A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder

A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder (2026) Dianne Freeman (Countess of Harleigh Mystery #9)

Set in England in 1900

Frances is getting ready to spend Christmas in London when George and the girls suggest they spend the holiday in Hadley Grange with George’s sister and her family, as there were suggestions there might be snow!

Unfortunately, the weather after they arrive is not snow but instead a terrible storm.

“The gasworks must be damaged,” he said, placing the lantern on the floor and lighting the paraffin lamp on the bedside table. “None of the lights downstairs are working,

The damage to local roads and houses, sends George and Robert and most of the able men of the town head to help–with hopes to return before Christmas.

Of course, the men have barely left when Frances and Fiona stumble upon a body.

“Can you think of someone who might want to harm him?”

She seemed to reel back. “I doubt you’ll find any shortage of likely suspects,” she said with a heavy dose of irony. “Including myself.”

And there do seem to be many in the village who disliked Dr. Joshua Penhollow, for reasons from his rude and overbearing manner to the belief his treatments killed a local woman.

“I believe I heard that Dr. Penhollow was granted the office of coroner over you because of his medical background.”

He took another drink, then spent more time than I would think necessary dabbing the napkin at his lips. “Medical knowledge is not a requirement for the office. A legal background and an understanding of criminal behavior, which I have, often makes more sense.”

“Indeed, coroners are almost never medical people,” I added.

So it falls to Frances to investigate until the local law returns.

I wasn’t used to people relying on my expertise in investigating murder. An expertise, by the way, I was beginning to see was sadly lacking. Though I might have a good eye for a clue, I’d always relied on George or the police to confirm my suspicions and keep me within the law.

Meanwhile, Rose and Grace have taken their holiday assignment to write their own version of A Christmas Carol.

“The murder happens before Christmas,” Grace said, as if I hadn’t been paying attention. “Our detectives will solve the crime, and everyone will be quite jolly once Christmas arrives.”

Honestly, one of the best parts of the story was the kids fascination with the murder as they attempted to write their own murder mystery.

Robert cleared his throat. “I don’t think a murder investigation is an appropriate topic for dinner table conversation.”

“Come now, dear,” Fiona protested, surprising all of us. “It’s Christmas.”

Robert gazed at her in bewilderment. “Fine. Then I don’t think it’s a topic for Christmas dinner conversation.”

It was a fine story, though I’m glad I waited until the price had dropped a bit before purchasing.

Characters: Frances Hazelton, George Hazelton, Rose, Christine Granger, Lissette Hazelton, Robert and Fiona Nash, Grace Nash, Gregory Nash, Jarvis, Mr. Herbert Gilliam, Joshua Penhollow, Ada Penhollow, Hugh, Mr. Bayless, Mrs. Bayless, Mr. Spencer, Sergeant Hewitt, James, Police Constable Ellis, Mr. Smith, our master carpenter and undertaker, Beatrice Appleton, Owen Timms, Carter, Dr. Bertram, Mr. Isaac Penhollow, Dotty Digby, Matilda Digby, Martha Rallison, Mr. Digby, Agnes Worth, Henry Appleton, Maggie Rallison, Ralph Rallison, Mrs. Otting, Nancy Rallison, Maude, Mrs. Hetty Chesney, Daniel Gilliam

Cover art by Sarah Gibb

Publisher: Kensington Books

Rating: 7.5/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• « « An Affair for Aumont