetnie oddany klimat wiktoriańskiej Anglii. Plotki, ploteczki, skandale, maniery, dwulicowość niektórych ludzi - wiele w tej książce można znaleźć. Intryga kryminalna poprowadzona została w całkiem ciekawy sposób. Kiedy wydaje mi się, że autorka nie wymyśli już nic nowego i raczej będziemy odgrzewać kotleta to nagle okazuje się, że jednak można dalej tworzyć coś nowego i za każdym razem równie intrygującego.
Czekam z niecierpliwością na kolejne tomy.
July 30, 2021
I almost bailed when a man spit inside the Countess’ house.
Perhaps it was a mistake to read this after some of my favorite historical mysteries (the Lady Julia books by Deanna Raybourn and a Phryne Fisher book by Kerry Greenwood) because this book came off as a rom-com with the regency period used as wallpaper. It didn’t feel authentic.
The last installment was good - lots of action and some nice character development. This one was kind of light on action until the very end. I wanted to like it, but it came up short.
Perhaps it was a mistake to read this after some of my favorite historical mysteries (the Lady Julia books by Deanna Raybourn and a Phryne Fisher book by Kerry Greenwood) because this book came off as a rom-com with the regency period used as wallpaper. It didn’t feel authentic.
The last installment was good - lots of action and some nice character development. This one was kind of light on action until the very end. I wanted to like it, but it came up short.
July 31, 2021
This is the fourth in a late-Victorian era cozy mystery series centred on Frances, widowed Countess of Harleigh. I didn’t realise it was the fourth in the series when I picked it up for review; it stands pretty well alone though a few characters could perhaps have done with a little more introduction. Frances is a widow with a young daughter (who is off the page for most of this book visiting Paris with Frances’ mother). From context, it’s obvious that Frances is American and married her Earl with the aid of a healthy dowry, which the earl promptly spent the majority of before he died, leaving Frances not exactly impoverished but not wealthy either. Now engaged to her next door neighbour George Hazleton, Frances finds herself drawn into a completely insane series of events when a police inspector brings a young woman to her doorstep who claims to be, in turn, an illegitimate relation of the czar of Russia, an actress, George Hazelton’s wife, and in fear of her life.
Frances is quite understandably thrown, but she also can’t allow Irena to run around London making wild claims like that. Being engaged to an already married man would destroy Frances’ reputation. George insists he’s not married to Irena, and in fact another man comes forward to claim he is… but when Irena is found strangled in Frances’ back garden, Frances and George are both suspects with obvious motive and opportunity.
I really liked this. It felt really authentic to the period (1899) and Frances is a fabulous heroine, strong and determined. I’m probably going to go looking for the rest of the series because I want more of her backstory and I definitely want more of her and George’s romance. I even want more of her utterly impossible mother. It’s always a disadvantage to step into a series part way through, but this was good enough to overcome that, with some real historical personages and happenings sprinkled in among the fictional ones making it a fascinating read. Five stars for a great Victorian cozy mystery full of charm, and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Frances is quite understandably thrown, but she also can’t allow Irena to run around London making wild claims like that. Being engaged to an already married man would destroy Frances’ reputation. George insists he’s not married to Irena, and in fact another man comes forward to claim he is… but when Irena is found strangled in Frances’ back garden, Frances and George are both suspects with obvious motive and opportunity.
I really liked this. It felt really authentic to the period (1899) and Frances is a fabulous heroine, strong and determined. I’m probably going to go looking for the rest of the series because I want more of her backstory and I definitely want more of her and George’s romance. I even want more of her utterly impossible mother. It’s always a disadvantage to step into a series part way through, but this was good enough to overcome that, with some real historical personages and happenings sprinkled in among the fictional ones making it a fascinating read. Five stars for a great Victorian cozy mystery full of charm, and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
December 9, 2024
So happy to be back in this series. Poor Francis is just not having an easy life and is constantly dealing with something. George is also getting the brunt of it this time, but at least they have each other, right?
June 10, 2025
Not my favorite of the series. Both Frances & Hetty felt out of character. Not nearly as strong and competent as prior books?
