The third instalment of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series didn’t disappoint. It was an entertaining cozy mystery, with lots of twists and turns. I like how she’s developing Frances’ character and relationships. I didn’t want to put it down.
I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for a review.

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

4.5 stars.

I had so much fun reading this mystery!

Victorian England, a strong female MC, a murderer stalking you from the past and harming others on their intent to murder you, many "accidents" along the way, hints left for the reader here and there, love and chaos, thirst for vengeance and power. The perfect read for a cozy day at home.

This book took me back to my childhood, when Spanish TV broadcasted a cozy mystery series called Murder, She Wrote, whose main character was Jessica Fletcher -played by the wonderful Angela Lansbury-, a female mystery writer inspired by Agatha Christie.

It had been a long time since I read a cozy mystery last, but this book was totally worth it. A story in which both the male and female main characters are likeable and all literary personas are well rounded. It portrays victorian England so accurately, you cannot help but have all your senses on the scenery; by this I mean I could see, touch, smell and hear everything and everyone in the story. I basically went back in time!

There's something happening constantly, secrets being unveiled, sudden small private events, a couple always interrupted when they're trying to spend some time alone -who can't relate to that-, so it is impossible to get bored.

If you need a light but rich read, something to catch your full attention, and a mystery to solve, this is your book.

Highly recommended!

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder was another fun Lady Frances adventure. Trying to help her sister Lily and her fiance get married while dealing with a meddling mother and a clever murderer, Frances and George are always enjoyable. The plot is well done and moves at a good pace. I'm so glad that George and Frances are finally going to be able to plan their wedding! I look forward to the next one.

A wedding, a hunting party, an English country estate...and a suspicious number of deadly accidents.

I haven't read the two books that precede A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder, but this third addition to Dianne Freeman's series is perfectly easy to follow nevertheless. It's a charming, light-hearted story with a solid mystery, though the pacing of the revelations - of clues, suspects, motivations, even the victim - is a little slow, with the bulk of the actual information packed into the end of the book. But Frances, Countess of Harleigh, is an appealing character, both clever and compassionate, though many of the ensemble surrounding her were more forgettable; her romance with George Hazelton helps fill the slow-moving first half. All in all, it's an enjoyable enough historical mystery that should appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and the Victorian setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance review copy!

Not unlike another ARC I received, The Gentleman and the Thief, a clean and robust period mystery with all the flair and pomp of the setting. I shall look into the previous two books.

I like this light, comfort historical cozy mystery series. Freeman has created a corner of Gilded Age/Victorian England where Frances, Countess of Harleigh has spread her wings, stood on her feet after an arranged marriage and a cad of a dead husband.

Book 3 closes the dramatic arc started in books 1 and 2. On its own it lacks context for the new reader but as part of the whole series, Freeman waves a plot and character development faithfully in synch with the previous books. She gives depth to all her characters, female and male, principal or secondary characters. Characters that would be only plot point have shades. The relationships: romantic, between sisters, mother and daughters, friends are so on point and surprises the reader in a few instances in a really nice twist.

The only weak point is that this is not a stand alone book. You need to read the first two to get the full impacts of the plot and the characters’ journey but you will not regret entering this journey.

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder is the third installment of this series, and overall I thought it a fine addition. I found this book through a recommendation based on my fondness for the Lady Darby mysteries and for the most part these books hit the mark. The combination of historical English high society, mystery, and dash of romance make it a pleasing read. In my opinion these books tend to be lighter than the Lady Darby books, but that's not necessarily a strike against it. I enjoy Frances as a heroine and in this book there was some nice self-reflection about the "title-mad" girl she was when she married in comparison to the wiser woman she has become. I was also delighted by the appearance of Frances' mother and their enviable clash over Frances' most recent choices. I also appreciated getting to learn more about George's past, which was nice because despite the general favorable impressions I received of him in earlier books, he seems considerably less fleshed out than the protagonist. The mystery in story wasn't especially clever or enthralling, but it was decent enough not to detract from the book's other qualities. Fan of the historical mystery genre will certainly enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me a digital ARC.

