April 15, 2018
A Victorian lady's sense of self-worth is much improved when she takes control of her life.Frances Price, Countess of Harleigh, is making a bold attempt to gain some independence. Frances, the daughter of a wealthy American family, did not marry for love, but her husband, Reggie, loved and freely spent her money while she cared for their daughter, Rose. A year ago, Alicia Stoke-Whitney came to Frances' room to announce that Reggie had died in her bed. To avoid scandal, Frances asked George Hazelton, her best friend Fiona's brother, to help move his body. Since then, despite opposition from Reggie's brother, Graham, and his wife, Delia, who badly need Frances' money, she's rented a house in London. Frances is startled to discover that her neighbor is George Hazelton and further shaken by a visit from Inspector Delaney of the Metropolitan Police, who's investigating a rumor that her husband did not die of a heart attack. Her next surprise is the arrival of her sister Lily with her Aunt Hetty, who's taking the place of her mother--a welcome relief--while Frances launches Lily in society. She also gets a check for a hefty sum she badly needs because Graham has gone to court to get her money and her account has been frozen until the case is decided. Frances' social circle is already buzzing over a series of robberies at fashionable parties and balls. When someone dumps a valuable bracelet in her reticule at the Stoke-Whitney ball, she enlists the help of Hazelton, who has reasons of his own to find the thief. As she worries about the investigation of Reggie's death and vets her sister's suitors, all of whom had opportunities to steal the valuables, she learns more and more about Hazelton while fighting her strong feelings of attraction toward him. A murder in her garden just adds to her problems, and now she must find the strength to overcome them.Despite its heroine's many problems, this lighthearted debut tale of mystery, love, and a delightful sleuth will leave you wanting more--which is presumably just what Freeman has in mind.
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Starred review from May 21, 2018
In April 1899, American-born Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, the narrator of Freeman’s dazzling debut and series launch, completes her yearlong mourning for her late husband, Reggie, a man she freely admits she didn’t marry for love. Frances leaves the family estate in the English countryside, now controlled by her in-laws, Graham and Delia Wynn (who aren’t happy at her departure, since they depend on her money to support the crumbling manor), for London, where she has bought a house. There her younger sister, Lily Price, and their Aunt Hetty join her for Lily’s first social season. When Inspector Delaney approaches Frances with questions regarding Reggie’s demise, it opens a Pandora’s Box leading to more questions, suspicions, and dead bodies—not to mention a potential suitor for Lily and a string of thefts. Fortunately, Frances has her best friend, Lady Fiona Nash, and neighbor George Hazelton to help her discover the truth. Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong Literary Agency.
Starred review from July 1, 2018
After a year of mourning philandering husband Reggie, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, rents a house in London, sponsors her sister, Lily, who's coming from New York for her first social season, and is accused of murdering her late spouse in an anonymous letter sent to the Metropolitan police. She also suspects that one of her sister's three suitors may be a thief who has been targeting the parties of the city's elite. Frances teams up with her new neighbor and best friend's brother, George Hazelton, who has his own reasons for catching the culprit. This delightful debut historical mystery introduces an appealing and smart female lead who relishes her new found independence. The supporting cast of equally captivating characters further complement this atmospheric historical, set in the ballrooms and breakfast rooms of Victorian London. VERDICT 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 dialog and period details.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN
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