A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder

Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series, Book 2

De: Dianne Freeman

Narrado por: Sarah Zimmerman

Though American by birth, Frances Wynn, the now-widowed Countess of Harleigh, has adapted admirably to the quirks and traditions of the British aristocracy. On August 12th, each year, otherwise known as the Glorious Twelfth, most members of the upper class retire to their country estates for grouse-shooting season. Frances has little interest in hunting - or birds or a second husband - and is expecting to spend a quiet few months in London with her almost-engaged sister, Lily, until the throng returns.

Instead, she's immersed in a shocking mystery when a friend, Mary Archer, is found murdered. Frances had hoped Mary might make a suitable bride for her cousin, Charles, but their courtship recently fizzled out. Unfortunately, this puts Charles in the spotlight-along with dozens of others. It seems Mary had countless notes hidden in her home, detailing the private indiscretions of society's elite. Frances can hardly believe that the genteel and genial Mary was a blackmailer, yet why else would she horde such juicy tidbits?

Aided by her gallant friend and neighbor, George Hazelton, Frances begins assisting the police in this highly sensitive case. Too many suspects may be worse than none at all - but even more worrying is that the number of victims is increasing too. And unless Frances takes care, she'll soon find herself among them....

©2019 Dianne Freeman (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Clean and interesting mystery/love story

After accidentally getting started on a very explicit historical romance (and I’m not a prude but I don’t want to read that stuff), I love this series. I think it is an amazing gift for a narrator to seamlessly move back and forth between accents, and this narrator does a good job of it. I recommend and will continue the series.

Wonderful

Love these books, storylines are great and keeps you guessing and intrigued hope the author continues writing the books.

Love this series!

Enjoyed this book thoroughly almost as much as the first. I will continue to listen/ read this author.

Interesting Intrigue and Great Characters

Dianne Freeman did her homework on the Victorian England. Her knowledge of the time period keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Intertwining great characters with a unique storyline makes the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries a “must read” for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. And Sarah Zimmerman is a fabulous reader/narrator. She easily flows between dialects and character voices professionally so the listener doesn’t get confused. Her voice is perfect for audiobook listening.

Better than Mr. Bean

well written, narrated superbly, I'm astonished how quickly the characters are fleshed out and the story melts into your brain! Well Done. Keep them coming

Great cozy Series

Diane Freeman has created a wonderful cozy Series. The main characters are believable, likeable and the endings aren't a forgone conclusion.

Tell me Once maybe Twice

But don’t ever tell me a 3rd, 4th or 5th time the same exact thing almost verbatim. (Loveless marriage, how husband found “In flagrante delicto”, Fiona’s a gossip, etc etc…people don’t repeat themselves like that without someone saying “you told me that already.” after the second time. I’ve listened to the first two books in this series and although they are entertaining I can’t justify spending $45 to finish the series. I’ll check my library if I ever get an overwhelming need to know. Sadly, although the mysteries are well written with a few surprises I wasn’t invested in any characters. Well maybe Aunt Hetty as she is probably the smartest and most savvy woman in the books. I think I’d prefer a series where she’s the “sleuth”.

Sublime Historical Rom-Com

The second book in this delightful cozy mystery series takes place in the drawing rooms and libraries of upper class late 19th Century London. Frances Wynn, the American born Countess of Harleigh is drawn into the investigation of the murder of her friend, Mary. Frances' neighbor (and suitor), George has been asked to go through an unusual cache of documents found in Mary's home and he asks Frances to help sort it out. The shocking conclusion that Frances comes to while pouring through those papers leads to a broader investigation of fraud and murder.
I love the clarity and richness of the language, the elegant mystery, the inclusion of endearing characters, the comic situations and the love and romance that underlie so much of the story. This is a great series!
Sarah Zimmerman's narration has grown on me. Her voice and inflection are exactly the way I hear Frances' voice in my head and the accents and voices of other characters are very good.

Entertaining!

These books are a pleasant distraction to a busy day. They're not "nail biters", but they do provide a quiet getaway when you want to unwind.

Delightful through and through

Excellent story. Even better than the first one. The narrator clearly used the feedback from the first book and was a delight. I am hooked to the series.