Just as Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, sees her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris and is settling in for a little bit of quiet time, trouble comes knocking on her door. Literally. Frances is shocked when Inspector Delaney brings a woman who was arrested for throwing rocks at visiting Russian royalty to her home. But Frances is even more shocked when the woman introduces herself as Mrs. George Hazleton.

And, considering Frances is preparing to become Mrs. George Hazleton, you can see how this is an awkward situation.

While George does, in fact, know Irena Tesky--a wealthy illegitimate Romanov daughter who was raised in France--he insists that he never wedded the actress, and hadn't seen her in years. But Irena insists that they are married, but even as she does so, she spins stories that grow more and more increasingly wild and unbelievable. There is another thing that she is insistent on: her life is at risk. She has the threatening letters to prove it! Somewhere...

Already tasked by the Crown Prince with finding out if there is a threat against Irena's life, Frances and George's investigation is barely off the ground before they find Irena in Frances' back garden, strangled. Is the killer also the letter-writer? A jealous fellow actress? Irena's frustrated business partner? Her real husband--who most definitely is not Hazleton? Did the Romanovs simply decide to dispose of her, fed up with her increasingly embarrassing antics? Nevertheless, with blame and scandal being thrown at Frances and George, they must quickly find out who the killer is so that they can finally begin their 'happily ever after'.

The fourth Countess of Harleigh mystery is delightfully entertaining, full of romance, intrigue, confusion, scandal, and drama. So much drama. (What else can happen when there's actors and royalty involved?) I love how well Frances and George work together, and how they make excellent partners--both romantically and in solving crimes. I also love how the characters continue to grow, with Aunt Hetty getting some time to shine this time. Aunt Hetty deserves the crown jewels and more.

I'm already highly anticipating the next title to come from Freeman's pen!

This is such a fun series!! Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, once again finds herself in a messy situation. In the first few pages you find a woman claiming to be Hazelton's wife on her doorstep. And of course, a murder follows. I love this whole series and cannot wait for the next book where I hope Frances and George get married!!!

Dianne Freeman has created a perfect fourth instalment to her Countess of Harleigh series. With Frances, The Countess of Harleigh and George Hazelton's engagement public, this story is used to show the strength and trust in that love and relationship.

From the start of the series, Frances' patience, intelligence, and strength have made her a wonderful character. She is such strong woman, but equally very relatable. I love the support and trust that George gives her.

The mystery in this fourth volume is strong and keeps you on your toes. The suspects, motives and twists and turns delight throughout the entire tale.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I can't wait for the fifth story!

This was a fun, cozy mystery - just what I needed! I had not read any previous books but I don't think that made it any less enjoyable.

Lady Harleigh is not quite sure what to make of it when a woman shows up saying she's married to Lady Harleigh's fiance. The tale turns as we discover more about this mystery lady who, unfortunately, gets murdered soon after she shows up!

Why is this woman in England? Who is she really? Why would someone want her dead?

All these questions are investigated under the backdrop of Lady Harleigh navigating high society and trying to maintain her all-important reputation. Such fun, indeed.

This book was not romantically graphic nor did it have profanity, as in keeping with the setting of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

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.

A fun romp with a touch of romance, period detail, enticing characters, and murder. Though part of a series you don’t need to have read the others to understand what is going on but you do miss the development of the characters and the romance between George and Frances. If you like Downton Abbey but a slightly earlier period, engaging characters and murder this book is for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Nice continuation to this cozy mystery series.
A fairly interesting mystery, likable characters and easy-to-read storytelling made for an enjoyable read.

I would recommend the series as a whole for fans of the genre, however I would suggest starting at the beginning rather than jumping in here at the forth book.

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the fourth entry in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. I have enjoyed reading the previous three and was again entertained by the cast characters in this one. By now in the series, Frances is engaged to her next door neighbor George Hazleton, but nothing is ever easy for them. The mystery involves mysterious Russians and husbands, though I found it easy to figure out where it was going after about halfway through. I also found this entry lacking some of the humor I had enjoyed in the previous books. I still greatly enjoyed the characters though especially Frances's Aunt Hetty. I do look forward to seeing her mother, sister, and daughter in the next installment!

Frances, Countess of Harleigh, and her intrepid fiancé, George Hazelton, seek to solve the mystery of a woman who was murdered in the Countess's garden - a woman who claimed to be George's wife!

This book was absolutely delightful. I expected no less after the pleasure of reading the first three books in the series. Frances is charming, George wonderfully smitten, and between the two of them, they cleverly solve the mystery without even rousing (much of) Inspector Delaney's ire.

Freeman's writing is witty and clever and I fully expect that both mystery lovers and Regency lovers will thoroughly enjoy this book.

I am a huge fan of this series and the latest installment did not disappoint. It's a book that is hard to put down and has a good mystery with a touch of humor and romance.

