Another enjoyable book in this series.

Frances tries to save her sister's wedding from her displeasing mother and someone who is trying to murder the groom. This series is fun and the characters delightful. I always love when main couples solve crimes together.

This review based on a ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

I don’t know if this had a previous book and was the second in a series – it did read as though it was and there was information about Frances and George that we were missing. However, I tried to ignore the fact that I really wanted to know more about how they had met, and what, if anything, his job/occupation had to do with it, as I could quite imagine a good story that was missing, as this story was different.
Certainly, I have never encountered a house party story with quite so many ‘accidents’. That clearly were intended for someone - but hadn’t yet quite managed to complete their intention.
It did look as though one particular person was the intended victim, but the clues were also there for yet others to be the victim – or victims.
Not a deep book nor is the story a psychological thriller, but a fun murder and mayhem type of plot that would make great dinner theatre.
I’m giving it 4 as a play rather than a novel.

3.5/5⭐️

I have mixed feelings about this one.

Third in series, I need to go back and read the previous two to flesh out characters more. The writing was good (humorous, descriptive), but I had an issue with the pacing. The book felt too long for 250 pgs. The multiple “accidents” were not deemed more sinister until halfway through and by then I had lost some interest. The prior books both had good reviews so I feel I should go back at some point and read those for a more complete picture of the writing style.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a Victorian era mystery that seems part of a series. The writing for the style of novel and the author did a great job of pacing action and revealing the solution. Enjoyable and will investigate more by this author.

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Countess of Harleigh mysteries quickly became one of my favourite series after I read the first in 2018, so I was quite excited to see this pop up on NetGalley! Our protagonist Frances is a lot of fun- she is a widowed countess, but is quite sarcastic, intelligent, and always on the move. Her fiance George features quite heavily in this third book, and I enjoyed getting to know him and his past more.

I also very much appreciated that her relationship with her mother changed and evolved- both are strong personalities, and a lot of authors seem to leave characters like that in a permanent stand off. The book is quite the family affair, with Frances' daughter, Rose, and her sister, Lily. The familial relationships don't hinder the mystery at all, you won't be able to put it down!

Love love love this series! The main character embodies a strong independent woman, and her sidekicks are equally as interesting. I love learning more about them and the book/series really gives great insight into the time period.

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

3 stars. For being a light, cozy historical mystery.

first time to read a book by the author, though I remember getting curious about the first book in the series. Which I then completely forgot about. So when this became available on NetGalley I had to request it.

Frances, the Countess of Harleigh is in the countryside for her sister’s wedding. It’s to be held at Risings, her fiancé’s (George Hazleton) family estate, in a week’s time. But during the week, accidents befall the staff and guests, one which resulted in death. So Frances Ann’s George investigates again.

Frances and George’s relationship seems a little lukewarm. He’s such a gentleman and she seems easily distracted by the mystery. 😂 But they’re likable. The other characters are somewhat two-dimensional only.

It’s light and short and easy paced. And it makes you want to visit the English countryside for such leisurely pursuits. And it certainly was more interesting than this other arc I am struggling to get through.

This book will be out July 28, 2020. Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the arc of this book! It was a nice read.

Wonderful cozy mystery. Characters were fun and enthralling. Loved the dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that he protagonist was a more modern lady with a job and not some simpering society aristocrat, even if she had to be widowed to do it. This book is great for Veronica Speedwell fans.

My thanks to Dianne Freeman, Kensington Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
A comforting easy to read cozy mystery set in the Victorian era. A wedding, a country house and a problem to solve. What more could we ask for? This is the first book I've read in this series and I would be happy to read more.

1899 Frances, Countess of Harleigh's sister Lily is due to marry Leo Kendrick in two months time. But due to their stupidity they now must marry quickly. Friend George Hazelton offers Risings, his brother's estate, with its planned shooting party, to become a wedding venue for the couple.
Then the accidents start happening. How many people will die before Frances and Hazelton uncover the guilty party, or their motive
An enjoyable Victorian cozy mystery, but not one I found as entertaining as the first two. I seem to find Frances less likeable and parts of the story did drag slightly.

