The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies: A Novel of Mystery and Adventure: Ill-Mannered Ladies (Book 1), by Alison Goodman — A Review

From the desk of Char Jones: 

A high society amateur detective in Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an ‘old maid’ to protect other women in a new fiercely feminist histfic mystery series.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents itself: to rescue their friend’s goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.

The sisters set out to Caroline’s country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots and injures the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.

Back in London, Gus can’t stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need—society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.

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MY THOUGHTS

Gripping Regency Romp 

Oh, how I love this spirited romance-mystery, with the twin Colebrook sisters intent on saving abused women held against their will. Their cause is a noble one, carried out with great bravery and aplomb.

“Mrs. Defray, my sister and I will help you,” I said. “We cannot promise anything, but we will attempt to remove Caroline from her husband’s house.”

“We will try this week,” Julia added. She glanced at me: “We must act now, Gussie —we may already be too late.” She touched the gold cross at her throat. A quick prayer for the girl’s safety.

At least one of us still had faith. Perhaps that would be enough.” (34-35)

A Rogue & A Renegade 

I especially adore the recovering rogue Lord Evan, who later asks by letter for their assistance in rescuing his own sister.

Dear Lady Augusta,

I hope this letter finds you much better. Although I know you warned me against contacting you, I find I am in need of your urgent assistance; not on my own behalf, but on behalf of my sister; Hester: She is in a situation that threatens her well-being and perhaps even her life-charged with attacking two men, and incarcerated in a mental asylum reserved for women of her station. An opportunity has arisen in which we might extract her from the place, but it requires a married couple to take on the madhouse positions of Porter and Matron. My first and only thought went to you, dear Renegade.

The task requires an adventurous spirit, courage, and resourcefulness, all of which you have in abundance. Your sister’s help, too, would be welcomed, for I know that together you are a formidable force. 

I remain your friend always,

Lord Evan Belford

(272-273)

Heartbreaking & Hopeful

The Colebrook sisters make a mighty team, fortified by Lord Evan and the utter rightness of their mission. I wept for the traumatized women they champion and whooped and hollered with each intrepid rescue.   

Double Dare

Dear Reader, I dare you to put this one down ’til the denouement, and pray book 2 will come soon, very, very soon. I cannot bear to wait … oooooooooh … faint … CRASH! Where are my smelling salts?

5 out of 5 Stars

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WE RECOMMEND THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF ILL-MANNERED LADIES IF YOU LIKE:

❤️ Histfic Rom-Mysteries

❤️ Gripping Regency Yarns

❤️ Gutsy Feminist Heroines

❤️ Austenesque Charm

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BOOK INFORMATION 

• The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies: A Novel of Mystery and Adventure: Ill-Mannered Ladies (Book 1), by Alison Goodman
• Berkley Publishing Group (May 30, 2023)
• Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook (464) pages
• ISBN: ‎978-0593440810
• Genre: Historical Mystery, Regency Romance

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

We received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cover image courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group, © 2023; text Char Jones, Literary Redhead © 2023, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate.

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