A Fiancées Guide to First Wives and Murder (Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #4) by Dianne Freeman

A Fiancées Guide to First Wives and Murder (Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #4) Reviews

• 
  Dab

  Frances and George are engaged! Everything looks bright until a young woman appears on Frances’s doorstep claiming to be… George’s wife. If that wasn’t enough trouble she is soon found dead in Frances’s garden (that’s a second body found in that garden in less than a year btw, I would not want to hang out there).
  
  This series gets better and better. The dynamic between Frances and George was top notch, (they make a better team than Mulder and Scully and they are not even brooding).
  There was also another romance in the background which I absolutely adored!
  
  Off to the next book!
  
  ————-
  
  I missed you Frances and George 😍😍😍
• 
  Phrynne

  I am really enjoying this series even though I read book three first and then had to play catch up. Then this came up on Netgalley so I just had to read it!
  
  In
  A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder (great title!) Frances, the wonderful Countess of Harleigh and her future husband, the Hon. George Hazelton, have to deal with the advent of George's wife - or is she? This is a social disaster for Frances and George and when a murder occurs things become really sticky.
  
  I really admire the way Frances deals with every issue which comes up, and I love the way George stands up with her. I found the story fun and intriguing and it moved at a great pace towards a very satisfactory ending.
  
  An excellent series altogether and I hope the author continues to write them!
  
  Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
• 
  Randi Annie Framnes

  A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is book 4 in A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in London 1899 when a French woman turns up on Frances, Countess of Harleigh’s doorstep claiming to be her fiancée George Hazeldon’s wife. She is later found dead in Frances’ garden and these developments may have a detrimental effect on Frances’s and George’s reputations and future marriage. With her usual energy and force Frances meddles in police investigation with the help of her fiancée. Both use their social skills and contacts to avoid a massive scandal.
  
  Main character is Frances, Countess of Harleigh who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to mysteries and who has no problems taking risks. She seems a person with a zest for life who deals effectively with whatever is thrown her way. I love that about her.
  
  Supporting character is the Hon. George Hazelton. There seems to be plenty of mystery related to his background, which I’m sure will gradually be revealed in future books. He seems attentive to Frances and has the makings of a good Victorian husband.
  
  What I enjoyed the most about this story is that it reads like a sitcom. It stands out with the particularly funny start when George’s alleged wife turns up. The plot and characters are catching and keep me fascinated all the way through to the totally surprising ending. I loved how the murder victim’s mysterious background and her connections to Russia included a lot of drama and surprise elements to the story. The drama of investigating the murder understandably took center stage, but we are still able to sense the connection between Frances and George. How they function as a couple in the stressful situation when his alleged first wife turns up. In short this is an unputdownable book I thoroughly enjoyed.
  
  The lighthearted dialogue and writing kept me entertained and I will recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny and easy read suitable all year round. It is part of a series, but no actual need to read it in order because each story stands perfectly on its own. I did, however, get curious about how Frances came to be a Countess. -Maybe you will too. But I also look forward to seeing what the next book in the series will be about.
  
  Similar authors to explore might be Anna Lee Huber or Katharine Schellman.
  Thank you to #Kensington Books, #Dianne Freeman and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
  Conclusion: A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the unputdownable new mystery where Frances solves the murder of a woman with connections to Russia who claims to be George’s first wife.
  
• 
  Barbara Rogers

  Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery #4
  Publication Date: 7/27/21
  Period: Victorian London - 1899
  Number of Pages: 304
  
  Goodness Gracious Me – I do believe I’ve become addicted to Countess of Harleigh and George Hazelton! Each book in the series seems to get better than the last and I come to appreciate the intrepid duo and their cast of friends more and more. I had hoped we’d have a wedding in this one, but we fell just a tad short in our timing, so, surely the next book will either contain the wedding or it will have already happened and we’ll be off on – perhaps an adventurous honeymoon. Who knows? Either way, I can’t wait.
  
  Things are all abuzz in London with the visit of Duke Michael Mikhailovich and his wife, Sophie, Countess de Torby who are members of the ruling Romanov family of Russia. While it isn’t a state visit – since Mikhailovich is exiled from Russia – Prince Albert still wants to fete them. So, it was with a heavy heart that Frances, Countess Harleigh, canceled her trip to Paris to purchase a gown for her engagement ball. Still, she’ll have a lovely Parisian gown, but it will be chosen by her 8-year-old daughter and her mother who is still making the trip.
  
