Frances Wynn is the sleuth in the “Countess of Harleigh” mysteries. One of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking questions. So, let’s get to know Frances.
What is your full name?
Frances Helena Wynn, Countess of Harleigh
How old are you?
Are you quite serious? A lady never reveals her age. Next question.
What is your profession?
I have no profession. As an heiress from New York, my mother raised me to be the wife of an aristocrat. I suppose that is an occupation of sorts, but to be sure, I receive no renumeration for it. In fact, I brought the money into my marriage in the form of my dowry. My husband supplied the title and social status. When he died there was precious little of that money left.
I will let you in on a little secret, and it must remain between us or my reputation will suffer. I’ve begun sponsoring young ladies as they enter London polite society. I also make the occasional discreet introduction for those who are marriage minded. It’s not a business, but people do tend to express their appreciation with a lovely bank draft or an expensive bauble.
Do you have a significant other?
Well, this question is quite a puzzle. A significant other. Whatever could that mean? There are many people in my sphere who are quite significant to me.
What is their name and profession?
Oh, now I have to choose one. As of late, the most significant person in my life would be George Hazelton, my fiancé. He is a gentleman of leisure but was trained in the law. He does the occasional odd job for the crown.
Do you have any children?
I do! My lovely daughter, Rose. The only good thing that came of my marriage. She’s just celebrated her eighth birthday.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes. My sister, Lily joined me in London just a few months ago and we are about to celebrate her wedding. She’s quite young, only eighteen, but insists she knows her mind, so who am I to argue? I also have a brother. Alonzo lives in New York City and I haven’t seen him in years. I’m delighted to say he will be joining us for Lily’s wedding.
Are your parents nearby?
They are not. My parents live in New York City most of the time and in Newport during the summer months. Due to the wedding, that is about to change. My mother, Daisy Price will arrive with Alonzo very soon. I’m not certain how long her stay will be, but she’ll be residing in my home, so she’ll be very close indeed. Too close, perhaps? We shall see.
Who is your best friend?
Lady Fiona Nash. We made our London debut together and have been friends ever since. If you want the latest gossip about anyone, Fiona knows it. One of the advantages of being her friend is that she never gossips about me.
Do you have any pets?
My daughter received a kitten from Lily’s fiancé several months ago. She took him with her on a visit to Harleigh Manor where he found the stables and made himself quite at home. He refused to return to the city with us. We hope one day to coax him back to the fold, but for the moment, he clearly prefers horses to humans.
What town do you live in?
I live in Belgravia, London
Would you say you live in a small town or a big city?
Belgravia is a small neighborhood of a very large city. Everyone knows everyone else.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
Few people own homes here unless their name happens to be Grosvenor (as in the Dukes of Westminster). I am proudly in possession of an 80-year lease of a four-story townhouse.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
It used to be my garden until a body was found there. My library is a close second. With Aunt Hetty, Lily, and the servants in the house, this is where I usually find some privacy, read, and take care of correspondence. It also opens to the back garden and a path to George Hazelton’s home next door.
Favorite meal and dessert?
My favorite meal is desert. I have something of a sweet tooth.
Do you have any hobbies?
I have little time for hobbies with all my social obligations–paying calls, attending the theater and other events, entertaining and all that entails. Lately, dead bodies have been popping up around here with rather alarming frequency. I find any spare time has gone to investigating the reason behind them and determining who is responsible.
Do you have a favorite book?
I’m quite enjoying Mr. Hope’s The Prisoner of Zenda
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
A Memoir. What an interesting thought. I might call it something like A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder.
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
A complete amateur, I’m afraid. I sometimes enlist the aid of my equally amateur acquaintances. More frequently, I work with George Hazelton who is something of a spy. Please keep that to yourself.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
A typical day would see me embarking on a simple project—for example, my sister’s debut to London society. The project is completely disrupted by a murder or some other heinous crime, and it must be solved before I can carry on. One would think people in the higher echelon of society would be able to resolve their differences in a civilized manner, but it seems I’m surrounded by aristocrats behaving badly.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win one (1) print copy of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder, limited to U.S. residents. Giveaway ends July 28, 2020. Good luck everyone!
