Review by Booklist Review
On the eve of her marriage to George Hazelton, Frances Wynn, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, learns that her meddling American mother has invited Peter Bainbridge to the wedding. This means trouble because Bainbridge is feuding with James Connor, whom Frances has invited at the request of her brother, Alonzo, who would like to court James' daughter. Both Bainbridge and Connor made their fortunes in the U.S and have returned to England, where they are fighting over control of a company. The wedding and reception go smoothly (fortunately, Connor did not attend), and the newlyweds are preparing to leave on their honeymoon when Inspector Delaney arrives to arrest Alonzo for the murder of Connor, who has been found dead in his home office. Honeymoon plans deferred, George and Frances attempt to prove Alonzo's innocence, plunging into the drawing rooms of late-Victorian London to gather clues and sort through false leads, all the while peeling back the social veneer. This 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.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in February 1900, Agatha winner Freeman's zesty fifth Countess of Harleigh mystery (after 2021's A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder) opens the night before widowed countess Frances Wynn weds her detecting partner, George Hazelton. Commenting that "family, like a rich dessert, is a treat best enjoyed in small portions," Frances finds her colorful relations a strain in the days before the nuptials. Her brother Alonzo, who's smitten with wealthy debutante Madeline Connor, persuades her to invite Madeline and her parents James and Willa to the intimate celebration. Unbeknownst to Frances, her mother has also invited millionaire Peter Bainbridge, James Connor's arch enemy. Frances is grateful that James sends his regrets, and the wedding goes off without a hitch. Then James turns up beaten and stabbed, with Alonzo standing over him, knife in hand. When Alonzo is arrested, Frances and George postpone their honeymoon to find the real killer. Even as they uncover shady business dealings, clandestine loves, and family secrets, the newlyweds seek quiet moments together. Clever plotting matches appealing characterizations. Freeman continues to delight. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Frances, Countess of Harleigh, has suffered through four months of wedding preparations with her mother; she and fiancé George Hazelton don't need one more interruption to their wedding plans, certainly not by feuding American businessmen Peter Bainbridge and James Connor, who've both been invited to the festivities--the latter by Frances's brother Alonzo, who wants to court James's daughter Madeline Connor. George and Frances make it through the wedding ceremony, but the reception is interrupted by news that James Connor is dead and Alonzo has been arrested for the murder. This means Frances and George have to postpone their honeymoon so George can act as Alonzo's attorney. Multiple suspects, duplicitous actions, and another murder lead Frances and George on a confusing hunt to find the killer. VERDICT While readers may beat the sleuths to the punch, the fifth in Freeman's "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series (following A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder) is a delightful cozy that educates readers about the role of women in Victorian England and entertains at the same time.--Lesa Holstine
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A honeymoon in 1900 London is sidetracked by murder. Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, plans to marry lawyer George Hazelton now that they've cleared his name in a strange case in A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder (2021). Unfortunately, her house is full of relatives, including her mother, who's driving her to distraction. The couple are supposed to leave for France for their honeymoon until a long-running feud between two American millionaires ruins their plans. Unfortunately, Frances' brother, Alonzo, is quite taken with Madeline Connor, a daughter of one of the ruthless businessmen. Even more unfortunately, both families are invited to the wedding. Madeline is courted by Viscount Daniel Fitzwalter, heir of the Marquis of Sudley, and her father favors his suit. At a reception after the wedding, tensions flare, and when Connor is found dead in his study in the house next door to the reception, Alonzo is arrested by Frances' old friend Inspector Delaney. Since George represents Alonzo, the pair realizes that their honeymoon must be put on hold until they can vindicate Alonzo by solving the case. Connor has a raft of enemies, a put-upon wife and a furiously unhappy daughter. And of course the other wedding guests have to be counted as suspects. On top of the murder, Frances' mother suspects her husband of having an affair. When the Marquis of Sudley is also murdered, the dashing duo find themselves in double trouble. The Victorian backdrop perfectly sets off this amusing and challenging romantic mystery. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
