The Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, newlywed, has been asked by Lady Winstead to present her niece, Kate Stover, to the Queen. Since the Winstead household is in mourning, she can't do it and doesn't want her niece to forgo another season as her age increases. Frances agrees to the task especially since she will be able to aid her husband George in the recovery of a missing journal which the late Lord Winstead had willed to the British Museum. But the journal has gone missing.

The twists and turns related to negotiated Victorian society and its pitfalls only add to the entertainment of the mystery conveyed with these characters. Well-written, definitely a series to keep reading!

First, I love the cover. Lots of things going on that aren't immediately obvious to a quickglance, so enlarge it and give it a good look. Bet it'll make you smile.

As for the book, it was a delightful read. One with a slower build to climax than we're often accustomed to but, hey, it takes place in 1900. Things moved much slower then. As you'll see, you couldn't just pick up a phone and call someone. You had to find someone to deliver a message to them. Then wait for them to get it, read, and respond and do the same on their end. Police investigations of necessity then, moved much slower, too, even when the head detective was a friend.

To be honest, I enjoyed the slower pace, the sense that major events weren't going to slam into my brain every second. That gave me time to relax and even indulge in my history major self. For instance, Frances' husband George is a golf lover. Unsure how popular it was with the masses in 1900, I was curious enough to do a quick search of British golf history. Did you know golf was put on the Olympic calendar for the then upcoming games in Paris? Pretty cool. I also learned what a partner desk was, even taking note of the fact the White House's Wilson Desk, used by Gerald Ford, is an example of one. Okay, history lesson over.

The story begins with a focus on what has made the dowager Viscountess Winstead take ill so suddenly. She literally faints in front of Frances when she visits to sort out the details for the presentation of the Viscountess' niece Kate to Queen Victoria. As it turns out, George, who does "something" for the government, meaning the Home Office, has an interest in the family, too, given his latest case. Then, her nurse is murdered. Frances has George's support as she tries to gather clues, although the one they discover while viewing a play is a surprise. The Viscountess' family seems relatively uninterested in her true situation. Only the niece seems concerned but, well, is it all an act?

Where did the diary/record of Egyptian excavations and finds by the late husband of the Viscountess that George has been tasked with finding go? The British Museum received artifacts but not the written records. Found once, then, poof, gone again? Odd.

Will Kate be a social success? Who knew all the quirky rules and regulations necessary for being presented to the Queen? Do you know how to back away regally while wearing a nine foot train? Me, either. Attending a society ball isn't much less stressful although you do get to dance and socialize more. In other words, while puzzling out the mystery, you get to attend some swank royal and society events as viewed through 1900 eyes. Relax and enjoy your read. I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to time travel back in time to 1900 Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit while also learning something new, always a plus for me.

This sixth entry into the Countess of Harleigh series starts as the newly wed Frances, an American heiress, and her husband George investigate perhaps nefarious goings-on at the request of an old friend. We have red herrings, possible poisoning, a missing journal, ancient artifacts, and a murder to solve — what’s not to love? This is a fun, not too challenging cozy mystery that is perfect for readers who have read the earlier books in the series and accessible for those who may be new to it.

I received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

You are going to have to wait a while to read A Newlywed's Guide... It doesn't release until June 27. But if you haven't read this series, that will give you time to catch up.

The Countess of Harleigh series is delightful, and I love to see what's new with Frances, Countess of Harleigh and now Mrs. Hazelton, and her husband George. In this latest installment, Frances is asked by the fierce Lady Winstead to help with the court presentation of niece Kate. Seems simple enough, but it seems that someone might be trying to poison Lady Winstead. Additionally, George has been tasked by the British Museum to find a journal that belonged to the late Lord Winstead. Freeman has created a fun duo with well-developed personalities with Frances and George. There is witty dialogue, red herrings, plenty of potential culprits and descriptions of Victorian clothes and parties. I did miss some characters that have been in earlier books in the series. I also felt the book dragged a bit with Kate, who I didn't particularly like. Still a fun book and I look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

