Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC!
I'm very fond of this series, recommend it for fans of cosy historicals, for example Catherine Lloyd's regency series.
The main character, Frances, seems to have her life in order, and has even found her interfering mother something to keep her busy. But, a woman claiming to be her fiancé's wife shows up and that is the main puzzle she has to solve in this book.
I like all of Frances' extended family, the characters have variety, and the writing and plotting is quite good.
The books do take place 'outside' of any real historical connection - they're not based on or embroiled in real events like Susan Elia MacNeal's books.
Very enjoyable, I really like the main character and am hoping for more.

-Genre
Historical cozy mystery

-Excerpt
Delaney’s companion stood with a fist on her hip, eyeing me with an insolent gaze. “Do you know Hazelton?” Her French accent came as a surprise.
“Of course. I am his neighbor.”
“And his fiancée,” Alicia added.
The woman narrowed her eyes. “Are you indeed? Imagine that.” She turned to Delaney. “Did you know this?”
Delaney pressed two fingers to his temple.
Such impertinence. “And may one ask who you are, miss?”
“Mrs.” Her lips tipped up to one side. “I am Mrs. George Hazelton.”

-My description
Frances isn’t sure what to believe when Inspector Delaney turns up with a young French woman who claims she is Mrs. George Hazelton. Irena makes other wild statements—she’s part of the Russian royal family, she’s been kidnapped several times, she owns a theater, and oh, yeah, someone has been sending her threatening letters and wants her dead. George assures Frances that Irena is NOT his wife, but promises to investigate the threats. When Irena is found strangled in France’s garden, they’re left wondering what else Irena was telling the truth about.

-How it made you feel
Like visiting an old friend, you know the one, where no matter how long its been, you just pick up right where you left off.

-Favorite part
I am torn between the super long telegrams from Frances’ mother (to paraphrase Frances, that’s not how telegrams work), and Hetty coming into her own with a love interest and everything.

-One-word description
Ebullient

-Would you recommend?
Yes, yes, yes and lucky you if you haven’t read this series yet because there are now 4 books just waiting for you to jump in and enjoy. There are several historical cozy and traditional mysteries about widowed wealthy American women but this one is my favorite. Frances is such a well-developed character, and she and George such respect for each other. It was great in this volume to have appearances from some characters from prior books.

This is the fourth book in this fun Victorian mystery series., and it is another entertaining romp through London society . Lady Harleigh has assisted her fiancé with several murder investigations when a woman shows up at her front door claiming to be her fiancé’s wife. Scandal and chaos ensues.

Another excellent addition to this historical cozy series, one of my favourites.
I was happy to catch up with the characters and I loved the vivid and well researched historical background.
There's plenty of humor but it's also the description of how easy a woman could be ostracised if being involved in a scandal.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is the fourth in a late-Victorian era cozy mystery series centred on Frances, widowed Countess of Harleigh. I didn’t realise it was the fourth in the series when I picked it up for review; it stands pretty well alone though a few characters could perhaps have done with a little more introduction. Frances is a widow with a young daughter (who is off the page for most of this book visiting Paris with Frances’ mother). From context, it’s obvious that Frances is American and married her Earl with the aid of a healthy dowry, which the earl promptly spent the majority of before he died, leaving Frances not exactly impoverished but not wealthy either. Now engaged to her next door neighbour George Hazleton, Frances finds herself drawn into a completely insane series of events when a police inspector brings a young woman to her doorstep who claims to be, in turn, an illegitimate relation of the czar of Russia, an actress, George Hazelton’s wife, and in fear of her life.

Frances is quite understandably thrown, but she also can’t allow Irena to run around London making wild claims like that. Being engaged to an already married man would destroy Frances’ reputation. George insists he’s not married to Irena, and in fact another man comes forward to claim he is… but when Irena is found strangled in Frances’ back garden, Frances and George are both suspects with obvious motive and opportunity.

I really liked this. It felt really authentic to the period (1899) and Frances is a fabulous heroine, strong and determined. I’m probably going to go looking for the rest of the series because I want more of her backstory and I definitely want more of her and George’s romance. I even want more of her utterly impossible mother. It’s always a disadvantage to step into a series part way through, but this was good enough to overcome that, with some real historical personages and happenings sprinkled in among the fictional ones making it a fascinating read. Five stars for a great Victorian cozy mystery full of charm, and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.

It’s one of my favourite periods in history with the glitz, the glamour, the society balls and American heiresses in England! This heiress is affianced to her beloved George Hazleton, which makes a nice change, and the two are both experienced investigators at this point in the series. The local constabulary is both frustrated and impressed by their previous experience with them so, when mystery and murder knock on their door, they work with the two to solve the case.

