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Countess of Harleigh Mystery #7.5
George and Frances Roll the Dice
In this Victorian-era mystery novella, the Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, and her husband, George, discover that a French seaside resort is a fetching backdrop for business, pleasure … and murder.
Frances and George arrive in Deauville by the sea to enjoy a long-awaited honeymoon. It’s also an opportunity for George to inspect a villa inherited by his ward and arrange for its sale. To the Hazeltons’ surprise, they find it inhabited by wealthy revelers playing an illegal game of Hazard—forbidden fun, hosted by Albert Roth, a charismatic professional gambler who has a lease and no desire to vacate.
The discovery doesn’t sit well with Frances and George. Especially since Albert also fixes horse races and polo matches and is said to pay off authorities who turn a blind eye to his criminal endeavors. But not anymore. The Hazeltons plan to break up the party. Yet the game abruptly changes when a popular British polo player who claims to have lost a fortune to Albert is found murdered in the villa’s salon.
Now Frances and George have to do more than prove ownership of the valuable Normandy coast property. They have to find a killer. They’re sure all roads lead to Albert. But in a world of bribery, loansharking, corruption, and high society risks, nothing is what it seems. And for the Hazeltons, the stakes are getting higher …
Frances and George arrive in Deauville by the sea to enjoy a long-awaited honeymoon. It’s also an opportunity for George to inspect a villa inherited by his ward and arrange for its sale. To the Hazeltons’ surprise, they find it inhabited by wealthy revelers playing an illegal game of Hazard—forbidden fun, hosted by Albert Roth, a charismatic professional gambler who has a lease and no desire to vacate.
The discovery doesn’t sit well with Frances and George. Especially since Albert also fixes horse races and polo matches and is said to pay off authorities who turn a blind eye to his criminal endeavors. But not anymore. The Hazeltons plan to break up the party. Yet the game abruptly changes when a popular British polo player who claims to have lost a fortune to Albert is found murdered in the villa’s salon.
Now Frances and George have to do more than prove ownership of the valuable Normandy coast property. They have to find a killer. They’re sure all roads lead to Albert. But in a world of bribery, loansharking, corruption, and high society risks, nothing is what it seems. And for the Hazeltons, the stakes are getting higher …
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Published April 1, 2025
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About the author
Dianne Freeman
19 books1,514 followersDianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the USA Today Bestselling 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 and Macavity Awards. After thirty years of working in corporate accounting and finance, she now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at www.DiFreeman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 21, 2025
Frances has recently married George and they are in France to settle some estate issues in Deauville and combine it with their honeymoon. Things haven’t gone quite as anticipated.
"“You stay here, or better yet, outside the door. If you hear sounds of a scuffle or if I shout, run for help.” I batted his finger away. “Do you really find it necessary to use these tactics before I even argue with you?” He grinned. “You always argue. I was anticipating. Now, are you staying put?” “Of course, but you had better be careful, George Hazelton. This is meant to be our honeymoon and I don’t wish to spend it alone.”"
A dead body is waiting for them in the house, which they learned had been used for illegal gambling parties. "…so he’s the first one I’d suspect if I were the police.”
“Speaking of which,” I said, “we ought to send for them.”
“Not just yet.” George gave my shoulders a squeeze before moving around me and stepping toward (the victim). His gaze swept the floor as he moved closer, looking for a discarded weapon, I assumed. He took the young man’s wrist in his hand, paused a moment, then glanced back at me with a shake of his head, confirming what we already knew."
There is a lot about horse racing and polo and the “horsey set.” Some of it threatens the newly spliced George and Frances. "I held up a finger. “If you are about to drop me as a partner in favor of your more experienced associate, allow me to remind you this is also our honeymoon, and I have it in my power to make it the most miserable honeymoon you could possibly imagine.”" But not for long.
A cozy mystery that delivers most of what it promises.