  Frances has hardly seen her mother and daughter off when Inspector Delaney shows up at her door with a young woman, Irena Teskey, in tow. This young woman insists she is the wife of George Hazelton. OMGoodness! Frances doesn’t believe it for a minute and can’t wait for George to arrive and straighten it all out. Too bad the whole thing is witnessed by Alicia Stoke-Whitney. Will the woman keep it quiet? This could be a huge scandal because gossip spreads like wildfire among the ton – whether it is true or not.
  
  When George denies it, the young woman keeps insisting it is true. She also insists someone has sent her threatening letters and someone has been following her. Oh! And by the way, she is under arrest for throwing a rock at the Russian duke. Yes, Irena is quite a piece of work. She’s spoiled, immature, petulant, whiny, and maybe just a tad barmy as well. Yet, when she turns up dead – In Frances’s garden – perhaps there was something to her story after all.
  
  Now, Frances and George not only have to prove George wasn’t married to Irena – they have to prove he didn’t murder her. Putting all of the pieces together and solving the puzzle of Irena’s background and who murdered her will not be easily done. Even if George can convince everyone he wasn’t married to Irena – he really can’t convince anyone he didn’t murder her.
  
  There are suspects aplenty because it seems everybody who encountered the young woman was soon ready to strangle her. There are many red herrings, false trails, and questionable characters, but through it all, Frances’s belief in George never wavers. She’s willing to face down the ton and any gossip in support of George. She’s steadfast and unwavering. What a great female lead character.
  
  While there is a serious murder mystery to be solved and a heart-fluttering romance, there are also some light moments. One of my favorite lighter moments was Frances’s first ride in a motor car. The descriptions are delightful and her reactions are priceless. Her verdict is, of course, that those things will never replace a horse and buggy.
  
  I can definitely recommend this book because it is a wonderfully well-written, perfectly paced, and well-delivered story. The characters are delightful and you will come to like them more and more each time you meet them. Of course, the villain is unexpected and the motive, while not totally unexpected, is still a surprise. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
• 
  JoAn

  This is the fourth book in Ms. Freeman's Countess of Harleigh mystery series and the best one yet. I was quickly drawn into the story from the first chapter when "Mrs. George Hazelton" showed up on Frances' doorstep with Inspector Delaney.
  
  The story moves swiftly and becomes complex as not only is "Mrs. George Hazelton"/Irena a drama queen but her stories are a combination of some truth and lots of fantasy which Frances and George need to sort out before they can begin to get to the truth. Ms. Freeman's descriptive writing includes visiting Russian royals, Irena's real husband, a diverse group of suspects and a huge plot twist that I never saw coming. I also loved that Frances' Aunt Hetty got to shine in this one with her own new relationship as well as her business acumen. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
• 
  Ivonne Rovira

  Take Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey (first book:
  Silent in the Grave), mix with Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum (first book:
  One for the Money) transported back to the London of 1899, and you’ll have Frances, Lady Harleigh. Like Lady Julia, Frances is intelligent and not afraid to break rules (whether laws or society’s norms); like Stephanie, Frances is a witty American with a hilarious family.
  
  In this novel, Frances is soon to be married to her next-door neighbor, George Hazelton, an agent of sorts for England and the Prince of Wales. A self-dramatizing Russian actress who is an illegitimate member of the Romanov family turns up, claiming to be Hazelton’s wife and in grave danger. (She ends up dead, so at least that part was true.) A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder has plenty of twists and fun dialogue, and, even though it’s the fourth in the series, I never felt lost. Was the book as good as Raybourn’s or Evanovich’s early stuff? No, but it was good enough that I’m going to start the series at the beginning. Definitely the perfect read when you want something light and humorous.
  
  In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  Lois

  3.75 Stars
  
  This was cute and I love that characters return from previous novels and often add to the current story.
  
  Relaxing and atmospheric. Perfect for fans of costum dramas.
• 
  The Captain

  Ahoy there me mateys!  This be a Victorian murder mystery romance series.  Not me usual fare but reviews convinced me to try them and I quickly binged books one to three.  Then I had to wait for this one.  I luckily received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings.
  
