A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder
(Countess of Harleigh Mysteries #8)
By Dianne Freeman
Historical Romantic Mystery, Suspense
Hardcover, eBook & Audiobook, 304 Pages
June 24, 2025 by Kensington
Summary
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.
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My Review
A DAUGHTER'S GUIDE TO MOTHERS AND MURDER starts off fairly close to the last book, but readers don't need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. It has the same beloved main characters and another cozy mystery that they become embroiled in with plenty of humor and a touch of romance to balance out the suspense and danger. If you're an historical cozy mystery fan or fan of this series, then this will be an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the previous book in this series, An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder, so I was happy to read this next installment. This plot gets a bit more complex with Frances's mom thrown in the mix and a country idol being a suspect. However, Frances and George appear up to the task as they investigate while trying to hold all the pieces of their lives in their perspective places. Of course there are some ironic and humorous moments to liven things up, and some sweet romance between these newlyweds for romance fans. The mystery is weaved throughout with a feeling of underlying suspense. It is at a slower, steady pace. I would have liked a bit more intensity, but it was still an enjoyable read.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is another enjoyable cozy mystery in this series. Recommended to fans of the genre and series. I'm looking forward to seeing what these characters will face next!
Content: Some mild content applicable to the case, but nothing overly descriptive. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Have you read any of the books in this series? Are you a cozy mystery fan, and if you are, do you have a favorite?
