Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder by Dianne Freeman Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery #8
Published by Kensington Books on June 24, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Historical Romance
Pages: 301
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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 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.
An unsolved murder has baffled everyone and even the police stopped investigating- until now. Frances and George are on the case. Meanwhile, mothers, mother-in-laws, daughters, sisters, and even female frenemies take center stage for Dianne Freeman’s latest.
A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder is the eighth of the Countess of Harleigh cozy historical mysteries. They read decently as standalones, but I definitely get more out of them when I started reading them in order. Speaking of such, I somehow missed a tweenie novella that I discovered when I went looking when mentions of honeymoon antics had me feeling like I missed something- and I did. So, if you get the chance, don’t skip the novella.
Frances and George are still over in Paris visiting with her sister, Lily, who’s had a baby. Lily’s exhausted by motherhood. Lily’s sister-in-law is competing in the Paris Olympics for golf. Frances’ mother shows up from Egypt and Frances’ old enemy Alicia is concerned about the gent her daughter is to marry. She wants Frances to investigate the murder of his first wife, a stage actress. Meanwhile George is asked by the French detective to conduct the same investigation because a popular actress, Sarah Bernhardt, has received a blackmail note about that very same death.
By now, Frances and George work well as partners in investigation and I really enjoyed tracking with them, seeing historical Paris in all its glory, experienced a lot of surprise that Frances’ mother toned it down and didn’t go in for so much drama this go-around, Woman Power!!! and oh yes, the giggle-worthy moments were there as well. I enjoyed A Daughter’s Guide a great deal. Those who like the lighter-toned historical mysteries when the characters and backdrop get as good attention as the mystery plot should give Dianne Freeman’s sparkling Countess of Harleigh series a go.
About Dianne Freeman
Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Agatha and Lefty Award winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, a two-time finalist for the Macavity’s Sue Feder Memorial Award, and a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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Those novellas can be important!!! 😀
That’s for sure. I kept feeling like I was missing something until I went and looked- sure was. 🙂 Still, this was a fun one. I do love being along on the investigation with Frances and George.
I love it when a book features all the good things about Paris. Historical Paris would be interesting! Sounds like a historical mystery series I’d enjoy!
My first encounter was a little slow to grab me, but it was hilarious at times and I loved the mystery and quirkiness, but yes, its a series I really enjoy now and can’t wait for the next one.
This definitely sounds like a series I would enjoy.
Oh yes! Frances and George are a scream. 🙂
I think this sounds really good.
You’d have a really good time with this series, Mary. 🙂
This sounds like a fun cozy historical mystery series. I’ll have to see if my library has some of these books.
Yay, glad to tempt you, Lark! 🙂
Glad this series is delivering for you, Sophia. It sounds delightful.
Yeah, I’m a sucker for humor. Pair that with a historical cozy mystery and I’m hooked. 🙂
I think a lighter historical mystery might be more my speed. Glad you are continuing to enjoy this series. Great review!
Then, these are a good bet, Lisa. I get the giggles each time I pick up one of the books.