This was my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The truth is that the title, subject, and setting intrigued me. I love art and reading books about art. Throw in a mystery, a murder, witty dialogue, plus a fantastic and dynamic crime solving duo? I’m hooked! Set in France during the time of the Paris Exposition, this book fit everything I was looking for in a cozy mystery.

Loved the two MC’s Frances and George. This book was a great intro for me into the world of the Countess of Harleigh series. Even though this is not the first book, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I must now get my hands on all the previous installments. Just the perfect read for a rainy afternoon. Think Georgette Heyer meets Sherlock meets Agatha Christie!

Was the artist murdered? What were Julia’s secrets? The Paris art world and Paris World’s Fair become the setting for Frances and George’s latest case. Dianne Freeman does a bang up job at setting the historical scene, writing a good twisting mystery and providing a pair of delightful amateur sleuths.

An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder is the seventh in the Countess of Harleigh series of connected, but standalone historical cozy mysteries.

Set during the late Victorian period in July 1900, the pair are hoping to catch a break and get that honeymoon they missed due to the last murder dropping in their laps.

But alas, George and Frances are not surprised when George’s Aunt Julia contacts him to investigate artist Paul Ducasse’s death which she believed was murder. Then, when they get there, she has changed her mind. Not long after, her own death is staged to look like an accident when a bridge collapses. George and Frances find the timing too pat and realize soon enough that they must dig into the past for answers to these deaths.

I’ve only read one of the earlier books, but I was anticipating their sparkling dialogue and fun partnership which creates a light, entertaining tone, but also the amazing detail of the Victorian time period in backdrop, manners, social activities, historical events like the World’s Fair, period art styles and the dialogue, I mentioned earlier. All of that comes together with a murder mystery to form a deliciously layered story.

This was a twisting one and I had no idea who was behind it all. There were people in both Paul and Julia’s pasts right there in Paris who had motive. Oh, and a not so fun blast from Frances’ past when it comes to one of her late husband’s infidelities is one of the cast. More than one secret had to be teased into the light and the danger isn’t over with Julia’s death and, yes, though this is Paris and a new police detective, Inspector Cadieux isn’t any more desirous of amateurs like Frances mucking about in his case than the London police. I suspect a few of the characters will make their regular appearance in the series now.

And, so, another delightful delve into the Countess of Harleigh series. I said when I read book five that I needed to go back and get it from the beginning. This time I mean to do it. Whether hardcore historical mystery fans or those who like the lighter side with cozies, this one sits somewhere in the middle and I can highly recommend the book and series.

This is the eighth book in the Countess of Harleigh historical (Edwardian) mystery series. While this is a perfect standalone, I do highly recommend the whole series just based on reading this one. I’m certainly going back to the first one.
George and Frances run a successful private inquiry business from their home in Belgravia. They decide to go to Paris in order to visit the World Exposition. But they also have other business there at the request of one of George’s Aunt Julia, who is an independent woman, a painter, and a perfumer. She asks George to come and investigate a possible murder.
I don’t want to give anything away but suffice to say the situation is complicated by an heiress or two, an artist’s messy love life, and negotiating the streets and people of Paris while trying to solve a murder.
Gorgeous, excellent prose, an immersive story and setting. A rock-solid mystery that is hard to put down with a satisfying ending. Highly recommended for lovers of historical mysteries.

It is highly unusual for me to dislike a Dianne Freeman novel. I have been reading this series from the outset. However, this one didn’t work for me at all. The writing remains good as always but the plot and character development felt off. A close family member is killed so the story is tainted with grief (not very cosy) but the characters don’t respond to the losses in the way one would expect. The mystery trips itself up at the outset with an absence of trust getting them into more of a predicament than they started in. The resolution is predictable and unsatisfactory and the outlook for the next step in the characters’ journies implausible.

For the love of the series and the writing itself, it's a three out of five on the enjoyment scale but I will be cautious in picking up the next book.

I've been a fan of this series from the beginning. The author has a lovely writing style and the lead characters' relationship has evolved in a meaningful way., but this storyline just didn't work for me.

I don't want to give away too much of the story but I was surprised at the "I should have.." and some of the emotions and responses just felt shallow. Inappropriate. It will be interesting to see just where the next one goes.

I still highly recommend this cosy, murder mystery series, even though this one missed the mark for me

Its three out of five for me

With thanks to #NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion

Are you an artist? Do you enjoy creating or viewing art? I am not very good at art myself, but I enjoy looking at the work of others.

Frances and George Hazelton have journeyed to France in 1900 to visit the Paris Exposition and to help George’s Aunt Julia investigate a death she suspects was the murder of a famous artist, Paul Ducasse. Paul was also Aunt Julia’s former lover and father of her child. Another tragedy strikes and Frances and George are suddenly trying to solve two murder cases during the flurry of the Paris Exposition. Will they discover the murderer?

