Agatha Christie is probably smiling at this wonderful mystery. Somebody is out to get Lady Frances, an American heiress and widow living in London with her daughter. She has a list of potential perpetrators, and she goes about investigating each of them. With each passing chapter, the stakes get higher and the danger gets worse. Part historical novel, part mystery, it moves quickly and is absolutely fun to read, whether or not you guess who the perpetrator is before the ending. My biggest problem with it was that I wanted to keep reading after it was done. But, alas, there was no more book. I'll be waiting for the next one.

I enjoy historical mysteries, and this one was of no exception.

I enjoyed the story and liked all of the characters. I especially liked Lady Frances. I loved the way she showed society that a woman in Victorian times could be independent.

Listening to it now as an audiobook.

Really enjoyed this story. Had the right amount of romance to keep me interested as I prefer romance, but the mystery was good - the characters interesting and relatable. Will look for more by this author.

This is the first book in the A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, and it was a really fun cozy mystery that I finished in one sitting. I loved the Victorian setting and the characters were very well-written! I'm looking forward to the next installment.

The Countess of Harleigh is an American whose husband died in "unsavory" circumstances. She left the family estate and moved to London with her daughter, and is helping her sister Lily with her first London Season. Unfortunately, she gets involved with a murder, theft, and blackmail.

I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Kensington Publishing Company and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun historical cozy mystery! And having everything take place in Victorian England during “The Season” is the icing on the cake. There’s quite polite mayhem all the way through the book. The clues to the mystery were scattered throughout the storyline just enough to keep you guessing. The author hits the right touch of humor and suspense for a book in this genre.

But it’s the characters and their dialogue that sets this book apart from the regular cozy mystery novel. This book is written from Frances’ point of view. She’s the perfect Victorian. heroine: smart, witty, determined, loyal, independent and just vulnerable enough to make you really like her. George proved to be just the gentleman needed to help her as she investigates all that is happening and help keep Frances herself from being murdered.

There’s no foul language in this book or any embarrassing scenes, unless you are embarrassed for Reggie and his situation in the book when he’s found to be deceased. I’m hoping Diane Freeman brings Frances and George back for another Victorian mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own..

This book is just plain fun. It hits all the notes for me -- a dreamy next door neighbor (bonus that he's also a BFF's brother), scheming family, and strong and resilient main character. The banter is witty, the murder plot is just complicated enough to keep you guessing. If you like historical romance/mystery this is definitely for you.

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman is the first edition in A Countess at Harleigh Mystery series. Frances Price Wynn, a widow, has just finished her year of mourning and is ready to embrace color once again. Frances is also ready to leave her money hungry in-laws behind and move to London. She has leased a place in Belgravia and is surprised to discover her new neighbor is George Hazelton. Only one of three people who know the truth of what happened the night her husband died. Frances has barely moved in when she receives a letter from her mother announcing she is sending Frances’ sister, Lily along with her Aunt Hetty to London. She wants Frances to usher Lily into London society and help find her a suitable husband. Luckily, she has included a generous check to help with the expenses. Her in-laws did not take her departure well and have filed a lawsuit. While her lawyer assures her that the case does not have merit, her account has been frozen until the case is settled by the courts. Frances is surprised when an Inspector Delaney pays her a visit. Evidently the police received an anonymous letter regarding Reggie’s demise and it points the finger at Frances. Lily gains several admirers at her first social event leaving Frances to figure out which one is suitable and who is just after Lily’s dowry. Frances learns that there is a thief attacking the homes of the wealthy and when a stolen item finds its way into her reticule, she sets out to discover the thief’s identity. Frances is in for a busy social season in A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder.

