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’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. “The action builds to a strong denouement.” —Publishers Weekly
more
This is the third installment that has Frances not only solving another murder, but figuring out why so many “accidents” seem to be befalling guests and staff alike! I love all of the characters in this fantastic series. The addition of Frances’ mother is a hoot and makes me thankful my own mother is nothing like her!!
If you haven’t discovered Frances, George, and the rest of these wonderful lot, you are truly missing out. Dianne Freeman’s books made me a lover of historical mystery and if you’re not already, they will you too!
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder
By Dianne Freeman
Feeeman writes this third installment of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in Victorian England- as always I had a fun time reading this series for its well written and well-researched story line, plot and a twisty mystery that is enjoyable and entertaining to read. I feel that readers new to the series would enjoy this read better if you start with the first book to follow and learn more about the characters as the stories are connected and build up from one book to the next. Though this could also be enjoyed as a stand alone. The writing was very well written and a read that is hard to put down. I love reading about the English country side for the setting and the enjoyable main characters and side characters too. Overall, this is a series that I look forward to reading and Dianne Freeman is a great cozy mystery writer whose writing I enjoy very much!
Thank you HFVBT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Lady’s Guide To Mischief And Murder
By: Dianne Freeman
REVIEW
This series is new to me, and I found A Lady’s Guide To Mischief And Murder a fun and charming historical mystery. I read it fairly quickly, and my intrest was held all the way. Frances is a sassy smart woman, and I just adore her character. Although not really original, the premise is fun to read and explore. It’s the classic whodunit type of story, and I didn’t guess who it was. There are red herrings and twists and drama and romance. All of this combined makes a witty light hearted historical mystery. Dianne Freeman is a great author, and I look forward to reading the rest of her books.
A truly enjoyable historical cozy mystery with a wonderful romance as well. I love this book and just checked the author’s website to make sure more were coming–they are!! I highly recommend this series.
This is the third in the series and I would recommend reading the earlier entries to get a good sense of the characters, their backstory, and their personal growth as well as the growth in their romantic attachment. But you don’t have to-the author does a great job of providing enough info so you’re not lost. .
Frances is a charming heroine/mystery solver, and George is the perfect foil/partner. Frances is the widowed Countess of Harleigh, an American heiress who was married for her money and then left on own and miserable. After her husband’s death, Frances and her daughter Rose moved to London, where Frances begins to shine, grow strong. and develop her independence.
Frances has to plan a quick wedding for her sister, Lydia and her fiancé Leo.. They travel to the estate of George’s brother and that’s where accidents, some fatal, start to happen. Is Leo the target? Is George? I swung from one potential murderer and motive to another. Plenty of twists and turns!
There is also humor with Leo’s bickering sisters, a clumsy cousin-in-law, planning the wedding and a best man who is rather flirty with the bride. as well as the banter between Frances and George
My thanks to Kensington and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I wasn’t feeling well earlier this week, I picked up this audiobook for something to listen to. I’m still a little under the weather, so I’ll keep this review brief:
This book is a balanced blend of history, mystery, romance, and friendship. The characters drew me in quickly, and the enemies-to-lovers storyline flowed smoothly–it didn’t feel forced or convoluted.
Overall, it was a fun story. If you enjoy Julia Quinn books, you might like this book.
R-rated for sex scenes.
This series keeps getting better with each book. An engaging historical mystery set on a country estate in England. Frances, Lady Harleigh, is a wonderful main character and I like how she respects all of the classes of people that she interacts with. She is very intelligent and sees things that others don’t pay attention to. I also enjoy the other characters including her aunt Hetty, her sister Lily and George. I was kept guessing and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A tantalizing mystery and a slow burn romance. Every time the story seemed to lag there was a twist that kept it interesting, and then there is Frances’ mother. A bit more romance would have been nice, but the mystery superseded it. The humor was wonderful. I was so involved with the mystery, that when the humor came I burst in to laughter. This is not a standalone; to make sense of the different characters the series should be read in order. Recommended.