  I gobbled this one up in one day.  I continue to love Frances.  She is a fantastic heroine who is the correct balance of knowing the proper rules of society and also how to get around them.  The beginning of the book was a complete hoot and had me chuckling.  I continue to enjoy the romance elements.  The plot has farfetched moments but I didn't care.  I was too busy having fun.
  
  Can I please have another?  Arrrr!
• 
  Jenna

  A woman who's an illegitimate child of Russian nobility appears on George's doorstep claiming to be his long-lost wife. Say what now????
  Frances is standing there obviously shocked & saddened.
  I was hooked and had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
  Shortly afterwards, there's a murder and George & Frances are off & running to solve it.
  The writer turned it up a notch for the 3rd book in this series. It was a page turner with lots of suspense and a gripping mystery moving at a quick pace.
• 
  Sarah

  'For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances's house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.
  
  As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena--though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena's life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances' garden.
  
  To uncover a killer--and clear their own names--Frances and George must determine which of Irena's outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home...'
  ___________________________________
  
  4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
  
  A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth book in Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
  
  Ugh, I honestly adore the dynamic between Frances and George. They're such a good investigative team and couple. In this book, their relationship and engagement are put to the test when a woman arrives claiming to be Mrs. George Hazelton. Trust tested and they have to face gossip and disapproving public opinion.
  
  I loved how the mystery unfolded in this book. Clues came together at the perfect pace, so that it didn't give things away too early. There some tense moments and some danger, our characters are put into some fairly uncomfortable situations, but the banter and wit carries throughout without being too much. The wit is one if the key characteristics of this series and I adore it, I hope there will be several more book to come.
  
  I recommend this book and the series as a whole. You don't necessarily have to read them together and in order, this could serve as a stand-alone. But I think one would enjoy them more read in order. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and whatever mystery they'll face next.
  _____
  
  I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder with me. This is my honest review.
• 
  Caitlyn Lynch

  This is the fourth in a late-Victorian era cozy mystery series centred on Frances, widowed Countess of Harleigh. I didn’t realise it was the fourth in the series when I picked it up for review; it stands pretty well alone though a few characters could perhaps have done with a little more introduction. Frances is a widow with a young daughter (who is off the page for most of this book visiting Paris with Frances’ mother). From context, it’s obvious that Frances is American and married her Earl with the aid of a healthy dowry, which the earl promptly spent the majority of before he died, leaving Frances not exactly impoverished but not wealthy either. Now engaged to her next door neighbour George Hazleton, Frances finds herself drawn into a completely insane series of events when a police inspector brings a young woman to her doorstep who claims to be, in turn, an illegitimate relation of the czar of Russia, an actress, George Hazelton’s wife, and in fear of her life.
  
  Frances is quite understandably thrown, but she also can’t allow Irena to run around London making wild claims like that. Being engaged to an already married man would destroy Frances’ reputation. George insists he’s not married to Irena, and in fact another man comes forward to claim he is… but when Irena is found strangled in Frances’ back garden, Frances and George are both suspects with obvious motive and opportunity.
  
  I really liked this. It felt really authentic to the period (1899) and Frances is a fabulous heroine, strong and determined. I’m probably going to go looking for the rest of the series because I want more of her backstory and I definitely want more of her and George’s romance. I even want more of her utterly impossible mother. It’s always a disadvantage to step into a series part way through, but this was good enough to overcome that, with some real historical personages and happenings sprinkled in among the fictional ones making it a fascinating read. Five stars for a great Victorian cozy mystery full of charm, and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
  
  Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
  
• 
  Merry

  Enjoyable mystery with romance that has continued from previous books. I liked the book, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood as I didn't love it. The mystery was good but I didn't care much for the side story of how gossip harms people. I plan on reading the next book as I enjoy the characters. I rate it 3.5* and rounded up.
• 
  QNPoohBear

  A big thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Dianne Freeman for an e-ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and not affected by the giveaway.
  