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is a light, historical cozy mystery. The story begins in April of 1899 at Harleigh Manor. There is a similarity to Downton Abbey with the big estates, London society, and Frances is from a wealthy American family who married a titled British aristocrat. Frances is an interesting character. This is the first time she is on her own without her domineering mother or her husband. She comes across as a typical lady of that time-period. I would have preferred her to be a little more out of the box. Lily, on the other hand, is outspoken, headstrong, smart but naïve in the way of men (and the rules of British society). Aunt Hetty provides levity to the story. There is quite a bit going on in the story (as you can see from my summary). Despite the number of storylines, there is a lack of action. More time is spent drinking tea and discussing the various issues. I could have done with less speculation and repetition. The beginning of the book did engage my attention, but it began to wane after a while as the pace slows down. Dianne Freeman is an overly descriptive writer. Frances’ daily life is described in detail. The mysteries lacked development. It was not a challenge to identify the guilty parties especially for the burglaries. I liked that the author did not push the romance between George and Frances. The attraction is there between them, but Frances is not ready for a new romance. My rating for A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is 3 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy light-hearted, historical cozy mysteries, then pick up the debut novel in A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder.

I enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to more time with Frances and George. Frances becomes involved with solving her husband's death when a letter shows up at the police station saying he was murdered. We also have a thefts going on, the in-laws trying to get Frances' money she had brought into the marriage as well as introducing Frances's younger sister into society.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. - Great read, good characters, interesting plot, looking forward to another in this series.

Frances Wynn, an American heiress who found herself financing her philandering titled English husband's rakish life and decaying family estate, is a widow with a young daughter. Defying her husband's family, she moves into her own place in town and begins to figure out a way to eke out the remains of her inheritance and build a life for herself.

When the police receive an anonymous tip claiming that she killed her husband, things get desperate. With help from her friends and her own resourcefulness, Frances overcomes her problems... but not before things become dangerous.

Frances and her friends are interesting and likable. The settings are intriguing, and I like forward to more stories about Frances's adventures. The story is light and fun to read, with a little bit of romance and plenty of bold actions.

Dianne Freeman introduces the Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder. At the end of the Victorian era, Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, has just finished the mourning period for her husband and prepares to launch her American sister into London society. This sparkling mystery has murders, robberies and high society misdeeds as Frances tries to spread her wings and escape her late husband's grasping family. Who is the criminal? Who the fortune hunter? Read and enjoy the first in what will surely be a new series worth reading.

Great Victorian Cozy! I really enjoyed being back in Victorian England for this mystery among the ton. It was a fun quick read that now has me on the lookout for any future books from Ms. Freeman. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Book #1: A Countess of Harleigh Mystery
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars

When you’re the Countess of Harleigh, even the widowed Countess of Harleigh there are certain things that are expected of you. You are expected to be a proper lady, you are expected to participate in society, and you’re expected to fully and financially support your extended family. You are not expected to refuse funding, you are not expected to leave the family estate, you’re not expected to live alone with just your young daughter, and you’re certainly not expected to get yourself involved in mystery.

Frances Wynn, the widowed Countess of Harleigh has decided to live her life far differently as a widow than she did as a wife. As a wife, Frances tended to bury her head in the sand. Oh, she knew her husband was unfaithful, but she never expected to be confronted with it so bluntly and blatantly as the night he died in another woman’s bed. During her year of mourning, Frances made some serious decisions about her life: she was moving out of the estate home she shared with her dead husband, she would no longer indulge in her in-laws by allowing them to request more funds from her trust, and she would certainly never marry again. With her plans in place and a solicitor willing to work for her interests, Frances moves herself and her young daughter into a modest home in London.

Unfortunately, the fresh start Frances was hoping for doesn’t quite work out according to her plans. Within hours of settling into her new home, her past comes calling! Only two other people know what really happened the night Frances’ husband died, and one of those two people is now her next-door neighbor, Mr. Hazelton. What’s more, the police have also come calling regarding the manner of her late husband’s death, there have been a series of robberies among her upper crust friends, her younger sister and aunt have come to stay for the duration of the Season, AND, her greedy brother-in-law has decided to sue for access the Frances’ money! As a proper lady of society, Frances should step away from all the scandal, all the drama and allow the proper authorities to sort it all out on her behalf. But, that’s not the type of woman Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh has decided she wants to be.