I like these stories and the creator behind the characters. Since these are a series, and I have read them all, I have obviously missed something somewhere, why is George Hazelton's sister addressed as Lady Fiona, yet George has no title? A lady who can use her first name is born to an Earl or higher, therefore, George would have a courtesy title, so what did I miss? I will find out, now to the story, they have asked Francis to sponsor a young lady during the Season in London, and an elderly friend has requested her help with a close friend whose health is deteriorating in a suspicious manner, and where is George amid these problems? Staying home taking care of Rose. I have many books in this trope, couples marry, he is an aristocrat or wealthy, or both, and works as a spy, or for the home office; I love those stories; I like Alpha Males, who are smart enough to marry strong women, yet, we now have George being made to look weak, and Francis look as the strongest of the two. I am only giving my opinion if you like weak me, and strong women then you will love this. if you prefer the couple to both be strong, then this one will disappoint. I am giving it a 3.5. Thank you #Netgalley #KensingtonBooks
carolintallahassee

With theater, new characters, and murder, it was another fantastic mystery with Frances and George. It took me a while to get into this one. I hoped to have more Hetty and Fiona, and there were parts with Kate that I really struggled with her personality. I LOVED the ending. and I can't wait for the next one.


Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Diane Freeman for this advance read.
#ANewlywedsGuidetoFortuneandMurder #NetGalley

Another adventure for Frances! George is on a mission for the British Museum and Frances finds herself unexpectedly on a case.

Viscountess Winstead has asked her to sponsor her niece, Kate, for a presentation to the Queen. Frances is perfect for this job, however, when she meets with the Viscountess, she has some reservations, as the woman slowly slides to the floor looking rather odd.

While Frances finds Kate charming, the girl isn’t quite what she seems. And Frances thinks the Viscountess is being drugged. But by whom? There are certainly enough sketchy people around her and the more they dig into the family, the more sketchy they sound.

With the help of George, she will find out who is doing what and put an end to it.

This is such a good cozy series. The characters are so well done.

NetGalley/ June 27, 2023, Kensington Books

When newlywed Frances Hazelton agrees to assist the dowager Viscountess Winstead and prepare the elderly woman's niece for her debut in society, she has no clue that the simple task will lead her into a murder investigation and put her in the direct path of a killer. It also gives Frances a chance to help her husband find a missing journal describing the late viscount's extensive travels that was left to the British Museum following his death. Finding Viscountess Winstead in frail health and addicted to laudanum, Frances begins to suspect that not all is as it seems in the household. Following the murder of Viscountess Winstead's nurse, Frances moves into the house so that she can better protect the viscountess while also look into the viscountess's unconventional niece, her heartless stepchildren, and the servants. The deeper Frances digs into the Winstead family affairs, the more convinced she becomes that someone murdered the former viscount and is now trying to use laudanum to do away with the viscountess.



A NEWLYWED'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE AND MURDER is a great addition to the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. There are plenty of suspects with plausible motives for wanting Viscountess Winstead out of the way. The novel is full of clues, red herrings, and other crimes that keep the reader guessing the identity of the person with the heavy-hand when it comes to dealing out doses of laudanum.

Delightfully quirky A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder takes us back to the turn of the 19th century when women were beginning to stand up and be counted in many ways. Not just as suffragettes, but women who had a bit more to their character than was given credit.
Our heroine France Hazelton, the former Countess of Harleigh, is newlywed and making plans for her forthcoming honeymoon, somewhat delayed for sure, but a honeymoon none the less.
That is until she gets a request from the formidable Dowager Viscountess Wingate, who wants her niece Kate presented to the Court. As Frances occasionally takes on some of the society events to make a little of her own money, she reluctantly agrees, thinking it will be a simple matter and will only delay her plans by a week or so.
When she goes to take tea and meet Kate, the Dowager collapses and appears to be in a very frail state, which makes Frances, who well remembers the feisty old lady as a very strong and forthright woman only weeks before, wonder what is happening in her former home. The rest of family are behaving as they always have, if not slightly more obnoxiously.
As the days go by it seems Kate is not all appears to be, which simply adds to the worry and frustration Frances is beginning to feel, as nothing is right, nothing is going to plan and nothing is making any sense.
Her beloved George is on a case for the Government which involves the late Viscount, an Egyptologist, and a missing manuscript. Frances and George really begin to wonder just why this Diary is so important that someone, possibly within the family, will sink to murder to hide the whatever is in the book, and why is the Dowager being overdosed with what appears to be Laudanum. When the Dowagers Nurse is found murdered the stakes rise to dangerous levels as it would appear that whatever is going on, someone will stop at nothing to achieve their end.
Cleverly constructed, this latest adventure in the Countess of Harleigh series from Dianne Freeman makes a great cosy murder for an afternoon on the couch, with a plot which is one that will take some time to figure out as to just who has set out to or who may have already, committed murder most foul.