I loved the humour, the light-heartedness and the banter running through the dialogue but, don’t be surprised to find a decent mystery beneath it all! Russian royalty, spy plots and kidnapping underpin this one and it’s well-thought-through and intriguing! It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended!

P.S. I have now also read book one, and loved it! Onto book two and three!

I am really enjoying this series by Dianne Freeman. The 4th installment finds Frances, Countess of Harleigh shocked when a strange woman appears on her doorstep claiming to be a Romanov and married to her fiancé George Hazleton. When Irina then turns up murdered in Frances' garden, Frances and George are key suspects and must find the killer, while doing battle with scandal when the rumors of George's supposed marriage spreads through society.

This was both a well-written and well-paced mystery. The introduction of Irina was funny and bananas and I was almost disappointed when it was her that ended up murdered since the absurdity was so fun. There were a lot of characters and suspects introduced so the reader is left guessing as to who the murderer is (although it's not entirely difficult). I love how central to the story Frances and George's romance is, and I'm enjoying the development of the characters.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This continues to be a delightful series by Dianne Freeman. This fourth installment finds the American Countess of Harleigh, Frances Wynn, and her fiancee, George Hazelton, tangled up in the murder of a French woman, who swears she is a Romanov cousin. The woman also insists that she is George's wife which raises quite a few eyebrows! Unfortunately, she is murdered in the garden at the Countess's home, making both France and George prime suspects.. How the separate fact from fiction, and clear their names, makes for a engaging mystery.
Though this series is lighthearted and fun, the book is full of red herrings and wrong turns. When you want to read a mystery that is romp from beginning to end, this is the series for you. Thanks to Net Galley for the eARC.

This has quickly become one of my favorite series. Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, is smart, witty, and speaks her mind, which is so refreshing considering the backhanded compliments that are usually doled out in proper society. The story moves very quickly and the mystery had me guessing until the very end, laughing along the way. I can't wait for the next one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Fiancé’s Guide to First Wives and Murder.” All opinions are my own.

Frances, the Countess of Harleigh has seen her mother and daughter off to Paris. She’s settling down for a quiet time with her fiancé, George Hazelton and her Aunt Hetty. That is, until a young woman shows up claiming to be George’s wife. Irena is her name, and she’s already caused a lot of trouble, enough to catch the attention of Edward, Prince of Wales (the year is 1899). She says she’s getting threatening letters, too. It’s a big mess, and George is delegated to solve it all. Never mind that Irena is also the illegitimate offspring of Russian nobility; that won’t get you banned from English society, but George’s little matter will, definitely. As Frances well knows, as much as she dislikes it.

Frances also has another issue to deal with – her dead husband’s lover wants a favor, as “that” husband, a strait-laced MP, is being cranky about some pesky extra-marital affairs. But things are looking up – Irena’s real husband arrives on the scene. There’s only one problem – Frances soon finds the young woman dead in her garden. And the rumor that George is really the husband, not the other fellow, is percolating through society. What’s a countess to do? Find the murderer, of course. Because no one else seems disposed to do it, certainly not the girl’s royal relatives. “Always expecting someone else to handle their problems,” as our author, Dianne Freeman points out. Murder is no exception.

The story follows a creative trail of clue-giving to find a murderer, discarding a whole bunch of people (Frances and George are suspects, of course) along the way. The evidence of how Victorian society works permeates the entire tale (well-written and conceived, as in earlier books – Ms. Freeman has a knack), pointing out to readers how rumors can ruin. It’s chilling. Those societal conventions are upheld to some extent, with the unveiling of the killer and the resolution of the crime. Luckily Frances and George are safe. Others will not be so lucky.

A short Author’s Note talks about some of the real people used in the book, and how the author got inspiration for her story. Diane Freeman’s imagination serves her well, in “The Fiancé’s Guide to First Wives and Murder.”

The best yet in Dianne Freeman's wonderful series about an American widow's adventures after her philandering husband, the Earl of Harleigh, dies — where else? — in his mistress' bed. Despite his having spent all their money and humiliated her, Frances Wynn prevails. In this fourth tale in the series, she is happily engaged to her neighbor, George Hazleton. That is, until a woman turns up and introduces herself as Mrs. George Hazelton. That's not her only wild story — Irena Teskey says she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, a past victim of kidnapping and that someone wants to kill her. That last statement appears true, since she ends up dead. This time, our sleuths — Frances and George — are suspects, making the search for the villain all the more intriguing. The tale sparkles, with tidbits about planning for the upcoming wedding — we can't wait until the couple can tie the knot — and delicious details about the royal Russian family and their many intrigues. Solving this mystery is far from simple, with Frances making sure that George knows she will be his partner, not his dependent. She is a woman who learned how to be strong after being pushed around by her mother and then her husband; even love won't make Frances Wynn weak again. It's a beautiful love story, intriguing mystery and all-in-all great read. Next, please. We want a wedding! (I received an ARC from NetGalley; opinions mine!)

