Dianne FreemanReviews

DNF
Uneven and TLDR passages of nothing

A sweet little mystery in that classic setting- the English house party.
read 12/2/0223

A widow, Frannie the American Countess of Harleigh, strikes out on her own and sets out for London intending to present her sister during the Season. She is impeded by an investigation into her husband's death, a lawsuit from her brother-in-law and a charming bachelor living next door.

read 10/28/2023

As a favor to a former neighbor, newlywed Frances takes on the task of sponsoring Kate, the niece of the dowager Viscountess Winstead. Suspicions arise when the Viscountess's health deteriorates rapidly, possibly due to drugging. While Kate's inheritance is at stake, numerous suspects within the household emerge. Frances teams up with her husband to uncover the truth, believing the late Viscount was also targeted. Racing against time to save the ailing dowager, they strive to unveil the villain responsible before history repeats itself in a deadly manner.

I was delighted to pick up Lady Harleigh (or as she insists, Mrs. Hazelton, when she doesn't need a title to get her way) latest adventure. She and George are thrust into two different but connected investigations: he to locate a missing Egyptologist's journal and she to discover whether her former neighbor is being drugged. The cases immediately intertwine and they work together to unravel the clues.

Who to trust in this mystery was the main issue. Every person had their secrets and Frances must learn them all to get to the bottom of murder. I found the book hard to put down because I wanted to find out what happened next.

This was a fun read that I would recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries. I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed reading this. I liked all the characters and the story was intriguing. However, it started to drag in parts and then literally in the last few pages, the killer is suddenly revealed leaving a lot of unanswered questions such as (spoiler)

Why did Vi kill the nurse. I can hazard a guess but it was never explained. Also, did she dress up as a man when visiting her. The witness account describing a man entering the nurse's apt is not explained either! And lastly, how could she possibly think she could get away with impersonating her mother to receive the insurance money when her mom is dead! I know the internet was not around back then but surely there are records noting who are deceased.

I like the story but the mystery's final reveal left a lot to be desired.

Another enjoyable entry in this series. Frances and George are settling into married life when she gets a visit from Lady Esther asking for help for her friend Lady Winstead who she believes her step-children are trying to poison her to inherit her money. Frances assumes the task of presenting Lady Winstead’s niece, Kate, to the Queen and introducing her to society. She moves into their house and sees some peculiar things going on. Meanwhile, George is tasked with finding Lady Winstead’s late husband’s journal for the British Museum. Lots of lies, coverups and another death before they solve the case for Inspector Delaney.

Another fun cozy mystery in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series! I’ve loved this series from the very beginning and enjoy the swoony, romcom elements as well as the compelling mysteries. In this story, George is off on another case so Lady Frances does the majority of the investigating by herself. When she’s asked to sponsor the dowager Viscountess Winstead’s niece for her presentation to Queen Victoria, Frances is shocked to find the older woman in surprisingly ill health. Is it a natural deterioration due to old age, or is someone hastening her demise?

There’s a whole host of suspects with various motivations who Frances must ferret out; there’s the nurse whose life takes a frightening turn, the Viscountess’ stepchildren who all have motivations to want her dead, even her niece isn’t who she’s presumed to be. Enlisting the help of her Aunt Hetty and Hetty’s much younger “boyfriend” Gilliam, Frances’s determined to find the truth and stop a murderer before it’s too late.

I so love these mysteries mainly because of the witty dialogue, romance, and bizarre situations Frances finds herself in. This story definitely focused more on the mystery side rather than the romance. I enjoyed meeting new characters and also seeing more of the side characters taking a lead in this one. The Viscountess and her determined friend Lady Esther made me laugh. They’re delightful, spunky older ladies and forces to be reckoned with. It was also fun seeing Hetty and Gilliam getting into the sleuthing act.

The only one I really missed seeing more of was Frances’ husband George. I enjoyed it every time he was on the page and seeing the newlyweds tackle the art of blending two households. Money issues especially with Frances’ wealthy father, and making the best use of their space were all things they needed to grapple with. After all, Frances definitely needs an office if she’s going to keep solving mysteries and sponsoring young ladies.

The mystery really kept me guessing. The suspect and motivation were somewhat of a surprise. There are a lot of red herrings and I almost wish there had been a few more clues because the whodunit really came down to the last few chapters. It’s definitely one that was hard to predict.

While this fun, cozy mystery is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, though it’s more enjoyable if you’re familiar with all the characters. Highly recommend this and the entire series to cozy mystery and historical mystery fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

A Newlywed’s Guide To Fortune And Murder is the sixth book in the A Countess Of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman.

