Kate and her husband George are inveigled into investigating a noble family's arrangements. George is employed by the British Museum to find the diary of the nobleman who had excavated Egyptian objects which he bequeathed to the British Museum and which is missing. Kate has agreed to prepare a young lady of the family for presentation to the queen. The dowager of the family is failing and her husband is dead; was it murder?
Can Kate and George unravel all the misbehaviou? Read and enjoy.

Another cozy read! I find this series to be a comforting treat, though the mysteries themselves are always different and not easily solved, the consistency of the characters, the humour and the historic elements just make me happy. They aren’t rip roaring, exciting reads, but still very enjoyable.
I found George to be very adorable in this one and we saw some slice of life of his and Frances’ marriage, which I liked. The mystery itself was all Frances though and I missed those elements of spying and solving with George that were more prevalent in the other books in the series. I did enjoy seeing Aunt Hetty shine in this one with her boy toy Gilliam, those two added a great comedic element and I’d actually love to read about them in their own spin off series.
So fans of cozy mysteries with wit and warmth should pick up this series, I recommend starting at the beginning, though all the mysteries are contained, the character arcs and romance develop over the course of the series.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Investigating murder with Frances and George is always a treat, I’m so honored to be able to review this arc!

Frances has been asked to sponsor Miss Stover, a niece of the dowager Viscountess Lady Winstead. It soon turns out that the job comes with perks - we’re investigating!! 🥳There is something wrong about that family; the Viscountess’s condition is becoming worrisome and her niece suspects that she is being drugged. In the meantime a priceless journal of the late Viscount goes missing and coincidentally George is tasked to find it so our lovebirds can join forces to solve this puzzle.

Either I’m very distracted lately (I know I am 😂 ) or this mystery was more mysterious than the previous ones. I had no idea what the answers were until the very end. (As if I knew in the previous books 🤣.) The clues were scarce and red herrings aplenty so good luck detectives!

I was also a little disappointed that George was mostly absent and Frances did ALL the job. I liked other characters though, Hetty and Gilliam are getting more and more interesting and the two snarky old ladies provided lots of entertainment.

I enjoyed this book but unfortunately not as much as the previous ones so three stars this time.

I strongly recommend reading this series in order even though the mystery itself is a separate storyline.

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, newlywed, has been asked by Lady Winstead to present her niece, Kate Stover, to the Queen. Since the Winstead household is in mourning, she can't do it and doesn't want her niece to forgo another season as her age increases. Frances agrees to the task especially since she will be able to aid her husband George in the recovery of a missing journal which the late Lord Winstead had willed to the British Museum. But the journal has gone missing.

The twists and turns related to negotiated Victorian society and its pitfalls only add to the entertainment of the mystery conveyed with these characters. Well-written, definitely a series to keep reading!

First, I love the cover. Lots of things going on that aren't immediately obvious to a quickglance, so enlarge it and give it a good look. Bet it'll make you smile.

As for the book, it was a delightful read. One with a slower build to climax than we're often accustomed to but, hey, it takes place in 1900. Things moved much slower then. As you'll see, you couldn't just pick up a phone and call someone. You had to find someone to deliver a message to them. Then wait for them to get it, read, and respond and do the same on their end. Police investigations of necessity then, moved much slower, too, even when the head detective was a friend.

To be honest, I enjoyed the slower pace, the sense that major events weren't going to slam into my brain every second. That gave me time to relax and even indulge in my history major self. For instance, Frances' husband George is a golf lover. Unsure how popular it was with the masses in 1900, I was curious enough to do a quick search of British golf history. Did you know golf was put on the Olympic calendar for the then upcoming games in Paris? Pretty cool. I also learned what a partner desk was, even taking note of the fact the White House's Wilson Desk, used by Gerald Ford, is an example of one. Okay, history lesson over.

The story begins with a focus on what has made the dowager Viscountess Winstead take ill so suddenly. She literally faints in front of Frances when she visits to sort out the details for the presentation of the Viscountess' niece Kate to Queen Victoria. As it turns out, George, who does "something" for the government, meaning the Home Office, has an interest in the family, too, given his latest case. Then, her nurse is murdered. Frances has George's support as she tries to gather clues, although the one they discover while viewing a play is a surprise. The Viscountess' family seems relatively uninterested in her true situation. Only the niece seems concerned but, well, is it all an act?