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
April 24, 2025
audiobook
3.5⭐️
zmiana lektora nie wyszła na dobre. ogolnie nie jest źle.. ale poprzednie tomy były lepsze..
3.5⭐️
zmiana lektora nie wyszła na dobre. ogolnie nie jest źle.. ale poprzednie tomy były lepsze..
February 6, 2025
Author Diane Freeman continues her Countess of Harleigh series with another fun and well-crafted narrative and mystery. I consider this as the best since the first in the series.
I might have to add a new reading category just for British Regency and Victorian mystery/romances. They are a welcome diversion from the idiotic political news facing Americans (as well as world citizens looking on in abject sadness if not disgust).
I might have to add a new reading category just for British Regency and Victorian mystery/romances. They are a welcome diversion from the idiotic political news facing Americans (as well as world citizens looking on in abject sadness if not disgust).
Read
June 30, 2024Jestem w nastroju na lekkie powieści kolejny tom przygód hrabiny Harleigh łyknęłam na raz. Jak zwykle intryga goni intrygę, bo nie dość, że w pierwszym rozdziale na głowę detektywki zwala rzekoma żona jej narzeczonego, co stwarza poważny problem natury prawno-moralno-obyczajowej, to jeszcze zaraz potem pojawia się trup, a we wszystko wmieszani są Romanowowie, Komitet Pań na Rzecz Powszechnej Moralności i ambitny właściciel teatru. W każdym rozdziale pojawiają się nowe informacje, dialogi pisane są wartko i interesująco, powieść wciąga, tło obyczajowe jest oddanie sprawnie, tym razem pojawia się komentarz społeczny na temat hipokryzji i bezkarności konserwatywnych polityków, coś, czego nie trzeba wykrzykiwać, bo to już truizm. Udało mi się rozgryźć formułę Freeman, więc z miejsca wytypowałam, kto jest winny, ale nie psuło mi to przyjemności lektury, bo byłam ciekawa, jak dotrze do tego lady Harleigh (czy po czwartym tomie mogę już nazywać ją Frances?), skoro nie ma możliwości porównywać imperatywów narracyjnych we własnych detektywistycznych przygodach.
March 21, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Dianne Freeman for an e-ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and not affected by the giveaway.
4.5 stars
It may be November with a chill in the air but Fran has a spring in her step. Her engagement to George is about to be formally announced and her mother is heading off to Paris for a shopping spree, thank goodness. However, Mother is taking young Rose with her and Frances will miss her daughter. No sooner do the travelers set off than more people arrive. First, Alicia Stoke-Whitney, the previous Earl of Harleigh's mistress, arrives looking for a favor. Then, Inspector Delaney comes looking for George, along with a young woman who claims to be Mrs. George Hazleton! Franny is shaken and upset but realizes George would never deceive her like that. This woman is clearly a raving lunatic because she also claims to be related to the visiting Russian Grand Duke, the Prince of Wales, and an actress and theater owner! She also claims to have been followed and threatened. When George arrives, he affirms that the woman, Irena Teskey, is indeed an illegitimate Romanov and most certainly NOT his wife. When someone else turns up claiming to be Irena's estranged husband and asking for a divorce, Irena is irate. Fran is forced to allow Irena to stay with her until the matter is cleared up. When Fran next sees Irena, the other woman is dead in the garden outside Fran's house! Inspector Delaney suspects Fran and George of murder. They know they didn't do anything wrong but the nosy gossips of Society are already hard at work spreading the story far and wide. Irena's husband has done a bunk and isn't available for comment. Surely he was the one who killed her? Fran and George know Inspector Delaney can handle the case but he isn't moving fast enough for Society. To clear their names so they can finally be wed means doing a bit of pre-investigating on their own. Will they find out who the real killer was before their reputations are entirely ruined?