'For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances's house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.

As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena--though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena's life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances' garden.

To uncover a killer--and clear their own names--Frances and George must determine which of Irena's outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home...'
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4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth book in Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery.

Ugh, I honestly adore the dynamic between Frances and George. They're such a good investigative team and couple. In this book, their relationship and engagement are put to the test when a woman arrives claiming to be Mrs. George Hazelton. Trust tested and they have to face gossip and disapproving public opinion.

I loved how the mystery unfolded in this book. Clues came together at the perfect pace, so that it didn't give things away too early. There some tense moments and some danger, our characters are put into some fairly uncomfortable situations, but the banter and wit carries throughout without being too much. The wit is one if the key characteristics of this series and I adore it, I hope there will be several more book to come.

I recommend this book and the series as a whole. You don't necessarily have to read them together and in order, this could serve as a stand-alone. But I think one would enjoy them more read in order. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and whatever mystery they'll face next.
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I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder with me. This is my honest review.

A Fiancee’s Guide To First Wives And Murder is the fourth book in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman.

Frances, Countess of Harleigh, has seen her mother and daughter off to Paris to find her a wedding dress. She wishes she could have gone, but Prince Albert is hosting a party for the visiting Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich, a member of the Romanov family, and his wife, Sofia. Frances and her fiancee George Hazelton have been invited to attend.

As Frances sees off a visitor, she is surprised to see Detective Delaney coming up the walk with a young female. The young female, Irena Teskey, was brought into a local police station for throwing a stone at the Grand Duke, who she claims is her cousin. She also claims something else that needs to be shared with George. So Delaney has sought out Hazelton. When Hazelton arrives at Frances’ home, Teskey claims to be Mrs. Hazelton. George admits to knowing Teskey, but no way are they married. Teskey admits to having been kidnapped a couple of times and receiving letters threatening her life. Frances finally agrees to let Teskey stay at her home to see if she will share more about her marriage claim with George. While George and Frances are at the opera, Prince Albert wants George to see if the threats are real and resolved quietly.

But, the following day, before they can learn any useful information from Irena, Frances finds Irena’s strangled body in the garden near the gate to George’s house.

Frances and George need to find the killer quickly so that their standing in society won’t be tarnished. They soon find several suspects to investigate. There are Irena’s bodyguard, her partner in the ownership of a theater, a man who comes forward to admits he is married to Irena but wants a divorce so that he can marry someone else, amongst others.

This series is so enjoyable. The author provides the reader with a well-written and plotted story. The story moved at a good pace and was hard to put down. One of the things I enjoy the most about the series is the excellent cast of characters. Frances and George seem to be well suited for each other. George is somewhat protective of Frances, but not overly so, and they usually quickly resolve their differences. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing as to who the killer was.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.

Frances Wynn is finally ready to marry the man of her dreams, her next door neighbor George, too bad his wife has shown up to ruin her plans. Soon Frances is dealing with this woman, Irena, and all her crazy declarations, like she's related to Russian royalty. Luckily George quickly tells Frances he is not in fact married. But since nothing ever seems to go smoothly for Frances, once again a body is found and a murder must be solved. Will Frances and George be able to prove they didn't kill anyone or has their luck run out this time?

Honestly, this series just makes me feel happy. I love Dianne Freeman and I love these characters. If she wants to write 100 more books for this series I will happily read all of them.

*I was provided an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Countess of Harleigh remains one of my favourite cozy mystery series- it is the perfect blend of mystery and action, with a just a hint of romance. I have to say, I didn't expect who the killer would be- with cozies I can normally guess, but Freeman does an excellent job of keeping you guessing. I do enjoy that we are getting to know more people in this world, it really rounds out the story. Cannot wait for the installment!

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman is a thoroughly enchanting Victorian mystery featuring Frances, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton. Frances had no more than seen her daughter and her mother off on a week in Paris, causing her no small amount of worry, that Detective Delaney shows up at her front door with a young woman, who happily announced that she was George Hazelton's wife. Getting her inside as quickly as possible, so the entirety of London would not hear the conversation, was the beginning of a harrowing week for Frances and George, which went from accusation of murder to being ostracized by society. Of course, as suspects George and Frances should never have thought to investigate on their own, but of course, they couldn't help themselves.

