A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder

  • Author: Dianne Freeman
  • Publisher: Kensington Books
  • Print Length: 288 pages
  • Release Date: June 25, 2019
  • I Rate it:    
  • GenreCozy
  • Purchase on Amazon

Book Summary

How far will some go to safeguard a secret? In the latest novel in Dianne Freeman’s witty and delightful historical mystery series, the adventurous Countess Harleigh finds out . . .
 
Though American by birth, Frances Wynn, the now-widowed Countess of Harleigh, has adapted admirably to the quirks and traditions of the British aristocracy. On August twelfth each year, otherwise known as the Glorious Twelfth, most members of the upper class retire to their country estates for grouse-shooting season. Frances has little interest in hunting—for birds or a second husband—and is expecting to spend a quiet few months in London with her almost-engaged sister, Lily, until the throng returns. 

Instead, she’s immersed in a shocking mystery when a friend, Mary Archer, is found murdered. Frances had hoped Mary might make a suitable bride for her cousin, Charles, but their courtship recently fizzled out. Unfortunately, this puts Charles in the spotlight—along with dozens of others. It seems Mary had countless notes hidden in her home, detailing the private indiscretions of society’s elite. Frances can hardly believe that the genteel and genial Mary was a blackmailer, yet why else would she horde such juicy tidbits?
 
Aided by her gallant friend and neighbor, George Hazelton, Frances begins assisting the police in this highly sensitive case, learning more about her peers than she ever wished to know. Too many suspects may be worse than none at all—but even more worrying is that the number of victims is increasing too. And unless Frances takes care, she’ll soon find herself among them . . .

Book Banner Image

About The Author

Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. She is an Agatha Award and Lefty Award finalist, as well as a nominee for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award from Mystery Writers of America. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona.

You can find Dianne on:

Dianne Freeman

Book Review by Bree Herron

Enter into a classy and sophisticated mystery from the lovely Dianne Freeman. Frances is charming with a great dose of wit. Having the summer to beat the heat and stay away from the expectations of what polite society is expecting, Frances finds another mystery to dive into. It is one that hits close to home for our character however,  it seems to drive Frances and her friend/co-sleuth George to help solve the murder. 

Enjoyable Moments

Through this book there is great moments of contemplation on who did the crime, and why. I really like that the author explored many ideas with the reader and that Frances is certainly kept busy on the hunt for answers. Frances and George are a dynamic duo that make it easy to really sink your teeth into this mystery. Between the simplicity of the city without the throng and the mystery, I found myself pleasantly busy minded in this book. 

Synoptic

A successful second book in a series that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Frances is a charming and ladylike sleuth that keeps the reader on their toes. The author takes her time in providing wonderful details that help to paint the mystery in your mind, there is something about traveling back in time through a good mystery that never gets old. 

I Rate it

**DISCLAIMER: I was provided an opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in return for a fair and honest review.

Professional Reader Affiliates

NetGalley Professional Reader Frequently Auto-Approved 200 Book Reviews 2016 NetGalley Challenge Reviews Published Great Escape Tour Host BethanyHouse Blogger Reviewer

Peruse My Other Reviews

  • Audio Book Spotlight: Murder Strikes A Pose
  • The Promise of Tomorrow
  • Soar Like Eagles
  • Honey-Baked Homicide
  • Top 12 Cozy Authors to Watch in 2017
  • The Dog Who was There
  • For Love and Honor
  • Blogger Spotlight—Brooke Bumgardner
  • Cat Got Your Cash
  • Mission Impawsible
  • Last Call
  • By the Fright of the Silvery Moon
  • Cowboy Christmas Guardian
  • Unlucky Charms
  • A Magical Match
  • Overshadowed
  • The Final Fondue - Maya Corrigan
  • Author Interview: Michele Howe
  • Christmas Lights: A Collection of Inspiring Christmas Novellas
  • Raging Storm
  • I Am My Beloved
  • Cold As Ice
  • Twice Redeemed
  • Harmony on the Horizon
  • Mind Games
  • Spotlight: The Lost Heiress by Roseanna White
  • Picked Off
  • Ukulele Murder: A Nani Johnson Aloha Lagoon Mystery
  • Red Sky Over America
  • Looking Glass Lies
  • Ukulele Murder: A Nani Johnson Aloha Lagoon Mystery
  • Shadow Girl
  • Kneaded to Death
  • Buried in the Books
  • True to You
  • Well Timed Murder

Affiliate Disclosure

I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links supplements the costs of keeping my website up and running, and is very much appreciated!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Get My Latest Book Reviews

Join my mailing list to receive the latest and greatest delivered right to your inbox.

You have successfully subscribed! Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

Share This