In this third Countess of Harleigh mystery, our cast of characters find themselves at a country home for a shooting party and a moved up wedding. A series of accidents and a suspicious death make Frances and her good friend George begin to question whether these events are intentional and, if so, is someone a specific target.

This installment in the series is good example of a cozy mystery. The ongoing ‘accidents’ give a building sense of urgency to discovering the culprit, yet at the same time leaving room for character development. The book is easy to read, with a satisfying resolution.

I would be interested in reading more in the series as they are published.

Frances and George are investigating once again when a series of accidents become suspicious. They are in the country at George’s family’s estate, where he is hosting a hunting party that has also become a lead up to Lily and Leo’s wedding. An unexpected surprise has resulted in Lily and Leo moving the wedding date up, and they’re not looking forward to Frances and Lily’s mother’s arrival. No one is looking forward to her arrival. Frances is hiding her engagement so that it doesn’t overshadow the wedding, which means her mother considers her fair game for marrying off again.
When they review the accidents, evidence indicates that Leo is the intended target. Is someone trying to prevent his marriage? His brother-in-law wants to run the Kendrick’s family company, but is prevented from becoming more involved because he’s set to inherit a title and would have to step away. Leo’s best friend is taking every opportunity to flirt with Lily, who is ignoring Frances’ warnings about him. The randomness of the accidents means they can expect the next at any time, which is keeping them on their toes.
I really enjoyed the way the mystery builds in this book. It's an uncertain balance of "are they accidents or aren't they?" and why? It's all about trusting how the characters need to trust their intuition and operate from there. The personal developments are also interesting; we’ve seen Lily make her debut and get engaged fairly promptly, now the wedding must be rushed but there’s evidence her maturity has a ways to go. More of Frances’s family are introduced and we see where George grew up. I enjoy that the character development is moving along in this series and secondary plotlines aren’t being dragged out. I hope we get more books in this series. I would love to see Frances and George’s married life and teamwork.

This is the third installment of this fun mystery series. I enjoyed the 1st two and this one is another winner, I have long been fascinated by the wealthy American women who married into and saved a lot of English aristocratic families in the late Victorian and Edwardian period, so I was happy to find a series that encapsulates the time period with a witty and self-sufficient American heiress as the heroine.

The story revolves around Frances, Lady Harleigh and the marriage of her sister Lily. The wedding venue is the country house of Frances’ love interest George, a likeable man that has won Frances’ heart after her disastrous 1st marriage. However mayhem and fatal accidents ensue. Is there a madman/murderer on the loose? Will Frances be able to get Lily married off so she can concentrate on her own life or will the murderer and her own mother cause the wedding and the young couple heartbreak?

if you love cozy murder mysteries, and English aristocratic high society, this is the series for you. You can read this book as a stand alone, however, I highly recomment that you read the 1st two in the series as well.

Thank you to Netgalley, Dianne Freeman and. Kensington books for the opportunity to read and review this book

A truly enjoyable historical cozy mystery with a wonderful romance as well. I love this book and just checked the author's website to make sure more were coming--they are!! I highly recommend this series.

This is the third in the series and I would recommend reading the earlier entries to get a good sense of the characters, their backstory, and their personal growth as well as the growth in their romantic attachment. But you don't have to-the author does a great job of providing enough info so you're not lost. .

Frances is a charming heroine/mystery solver, and George is the perfect foil/partner. Frances is the widowed Countess of Harleigh, an American heiress who was married for her money and then left on own and miserable. After her husband's death, Frances and her daughter Rose moved to London, where Frances begins to shine, grow strong. and develop her independence.

Frances has to plan a quick wedding for her sister, Lydia and her fiancé Leo.. They travel to the estate of George's brother and that's where accidents, some fatal, start to happen. Is Leo the target? Is George? I swung from one potential murderer and motive to another. Plenty of twists and turns!