I absolutely loved this novel! It's the perfect blend of mystery, romance and history. Let's face it though, I read this series for the swoony romance. The mystery is really good. I didn't figure out for sure whodunit until just before Franny did. I DID think it might be that person but I didn't figure out how that person could possibly have gotten away with it. I wasn't SURPRISED by the reveal, but it was still shocking. I thought there might be one last plot twist to prove I was wrong. The romance is very charming. The sleuthing duo are back to sleuthing together in London which I find absolutely wonderful. I missed their partnership in the previous book. There's also a lot of history woven into the story. The plot revolves around a branch of the Russian royal family but it also is about the double standards for men and women in the Victorian era. Men can get away with a bit of scandalous gossip and a reputation but women must shun the men they love in order to maintain their own reputation. It's horrible and that double standard still exists today 120+ years later! I think the author was smart to include that because it really is a big part of Victorian life but something many women can relate to.
Frances is a wonderful character. She's come a very long way since she was a naïve 19-year-old married off to an English Earl. She's come far from the somewhat timid widow she was in the beginning of the first book. She's now strong, confident and determined not to let anyone stand in the way of her happiness again. Fran is also very kind. Maybe a little too much so. While now she can recognize Alicia Stoke-Whitney did her a favor, it seems like Fran was hurt by her husband's defection at the time. I'm not sure I would have been so polite to the scandalous other woman. I love how Fran doesn't care what people think and how determined she is to stand by George. She's smart enough to find a solution to her problem and solve the mystery! I love Fran and George's relationship. George is soooo swoony! Not only is he handsome, charming and slightly roguish, his character is exceptional. He truly respects and loves Fran. There's no question in his mind that they are equal partners in the relationship, in spite of what the law says. There was no doubt in my mind he was not guilty of deceiving Fran. He would have told her if he thought there was something she needed to know. He would have tried to find Irena and obtain a divorce. He's just a little bit too honorable at times, like when it comes to stopping gossip. I prefer Fran's approach.
Alicia Stoke-Whitney is a modern woman. She's in charge of her sexuality and isn't ashamed of having multiple partners. However, in the Victorian era she is seen as scandalous. Even if the modern woman in me wants to applaud her for seizing happiness where she can get it, sleeping with other people's husbands isn't kind! I have a little bit of sympathy for her in this novel though. Her husband is awful. He's a dried up old stick obsessed with "morality" punishing her for something she didn't do. SHE isn't the one bragging and spreading gossip. How was she to know her lover would tell everyone? He sounds crude and rude not to realize how he was damaging other peoples' reputations, including Alicia's teenage daughter Harriet. Harriet is expected to be presented to the Queen the following Season and her mother's reputation will precede her and cause problems. We all know how stuffy Queen Victoria was! Also, Harriet needs a sponsor for the Season other than her aunt Constance, who is quite gauche. The poor girl shouldn't be punished for her mother's indiscretion. Her father could care less about her which is very sad. All Arthur Stoke-Whitney cares about is his career and how the moralists helped him win. He's more interested in catering to those nitwits than his family. I don't care for him very much at all and I do feel very sorry for Harriet. At least the girl's mother cares about her future.
Irena Teskey, age 24, is a piece of work. She's annoying, rude, loud, demanding and selfish. Fran feels sorry for Irena, an illegitimate Russian royal, raised in France by foster parents, unwanted by her father, mother dead, constantly in danger of being abducted and perhaps drugged, she should be pitied. Her father, Grand Duke Alexi Alexandrovich sounds like a scoundrel and a bad father. He's very uncaring even for a man of his time. Irena's foster parents, Mr. and Madame Teskey don't sound like they were very parental or very caring either. I don't really pity her for all that. People have choices in life and her behavior is beyond the pale. First she makes a huge scene regarding George, then she refuses to believe the other man, she isn't content with owning a share of a theater but wants to be the lead actress as well. Fran thinks Irena just wants people to love her, having a lack of love in her life, but Irena's behavior isn't making anyone love her! She could have been more discreet. She's typical of the Romanovs-autocratic rulers who expected their subjects to love them even when they were very much unlovable! If she were gracious, lovely and polite, none of the events of the story would ever have happened. Her actions possibly led to her murder. The only person who remotely cares for Irena is Igor, her bodyguard, yet he's conspicuously missing when she's murdered! He's not an appealing character. Perhaps he's the one who murdered Irena for some reason.