Where did the diary/record of Egyptian excavations and finds by the late husband of the Viscountess that George has been tasked with finding go? The British Museum received artifacts but not the written records. Found once, then, poof, gone again? Odd.

Will Kate be a social success? Who knew all the quirky rules and regulations necessary for being presented to the Queen? Do you know how to back away regally while wearing a nine foot train? Me, either. Attending a society ball isn't much less stressful although you do get to dance and socialize more. In other words, while puzzling out the mystery, you get to attend some swank royal and society events as viewed through 1900 eyes. Relax and enjoy your read. I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to time travel back in time to 1900 Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit while also learning something new, always a plus for me.

This sixth entry into the Countess of Harleigh series starts as the newly wed Frances, an American heiress, and her husband George investigate perhaps nefarious goings-on at the request of an old friend. We have red herrings, possible poisoning, a missing journal, ancient artifacts, and a murder to solve — what’s not to love? This is a fun, not too challenging cozy mystery that is perfect for readers who have read the earlier books in the series and accessible for those who may be new to it.

I received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

You are going to have to wait a while to read A Newlywed's Guide... It doesn't release until June 27. But if you haven't read this series, that will give you time to catch up.

The Countess of Harleigh series is delightful, and I love to see what's new with Frances, Countess of Harleigh and now Mrs. Hazelton, and her husband George. In this latest installment, Frances is asked by the fierce Lady Winstead to help with the court presentation of niece Kate. Seems simple enough, but it seems that someone might be trying to poison Lady Winstead. Additionally, George has been tasked by the British Museum to find a journal that belonged to the late Lord Winstead. Freeman has created a fun duo with well-developed personalities with Frances and George. There is witty dialogue, red herrings, plenty of potential culprits and descriptions of Victorian clothes and parties. I did miss some characters that have been in earlier books in the series. I also felt the book dragged a bit with Kate, who I didn't particularly like. Still a fun book and I look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

I like these stories and the creator behind the characters. Since these are a series, and I have read them all, I have obviously missed something somewhere, why is George Hazelton's sister addressed as Lady Fiona, yet George has no title? A lady who can use her first name is born to an Earl or higher, therefore, George would have a courtesy title, so what did I miss? I will find out, now to the story, they have asked Francis to sponsor a young lady during the Season in London, and an elderly friend has requested her help with a close friend whose health is deteriorating in a suspicious manner, and where is George amid these problems? Staying home taking care of Rose. I have many books in this trope, couples marry, he is an aristocrat or wealthy, or both, and works as a spy, or for the home office; I love those stories; I like Alpha Males, who are smart enough to marry strong women, yet, we now have George being made to look weak, and Francis look as the strongest of the two. I am only giving my opinion if you like weak me, and strong women then you will love this. if you prefer the couple to both be strong, then this one will disappoint. I am giving it a 3.5. Thank you #Netgalley #KensingtonBooks
carolintallahassee

With theater, new characters, and murder, it was another fantastic mystery with Frances and George. It took me a while to get into this one. I hoped to have more Hetty and Fiona, and there were parts with Kate that I really struggled with her personality. I LOVED the ending. and I can't wait for the next one.


Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Diane Freeman for this advance read.
#ANewlywedsGuidetoFortuneandMurder #NetGalley

Another adventure for Frances! George is on a mission for the British Museum and Frances finds herself unexpectedly on a case.

Viscountess Winstead has asked her to sponsor her niece, Kate, for a presentation to the Queen. Frances is perfect for this job, however, when she meets with the Viscountess, she has some reservations, as the woman slowly slides to the floor looking rather odd.

While Frances finds Kate charming, the girl isn’t quite what she seems. And Frances thinks the Viscountess is being drugged. But by whom? There are certainly enough sketchy people around her and the more they dig into the family, the more sketchy they sound.

With the help of George, she will find out who is doing what and put an end to it.

This is such a good cozy series. The characters are so well done.