Waiting for the next book in the series! 🙂
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman is the same charming book readers will remember from earlier books in the series. It is 1899 and Frances, Dowager Lady Harleigh is in the middle of musing about the ups and downs of her life when her reveries is broken by her aunt Hetty and her sister, Lily. It seems there is a crisis: Lily and her fiancé, Leo, have anticipated their vows and there is to be a child. With the wedding still eight weeks away, this is indeed a problem. An elopement would practically announce to the word that there was a child conceived before the marriage. What they needed was a country house. Harleigh House was for sale so it was unsuitable, but George, Frances’ soon-to-be-announced fiancé was caring for his brother’s home at present and it was perfect. Off the small party went to wait for the arrival of Frances’ and Lily’s mother, and Leo’s parents and a wedding at the end of the week. The first attempt happened at the train station when a cart full of luggage came tumbling down. Next, the steward was hurt in a riding accident, and a footman was killed, and on and on. Murder had raised its ugly head and it took a few of these “accidents” before George and Frances began to connect them.
Beautifully written mysteries can be found aplenty. Beautifully written Victorian mysteries are more rare. A Ladies Guide to… are more than mysteries but a peek into the lives of Victorian society. There is nothing vulgar about Frances, but she is as modern a woman as one could wish. She had a horrible first marriage with a cheat and a liar and she looks forward to this one with George, but she has been alone too long to accept being treated as fragile and put on a shelf somewhere. She would share George’s life or have none of it. She must find a way to tell him with out hurting his feelings. Then there are the “accidents.” A nicely done mystery with the solution coming to Frances almost too late. She and George have worked through every clue, pondered every situation and believe the murderer to be after Leo, but why? They also believe him to be close, but where? A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is a nicely plotted, interesting murder/mayhem mystery that any reader will enjoy. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #aladysguidetomischiefandmurder
The historical mystery genre is one of my favorites and this series is one of my favorites. Frances and George should be announcing their plans to marry but her sister, Lilly and her betrothed, Leo, throw a spanner in their plans. For reasons I won’t divulge due to a spoiler, the wedding of Lily and Leo moves from several months in the future to with a two week period. Frances finds herself in a very delicate situation – how to figure out how to pull off a wedding in an unknown location on n unknown date and deal with her mother who has other ideas. George comes to the rescue and invites everyone to come to his family estate and join their shooting party, now with a wedding on the side. What could possibly go wrong.
Frances has proved herself to be a dab hand at solving various murders and, sure enough, that skill is needed when a series of supposed accidents befall the estate. Then her mother arrives adding her opinions about the groom. Poor Frances and George, they are working hard to unravel the crimes and at the same time struggling with their secret. If they can get Lily on her way then it will be Frances’s turn to plan her own wedding.
This, the third book in the series, can be read as a stand alone but is even better read in order so the character development gives the reader the best experience. The mystery is well crafted and the setting of the country estate of 1899 is perfect.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Murder at The Country House
This is somewhat of a classical British Country House murder in a cozy sense. This is the third book in the series and the first that I have read. I will not only be reading future episodes but will be going back to read the two I have missed. While the setting is classical, our heroine is quite modern in her desire to be an active part of her husband’s life and not subservient to anyone. The murder investigation is quite complicated. The final revelation of all the aspects of the crimes was surprising. This was a very good mystery. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder was another fun Lady Frances adventure. Trying to help her sister Lily and her fiance get married while dealing with a meddling mother and a clever murderer, Frances and George are always enjoyable. The plot is well done and moves at a good pace. I’m so glad that George and Frances are finally going to be able to plan their wedding! I look forward to the next one. #ALadysGuidetoMischiefandMurder #NetGalley
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is such a catchy title! I don’t usually read mystery, but I could not stop myself from requesting this one on NetGalley.
The book is part of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series but can be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.
Lady Harleigh, neé Frances Price, is a wealthy widow raising an eight years old daughter. She is secretly engaged to the lovely George Hazelton and about to marry her young sister Lily to a respectable and honorable man.
Things start to get complicated when her sister’s wedding plans suddenly change, and people start to get hurt and even killed.
Throw an ambitious mother, a jealous best man, some bickering siblings, and a mysterious new neighbor to the mix and the result is a fun, light, and engrossing story.