Soon after Frances's mother and daughter Rose have left for Paris, Frances spies Inspector Delaney (who she and her fiancée George have come to know) outside. He is accompanied by a young woman who claims to be Mrs. George Hazelton. Frances doesn't believe her as the statements made by Irena get more and more outlandish. George finally arrives to clear up the misunderstanding and give some credence to Irena's outlandish claims as she discovers she is the natural daughter of the Russian Grand Duke. He had been involved in a rescue of her some years earlier but he definitely did not marry her. Irena then lets it be known that she has been receiving threatening letters but is rather blasé about it. And she continues to insist that she and George are married.

Unfortunately, Irena is murdered and Frances and George join forces to discover the murderer especially as gossip about George and Irina's "marriage" have begun to hound them. And as they investigate Irina's current dealings and her past, they uncover the murderer. The unveiling is especially thrilling.

I received an ARC from the publisher, however that did not influence my review.

A fun cozy mystery, #4 in the Countess of Harleigh series. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous three titles in the series, nonetheless an enjoyable read.

This was another wonderful addition to Lady Hadleigh's story. The plot always moves at a quick pace. The story keeps you guessing while still giving you clues to the villain throughout. The characters keep growing and never become predictable.

In this latest edition of these "guide" books, Frances and George are investigating another murder, and this time scandal and intrigue are hitting close to home. Needless to say, they are very motivated to unmask the killer quickly. There are plenty of suspects and motives to sift through before they finally reach the correct solution. The story did keep me guessing until almost the very end, and I enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.

This is an above average mystery with interesting characters and a well-developed plot. I highly recommend it for fans of historical mysteries looking for a nice diversion.

If you have not read the other books in this entertaining series, I recommend starting at the beginning. They will make more sense if read them in order, and they are all enjoyable.

This is a wonderful book set in Regency England. Frances, the Countess of Harleigh is an American that married an English count. After her husband dies she retreats to widow life and that is where the fun begins. I really liked this book. It is the fourth book of a series but it can be read as a stand alone.

My word, this is an enchanting and fun book! The fourth in the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries series, it is jam packed with mysteries, wit, lively characters and tastefully poking fun at aristocracy. Floors Castle is featured as well which brings back such lovely memories of visiting this spectacular place. The story is set in Victorian England and though a few events and characters inspired this book, it is otherwise fiction.

Meet or return to spunky Frances, Countess of Harleigh. She was born in America but lives in England with her young daughter, Rose. Her mother and Rose go on a trip to Paris, choosing fabrics while blissfully unaware of what is happening at home. George Hazleton is engaged to Frances and their relationship is marvelously fun with spades of banter and mutual respect. Russian royalty are visiting England and factor into the story. A Mrs. Hazleton appears making ludicrous statements which have potential to spell doom and scandal to the aristocracy. When a murder takes place, with so much at stake, Frances and George begin investigations of their own with the help of their friends and the police force. Their methods just happen to be much more fun than those of the police! Names must be cleared and the true murderer must be brought to justice. And it could not have happened more interestingly.

Historical Fiction fans, this is your wheelhouse! From the delightful cover to the denouement, there is so much to enjoy. It seems there are so many bonuses here. Not only are the twists thrilling but the characters are splendid. Plus the historical details are fascinating and made me feel as though I were right there, as enmeshed as they were. Well, I was, as the reader.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the early e-ARC of this superbly charming book! Irresistible.

I absolutely loved A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder! This is such a great series and this book was a great read. Having someone claim to be married to your fiancée is not a great way to start your day and then to wind up with the accuser as a houseguest is too much. When she winds up murdered, Frances and George have to figure out who wanted her dead to save their engagement. Did I mention the Russian royal family is involved? They always make the story more interesting! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #AFianceesGuidetoFirstWivesandMurder.

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!

I’ve followed Dianne Freeman’s Lady’s Guide mysteries since the first book in the series, A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. This novel moves into the next phase of Frances Wynn’s story as she becomes George Hazelton’s fiancée, thus the change in title to A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder.

Frances Wynn, the Countess of Harleigh, is an American heiress living in Victorian England, after the death of her philandering husband. In conjunction with George, she has solved three prior mysteries. Frances is spunky, intelligent, fiercely independent. She is joined by her daughter Rose, her mother, and her aunt Hetty.

A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder is a witty mystery. Freeman wonderfully recreates London of the late 1800s, not merely time and place, but the lifestyles and societal norms of the Victorian Era. She juggles multiple plot lines as well. The big question to be solved here is George already married? And who kills his purportedly first wife?

This is another fun mystery in the Countess of Harleigh series. This time, Frances is confronted with a young Russian woman who say's she is her fiancee, George's wife. She makes several other claims too but is so self involved and flighty, Frances find it impossible to believe anything she says. Unfortunately, word gets around about the young woman's claims and George and Frances find themselves on the wrong side of a scandal. Things get worse when the young woman is found murdered and George becomes the prime suspect. The sleuthing couple must solve the crime quickly before their reputations are totally destroyed and George gets arrested. The historical references are enjoyable for all who like period mysteries. The Russian royal family is involved and it's only a few years away from the revolution. Frances and George are a likeable couple and the process of solving the murder is is entertaining.

Another fun entry in the series! As Frances edges closer to marriage with George, of course another murder gets in the way. But they won't let it stand in the way of their happiness; they'll solve the mystery themselves!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.