Frances Wynn, the Countess of Harleigh, learned how a society marriage works in Victorian England before her first husband died in his lover’s bed. Frances’ fiancé, George Hazelton, loves and admires her. But, the fourth book in Dianne Freeman’s series, A FIANCÉE’S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER, tests their relationship. Or rather, society’s rules test their relationship.

Frances just waved her mother and daughter off to Paris when Inspector Delaney shows up with a young woman in tow. He arrested her after she yelled and threw a stone at a Russian Grand Duke. Now on the sidewalk, in front of all Frances’ neighbors, Irena Teskey claims she is Mrs. George Hazelton. Frances is furious. She knows George better than that. Then, Irena claims she is the daughter of the czar’s uncle, Alexei Alexandrovich. She says she met George when she was abducted, and he saved her. She also claims she’s been abducted numerous times, and that she is an actress who owns a theater in London. She swears her life is in danger, and that she’s received threatening letters, so she turned to her husband for help.

When George returns home, he denies he ever married Irena, but admits many of her stories are partially factual. But, which parts? He asks Frances to let Irena stay while they investigate the truth of her statements. But, London society feeds on rumor and scandal. Rumors spread quickly that George is married to an actress, while also engaged to Frances. The newspapers and rumor mills kick into high gear when Frances finds Irena dead in her garden. Now, George and Frances are suspects in his “wife’s” murder, although another man does admit he was actually married to her.

As an American, Frances is willing to ignore society’s opinion, but George and his sister insist they must keep a low profile. For the amateur sleuths, that means they ignore Inspector Delaney’s orders to remain at home, and they venture into Irena’s world of theater and the Romanov family. They’re convinced the murderer is somewhere in Irena’s past.

Freeman’s fourth historical mystery in the series is a delightful story with an unexpected ending. Although I never suspected it, excuse me while I gloat over one character’s misfortunes. Karma. It felt like karma. Frances, the Duchess of Harleigh, is an intelligent woman, an admirable amateur sleuth. Together, she and George discuss and analyze their investigations. Their successes as an investigating duo indicates a promising future as a married couple who care for, and appreciate each other. In A FIANCÉE’S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER , the future for George and Frances depends on their ability to work together and find the truth.

Dianne Freeman’s website is https://difreeman.com/

A FIANCÉE’S GUIDE TO FIRST WIVES AND MURDER by Dianne Freeman. Kensington, 2021. ISBN 9781496731609 (hardcover), 291p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a .PDF to review for a journal.