  4.5 stars
  
  It may be November with a chill in the air but Fran has a spring in her step. Her engagement to George is about to be formally announced and her mother is heading off to Paris for a shopping spree, thank goodness. However, Mother is taking young Rose with her and Frances will miss her daughter. No sooner do the travelers set off than more people arrive. First, Alicia Stoke-Whitney, the previous Earl of Harleigh's mistress, arrives looking for a favor. Then, Inspector Delaney comes looking for George, along with a young woman who claims to be Mrs. George Hazleton! Franny is shaken and upset but realizes George would never deceive her like that. This woman is clearly a raving lunatic because she also claims to be related to the visiting Russian Grand Duke, the Prince of Wales, and an actress and theater owner! She also claims to have been followed and threatened. When George arrives, he affirms that the woman, Irena Teskey, is indeed an illegitimate Romanov and most certainly NOT his wife. When someone else turns up claiming to be Irena's estranged husband and asking for a divorce, Irena is irate. Fran is forced to allow Irena to stay with her until the matter is cleared up. When Fran next sees Irena, the other woman is dead in the garden outside Fran's house! Inspector Delaney suspects Fran and George of murder. They know they didn't do anything wrong but the nosy gossips of Society are already hard at work spreading the story far and wide. Irena's husband has done a bunk and isn't available for comment. Surely he was the one who killed her? Fran and George know Inspector Delaney can handle the case but he isn't moving fast enough for Society. To clear their names so they can finally be wed means doing a bit of pre-investigating on their own. Will they find out who the real killer was before their reputations are entirely ruined?
  
  I absolutely loved this novel! It's the perfect blend of mystery, romance and history. Let's face it though, I read this series for the swoony romance. The mystery is really good. I didn't figure out for sure whodunit until just before Franny did. I DID think it might be that person but I didn't figure out how that person could possibly have gotten away with it. I wasn't SURPRISED by the reveal, but it was still shocking. I thought there might be one last plot twist to prove I was wrong. The romance is very charming. The sleuthing duo are back to sleuthing together in London which I find absolutely wonderful. I missed their partnership in the previous book. There's also a lot of history woven into the story. The plot revolves around a branch of the Russian royal family but it also is about the double standards for men and women in the Victorian era. Men can get away with a bit of scandalous gossip and a reputation but women must shun the men they love in order to maintain their own reputation. It's horrible and that double standard still exists today 120+ years later! I think the author was smart to include that because it really is a big part of Victorian life but something many women can relate to.
  
  Frances is a wonderful character. She's come a very long way since she was a naïve 19-year-old married off to an English Earl. She's come far from the somewhat timid widow she was in the beginning of the first book. She's now strong, confident and determined not to let anyone stand in the way of her happiness again. Fran is also very kind. Maybe a little too much so. While now she can recognize Alicia Stoke-Whitney did her a favor, it seems like Fran was hurt by her husband's defection at the time. I'm not sure I would have been so polite to the scandalous other woman. I love how Fran doesn't care what people think and how determined she is to stand by George. She's smart enough to find a solution to her problem and solve the mystery! I love Fran and George's relationship. George is soooo swoony! Not only is he handsome, charming and slightly roguish, his character is exceptional. He truly respects and loves Fran. There's no question in his mind that they are equal partners in the relationship, in spite of what the law says. There was no doubt in my mind he was not guilty of deceiving Fran. He would have told her if he thought there was something she needed to know. He would have tried to find Irena and obtain a divorce. He's just a little bit too honorable at times, like when it comes to stopping gossip. I prefer Fran's approach.
  
  Alicia Stoke-Whitney is a modern woman. She's in charge of her sexuality and isn't ashamed of having multiple partners. However, in the Victorian era she is seen as scandalous. Even if the modern woman in me wants to applaud her for seizing happiness where she can get it, sleeping with other people's husbands isn't kind! I have a little bit of sympathy for her in this novel though. Her husband is awful. He's a dried up old stick obsessed with "morality" punishing her for something she didn't do. SHE isn't the one bragging and spreading gossip. How was she to know her lover would tell everyone? He sounds crude and rude not to realize how he was damaging other peoples' reputations, including Alicia's teenage daughter Harriet. Harriet is expected to be presented to the Queen the following Season and her mother's reputation will precede her and cause problems. We all know how stuffy Queen Victoria was! Also, Harriet needs a sponsor for the Season other than her aunt Constance, who is quite gauche. The poor girl shouldn't be punished for her mother's indiscretion. Her father could care less about her which is very sad. All Arthur Stoke-Whitney cares about is his career and how the moralists helped him win. He's more interested in catering to those nitwits than his family. I don't care for him very much at all and I do feel very sorry for Harriet. At least the girl's mother cares about her future.
  