In Dianne Freeman’s upcoming foray into London Society, Frances Hazelton, aka the Countess of Harleigh, is settling into married life with her new husband George. Both soon find themselves working on sensitive issues that lead back to the same family. But how and WHY are a missing journal and an old woman’s mysterious illness connected? Frances and George race to find out before it’s too late.

In “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder” the reader gets another delightful peek into the lives of Frances and George. There is much to like about this cozy series. Frances is still full of spunk, her conversations with George have a good give and take, and the supporting characters add even more wit and pizazz. In addition to a mystery involving Egyptian antiquities, and possible poisonings, Frances and George negotiate their new life together, including what to do about the sizable sum settled upon them by Frances’ father after their wedding.

This book is great for those who love cozy historical mysteries and cozy historical mystery series. There is enough background information that it could be enjoyable even if the reader hasn’t gone through the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced reader’s copy of “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Lady Harleigh is at it again.

The latest book in the Countess Harleigh series is sure to delight. fans of historical mysteries. Characters are relatable and the story line easy to follow.

What starts out as a normal request, to help the niece of the dowager Viscountess Winstead enter society turns into a hunt for a killer and poisoner. Someone is drugging Lady Winstead, but who and why? Not one of her stepchildren stands to inherit from her, her niece alone has a financial motive, but would she? Did someone murder the Viscount?

Lady Harleigh, along with Lady Esther (a friend of Lady Winstead) pays a call to the house to meet Kate and start planning for her entrance into society. When they arrive, they find Lady Winstead frail and collapsing on the floor. Lady Harleigh doesn't know what to make of the situation. When she arrives home, she tells her husband George about the strange event, and he proceeds to inform her of his current investigation having to do with the same household.

Lady Harleigh, with help from Aunt Hetty and Lady Esther all work to unmask the culprit and put an end to the poisoning.

Another great story in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read and advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another delightful addition to this cozy mystery series. Now that they are married, George and Frances are married, the way that she has investigated has to adjust. George’s job might cross her plans.
I liked this story but it drug a bit more than the other installments

Another great read. After reading so many cozy mysteries that leave me giving up halfway through the book, it is such a pleasure to read a book that grabs you from the first page and has you guessing till the last page. I love the mystery. This series is very well written without a lot of fillers. This book also proves you can have a good book without pages of sex since this book is about a newly married couple. A wonderful read and hope there are going to be many more. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

This is the sixth installment of one of my all time favorite series, and it did not disappoint! I absolutely love Frances and George and their escapades! I am so honored to be able to read this book before publication. Dianne Freeman never disappoints! Bring on book seven!!! 💜💜💜💜

I love this series by Diane Freeman, her characters are unique and well-deveoped. It is always fun to catch up with Frances and George. The author is a master at red herrings. This sixth in the series is as really enjoyable. I look forward to more adventures with Frances and George.

Frances and her new husband George find themselves caught up with the Viscountess Wingate and her family. The Viscountess has recently been widowed and is dealing with her husband's adult children. Frances is trying to figure out why the Viscountess is becoming so frail. Frances is able to see the Viscountess because she is helping to prepare the Viscountess niece, Kate, to be presented to Queen Victoria.
George is busy with a special mission for the British Museum and it involves the Viscountess family.
George and Frances join forces and wonder if the late viscount was murdered. Is someone trying to murder the Vicountess and why?
Frances has to use all of her wits to find a why to watch the family without them suspecting what she is doing? The story is full of intrigue and twists.
The ending will surprise you and the story will keep you guessing. This is a wonderful story.

Dianne Freeman’s mysteries in the Countess of Harleigh series are always fun while also instructive in the behavior and expectations of society in Victorian England. She was wise in introducing Frances Hazelton, Countess of Harleigh, as the protagonist, an American who did not grow up as part of British society. Frances’ observations of male and female roles are not stuck in the past. When she talks about those expectations with her new husband, George Hazelton, in A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder, she offers a fresh perspective.

Frances and George had to postpone their honeymoon due to a murder and George’s injury. Although she’s ready to go, George now has an assignment from the Home Office to locate Lord Winstead’s journal that was to accompany his donation of artifacts from his many adventures, a donation to the British Museum. But, the current Viscount Winstead claims the journal is missing.

This time, George’s interests intersect perfectly with Frances’. Lady Esther, an elderly curmudgeon, called on Frances for help. She’s concerned about her friend Lady Winstead, whose health has deteriorated now that her stepchildren, the Ashleys, have all moved in following Lord Winstead’s death six months earlier. Frances had already told Lady Winstead she would assist her niece, Katherine Stover, who is to be presented to the queen. When Frances visits Lady Winstead and Katherine, she sees why Lady Esther is worried for her friend. It almost seems as if someone is poisoning Lady Winstead.

