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  • Published: 12 July 2022
  • ISBN: 9781496731616
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $49.99

A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

A Brilliant Victorian Historical Mystery




“Pure unadulterated fun” (Publishers Weekly) for fans of Ashley Weaver, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander, the Agatha Award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries are a witty romp through the high society of Victorian England with a touch of romance, an appealing and independent female lead, and rich historical detail. In this charming fifth installment, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her wedding day overshadowed by murder . . .

“Pure unadulterated fun” (Publishers Weekly) for fans of Ashley Weaver, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander, the Agatha Award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries are a witty romp through the high society of Victorian England with a touch of romance, an appealing and independent female lead, and rich historical detail. In this charming fifth installment, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her wedding day overshadowed by murder . . .

On the eve of her marriage to George Hazelton, Frances has a great deal more on her mind than flowers and seating arrangements. The Connors and the Bainbridges, two families of American robber barons, have taken up residence in London, and their bitter rivalry is spilling over into the highest social circles. At the request of her brother, Alonzo, who is quite taken with Miss Madeline Connor, Frances has invited the Connor family to her wedding. Meanwhile, Frances’s mother has invited Mr. Bainbridge, and Frances fears the wedding may end up being newspaper-worthy for all the wrong reasons.
 
On the day itself, Frances is relieved to note that Madeline’s father is not among the guests assembled at the church. The reason for his absence, however, turns out to be most unfortunate: Mr. Connor is found murdered in his home. More shocking still, Alonzo is caught at the scene, holding the murder weapon.
 
Powerful and ruthless, Connor appears to have amassed a wealth of enemies alongside his fortune. Frances and George agree to put their wedding trip on hold to try and clear Alonzo’s name. But there are secrets to sift through, not just in the Bainbridge and Connor families, but also in their own. And with a killer determined to evade discovery at any cost—even if it means taking another life—Frances’s first days as a newlywed will be perilous indeed . . .

  • Published: 12 July 2022
  • ISBN: 9781496731616
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $49.99

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Praise for A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

Praise for Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mysteries


“Freeman delivers it all: clever plotting, charming characters, plausible suspects, and red herrings galore. This historical is pure unadulterated fun.” —Publishers Weekly on A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder

“Amusing social mores in Victorian England make for a highly entertaining mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder
 
"Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled." —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"This delightful debut historical mystery introduces an appealing and smart female lead who relishes her newfound independence. The supporting cast of equally captivating characters further complement this atmospheric historical, set in the ballrooms and breakfast rooms of Victorian London. Fans of Georgette Heyer will appreciate the hints of romance, while aficionados of Deanna Raybourn or D.M. Quincy will delight in the banter-filled dialogue and period details." —Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW for A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Murder on the Orient Express will delight over this tale that travels back to Victorian-era London." —Woman's World, Book Club Pick for A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder

"Set against the background of a luxurious English country house, peopled by the titled upper class and their (frequently more interesting) downstairs counterparts, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon (preferably with tea and scones). It's an enjoyable, easy read, and the mystery is worked out cleverly, and to a satisfying conclusion." —Historical Novels Review

"This delightful series continues to enchant." —Aunt Agatha's Bookstore on A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder

"A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder is a thoroughly enjoyable closed-circle-of-suspects mystery, and the shooting-party atmosphere adds to the ambiance." —Criminal Element

"If practiced well, the oft-maligned art of gossip can unearth as much evidence as a CSI team...Dianne Freeman handles class disparity with care and has created a world that readers will want to explore in more depth as the series continues." —BookPage on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Engrossing...Freeman takes a witty look at Victorian polite society. Historical mystery fans will be delighted." —Publishers Weekly on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"A charming period mystery with enough sexual tension and credible suspects to keep the reader guessing." —Kirkus Reviews on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"The full cast of talkative aristocrats, the lighthearted tone, and the fast pace will keep readers actively engaged. This would make a wonderful introduction to cozy mysteries for fans of Regency or Victorian romance, and it will also hit the mark for followers of Elizabeth Peters and Deanna Raybourn." —Booklist on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"This novel will appeal to readers who love a multi-layered mystery with twists and turns until the very end. So many dead ends turn into leads; so many clues seem meaningless, but then become keys to the solution. In the beginning, what seems to be an ordinary whodunnit becomes anything but, as Frances and George's romance heats up, along with more revelations that pull the reader along." —Historical Novels Review on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Wide-ranging and absorbing and includes some clever surprises." —Mystery Scene on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Lovers of acrostics and word-puzzles will find much to enjoy in A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder and will undoubtedly look forward to Lady Frances's next Lady's Guide adventure." —Criminal Element

"Set in late-Victorian London, this debut is engaging to the end as Frances and friends struggle to get behind the social facades To the truth." —Booklist on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder


"This lighthearted debut tale of mystery, love, and a delightful sleuth will leave you wanting morewhich is presumably just what Freeman has in mind." —Kirkus Reviews on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"Readers will certainly want more of the beautiful, headstrong Countess Frances Wynn after finishing the first book in this brand-new series." —New York Journal of Books on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"A delightful tale of shenanigans among the British aristocracy. Lady Frances feels very real—not too smart and spunky but no shrinking violet either." Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy mysteries

"A fantastic blend of history, mystery and humor. I did not want to put it down. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer." —Darcie Wilde, National bestselling author of A Useful Woman and A Purely Private Matter

"Lady Harleigh must rally the support of friends and an attractive neighbor to untangle her affairs in this engrossing tale of aristocratic intrigue. Freeman vividly portrays the opulence of late Victorian life among the British upper crust as Lady Harleigh takes us into the exclusive ballrooms and drawing rooms of London society in 1899. Deception and trickery abound and nothing is exactly as it seems." —Rosemary Simpson, author of Lies That Comfort and Betray

"Diane Freeman has penned a mystery that's witty and fun, with just the right amount of danger and romance to keep you turning pages." Alyssa Maxwell, author of A Devious Death