This is a totally endearing series, and this book was an excellent mystery, including people the reader knows, as well as many new faces. In order to be compelling, there must be clues so the read is part of the investigation. In this case, there were many, some coming in the form of telegrams, long telegrams, from Frances' mother in Paris. Society is so strict and Frances, being an American, thinks many of their ways of dealing with things to be nonsense, and behaves accordingly. This rebellion is some of what makes her such a good character, her flaunting of rules. She is also keenly, perceptive, a trait which endears her not only to her fiancé, but to many of her acquaintances. In the end, the solution was relatively simple, and it underlined a failing of society at large: do as I say, not as I do. Loved it! Thank you, Dianne Freeman.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #afianceesguidetofirstwivesandmurder

Frances, Countess of Harliegh and Mr George Hazelton are back and better together as they investigate a murder mystery from their own backyard that puts their future at risk!

The visiting members of the Russian royal family in London seems to have brought with them more that just parties and their pomp and circumstances - when one of the far flung branches shows up on Hazelton's doorstep claiming to be his wife, George and Frances jump into damage control as fast as they can so that this confusion doesn’t effect their engagement. Soon the investigations into this lady’s claims turn into a murder investigation, when she winds up dead in Frances’s backyard. Now George and Frances have more than their reputations at risk by being suspects in the murder…

I love how George and Frances work together so well in their relationship and in their investigations. These two are true partners and are much better together than apart. I appreciated the inclusion of the Stoke-Whitney’s where the contrast between the two types of relationships couldn’t have been greater. Love vs convenience, partnership vs dictatorship, showmanship vs true actions.

As always, this was a delightful Victorian era mystery with a hint of romance. I just adore George and Frances - I will definitely be back for more investigations with this pair!

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman is scheduled to release July 27th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#AFiancéesGuidetoFirstWivesandMurder #DianneFreeman #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

Lady Frances Harleigh is very happy with her current situation. Her mother has taken her daughter Rose with her on a trip to Paris, she is engaged to her neighbor George Hazelton and she is looking forward to her engagement party. It could all come apart when Inspector Delaney arrives with a woman who loudly proclaims herself to be Mrs. Hazelton. George recognizes Irena Teskey as the young girl that he rescued from kidnappers, but denies that any marriage took place. Irena also makes claims that she is the daughter of Grand Duke Alexie Alexandrovich, and therefore a Romanov, and she is the owner of a theater in London where she is the leading actress. When her actual husband, Mr. Bradmore, steps forward the damage has already been done. Rumors quickly circulated through society that Hazelton had tricked Lady Harleigh into an engagement while still married.

Hazelton would love to be rid of Irena but she has received threatening letters and the royal family has asked him to look into the threat. It seems that all of Irena’s crazy claims are true. Even though they believe that the safest place for Irena is with Frances, she is soon found strangled in Frances’ garden. Hazelton and Frances become suspects, as does Mr Bradmore who had been seeking a divorce and disappeared shortly after the murder. There is also Irena’s partner at the theater who has an insurance policy on her. Her acting ability was non-existent and the performances were playing to dwindling audiences. There is also the question of her parents. Her father had an affair with a titled British woman who died in childbirth. If her identity was revealed it could cause a scandal for her family.

Dianne Freeman’s story takes place in 1899 London, a time when scandal could destroy social standing for the whole family. While Frances and Hazelton investigate Irena’s death and attempt to squash rumors, they are already feeling the effects when they are shunned at social gatherings. Frances is loyal to Hazelton and she is determined to stand up to their critics. It is her determination and observations that finally discover the murderer. This is a delightful mystery that offers a number of clues and misdirections and characters to fall in love with. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this book for my review.

Ahoy there me mateys!  This be a Victorian murder mystery romance series.  Not me usual fare but reviews convinced me to try them and I quickly binged books one to three.  Then I had to wait for this one.  I luckily received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings.

I gobbled this one up in one day.  I continue to love Frances.  She is a fantastic heroine who is the correct balance of knowing the proper rules of society and also how to get around them.  The beginning of the book was a complete hoot and had me chuckling.  I continue to enjoy the romance elements.  The plot has farfetched moments but I didn't care.  I was too busy having fun.

Can I please have another?  Arrrr!

This is a light hearted, engaging historical mystery that I really enjoyed. I haven't read the previous books in the series but I had no problem picking up the story, and I'm planning on reading the previous books. I loved the main characters....Frances, George, Hetty and Detective Delaney are all well developed people that I would enjoy knowing in real life.
A young woman shows up just days before Frances and George are due to wed claiming to be his wife....she also claims to be related to Russian royalty. Only part of her claims are true but before Frances and George can get to the truth of the matter she is murdered and her body is left in Frances's garden. She and George are obvious suspects so they must investigate the crime! This is a "cracking" good mystery that I really loved!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.