Lady Winstread has asked Countess Harleigh(Francis) to sponsor her niece, Katherin Stover, for a presentation to the Queen. As Francis prepares to visit Lady Winstead, Lady Esther arrives and asks to attend with Francis.
Lady Esther is shocked at how much Lady Winstead’s health has deteriorated in the last couple of weeks since her previous visit. Shortly after Lord Peter’s Death, his sons and daughter-in-law moved into his house with Lady Winstead. They seem to be waiting for Lady Winstead to die and inherit the home and money. Lady Winstead tells Francis that she believes someone is trying to kill her, and some of her valuable jewelry has gone missing. Francis suspects that Lady Winstead’s nurse might be giving too much laudanum. But when the nurse is found dead in her flat, Francis has to look elsewhere to find the person trying to kill Lady Winstead.

There’s a twist in this book, Francis and her husband, George, have worked together to solve murders in the past. In this book, as Francis is visiting Lady Winstead for the first time, George is meeting with the Home Office, where he learns they want him to find Lord Peter’s diary that lists the various artifacts he had donated to the British Museum. The museum needs the dairy to prove the provenance of the items. It is thought that the diary has been lost, but Francis finds it but goes missing before Francis can turn it over to George.

As with the previous books in this series, the book is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are once again well-developed, exciting, and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end of the book to learn who the killer was. The book was hard to put down.

I am looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable Victorian mystery series.

Missing jewels, a missing diary, a dead Viscount, a drugged Viscountess, a dead nurse, and a debutante with secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat in this excellently written and delightfully entertaining story. George Hazelton and his new wife, Frances, the former Countess of Harleigh, have their work cut out for them this time. Not that they exactly knew it was a case in the beginning. George was asked by the British Museum to find a diary that had been left to them by the late Viscount Winstead. They must have the diary to provide the provenance of the artifacts also left to them by the late Viscount, yet it wasn’t turned over to them along with the artifacts. The missing diary makes the artifacts practically worthless. At the same time, Frances has been asked by the dowager Viscountess Winstead to help introduce her niece into society. It is a happy little accident that both of their tasks coincide because Frances has access to the home of the Winsteads and George does not.

The Winsteads win the prize for dysfunctional families. When Frances walks into their home she finds a nearly comatose Viscountess whose illness no one can explain, a new Viscount with no love for his stepmother, and various other family members living off the Viscount. They are venal, disrespectful, and have no thought for anyone other than themselves. However, being dysfunctional, venal, disrespectful, or hateful doesn’t make you a murderer – does it?

With Frances ensconced within the Winstead household, George has plenty to be concerned about. Without him there, there is no one to protect Frances from the murderer who is surely roaming the halls of that house. Frances could easily fall prey to someone clever enough to keep the Viscountess drugged, has committed at least one murder and maybe two, and has stolen some of the Viscountess's jewels. Who can it be? Is it a member of the family? Is it more than one person? Is it the nurse? Is it the viscountess herself perpetrating a hoax? I’ll not tell – you’ll just have to read the book.

I definitely recommend this book and this series. The writing is excellent, the pacing nearly perfect, and the character development will make you want to meet them in person. Well, you’ll want to meet the good ones anyway. It is a fun, entertaining read with a lovely mystery and lots of shenanigans among some of the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

‘ware the elderly Doyennes of the Ton.

A welcomed dive into the latest doings of the former Lady Hartleigh and her husband George Hazelton. Frances has been asked by Vicountess Winstead to sponsor her niece’s presentation to the Queen. What could go wrong? A fortunate opportunity for George to ask for Frances’s assistance in looking around Lady Winstead’s rooms for the deceased Viscount Winstead, Lord Peter’s journal. It lists the Egyptian artifacts he’d obtained in his travels, including the journal, that were all willed to the British museum. The journal has disappeared
It turns out that someone is drugging Lady Winstead with laudanum, and a murder occurs. The niece might be more than she appears and Frances finds herself negotiating with two truly frightening older women of the ton who wreak havoc wherever their attention lands.
An enjoyable Victorian mystery.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

1900. Augusta Ashley, Viscountess Winstead has asked Frances Hazelton to sponsor her niece Katherine Stover. When the Viscountess falls ill her friend Lady Esther asks Frances to investigate. Leading Frances to believe she has been drugged. But why and by whom. Meanwhile George Hazelton has been requested to search for the missing journal of deceased Lord Peter Winstead.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
3.5 Stars

A house party in the Hampshire countryside is beset by a series of nasty accidents that Lady Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, suspects are anything but accidental. Convinced that her sister's fiancé is the intended victim, Frances and her new beau, George Hazelton, are determined to find the culprit, especially when one of the mishaps turns into murder. Who amongst the assembled family, friends, and servants is a killer?