My thoughts on this book:

• This was a great cozy mystery. Reading this book was a great way to relax during a very busy time.

• I loved Frances and George as a couple and as a crime solving duo. They worked great together and had wonderful chemistry.

• I enjoyed the turn of the century, Paris Exposition setting. The changing times and business of the exposition added an extra layer to the tale. I felt emersed in this setting.

• This is the seventh book in the “A Countess of Harleigh Mystery” series. This was the first book I’ve read in the series, and it worked for me as a standalone. I really enjoyed the characters and the mystery. I will be going back to the start of this series.

• The mystery was very engaging. It kept me guessing to the end but left enough breadcrumbs for the ending to be very believable.

Overall, An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder was a very engaging cozy historical mystery. I really enjoyed it as a standalone and I’m ready to go back and start this series from the beginning!

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder is the 7th book in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman. You know which book of this historical mystery series I started with? If you've read any of my previous reviews, you'll know the answer to that question...this book! Luckily this installment stood alone perfectly, so I wasn't confused at all. I am extremely thankful that I previously bought the prior books and/or audiobooks, so now I have more awesome stories to catch up on!

Frances Hazelton (American-born, previously the Countess of Harleigh) and her new husband George Hazelton have traveled to France for two reasons. The first is an impromptu visit to the 1900 Paris Exposition. The other is more personal - George's Aunt Julia wants him to investigate the suspicious death of French artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia isn't sharing her reasons, the Hazeltons believe she is mourning a man she loved. While visiting the Exposition, a horrible tragedy occurs. When a heavily trafficked footbridge collapses, Julia is one of those killed. But it turns out she didn't die as a result of the accident; rather, she was stabbed to death! Frances and George realize to solve the case they must delve into both Julia's and Paul's lives to see if the murders are related. There are more than enough suspects, including Paul's wife Gabrielle and Paul's manager and art dealer, Lucien. Julia's friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak and art jurist Monsieur Beaufoy are also possible suspects. The investigation takes a whole new turn when George discovers he has inherited control of his Aunt's estate...and another of her secrets. George investigates while Frances guards their new secret. Will their own lives be in danger by a killer determined to bury their secrets?

This was one heck of a good mystery! Red herrings were flopping around all over the place! Just when you think you've solved one piece of the puzzle, you'll find out there's another piece missing. When Frances and George arrive at Aunt Julia's, she's reluctant to discuss Paul's death, but why? She asked them to come and investigate! They determine that she must have become scared; was she possibly threatened? And then she's murdered, and Frances and George figure they are probably onto something. When that something is revealed, however, you will no doubt be shocked, as I was! And there is where I won't discuss the story any further; I refuse to reveal any spoilers that will ruin the tale for anyone, as I hate when that happens to me! I will instead discuss our leads, Frances and George. I absolutely adored them both, and they were what I enjoyed most about the book. I really don't know much about their shared history, as I haven't read the previous books yet. I did gather that they started out as neighbors, and Frances was previously married to an awful (and now deceased) man. She and George have married very recently, and it's obvious they are very much in love. They often tease each other, always in a playful - and never mean - manner. They're both sweet and funny. George isn't threatened by a wife who is becoming a very good investigator. When he calls Frances "my love", I simply melt! I admire Frances for not being a shrinking violet; it's apparent she didn't have a sheltered early life. Aunt Julia was a interesting character; unfortunately we didn't really learn that until she was dead! The murder suspects were entertaining, and they kept me guessing. My favorite supporting character, however, was George's sister Fiona. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. I'm really looking forward to the Hazeltons' next adventure...and reading about their six previous ones!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. The 7th entry in the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries finds Frances & George traveling to Paris at the mysterious request of George's Aunt Julia. They find themselves embroiled in the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Julia's former lover, the artist Paul Ducasse, but Julia is suddenly reticent to discuss her suspicions. During an outing to Paris Expedition, a bride collapses, and Julia is among the casualties. Her death, however, was not an accident, and our intrepid couple launch an investigation, with some assistance from the police.

I enjoy Frances' adventures, and this one did not disappoint. The mystery was complex and excellently paced. I loved seeing the relationship between Frances & George grow, and the growing cast of recurring characters is a delight. The love and respect George has for Frances is so sweet.

The suspects were many with motives aplenty. The tale was tightly woven and engaging. There is a lot to enjoy here. I am definitely looking forward to more adventures with The Hazeltons. The exploration of the art world and the theme of family were well done. I'd also recommend checking out previous entries in the series, starting with A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder.

In this the seventh book in the countess of Harley mystery series, Francis and her husband George escape English soil for their long deserved honeymoon… and a murder to investigate!