With decisions made and a course set, Frances, with the help of her dogged aunt, Mr. Hazelton, her husband’s last mistress, and her best friend, begins asking questions and sussing out motives and motivations for the players in a most dangerous game. Though she isn’t a professional investigator, Frances is smart, curious, and has access to certain levels of society the police just can’t get to. The deeper Frances delves into the hearts and minds of men, the closer she gets to flushing out a killer, resolving nearly all her problems, and risking her own precious life.

The Bottom Line: I have always liked books featuring women ahead of their time and place and the Countess of Harleigh certainly fits that description. Frances Wynn isn’t looking to cause scandal or be a scandal, but she is determined to live her life on her terms. What I particularly liked about Frances is her willingness to admit when she’s in over her head and needs help. Though she’s brazen and bold, she isn’t stupid and has no desire to leave her daughter alone in the world. As a result, Frances has surrounded herself with a whole host of interesting and loyal people which are going to make for fun reading in future installments of this historical cozy mystery series.

I loved this book and look forward to many more in the series. It will appeal to both the cozy and historical mystery reader.

I loved this book on so many levels. I have not been a huge historical mystery reader, but this book has changed my view. I fell in love with the Victorian time period, and with Frances--who is a woman with a mind of her own. Her personality and wit shines throughout. There were moments I was laughing out loud and others where the writer had me concerned about the welfare of the characters I had come to love. The mystery was so well-plotted, I didn't know until the final reveal who was guilty, and was pleased at the outcome. This is a must read for any mystery lover and I'm anxiously awaiting Frances' next adventure.

What a fabulous find this book was for me! I loved and enjoyed it. If it wasn't a friend's recommendation I wouldn't have requested to read it on Netgalley.
I really enjoyed the idea of independent women in an age of female dependency on male relatives. Our heroine Frances is not short of bravery or wit!
If the book was a tad shorter I'd happily mark it 5 stars but there were stretches that was a bit *yawn* . Still a great book, nice and interesting characters, solid and satisfying plot.
A truly uplifting and feel-good read :)
I will look forward of future adventures of Frances and George!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I can describe this book very shortly, it's like Downton Abbey in a book :) I'm a fan of Downton Abbey and it certainly reminded me of the setting, characters and life style I was watching there.
It was a really cute, cozy mystery set in London. Our protagonist is the Countess of Harleigh. She's an American, who married into British aristocracy bringing her father's money into the family. Suddenly one night her husband dies of heart attack while he was with another woman, and our story unfolds from there. Lady Harleigh moves to London to her own house, after a year's mourning. Her sister comes from America to be introduced in the London season. But, weird things start to happen like stolen jewellery, etc. our characters try to unlock the mystery behind these all, while we continue to enjoy the cute, easy and enchanting writing of Freeman.
It's a perfect summer cozy mystery book that I enjoyed a lot. The mystery also tied up very well in the end. I thought it was very well thought of. I'm pleasantly surprised with this book. Definitely recommended.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 , because I thought Freeman took a bit of time from the beginning to the point she started to put clues and tension into the mystery. I wish that time was shorter.
But, all in all, I enjoyed it and would read from her again.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for granting a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful and witty, this book is a great start to a new historical mystery series. I enjoyed everything about it - characters, setting, and mystery. I can't wait for the next book!

Frances Wynn, widow and American royal by marriage, makes her mystery debut in this fun and fast-paced book, slated to be the first in a new series. As a widow whose husband's family is after her money, she must solve an ever-increasing number of mysteries, such a unexplained thefts, how her late spouse really met his demise, all while avoiding her cheating husband's former mistress and maintaining polite society manners.
For fans of (and recommended by) Rhys Bowen. Looking forward to the next one!

I was surprised and delighted by this book. For whatever reason, I hadn't expected much of it (Honestly, I think it may have been the cover, which looked a little downmarket at first glance), but even just a few pages in I was intrigued and by the time I was finished with it I couldn't wait for the next in the series. Complex, interesting characters and a speedy plot.

This was a great and enjoyable book. The pace was great and...well, I can just gush over the book. It was amazing and it is totally worth reading.