August Featured Cozy Mystery

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

Book One in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

Dianne Freeman
Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series
Hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook

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A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is the first book in the critically acclaimed and award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series by Dianne Freeman. This charming historical cozy mystery shows readers the sparkling world of Victorian high society through the sharp eyes of Frances Wynn, the recently widowed Countess of Harleigh.

The American-born Frances is determined to reclaim her independence from her husband's family by establishing her own household in Belgravia, a prestigious neighborhood in central London. But her fresh start is quickly complicated when the Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husband’s death.

When yet another crime occurs close to home, Frances gets drawn into a clandestine investigation amidst the social whirl of the London season. With polite society watching her every move and the safety of her family hanging in the balance, Frances finds herself relying on her innate sleuthing abilities and unexpected allies, including her charming and enigmatic new neighbor, to find the truth.

Reasons to Read A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is a delightful mystery brimming with period detail, clever wit, and charming characters.

The amateur sleuth, Frances, is a refreshingly modern heroine for her time. She is sensible, resourceful, and keenly observant. It is impossible not to root for her as she manages familial obligations, evolving friendships, and the occasional brush with danger. Her developing rapport with her neighbor and potential ally, George, is also a delight to behold and adds just the right hint of romance without overshadowing the plot.

The setting (London in 1899) is another great reason to read A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. The late Victorian London backdrop is brought vividly to life, complete with bustling drawing rooms and ballrooms, strategic matchmaking, and the delicate dance of social protocol. Author Dianne Freeman demonstrates a clear and confident command of the period. Her research and knowledge are evident in the details she weaves into the narrative—from the social customs and expectations of aristocratic women to the subtleties of London’s marriage market and the Season.

The mystery is also thoughtfully constructed and well-paced, offering an engaging puzzle that stays true to the cozy mystery genre’s lighter tone. As Frances investigates, the many layers of mystery slowly converge in a surprising but satisfying resolution.

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder won an Agatha Award (named for Agatha Christie) for Best Debut Novel. It also won the Lefty (Left Coast Crime Award) for Best Debut Mystery Novel and was a finalist for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award from Mystery Writers of America.

A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. The hardcover is 272 pages, and the paperback is 288 pages. The audiobook is 8 hours and 4 minutes long and narrated by actress and Audie Award-nominated narrator Sarah Zimmerman.

What Readers Say About A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

“The mystery was so well-plotted, I didn’t know until the final reveal who was guilty, and was pleased at the outcome. This is a must read for any mystery lover and I’m anxiously awaiting Frances’ next adventure.”

— Amazon Review

“A fantastic blend of history, mystery, and humor. I did not want to put it down.”

— Bookbub Review

“I was absolutely delighted with the first Countess of Harleigh Mystery. From its fascinating characters to its Victorian details Dianne Freeman had me happily captivated.”

— Barnes and Noble Review

“Dazzling. . . . Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled.”

— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“After reading A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder, I immediately ran out to my local library grabbed all the other books in the series off the shelf. I am OBSESSED! This series is so cute and cozy and absolute perfection.”

— Goodreads Review

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder Reading Kit

If you're in a book club or if you just want to keep the historical fun going after you finish the book, check out this free Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder Reading Kit. It contains a three-course tea party menu, book discussion questions, book club activities, coloring pages, word games, fashion plates from 1899, and links to interviews with author Dianne Freeman.

Countess of Harleigh Mystery Books in Order

There are currently eight books in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series by Dianne Freeman:

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (Book 1)
A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder (Book 2)
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder (Book 3)
A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder (Book 4)
A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder (Book 5)
A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder (Book 6)
An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder (Book 7)
George and Frances Roll the Dice (Novella)
A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder (Book 8)

Countess of Harleigh Mystery Books 1-8

Interview with Dianne Freeman

Read this Cozy Crime Reads interview with author Dianne Freeman to learn more about her and her books. You'll discover how she crafts the cozy settings in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series and find out how she takes a story from an idea to a published novel.

Dianne Freeman Cozy Mystery Bookshelf

Use the arrows on either side of the images below to see all of the books in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery Series. Click on the book image to see a book description, reviews, and samples on Amazon.