There is also humor with Leo's bickering sisters, a clumsy cousin-in-law, planning the wedding and a best man who is rather flirty with the bride. as well as the banter between Frances and George

My thanks to Kensington and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m reviewing this book as I stand alone story - I have not read the previous two books in the series.

I chose this book because I love cozy crime (especially historical), and I loved the title. However, it turned out not to really be my cup of tea. I liked the characters, but it just took so long for them to do anything, and their investigations seemed rather half hearted most of the time. They didn’t ask anything like enough questions of enough people. Also, I unfortunately worked out pretty near the beginning (at the incident of the steward being knocked off his horse) who the culprit was. There also wasn’t much humour, which although not essential, I very much enjoy. The historical setting sometimes seemed unrealistic, I can’t quite put my finger on why, it just didn’t ring true to me. However, I don’t know much about the Victorian Era, so it may just be me. I did really like George, Frances, and their relationship.

If you love a slow-paced, gentle, cozy crime, with a bit of romance, then this could be the book for you. Sadly, it just wasn’t my thing.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman is the third installment in Countess of Harleigh Mystery series.

In this book, Lady Harleigh, her sister and her aunt have decided to speed up Lily's wedding due to some unexpected circumstances and George has graciously offered his family estate as the perfect place for it.
Only the closes family is at the estate waiting for Lily's and Leo's parents to join them and it the meantime they come up with many games to play in order to amuse themselves.
However, series of very unfortunate accidents happens and Frances and George are immediately suspicious. They start asking questions and looking into these accidents and more they look more it seems that one of them is in danger.
As time is running out they are in a hurry to find out the truth and save lives.

Every new adventure is another treat for me.
I like the setting of the series, and the characters have become very dear to me. They are all well developed with their own lives moving forward in each installment.
Books are steady paced and there is never a dull moment.
I appreciate that there is a great deal of humor in this series.

The Countess of Harleigh is back, and she’s brought along her beloved George and all of their family and friends. It’s Lily and Leo’s wedding, and not a single thing goes right. I don’t wait to say more because it’s just such a delightful read that you should experience for yourself. It’s the third book in the series, and while it can certainly be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the first two books so you can really appreciate the character and relationship growth.

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

I’ve not read the first 2 book and I found the relationships between most of the characters to be confusing and I thought there should be more show don’t tell moments in this book. But other than that I was an alright read.

Lily, the Countess of Harleigh’s sister must get married in a hurry – wink, wink, nudge, nudge. And so off to the family estate of Lady Harleigh’s secret fiancé (that’s all explained) we go, where murder ensues. Thus begins "A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder," the third in the series of less than genteel goings-on amongst the upper crust of (presumed) Victorian society. Our time frame isn’t terribly well established, unfortunately. It would have been nice to have seen that more firmly grounded.

Our first death is a footman. And that’s before the wedding. Then a member of the family is injured. Who has it in for these people? And why? Then something happens to someone else. There’s definitely a killer in the house, and the bridegroom may be the target. Frances and fiancé George Hazelton (who’s got somewhat of a secret past of his own) decide to set a trap.

Could do without the hackneyed grand dame of a mother. The mischief of the title is all about the machinations of getting Lily to the alter and getting Frances publicly engaged. Much of the book is taken up with accomplishing this, and it gets tedious after a while.

During the murder investigation we’re treated(?) to Frances’ romantic life (she’s the countess) and how her intended is going to let her have her freedom after they are married. She wants to be partners. Not necessarily how a husband of the time treated his wife. But readers of historical mysteries know our heroines expect more from their men.

And then comes the twist – our author, Dianne Freeman, has tricks up her sleeve! Echoes from the past, perhaps. So, readers – who’s the guilty party?

Frances brings it all to a rousing finish, with the help of her New York society mother, of all people. The family squabbling is all a bit much, but “A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder” has an engaging plot line and enough twists to keep one turning the pages.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.

