Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder.” All opinions and comments are my own.

“Fortune” and “Murder” -- two words that go together quite often in mystery books. And how they find themselves partnered will be the focus of “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder,” book #7 in the historical mystery series by Dianne Freeman. And it will be the task of the recently married Mrs. George Hazelton (or Frances, Countess of Harleigh, as was) to figure out the connection for us readers.

It’s probably not going to be too difficult, because she’s going to have plenty to work with. A grieving widow who’s not well, no, not well at all. The widow’s lovely niece who Frances is supposed to mentor into society -- but isn’t at all what she seems. And then, those (grasping) relatives; ah, already a recipe for disaster. Frances will have her hands full, and when husband George asks her to get involved in some further sleuthing, things will be complicated for sure. Author Freeman will be on top of everything, though, making sure that time and place are well represented while giving readers a lot to think about -- how much is the truth, and who’s making up lies? And murder, of course -- that title, after all.

It's all nicely settled; one can sort of see where this is going, but the getting there is deftly done. And also sailing along is Frances’ relationship with George, whereby he has some lessons to learn, too. Readers of “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder” should enjoy the twists, turns and Frances’ unraveling of a family’s dark secrets.

Frances and George Hazelton are a couple to fall in love with. After two months of marriage, Frances, Lady Harleigh, has settled in her new home with her husband and her daughter Rose. As a member of society, she is asked to prepare Lady Winstead’s niece Kate for her presentation to the Queen. Lady Esther, a friend of Lady Winstead, accompanies Frances to meet Kate. She has not been in contact with her friend since she became a widow and is afraid that something suspicious is going on in the home. Her suspicions are confirmed when Lady Winstead collapses during their visit. She is attended by a nurse, but the family refuses to call a doctor. Lady Esther convinces Frances to investigate the family as she works with Kate.

Lord Peter Ashley was an explorer whose antiquities went to a museum after his death. They were supposed to be accompanied by his journal to provide the provenance of the antiquities. While his son Jonathan Ashley had the journal, he claims that it was stolen. George has been hired to find the journal and Frances is in the perfect position to search for it. Lady Winstead suspected that one of the Ashleys was responsible for her husband’s death and now she is being kept sedated with laudanum as her money is being used to support the family. When her nurse is murdered, George wants Frances to quit, but she can not leave Lady Winstead in danger. Stolen jewelry, animosity between the family members and lies prove that no one can be trusted and everyone is a suspect. This is a delightful story of murder and manners. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book for my review.

A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder is the sixth in the beguiling Countess of Harleigh Series set in Victorian England. It's perky, quirky and witty, amusing yet endearing. It's loaded with history and family drama with snippets of romance. If journals, old houses, poison, missing jewels, artifacts and period clothing are your thing, do happily immerse yourself in this novel.

British George Hazelton and American Frances are settling into newly-married life in Harleigh along with darling Rose, Frances' daughter. Secrets galore permeate every nook and cranny. Independent Frances likes to make her own way and provides a unique service to the supremely wealthy. Using her connections and cunning, she helps prepare young ladies to be presented in high society, sometimes to Queen Victoria. But her skillset doesn't end there; she is also an amateur sleuth who inveigles and investigates. This time, Viscountess Winstead needs Frances to help her niece Kate who is a bit older than most young ladies presented to Queen Victoria. She requires a new wardrobe and learn how to...ahem...act. When the viscountess becomes ill, her symptoms are suspicious. When death strikes, Frances and her fellow sleuths Aunt Hetty and Lady Esther are on the hunt for a killer. George is on an assignment of his own and is on the sidelines in this case.

I love that we catch glimpses into the world of the servants as well as society. Clothing descriptions are lovely and fascinating as are other historical details. As always in this marvellous series, the mystery is puzzling and the characters interesting. George and Frances' marriage is fun and lively and Rose is precious. The pace is punchy and the ending gleams.

