Kensington Books
Genre: Historical Mystery
Series: A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, Book 3
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.
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' 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 fiance, Leo. Frances' 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...
My Thoughts
In the late 19th century, many American heiresses travelled to England and successfully found husbands amongst the aristocracy, thus ensuring that cash-strapped estates were secure for the foreseeable future. Frances Price was one of them. Unfortunately, her late husband Reggie Wynn turned out to be a cad. After his death, taking what was left of her fortune, and her daughter, Frances moved to London and, by coincidence, purchased a house next door to her best friend's brother, George Hazleton.
This novel opens with a tearful confession and a dilemma for Frances. Forced to bring forward her sister's wedding to avoid a scandal, the problem of finding a suitable venue is solved when George offers his family's country estate, combining the shooting party he is hosting with the wedding.
A series of events following the death of a footman arouses Frances' suspicions that the death was not an accident. Fearing that Leo, Lily's fiancé, is the target, Frances, with George's help, investigates but soon realises that there are too many suspects among the guests to make it an easy task.
Juggling wedding preparations with the investigation, Frances has to deal with her fault-finding, social-climbing mother, as well as the future bridegroom's argumentative family, Lily's emotional state and a secret of her own.
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder has all the elements of a classic country house mystery: a restrictive setting, multiple suspects, a surprising plot twist and two lovable amateur sleuths. Written in a jaunty style from Frances' perspective, it immediately captivates and endears her to the reader. Full of wit, humour and charm, and a host of idiosyncratic characters, it is just the right sort of book to raise the spirits. Even the cover hits the right note.
Although A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder is perfectly satisfying as a standalone, it is much more fun to read the series in order and really get to know the recurring characters. This is another delightful episode in the life of the Countess of Harleigh and I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 3
Review & Excerpt at Probably at the Library
Tuesday, August 4
Interview at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Wednesday, August 5
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Thursday, August 6
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Friday, August 7
Review at Bookish Rantings
Monday, August 10
Review at History from a Woman's Perspective
Tuesday, August 11
Review at Bookworlder
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Wednesday, August 12
Review at Hallie Reads
Thursday, August 13
Review at Book Bustle
Friday, August 14
Review & Excerpt at Gwendalyn's Books
Monday, August 17
Review & Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Tuesday, August 18
Review at YA, It's Lit
Wednesday, August 19
Review at Books and Zebras
Thursday, August 20
Feature at I'm Into Books
Friday, August 21
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway (US Only)
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder + a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE.
The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Thank you so much for this great review, Yvonne! We appreciate the blog tour support!
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
Thank you for the invitation!
DeleteThese sound like lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely are!
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