Inspector Delaney is in a tough spot. He's worked with Fran and George before, he knows they're not murderers but he has to look at the case with an impartial eye. He is NOT happy with their sleuthing this time and would dearly love to arrest them both to keep them out of the way! He can't do that, obviously. George has friends in high places which makes Inspector Delaney's job extra tough. He's good at his job and knows how to conduct an investigation but Fran and George have access to information he can't get and they can jump to conclusions and act whereas Inspector Delaney has to wait for evidence and arrest warrants, etc.
Fran and George believe Percy Bradmore, heir to Baron de Brook is a cad at best and a murderer at worst. It certainly doesn't look good for him. He had motive and opportunity. I don't think he's a cad though. We don't really know the whole story of what happened with Irena but if he took advantage of her while she was under the influence and married her for her money then he's the worst sort of cad. She was barely 18 at the time which doesn't make him look good even if he just felt he had to because they had been alone together. Arriving and asking her for a divorce that way was a bit cruel though. I hope he's not a murderer because I do kind of like him.
I absolutely loathe Mrs. Chiswick and her butler, Jackson. She's an old prude or claims to be anyway but the biggest gossip on the block. She's a stranger to Fran, just visiting the neighborhood and yet she shows up uninvited to Fran's house to attempt to moralize at Fran? Who is SHE to moralize when she's quick to spread gossip. Jackson, the butler, is insanely nosy and has to know everyone's little secrets and then share them with Mrs. Chiswick. Is she really a lady? If she was, she wouldn't stoop to gossiping with the butler and spreading that gossip. I bet she's on the fringes of Society and the gossip makes her feel important. I want her to be the murderer but I don't see how she could have done it. What about Jackson though? At her request? Why is no one looking at Jackson? I'm sure Mrs. Chiswick told her butler to get rid of the scandal in the neighborhood.
At the Hanover Theater there are two chief suspects for murderer. Herbert Gilliam, part owner and Irena's business partner, has lots of reasons to want Irena dead. Even though he needs her money, he took out a generous insurance policy on her life. That sure makes him look guilty. He might be courting Aunt Hetty to get her money but also to lure her into a false sense of security to make Fran look the other way in her investigation. He seems nice enough to Fran but with Hetty he comes across as a big too over the top and eager, like a sleazy businessman. Like Fran, I'm torn. I don't want to see Aunt Hetty hurt but it sure does look like he's a suspect. The other major suspect is wannabe lead actress Sally Cooper. She wanted the leading part and took over when Irena was hiding out at Fran's house. Sally was jealous and hated that Irena took the best part while being a terrible actress. Irena was going to get the show shut down and the theater would close and then where would Sally be? What theater would hire an actress associated with a show that closed down the theater? I would feel bad for Sally and indeed I am sympathetic, but like Irena, she's not a nice person. You don't make fun of someone in front of strangers. There was no love lost between the two women and Sally lies to Fran. I think she is a strong candidate for murderer. I think a woman could strangle another in a jealous rage.
I don't know how the author found the morganatic Romanovs but they're just as unpleasant as the legitimate branch of the family. I like Sophie, Countess of Merenberg. She's lovely even if she's probably dying from her corset being too tight. (Look her up). She comes through when it counts. I like how much she and her husband, Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovoich love each other. I'm impressed he stuck by her and accepted being stripped of his military ranking and demoted. They're happier that way. (Hmm sounds familiar). However, the Grand Duke is unfeeling and rude towards his cousin. Sure her methods leave a lot to be desired but he denies her totally and ignores the problem of her murder. He doesn't care who did it and is relieved she's out of the way.
Aunt Hetty gets in on the investigation this time. She's a bit indiscreet but I like her subplot. I agree with Fran that Hetty deserves happiness and shouldn't care what others think. However, I want her to have a home of her own to be happy. She's never had a home of her own before. I'm torn. I hope her love interest isn't a murderer or a fortune hunter. Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, is a treasure. She puts up with Fran's unconventional, busy life and doesn't quit at the first sign of scandal. She can handle illegitimate Russians, actresses, theater owners, charming third sons and roguish heirs all with aplomb! Mr. Mosley, the newspaper editor, is a good friend to Fran. I was suspicious at first but he is a good person to know and have on your side. I hope he can get work at a real newspaper soon. Tabloid journalism doesn't seem like his thing. The 19th century paparazzi were just as bad as they are today but lacking in the technology to truly spy on someone. Fran's newest allies are Lord and Lady Vallecourt. I love their relationship! He seems so friendly and fun and he recognizes women are smarter than men LOL! I hope we see more of them in the next book because they didn't really have much to offer this time.
