In Agatha and Lefty Award–winning author Dianne Freeman's third Countess of
Harleigh Mystery set in Victorian England, the widowed, American-born
aristocrat Frances Wynn 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'
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' 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.