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  • Published: 22 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781496745149
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $49.99

A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder




In the latest USA Today bestselling, Victorian Era-set Countess of Harleigh Mystery from multi-award winning author Dianne Freeman, Frances Hazelton and her husband, George, uncover the secrets of backstage Paris to find out who’s acting the role of a killer to chilling perfection…

In the latest USA Today bestselling, Victorian Era-set Countess of Harleigh Mystery from multi-award winning author Dianne Freeman, Frances Hazelton and her husband, George, uncover the secrets of backstage Paris to find out who’s acting the role of a killer to chilling perfection…

Frances and George are enjoying some well-deserved leisure time in Paris when an old acquaintance from London, Alicia Stoke-Whitney, seeks Frances’s help to investigate a personal matter. Alicia’s daughter is being courted by Carlson Deaver, a wealthy American shadowed by a very suspicious tragedy.

Less than a year ago, Carlson’s wife, a former actress, was murdered, her body discovered in one of the more dubious quartiers in Paris. Though authorities guess it was a robbery gone wrong, no one was ever brought to justice. Until Daniel Cadieux, Inspector for the Sûreté, follows a startling new lead. None other Sarah Bernhardt, legendary icon of the Paris stage, receives a piece of jewelry stolen from the victim, along with an incriminating note: I know what you did.
It opens a new door for the Hazeltons’ investigation, as well. But not a soul believes that the Divine Sarah would become entangled in something so disreputable as murder—even if she and the late Mrs. Deaver did have a history of theatrical clashes. Amid questions of revenge, blackmail, scandals, and secrets, more poisoned pen letters follow, and suspects abound. Now it’s up to Francis and George to infiltrate the most elite social circles of Paris, and find a culprit before another victim faces their final act.

  • Published: 22 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781496745149
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $49.99

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Praise for A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

Praise for the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series


“Art, murder, and the Parisian atmosphere combine in a delightful, detailed mystery for Francophile fans of Rhys Bowen or Betty Webb.” —Library Journal on An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder


“Superbly plotted…Freeman keeps the pace brisk and the suspects plentiful, giving even seasoned armchair sleuths a run for their money. Historical mystery fans are in for a treat.” —Publishers Weekly on An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder

“A charming period background adds verisimilitude to a mystery awash in red herrings.” —Kirkus Reviews on An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder

“Numerous plot twists, well-drawn characters, and immersive details of the life and times in turn-of-the-century Victorian England distinguish this historical cozy.” —Booklist on A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder

"Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled." —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW on 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 on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

“The Victorian backdrop perfectly sets off this amusing and challenging romantic mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder

“The Agatha Award–winning author of A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is adept at misdirection. Witty British conversation and social history as viewed by an American will continue to appeal to fans of Victorian mysteries.” —Library Journal on A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder

“Zesty…Clever plotting matches appealing characterizations. Freeman continues to delight.” —Publishers Weekly on A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder

“Will appeal to fans of Regency and Victorian cozies that are heavy on romance, as well as to followers of Elizabeth Peters and Deanna Raybourn.” —Booklist on A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder

“Danger, drama, and intrigue combine in this whodunit.”  —Woman’s World Book Club Pick on A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder

“The American-born countess’s skills in maneuvering as an amateur sleuth in Victorian society are on full display in this charming historical mystery. New readers can easily pick up this fourth in the series, and fans will delight in the dramatic conclusion." —Library Journey, (STARRED REVIEW) for A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives and Murder

"The plot gallops along, with an engaging supporting cast helping to lead both the couple and readers through a merry path of false leads and ever-shifting suspects, all enhanced by the neatly drawn Victorian setting. Fans of Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell novels will enjoy this latest entry in Freeman's engaging series." —Booklist on A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives and Murder

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

"Amusing social mores in Victorian England make for a highly entertaining mystery." —Kirkus Reivew on A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives and Murder

“Delightful…Frances will do whatever she needs to get to the bottom of Irena’s murder and ensure her own happily ever after.” —Mystery Scene Magazine on A Fiancee’s Guide to First Wives 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).” —Historical Novel Society on A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder

“Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Murder on the Orient Express will delight over this tale.” —Woman’s World Book Club Pick for 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

"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

"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

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