A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, Book 4

By: Dianne Freeman

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

In Dianne Freeman’s lighthearted mystery series set in Victorian England, the American-born Countess of Harleigh uncovers more deadly intrigue among the uppercrust....

For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances’ house with a young French woman and a shocking claim: She is Mrs. George Hazelton.

As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. “Mrs. Hazelton", aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena - though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena’s life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances’ garden. To uncover a killer - and clear their own names - Frances and George must determine which of Irena’s outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home....

©2021 Dianne Freeman (P)2021 Recorded Books

Loved it!

Another adventure with a mystery that was hard to decider. Who am I kidding? I had no clue!

Again. Frances and George are trying to move forward with their wedding but they keep getting interrupted!

I cannot wait for more in this series!!

Just enough romance!

Freeman, like Manda Collins, skillfully balances mystery and romance, though the mystery and action wins out here. It is the perfect balance for this series. The characters and fun and interesting and the plots twisty and engaging.

Great mystery story

As usual great whodunit. Love this author and can’t wait to read next one from her.

Love this series.

What fun! It has Great humor and a good mystery. The characters are real. Nice narration.

Great Series!!

I love this series and narration! I took one star off for this performance because the word 'theater' has three syllables, not two. It really broke the flow of the narration for me because the word is said a lot in this book.

Nevertheless, I can't wait for the next in the series!

Entertaining!

So much fun to read! Just the thing for a relaxing day or to lift one from the blues.

Great characters and excellent plot!

Intriguing mystery with loveable characters. Just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Full of historical details.

I’m Here for the HEA

At first I was a little worried that the book was an excuse to keep our detective away from her George for awhile longer and I was dreading it. I hate when a mystery series puts a couple together and breaks them up constantly to drag it out—that’s where I get off the train.
But it becomes clear maybe a third of the way through that the author’s goal seemed more to want to cement the relationship through the weathering of hard times together. If George previously had any doubts about Frances’s affection he shouldn’t now.
Overall this was a pleasant addition to the series but not grade A. I’m not super fond of Hetty’s new love interest but maybe he’ll grow on me. I suspect he was added largely to give more scope for future mysteries: Lady Harleigh goes to the theater and actor dies onstage, and all that.

a great cozy read.

the story is intriguing. lots of chuckles along the way. the narrator is excellent. I'm looking forward to the next book. they're not your typical whodunits but they sure are fun.

Coziest cozy

When I listened to the first guide I was impressed by the story. With this book even more so. Having taught history I was enamored with the level of detail when describing the intricacies of the British upper class. The mystery had me guessing till the finale. Can’t wait to read the next!