What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Petra Inquires #1
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord
Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.
When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.
But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.
When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.
But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2023
323 people are currently reading
32016 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Connally
9 books447 followersCELESTE CONNALLY is the USA Today bestselling author of the Lady Petra Inquires series, an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. Her mysteries are set in Regency-era England and feature a headstrong heroine, a feminist spin, and as many equestrian scenes as her plots and editor will allow. She delights in giving her mysteries a good dose of romance, too, and a few research facts she hopes you’ll find as interesting as she does. Passionate about history and slightly obsessed with period dramas, what Celeste loves most is reading and writing about women who don’t always do as they are told.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 997 reviews
November 19, 2023
In a Nutshell: Would have worked much better had the ladies in the story not assumed “act like a lady” meant “gossip all day long” and “think like a lord” stood for “judge everyone else for what they look like and what they wear and what they do…” This had great potential but the characters sullied my experience.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Imagine you, an introvert, have entered a party where you know no one. You join the nearest group of friendly-looking ladies, hoping to join in their animated conversation. But you simply don’t get a chance to do so, because the ladies just don’t shut up. On and on and on they talk, remarking on other people’s appearances and relationships and scandals and businesses, until your head starts spinning trying to make sense of the who’s and what’s of the conversation, and wondering what the heck you are doing there.
That was my experience for most of the first half of the book, with me being in the introvert’s shoes. The initial 30-35% is nothing but an extended gossip session with tons of names being dropped and no sign of a concrete plot. The story then incorporates a bit of action, but the gossip doesn’t stop. Rather, the tittle-tattle is present all the way till the end; it only dips and rises in quantum.
Lady Petra is the expected star of the show. This means that she is the best at whatever she sets out to do, no matter how poor her decision-making and how annoying her habit of jumping to conclusions. She acts as opinionated and adamant as she wants to, but no other character can do so without being subject to whispers and rumours. The most irritating aspect of her personality, to me, was her condescending attitude towards those “inferior” to her social station. This might have been accurate to the era, but the way it was written didn’t endear Petra to me, all the more as she didn’t even realise how patronising she sounded. Her second annoying trait was her habit of judging every character by their physical appearance and anatomical attributes, or lack thereof.
Most of the other wealthy women characters have fixed roles to play – either victim or blabbermouth or privileged snoot. The poorer women are stuck as stereotypical maids and housekeepers. The book does the greatest disservice to its male characters, most of whom have only to drink and interact with Petra and talk about women “spreading their legs”. Almost every character is flat, and the ones with a little depth are mostly unlikeable. There is a ‘romance” but it is barely there, which would have made me happy in normal circumstances had the romantic interest not been sketched in such a lacklustre manner.
Gauging such a book on its historical accuracy is not fair as these kind of historical mysteries provide a partially feminist twist to reality. This, I’ll accept as a good writing choice. However, when a character is shown as conservative, the inaccuracies stand out. For instance, if a lady has discovered a dead body and is quite shocked, and her childhood friend suddenly arrives at the scene, the first thing he would do as a gentleman is to steer her away from the body and allay her fears, not stand there and discuss the various stab wounds and figure out who could be behind the attack. It is a challenge not to roll the eyes at such scenes.
What I did like about the book is the theme. Or maybe I should say ‘themes’, because it does attempt to fit in a lot - gender discrimination, women’s rights, queer rights, domestic abuse, racial discrimination, class discrimination, wealth bias,... (Debut novel, so yes, again we have the infamous ‘kitchen sink syndrome’.) Let’s just say, the intent was good.
I also liked the ‘mystery”, though its on-page execution was silly towards the end. It is impossible for me to accept that a potential villain would just stand in front of his next victim and give an extended infodump of his modus operandi and his plans. At the same time, the final resolution seems quite rushed.
Lastly, I wish the person who wrote the blurb had some self-control. Most of the plot is revealed there, including a major chunk of the mystery. What’s the point of reading a mystery novel if the reveal is in the blurb itself?
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 11 hrs 15 min, is narrated by Eilidh Beaton. If ever a narrator could save this book, it is her! I have no doubt that my review would have been even more scathing had I actually read the book instead of having heard it. Beaton imbues the characters with a voice suitable to their personalities. Her performance helped me complete the book.
