An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder - Countess of Harleigh Mystery by Dianne Freeman Paperback

Book Synopsis

Filled with Victorian-era intrigue for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Julia Seales, Dianne Freeman s Agatha Award-winning series takes a delightful jaunt to the City of Light as Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, encounters a murder scene at the Paris Exposition. Former Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, is among a throng of pleasure seekers and art lovers in the City of Lights. But what catches her eye most is the art of murder . . . Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love. At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia s life as well as Paul s and question everything and everyone in Julia s coterie of artists and secrets. They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia s estate and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.

Review Quotes

Praise for An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder

"A charming period background adds verisimilitude to a mystery awash in red herrings." --Kirkus Reviews
"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

"Art, murder, and the Parisian atmosphere combine in a delightful, detailed mystery for Francophile fans of Rhys Bowen or Betty Webb." --Library Journal

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.