PRAISE FOR A LADY’S GUIDE TO GOSSIP AND MURDER
“Lovers of acrostics and word-puzzles will find much to enjoy in A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder and will undoubtedly look forward to Lady Frances’s next Lady’s Guide adventure.”
—Criminal Element
“A perfect summer read whether on the beach or poolside accompanied by a glass of frosty lemonade.”
—New York Journal of Books
“Includes some clever surprises.”
—Mystery Scene
“Diane Freeman handles class disparity with care and has created a world that readers will want to explore in more depth as the series continues.”
—BookPage
AND PRAISE FOR A LADY’S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER
“Dazzling. . . . Fans of witty, lighthearted Victorian mysteries will be enthralled.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“This lighthearted debut tale of mystery, love, and a delightful sleuth will leave you wanting more—which is presumably just what Freeman had in mind.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This debut is engaging to the end.”
—Booklist
Books by Dianne Freeman
A LADY’S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER
A LADY’S GUIDE TO GOSSIP AND MURDER
A LADY’S GUIDE TO MISCHIEF AND MURDER
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder
Dianne Freeman
KENSINGTON BOOKS
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
Praise Also by Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24
KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2019 by Dianne Freeman
To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
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Special book excerpts or customized printings can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write or phone the office of the Kensington Sales Manager: Attn.: Sales Department. Kensington Publishing Corp., 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. Phone: 1-800-221-2647.
Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.
First Kensington Hardcover Edition: July 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-1692-7 (ebook)
ISBN-10: 1-4967-1692-2 (ebook)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4967-1691-0
ISBN-10: 1-4967-1691-4
First Kensington Trade Paperback Edition: July 2020
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Printed in the United States of America
This book is dedicated to Dan—because I’m a very lucky lady!
Acknowledgments
Turning a manuscript into a book is the work of a dedicated and passionate team. I’d like to give thanks to everyone who was part of the Countess of Harleigh team. Melissa Edwards, my agent, for finding the perfect match for my manuscript. To John Scognamiglio for being that perfect match and for his good humor