I can't wait for this book to be published. I'd like to read it again in paperback - a lot more slowly this time!
4.5 stars
It may be November with a chill in the air but Fran has a spring in her step. Her engagement to George is about to be formally announced and her mother is heading off to Paris for a shopping spree, thank goodness. However, Mother is taking young Rose with her and Frances will miss her daughter. No sooner do the travelers set off than more people arrive. First, Alicia Stoke-Whitney, the previous Earl of Harleigh's mistress, arrives looking for a favor. Then, Inspector Delaney comes looking for George, along with a young woman who claims to be Mrs. George Hazleton! Franny is shaken and upset but realizes George would never deceive her like that. This woman is clearly a raving lunatic because she also claims to be related to the visiting Russian Grand Duke, the Prince of Wales, and an actress and theater owner! She also claims to have been followed and threatened. When George arrives, he affirms that the woman, Irena Teskey, is indeed an illegitimate Romanov and most certainly NOT his wife. When someone else turns up claiming to be Irena's estranged husband and asking for a divorce, Irena is irate. Fran is forced to allow Irena to stay with her until the matter is cleared up. When Fran next sees Irena, the other woman is dead in the garden outside Fran's house! Inspector Delaney suspects Fran and George of murder. They know they didn't do anything wrong but the nosy gossips of Society are already hard at work spreading the story far and wide. Irena's husband has done a bunk and isn't available for comment. Surely he was the one who killed her? Fran and George know Inspector Delaney can handle the case but he isn't moving fast enough for Society. To clear their names so they can finally be wed means doing a bit of pre-investigating on their own. Will they find out who the real killer was before their reputations are entirely ruined?
I absolutely loved this novel! It's the perfect blend of mystery, romance and history. Let's face it though, I read this series for the swoony romance. The mystery is really good. I didn't figure out for sure whodunit until just before Franny did. I DID think it might be that person but I didn't figure out how that person could possibly have gotten away with it. I wasn't SURPRISED by the reveal, but it was still shocking. I thought there might be one last plot twist to prove I was wrong. The romance is very charming. The sleuthing duo are back to sleuthing together in London which I find absolutely wonderful. I missed their partnership in the previous book. There's also a lot of history woven into the story. The plot revolves around a branch of the Russian royal family but it also is about the double standards for men and women in the Victorian era. Men can get away with a bit of scandalous gossip and a reputation but women must shun the men they love in order to maintain their own reputation. It's horrible and that double standard still exists today 120+ years later! I think the author was smart to include that because it really is a big part of Victorian life but something many women can relate to.
Frances is a wonderful character. She's come a very long way since she was a naïve 19-year-old married off to an English Earl. She's come far from the somewhat timid widow she was in the beginning of the first book. She's now strong, confident and determined not to let anyone stand in the way of her happiness again. Fran is also very kind. Maybe a little too much so. While now she can recognize Alicia Stoke-Whitney did her a favor, it seems like Fran was hurt by her husband's defection at the time. I'm not sure I would have been so polite to the scandalous other woman. I love how Fran doesn't care what people think and how determined she is to stand by George. She's smart enough to find a solution to her problem and solve the mystery! I love Fran and George's relationship. George is soooo swoony! Not only is he handsome, charming and slightly roguish, his character is exceptional. He truly respects and loves Fran. There's no question in his mind that they are equal partners in the relationship, in spite of what the law says. There was no doubt in my mind he was not guilty of deceiving Fran. He would have told her if he thought there was something she needed to know. He would have tried to find Irena and obtain a divorce. He's just a little bit too honorable at times, like when it comes to stopping gossip. I prefer Fran's approach.