  Irena Teskey, age 24, is a piece of work. She's annoying, rude, loud, demanding and selfish. Fran feels sorry for Irena, an illegitimate Russian royal, raised in France by foster parents, unwanted by her father, mother dead, constantly in danger of being abducted and perhaps drugged, she should be pitied. Her father, Grand Duke Alexi Alexandrovich sounds like a scoundrel and a bad father. He's very uncaring even for a man of his time. Irena's foster parents, Mr. and Madame Teskey don't sound like they were very parental or very caring either. I don't really pity her for all that. People have choices in life and her behavior is beyond the pale. First she makes a huge scene regarding George, then she refuses to believe the other man, she isn't content with owning a share of a theater but wants to be the lead actress as well. Fran thinks Irena just wants people to love her, having a lack of love in her life, but Irena's behavior isn't making anyone love her! She could have been more discreet. She's typical of the Romanovs-autocratic rulers who expected their subjects to love them even when they were very much unlovable! If she were gracious, lovely and polite, none of the events of the story would ever have happened. Her actions possibly led to her murder. The only person who remotely cares for Irena is Igor, her bodyguard, yet he's conspicuously missing when she's murdered! He's not an appealing character. Perhaps he's the one who murdered Irena for some reason.
  
  Inspector Delaney is in a tough spot. He's worked with Fran and George before, he knows they're not murderers but he has to look at the case with an impartial eye. He is NOT happy with their sleuthing this time and would dearly love to arrest them both to keep them out of the way! He can't do that, obviously. George has friends in high places which makes Inspector Delaney's job extra tough. He's good at his job and knows how to conduct an investigation but Fran and George have access to information he can't get and they can jump to conclusions and act whereas Inspector Delaney has to wait for evidence and arrest warrants, etc.
  
  Fran and George believe Percy Bradmore, heir to Baron de Brook is a cad at best and a murderer at worst. It certainly doesn't look good for him. He had motive and opportunity. I don't think he's a cad though. We don't really know the whole story of what happened with Irena but if he took advantage of her while she was under the influence and married her for her money then he's the worst sort of cad. She was barely 18 at the time which doesn't make him look good even if he just felt he had to because they had been alone together. Arriving and asking her for a divorce that way was a bit cruel though. I hope he's not a murderer because I do kind of like him.
  
  I absolutely loathe Mrs. Chiswick and her butler, Jackson. She's an old prude or claims to be anyway but the biggest gossip on the block. She's a stranger to Fran, just visiting the neighborhood and yet she shows up uninvited to Fran's house to attempt to moralize at Fran? Who is SHE to moralize when she's quick to spread gossip. Jackson, the butler, is insanely nosy and has to know everyone's little secrets and then share them with Mrs. Chiswick. Is she really a lady? If she was, she wouldn't stoop to gossiping with the butler and spreading that gossip. I bet she's on the fringes of Society and the gossip makes her feel important. I want her to be the murderer but I don't see how she could have done it. What about Jackson though? At her request? Why is no one looking at Jackson? I'm sure Mrs. Chiswick told her butler to get rid of the scandal in the neighborhood.
  
  At the Hanover Theater there are two chief suspects for murderer. Herbert Gilliam, part owner and Irena's business partner, has lots of reasons to want Irena dead. Even though he needs her money, he took out a generous insurance policy on her life. That sure makes him look guilty. He might be courting Aunt Hetty to get her money but also to lure her into a false sense of security to make Fran look the other way in her investigation. He seems nice enough to Fran but with Hetty he comes across as a big too over the top and eager, like a sleazy businessman. Like Fran, I'm torn. I don't want to see Aunt Hetty hurt but it sure does look like he's a suspect. The other major suspect is wannabe lead actress Sally Cooper. She wanted the leading part and took over when Irena was hiding out at Fran's house. Sally was jealous and hated that Irena took the best part while being a terrible actress. Irena was going to get the show shut down and the theater would close and then where would Sally be? What theater would hire an actress associated with a show that closed down the theater? I would feel bad for Sally and indeed I am sympathetic, but like Irena, she's not a nice person. You don't make fun of someone in front of strangers. There was no love lost between the two women and Sally lies to Fran. I think she is a strong candidate for murderer. I think a woman could strangle another in a jealous rage.
  