DNF but I'll be back. The blurb sounded right up my alley, but I did not realize that this was a later installment in a series. I felt that I was missing crucial aspects of character development and was unable to appreciate the nuances as a result. It's very cute but maybe not from a starter perspective.

I absolutely love this cozy mystery series. It has all the elements I like: Victorian elegance, a strong independent heroine, a swoony hero, witty dialogue and a good mystery. The writing has improved enormously since the first book. However, the mystery in this novel let me down somewhat. It has rather too much mischief and not enough solving whodunit. There are too many suspects but none of them are really plausible. With only two non-family new characters, it shouldn't have been that hard to figure out BUT I didn't. I got confused by the red herrings, twists and turns until the motive was finally revealed. I figured out how, then why and finally who just a bit before Frances. I loved the twist at the end. It was breathtaking and fun at the same time. That's the kind of mystery solving I like! As for the relationship plot, it's still sweet when George and Frances are alone. Those moments are few and far between because they're in the middle of a house party and keeping their relationship a secret. Lily's drama bored me and the horrible mother plot also distracted from the mystery. There was just too much going on in this novel for it to be my very favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it very much.

One thing I really enjoy about this author is her attention to historical detail. I can tell she's done her research on life in 1899 (plus I read her blog). She is skilled at working in small details that set the time and place without weighing down the plot with unnecessary information or boring readers. I especially liked the Russian Influenza comment but the analysis of the ginger beer was maybe a bit too much.

I love Frances! She's my kind of heroine! Frances has come a long way just since the first time we met her. She was still married to Reggie. His death has liberated her and helped her grow. She's intelligent, independent, a bit too stubborn at times and caring. She made a mistake and has learned from it. Unfortunately, she has tried to pass that lesson on to Lily who has a more traditionally feminine personality and is happy with her choice of husband. Frances shouldn't feel guilty for pushing Lily into a long engagement. I probably would have cautioned the same thing in Frances's shoes. Frances does a little too much mothering of Lily. I love how strong Frances becomes in the course of this story. She's amazing! She has learned a lot along the path to the end of the novel. I adore her relationship with George. I love his sense of humor most of all and his easygoing charm. Best of all, he supports Frances and loves her BECAUSE she's intelligent as well as beautiful and kind. They make a good team. I don't think Frances has anything to worry about but she does worry George won't want her as an equal partner. I think he's made it perfectly clear he DOES want her as his life partner as well as partner in solving crime. He doesn't know her as well as he could, not yet, not to know that she's worried about that. She should take her own advice and talk to him!

Lily is super annoying. She can't think for herself or communicate like an adult. I agree with Frances, 18 is too young to be married. I'd like to say Lily comes into her own, but she doesn't really. She lets Frances take care of everything. Leo is a nice guy, like a puppy. He's innocent and open but he doesn't know much about women, in spite of having three sisters. He also doesn't communicate with Lily. He's off with the guys having fun shooting birds, leaving her alone at the mercy of his best man. Treadwell is a new character but he's known Leo forever. Treadwell is a cad and not to be trusted. How could he do that to Leo? Is Treadwell behind the mysterious "accidents" trying to cause harm to Leo so he can have Lily to himself? Leo clearly hasn't told his pal his big secret or has and Treadwell is worse of a cad than it seems.

Leo's family assembles for the wedding. We met some of them before. I like his sister Anne the most. She seems to be an emerging women's rights activist but she isn't immune to the charm of handsome young gentlemen. Her sisters are awful, especially Eliza, Mrs. Durant. Eliza is mean, fussy and rude to everyone, even her own sisters. Her husband is a pompous bore who puts business above all else. Mr. Durant wants something Leo has and doesn't want to take a back seat. Is he prepared to cause Leo harm or even kill his brother-in-law? Clara is very young and silly. She needs to grow up more.