Seeking a light quirky series replete with historical detail? Look no further than this one...it continues to warm my heart. I very much look forward to discover what happens next.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this arresting and lighthearted book, the perfect summer escapist read!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder is the latest in the now established series featuring Frances, the Countess of Harleigh. Recently wed to George, the couple are still working to blend their lives together after skipping their honeymoon after George was injured. In addition to merging households, Frances has to convince George to accept the occasional gift from her very wealthy father. After agreeing to help with Lady Winstead's niece's presentation, Frances soon finds herself involved in a mystery over who is poisoning Lady Winstead with no shortage of suspects. Will Frances be able to figure out who is the culprit and help save Lady Winstead?

I really enjoy this series and find Frances to be so likable and the relationship between her and George is very much one of equals. This mystery was as well done as previous titles with a good balance of clues to keep me guessing on who did it. Secondary characters were well drawn including Frances's best friend (and sister-in-law Fiona) and Lady Winstead's niece Miss Stover. I am looking forward to additional titles in this series.

My gosh but this was the coziest.

Frances is, as always, a gosh darn delight of a main character, and all the recurring sides remain wonderful. For my fellow Hetty-fans; this is heavy on Hetty being an absolute boss. I also thoroughtly enjoyed the way Frances and George’s relationship was explored now that they’re (finally!) married, and the way the story seamlessly intertwined their respective occupations in this case was just chef’s kiss.

This is perfectly paired with a warm beverage and a blanket on a cold, blustery day, much like the rest of the series; and, most importantly, you don’t need to have read the other books in the Lady Harleigh-series to read this one, as you’re gently caught up on the important goings-ons in the first couple of chapters, without feeling like you’ve been info-dumped on. Love that.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

With her new husband George busy on a special mission for the British Museum, Frances has taken on an assignment of her own. The dowager Viscountess Winstead needs someone to sponsor her niece, Kate, for presentation to Queen Victoria. Frances is the perfect candidate. Kate is charming and intelligent, though perhaps not quite as sheltered as she might first appear. More worrying to Frances is the Viscountess’s sudden deterioration. The usually formidable dowager has become shockingly frail, and Frances suspects someone may be drugging her. Joining forces with her beloved George, Frances comes to believe that the late Viscount, too, was targeted. And with the dowager seeming to be in greater danger every day, they must flush out the villain before she follows in her husband’s footsteps, directly to the grave
The sixth outing for Frances & another well written very entertaining read, I love both Frances & George & love how their relationship has developed. I also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery with its twists, turns & red herrings, I didn’t guess the villain, which is always a bonus. A delightful cosy mystery
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

In book 6 of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series, with her new husband George busy on a special mission for the British Museum, Frances has taken on an assignment of her own. The dowager Viscountess Winstead needs someone to sponsor her niece, Kate, for presentation to Queen Victoria, and has deemed Frances the perfect one to take on this task. When Frances meets Kate she finds her charming, but senses that she is not as innocent and sheltered as she seems. Then there is the matter of the dowager Viscountess Winstead - she appears most unwell, and Frances fears that someone in her household is slowly poisoning her. Joining forces with her beloved George, Frances comes to believe that the late viscount, also was targeted. And with the dowager seeming to be in greater danger every day, they must flush out the villain before she follows in her husband’s footsteps, directly to the grave .
Set in Victorian England, this was like a combination of Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie with maybe a little Jane Austen thrown in for good measure. It had fun characters, a great mystery, and a unique setting, which, all combined, made for a great read.

George has been assigned a new inquiry for the British Museum which ties in nicely with a request that Frances has agreed to by sponsoring the niece of Viscountess Lady Winstead. It turns out that there is much more going on within the Winstead home than just a "stolen" journal. Family drama, lies, laudanum poisoning, a few deft twists, red herrings aplenty, and a limited pool of suspects confound Frances and George throughout the story.
These characters are now well rounded and the inside peek readers are given of George and Frances at home was a nice touch by Ms. Freeman. Aunt Hetty and Gilliam was welcome by me as I've been very curious about their relationship and how it's developing. Aunt Hetty strong appearance in this one allowed me to get to know her so much better which I appreciated.
All in all, a very satisfying read and I look forward to the next one in the series.