The series is titled “Lady Petra Inquires”, but practically, Lady Petra gossips, judges, accuses, and still comes out on top of everything. Officially, this is supposed to be a “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie…, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.” Mentioning Agatha Christie here has to be a joke of the highest order. And simply having a historical setting doesn’t make a book “Bridgerton”! How is a romcom series being compared to a mystery?
This is the first of a planned series. Most of the plot threads come to a conclusion without cliffhangers. What little is left untied is too trivial to be worrisome. Of course, it goes without saying that my journey with this series ends right at the starting point. If you are a more forgiving soul or someone who enjoys salacious gossip-mongering in fiction (or reality), kindly do give this a try.
2.5 stars, rounding down because the grace marks are only for the narrator.
My thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books for the DRC, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Suffolk, 1815. After Lady Petra’s beloved fiancé dies just a few weeks before their upcoming nuptials, she is left heartbroken. Even now, three years later, she isn’t interested in marrying anyone else. So she declares, before the elite of London, that she intends to stay unmarried because, as a woman of independent means, she has no need of a husband to support her lifestyle.
During a ball, she discovers that a close friend has passed away two weeks back under mysterious circumstances. But just some minutes later, another person tells her that the friend was spotted just a few days ago. Lady Petra realises that one advantage of being an elite spinster is that she can poke her nose into the mystery and dig out the truth. So that’s exactly what she does.
The story comes to us in Petra’s third person perspective.
Imagine you, an introvert, have entered a party where you know no one. You join the nearest group of friendly-looking ladies, hoping to join in their animated conversation. But you simply don’t get a chance to do so, because the ladies just don’t shut up. On and on and on they talk, remarking on other people’s appearances and relationships and scandals and businesses, until your head starts spinning trying to make sense of the who’s and what’s of the conversation, and wondering what the heck you are doing there.
That was my experience for most of the first half of the book, with me being in the introvert’s shoes. The initial 30-35% is nothing but an extended gossip session with tons of names being dropped and no sign of a concrete plot. The story then incorporates a bit of action, but the gossip doesn’t stop. Rather, the tittle-tattle is present all the way till the end; it only dips and rises in quantum.
Lady Petra is the expected star of the show. This means that she is the best at whatever she sets out to do, no matter how poor her decision-making and how annoying her habit of jumping to conclusions. She acts as opinionated and adamant as she wants to, but no other character can do so without being subject to whispers and rumours. The most irritating aspect of her personality, to me, was her condescending attitude towards those “inferior” to her social station. This might have been accurate to the era, but the way it was written didn’t endear Petra to me, all the more as she didn’t even realise how patronising she sounded. Her second annoying trait was her habit of judging every character by their physical appearance and anatomical attributes, or lack thereof.
Most of the other wealthy women characters have fixed roles to play – either victim or blabbermouth or privileged snoot. The poorer women are stuck as stereotypical maids and housekeepers. The book does the greatest disservice to its male characters, most of whom have only to drink and interact with Petra and talk about women “spreading their legs”. Almost every character is flat, and the ones with a little depth are mostly unlikeable. There is a ‘romance” but it is barely there, which would have made me happy in normal circumstances had the romantic interest not been sketched in such a lacklustre manner.
Gauging such a book on its historical accuracy is not fair as these kind of historical mysteries provide a partially feminist twist to reality. This, I’ll accept as a good writing choice. However, when a character is shown as conservative, the inaccuracies stand out. For instance, if a lady has discovered a dead body and is quite shocked, and her childhood friend suddenly arrives at the scene, the first thing he would do as a gentleman is to steer her away from the body and allay her fears, not stand there and discuss the various stab wounds and figure out who could be behind the attack. It is a challenge not to roll the eyes at such scenes.
What I did like about the book is the theme. Or maybe I should say ‘themes’, because it does attempt to fit in a lot - gender discrimination, women’s rights, queer rights, domestic abuse, racial discrimination, class discrimination, wealth bias,... (Debut novel, so yes, again we have the infamous ‘kitchen sink syndrome’.) Let’s just say, the intent was good.
I also liked the ‘mystery”, though its on-page execution was silly towards the end. It is impossible for me to accept that a potential villain would just stand in front of his next victim and give an extended infodump of his modus operandi and his plans. At the same time, the final resolution seems quite rushed.
Lastly, I wish the person who wrote the blurb had some self-control. Most of the plot is revealed there, including a major chunk of the mystery. What’s the point of reading a mystery novel if the reveal is in the blurb itself?