Alicia Stoke-Whitney is a modern woman. She's in charge of her sexuality and isn't ashamed of having multiple partners. However, in the Victorian era she is seen as scandalous. Even if the modern woman in me wants to applaud her for seizing happiness where she can get it, sleeping with other people's husbands isn't kind! I have a little bit of sympathy for her in this novel though. Her husband is awful. He's a dried up old stick obsessed with "morality" punishing her for something she didn't do. SHE isn't the one bragging and spreading gossip. How was she to know her lover would tell everyone? He sounds crude and rude not to realize how he was damaging other peoples' reputations, including Alicia's teenage daughter Harriet. Harriet is expected to be presented to the Queen the following Season and her mother's reputation will precede her and cause problems. We all know how stuffy Queen Victoria was! Also, Harriet needs a sponsor for the Season other than her aunt Constance, who is quite gauche. The poor girl shouldn't be punished for her mother's indiscretion. Her father could care less about her which is very sad. All Arthur Stoke-Whitney cares about is his career and how the moralists helped him win. He's more interested in catering to those nitwits than his family. I don't care for him very much at all and I do feel very sorry for Harriet. At least the girl's mother cares about her future.
Irena Teskey, age 24, is a piece of work. She's annoying, rude, loud, demanding and selfish. Fran feels sorry for Irena, an illegitimate Russian royal, raised in France by foster parents, unwanted by her father, mother dead, constantly in danger of being abducted and perhaps drugged, she should be pitied. Her father, Grand Duke Alexi Alexandrovich sounds like a scoundrel and a bad father. He's very uncaring even for a man of his time. Irena's foster parents, Mr. and Madame Teskey don't sound like they were very parental or very caring either. I don't really pity her for all that. People have choices in life and her behavior is beyond the pale. First she makes a huge scene regarding George, then she refuses to believe the other man, she isn't content with owning a share of a theater but wants to be the lead actress as well. Fran thinks Irena just wants people to love her, having a lack of love in her life, but Irena's behavior isn't making anyone love her! She could have been more discreet. She's typical of the Romanovs-autocratic rulers who expected their subjects to love them even when they were very much unlovable! If she were gracious, lovely and polite, none of the events of the story would ever have happened. Her actions possibly led to her murder. The only person who remotely cares for Irena is Igor, her bodyguard, yet he's conspicuously missing when she's murdered! He's not an appealing character. Perhaps he's the one who murdered Irena for some reason.
Inspector Delaney is in a tough spot. He's worked with Fran and George before, he knows they're not murderers but he has to look at the case with an impartial eye. He is NOT happy with their sleuthing this time and would dearly love to arrest them both to keep them out of the way! He can't do that, obviously. George has friends in high places which makes Inspector Delaney's job extra tough. He's good at his job and knows how to conduct an investigation but Fran and George have access to information he can't get and they can jump to conclusions and act whereas Inspector Delaney has to wait for evidence and arrest warrants, etc.
Fran and George believe Percy Bradmore, heir to Baron de Brook is a cad at best and a murderer at worst. It certainly doesn't look good for him. He had motive and opportunity. I don't think he's a cad though. We don't really know the whole story of what happened with Irena but if he took advantage of her while she was under the influence and married her for her money then he's the worst sort of cad. She was barely 18 at the time which doesn't make him look good even if he just felt he had to because they had been alone together. Arriving and asking her for a divorce that way was a bit cruel though. I hope he's not a murderer because I do kind of like him.
I absolutely loathe Mrs. Chiswick and her butler, Jackson. She's an old prude or claims to be anyway but the biggest gossip on the block. She's a stranger to Fran, just visiting the neighborhood and yet she shows up uninvited to Fran's house to attempt to moralize at Fran? Who is SHE to moralize when she's quick to spread gossip. Jackson, the butler, is insanely nosy and has to know everyone's little secrets and then share them with Mrs. Chiswick. Is she really a lady? If she was, she wouldn't stoop to gossiping with the butler and spreading that gossip. I bet she's on the fringes of Society and the gossip makes her feel important. I want her to be the murderer but I don't see how she could have done it. What about Jackson though? At her request? Why is no one looking at Jackson? I'm sure Mrs. Chiswick told her butler to get rid of the scandal in the neighborhood.