This installment in Freeman's historical cozy mysteries series is somewhat slower in pace as readers are introduced to various new characters and their possible reasons for staging the "accidents". There are several red-herrings with plausible motives, and Freeman manages to keep the reader guessing mainly due to the fact that much of the information needed to ascertain the culprit's identity is provided only toward the end - some earlier foreshadowing would not have been amiss.

The highlight of the book is actually the characterization. Frances and George have taken their relationship to the next level, but she is struggling with the changes the future might bring. Lily and Leo also have to deal with a life-altering surprise, but Lily's questionable behavior does not present her in a good light. Frances' overbearing and social climbing mother also appears on the scene. She is none too happy with either of her daughters' choices in men; nevertheless, she does have her moments and is very handy with a pitchfork.

Overall, this is not the best book in the series, but it is still a lighthearted and enjoyable read.

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder
3.5 Stars

Lady Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, is an American heiress who married into the aristocracy. One year following the death of her philandering husband Reggie, Frances puts aside her mourning and re-enters London society. Unfortunately, her goal of enjoying her widowhood is disrupted when she not only becomes the prime suspect in Reggie's possible murder but also finds herself enmeshed in an investigation into a rash of burglaries.

Lady Frances joins the ranks of Lady Darby (Anna Lee Huber), Lady Julia (Deanna Raybourn), and Lady Emily (Tasha Alexander) in the role of amateur sleuth. However, this is where the similarities end as the tone of this series is decidedly lighter and cozier.

Although Frances is an appealing heroine and it is easy to empathize and sympathize with her, Freeman's writing style is rather anachronistic. In fact, aside from a couple of references to indicate the 19th-century setting, this could easily have been written as a contemporary cozy mystery.

The storyline is comprised of two separate threads. The first focuses on a series of thefts amongst the ton and the suspect pool is quickly narrowed to the three suitors vying for the hand of Frances's younger sister, Lily. The criminal's identity and motive are not difficult to guess. The second thread revolves around the death of Frances's husband and this is where Freeman manages to surprise. The climax and resolution here are intense and exciting.

There is also a hint at a developing romance between Frances and her best-friend's brother, who also seems to have a past as a covert operative (reminiscent of Darcy O'Mara in Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness).

All in all, an entertaining if not particularly original beginning to the series. It will be interesting to see if Freeman branches out from the familiar tropes to create her own unique take.

A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder
4 Stars

When a murdered acquaintance is found in possession of notes indicating that she has been blackmailing members of the ton, Lady Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, finds herself recruited to help in the investigation. Frances is eager to assist, especially as her cousin Charles, who was courting the victim, is the prime suspect.

Despite the rather anachronistic style and characterization, this is nevertheless an entertaining cozy historical mystery series. Unlike many cozy heroines, Frances is very likable and manages to become involved in the cases without being excessively nosy. Moreover, she also avoids the often ubiquitous TSTL moments that plague these heroines.

The mystery surrounding Mary Archer's murder is satisfying although it is easy to guess the reason for the notes in her possession and the motive for the crime (even though it takes Frannie and company much longer to realize the truth). The culprit is also rather obvious but the climax and resolution are exciting nonetheless.

The romance between Frannie and her sexy neighbor, George Hazelton, is progressing nicely and it is clear that they will ultimately marry. The question is how long it will take George to convince her to take a chance on love after her disastrous first marriage.

One final note regarding the audiobook - it is interesting to note that there are two separate versions of the series, one narrated by Sarah Zimmerman, an American, and the other by Karen Cass, a Brit. Both do an admirable job, but as I began with Zimmerman, I decided to continue on with her as well.

In sum, this is a fun series and I look forward to more of Frannie's investigations.

The Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, newlywed, has been asked by Lady Winstead to present her niece, Kate Stover, to the Queen. Since the Winstead household is in mourning, she can't do it and doesn't want her niece to forgo another season as her age increases. Frances agrees to the task especially since she will be able to aid her husband George in the recovery of a missing journal which the late Lord Winstead had willed to the British Museum. But the journal has gone missing.

