Dianne Freeman’s mysteries in the Countess of Harleigh series are always fun while also instructive in the behavior and expectations of society in Victorian England. She was wise in introducing Frances Hazelton, Countess of Harleigh, as the protagonist, an American who did not grow up as part of British society. Frances’ observations of male and female roles are not stuck in the past. When she talks about those expectations with her new husband, George Hazelton, in A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder, she offers a fresh perspective.

Frances and George had to postpone their honeymoon due to a murder and George’s injury. Although she’s ready to go, George now has an assignment from the Home Office to locate Lord Winstead’s journal that was to accompany his donation of artifacts from his many adventures, a donation to the British Museum. But, the current Viscount Winstead claims the journal is missing.

This time, George’s interests intersect perfectly with Frances’. Lady Esther, an elderly curmudgeon, called on Frances for help. She’s concerned about her friend Lady Winstead, whose health has deteriorated now that her stepchildren, the Ashleys, have all moved in following Lord Winstead’s death six months earlier. Frances had already told Lady Winstead she would assist her niece, Katherine Stover, who is to be presented to the queen. When Frances visits Lady Winstead and Katherine, she sees why Lady Esther is worried for her friend. It almost seems as if someone is poisoning Lady Winstead.

Frances proves to be persistent in her attempts to visit Lady Winstead, but when her primary suspect is murdered, she realizes she doesn’t have much time if she’s to save the wealthy widow. She and her aunt hatch an audacious scheme to find a killer.

Freeman is adept at misdirection. While I disliked and distrusted everyone in the Ashley family, Freeman hid the true culprit in plain sight. A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder is not my favorite in the series. There are just too many dislikable characters in the cast. But, it’s always fun to catch up with Frances and George, along with Frances’ daughter, Rose. And, as I said, Freeman is a master at red herrings.

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

A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman. Kensington, 2023. ISBN 9781496731623 (hardcover), 304p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley from NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal, but it did not determine my opinion of the book.