I especially liked how Frances’ relationship with her mother changed as her views of life expanded. It is certainly not easy to confront a dominant parent.
The mystery is well woven. I had no clue about what was really going on until the very end.
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is a very entertaining read. I intend to read the other books in the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
A LADY’S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER by Dianne Freeman
The Third Countess of Harleigh Mystery
In order to avoid a scandal Frances Wynn, the Countess of Harleigh, devises a plan. Lily and Leo need not elope, they will simply push the wedding up by a few weeks stating they just wanted a quiet affair with close family and friends. Since her neighbor, George Hazelton, is hosting a shooting party at his brother’s estate, everyone would be welcome to stay for the week and culminate the festivities with the wedding. Things are off to a bumpy start, however, with Leo’s bickering sisters and a runaway luggage cart at the station. Mishaps continue to plague the party. Are these merely accidents or is someone targeting one of the guests? Frances and George team up once more to investigate. Will the mischief stop Lily and Leo’s wedding? Or will it put an end to Frances and George altogether?
A LADY’S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER brings a complex mystery to a country house party. The fact that all of the “accidents” appear so random and target such a variety of people, from staff to guests, make the mystery that much more intriguing. I love the relationship between Frances and George, how they compliment and work with each other. I also appreciate how their relationship isn’t perfect. They have doubts and get angry but ultimately communicate and work things out.
The third Countess of Harleigh Mystery is a story of family. Not only do we have the blending of families with the upcoming wedding of Lily and Leo, as well as the soon to be announcement of Frances and George, but the way family members deal with each other. We see the bickering of sisters, the plight of the son-in-law in regards to family business, and the varied actions and reactions of mothers.
A LADY’S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER is a multilayered historical mystery that shows the importance of family in its many different forms. I absolutely love this series and this book and look forward to returning to Victorian England with the Countess of Harleigh soon.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
A Lady’s Guide To Mischief And Murder is the third book in the Lady Harleigh Mystery series.
I love historical mysteries and this one of my favorites. The characters are well-developed and believable, I particularly enjoy Frances(Lady Harleigh) Wynn and George Hazelton. They work particularly well together in their sleuthing. Frances, at times, seems to be a little over daring, but, George can manage this without being overbearing or causing heated arguments between them.
Frances is busy getting everything ready for her sister Lily’s wedding. Frances thinks that Lily’s betrothed, Leo is a good match and Lily seems to truly love Leo. Frances fears that her mother will not approve of the marriage, as she would like to Lily get a title. Frances also fears what her mother will think when Frances tells her she and George recently became engaged. Frances can’t concern herself with that just now, as she has just learned that Lily is with child. They want to move the wedding up to save the families from certain embarrassment. George comes to the rescue by offering his brother’s home in the beautiful countryside.
As the wedding party is approaching the estate they see a group of men tending to an injured horseman who is identified as a manager from the Hazelton estate. The constable at the site says he fell from his horse, but the rider claims he was knocked off his horse. The next day one of the estate’s footman is found dead in his room. Frances and George, not known to shy away from a mystery, decide to look into these occurrences to learn if there was anything to the events. But things will soon get serious when everyone has gathered in an impromptu archery range for an afternoon of archery competition. The competition will end when Leo is hit in his backside by an errant arrow. Or was it an errant arrow or was someone trying to murder the prospective groom? Frances and George will set off to answer these questions.
The author does a wonderful job of setting the period and the description of the estate and surrounding area. There were plenty of twists and turns and red herrings that kept me guessing until the end.
I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
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 but the bucolic setting harbours 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. 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.
This is the third book of this fun series, it could easily be read on its own but the whole series is very good. A well written novel which flows extremely well. The characters have plenty of depth & are very likeable. I love Frances & George who are the perfect partners. I love romance & also murder mysteries so this book (& series) ticks all the boxes for me. I was totally drawn into it & read in two sittings, I look forward to more Lady Hadleigh stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery #3
Publication Date: 7/28/20
Number of Pages: 304
This new-to-me author was a delightful find. The story was very well written, the historical sights, sounds, language, etc. were period correct, the plot moved along at the perfect pace – and best of all there was romance. My favorite genre is historical mysteries, but I have to have a romance in those – and this one had TWO!