The twists and turns related to negotiated Victorian society and its pitfalls only add to the entertainment of the mystery conveyed with these characters. Well-written, definitely a series to keep reading!½

As the Lady Harleigh mysteries continue in this fifth book in series, we find Frances' putting on the finishing touches for her impending nuptials. Her brother Alonzo has become rather smitten with Madeline Connor, an American robber baron's daughter, and has requested that she and her family be added to the guest list. What's a few more mouths to feed among friends? Furthermore, Frances' mother has invited her American robber baron friend, Bainbridge to the wedding festivities as well. Sadly, both Bainbridge and Mr. Connor are in a bitter rivalry as they are vying for ownership of the same project. Fur is definitely going to fly. That is, until the first body winds up dead a stone's throw from the wedding reception and Alonzo's being held on murder charges. So much for a much deserved wedding trip to Cannes for George and Frances. There'll be no peace until the true culprit is found and our happy duo are on it.

Ms. Freeman has again spun a wonderful tale, poking fun at the social mores of British aristocratic behavior and ambitious deep-pocketed Americans. The suspects pile up quickly providing the reader with lots of red herrings. The character development is good throughout and the mise-en-scène effectively carries the reader to the posh London neighborhoods of a hundred years ago. Well done, Ms. Freeman!

Oh my! As the Lady Harleigh mysteries continue in this third book in series, we find Frances' sister Lily's upcoming nuptials necessarily accelerated. But where are they going to find a quiet and suitable venue at this late date. Fear not! Dear sweet George Hazelton (Frances' neighbor), steps into the breach and offers up his brother's country estate which George is overseeing in his brother's long absence.

All seems well until a series of "accidents" start piling up. Is it pure coincidence? Might someone have it in for the groom? Or is someone else caught in the crosshairs? Frances (with George's assistance, of course) must get to the bottom of this series of misadventures if Lily and company are to enjoy their blissful wedding. Can Frances resolve the matter in time? Only time will tell.

Ms. Freeman has again spun a wonderful tale, poking fun at the social mores of British aristocratic behavior and ambitious deep-pocketed Americans. The suspects pile up quickly providing the reader with lots of red herrings. The character development is good throughout and the mise-en-scène effectively carries the reader to the Hampshire countryside of a hundred years ago. Well done, Ms. Freeman!

I find this Lady Harleigh mystery series truly charming and delightful. The protagonist is smart, resourceful, clever and rather kind at heart. Many of the characters introduced in the first book in this series continue on in this one. As their relationships to one another evolve, we readers develop stronger attachments to them all. The business partnership between Lady Harleigh and George Hazelton grows stronger with each case and the slow romantic burn between them keeps us wanting to know what happens next.

In this story, Frances, aka Lady Harleigh, is again sponsoring a young "American Princess". This time it's Lottie with her clumsiness and two left feet. Thankfully, Lottie has other redeeming attributes which play into the story. Meanwhile, Mary, a casually acquainted friend of Frances and fellow young widow is discovered dead in her home surrounded by reams of secrets regarding the members of the upper crust. Is there something among all this fodder for the gossip mill which brought Mary to her demise? It is certainly way more information that Frances' would ever like to know about her friends and acquaintances. However, the local constabulary has requested her assistance in the investigation and really, how could she say, "no"?

Ms. Freeman has again spun a wonderful tale, poking fun at the social mores of British aristocratic behavior. The suspects pile up quickly providing the reader with lots of red herrings. The character development is good throughout and the mise-en-scène effectively carries the reader to London's streets of a hundred years ago. Well done, Ms. Freeman!

This book was a delightful start to a charming historical mystery series. The female protagonist is bright, feisty, tender-hearted and clever.

Author Dianne Freeman cleverly pokes fun at the ton of 1899 with all of its constricting rules of etiquette. The story opens with American born Frances Wynn, aka, Countess Harleigh, eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the mourning period following the death of her philandering husband, Reggie. She is eager to move on with her life now that she has no claim to the Harleigh manor estate. Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law try to persuade her otherwise, as they are severely in need of the Countess' cash for their plans regarding the estate holdings as they assume the titles, Earl and Countess Harleigh.

Meanwhile, Frances' sister has come to London for her first season of introduction to society and is quickly swept up in the attentions of several suitors. Jewel thefts and murder abound. Can Frances with the aid of her new neighbor, George Hazelton, keep her loved ones safe while fleshing out the thief and murderer? Only time will tell.

If you're looking for a humorous and witty historical mystery, then this may well be the perfect book for you.

What a deliciously fun Victorian cozy mystery this sixth book in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series was.

Our plucky protagonist, newlywed Frances Hazelton, (former Countess of Harleigh), has been requested to present to the Queen, the Devon country niece of an aging acquaintance, Lady Winstead. Frances embraces the task, heads off to the Ashley home to meet with Lady Winstead and her new charge, Miss Kate Stover. While taking tea, Lady Winstead collapses and is carried to her room. By all accounts, Lady Winstead's health has suffered tremendously in the few short months since her husband's death. Meanwhile, Frances' husband, George Hazelton, has been tasked with recovering Lord Winstead's expedition diary on behalf of the British Museum. The journal is to accompany the Egyptian collection which Lord Winstead had amassed on a number of expeditions. The new Lord Winstead had been hesitant to release it and recently found that it was stolen. By observation, Frances finds the behavior of all of Lady Winstead's stepchildren unsettling and it raises concerns regarding Lady Winstead's welfare. A sudden death occurs and Frances is soon on the case with George.

