A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder - (Countess of Harleigh Mystery) by Dianne Freeman (Hardcover)

About the Book

A private family wedding at a bucolic Hampshire estate is threatened by the arrival of the Countess of Harleigh's socially ambitious mother and a series of accidents that are tied to the agenda of an unknown saboteur.

Book Synopsis

In Dianne Freeman's charming Victorian-era mystery series, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her sister's wedding threatened by a vow of vengeance.

A 2020 Agatha Award Nominee

London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host--or hide--any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily's imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton's family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits--shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.

But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it's not simply the arrival of Frances's socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these "accidents" are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily's fiancé, Leo. Frances's mother is unimpressed by Lily's groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George--a man who loves her for much more than her dowry--she heartily approves of Lily's choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.

As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll. . . .

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR
A LADY'S GUIDE TO GOSSIP AND MURDER

"Lovers of acrostics and word-puzzles will find much to enjoy in A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder and will undoubtedly look forward to Lady Frances's next Lady's Guide adventure."
--Criminal Element

"A perfect summer read whether on the beach or poolside accompanied by a glass of frosty lemonade."
--New York Journal of Books

"Engrossing . . . Freeman takes a witty look at Victorian polite society. Historical mystery fans will be delighted."
--Publishers Weekly

"Includes some clever surprises."
--Mystery Scene

"Diane Freeman handles class disparity with care and has created a world that readers will want to explore in more depth as the series continues."
--BookPage

AND PRAISE FOR
A LADY'S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER

"Dazzling. . . . Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled."
--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"This lighthearted debut tale of mystery, love, and a delightful sleuth will leave you wanting more--which is presumably just what Freeman had in mind."
--Kirkus Reviews

"This debut is engaging to the end."
--Booklist

About the Author

Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. Her debut novel, A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder, won both an Agatha Award and a Lefty Award and was nominated for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award from Mystery Writers of America. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at www.DiFreeman.com.