I adore this series. It gives me cozy mystery/romance feels and I'm here for it. If you haven't read the first two, go do that because this is a series that you actually need to read in order as characters and relationships develop. This latest installment didn't disappoint! We're beyond the "will they, won't they?" portion of the romance for most of the characters, so now we can settle into either domesticity or solidly loving relationships. Frances is, of course, a perennial delight. The cast of characters features some familiar faces, with new people introduced to shake things up and provide some new suspects. In this book, Lily and Leo are getting married at George's family's country estate when a series of suspicious accidents occurs. Frances begins to think there's something else afoot and worries that someone's trying to ruin Lily's happiness and wedding. There's the requisite profoundly complicated family dynamics and an appearance from Lily and Frances' mother, who has her own opinions of how her daughters should live their lives. The plot moves along at a nice, steady clip and there are enough little swerves to keep you on your mental toes. I find this series extremely comforting and Freeman nailed it yet again. I'll just be here sipping tea and waiting for book 4.

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman | review.

Genre: Cozy Mystery.

Rating: Four stars.

Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a quiet place to hold her sister’s wedding. Risings, a lovely family estate in Hampshire, seems like the perfect place for the wedding and a little holiday in the country. Upon arrival, mysterious accidents start injuring both guests and staff alike. Frances and her finance, George, soon set out to find the villain before anyone else is hurt.

Frances is such a great character. I loved the way she told this story and the lovely Victorian setting. The country house was swoon worthy and I loved reading about how Frances and friends spent there time relaxing.

Words I’d use to describe this book- cozy, witty, light hearted, and delightful!

This is actually the third in the series, but can totally be read as a standalone. I may go back and read the first two myself.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

Fantastic Victorian mystery, featuring a cast of brilliant characters with big personalities. When suspicious accidents begin happening during a charming wedding at a big shmancy estate, it becomes a whodunit. But who is being targeted and why? Enjoyed this mystery novel very much! I hadn't read any of the previous installments in the series but I am now determined to get my hands on both. Reminds me a bit of the Lady Georgiana series by Rhys Bowen.

Frances, Dowager Countess of Harleigh, could use a vacation, between planning her sisters impending nuptials, preparing for the arrival of her domineering mother, and being in a clandestine engagement with the devilishly handsome George Hazelton. However, particular... circumstances... have necessitated pushing up Lily and Leo's wedding date, putting Frances in a lurch to find a place for them to be wed quickly without scandal. George, however, presents a brilliant solution: he is heading to his brother's country home for a few weeks, to be in charge of the estate while his brother's family is traveling and host a shooting party. Why not bring the entire wedding party to the country so that Lily and Leo can tie the knot there? However, once they arrive, strange accidents begin occurring--with one ending in death. And they all seem to be happening around the presence of the groom... Can Frances and George put an end to the mischief, before "till death do we part" comes before the honeymoon?

The third fantastic Countess of Harleigh mystery returns readers to Victorian England, where everyone's favorite American-heiress-turned-noble-turned-widow-turned-detective once again finds herself involved in a case. Blending these wonderful, cozy, almost Austen-esque pastoral scenes of the life of upper-class Victorians with a brilliant 'who-done-it?' and a fantastic line up of characters (and suspects), Freeman's third novel in the series continues to dazzle and confound readers. Let's just say this: I should have stayed up later to finish the last four chapters of the book, because I went to bed running the suspects over in my head only to wake up, read said last four chapters, and was totally thrown for a loop with who actually did it. Did not see it coming at all...

Also, in addition to brilliantly plotted mysteries and expertly planted red herrings, Freeman's recurring characters continue to be a draw to the series. Frances and George's relationship, in particular, has readers swooning and eager to see what this investigating power couple will find themselves involved in next. But Freeman doesn't hesitate to address the real concerns that both Frances and George have in their relationship, especially the more they discuss marriage. Frances, a widow from a marriage that met her mother's lofty goals but left lots to be desired, fears being lonely in marriage once again and that she will lose the freedoms that came with being a widow as well as be relegated as an investigator. But they address these concerns together, so that they both know for certain the other's heart and desires for their future. They truly are partners in every sense of the word. (Seriously, does one have to be a Victorian-era cozy mystery protagonist to find a George Hazelton?)

