A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder

A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, Book 8

By: Dianne Freeman

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

In the latest USA Today bestselling, Victorian Era-set Countess of Harleigh Mystery from multi-award winning author Dianne Freeman, Frances Hazelton and her husband, George, uncover the secrets of backstage Paris to find out who’s acting the role of a killer to chilling perfection....

Frances and George are enjoying some well-deserved leisure time in Paris when an old acquaintance from London, Alicia Stoke-Whitney, seeks Frances’s help to investigate a personal matter. Alicia’s daughter is being courted by Carlson Deaver, a wealthy American shadowed by a very suspicious tragedy.

Less than a year ago, Carlson’s wife, a former actress, was murdered, her body discovered in one of the more dubious quartiers in Paris. Though authorities guess it was a robbery gone wrong, no one was ever brought to justice. Until Daniel Cadieux, Inspector for the Sûreté, follows a startling new lead. None other Sarah Bernhardt, legendary icon of the Paris stage, receives a piece of jewelry stolen from the victim, along with an incriminating note: I know what you did.

It opens a new door for the Hazeltons’ investigation, as well. But not a soul believes that the Divine Sarah would become entangled in something so disreputable as murder—even if she and the late Mrs. Deaver did have a history of theatrical clashes. Amid questions of revenge, blackmail, scandals, and secrets, more poisoned pen letters follow, and suspects abound. Now it’s up to Francis and George to infiltrate the most elite social circles of Paris, and find a culprit before another victim faces their final act.

©2025 Dianne Freeman (P)2025 Recorded Books

Delightful Storytelling

I just love this series and the narration is delightful! It’s full of twists and turns that you can’t predict. It’s truly one of those mysteries that you can’t put down.

another fantastic one

I love this series and this one had a little tweak to it imo and I loved it! such a great author to have great stories in a long series and each one as captivating as the other!

A Fun, Enjoyable, and Intriguing Read

This 8th book in the series may be among my favorites. Actually, that's probably whichever book in the series that I am reading, but this book was made particularly enjoyable by the turnaround in Frances' mother's attitude and the presence of the great Sarah Bernhardt. I love the incorporation of historical figures in my fiction. Of course, Frances and George are always a delightful couple, intelligent, loving, and sometimes humorous; and this time they have actually been invited to assist the French police. The ensuing investigation is complex enough to keep readers guessing about some, if not all aspects, of the crimes (yes, plural); and the creativity employed in finally bringing the villains to justice is quite satisfying.

Finishing books like this is always bittersweet because I know I must wait for another visit with these engaging characters. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend that you start with the first book and read sequentially to better appreciate the characters and their relationships.

I always enjoy the narration of Sarah Zimmerman, and this was no exception.

Great stories to enjoy, indulge your imagination and go on an adventure with!

I enjoyed the consistency of the series and the ability to make characters so endearing to the reader. As well as , conveying feelings between the characters and offering them to the reader to experience . These are truly enjoyable stories! I hope audible’s ever increasing prices do not preclude anyone from enjoying all of the books in this series and going on adventures w these wonderful characters, and indulging their imaginations along w Ms. Freeman’s. Ms. Zimmerman is an excellent narrator and it is such a treat to have the same narrator throughout all the books!

Such a Great Series

Life is never dull for Dianne Freeman's protagonist, Frances Hazelton and her husband, George. Just returned to Paris from a much delayed honeymoon in Deauville, they are each drawn into the yet unsolved case of the murder of the wife of a wealthy man from New York. Frances is asked by an acquaintance whose daughter is the object of the man's attention. George was asked because the Paris Police are loathe to be seen investigating The Devine Miss Sarah who has just received a blackmail note and an earring belonging to the dead woman. Being asked to look into the matter by Inspector Daniel Cadeaux gives them the legitimacy to question and snoop that is frequently lacking in other cozy style mysteries.
Expect to see Freeman's usual cast characters and many new ones, all brought to life by Frances's wry humor and astute observations along with a great puzzle to be solved. Excellent narration.

Another great story!

I can’t get enough of George and Frances! Story had a lot of details, and as always, the author has great endings for all the stories happening during the book. Frances’ mother was great at assisting with the sleuthing. Can’t wait for the next book! Narrator did a great job with the different accents.

One of my favorites of the series!

Was an engaging and twisting tale from beginning to end. Loved it, and cannot wait for the next adventure of Frances and George!

Perfection

The characters. The plot. The narration. I’ve enjoyed the series so very much. I love gliding through a softer, gentler time with Francis (except for the murder, of course)

Great plot

This has been my favorite book in this series! Loved the story, characters, and performance! Look forward to the next!

Fantastic

Love this latest book in the series and this narrator always does a great job.