"“You stay here, or better yet, outside the door. If you hear sounds of a scuffle or if I shout, run for help.” I batted his finger away. “Do you really find it necessary to use these tactics before I even argue with you?” He grinned. “You always argue. I was anticipating. Now, are you staying put?” “Of course, but you had better be careful, George Hazelton. This is meant to be our honeymoon and I don’t wish to spend it alone.”"
A dead body is waiting for them in the house, which they learned had been used for illegal gambling parties. "…so he’s the first one I’d suspect if I were the police.”
“Speaking of which,” I said, “we ought to send for them.”
“Not just yet.” George gave my shoulders a squeeze before moving around me and stepping toward (the victim). His gaze swept the floor as he moved closer, looking for a discarded weapon, I assumed. He took the young man’s wrist in his hand, paused a moment, then glanced back at me with a shake of his head, confirming what we already knew."
There is a lot about horse racing and polo and the “horsey set.” Some of it threatens the newly spliced George and Frances. "I held up a finger. “If you are about to drop me as a partner in favor of your more experienced associate, allow me to remind you this is also our honeymoon, and I have it in my power to make it the most miserable honeymoon you could possibly imagine.”" But not for long.
A cozy mystery that delivers most of what it promises.
Read
June 17, 2025Fun to reconnect with these characters, but I didn't get as into this one as the others. Partly because it was shorter, and partly because the mystery/intrigue wasn't as close to home for George and Frances.
April 15, 2025
Frances and George head to France for a long overdue honeymoon and to check out the cottage in Deauville their ward has inherited. Lisette wants to sell it sight unseen but George wants to make sure she gets a good value or if it's nice, he might consider buying it from her. When they arrive at the villa, Frances and George are in for a surprise. Some shady character has turned it into a gaming hell, illegal in France at that time. George wants him OUT ASAP! Going through a lawyer, they manage to oust the gaming hell but come across yet another dead body in their dining room! Oh dear! So much for a relaxing honeymoon! The body is that of a young Polo player for England, recently seen enjoying victory on the field. Frances found money clutched in the dead man's hand and withholds evidence from the French police. She is suspicious the police will take the money and simply not investigate. Who killed him and why? It's up to Frances and George to find out.
This story wasn't as good as the full-length novels. It took most of the book to set up the mystery. Once it got going, it was interesting and enjoyable. Whodunit didn't come as a big surprise. I was surprised to learn casino culture had not yet become the law of the land and was actually quite illegal.
It was fun to see the three girls conspiring together. It sounds like young Rose has taken to having older cousins live with her and she's shaping up to be stubborn like her mother. Poor George! He's outnumbered by stubborn females but in this case, they teamed up for his own good. George and Frances do need some alone time - away from family! They could use a relaxing honeymoon. I think they still need one after this adventure!
Mr. Roth is a shady character. He tries to be charming but George is charming, Mr. Roth is as charming as a rattlesnake! He runs an illegal gambling hell in Lisette's home. He claims he was unaware of the change of ownership when he rented it and is doing nothing wrong. ("See my lawyer!") He has a minion, a large man named Gaston, who is bodyguard and bouncer. If Mr. Roth ended up dead, it wouldn't be on Gaston's watch but it wouldn't be a surprise, probably not even to Gaston. Sadly, Mr. Roth is very much alive. It was Richard Darby who was killed. A young polo player from a noble British family, he's been busy drinking and gambling away his father's money. He thinks he can just wire Papa for more money? Is he joking? He's part of an all-England polo club playing a Normandy team and a typical young wastrel of the British upper class. He seemed nice though, naive and young. Frances describes him as a puppy. I don't think he deserved to die.
Whodunit? Why? Was it some kind of illegal fix? A bribe he didn't take or did take and didn't act on? A family member angry at the loss of family money at the gaming tables? A gentleman furious over the treatment of his sister?
Mr. Roth's man of business, Mr. Lavigne, claims the villa was rented per an agreement with the previous owner and no one knew he was dead yet the date on the lease is from August, after the owner died. Mr. Lavigne should have known that and not given Mr. Roth the lease, at least not without finding and consulting with George. Mr. Lavigne seems charming and friendly but weaselly. I don't think he's sincere or honest. Does he REALLY have no idea what Mr. Roth is up to? Neighbors, Etienne and Jeanne seem nice. They put up Mr. Darby for the night when he runs out of cash to pay for lodgings with the team. They're friendly and neighborly, yet Etienne seems a little suspicious lurking around the villa.
Jake Grover is a British horse trainer for race horses and thinks he has a winner this time. He seems to care a lot about horses and takes good care of them, yet something seems fishy. His employee turns out to be a surprise- an acquaintance of George's from home posing as a horse groom. Does this mean George and Frances have stumbled across something big? It sounds like they have if the Prince of Wales has taken notice! Now we're taking about race fixing and match fixing. Gambling is not illegal but fixing is. Could this be why Percy was killed? Perhaps he bet on horses, lost, couldn't pay and got whacked? Or was he paid to fix a match and then failed to deliver on his promise?
Annabelle Howard loved Percy in spite of his faults. She wanted to marry him but felt pressured to break it off by her disapproving family. She show signs of still loving him and shock that he's gone. I think she seems intelligent, nice and helpful. I hope she's not a murderer and can team up with Frances to investigate at some point in the future. Her brother is over protective and a bit of a hot head. Mark played on the same team as Percy. Maybe he was angry Percy accepted money to fix the match? Annabelle swears he has an alibi for the whole night and isn't a murderer but George and Frances aren't so sure.
This was a nice enough interlude but I would have preferred George and Frances to actually have a relaxing honeymoon! I hope they go on vacation again soon. Maybe it's time to visit the extended family in America?
This story wasn't as good as the full-length novels. It took most of the book to set up the mystery. Once it got going, it was interesting and enjoyable. Whodunit didn't come as a big surprise. I was surprised to learn casino culture had not yet become the law of the land and was actually quite illegal.
It was fun to see the three girls conspiring together. It sounds like young Rose has taken to having older cousins live with her and she's shaping up to be stubborn like her mother. Poor George! He's outnumbered by stubborn females but in this case, they teamed up for his own good. George and Frances do need some alone time - away from family! They could use a relaxing honeymoon. I think they still need one after this adventure!
Mr. Roth is a shady character. He tries to be charming but George is charming, Mr. Roth is as charming as a rattlesnake! He runs an illegal gambling hell in Lisette's home. He claims he was unaware of the change of ownership when he rented it and is doing nothing wrong. ("See my lawyer!") He has a minion, a large man named Gaston, who is bodyguard and bouncer. If Mr. Roth ended up dead, it wouldn't be on Gaston's watch but it wouldn't be a surprise, probably not even to Gaston. Sadly, Mr. Roth is very much alive. It was Richard Darby who was killed. A young polo player from a noble British family, he's been busy drinking and gambling away his father's money. He thinks he can just wire Papa for more money? Is he joking? He's part of an all-England polo club playing a Normandy team and a typical young wastrel of the British upper class. He seemed nice though, naive and young. Frances describes him as a puppy. I don't think he deserved to die.
Whodunit? Why? Was it some kind of illegal fix? A bribe he didn't take or did take and didn't act on? A family member angry at the loss of family money at the gaming tables? A gentleman furious over the treatment of his sister?
Mr. Roth's man of business, Mr. Lavigne, claims the villa was rented per an agreement with the previous owner and no one knew he was dead yet the date on the lease is from August, after the owner died. Mr. Lavigne should have known that and not given Mr. Roth the lease, at least not without finding and consulting with George. Mr. Lavigne seems charming and friendly but weaselly. I don't think he's sincere or honest. Does he REALLY have no idea what Mr. Roth is up to? Neighbors, Etienne and Jeanne seem nice. They put up Mr. Darby for the night when he runs out of cash to pay for lodgings with the team. They're friendly and neighborly, yet Etienne seems a little suspicious lurking around the villa.
Jake Grover is a British horse trainer for race horses and thinks he has a winner this time. He seems to care a lot about horses and takes good care of them, yet something seems fishy. His employee turns out to be a surprise- an acquaintance of George's from home posing as a horse groom. Does this mean George and Frances have stumbled across something big? It sounds like they have if the Prince of Wales has taken notice! Now we're taking about race fixing and match fixing. Gambling is not illegal but fixing is. Could this be why Percy was killed? Perhaps he bet on horses, lost, couldn't pay and got whacked? Or was he paid to fix a match and then failed to deliver on his promise?
Annabelle Howard loved Percy in spite of his faults. She wanted to marry him but felt pressured to break it off by her disapproving family. She show signs of still loving him and shock that he's gone. I think she seems intelligent, nice and helpful. I hope she's not a murderer and can team up with Frances to investigate at some point in the future. Her brother is over protective and a bit of a hot head. Mark played on the same team as Percy. Maybe he was angry Percy accepted money to fix the match? Annabelle swears he has an alibi for the whole night and isn't a murderer but George and Frances aren't so sure.
This was a nice enough interlude but I would have preferred George and Frances to actually have a relaxing honeymoon! I hope they go on vacation again soon. Maybe it's time to visit the extended family in America?
September 18, 2025
tbh this was just fine. maybe it’s me and i need to give up on the series 🥺
July 7, 2025
Novellas are not my favorite because they never seem long enough for me to really develop a story. While this was a complete story, it just wasn’t as much fun as the other longer installments in the series. I enjoyed the setting and having George and Frances on their own but I missed the descriptions of British society in this one.
September 10, 2025
I enjoy this series, and only wish this had been a full novel and not a short novella
April 22, 2025
Short story where Frances and George must solve a gambling-related crime before they can enjoy their well-deserved honeymoon.
Breve storia dove Frances e George devono risolvere un crimine legato alle scommesse prima di potersi godere la loro meritata luna di miele.
Breve storia dove Frances e George devono risolvere un crimine legato alle scommesse prima di potersi godere la loro meritata luna di miele.
June 13, 2025
This was a fun short story in which George and Frances finally get their honeymoon. Of course, things go awry and while in France they get involved in an illegal gambling organization, strange goings on at the race track, and a murder.
September 27, 2025
3.75 stars
June 21, 2025
Pleasant little mystery.
I didn’t realize:
1. This is a novella.
2. This is part of an existing series.
I was also surprised to find how much of this reminded me of the Jane Wunderly series, however, from period piece to widowhood to investigating mysteries with a gent to exotic locations to similar characters and writing style and feel. It’s further complicated because the same narrator, Sarah Zimmerman, voices both audiobook series! Apparently this series published first, though, so I’m kind of torn about how to feel about it all. I like the JW series, but it feels so similar to this one.
I did like this enough to start from the beginning of this series sometime, though.
I didn’t realize:
1. This is a novella.
2. This is part of an existing series.
I was also surprised to find how much of this reminded me of the Jane Wunderly series, however, from period piece to widowhood to investigating mysteries with a gent to exotic locations to similar characters and writing style and feel. It’s further complicated because the same narrator, Sarah Zimmerman, voices both audiobook series! Apparently this series published first, though, so I’m kind of torn about how to feel about it all. I like the JW series, but it feels so similar to this one.
I did like this enough to start from the beginning of this series sometime, though.
July 16, 2025
3.5 - a fun side adventure in France’s and George’s lives. Nice to have it be just the two of them and finally get that long awaited honeymoon. But I do like the usual set of characters and missed their shenanigans.
April 3, 2025
not up to usual standards
A novella, that really rushed through the story. A unlikely sequence of events just to put together a story. Disappointing.
A novella, that really rushed through the story. A unlikely sequence of events just to put together a story. Disappointing.
April 28, 2025
What a great little appetizer before the 8th book in June (still so far away!!!!). This is the first installment I haven't listened to, but that didn't take away from the story at all. It was a tight quick read. If you were to stumble into Frances and George for the first time in this short story I think you'd still enjoy it, and you'd immediately need to go back and start from the begging, because the series is just that good.
Frances and George finally get their honeymoon - a few weeks on the Normandy coast of France and of course nothing goes smoothly. First as they arrive to the house owned by George's ward, it's filled with people gambling. Then when that is sorted out, they arrive to the house to find a man dead on the rug. Can nothing be easy? Then again, why would we want that for our intrepid duo!
Frances and George team up with an old friend to try to get to the bottom of the murder, all while making sure horses aren't tampered with before races and figuring out how to eat without staff - Frances and the tray was an entertaining scene!
I cannot wait for A Daughter's Guide to Mother's and Murder!
Frances and George finally get their honeymoon - a few weeks on the Normandy coast of France and of course nothing goes smoothly. First as they arrive to the house owned by George's ward, it's filled with people gambling. Then when that is sorted out, they arrive to the house to find a man dead on the rug. Can nothing be easy? Then again, why would we want that for our intrepid duo!
Frances and George team up with an old friend to try to get to the bottom of the murder, all while making sure horses aren't tampered with before races and figuring out how to eat without staff - Frances and the tray was an entertaining scene!
I cannot wait for A Daughter's Guide to Mother's and Murder!
May 24, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Satisfied Stars. GEORGE AND FRANCES ROLL THE DICE is a Cozy Mystery novella featuring a brief Murder Mystery during the main characters belated honeymoon. It’s quick reading, light and fun. I enjoyed it.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS a lot & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Deauville, France, off the Normandy coast, August, 1900 ~
Countess of Harleigh, Francis Hazelton and her new husband George head to the French seaside for a belated honeymoon. While in Deauville, Frances and George plan to check out a villa which recently became the property of George’s new 15yr old ward. Unfortunately a stranger has leased the villa and is throwing a Hazard party inside when the Hazelton’s arrive. George and Frances’ plans for enjoying a quiet and romantic honeymoon begin to fall apart and soon additional issues arise including a dead body.
Comments ~
1) GEORGE AND FRANCES ROLL THE DICE is bk 9 in Dianne Freeman’s A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. This is a novella which includes a mystery during the main characters honeymoon.
2) I have read each of the Countess Harleigh Mysteries and enjoyed them all. GAFRTD did not disappoint. I enjoy the characters. The quick mystery didn’t provide any real surprises for me but the overall story caught and kept my attention.
3) This is a Cozy Mystery series - fun & mostly light-hearted even in the face of murder and mayhem. I enjoyed the Paris setting as I stayed in a small lodgings not far from the action in this book.
4) The Countess of Harleigh Mysteries are “mostly Clean” Cozy Mysteries. The series balances nicely between non-Cozy murder mysteries and light character series. I enjoy reading/listening to the books in this series between my other genres and more serious titles. I don’t think of these as being ridiculously silly but rather light in tone with a nice bit of humor and spunky dialogue. These have become enjoyable comfort reads for me. I find the characters refreshing and fun!
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a Cozy Murder Mystery; the details are not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Closed door, inferred.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS a lot & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Deauville, France, off the Normandy coast, August, 1900 ~
Countess of Harleigh, Francis Hazelton and her new husband George head to the French seaside for a belated honeymoon. While in Deauville, Frances and George plan to check out a villa which recently became the property of George’s new 15yr old ward. Unfortunately a stranger has leased the villa and is throwing a Hazard party inside when the Hazelton’s arrive. George and Frances’ plans for enjoying a quiet and romantic honeymoon begin to fall apart and soon additional issues arise including a dead body.
Comments ~
1) GEORGE AND FRANCES ROLL THE DICE is bk 9 in Dianne Freeman’s A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. This is a novella which includes a mystery during the main characters honeymoon.
2) I have read each of the Countess Harleigh Mysteries and enjoyed them all. GAFRTD did not disappoint. I enjoy the characters. The quick mystery didn’t provide any real surprises for me but the overall story caught and kept my attention.
3) This is a Cozy Mystery series - fun & mostly light-hearted even in the face of murder and mayhem. I enjoyed the Paris setting as I stayed in a small lodgings not far from the action in this book.
4) The Countess of Harleigh Mysteries are “mostly Clean” Cozy Mysteries. The series balances nicely between non-Cozy murder mysteries and light character series. I enjoy reading/listening to the books in this series between my other genres and more serious titles. I don’t think of these as being ridiculously silly but rather light in tone with a nice bit of humor and spunky dialogue. These have become enjoyable comfort reads for me. I find the characters refreshing and fun!
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a Cozy Murder Mystery; the details are not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Closed door, inferred.
June 6, 2025
Frances and George Hazelton are still in France as they figure out what to do with George's niece's villa, which she inherited upon her father's death. When they inspect the supposed empty villa, they're shocked to discover it's a site for a gambling den. A quick conversation with a lawyer proves that George, as Lisette's guardian, is the rightful owner and the trespassers are forced to move, leaving a dead body in the midst. Frances and George's honeymoon quickly dissolves into another murder mystery they have to solve.
Short, quick, and fun is the best way to describe this novella. This totally sounds like a backhanded compliment but I'm happy to enjoy a Countess of Harleigh story again. The last few entries have not been good and I was nervous to read this, considering Frances and George were still in France. I think the fact that Lisette and her half-sister being absent helped my enjoyment. Gives me some hope for the next book.
And despite the slightly convoluted start of the book, the mystery was quite simple. I also liked how proactive Frances was in the murderer's capture. I also enjoyed the return of Percy Bradmore in a more likeable role in comparison to his appearance in the fourth book, which I didn't care for.
Now I'm curious to see how this novella will compare to the 8th book.
Short, quick, and fun is the best way to describe this novella. This totally sounds like a backhanded compliment but I'm happy to enjoy a Countess of Harleigh story again. The last few entries have not been good and I was nervous to read this, considering Frances and George were still in France. I think the fact that Lisette and her half-sister being absent helped my enjoyment. Gives me some hope for the next book.
And despite the slightly convoluted start of the book, the mystery was quite simple. I also liked how proactive Frances was in the murderer's capture. I also enjoyed the return of Percy Bradmore in a more likeable role in comparison to his appearance in the fourth book, which I didn't care for.
Now I'm curious to see how this novella will compare to the 8th book.
December 15, 2025
Ahoy there mateys! Frances is married but murder always has gotten in the way of a honeymoon. As the author says on
her post about this novella
:
I read book 8 and then saw that there was a 7.5 so I read that too. I don't normally read novellas in a series but the library had a copy. Frankly, I wish this had been longer. It dealt with illicit gambling, horse race fixing, and bribing polo players. The mystery was rather simple but the shenanigans were fun and I love ponies. I think reading more about Deauville itself and all of the sports related issues of the town would have been wonderful. I also need to look up more about the dice game Hazard which I know nothing about.
No regrets about reading this. Arrrr!
"Then while writing book eight, I kept referring to a mythical honeymoon at the seaside in Deauville that they’d just returned from, and I realized that was my opportunity. The book had to fall between books seven and eight. And it would have to be short, or I’d never have time to write it. So, it became a novella—a book seven and a half."
I read book 8 and then saw that there was a 7.5 so I read that too. I don't normally read novellas in a series but the library had a copy. Frankly, I wish this had been longer. It dealt with illicit gambling, horse race fixing, and bribing polo players. The mystery was rather simple but the shenanigans were fun and I love ponies. I think reading more about Deauville itself and all of the sports related issues of the town would have been wonderful. I also need to look up more about the dice game Hazard which I know nothing about.
No regrets about reading this. Arrrr!
April 17, 2025
In less than 3 hours (or about 100 pages), I was happily reminded of why this series made me fall in love with cozy historical mysteries to begin with! A little plotting from beloved supporting characters has George and Frances off for what should be a sweet, romantic honeymoon by the sea. But that's never how these things go, is it?
I'm used to making excuses for short stories (it is, after all, hard to manage a full plot and pacing when the book is half the length or less!), but no excuses need to be made for this novella! It's not just good for a novella, it's a good story! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole adventure and the pacing felt perfect. The little moments reclaimed for romance were just right for this overdue honeymoon and I'm quite ready to see the next full-length mystery coming in June!
Sarah Zimmerman gets full marks for an excellent narration, as always! She is my favorite narrator for a reason and I'm very happy that she continues to narrate my favorite ongoing cozy mystery series!
I'm used to making excuses for short stories (it is, after all, hard to manage a full plot and pacing when the book is half the length or less!), but no excuses need to be made for this novella! It's not just good for a novella, it's a good story! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole adventure and the pacing felt perfect. The little moments reclaimed for romance were just right for this overdue honeymoon and I'm quite ready to see the next full-length mystery coming in June!
Sarah Zimmerman gets full marks for an excellent narration, as always! She is my favorite narrator for a reason and I'm very happy that she continues to narrate my favorite ongoing cozy mystery series!
June 2, 2025
A delightful audiobook novella adventure with George and Frances, two of my recent favorites. Each of these Countess of Harleigh Mysteries has been a delight to read and this trip to Deauville is no different.
I was curious how an entire story would unfold in only 3 hours (the length of the audiobook) but found the plot and pacing were able to go into just the right amount of detail without leaving me wanting. I am now of course curious about Deauville and will need to go down a bit of a rabbit hole discovering what it might have looked like at the time this takes place, as well as desperately wishing I were there now. Minus the murder of course. This booked worked well as my Frances and George fix as I had raced through all the previous books and was eager for more.
Would definitely recommend to fans of the series, and if you haven't started the series yet...what are you waiting for! It's a delight.
I was curious how an entire story would unfold in only 3 hours (the length of the audiobook) but found the plot and pacing were able to go into just the right amount of detail without leaving me wanting. I am now of course curious about Deauville and will need to go down a bit of a rabbit hole discovering what it might have looked like at the time this takes place, as well as desperately wishing I were there now. Minus the murder of course. This booked worked well as my Frances and George fix as I had raced through all the previous books and was eager for more.
Would definitely recommend to fans of the series, and if you haven't started the series yet...what are you waiting for! It's a delight.
August 4, 2025
As usual the wittiest, the plot is impeccable. George has recently become the guardian of Lissette, Daughter of his Aunt Julia. With her half sister Christine and Rose 🌹 they plan a honeymoon for George and Frances in one of their father's owned house 🏠. But in the midst of their honeymoon they get rid of Mr Roth who has made the house a gambling 🎰 place and also solve the murder of Mr Richard Darby, son of English Earl Darby.
We get to know more on gambling in France and how it can legal and illegal sometimes. And as usual they find the murderer in a small pool of suspects. Short and sweet.
We get to know more on gambling in France and how it can legal and illegal sometimes. And as usual they find the murderer in a small pool of suspects. Short and sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
In this novella, George and Frances head to France for a needed "honeymoon" break only to find someone has been murdered at the residence they are attempting to sell for their new wards. I feel like novellas are hard to compare to their full-length counterparts as it is harder to flesh out the ideas and characters as the author typically does in novels. Sadly, that was the case for me with this book. It was enjoyable, but definitely could have been a story made into an entire novel! I am looking forward to the next novel in the series!
