Summary
In 1899 England, Frances was fortunate to have her own money. With her husband dead for over a year, she was out of her mourning period. She had the means to leave the family estate – and her in-laws who only wanted her money – and set up her own house for herself and her daughter. But things were not going to be that simple.
First of all, her new home is next door to a man who had been part of the most devastating and embarrassing moment of her life. Second, her sister was coming from America for the London Season, and Frances was to be her chaperone for finding a suitable husband. Third, her brother-in-law decided to sue for Frances’ personal funds, saying it became part of the estate when she married. The suit freezes her accounts and puts her independence in jeopardy. And if all that wasn’t enough, throw on a theft, a break in and a murder!
Review
This was perfect from start to finish! It lived up to all of my highest hopes when I first saw that cover. This book delivered everything I want from a new mystery series.
I adored Frances. She has great strength and courage. She’s learned a lot from her time in London society, and she uses that to her sister’s benefit as well as her own. She has a fantastic assortment of supporters – friends, family and staff – to help with the personal issues as well as the criminal ones.
The mystery was excellent – interesting and twisting. I was guessing all the way through. There were so many layers to this, my attention never wavered. I can’t wait to read through this again.
This is everything I love in a great book! I can’t wait to read more in this series. Book two – A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder – releases next summer.