Another wonderful addition to the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. Maintaining delightful characters, quirky scenarios, and intriguing mystery, I just adored this book.
Follow the new Mrs. Hazelton as she seeks out a poisoner, a missing journal, and a murderer. Are they all the same person? Is there more happening in the sands of this family? Dive right into these questions alongside our accidental investigator, who is oh so good at solving the puzzle.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Frances finds herself helping a young woman prepare to be presented to the Queen. The woman's aunt is ill and something strange is going on in the house. Frances finds new people to team up with to solve what is happening. I enjoyed this story and it's fun to watch the marriage relationship grow. There are plenty of suspects and the true crime is only revealed at the end. I liked how the story was paced and the characters are so fun to read!

The Countess of Harleigh Mystery series is back with mystery #6! I count on this series to give me a tangled mystery, humor, great characters, and a twist or two. A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder is all that, and more! I had difficulty putting this book down to go to work.
Frances is asked to sponsor an elderly acquaintance’s niece for presentation to the queen, and join high society. George agrees readily enough; he is investigating for the British museum. Though the couple usually investigates together, Frances leads in this installment. I recommend this book to all who enjoy mystery mixed with humor and historical facts.
My thanks to #NetGalley, #KensingtonBooks, #DianneFreeman for giving me an advanced ecopy of this book to read and give an unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.
#ANewlywedsGuidetoFortuneandMurder #NetGalley

4 Stars!!!

A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder is a fun and enthralling read, The mystery is well - written and the attention to detail is evident and pleasing. The dialogue is hilarious and truly one of the best parts!

Overall., a very enjoyable read that has certainly motivated me to read the author's previous books!

My thanks to the the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.75 stars

This historical mystery series, set in Victorian London, features the Countess of Harleigh and her husband and family. Frances is asked to help a young woman make her court presentation to the Queen but soon becomes ensnared in a bizarre family situation.

The young woman's aunt is declining rapidly physically and Frances suspects she is being drugged with laudanum by a family member. The older woman is despised by her step children and several of them have a financial motive to incapacitate her. Frances and her aunt and maid move in to the mansion to keep an eye on things. Meanwhile her husband George becomes involved over the disappearance of a vital journey that is to be bequeathed to the British Museum.

Diverting and nicely paced with intelligent and interesting characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Frances has been asked by the Dowager Viscountess Winstead to introduce the woman's niece, Kate, into society. When she is about go go visit, she is stopped by the dowager's dear friend, Lady Edith, who is worried about her. Being somewhat afraid of the woman, Kate allows her to come along on her visit. Unfortunately, they don't stay long because the Dowager soon faints and she and Frances are whisked out of the.
Simultaneously, George has been asked to look for the late Viscount Winstead's journal which should go along with the collection he donated to a local museum. With Kate already helping the household, she is in a unique position to be able to help him look for it.
Not only does Kate have two goals, it seems like everyone is either hiding things from her or actively lying to keep their own secrets. This was a fun addition to the series and I enjoyed the story though I wish we had gotten to see more of George.

I had read one other Countess of Harleigh mystery in the past. That was three years ago and I said when I reviewed that one that while it was good, it would be a bit of time before I read another one. I gave that book 3 stars. But having read A Newlyweds Guide to Fortune and MUrder, I am much more likely to read more by Dianne Freeman.

Now Frances and George have finally tied the knot and Frances has now been asked to prepare a young woman for presentation to Queen Victoria since her sponsor the Lady Winstead is in mourning for her late husband. , Frances must teach her all she needs to know and help her procure the proper wardrobe for the events surrounding her coming out to society. But all is not well in Mayfair. Lady Winstead is not only in mourning, she is unwell.

Is someone trying to poison the dowager Viscountess? Why? With the house in mourning, how can Frances insert herself into the household to investigate? And then there is a scandalous revelation!

I found this book much more entertaining than the first I read. It makes me wonder if I simply picked up a slow book last time. Certainly I will look for the intervening books in this series and give it all another chance!