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 11 hrs 15 min, is narrated by Eilidh Beaton. If ever a narrator could save this book, it is her! I have no doubt that my review would have been even more scathing had I actually read the book instead of having heard it. Beaton imbues the characters with a voice suitable to their personalities. Her performance helped me complete the book.
The series is titled “Lady Petra Inquires”, but practically, Lady Petra gossips, judges, accuses, and still comes out on top of everything. Officially, this is supposed to be a “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie…, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.” Mentioning Agatha Christie here has to be a joke of the highest order. And simply having a historical setting doesn’t make a book “Bridgerton”! How is a romcom series being compared to a mystery?
This is the first of a planned series. Most of the plot threads come to a conclusion without cliffhangers. What little is left untied is too trivial to be worrisome. Of course, it goes without saying that my journey with this series ends right at the starting point. If you are a more forgiving soul or someone who enjoys salacious gossip-mongering in fiction (or reality), kindly do give this a try.
2.5 stars, rounding down because the grace marks are only for the narrator.
My thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books for the DRC, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
January 30, 2024
The title chafes, but I gave it a go anyway. The chafing, however, did not stop.
Mild spoilers follow. I was very much interested in the central mystery when it finally revealed itself (I've read a fair amount about women, children, and minorities forcibly imprisoned in institutions ostensibly for their own good), but the execution is muddled. A subject like this begs urgency and deep feeling, but it never reaches the point where it touches upon any real emotion--plus it really takes a back seat for most of the book.
The biggest issues, however, are that I just didn't like the heroine and I didn't buy into many of the scenarios we're presented with in the context of this point in history. She is An Independent Lady scorned by society for her declaration that she will never marry, and yet we are never given any real explanation what history, education, or self-edification leads her to this point--nor are we provided with any attempt towards explaining why as a young woman she's permitted to lead such a ridiculously unconstrained life. While it's natural that modern stories set in historical times will be influenced by what we have learned and how we have evolved, skillful writers will incorporate more advanced thinking and attitudes into the story. (And yes, I hold mysteries to a higher standard than I do romances, particularly when they're a 300-page $27 hardcover from a big six publisher.) For example, wealthy widows, a girl of "good" family whose independent nature is indulged from childhood, etc., etc. Petra comes and goes as she pleases, feels free to take a lover, makes proclamations and demands without care, and so on. She is also So Very Virtuous and Progressive--there are so many instances of her ensuring we know she is a Benevolent Person of Character, such as during the climax of the story when she drops a curtsy to a housekeeper with whom she has very little relationship. We're meant to admire her so much, and maybe I would have if her qualities weren't forced upon us with such a heavy hand and there was more proof of them. She also leaps to irrational conclusions and doesn't seem to have any self-preservation instincts (DO NOT ACCEPT A GLASS OF WINE FROM THE MAN YOU SUSPECT OF MASTERMINDING THE SCHEME, MISS.), neither of which is a ringing endorsement for someone supposedly sleuthing a mystery.
Which leads me to the illogical way so many things occur. During the same final act, Petra has just been freed (at great risk to others) but instead of making a break for it right away, she wants to get proof of the ill deeds first. Fine. But she spends what feels like a lot of time reading reading reading through documents and then thinking about why the villain is the way he is and the choices he has made. What little tension there is is lost, and that's just one example of meandering writing and plotting. Her father the earl's overly wordy interaction with her at the end as well as the descriptions of serviceable Duncan's overly effusive feelings (and the whole romantic scenario, really) strain your tolerance, and I even laughed incredulously at one point; they are borderline indie-romance novel levels of simplicity. None of the characters or story feel grounded or believable.
Finally, there are so many issues crammed into this debut that it almost felt like the contract for book two wasn't inked yet and token racism, feminism, prejudice, abuse, etc. all had to be tackled in case there wasn't another chance. (And boy, does the homophobia run rampant through this--so weird how often and sneeringly it came up, with very little to say.) All important topics, but all ham-fistedly jammed in.
Not a great experience overall. I guess I should've known since I hate the title--and doesn't it make more sense to think like a lady and act like a lord in this context? Since she is set up as a Regency Nancy Drew and behaves with the freedom of a man? Idk, it's weird.
Audio Notes: Narrator is tolerable, but her accent and vocal performance were not my favorite.
