A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series, Book 2

By: Dianne Freeman

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Though American by birth, Frances Wynn, the now-widowed Countess of Harleigh, has adapted admirably to the quirks and traditions of the British aristocracy. On August 12th, each year, otherwise known as the Glorious Twelfth, most members of the upper class retire to their country estates for grouse-shooting season. Frances has little interest in hunting - or birds or a second husband - and is expecting to spend a quiet few months in London with her almost-engaged sister, Lily, until the throng returns.

Instead, she's immersed in a shocking mystery when a friend, Mary Archer, is found murdered. Frances had hoped Mary might make a suitable bride for her cousin, Charles, but their courtship recently fizzled out. Unfortunately, this puts Charles in the spotlight-along with dozens of others. It seems Mary had countless notes hidden in her home, detailing the private indiscretions of society's elite. Frances can hardly believe that the genteel and genial Mary was a blackmailer, yet why else would she horde such juicy tidbits?

Aided by her gallant friend and neighbor, George Hazelton, Frances begins assisting the police in this highly sensitive case. Too many suspects may be worse than none at all - but even more worrying is that the number of victims is increasing too. And unless Frances takes care, she'll soon find herself among them....

©2019 Dianne Freeman (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Clean and interesting mystery/love story

After accidentally getting started on a very explicit historical romance (and I’m not a prude but I don’t want to read that stuff), I love this series. I think it is an amazing gift for a narrator to seamlessly move back and forth between accents, and this narrator does a good job of it. I recommend and will continue the series.

Wonderful

Love these books, storylines are great and keeps you guessing and intrigued hope the author continues writing the books.

Love this series!

Enjoyed this book thoroughly almost as much as the first. I will continue to listen/ read this author.

Interesting Intrigue and Great Characters

Dianne Freeman did her homework on the Victorian England. Her knowledge of the time period keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Intertwining great characters with a unique storyline makes the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries a “must read” for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. And Sarah Zimmerman is a fabulous reader/narrator. She easily flows between dialects and character voices professionally so the listener doesn’t get confused. Her voice is perfect for audiobook listening.

Enjoying these

Overall I like this series and will pick up the next one when it’s out. I love that it leaves out the typical angst and misunderstandings of romance. This clean story is part mystery, part budding romance, and the two main protagonists get along well. I’m used to Sarah Zimmerman as a narrator, so I don’t mind her odd cadence and sentence endings that carry any of the following: reluctance and hesitance, an uptick, or a down tick. (She’s seems to have improved since book one.) It’s unusual for sure, but easy to get used to and overlook once I get bonded to the story. She doesn’t distinguish between some voices well, as they have similar cadence quirks and not much tonal distinction. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying these interesting characters and decent mysteries. The story easily allows you to understand who is who anyway. I like all the characters, including the real detective. The involvement of Frances and the storyline can be unrealistic in some spots, but it’s fiction after all, where suspension of reality is acceptable. Pick this one up and enjoy it.

A really entertaining listen

The story is a bit Bridgerton, a bit Jane Austen and all entertaining. The narrator makes the story even more entertaining. Superbly done on all accounts.

A fun and entertaining mystery

Checks all
The boxes of a fun little mystery. Writing is full of suspenseful surprises and chuckles.

Enjoyable romcom romp with mystery included

Loved the characters, the humor and the plot. Very entertaining. I will be looking for more of these. O and the narrator does an excellent job.

Such a fun listen.

Such a fun listen. The story is gentle enough to relax to, while still keeping your brain engaged.

Kept me guessing

Another good book. I listened to this one directly after book 1 in the series because it kept me wanting more. I listen to these while walking and found I couldn't stop listening. The ending was quit clever and kept me guessing how he was involved. Easy happy listening. I thoroughly enjoyed it.