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is the third book in the “Countess of Harleigh” historical cozy mystery series, coming July 28, 2020.
In Dianne Freeman’s charming Victorian-era mystery series, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her sister’s wedding threatened by a vow of vengeance.
London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host—or hide—any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits—shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.
But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiancé, Leo. Frances’s mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George—a man who loves her for much more than her dowry—she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.
As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll. . . .
Purchase Link
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About the author
Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. She is an Agatha Award and Lefty Award winner, as well as a finalist for the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award from Mystery Writers of America. After thirty years of working in corporate accounting and finance, she has earned the right to do as she pleases. These days, it pleases her to write full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at DiFreeman.com.
All comments are welcomed.
New-to-me series….
Thank you for the giveaway..
I’m not familiar with this series but it sounds fun.
Frances certainly has her hands full with her sister’s upcoming nuptials, the arrival of her mother and the mysterious accidents taking place in her home . I love reading books that are set in Victorian England and am greatly looking forward to A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem ~
I like this author’s wit!
Thanks for the intro to a new series for me.
I really liked the description of the book. Sounds like a great book. Looking forward to reading the book.
I love historical mysteries. This is a cozy historical mystery. Slightly different than what I normally would consider my favorite genre. Has a touch of humor. But that being said, this book sounds quite interesting. Have not read her other books in the series. Sounds like a new series I would enjoy reading.
Historical mysteries are fascinating and intriguing. This novel is unique and the era and story wonderful.
Reading this is Frances’s voice makes me excited for the next book in the series. Thanks for letting me get to know the Countess better.
The set-up for this novel sounds so good! Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
I love Victorian era historical mysteries. This series is on my to be purchased list. I would love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
Such a wonderful story written with a little mystery and humor. Love Lady Harleigh
Frances, it’s so nice to meet you.
Dianne, congratulations! I don’t usually read historicals, but Frances pulled me right into the story.
From first book I fell in love with Frances and felt so bad for her but little did I know there was a lot more to get and she didn’t need pity.The man next door was a big surprise and what great love story.My only worry now is her awful mother.Can hardly wait to read this new book.
Ruth Nixon, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series! Sadly, Mrs. Price is a product of her era. We’ll just have to see how she evolves.
Thank you, Jackie! A new release is always so exciting!
thank you for the giveaway! congrats on the book! sounds interesting!
I love this series! Frances is becoming quite a force of nature!
Pat Dupuy, thank you!
From first book I fell in love with Frances and felt so bad for her but little did I know there was a lot more to get and she didn’t need pity.The man next door was a big surprise and what great love story.My only worry now is her awful mother.Can hardly wait to read this new book.
I look forward to each new book in this series.
This book sounds quite interesting. I’m not yet familiar with this series but this review makes it sound so enticing. Wishing the author all good things.
Thank you for hosting Frances today, Dru. She had a blast! Ahem, I mean, l lovely time.
thank you
This sounds like great fun!
This is a new to me series, but the Countess sounds like someone who I’d like to know.
This sounds like a fun series. Heaven knows we could use some diversion these days. Thanks for the chance to spend some time with the Countess.
This has been a fun series so far. I am looking forward to this book and hope it isn’t the end.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it! There are three more after this.
I absolutely love the title!
This sounds like such fun! Thanks for the chance to win!
I have a sweet tooth, too.
I read the first in this series and loved it. Can see that I have some catching up to do since this post is regarding the third book!
I love this series so far and hope it continues. Quite clever! Thanks for the chance to win the third book!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Loved book 1, and must catch up with this series! Fabulous cover, CONGRATS on your new release!!
This series sounds very interesting.. I love the cover & title. Congrats!!! Thanks again Dru!
I love this heroine’s voice and attitude! Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you for introducing me to a new series!
**** WINNER ****
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder is Ruth Nixon
Congratulations!