We finally meet Fran's family. Mrs. Price is an Alva Vanderbilt wannabe without the social cachet. She's pushy, overbearing, controlling and a massive snob. I was appalled at her behavior! I would have told her off sooner if I were Frances. Even sweet Lily dreads her mother's arrival. I think Mrs. Price is slightly empathetic though. It sounds like she doesn't have a happy marriage. Mr. Price might as well be dead because he doesn't bother to show up for Lily's wedding! Mrs. Price takes comfort where she can- in her money and social position, and assumes all good marriages should be that way. She doesn't understand love because it sounds like she's never had it. I did feel rather sorry for her. Daisy's character development is sudden but it makes sense for a mother and adds some comic relief to the tense scenes. Alonzo, Frances's younger brother, is still young and green. He's goofy like a Golden Retriever and eager to experience English country life. As always, Aunt Hetty is sensible, tough and delightful. I hope she stays in England! Rose, Frances's daughter, is going to be a handful when she grows up. George gives thanks he doesn't have a 17-year-old daughter but he will and she'll be every bit as stubborn as her mother!

Also invited are Lily's friend Lottie and her husband, Frances's cousin Charles. These two are so cute! I relate a lot to Lottie. She's very intellectual but also extremely klutzy. They're both nice, good people. What happens to Charles made me LOL! Fiona, George's sister, really steps up for Frances here. Fiona is a good hostess but a better friend. She makes sure her brother and Frances have some alone time, orchestrates their meetings and stands up for Frances when she needs support. Fiona's husband, Nash, is a dolt but he seems kindly enough for someone with sport on the brain.

The first accident happens to Mr. Gibbs, the Steward. He swears it wasn't an accident. Is he telling the truth? His insistence at showing off his wound makes it seem like he's telling the truth. His new assistant, John Winnie, is a young eager beaver. He's a pleasant young man and a little over eager to do his job. Tuttle, the gamekeeper, seems loyal and devoted to the Hazelton family. He's in a position where he's out on the grounds all the time but he swears he doesn't see any of the accidents. Is he telling the truth?

Percy Bradmore claims to be a neighbor, a great-nephew and heir of Lady Esther. He has never met any of the Hazeltons before and insists his aunt is ill. He acts very suspicious. A man who lives here and there, keeps rooms in London but never visits, is supposed to be attending to a sick aunt but has time to socialize? No way is this guy for real. He's hiding something! Frances is certain Mr. Bradmore is the one behind the accidents, but why?

Downstairs drama ensues when another accident befalls a footman, Michael O'Brien. The man unfortunately ends up dead. Was it a simple case of food poisoning compounded with tainted water? (Did you know water contained arsenic and ginger beer was used as a stomach remedy but the water, not being distilled, could be dangerous?) Was there a reason for his death beyond mischance? At first he seems like an innocent victim, a kind young man everyone liked. Then the more information revealed, the more horrible he sounds. If he got a job at Downton Abbey, he'd be hand in glove with Thomas Barrow until they tried to outdo each other in nastiness. Young Michael didn't deserve to die though, if it was murder.

Mr. Crocker, the butler, is a tartar. He's super strict with the servants but doesn't pry into their personal lives. They could all be hiding things from him and he'd never know! The female servants, especially the cook and housemaids, are rather silly women. Instead of trying to help Frances, they weep and wail. Dr. Woodrow is a good doctor. He takes Max's concerns seriously and is quick to arrive to treat the characters when needed.

This is such a fun series, I'm eager to read more, ESPECIALLY the next one. There must be a wedding coming up soon, right? How will married life affect Frances? Will she and George be 1899's version of Nick and Nora? How do they celebrate the turn-of-the-20th-century? That will be fun! What happens with Lily and her secret? Will her mother go ballistic when she does the math? Read this series if you miss Downton Abbey.

I loved spending time with Lady Harleigh again! Her adventures and determination are soothing in a hard time. If you have time to read the series, I recommend them all, but this one could easily be read out of order.

I so very much enjoy this series! This book can be read as a stand alone but is so much ore enjoyable having read from the first one. The heroine is strong and likable and her hero is just a true partner. Looking for ward to having more! Have already purchased and sold the first of the series and had preordered the second for the store!