NetGalley/ June 27, 2023, Kensington Books

When newlywed Frances Hazelton agrees to assist the dowager Viscountess Winstead and prepare the elderly woman's niece for her debut in society, she has no clue that the simple task will lead her into a murder investigation and put her in the direct path of a killer. It also gives Frances a chance to help her husband find a missing journal describing the late viscount's extensive travels that was left to the British Museum following his death. Finding Viscountess Winstead in frail health and addicted to laudanum, Frances begins to suspect that not all is as it seems in the household. Following the murder of Viscountess Winstead's nurse, Frances moves into the house so that she can better protect the viscountess while also look into the viscountess's unconventional niece, her heartless stepchildren, and the servants. The deeper Frances digs into the Winstead family affairs, the more convinced she becomes that someone murdered the former viscount and is now trying to use laudanum to do away with the viscountess.



A NEWLYWED'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE AND MURDER is a great addition to the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. There are plenty of suspects with plausible motives for wanting Viscountess Winstead out of the way. The novel is full of clues, red herrings, and other crimes that keep the reader guessing the identity of the person with the heavy-hand when it comes to dealing out doses of laudanum.

Delightfully quirky A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder takes us back to the turn of the 19th century when women were beginning to stand up and be counted in many ways. Not just as suffragettes, but women who had a bit more to their character than was given credit.
Our heroine France Hazelton, the former Countess of Harleigh, is newlywed and making plans for her forthcoming honeymoon, somewhat delayed for sure, but a honeymoon none the less.
That is until she gets a request from the formidable Dowager Viscountess Wingate, who wants her niece Kate presented to the Court. As Frances occasionally takes on some of the society events to make a little of her own money, she reluctantly agrees, thinking it will be a simple matter and will only delay her plans by a week or so.
When she goes to take tea and meet Kate, the Dowager collapses and appears to be in a very frail state, which makes Frances, who well remembers the feisty old lady as a very strong and forthright woman only weeks before, wonder what is happening in her former home. The rest of family are behaving as they always have, if not slightly more obnoxiously.
As the days go by it seems Kate is not all appears to be, which simply adds to the worry and frustration Frances is beginning to feel, as nothing is right, nothing is going to plan and nothing is making any sense.
Her beloved George is on a case for the Government which involves the late Viscount, an Egyptologist, and a missing manuscript. Frances and George really begin to wonder just why this Diary is so important that someone, possibly within the family, will sink to murder to hide the whatever is in the book, and why is the Dowager being overdosed with what appears to be Laudanum. When the Dowagers Nurse is found murdered the stakes rise to dangerous levels as it would appear that whatever is going on, someone will stop at nothing to achieve their end.
Cleverly constructed, this latest adventure in the Countess of Harleigh series from Dianne Freeman makes a great cosy murder for an afternoon on the couch, with a plot which is one that will take some time to figure out as to just who has set out to or who may have already, committed murder most foul.

In Dianne Freeman’s upcoming foray into London Society, Frances Hazelton, aka the Countess of Harleigh, is settling into married life with her new husband George. Both soon find themselves working on sensitive issues that lead back to the same family. But how and WHY are a missing journal and an old woman’s mysterious illness connected? Frances and George race to find out before it’s too late.

In “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder” the reader gets another delightful peek into the lives of Frances and George. There is much to like about this cozy series. Frances is still full of spunk, her conversations with George have a good give and take, and the supporting characters add even more wit and pizazz. In addition to a mystery involving Egyptian antiquities, and possible poisonings, Frances and George negotiate their new life together, including what to do about the sizable sum settled upon them by Frances’ father after their wedding.

This book is great for those who love cozy historical mysteries and cozy historical mystery series. There is enough background information that it could be enjoyable even if the reader hasn’t gone through the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced reader’s copy of “A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Lady Harleigh is at it again.

The latest book in the Countess Harleigh series is sure to delight. fans of historical mysteries. Characters are relatable and the story line easy to follow.

What starts out as a normal request, to help the niece of the dowager Viscountess Winstead enter society turns into a hunt for a killer and poisoner. Someone is drugging Lady Winstead, but who and why? Not one of her stepchildren stands to inherit from her, her niece alone has a financial motive, but would she? Did someone murder the Viscount?