Eagerly anticipating what mystery will land in Frances' lap and capable hands next!

Loved the book. Wonderful details of clothes from that time in history.

This is a mystery with accidents and a murder. Lady Harleigh's sister Lily wants to get married sooner so Lady Harleigh's fiance offers his family's country house as the wedding site.

After the wedding party arrives at the country house, mysterious accidents start to happen. There is NO graphic violence, which I appreciate.

Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, married the man of her mother's dreams and she is determined that her sister will not do so. While Frances' husband was dashing and handsome, he was also feckless and a philanderer. When Lily insists that the wedding to Leo must happen sooner rather than later, Frances needs a venue far 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 estate and get to know each other. When a series of accidents occur, Frances is thrown into the role of sleuth and left wondering if someone is conspiring to stop the wedding. Mr. Treadwell, Leo's best man, seems to have his eye on Lily and has his own reasons for staying so close. Throw in the mother of the bride who is disappointed in the choice of groom and chaos ensues.

This lighthearted mystery filled with danger and romance is delightful! This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other two. Dianne Freeman has captured England in the late 1800s. A time when wealthy American mothers were marrying off their daughters to impoverished, but titled British aristocracy. The upstairs - downstairs descriptions were reminiscent of Downton Abbey complete with snobbery and humor. The mother of the bride tries right up to the wedding day to convince her daughter to marry better than Leo. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy the strong female characters of Frances and Aunt Hetty.

Another sleuth story for a Lady and her neighbor, who are waiting to announce their engagement until the Lady marries off her sister Lily at a house party. There are many "accidents" that lead the Lady and George to investigate, along with the local police. But, there are surprises too...

This is the third book in the Lady’s Guide series. The story, set in late Victorian England, follows Lady Frances Harleigh, a widowed American countess. Along with her neighbor, George Hazelton, Frances indulges her sense of adventure by investigating mysteries that come under her notice. This installment takes place on a large estate at a house party in the English countryside. A wedding is to take place, but a series of accidents leads Lady Harleigh to believe there is a villain at work who is trying to end the happy occasion by taking the life of one of the guests. But who is the target? And who is the villain?

I can’t go into much more detail or I would spoil the series for someone who hasn’t discovered it yet.

I enjoyed this book, and the previous two, immensely. It had the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and comedy. The historical setting is well done as is the mystery aspect of the book. But the best part are the characters. They have full and unique personalities and have excellent dialogue. Any one of the supporting characters could be the subject of a book all on their own, but the best of them all is certainly a Lady Harleigh. She is independent, witty, sardonic, and whip smart.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys light historical mysteries. It was a fast read and I will definitely read any subsequent books by this author.

A very entertaining cozy mystery! I was not familiar with this series, but I was able to jump in with this title, which is book #3. I'm looking forward to going back to the beginning with these very appealing characters. I look forward to recommending this to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a little bit of romance. Great book!

This 3rd installment in the series picks up shortly after the end of #2. If you haven't read the other books in the series, you could pick this one up and enjoy the mystery but there are some things you would miss. I recommend reading this series from the start. If you enjoy cozy period mysteries, this series is for you. I look forward to each installment! Frances is preparing to throw a big society wedding when Lily and her fiance throw a wrench into the works which means a quiet wedding in the country will be best. George offers his brother's country estate as a venue along with his planned house party. Unfortunately, a series of accidents begin to occur. Once accident is unfortunate, 3 is suspicious. Especially as one of the accidents ends with a death. Who is the target and what is the motive? Frances and George are on the case as the murderer keeps trying. With family causing all kinds of problems in the house and out, they have their work cut out for them. II don't love all of the characters but I love the way they interact. I was lucky to be granted an arc copy from Kensington books and Netgalley. All of my opinions are unbiased.