Mild spoilers follow. I was very much interested in the central mystery when it finally revealed itself (I've read a fair amount about women, children, and minorities forcibly imprisoned in institutions ostensibly for their own good), but the execution is muddled. A subject like this begs urgency and deep feeling, but it never reaches the point where it touches upon any real emotion--plus it really takes a back seat for most of the book.
The biggest issues, however, are that I just didn't like the heroine and I didn't buy into many of the scenarios we're presented with in the context of this point in history. She is An Independent Lady scorned by society for her declaration that she will never marry, and yet we are never given any real explanation what history, education, or self-edification leads her to this point--nor are we provided with any attempt towards explaining why as a young woman she's permitted to lead such a ridiculously unconstrained life. While it's natural that modern stories set in historical times will be influenced by what we have learned and how we have evolved, skillful writers will incorporate more advanced thinking and attitudes into the story. (And yes, I hold mysteries to a higher standard than I do romances, particularly when they're a 300-page $27 hardcover from a big six publisher.) For example, wealthy widows, a girl of "good" family whose independent nature is indulged from childhood, etc., etc. Petra comes and goes as she pleases, feels free to take a lover, makes proclamations and demands without care, and so on. She is also So Very Virtuous and Progressive--there are so many instances of her ensuring we know she is a Benevolent Person of Character, such as during the climax of the story when she drops a curtsy to a housekeeper with whom she has very little relationship. We're meant to admire her so much, and maybe I would have if her qualities weren't forced upon us with such a heavy hand and there was more proof of them. She also leaps to irrational conclusions and doesn't seem to have any self-preservation instincts (DO NOT ACCEPT A GLASS OF WINE FROM THE MAN YOU SUSPECT OF MASTERMINDING THE SCHEME, MISS.), neither of which is a ringing endorsement for someone supposedly sleuthing a mystery.
Which leads me to the illogical way so many things occur. During the same final act, Petra has just been freed (at great risk to others) but instead of making a break for it right away, she wants to get proof of the ill deeds first. Fine. But she spends what feels like a lot of time reading reading reading through documents and then thinking about why the villain is the way he is and the choices he has made. What little tension there is is lost, and that's just one example of meandering writing and plotting. Her father the earl's overly wordy interaction with her at the end as well as the descriptions of serviceable Duncan's overly effusive feelings (and the whole romantic scenario, really) strain your tolerance, and I even laughed incredulously at one point; they are borderline indie-romance novel levels of simplicity. None of the characters or story feel grounded or believable.
Finally, there are so many issues crammed into this debut that it almost felt like the contract for book two wasn't inked yet and token racism, feminism, prejudice, abuse, etc. all had to be tackled in case there wasn't another chance. (And boy, does the homophobia run rampant through this--so weird how often and sneeringly it came up, with very little to say.) All important topics, but all ham-fistedly jammed in.
Not a great experience overall. I guess I should've known since I hate the title--and doesn't it make more sense to think like a lady and act like a lord in this context? Since she is set up as a Regency Nancy Drew and behaves with the freedom of a man? Idk, it's weird.
Audio Notes: Narrator is tolerable, but her accent and vocal performance were not my favorite.
September 7, 2023
I've read and enjoyed the author's work (under a different name), so when I saw this new release, I grabbed an early copy. Loved that it's set in 1815, a period I don't know a ton about. My historical fiction often gravitates toward America's Gilded Age, but I might need to turn back the clock by another 75 years, eh? Petra is a formidable lady, and what happens to her is deliciously horrible. I was more irate than she when it came to the way men, in particular her uncle and the doctor, treated this woman. That's a sign of great writing, when an author can conjure an emotional outburst of passion and hatred all at the same time. The mystery was expertly weaved together in a normal storyline about what it was like for a woman during this time period. Meeting the various duchesses and ladies and lords made the setting and history come alive. The ending, which I wish had a bit more comeuppance, delivered a solid sense of reality... and really made me hope this becomes a series. Petra makes a brilliant main character, and her exploits could continue to entertain for many more books.
October 11, 2023
I quite enjoyed this Sherlockesque novel.
After loosing the love of her life, we follow the MC as she uses her status to try and uncover the real truth behind her friends death. The problem? We are in 1815 and women are meant to follow, not lead.
I appreciated the writing style and overall enjoyed the book. Awesome little twists in here and the uncovering of the truth was a fun adventure. It was really slow to start however. It takes quite awhile to get this train rolling and even then it seems to chug along at a leisurely pace. I don’t mind reads like this once every now and again but I do wish it would have picked up speed a little quicker.
