An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder: A Countess of Harleigh Mystery

Freeman’s superbly plotted seventh Victorian cozy (after A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder) finds Frances Hazelton and her husband, George, tracking down a killer in the City of Light. The action kicks off when George’s aunt Julia requests that he and Frances come to Paris from England to investigate the suspicious death of her former lover and fellow artist, Paul Ducasse. After they arrive during the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, Frances learns that George has kept several secrets for his aunt, including the existence of Julia and Paul’s illegitimate daughter, Lissette. When Julia dies in an apparent accident at the fair, George inherits her estate. Overwhelmed, he and Frances head to Julia’s farm outside the city, where they meet Lissette and launch an investigation into Paul’s death. As the couple digs, they uncover tensions between Julia and Paul and two artists they shared a studio with in Montmartre. Paul’s icy wife, Gabrielle, also comes under suspicion. Freeman keeps the pace brisk and the suspects plentiful, giving even seasoned armchair sleuths a run for their money. Historical mystery fans are in for a treat. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong. (July)