A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

Starred review from May 21, 2018
In April 1899, American-born Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, the narrator of Freeman’s dazzling debut and series launch, completes her yearlong mourning for her late husband, Reggie, a man she freely admits she didn’t marry for love. Frances leaves the family estate in the English countryside, now controlled by her in-laws, Graham and Delia Wynn (who aren’t happy at her departure, since they depend on her money to support the crumbling manor), for London, where she has bought a house. There her younger sister, Lily Price, and their Aunt Hetty join her for Lily’s first social season. When Inspector Delaney approaches Frances with questions regarding Reggie’s demise, it opens a Pandora’s Box leading to more questions, suspicions, and dead bodies—not to mention a potential suitor for Lily and a string of thefts. Fortunately, Frances has her best friend, Lady Fiona Nash, and neighbor George Hazelton to help her discover the truth. Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong Literary Agency.