Lady Harleigh, along with Lady Esther (a friend of Lady Winstead) pays a call to the house to meet Kate and start planning for her entrance into society. When they arrive, they find Lady Winstead frail and collapsing on the floor. Lady Harleigh doesn't know what to make of the situation. When she arrives home, she tells her husband George about the strange event, and he proceeds to inform her of his current investigation having to do with the same household.

Lady Harleigh, with help from Aunt Hetty and Lady Esther all work to unmask the culprit and put an end to the poisoning.

Another great story in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read and advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another delightful addition to this cozy mystery series. Now that they are married, George and Frances are married, the way that she has investigated has to adjust. George’s job might cross her plans.
I liked this story but it drug a bit more than the other installments

Another great read. After reading so many cozy mysteries that leave me giving up halfway through the book, it is such a pleasure to read a book that grabs you from the first page and has you guessing till the last page. I love the mystery. This series is very well written without a lot of fillers. This book also proves you can have a good book without pages of sex since this book is about a newly married couple. A wonderful read and hope there are going to be many more. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

This is the sixth installment of one of my all time favorite series, and it did not disappoint! I absolutely love Frances and George and their escapades! I am so honored to be able to read this book before publication. Dianne Freeman never disappoints! Bring on book seven!!! 💜💜💜💜

I love this series by Diane Freeman, her characters are unique and well-deveoped. It is always fun to catch up with Frances and George. The author is a master at red herrings. This sixth in the series is as really enjoyable. I look forward to more adventures with Frances and George.

Frances and her new husband George find themselves caught up with the Viscountess Wingate and her family. The Viscountess has recently been widowed and is dealing with her husband's adult children. Frances is trying to figure out why the Viscountess is becoming so frail. Frances is able to see the Viscountess because she is helping to prepare the Viscountess niece, Kate, to be presented to Queen Victoria.
George is busy with a special mission for the British Museum and it involves the Viscountess family.
George and Frances join forces and wonder if the late viscount was murdered. Is someone trying to murder the Vicountess and why?
Frances has to use all of her wits to find a why to watch the family without them suspecting what she is doing? The story is full of intrigue and twists.
The ending will surprise you and the story will keep you guessing. This is a wonderful story.

Dianne Freeman’s mysteries in the Countess of Harleigh series are always fun while also instructive in the behavior and expectations of society in Victorian England. She was wise in introducing Frances Hazelton, Countess of Harleigh, as the protagonist, an American who did not grow up as part of British society. Frances’ observations of male and female roles are not stuck in the past. When she talks about those expectations with her new husband, George Hazelton, in A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder, she offers a fresh perspective.

Frances and George had to postpone their honeymoon due to a murder and George’s injury. Although she’s ready to go, George now has an assignment from the Home Office to locate Lord Winstead’s journal that was to accompany his donation of artifacts from his many adventures, a donation to the British Museum. But, the current Viscount Winstead claims the journal is missing.

This time, George’s interests intersect perfectly with Frances’. Lady Esther, an elderly curmudgeon, called on Frances for help. She’s concerned about her friend Lady Winstead, whose health has deteriorated now that her stepchildren, the Ashleys, have all moved in following Lord Winstead’s death six months earlier. Frances had already told Lady Winstead she would assist her niece, Katherine Stover, who is to be presented to the queen. When Frances visits Lady Winstead and Katherine, she sees why Lady Esther is worried for her friend. It almost seems as if someone is poisoning Lady Winstead.

Frances proves to be persistent in her attempts to visit Lady Winstead, but when her primary suspect is murdered, she realizes she doesn’t have much time if she’s to save the wealthy widow. She and her aunt hatch an audacious scheme to find a killer.

Freeman is adept at misdirection. While I disliked and distrusted everyone in the Ashley family, Freeman hid the true culprit in plain sight. A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder is not my favorite in the series. There are just too many dislikable characters in the cast. But, it’s always fun to catch up with Frances and George, along with Frances’ daughter, Rose. And, as I said, Freeman is a master at red herrings.