  I don't know how the author found the morganatic Romanovs but they're just as unpleasant as the legitimate branch of the family. I like Sophie, Countess of Merenberg. She's lovely even if she's probably dying from her corset being too tight. (Look her up). She comes through when it counts. I like how much she and her husband, Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovoich love each other. I'm impressed he stuck by her and accepted being stripped of his military ranking and demoted. They're happier that way. (Hmm sounds familiar). However, the Grand Duke is unfeeling and rude towards his cousin. Sure her methods leave a lot to be desired but he denies her totally and ignores the problem of her murder. He doesn't care who did it and is relieved she's out of the way.
  
  Aunt Hetty gets in on the investigation this time. She's a bit indiscreet but I like her subplot. I agree with Fran that Hetty deserves happiness and shouldn't care what others think. However, I want her to have a home of her own to be happy. She's never had a home of her own before. I'm torn. I hope her love interest isn't a murderer or a fortune hunter. Mrs. Thompson, the housekeeper, is a treasure. She puts up with Fran's unconventional, busy life and doesn't quit at the first sign of scandal. She can handle illegitimate Russians, actresses, theater owners, charming third sons and roguish heirs all with aplomb! Mr. Mosley, the newspaper editor, is a good friend to Fran. I was suspicious at first but he is a good person to know and have on your side. I hope he can get work at a real newspaper soon. Tabloid journalism doesn't seem like his thing. The 19th century paparazzi were just as bad as they are today but lacking in the technology to truly spy on someone. Fran's newest allies are Lord and Lady Vallecourt. I love their relationship! He seems so friendly and fun and he recognizes women are smarter than men LOL! I hope we see more of them in the next book because they didn't really have much to offer this time.
  
  I can't wait for this book to be published. I'd like to read it again in paperback - a lot more slowly this time!
• 
  Jeannine

  I almost bailed when a man spit inside the Countess’ house.
  
  Perhaps it was a mistake to read this after some of my favorite historical mysteries (the Lady Julia books by Deanna Raybourn and a Phryne Fisher book by Kerry Greenwood) because this book came off as a rom-com with the regency period used as wallpaper. It didn’t feel authentic.
  
  The last installment was good - lots of action and some nice character development. This one was kind of light on action until the very end. I wanted to like it, but it came up short.
• 
  Linniegayl

  I thoroughly enjoyed the latest entry in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series. The mystery itself was interesting, and I definitely didn't guess who the murderer was for a long time. Now I can hardly wait to see what they get up to next in the series .... and will there be a quick wedding?
  
• 
  Kate Baxter

  What a deliciously fun Victorian cozy mystery this fourth book in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series was. It opens as if reading a French farce with misstated identities divulged early on and it quickly spirals into a murder scene with unfortunate accusations and much scandal.
  
  Our plucky protagonist, widow Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are looking forward to their upcoming engagement party. All is well until a French woman, escorted by the local constabulary descends upon Frances' doorstep, demands to know where her husband George Hazelton is. George adamantly denies being married to this woman but as it turns out, he had been acquainted with her, quite some time ago. Eyes are watching, conjecture and gossip ensues and Frances' standing in polite society is in peril. George and Frances must prove the fallacy of this woman's assertion and reestablish their place among the ton. It will surely be difficult and becomes increasingly more so when the young woman is found dead in Frances' garden. Inspector Delaney cautions George and Frances to stay out of the investigation, (as if they even could). There's too much on the line for these two and they must clear their names if they wish to move forward with their nuptials and remain within polite society.
  
  Author Dianne Freeman does a spectacular job of spinning this 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: July 27, 2021
  Pages: 304
  Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
  ISBN: 9781496731609
• 
  Badseedgirl

  As if I could love the Countess of Harleigh anymore!
• 
  Fred

  A Fiancee’s Guide To First Wives And Murder is the fourth book in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman.
  
  Frances, Countess of Harleigh, has seen her mother and daughter off to Paris to find her a wedding dress. She wishes she could have gone, but Prince Albert is hosting a party for the visiting Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich, a member of the Romanov family, and his wife, Sofia. Frances and her fiancee George Hazelton have been invited to attend.
  
  As Frances sees off a visitor, she is surprised to see Detective Delaney coming up the walk with a young female. The young female, Irena Teskey, was brought into a local police station for throwing a stone at the Grand Duke, who she claims is her cousin. She also claims something else that needs to be shared with George. So Delaney has sought out Hazelton. When Hazelton arrives at Frances’ home, Teskey claims to be Mrs. Hazelton. George admits to knowing Teskey, but no way are they married. Teskey admits to having been kidnapped a couple of times and receiving letters threatening her life. Frances finally agrees to let Teskey stay at her home to see if she will share more about her marriage claim with George. While George and Frances are at the opera, Prince Albert wants George to see if the threats are real and resolved quietly.
  
