A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, Book 3

By: Dianne Freeman

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

In Dianne Freeman’s charming Victorian-era mystery series, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her sister’s wedding threatened by a vow of vengeance.

London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host - or hide - any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits - shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.

But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiancé, Leo. Frances’ mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George - a man who loves her for much more than her dowry - she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.

As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll....

©2020 Dianne Freeman (P)2021 Recorded Books

Another delightful mystery!

Delicious out-in-the-country murder mystery with both intrigue and humor…and a touch of romance.

Wit, intrigue, and suspense

I couldn’t stop listening to it. I ended up listening for eight hours straight cause I just had to know who it was so many twist and turns in so much humor and wits thrown into this. I really wish they would turn this into a TV series.

VERY GOOD!

This is another fun, intriguing, creative storyline in this wonder series. Well developed characters with lots of action & suspense. Narration also very good!

Nice next story

I enjoyed the narrator, she does an excellent job reading in everyone’s voices.
I liked the story, too. It did get a little tedious at times, then it sped right up at the end.
All in all, a lovely book!!

Best Volume so far

I liked the relationship building between George and Francis that took place in this volume. The back and forth game can get old. Their relationship is a brilliant example that men and women can make a successful team. One does not need to dominate the other for them to both shine.

Thoroughly Delightful

Author Dianne Freeman has created one of my favorite cozy mystery characters in Frances, Countess of Harleigh. A keen observer, Frances tells the readers exactly what she sees and thinks with understated, wry humor and wit. Confronted with a delicate situation concerning her young sister Lily's impending marriage, Frances knows that the ceremony needs to be as soon as can be. She finds a solution by moving the event to her fiancé, George's brother's country estate and limiting the guest list to family. As soon as they arrive, one dangerous incident after another mars the festivities. With many suspects and no clear motives, there is even a question as to who is the intended target.
Narrator Sarah Zimmerman is a perfect Frances and does an admirable job with the other voices, too.

kept me guessing

Good book. I love all the voices of the different characters. This book kept me guessing. I was sure it was one thing and couldn't figure out how there was still 2 hours left in the book. Boy was I wrong. Great twists and turns. Great book for walking, it makes you want to walk more just so you can keep listening.

Just as good as the first!

I can’t get enough of this series! The romance and mystery is just perfect. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.

Another great mystery!

Love these stories! Always hard to guess the culprit until the last minute of reveal!

delightfully clever and charming

perfect clever, romantic and mysterious read. The story has it all in a light hearted way.