This is the third book in the series, but I have not read the first two books and don’t feel I really missed anything in this story by not having read them. However, since this book was so much fun, I’ll go back and catch those first two!
The characters are delightful – both main and supporting. There is a scene toward the end between Frances and her mother that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. It is absolutely perfect to see that side of Frances’ mother. When you get there, you’ll recognize it because you can’t miss it – think buckets of water, horse dung, and pitchforks.
Frances and George are secretly betrothed. Not because they are hiding anything, but because they don’t want to tread on Frances’s sister Lily’s big moment – her own wedding. George isn’t thrilled with keeping it a secret, but he’ll honor Frances’s wishes. When the need arises to move Lily’s wedding up by several weeks, George is more than happy to offer his brother’s estate, Risings, as the perfect venue. There is a perfect small church and the house will accommodate the close family and friends. Perfect solution.
Strange occurrences begin – accidents surely – but are they? The first couple of ‘accidents’ are viewed as just that, but as more accidents happen – and a death – Frances and George suspect there is a villain loose among them. Who is the intended victim? Is it Leo, Lily’s betrothed, or is it George himself? They both seem to always be at the scene of the accident and could have easily been the victim. Who could want Leo dead or injured? His brother-in-law? His best friend who might hold a romantic interest in Lily? What about George? Could someone from one of his past Home Office cases be coming back to seek revenge?
With suspects and victims galore, George and Frances will have their work cut out for them. They’ll definitely need all of their skills to prevent more injuries or deaths and to catch the villain.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and surely hope you will also.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘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. . . .’
________________________________
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is the third book in Dianne Freeman’s Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery set in Victorian England.
I love the author’s writing style in that she very clearly has done much reasearch into the time period and sets the tone of the book appropriately in such a way that it doesn’t distract from the plot itself and the characters’ interactions. Needless to say, I continue to love this series.
There was the perfect level of danger in the book to be exciting but still feel realistic. I knew who the villain of the book was quite early, but the red herrings along the way worked well to throw suspicion onto multiple characters to keep readers guessing. For me, I just found that there was just one character that just seemed too conspicuous to me throughout the book.
I was so happy to see Frances have the spectacular moments she did in terms of the conclusion of the case, it just really outlined what a great character she is. She’s definitely one of my favorite protagonists from any historical mystery series. I won’t give any more details on those moments though because I don’t want to risk any spoilers.
I think the one thing that bothered me about the book is how many ‘accidents’ had to occur before the characters began to put them together and consider the fact that there might be something more sinister at work. I found it shockingly obtuse for characters so adept at sleuthing. But that’s only a minor thing and didn;t really affect my enjoyement of the book itself.
I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Will that the book where we get to see a wedding between George and Frances?? Here’s to hoping. I recommend The Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder as well as the previous books in the Countess of Harleigh series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. And I do recommend that you read them in order as the connections between the charcters continue to be built upon as the series progresses.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman. This is my honest review.
I’m a big fan of the historical mysteries genre and when I stumbled upon Dianne Freeman’s Countess of Harleigh series I was ecstatic! I loved the first two books and the third instalment did not disappoint. Always a fun read, Freeman provides lots of twists and turns, leaving you hooked to see how the story will end. The wit and charm of our female heroine Frances is a delight as you turn each page and her partnership and romance with George gets sweeter with each book released. As I finished the final chapter all I could think was… “I can’t wait for the next one!”
Do yourself a favour, grab a cozy blanket, sit in your reading chair with a cup of your favourite drink and dive in.
A big thank you to Kensington Books for providing a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #ALadysGuidetoMischiefandMurder #Goodreads
** This review can also be found on NetGalley, Goodreads
3.5/5
I have mixed feelings about this one.
Third in series, I need to go back and read the previous two to flesh out characters more. The writing was good (humorous, descriptive), but I had an issue with the pacing. The book felt too long for 250 pgs. The multiple “accidents” were not deemed more sinister until halfway through and by then I had lost some interest. The prior books both had good reviews so I feel I should go back at some point and read those for a more complete picture of the writing style.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.