  But, the following day, before they can learn any useful information from Irena, Frances finds Irena’s strangled body in the garden near the gate to George’s house.
  
  Frances and George need to find the killer quickly so that their standing in society won’t be tarnished. They soon find several suspects to investigate. There are Irena’s bodyguard, her partner in the ownership of a theater, a man who comes forward to admits he is married to Irena but wants a divorce so that he can marry someone else, amongst others.
  
  This series is so enjoyable. The author provides the reader with a well-written and plotted story. The story moved at a good pace and was hard to put down. One of the things I enjoy the most about the series is the excellent cast of characters. Frances and George seem to be well suited for each other. George is somewhat protective of Frances, but not overly so, and they usually quickly resolve their differences. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing as to who the killer was.
  
  I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
  
• 
  marita lazarus

  Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to review this book
  
  First, I always state in my reviews if the book being reviewed is part of a series that I follow or an author I like... To both of these the answer is yes.... My review may be a little biased.
  
  I loved this first. I love this series.... Its a fun read and I love seeing how the author, Dianne Freeman develops the characters as the series progresses.
  
  We are getting closer to France's (Countess of Harleigh) wedding to George Hazelton and nearer to the time of the engagement party, the last thing anyone needs, especially George and Frances is a young woman claiming to be George's wife, and to have said "wife" murdered in France's garden. So begins the intrigue. Who is the woman? Is she really married to George? Is she part of the Romanov family? An actress? A theatre owner? A spoiled child? Is she really receiving threatening letters? Who was her mother? and Who murdered her? As Frances and George work to avoid a scandal that can ostracize Frances and George from polite society, we go finding the answers - and solving the murder.
  
  This series never fails to entertain. It's such a nice and fairly quick read. It wasn't hard to figure out who the murderer was - but that does not spoil the book.
  
  I recommend reading this cozy - especially when you want something light. I hope you enjoy it.
• 
  Janet

  4.5 Stars
  For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavour of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances’s house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton, she also insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena’s life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances’ garden. To uncover a killer and clear their own names Frances and George must determine which of Irena’s outlandish stories were based in fact.
  This is the fourth book in this lovely series, very well written, the pace is very good, the characters are well portrayed & have lovely depth. I devoured this book in two sittings, there are twists & turns & surprises. I loved George & Frances & how they dealt with a difficult situation. A fun, entertaining read, which is my favourite of the series so far
  My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
• 
  Bridget

  A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth instalment in Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, but my first. I got to meet Frances, The Countess Harleigh for the first time, as well as George Hazleton, her fiancé.
  
  Frances's mum and daughter are departing on a shopping trip to Paris and Frances has just waved them off when Inspector Delaney arrives on her doorstep, accompanied by a young woman. She is Irena Teskey and claims to be Hazleton's first wife. Frances doesn't believe that Irena is telling the truth and must wait for George to sort things out. Unfortunately, Alicia Stoke-Whitney witnesses the exchange between the Inspector, Irena and Frances. George denies it but confirms that some of Irena's other claims such as her parentage are true. Later, Irena is found dead in Frances's garden.
  
  This was a perfectly paced and well-delivered murder mystery and I loved the author's characterisation. There were many suspects as Irena had crossed swords with several people and I was frequently led astray, resulting in me re-evaluating the clues and guessing again. A fun, engaging and compelling cozy tale.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
  
• 
  Melissa’s Bookshelf

  Another fun mystery in the Countess of Harleigh series by Dianne Freeman! The audiobook version is definitely worth listening to because the dry humor is expressed so well by the narrator. From the start, this is a rollercoaster ride with an unheard of French wife showing up on Frances’ doorstep claiming to be her fiancé’s wife. When she winds up dead, Frances and George are the likely suspects. Hoping to clear their names, Frances goes off on her own to investigate the mysterious woman’s past and her connections to Russian royalty and the theater.
  
  Frances and George are enjoyable characters that have kept me invested in this series. It’s going to be amazing if the two can manage to get married without a dead body showing up. Frances’ aunt is an enjoyable character as well and I liked her December/May romance in this story.
  
