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A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mysteries Series, Book 5

#5 in series

Audiobook
4 of 5 copies available
4 of 5 copies available
"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 independent female lead, and rich
historical detail. In this charming historical mystery, 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 nuptials may end up
being newspaper-worthy for all the wrong reasons.
On the day itself, Frances is relieved that Madeline's father is not among the
guests at the church. The reason, however, is 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.
Frances and George put their wedding trip on hold to try and clear Alonzo's name.
But there are secrets to sift through, not just in the feuding families, but also in
their own. With a killer determined to evade discovery—even if it means taking
another life—Frances's newlywed days will be perilous indeed ...
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      May 9, 2022
      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.

    • Library Journal

      October 1, 2022

      Set in 1900s London, Freeman's fifth installment in the "Countess of Harleigh" series (following A Fianc�e's Guide to First Wives and Murder) takes listeners on an entertaining romp through the parlors and dressing rooms of Victorian society. Frances Wynn, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, is poised to marry lawyer George Hazelton. Despite a troubling feud between two of the guests and a potentially explosive love triangle involving Frances's brother, the wedding goes off without a hitch. Just as the newlyweds are preparing to set off on their honeymoon, disaster strikes. Frances's brother is accused of murder, and George and Frances must prove his innocence. Narrator Sarah Zimmerman's pitch-perfect narration adorns this production, keeping the momentum going with well-timed pacing. Zimmerman's depiction of Frances is well-rounded, capturing her exasperation with her meddling family, her tender feelings for her new husband, and her frank enjoyment of the investigation. Other characters, including stalwart George and Frances's twittering mother, are equally well executed. VERDICT This charmingly narrated audio will appeal to followers of the series and fans of Victorian cozies and light romantic mysteries. Previous knowledge of the series is helpful but not necessary.--Sarah Hashimoto

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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