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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I want to express my gratitude to @diannefreemanwrites @kensingtonbooks and @austenprose for the #gifted e-book.
This is the 8th installment in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, and I can say it stands out even for a first-time reader of this author. It can be enjoyed as a standalone.
This delightful murder mystery effortlessly blends charm with intrigue, featuring a brilliant twist that keeps readers engaged. Frances shines as the quick-witted heroine, complemented perfectly by her wonderful husband, George.
Set in Paris in 1900, this narrative is infused with the pulse of historical events, the vibrant energy of the theater scene, and the allure of iconic figures like Sarah Bernhardt. The backdrop of the Olympic Games adds an exhilarating dimension to the mystery, elevating its intrigue to compelling heights.
The writing is top-notch, with well-developed characters that come to life on the page. The pacing is mostly steady, leading to an impactful ending that leaves a lasting impression. I was captivated by the dynamic duo of George and Frances as they delve into the investigation, showcasing their intelligence, mutual respect, and evident affection for one another. With numerous twists, turns, and an array of suspects, this book will have you eagerly turning pages!
For anyone who appreciates cozy mysteries, historical whodunits, or strong female leads, this series is a must-read.
Once again Frances and George (an ideal couple in my opinion) are involved in a crime that sees them again in Paris and for once cooperating with the police. Once again many of the secondary characters we have already met are present, especially those who are part of Frances's family, so much so that at times I was a bit confused as to who was who and who was cheating on someone else with whom. This time, in fact, the betrayals between the couples start to become a significant number. Paris again plays a rather pivotal role this time with the Olympics in the background.
Anche stavolta Frances e George (coppia ideale secondo me) sono coinvolti in un crimine che li vede ancora a Parigi e per una volta collaborare con la polizia. Anche stavolta sono presenti molti dei personaggi secondari che abbiamo giá incontrato, specialmente quelli che fano parte della famiglia di Frances, tanto che a volte ero un po' confusa su chi fosse chi e con chi tradisse qualcun altro. Stavolta infatti i tradimenti tra le coppie cominciano a diventare un numero significativo. Anche stavolta Parigi gioca un ruolo piuttosto fondamentale con le olimpiadi sullo sfondo.
I received a digital advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.
Anche stavolta Frances e George (coppia ideale secondo me) sono coinvolti in un crimine che li vede ancora a Parigi e per una volta collaborare con la polizia. Anche stavolta sono presenti molti dei personaggi secondari che abbiamo giá incontrato, specialmente quelli che fano parte della famiglia di Frances, tanto che a volte ero un po' confusa su chi fosse chi e con chi tradisse qualcun altro. Stavolta infatti i tradimenti tra le coppie cominciano a diventare un numero significativo. Anche stavolta Parigi gioca un ruolo piuttosto fondamentale con le olimpiadi sullo sfondo.
I received a digital advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.
While in Paris, Frances and George are drawn into a murder investigation involving a wealthy American’s deceased wife, a legendary actress, and a string of incriminating letters, forcing them to navigate Parisian high society to uncover the truth.
What fun to visit with Frances again! Fast-paced and full of twists, this compelling novel kept me guessing. The mystery can be read as a standalone, though the family relationships will be best understood if you read the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
What fun to visit with Frances again! Fast-paced and full of twists, this compelling novel kept me guessing. The mystery can be read as a standalone, though the family relationships will be best understood if you read the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It is a Standalone. I've only read Book 1 in the series, but I struggled a bit at first as various characters from previous books were mentioned. I would like to go back a read what I missed. One the mystery began, I really enjoyed reading. Excellent ending!
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for an advance reader copy of A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder. All opinions and comments are my own.
Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, now happily married to George Hazelton, is friendly enough with her first husband’s mistress, Mrs. Alice Stokes-Whitney. And while she and George are in Paris, the woman asks a favor -- vet her daughter’s possible suitor. The man, Carlson Deaver, has a checkered past; there’s a rumor he may have done away with his wife. Not a good start for a new marriage. But he’s rich, and handsome, so… Frances agrees to do some investigating. And then the fun begins, with blackmail notes, pieces of jewelry from the dead woman, and the most fun of all; an appearance by Madame Sarah Bernhardt, who the would-be boyfriend accuses of the murder of Mrs. Deaver! A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder seems to have it all.
Well, not quite. Where’s a murder mystery without more murders? We get that, and more. With the help of Inspector Cadieux from the French police (who of course must find someone, anyone but Madame Sarah guilty), Francis and George tip toe their way through American and French society (quite the differences in viewpoint there -- author Dianne Freeman points them out quite succinctly) to figure out much more than who’d make a good son-in-law. And boy howdy, did we get a big finish.
A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder contains convincing word pictures of its characters, including Madame Sarah, who is always acting, whether she is on stage or not, and other leading lights of the international stage in the early 1900s. There’s also the happy circumstances of mothers and daughters (and daughters-in-law) that fight for each other. It’s another sterling effort in the series.
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I simple adore Frances and George and the situations they find themselves in.
This is book 8 in the series, and they are only getting more interesting with greater plot twists. And while Frances enjoys being right, so do I and I was pretty proud that I had this one figured out. There were quite a few twists and turns throughout our time in Paris with the Hazeltons.
Alicia Stoke-Whitney is back - this time to ask Frances to investigate a man her daughter is courting. What Frances finds is a mystery around his house being robed and his wife being found dead on the street...and Sarah Bernhardt, who is quite a character in her own right. George has also been pulled into the investigation by the Paris police and of course our married couple works together along with (of all people) Frances's mother. Her time in Egypt seems to have mellowed her a bit, and honestly her scenes with Lily & Amelia were quite funny.
Definitely looking forward to what's next for Frances & George.
This is book 8 in the series, and they are only getting more interesting with greater plot twists. And while Frances enjoys being right, so do I and I was pretty proud that I had this one figured out. There were quite a few twists and turns throughout our time in Paris with the Hazeltons.
Alicia Stoke-Whitney is back - this time to ask Frances to investigate a man her daughter is courting. What Frances finds is a mystery around his house being robed and his wife being found dead on the street...and Sarah Bernhardt, who is quite a character in her own right. George has also been pulled into the investigation by the Paris police and of course our married couple works together along with (of all people) Frances's mother. Her time in Egypt seems to have mellowed her a bit, and honestly her scenes with Lily & Amelia were quite funny.
Definitely looking forward to what's next for Frances & George.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder” is the 8th book in the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries. It could be read as a standalone, but the characters’ personalities and interactions make more sense if you’ve read the whole series.
In this book, Frances and her husband, George, are taking care of some family business in France and decide to stay in Paris for a bit, enjoying their newlywed status. Soon they are recruited by their friend, Inspector Cadieux, to help investigate a cold case from a year ago…one with a surprising, and very famous, new suspect. Frances is also approached by an old friend about vetting a potential suitor of the friend’s daughter. Soon, both tasks converge.
This is a twisty mystery with a more serious message: women, historically, have had few options to escape domestic abuse. I enjoy the regular characters who have quirky personalities and Frances’ tendency to accept people as they are, flaws and all.
This story is great for fans of historical mysteries and the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Kensington Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse