num_pages: 272
description: In this exciting historical mystery debut set in Victorian England a wealthy young widow encounters the pleasuresand scandalous pitfallsof a London social season . . . Frances Wynn the American-born Countess of Harleigh enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. After an obligatory year spent mourning her philandering husband Reggie she puts aside her drab black gowns leaving the countryside and her money-grubbing in-laws behind. With her young daughter in tow Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister Lily arriving from New Yorkfor her first London season. No sooner has Frances begun her new life than the ghosts of her old one make an unwelcome appearance. The Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husbands death. Frances assures Inspector Delaney of her innocence but shes also keen to keep him from learning the scandalous circumstances of Reggies demise. As fate would have it her dashing new neighbor George Hazelton is one of only two other people aware of the full story. While busy with social engagements on Lilys behalf and worrying if Reggie really was murdered Frances learns of mysterious burglaries plaguing Londons elite. The investigation brings death to her doorstep and Frances rallies her wits a circle of gossips and the ever-chivalrous Mr. Hazelton to uncover the truth. A killer is in their midst perhaps even among her sisters suitors. And Frances must unmask the villain before Lilys seasonand their livescome to a most unseemly end . . .
language: English
title: A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder
publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.