  There were a few spots in the middle where the story slowed down somewhat for me, hence the 4 stars instead of 5, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it definitely picked up as the mystery unfolded. With several suspects, witty humor, a compelling mystery, and the irresistible relationship between Frances and George, I definitely recommend this story and series. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
• 
  Milou

  Earlier this year I read the second and third book in this series, and absolutely fell in love with Frances. So of course I requested the fourth book from Netgalley.
  
  I have to say I was quite nervous to start it though. I hate when the ‘stop the wedding, he is already married’ trope is thrown in. Especially when I actually like the romance, which is rare. Thankfully George resolved the issue very switfly, so I could actually enjoy the presence of his ‘wife’. She was incredibly annoying, but supposed to be so making it quite entertaining.
  
  Frances was superb as always. There is something about her ‘voice’ that I thoroughly enjoy. She cares somewhat about what society thinks about her, but not enough to let it hinder her in what she wants to do. She is cunning, effective, forceful, clever and witty. I also really appreciated the adventure aunt Hetty was sent on. I’m so happy for her.
  
  I suggested that Aunt Hetty and I check Miss Teskey’s room.
  
  “But wouldn’t the police have locked the door?
  
  “Oh, good thinking. I’ll get the key from Mrs. Thomspon first.”
  
  “Don’t you suppose Delaney locked the door to keep us out?”
  
  “I’m certain of it, but if you want to investigate a crime, you can’t allow such trifling matters stop you.”
  
  The writing is very easy to get into, and I finished this book in a single day. It was just fun and lighthearted, whilst also incredibly intriguing with interesting plot lines and a fascinating mystery. I was genuinly quite surprised by the ending, but it worked really well.
  
  Overall, a great addition to a wonderful series. I loved it, and already cannot wait for the next book. It looks like we will be getting a wedding soon!
• 
  Maria

  This has quickly become one of my favorite series. Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, is smart, witty, and speaks her mind, which is so refreshing considering the backhanded compliments that are usually doled out in proper society. The story moves very quickly and the mystery had me guessing until the very end, laughing along the way. I can't wait for the next one.
  
  I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Lavins

  There is always a delightful feeling when you are reading a good regency mystery book.
  Not only that they are filling your heart with warmth and happiness, transporting you in a different time and space where people were behaving differently, but there is also a good mystery that usually keeps me guessing until the very end.
  
  I enjoyed this book a lot and I am looking forward to the next one in this series!
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  The Emperor Napoleon

  I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO BORED IN MY LIFE
• 
  Daniele

  4.5 stars
  I just adore this lighthearted Victorian era Mystery series. The characters are well developed and engaging, and the mystery here involving Russian Royalty is intriguing and well thought out. Highly recommended
• 
  Randee Green

  Frances Wynn is in the midst of planning her wedding to George Hazelton when a woman claiming to be George's wife shows up at her door. Irena also claims to be the daughter of a Russian noble and his English lover. She also claims that she is being stalked and that her life is in danger. Refusing to believe that George is married to this woman, Frances comes to the conclusion that Irena is either crazy or lying about her identity for attention. George is able to set the record straight—he is not married to Irena but she is the illegitimate daughter of a Romanov—but not before rumors spread through the English aristocracy and threaten to ruin France's and George's relationship. The gossip only get worse when Irena is founded murdered in France's garden. Frances and George must work together to prove that neither of them killed Irena and find the real killer before their reputations are ruined.
  
  I am a big fan of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, and A FIANCÉE'S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER is a great addition to the series. France's confidence and independence as a widow is late 1890s England has grown and matured from the first novel. Her relationship with her neighbor and occasional investigative partner, George Hazelton, has also developed nicely. The two are engaged and their wedding is eminent. Secondary characters from the other three novels also play a role in A FIANCÉE'S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER. Aunt Hetty is one of my favorite characters, and it is nice to see the development of her character as well as some of the other characters.
  
  Overall, I enjoyed A FIANCÉE'S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER. It was a fast-paced novel with a fascinating victim and several red herrings and misdirection. Irena had made a number of enemies as an actress and consummate liar, and her father also has a fair share of enemies who would go after his daughter in an attempt to hurt him. I strongly recommend the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series to anyone looking for a historical cozy series.
  
  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.