Set on the backdrop of the Paris Exposition, the city of light is full of people and suspects!

Upon arriving in Paris to assist George’s aunt Julia in her request to investigate the death of her friend and artist Paul Ducasse, they find themselves embroiled, and something much bigger as more bodies start turning up!

As usual, Francis and George’s relationship and cooperation as they investigate the murder is to see. They make a great pair, both romantically and professionally, as they complement each other in both aspects.

I found myself continually guessing and re-guessing as more clues and events unfold in this mystery. Full of fun characters and suspects I had a great time reading this as I have with all the other lady Harley mysteries!

Thanks to Kensington Books for my e-arc review copy.

"An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder" by Dianne Freeman is a delightful addition to a favorite series, combining the allure of Paris with a captivating murder mystery. Set against the backdrop of the Paris Exposition, the novel transports readers to a vibrant and historically rich era. Frances and George, summoned to Paris by his intriguing aunt Julia, find themselves embroiled in a puzzling investigation after her tragic murder. Freeman's writing skillfully intertwines art appreciation with suspenseful twists, keeping readers enthralled until the very end. (I received an advance reader copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.) Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and historical settings, this book is a must-read for its engaging characters, vivid portrayal of Paris, and intricately woven plot.

Take a trip down memory lane in the summer of July 1900 in Paris, France where the World Fair is thriving and people are coming to the city from all over the world to see the sights. Frances and her husband George, are a married duo of private investigators, that have been invited to Paris by George’s Aunt on important business. Aunt Julia’s long time friend, and past lover, Paul Ducasse is dead and she believes foul play.

But not long after they arrive does a tragedy befall Julia as well. Most likely for bringing the couple there in the first place to investigate what was supposed to look like an accident for Paul Ducasse. But the investigation must continue and the police don’t have much to go on, so Frances and George must pick up the reins and sift through all the possible suspects to figure it out.

But nothing pans out the way the team expected and they find themselves embroiled in the artist lifestyle of Paris attempting to piece together the events.

What I loved most about this cozy mystery, was the witty banter and relaxed relationship between the adorably married Frances and George. While they haven’t been married all that long, according to the story, they have a chemistry together that is comforting and makes the rest of the story so enjoyable. Around them, is the unfolding of personal dynamics about George’s Aunt Julia and the life she’s lived, as well as the lifestyle of artists in Paris, France during this time.

It was well done – mashing together a story that highlights and focuses on art and those that aspire to the lifestyle of artist, as well as on the investigative nature of trying to solve two different murders. Plus, you get the added historical fan fare of envisioning the World Fair in all its glory in the year 1900.

A delightful cozy mystery that had me giggling at the dialog between Frances and her husband George, as well as embroiled in trying to figure out whodunnit in this classical depiction of Paris.

"An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder" is a well-researched and compelling mystery set in Paris during the Victorian era! The Parisian setting was described well and was so much fun to read about. The author has done great work bringing these characters and setting to life. The characters feel three-dimensional and like real people along with personalities, thoughts, and emotions of their own. It was so much fun seeing art and historical elements the author has seamlessly entwined into the story. The speed of the plot is perfect, the author's writing style is smooth, the story feels original and fun, the mystery is definitely a page-turner, and the Parisian setting of this book is done fabulously. I've had so much fun reading! There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I can't wait to go back and read the other books in the series! This book is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction and cozy mysteries. So much fun! 5 stars! I very highly recommend. Read this book! You'll be glad you did!

Thank you very much to the author Dianne Freeman, AustenprosePR, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the great opportunity of being a part of this book tour and for providing me with both physical and digital copies to read and review honestly.

Reading Diane Freeman's Lady Harleigh series is like settling into a comfortable chair in one's pjs with a warm beverage. George and Frances, Lady Harleigh are finally married, and travel to Paris for a delayed honeymoon, and (of course) an investigation. The Paris Exposition is a worthwhile attraction in its own right, but George's outrageous Aunt Julia has summoned him to help her with a possible murder case.

The characters are familiar, the setting interesting, and the mystery sufficiently complicated to keep the reader guessing. This is pure cozy comfort at its best!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love a good cozy mystery, and this one was especially good! It was fun, well written, and an absolute delight!

The story takes you to the Paris Exposition where Frances and her husband George are looking into a suspicious death. I loved the setting and felt as if I was right there with them. I loved the inclusion of art and art history in France!

Frances and George were perfect together and such fabulous characters. They made this book a standout for me.

The mystery was well plotted, and kept me guessing and turning the pages. Along with the clever mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful humor and wit, and the sweet romance between Frances and George.

