Set in Victorian England, Countess of Harleigh Mystery series features Frances, an American-born dowager Countess of Harleigh. A year after her husband’s death, she moves to London with her daughter Rose. At Belgravia, her next door neighbor is George Hazelton. George is Frances’ best friend Fiona’s brother.
Frances and George also share a secret – Reggie (Frances’ late husband) was found dead in his mistress’s bed. George helped Frances move the dead body from the mistress’ room to Reggie’s room.
The series revolves around George and Frances’ sleuthing adventure. George worked for the government and his dealings were not, completely legal. He’s no longer involved in dangerous work but helps the rich and aristocratic people in case they find themselves in a soup – mostly saving their names from rumor and gossip.
#1: A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder
Frances has moved to London with her daughter, Rose. Frances’ sister Lily will be arriving for the Season. Aunt Hetty is to accompany her. A series of burglaries have gripped Mayfair. When Lily finds three suitors, Frances wants to do a background check. Then, someone claiming to have information on one of the suitors is found dead in Frances’ backyard.
My Rating:
#2: A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder
Lily and Leo Kendrick are engaged and an engagement party is to be held in two weeks. Meanwhile, Charles Evingdon (Reggie’s cousin) is implicated in a crime. Mary Archer was found murdered in her home – and Charles had just broken off with her. Frances must find the real killer and prove Charles’ innocence.
My Rating:
#3: A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder
Frances’ sister Lily’s wedding is preponed as Lily is expecting a child. The wedding party arrives at Risings, George’s brother’s estate and accidents follow. First, the (estate) groom falls off a horse, then, a footman dies of poisoning and the guests too fall prey to someone’s nasty idea of mischief.
My Rating:
#4: A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder
A young woman named Irena Teskey arrives at Hazelton’s house and claims to be Mrs. George Hazelton. The next day, she’s found dead in Frances’ garden. The rumor is that, George and Frances killed her so that they could be married.
My Rating:
Read my review of A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder.
#5: A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder
Frances and George’s wedding date is fixed and everybody is looking forward to it. Families of two rival robber gangs have arrived at London. A member of each are guests at the wedding. On the wedding day, one of the guests is found dead and Frances’ brother Alonzo is found at the crime scene… holding the murder weapon.
My Rating:
The Book Decoder 
You must be logged in to post a comment.