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A review by laurenjodi
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman
4.0
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
3.5 Stars
A house party in the Hampshire countryside is beset by a series of nasty accidents that Lady Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, suspects are anything but accidental. Convinced that her sister's fiancé is the intended victim, Frances and her new beau, George Hazelton, are determined to find the culprit, especially when one of the mishaps turns into murder. Who amongst the assembled family, friends, and servants is a killer?
This installment in Freeman's historical cozy mysteries series is somewhat slower in pace as readers are introduced to various new characters and their possible reasons for staging the "accidents". There are several red-herrings with plausible motives, and Freeman manages to keep the reader guessing mainly due to the fact that much of the information needed to ascertain the culprit's identity is provided only toward the end - some earlier foreshadowing would not have been amiss.
The highlight of the book is actually the characterization. Frances and George have taken their relationship to the next level, but she is struggling with the changes the future might bring. Lily and Leo also have to deal with a life-altering surprise, but Lily's questionable behavior does not present her in a good light. Frances' overbearing and social climbing mother also appears on the scene. She is none too happy with either of her daughters' choices in men; nevertheless, she does have her moments and is very handy with.
Overall, this is not the best book in the series, but it is still a lighthearted and enjoyable read.
3.5 Stars
A house party in the Hampshire countryside is beset by a series of nasty accidents that Lady Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, suspects are anything but accidental. Convinced that her sister's fiancé is the intended victim, Frances and her new beau, George Hazelton, are determined to find the culprit, especially when one of the mishaps turns into murder. Who amongst the assembled family, friends, and servants is a killer?
This installment in Freeman's historical cozy mysteries series is somewhat slower in pace as readers are introduced to various new characters and their possible reasons for staging the "accidents". There are several red-herrings with plausible motives, and Freeman manages to keep the reader guessing mainly due to the fact that much of the information needed to ascertain the culprit's identity is provided only toward the end - some earlier foreshadowing would not have been amiss.
The highlight of the book is actually the characterization. Frances and George have taken their relationship to the next level, but she is struggling with the changes the future might bring. Lily and Leo also have to deal with a life-altering surprise, but Lily's questionable behavior does not present her in a good light. Frances' overbearing and social climbing mother also appears on the scene. She is none too happy with either of her daughters' choices in men; nevertheless, she does have her moments and is very handy with
Spoiler
a pitchforkOverall, this is not the best book in the series, but it is still a lighthearted and enjoyable read.