June 1, 2025
I love this series--enough to buy the novella that is only available in ebook. As novellas go, it's long enough to satisfy and provide a complete mystery for George and Frances to solve on what is intended to be their honeymoon. At last. After finding out George had a French niece no one knew about and her half sister, which has expanded their new family before they could even begin to celebrate in Paris. This one involves gambling and horses, both polo and race animals, and a dead man on the floor of their villa. Who knew a honeymoon by the shores of Normandy could be so dangerous?
August 22, 2025
I think this book should be called ‘A Honeymooner’s Seaside Guide to Betting & Murder’
This quick murder mystery fits right in with her other books, as she tells the story of George and Francis finally embarking on their honeymoon.
Their love and quick quips make for an enduring marriage and partnership as they solve this mystery. With some returning characters, they working together and put all of the pieces in their right place.
Great read.
This quick murder mystery fits right in with her other books, as she tells the story of George and Francis finally embarking on their honeymoon.
Their love and quick quips make for an enduring marriage and partnership as they solve this mystery. With some returning characters, they working together and put all of the pieces in their right place.
Great read.
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed this story. The characters are ingenious, interesting, and quite clever. The plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding out who killed the young English polo player and left him in the Villa the main characters, George and Frances were supposed to move into, and why. The answers were eventually found and they were also embroiled in a spy mission to catch a bookmaker in something illegal. I definitely recommend this book.
November 9, 2025
This was a good novella to satisfy the “honeymoon” need for George and Frances without devoting a whole book to it. I understand it was a novella but everything felt a little flat and rushed to me; however, that could be because I just read book 8 and was kind of rewinding to read this, so I already knew some bits that came next, and the rest was like fitting puzzle pieces into things I had seen in book 8.
April 1, 2025
A Quick & Fun Read!
I loved this story, a quick, short caper with Frances & George on the coast of France for their long awaited honeymoon. Throw in a murder to solve and it’s complete!
Dianne Freeman did an incredible job crafting this story with a small amount of real estate. It has a full book feel. You get a feel for the characters and plot. What a great read!
I loved this story, a quick, short caper with Frances & George on the coast of France for their long awaited honeymoon. Throw in a murder to solve and it’s complete!
Dianne Freeman did an incredible job crafting this story with a small amount of real estate. It has a full book feel. You get a feel for the characters and plot. What a great read!
April 11, 2025
short and sweet
The novel is short but extensively packed with events and actions. George and Frances have another attempt at a honeymoon, thanks to their young girls. In Deauville, at a beautifully situated villa, seaside, beaches, fresh air… and nevertheless, an unexpected investigation.
The novel is short but extensively packed with events and actions. George and Frances have another attempt at a honeymoon, thanks to their young girls. In Deauville, at a beautifully situated villa, seaside, beaches, fresh air… and nevertheless, an unexpected investigation.
April 18, 2025
I love this series. It is one of my favourites. The characters are so likable and fun and the stories are fast and easy reads.
This short story gave George and Frances the honeymoon they never got after their wedding because of murder. This book gives them the honeymoon but it still comes with a side of murder. Not fun for them but lots of fun for the reader!
This short story gave George and Frances the honeymoon they never got after their wedding because of murder. This book gives them the honeymoon but it still comes with a side of murder. Not fun for them but lots of fun for the reader!
August 5, 2025
I was at the library today and saw book.8 on the new books shelf and when I looked to see if I had read it, found there was a 7.5. Fortunately Hoopla had it, so I quickly read it in preparation for the new book. George and Frances go on a honeymoon to Deauville, where they of course, find a body.
Short, but a good mystery and the couple is still adorable.
Short, but a good mystery and the couple is still adorable.
April 16, 2025
A light novella of a honeymoon infused with murder and race-fixing. It’s short and not complicated but an enjoyable read with a couple that I continue to like reading. It was a nice break from the world today.
June 15, 2025
I love this series. This installment may have been shorter than the rest, it didn't feel rushed. Even though this one one was mini story set between two books, it didn't feel that way. Dianne Freeman has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
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