A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder
A Brilliant Victorian Historical Mystery
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4.5 • 80 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
The latest novel in the critically acclaimed Victorian mystery series dubbed “pure unadulterated fun” (Publishers Weekly) continues with another engaging romp through Victorian high society. With a touch of romance, an appealing and independent female lead, and rich historical detail, Dianne Freeman’s award-winning series is perfect for fans of the Gilded Age, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and Ashley Weaver, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander.
On the eve of her marriage to George Hazelton, Frances has a great deal more on her mind than flowers and seating arrangements. The Connors and the Bainbridges, two families of American robber barons, have taken up residence in London, and their bitter rivalry is spilling over into the highest social circles. At the request of her brother, Alonzo, who is quite taken with Miss Madeline Connor, Frances has invited the Connor family to her wedding. Meanwhile, Frances’s mother has invited Mr. Bainbridge, and Frances fears the nuptials may end up being newspaper-worthy for all the wrong reasons.
On the day itself, Frances is relieved that Madeline’s father is not among the guests at the church. The reason, however, is most unfortunate: Mr. Connor is found murdered in his home. More shocking still, Alonzo is caught at the scene—holding the murder weapon.
Powerful and ruthless, Connor appears to have amassed a wealth of enemies. Frances and George put their wedding trip on hold to try and clear Alonzo’s name. But there are secrets to sift through, not just in the feuding families, but also in their own. With a killer determined to evade discovery—even if it means taking another life—Frances’s newlywed days will be perilous indeed . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in February 1900, Agatha winner Freeman's zesty fifth Countess of Harleigh mystery (after 2021's A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder) opens the night before widowed countess Frances Wynn weds her detecting partner, George Hazelton. Commenting that "family, like a rich dessert, is a treat best enjoyed in small portions," Frances finds her colorful relations a strain in the days before the nuptials. Her brother Alonzo, who's smitten with wealthy debutante Madeline Connor, persuades her to invite Madeline and her parents James and Willa to the intimate celebration. Unbeknownst to Frances, her mother has also invited millionaire Peter Bainbridge, James Connor's arch enemy. Frances is grateful that James sends his regrets, and the wedding goes off without a hitch. Then James turns up beaten and stabbed, with Alonzo standing over him, knife in hand. When Alonzo is arrested, Frances and George postpone their honeymoon to find the real killer. Even as they uncover shady business dealings, clandestine loves, and family secrets, the newlyweds seek quiet moments together. Clever plotting matches appealing characterizations. Freeman continues to delight.