dianne freeman

Mystery Review!

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A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder — Dianne Freeman

Familiarity breeds contempt…and when it’s your family?

Well…..

Things can get explosive.

And explode they do (though not literally). When a murder, accusations of infidelity, thugs, and rivalries all come to a head at and after France and George’s much-anticipated wedding.

Seriously, if your looking for a light-hearted historical murder mystery that never takes itself too seriously — the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series is the one for you! Freeman does an excellent job of blending the time period, manners, and societal rules into an excessively readable mystery.

What I love the most about the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries (BTW – Frances is said Countess) is they’re funny. Not a slap you on the back hardy-har-har kind but wry, sly, and observational humor that one can relate to – especially if you’ve ever tried planning a wedding with the “help” of your family and/or in-laws.

Now, you don’t need to read them in order….However, there are only four predecessors, so starting at numero uno, A Lady’s Guide To Etiquette and Murder isn’t too much of a stretch, and hopefully, you’ll laugh (or at least smile) as much as I did whilst turning the pages.

Historical Mystery Review: A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives and Murder – Dianne Freeman

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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.

Double Trouble

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So I’ve got two great historical mysteries for you: Dianne Freeman’s A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder & Rhys Bowen’s The Last Mrs. Summers!

ALGT: Mischief and Murder first!

The Countess of Harleigh is back in a new mystery! (Woot!) And life, after her last murder inquiry, is going splendidly. There’s only one small hiccup, her sister Lily and her fiancee jumped the gun a bit…and they’re now expecting! 

Now, this isn’t the first or last time such an event has occurred, but that doesn’t make it any less distressing. Especially since it means Frances will need to find a new venue, plan a country wedding, and tell her mother of the change of plans. 

It’s that last bit which both Frances and Lily are dreading.

Even worse? When they do find and arrive at the new venue, a series of accidents start befalling both staff and guests alike! 

The Last Mrs. Summers next.

Georgie is at loose ends – Darcy’s off on a secret jaunt, her Granddad is busy, and her mother’s rushed off to Germany. Happily, thanks to the unexpected appearance of her bestie Belinda Warburton-Stoke, Georgie is able to set aside the loneliness threatening to overwhelm her.

Even better? Belinda has good news! Which leads them on an adventure down the Cornish coast – where Belinda finds herself accused of murder! And of course, Georgie can’t just leave her friend in a pickle, especially since the police aren’t willing to look beyond Belinda for another suspect…

ALGT: Mischief and Murder is a witty murder mystery – with a relatable backdrop of family and relationship hiccups. Plus, reading about an American, who’s been plunked down in English high society, is an exciting twist on the usual norm for this style of historical novel. 

In The Last Mrs. Summers, Bowen does a beautiful job of melding a gothic atmosphere within her mystery and pacing it in such a way you want to keep turning the pages. While also subtly furthering the overall story arch of the oncoming specter of WWII looming at the series’s edge. 

Perhaps The Last Mrs. Summers is a bit understated in its wit and humor, and ALGT: Mischief and Murder is bubblier – but both are excellent historical mysteries (set during different eras). And I would heartily recommend both books to anyone looking for a historical mystery with a strong female lead that treads on the lighter side of murder. I know I relished each and every minute I was ensconced within their respective worlds!

(And BTW – what’s with all the blue covers this season?)