Frances proves to be persistent in her attempts to visit Lady Winstead, but when her primary suspect is murdered, she realizes she doesn’t have much time if she’s to save the wealthy widow. She and her aunt hatch an audacious scheme to find a killer.

Freeman is adept at misdirection. While I disliked and distrusted everyone in the Ashley family, Freeman hid the true culprit in plain sight. A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder is not my favorite in the series. There are just too many dislikable characters in the cast. But, it’s always fun to catch up with Frances and George, along with Frances’ daughter, Rose. And, as I said, Freeman is a master at red herrings.

What a deliciously fun Victorian cozy mystery this sixth book in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series was.

Our plucky protagonist, newlywed Frances Hazelton, (former Countess of Harleigh), has been requested to present to the Queen, the Devon country niece of an aging acquaintance, Lady Winstead. Frances embraces the task, heads off to the Ashley home to meet with Lady Winstead and her new charge, Miss Kate Stover. While taking tea, Lady Winstead collapses and is carried to her room. By all accounts, Lady Winstead's health has suffered tremendously in the few short months since her husband's death. Meanwhile, Frances' husband, George Hazelton, has been tasked with recovering Lord Winstead's expedition diary on behalf of the British Museum. The journal is to accompany the Egyptian collection which Lord Winstead had amassed on a number of expeditions. The new Lord Winstead had been hesitant to release it and recently found that it was stolen. By observation, Frances finds the behavior of all of Lady Winstead's stepchildren unsettling and it raises concerns regarding Lady Winstead's welfare. A sudden death occurs and Frances is soon on the case with George.

Author Dianne Freeman does a spectacular job of spinning a yarn replete with many red herrings, twists and turns. Her discussion of the pitfalls within polite society resulting in scandal is well laid out and based in historical fact. The double standard between the sexes of Victorian England as to what passes as acceptable behavior among aristocrats is well illustrated. The constrictions placed on polite society are also well described and most informative. Ms. Freeman's writing is engaging and well crafted, carrying the reader toward a satisfying conclusion of this twisted tale.

I am grateful to author Dianne Freeman and Kensington Publishing Corps. for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publication Date: June 27, 2023
Pages: 304
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 978-1496731623

Dianne Freeman does it again! There is a reason I grab and binge when ever a Lady Harleigh mystery comes out. This one was really good - maybe one of my favorites. I thought for sure who the perpetrator was and of course I was wrong. Well done!

I just reviewed A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman. #ANewlywedsGuidetoFortuneandMurder #NetGalley

Frances, Lady Harleigh and now Mrs. Hazelton, is an American living in London in the year 1900. She is a widow (although not very broken up about it) who is much happier in her second marriage to George Hazelton, a man who works for "the Home Office" in some unspecified job. Frances also has a young daughter Rose, from her first marriage. When Frances and Rose were still living out in the country (before the death of her first husband), they were on friendly terms with an elderly neighbor, Lady Winstead. This lady has also recently become widowed and moved to London. Frances is contacted to see if she will agree to "sponsor" Lady Winstead's niece, Kate, when she is presented to the queen. Frances arrives at Lady Winstead's home to meet Kate and is shocked at what she finds. The formerly energetic and acerbic Lady Winstead is now in a wheelchair and basically in a stupor. Her step-children, with whom she shares the house, seem unconcerned. They have hired a nurse to look after the elderly lady, but they seem curiously unmoved by her health. Kate eventually gets Frances alone and tells her that she is afraid someone in the house is poisoning her aunt. Thus Frances is thrown into a delicate investigation -- who would benefit from Lady Winstead's death? Is Kate really a devoted niece, or could she be the one who is eager for an inheritance? With everyone looking shady, it's up to Frances to hide in plain sight and get to the bottom of the mystery. There is an added mystery where Frances is also supposed to be searching the home of Lady Winstead for a diary left by her recently deceased husband. It was supposed to be donated to the British Museum, but it has gone missing and George has been tasked with investigating where it might have gone. Good think he has an "inside woman" who can snoop around the house when she's there on other business.

I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Kate could be a bit "uppity" in her dealings with Kate, the young lady she was supposed to be helping into society, but other than that, she was pleasant enough. It was an interesting time period, when both horses and cars were sharing the streets of London. A fun mystery with no unpleasant violence!