I have enjoyed this Series, and this latest addition does not disappoint. Frances and George are settling down to married life now, but both still have their "missions". In this book, George is not as involved in Frances' latest task, and I kind of missed having him more involved, The mystery was well disguised and there are plenty of villainous suspects to choose from, along with a couple of very feisty elderly ladies. Cozy fun!

I received a copy of this ARC for free, but I give my honest opinion voluntarily.

Victorian England has never been so mysterious, dangerous and fun! When the wealthy Viscountess Winstead is suddenly taken ill, Lady Francis begins to suspect someone is trying to murder her.. So many suspects and so little time for Francis, George and a crew of lovable and quirky characters to save the day!

I am new to this series and loved it. The descriptions of life in Victorian England were enjoyable and added to the mystery. I love couples "sleuthing" together and Francis and George were perfect. I was able to follow the story, even though this was my first look at the series. I loved it so much that while I'm waiting for the next installment, I'm reading the other books!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The sixth book in this very enjoyable series and I have read them all.

Frances, Countess of Harleigh, is now married to George and the two of them plus her daughter Rose have formed a very happy little family. There is no time for a honeymoon though because George is investigating a case for the British Museum and Frances has found herself sponsoring a young woman called Kate in her presentation to the Queen.

Kate is in a very unhappy situation, staying with an elderly relative who appears to be being slowly poisoned. Then a murder occurs and Frances puts on her detective hat and begins an investigation. Curiously it seems to overlap with George's case as well.

I enjoyed the mystery and had no idea who the murderer might be. There were many possible suspects and, when events reached a climax, Frances had no idea who it was either. It was all good fun, Frances and George together were delightful and fully expect the next book to be a honeymooners guide to love and murder.

Lady Francis husband George is finally back at work for the British government in on his first case it is one that his new wife can help him with. He is to find the book written by the Viscount about all the all the facts he found in Egypt it seems he donated all the all the facts including the book to the museum and everything made it there except for the book when Lady Francis was ass by Viscount Winston to sponsor her niece Kate and get her ready to meet the queen Lady Frances more than happy to do it but when her husband asked for help it becomes just a little more intriguing all the day she has to go meet the Baikal another Countess name Esther comes and says she is trying to see her good friend Viscount Winston but since the death of her husband her stepchildren said she was sick and Esther couldn’t see her. So when the two ladies do visit the viscount and she crumbles to the floor in a thing Lady Francis just thinks it’s due to illness but on her next visit win she goes to retrieve a handkerchief Lady Winston and find the missing book her niece confesses all and says she thinks wanna bye-bye count stepchildren is trying to poison her. On the same visit she found Kate being intimate with a handsome man who quickly took his leave as soon as lady Francis entered the room and although she wants to believe Kate it doesn’t help her case went that night she sees her in a local musical she knows her suspicions about what Kate is hiding is valid but is Kate the one lady Francis should be worried about or is there someone else in the viscounts house up to no good. I love these books they are so layered and it’s never who you think it is I think Diane Friedman is a brilliant cozy mystery writer and I love these Victorian mysteries they never seem to let me down. This is a great book and one I highly recommend I receive this book from NetGalley and Kensington books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Frances Wynn, now Mrs. George Hazelton, is back for her fourth mystery set against the background of aristocratic society. Frances and George have been married for two months, still working at merging their lives—and households. And while George has taken a new special mission, Frances has taken on a mission of her own, sponsoring Kate, the niece of the dowager Viscountess Wingate, for her presentation to Queen Victoria. She’s not having the easiest of times. Kate is not only uninterested in becoming a member of society, she’s very worried about her aunt’s sudden deterioration. Is someone in the dowager’s household looking for an early inheritance?

I love a good historical cozy mystery and this series by is one of my favorites. I have been waiting for this new installment to come out, and I definitely was not disappointed. Loved it from the opening page. It is cleverly written with an inventive plot, witty dialogue, and appealing characters. Freeman fills the story with historical elements, details of Victorian social manners, and misdirection, using them to create a fun mystery.

Highly recommend. Next installment soon please!