Author Dianne Freeman does a spectacular job of spinning a 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: June 27, 2023
Pages: 304
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 978-1496731623

A bit more character development was needed, especially for Ivo. Otherwise an interesting look at the Gilded Age and the dollar brides.

I absolutely loved this series from the first book I read – which happens to have been book 3. I was excited to find both a wonderful new-to-me author and a charmingly witty cozy mystery series with likable and interesting characters – and even a delicious romance. I finished reading the books following the third one and now finishing this one brings me up-to-date with the series. I can definitely tell you that each and every book has been a wonderful, funny, interesting, mystery with dialogue and prose that make you feel as if you are right there in the scene with the characters.

Several years ago, young American-born heiress, Frances Wynn, was married to the profligate Earl of Harleigh. Her parents wanted a title and the Earl wanted her plentiful dowry. It seems everyone got something out of the match except Frances. Now, Reggie is deceased and Frances has more freedom than she’s ever known. She and her daughter, Rose, have left the earl’s estate to live in London and she’s found life there very interesting. Her next-door neighbor, George Hazelton is proving to be quite interesting as well.

Frances has just learned that a friend, Mary, has died – actually, she was murdered – and Frances’s cousin, Charles, is under suspicion. Charles is the only one of her in-laws that she finds even remotely tolerable, so she surely doesn’t want to see him accused of murder. Her next-door neighbor, George, does work for the government on occasion and it seems he is involved in some aspects of this case – so – naturally – they team up to solve the murder and save Charles.

Goodness, what a tangled web they uncover. Blackmail? Maybe – or maybe not. Untangling all the threads in the web will be even harder with all of the intrigue and red herrings that are thrown into the mix.

While working hard to solve the mystery, Frances also has to deal with her younger sister’s betrothal. Frances worries that her sister is marrying too young and keeps comparing that situation to her own. She definitely doesn’t want her sister to be in the same situation Frances was in with Reggie. Then, there is also her budding romance with George.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Zimmerman and she did a lovely job. She has a pleasant voice and delivers an excellently paced narrative. Her characters are distinct and the best thing is, you can hear the good-natured humor in her voice as you navigate through the book. Excellently done.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Frances and George navigate the societal strictures of the ton while managing to elicit the clues needed to solve the murder. The villain may surprise you – or not – but all the tangled webs will definitely keep your attention. I hope you’ll read the book to see just how engaging the characters are and how well-plotted and well-paced the mystery is.

Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, has finally arrived at her wedding day where she and George Hazelton will tie the knot. Getting to this day wasn't easy since her mother has been in residence for 4 months and is constantly finding fault and making changes to the arrangements and guest list including adding a couple that is feuding with other guests. So it's not that surprising that at the wedding luncheon a body turns up. What is a problem is that Frances' brother, Alonzo, has been arrested for the murder. George takes up the gauntlet to represent Alonzo putting their honeymoon on hold.

The twists and turns and red herrings were strewn throughout giving the reader a chance to figure out why and who while at the same time cheering for the newlyweds.½

When the Count of Harleigh dies unexpectedly in his mistress's bed, his wife covers up the scandal and makes plans to pursue her freedom. One year later, Frances is out of mourning and is using the funds set aside for her by her father to establish her own household. However, her in-laws still want her, or more specifically her money, in their realm.

Gaining her independence becomes complicated when a legal challenge to her inheritance freezes her accounts, her sister and aunt arrive for the Season and Lily's introduction to society, a police officer arrives to investigate her husband's death as a possible murder, a series of thefts at parties, possible suitors for Lily need vetting, and a murder in her own garden.

Frances finds support from Aunt Hetty, her best friend Fiona, Fiona's brother George (and Frances's new neighbor), and even Inspector Delany.

Frances, Countess of Harleigh, is in the midst of preparations for her engagement party when a foreign woman arrives saying that she is married to Frances' fiancé, George Hazelton, Making all attempts to avoid scandal and to clear up the misunderstanding, George and Frances search for answers. The mysterious woman was mistaken and was married to another gentleman but before the error can be publicly corrected the woman is murdered.

So much fun with the mistaken identity aspect and the inclusion of the royals, fun time!