The Countess of Harleigh is back! And this time, she only needs to go as far as her front door to find a brand new mystery: in the form of a French woman who claims she’s Mrs. George Hazelton…which is awkward as Frances (i.e., the Countess) is engaged to the aforementioned gentleman.

On top of this ludicrous claim, Frances finds herself contending with one nosey butler, a moralizing neighbor, a fretting frienemy, culminating in yet another murder in her back garden…

I always enjoy Dianne Freeman’s Countess of Harleigh mysteries, and A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives and Murder was no exception. This book was a pleasurable read that never lets up its’ rollicking pace from start to end.

I even learned a new bit of trivia – which I’m sure you all already know. Periodically in different books, I’ve read about butlers ironing newspapers for people and now I finally know why! (Not sure why I never looked into it myself…) As Frances deftly explains to Aunt Hetty – that ironing newspapers sets the ink, so you don’t get the black smudges on your fingertips!

In any case, if you’re looking for a new lighter historical mystery, I would highly suggest this series. Of course, you could start with A Fiancee’s Guide – but I highly recommend you start with the first in the series – A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette And Murder. As the characters and storylines grow and evolve as the books go – trust me, you won’t be sorry for spending the extra time.