At the Hanover Theater there are two chief suspects for murderer. Herbert Gilliam, part owner and Irena's business partner, has lots of reasons to want Irena dead. Even though he needs her money, he took out a generous insurance policy on her life. That sure makes him look guilty. He might be courting Aunt Hetty to get her money but also to lure her into a false sense of security to make Fran look the other way in her investigation. He seems nice enough to Fran but with Hetty he comes across as a big too over the top and eager, like a sleazy businessman. Like Fran, I'm torn. I don't want to see Aunt Hetty hurt but it sure does look like he's a suspect. The other major suspect is wannabe lead actress Sally Cooper. She wanted the leading part and took over when Irena was hiding out at Fran's house. Sally was jealous and hated that Irena took the best part while being a terrible actress. Irena was going to get the show shut down and the theater would close and then where would Sally be? What theater would hire an actress associated with a show that closed down the theater? I would feel bad for Sally and indeed I am sympathetic, but like Irena, she's not a nice person. You don't make fun of someone in front of strangers. There was no love lost between the two women and Sally lies to Fran. I think she is a strong candidate for murderer. I think a woman could strangle another in a jealous rage.
I don't know how the author found the morganatic Romanovs but they're just as unpleasant as the legitimate branch of the family. I like Sophie, Countess of Merenberg. She's lovely even if she's probably dying from her corset being too tight. (Look her up). She comes through when it counts. I like how much she and her husband, Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovoich love each other. I'm impressed he stuck by her and accepted being stripped of his military ranking and demoted. They're happier that way. (Hmm sounds familiar). However, the Grand Duke is unfeeling and rude towards his cousin. Sure her methods leave a lot to be desired but he denies her totally and ignores the problem of her murder. He doesn't care who did it and is relieved she's out of the way.
Aunt Hetty gets in on the investigation this time. She's a bit indiscreet but I like her subplot. I agree with Fran that Hetty deserves happiness and shouldn't care what others think. However, I want her to have a home of her own to be happy. She's never had a home of her own before. I'm torn. I hope her love interest isn't a murderer or a fortune hunter. Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, is a treasure. She puts up with Fran's unconventional, busy life and doesn't quit at the first sign of scandal. She can handle illegitimate Russians, actresses, theater owners, charming third sons and roguish heirs all with aplomb! Mr. Mosley, the newspaper editor, is a good friend to Fran. I was suspicious at first but he is a good person to know and have on your side. I hope he can get work at a real newspaper soon. Tabloid journalism doesn't seem like his thing. The 19th century paparazzi were just as bad as they are today but lacking in the technology to truly spy on someone. Fran's newest allies are Lord and Lady Vallecourt. I love their relationship! He seems so friendly and fun and he recognizes women are smarter than men LOL! I hope we see more of them in the next book because they didn't really have much to offer this time.
I can't wait for this book to be published. I'd like to read it again in paperback - a lot more slowly this time!
October 17, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest entry in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series. The mystery itself was interesting, and I definitely didn't guess who the murderer was for a long time. Now I can hardly wait to see what they get up to next in the series .... and will there be a quick wedding?
September 25, 2021
What a deliciously fun Victorian cozy mystery this fourth book in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series was. It opens as if reading a French farce with misstated identities divulged early on and it quickly spirals into a murder scene with unfortunate accusations and much scandal.
Our plucky protagonist, widow Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are looking forward to their upcoming engagement party. All is well until a French woman, escorted by the local constabulary descends upon Frances' doorstep, demands to know where her husband George Hazelton is. George adamantly denies being married to this woman but as it turns out, he had been acquainted with her, quite some time ago. Eyes are watching, conjecture and gossip ensues and Frances' standing in polite society is in peril. George and Frances must prove the fallacy of this woman's assertion and reestablish their place among the ton. It will surely be difficult and becomes increasingly more so when the young woman is found dead in Frances' garden. Inspector Delaney cautions George and Frances to stay out of the investigation, (as if they even could). There's too much on the line for these two and they must clear their names if they wish to move forward with their nuptials and remain within polite society.