If you like cozy mysteries, family secrets, excellently drawn characters, Parisian settings, and historical fiction, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dianne Freeman, Kensington Books, and Austenprose for a review copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

government-agents, private-investigators, 1900, family, relatives, murder, Paris, cozy-mystery, Paris-exhibition, art, artist, historical-novel, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, investigations, family-dynamics, family-drama, family-expectations, family-history, scandal, situational-humor, local-law-enforcement*****

Frances and her husband, George received a rather cryptic message from his Aunt Julia requesting that he come to Paris to do something for her. But when they got there, she declined to tell them much except that she believed that the death of her paramour was murder. Regardless, soon she herself was stabbed to death in a large crowd. Let the investigation dig deeper! The publisher's blurb gives a nice overview and hints that it might be best to read at least one earlier book in the series. The relationships among the characters are as complex as the sleuthing itself. Great characters are well drawn with plenty of misdirection and red herrings to keep me reading straight through to the end. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder
by Dianne Freeman
Pub Date: Jun 25 2024

Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.

At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.

They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.

George and Frances are detecting again this time at the request of Aunt Julia in Paris. Strangely once they arrive Julia seems to have changed her mind of why she got them down in the first place, and puts off any discussions for later. When Julia is found murdered during a crush at the Exposition in Paris, George and Frances realise that the deaths of Ducasse, Julia’s lover and father of her child are linked.

Put as legal guardian to Lissette, George takes his duty seriously especially since many things don’t quite add up. Lisette herself doesn’t trust her English relatives and till matters are sorted out, there are many escapades and near misses till the eventual murderer is discovered.

Paris as the background setting was good enough for me. Add the period setting and the quirks of the era like Frances being very conscious of attire and deportment in the middle of a ruthless murder enquiry, was good reading.

An Art Lovers Guide to Paris and Murder was such a delightful, cozy historical mystery.

Number 7 in the Countess of Harleigh Series, our main character, Frances, and her husband travel to Paris at the mysterious request of George's Aunt Julia. Aunt Julia wants George's help investigating the suspicious death of the artist, Paul Ducasse. When Julia ends up murdered, Frances and George work to solve her murder. But, this investigation could put them all in danger. And Frances thought she was getting a holiday to see the Paris Exposition.

I loved that this story was set in the early 1900s. Frances was such a great character. It would have been so unusual for a woman to be out investigating a murder. Especially a British society lady. The talk of all of Frances' outfits and her maids disdain (in a kind way) when Frances would return with another outfit ruined made me chuckle. Frances was so smart and independent, and her husband truly respected her and her opinions. She truly was his partner.

The mystery was very interesting. There were so many possible suspects. I didn't figure out who or why, and there were some surprising twists.

This is the seventh in a series. I haven't read any others. I will admit it took me the first few chapters to "catch up," but after that, I followed along quite well. So, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Although, I'm going to go back and start at the beginning now!

If you are a fan of the Victorian era and cozy mysteries, this one is definitely for you.

Thank you to Kensington Books for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

It’s 1900, and George & Frances go to Paris to help his Aunt Julia investigate a suspicious death in this 7th book in this cozy historical mystery series. Theft, murder, betrayal along with many secrets are revealed in this story. Entertaining and clever characters.

Another delightful, engaging mystery in the Countess of Harleigh series! In this book, the dynamic sleuthing team of Frances & George are off to Paris for the Exposition & to help George’s Aunt Julia. Fearing their lives have become a little mundane, they’re hoping the excitement of Paris will cure their doldrums. Soon their enjoyable trip turns into a convoluted murder investigation with not one but two victims. As the suspects mount, Frances and George must work together to solve the murders before another victim is claimed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this complicated mystery. There were a whole slew of suspects with different motivations. George’s Aunt Julia wanted him to come to Paris to investigate the murder of her lover and famous painter Paul Ducasse. But, when he arrives, his aunt seems to have changed her mind. While George’s investigating the murder, a freak accident occurs at the Paris Exhibition and Julia winds up dead. But, is it an accident or murder?

In addition, Julia left behind a teenage daughter Lissette, whose existence was kept secret from the family. She’s anything but cooperative, especially when she finds out George and Frances are her new guardians. As Julia’s heir, Lissette’s life is in danger too. Full of twists and turns, this mystery definitely kept me on my toes as I tried to piece together all the clues.

I loved the Paris setting and the art and history the author incorporated into the story. As with previous mysteries, there was the lovely humor, wit, and romance this adorable investigative couple always brings. I loved all the moments when George and Frances worked together, but would have loved even more interactions between them. I enjoyed seeing George’s sister Fiona and having her involved in the investigation. There’s also a French Inspector as well as some eccentric artists who provide some humorous situations.

All in all another fun whodunit in the series! Highly recommend to historical & cozy mystery fans. Already looking forward to the next book. While this is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, however, I definitely recommend reading the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!