A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, Book 5

By: Dianne Freeman

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

“Pure unadulterated fun” (Publishers Weekly) for fans of Ashley Weaver, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander, the Agatha Award–winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries are a witty romp through the high society of Victorian England with a touch of romance, an independent female lead, and rich historical detail. In this charming historical mystery, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her wedding day overshadowed by murder …

On the eve of her marriage to George Hazelton, Frances has a great deal more on her mind than flowers and seating arrangements. The Connors and the Bainbridges, two families of American robber barons, have taken up residence in London, and their bitter rivalry is spilling over into the highest social circles. At the request of her brother, Alonzo, who is quite taken with Miss Madeline Connor, Frances has invited the Connor family to her wedding. Meanwhile, Frances’s mother has invited Mr. Bainbridge, and Frances fears the nuptials may end up being newspaper-worthy for all the wrong reasons. On the day itself, Frances is relieved that Madeline’s father is not among the guests at the church. The reason, however, is most unfortunate: Mr. Connor is found murdered in his home. More shocking still, Alonzo is caught at the scene—holding the murder weapon. Powerful and ruthless, Connor appears to have amassed a wealth of enemies. Frances and George put their wedding trip on hold to try and clear Alonzo’s name. But there are secrets to sift through, not just in the feuding families, but also in their own. With a killer determined to evade discovery—even if it means taking another life—Frances’s newlywed days will be perilous indeed …

©2022 Dianne Freeman (P)2022 Recorded Books

Fun enough

Entertaining as always but a a bit more predictable than previous books in the series

Fun Read!

I thoroughly enjoy the story lines and characters! The narrator’s voice is awesome! Fun times!

I’m sad

I’ve read every book in this series. I’m sad that it’s over because I enjoyed them so much!

lively story, not an obvious conclusion

I've enjoyed the entire series! These books are free of cursing and sex, but there is sexual tension and the subject isn't shown as dirty. The characters are relatable. I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone interested in detective drama and/or historical fiction.

Fun, clever and light historical mystery

Countess of Harleigh, Frances Wynn is due to marry George Hazelton and wedding plans are well underway. Frances’s father and brother Alonzo have arrived in the February, 1900 snow in London. Alonzo asks Frances to invite the Connors since he has his eye on their daughter Madeline. In the meantime, Frances’s mother, who has been living with her for months (!) has invited the Bainbridge family. Unfortunately these two families have been feuding for years, and Frances fears a spillover into her wedding celebration.

While the wedding went well, minus Mr. Connor attending in favor of some business, the reception was held at the Earl of Harleigh’s residence, where Frances once resided, which was next door to the Connor residence. What Frances should have feared was her brother Alonzo arguing with Viscount Daniel Fitzwalter, the heir to the Marquis of Sudley, a powerful and influential member of the House of Lords. Fitzwalter swore he had a marriage contract for Madeline Connor yet Alonzo wanted the opportunity to court her. Rumor had it that Fitzwalter had rung up a large amount of gambling debts that Connor would pay off with the marriage. Through the course of the luncheon and afternoon, several wedding guests went next door to the Connor household. When Fitzwalter swore he already had a contract, Alonzo and Madeline rushed next door to talk to her father. The butler walked in just as Alonzo had his hand on the knife in Connor’s body!

Promptly arrested and taken to jail, it was clear that George Hazelton would be Alonzo’s counsel and that George and Frances had a new case to investigate. Their wedding trip to Cannes would have to wait. Wedding guests were detained and statements taken. George and Frances had had their photos taken in the study where they had full view of the comings and goings at the Connor’s home, of which there were many. Now they needed to uncover more secrets than just murder but that of illicit affairs and friendships. And they needed to learn more about the lucrative business dealings of Mr. Connor, not always above board and often in direct conflict with Bainbridge.

It is always interesting to watch George and Frances investigate within the confines of Victorian English society. Large amounts of tea were consumed gathering clues and answers to the many riddles presented. The keen observations and sardonic wit of Dianne Freeman keep this historical mystery clever and light. I do hope the Hazeltons eventually get their wedding trip.

Delightful!

I was excited to see this new audible in one of my favorite series!

My only complaint is to please write faster! I cannot wait to see what they are up to next!!

Loved it!

Enjoyed the continuing story of Francis and George. Look forward to the next one coming out this month. .

complicated plot, delightful characters

I've enjoyed all the titles in this series, partly because my daughter enjoys them also. Lady Frances remains a strong character, analytical and compassionate. her relationship with her family is like most families,, both supportive and annoying
The relationship with George continues to grow and to seem them work together so well is fun.
the plot of this tale, pulls in her brother, Alonzo, and has the whole family striving together, (while working on their separate suppositions) to come to a satisfying conclusion. The villian is believable and gives a fine dastardly performance; while the supporting characters support the characters and the plot

A Treasure

London of the time period comes to life in this novel and throughput the series. The funny but low-key one liners throughout the story are so appreciated.

Character development is important

I really like the thuggy brothers . I hope they show up again. These books are progressing very well.