Author Dianne Freeman does a spectacular job of spinning this yarn replete with many red herrings, twists and turns. Her discussion of the pitfalls within polite society resulting in scandal is well laid out and based in historical fact. The double standard between the sexes of Victorian England as to what passes as acceptable behavior among aristocrats is well illustrated. The constrictions placed on polite society are also well described and most informative. Ms. Freeman's writing is engaging and well crafted, carrying the reader toward a satisfying conclusion of this twisted tale.
I am grateful to author Dianne Freeman and Kensington Publishing Corps. for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Pages: 304
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 9781496731609
Our plucky protagonist, widow Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are looking forward to their upcoming engagement party. All is well until a French woman, escorted by the local constabulary descends upon Frances' doorstep, demands to know where her husband George Hazelton is. George adamantly denies being married to this woman but as it turns out, he had been acquainted with her, quite some time ago. Eyes are watching, conjecture and gossip ensues and Frances' standing in polite society is in peril. George and Frances must prove the fallacy of this woman's assertion and reestablish their place among the ton. It will surely be difficult and becomes increasingly more so when the young woman is found dead in Frances' garden. Inspector Delaney cautions George and Frances to stay out of the investigation, (as if they even could). There's too much on the line for these two and they must clear their names if they wish to move forward with their nuptials and remain within polite society.
Author Dianne Freeman does a spectacular job of spinning this yarn replete with many red herrings, twists and turns. Her discussion of the pitfalls within polite society resulting in scandal is well laid out and based in historical fact. The double standard between the sexes of Victorian England as to what passes as acceptable behavior among aristocrats is well illustrated. The constrictions placed on polite society are also well described and most informative. Ms. Freeman's writing is engaging and well crafted, carrying the reader toward a satisfying conclusion of this twisted tale.
I am grateful to author Dianne Freeman and Kensington Publishing Corps. for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Pages: 304
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 9781496731609
March 11, 2023
If you are a fan of historical mysteries, this series is for you. The action takes place in England in the very late 1800s (this one takes place in November 1899) and features an intelligent American woman who has married into a title (Countess of Harleigh), is now a widow and engaged to be married again, this time to a man who actually deserves her, George Hazelton. Frances gets to use her wits to figure out the culprit in a murder which took place in her own back garden. In this, she is aided by George, who has “done work for the Crown.” They made a great pair, not your typical upper-crust people. Along with an excellent mystery plot, the author takes the opportunity to poke fun at the strictures of Victorian high society.
In addition to Frances and George, I absolutely loved Frances’ aunt Hetty, and her “frenemy” Alicia keeps surprising me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I am extremely late to it. (I took a detour to read the first book in the series, which I also enjoyed.) All opinions are my own.
In addition to Frances and George, I absolutely loved Frances’ aunt Hetty, and her “frenemy” Alicia keeps surprising me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I am extremely late to it. (I took a detour to read the first book in the series, which I also enjoyed.) All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
The title is more clever than it first appears! This was a super fun mystery, and I’m glad to get back into the series since the latest one has just been released. I enjoyed the inclusion of the Russian royal family in this one and how various scandals were handled, including the one that involves Frances and George potentially. 😳 Inspector Delaney is back and he has his hands full. Aunt Hetty is such a delightful character! I’m so curious where the developments with her will go. I’m even enjoying Frances’ mother a little more. 😏
January 29, 2025
Another wonderful entry in a fun series. Frances and George are now engaged when a woman shows up claiming to be George's wife. The woman also claim to be Russian royalty, to have been abducted multiple times, and to receiving a number of threatening letters. She appears to be telling the truth about some things, especially when she ends up murdered. George and Frances investigate yet again, while also attempting to avoid societal scandal. I enjoyed this very much and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 21, 2021
3 1/2 stars. A fun romp with a touch of romance, period detail, enticing characters, and murder. Though part of a series you don’t need to have read the others to understand what is going on but you do miss the development of the characters and the romance between George and Frances. If you like Downton Abbey but a slightly earlier period, engaging characters and murder this book is for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews