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A review by laurenjodi
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman
3.0
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
3 Stars
Frances, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are enjoying their engagement until Inspector Delaney arrives with a young French woman claiming to be George's wife. Irena Teskey also asserts that she is a member of the Russian royal family and that someone has been following and threatening her. While George denies their marital status, he does confirm her identity as the illegitimate daughter of the Russian Grand Duke. Unfortunately, Irena is murdered soon after, and George and Frances become the prime suspects. Which of Irena's many tales is true and who would have wanted to kill her?
Unfortunately, this installment in the series does not live up to expectations. To begin with, the victim is exceedingly self-absorbed and irritating, which makes it difficult to care about her demise or the search for her killer.
The actual investigation is slow-paced as Frances and George with the help of Aunt Hetty, search for clues. There are some entertaining moments here and there, but the ultimate motive for the crime is quite convoluted and the culprit manages to, which is infuriating.
While Frances and George are a delightful couple who love and respect one another, there is very little character development for them or any of the other recurring characters.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to the series and I can only hope that the next one returns to the quality of the first few.
3 Stars
Frances, Countess of Harleigh, and her fiancé, George Hazelton, are enjoying their engagement until Inspector Delaney arrives with a young French woman claiming to be George's wife. Irena Teskey also asserts that she is a member of the Russian royal family and that someone has been following and threatening her. While George denies their marital status, he does confirm her identity as the illegitimate daughter of the Russian Grand Duke. Unfortunately, Irena is murdered soon after, and George and Frances become the prime suspects. Which of Irena's many tales is true and who would have wanted to kill her?
Unfortunately, this installment in the series does not live up to expectations. To begin with, the victim is exceedingly self-absorbed and irritating, which makes it difficult to care about her demise or the search for her killer.
The actual investigation is slow-paced as Frances and George with the help of Aunt Hetty, search for clues. There are some entertaining moments here and there, but the ultimate motive for the crime is quite convoluted and the culprit manages to
Spoiler
escape justice by committing suicideWhile Frances and George are a delightful couple who love and respect one another, there is very little character development for them or any of the other recurring characters.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to the series and I can only hope that the next one returns to the quality of the first few.