Reviews

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman

deidrelj's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

slhco's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

jesuu__'s review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Im obsessed with this series, and I know that the relationship between Frances and George is not the main focus, but I really love them

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jennderqueer's review against another edition

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5.0

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.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

lydiasigwarth's review against another edition

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5.0

This series is one of my favorite finds of 2021.

zombeesknees's review against another edition

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4.0

A thoroughly charming Victorian whodunit featuring a VERY convoluted case: the victim claimed to be a member of the Russian royal family *AND* the wife of heroine Frances' fiance George, and it's difficult to untangle the surprising truth from the outlandish fabrications.

I've been enjoying Freeman's frothy series, which nicely balances on the edge of cozy while still carrying enough bite and substance to satisfy me, and I found this installment even more fun than the previous book. The historical details and setting are convincingly authentic. Frances is still a heroine worth rooting for and George remains dashing, but their relationship is not entirely idyllic or saccharine, thankfully, which allows Freeman to weave in commentary on how constricting society's rules are and the awful double standards/restrictions that have always been applied to women.

It's fun to watch Frances and George cut through the knot of the mystery together, and the ending is plenty dramatic. All in all, a solid way to spend an afternoon, though newcomers to the series should probably start with book one and work their way forward, as this would be an awkward intro (and not nearly so fun without knowing all of the Previously On... bits).

teesbookjourney's review against another edition

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4.0

I love the mystery of this book. Reminds me of a murder she wrote - cause Frances seems to always get herself involved in some murder mystery

I just love it

sarahfett's review against another edition

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4.0

This series is so delightful! I love the main character's wit, and the mystery was well crafter. The storyline about the whims of Society dragged for me, but I still enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on July 30, 2021.

livefrommylibrary's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh, what fun! The book started off quickly with the arrival of the dramatic -- Mrs. George Hazelton? With claims that seem too outlandish to be true, Irena sets us off on this fourth adventure with Lady Harleigh and the ever-delightful Mr. Hazelton. And once the story picks up speed, it just never stops! This book was exactly what I've come to expect from the never-disappointing Dianne Freeman: mystery, wit, and romance - with some international intrigue to boot this time! It seemed that each answer brought two more questions, all the way to the end. The twists and turns, pacing and plot were perfect! I loved every minute of it, and Sarah Zimmerman's voice only added to my enjoyment. It was a joy to see my favorite characters return, and meet some new friends who I hope to see back in the fifth installment, which I eagerly await! I'm not quite sure how I'll wait an entire year after that one! I've become quite accustomed to having another Countess of Harleigh mystery waiting for me as soon as I'm done with the last one.

burkenschmidt's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.0