A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder - (Countess of Harleigh Mystery) by Dianne Freeman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A country Christmas in Victorian England takes a murderous turn in Agatha and Lefty Award winning author Dianne Freeman's delightful mystery featuring Frances Hazelton, the former Countess of Harleigh, and her husband, George.

Frances and George are looking forward to a Christmas season enlivened by all the diversions London can provide. But family comes first, and George's sister Fiona and her husband persuade everyone to gather at their Norfolk estate for the holiday. The weather will be chilly, but the prospect of snow delights the youngsters. And with blazing fires and invigorating country walks in store, Frances envisions a peaceful, jolly Christmas.

Instead of a picturesque snowfall, however, Norfolk is hit by pounding rainfall and high winds. In the aftermath of the storm, Frances, Fiona, and the children make an unpleasant discovery in a nearby field--the body of their neighbor, dead in suspicious circumstances. Sir Joshua Penhollow was the local doctor, though not a well-respected one. Indeed, most viewed him as a quack, and even his own stepdaughter held a grudge against him.

With the menfolk gone to help clear a blocked road, the investigation falls to Frances and Fiona, who must also curb the young people's excitement at encountering a real-life murder. Combing through a village full of colorful characters and more than a few suspects, Frances feels any hope of a quiet Christmas slipping away. But more pressing is the need to stop a killer whose heart is as cold as the season . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series

"Framed by its beautifully described, immersive 1900-Paris setting, this engaging historical mystery includes sympathetic, well-drawn characters and numerous plot twists to keep readers guessing." --Booklist on A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

"Glamourous Parisian setting...Freeman is at her best when she focuses on the personal lives of her characters." --Library Journal on A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

"The author's clever read herrings and perilous character associations keep the reader turning pages until the last." --Historical Novel Society on A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

"Freeman keeps the readers guessing until the book reaches a satisfying conclusion." --Aunt Agatha's on A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

"Art, murder, and the Parisian atmosphere combine in a delightful, detailed mystery for Francophile fans of Rhys Bowen or Betty Webb." --Library Journal on An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder

"Superbly plotted...Freeman keeps the pace brisk and the suspects plentiful, giving even seasoned armchair sleuths a run for their money. Historical mystery fans are in for a treat." --Publishers Weekly on An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder

"A charming period background adds verisimilitude to a mystery awash in red herrings." --Kirkus Reviews on An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder

"Numerous plot twists, well-drawn characters, and immersive details of the life and times in turn-of-the-century Victorian England distinguish this historical cozy." --Booklist on A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder

"Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"This delightful debut historical mystery introduces an appealing and smart female lead who relishes her newfound independence. The supporting cast of equally captivating characters further complement this atmospheric historical, set in the ballrooms and breakfast rooms of Victorian London. Fans of Georgette Heyer will appreciate the hints of romance, while aficionados of Deanna Raybourn or D.M. Quincy will delight in the banter-filled dialogue and period details." --Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW on A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

"The Victorian backdrop perfectly sets off this amusing and challenging romantic mystery." --Kirkus Reviews on A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

"Will appeal to fans of Regency and Victorian cozies that are heavy on romance, as well as to followers of Elizabeth Peters and Deanna Raybourn." --Booklist on A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

"Danger, drama, and intrigue combine in this whodunit." --Woman's World Book Club Pick on A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder

"The American-born countess's skills in maneuvering as an amateur sleuth in Victorian society are on full display in this charming historical mystery. New readers can easily pick up this fourth in the series, and fans will delight in the dramatic conclusion." --Library Journey, (STARRED REVIEW) for A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder

"The plot gallops along, with an engaging supporting cast helping to lead both the couple and readers through a merry path of false leads and ever-shifting suspects, all enhanced by the neatly drawn Victorian setting. Fans of Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell novels will enjoy this latest entry in Freeman's engaging series." --Booklist on A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder
"Freeman delivers it all: clever plotting, charming characters, plausible suspects, and red herrings galore. This historical is pure unadulterated fun." --Publisher's Weekly on A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder

"Delightful...Frances will do whatever she needs to get to the bottom of Irena's murder and ensure her own happily ever after." --Mystery Scene Magazine on A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder

"Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Murder on the Orient Express will delight over this tale." --Woman's World Book Club Pick for A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder

"A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder is a thoroughly enjoyable closed-circle-of-suspects mystery, and the shooting-party atmosphere adds to the ambiance." --Criminal Element

"If practiced well, the oft-maligned art of gossip can unearth as much evidence as a CSI team...Dianne Freeman handles class disparity with care and has created a world that readers will want to explore in more depth as the series continues." --BookPage on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Engrossing...Freeman takes a witty look at Victorian polite society. Historical mystery fans will be delighted." --Publishers Weekly on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"A charming period mystery with enough sexual tension and credible suspects to keep the reader guessing." --Kirkus Reviews on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"The full cast of talkative aristocrats, the lighthearted tone, and the fast pace will keep readers actively engaged. This would make a wonderful introduction to cozy mysteries for fans of Regency or Victorian romance, and it will also hit the mark for followers of Elizabeth Peters and Deanna Raybourn." --Booklist on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Wide-ranging and absorbing and includes some clever surprises." --Mystery Scene on A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

"Lovers of acrostics and word-puzzles will find much to enjoy in A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder and will undoubtedly look forward to Lady Frances's next Lady's Guide adventure." --Criminal Element

"A delightful tale of shenanigans among the British aristocracy. Lady Frances feels very real--not too smart and spunky but no shrinking violet either." --Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy mysteries

About the Author

Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Agatha and Lefty Award winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, a two time finalist for the Macavity's Sue Feder Memorial Award, and a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at DiFreeman.com.