A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder
by Dianne Freeman
Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #1
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Pages: 281
Get from: Library | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Rating: ★★★★☆
In this exciting historical mystery debut set in Victorian England, a wealthy young widow encounters the pleasures—and scandalous pitfalls—of a London social season . . .
Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. With her young daughter in tow, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister, Lily, arriving from New York—for her first London season.
But no sooner has Frances begun her new life than the Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husband’s death. Frances assures Inspector Delaney of her innocence, but she’s also keen to keep him from learning the scandalous circumstances of Reggie’s demise. As fate would have it, her dashing new neighbor, George Hazelton, is one of only two other people aware of the full story.
While busy with social engagements on Lily’s behalf, and worrying if Reggie really was murdered, Frances rallies her wits, a circle of gossips, and the ever-chivalrous Mr. Hazelton to uncover the truth. A killer is in their midst and Frances must unmask the villain before Lily’s season—and their lives—come to a most unseemly end . . .
Review
NOTE: This review is based on an eBook I borrowed from my local public library system.
A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder was a fun read. It’s an excellent series starter, leaving me wanting to read the next installments. I enjoyed Frances’ character growth throughout the book, as well as the changes in her relationships with George Hazelton and Alicia Stoke-Whitney. I’m positive the former will be in future installments in the series, and I hope the latter will, too, as it seems like they could have a unique friendship.
I’d also like to see if Frances’ relationship with Inspector Delaney will improve, as I’m guessing we’ll see him more in future installments as well.
I would like to see more of younger sister Lily. I’m curious to know if she’ll choose one of her two remaining beaus, and if her deportment will improve.
I can easily see Frances’ Aunt Hetty playing a larger part in future books. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders.
Overall, I definitely recommend it and look forward to reading more.
About the Author
Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the USA Today Bestselling Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. She is an Agatha Award and Lefty Award winner, as well as a finalist for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark and Macavity Awards. After thirty years of working in corporate accounting and finance, she now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband split their time between Michigan and Arizona.
Author links: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub | Amazon Author Page
Have you read A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder? If so, what did you think of it? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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