This is a feminist historical fiction with Sherlock vibes and an eye into what it was like for women in 1800’s. This book does invoke a few emotions, so that was good. I took off 1 star for pace since I think that could have been done a titch better.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After loosing the love of her life, we follow the MC as she uses her status to try and uncover the real truth behind her friends death. The problem? We are in 1815 and women are meant to follow, not lead.
I appreciated the writing style and overall enjoyed the book. Awesome little twists in here and the uncovering of the truth was a fun adventure. It was really slow to start however. It takes quite awhile to get this train rolling and even then it seems to chug along at a leisurely pace. I don’t mind reads like this once every now and again but I do wish it would have picked up speed a little quicker.
This is a feminist historical fiction with Sherlock vibes and an eye into what it was like for women in 1800’s. This book does invoke a few emotions, so that was good. I took off 1 star for pace since I think that could have been done a titch better.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
2 Stars
One Liner: Ugh!
Lady Petra Forsyth has decided to lead a spinster’s life when her fiancé dies a few weeks before the wedding. With her inheritance to provide for her expenses, Lady Petra has no need for a man or marriage.
When she gets to know that a longtime friend has passed away due to melancholia and a certain questionable physician seems to be involved, Petra wonders if there’s more to it. After all, not many people were informed or even invited to the funeral. Her quest for truth triggers a series of events and puts her life at risk.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Lady Petra.
My Thoughts:
I’m always ready to read a historical mystery or romance. The premise promised some fun and sleuthing, so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, the results were below average.
The book does have a few good points, like little Teddy, the street urchin, and Annie, the maid. The Duchess is also cool. Someone you’d want on your side.
However, the not-so-good points outweigh by a large margin.
First, the opening has to be strong enough to hook the reader. Here, we get a bunch of names and lengthy conversations that ‘bring us up to date’ about the FMC.
Second, it’s hard to enjoy a book when the heroine doesn’t appeal to you. That’s my problem here. I could not like Lady Petra despite her being a feminist, LGBT+ ally, and whatever. She’s judgmental, jumps to conclusions, and acts like a typical privileged woman of the ton.
Third, the so-called potential love interest Duncan sounds great in theory. However, he is limited to being a cardboard cutout with zero personality. The chemistry is minus ten. It isn’t even there. Things happen because well... checklist, possibly.
Fourth, the writing is chaotic. I know this is still in the editing stages and is an uncorrected proof, but the book will need major structuring to get rid of the filler content. I also know the book is the first in the series, and some of it is necessary for world-building. However, we don’t need to be introduced to many characters who serve no purpose.
Fifth, the mystery is boring, too. The concept is very good. But once again, the execution doesn’t have it appealing. It’s neither surface level nor detailed, leaving it hanging nowhere. Even the villain doesn’t get more than a couple of scenes to show his villainous side.
Sixth, there’s no denying that the book tries to achieve too much – racism, homophobia, women’s rights, misogyny, sexism, abuse, institutionalization, classism, etc., and a heroine who wants to fight it all. It could have still worked. This doesn’t.
Seventh, there’s a cliffhanger in this one about the FMC’s personal life. Let’s say I couldn’t care less by that point. I tried and failed.
To summarize, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord might appeal to some readers, but it definitely didn’t work for me. Moreover, it even gave me a headache on both days I read it. That doesn’t happen often, so I find it hard to be lenient. Sorry!
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Ugh!
Lady Petra Forsyth has decided to lead a spinster’s life when her fiancé dies a few weeks before the wedding. With her inheritance to provide for her expenses, Lady Petra has no need for a man or marriage.
When she gets to know that a longtime friend has passed away due to melancholia and a certain questionable physician seems to be involved, Petra wonders if there’s more to it. After all, not many people were informed or even invited to the funeral. Her quest for truth triggers a series of events and puts her life at risk.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Lady Petra.
My Thoughts:
I’m always ready to read a historical mystery or romance. The premise promised some fun and sleuthing, so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, the results were below average.
The book does have a few good points, like little Teddy, the street urchin, and Annie, the maid. The Duchess is also cool. Someone you’d want on your side.
However, the not-so-good points outweigh by a large margin.
First, the opening has to be strong enough to hook the reader. Here, we get a bunch of names and lengthy conversations that ‘bring us up to date’ about the FMC.
Second, it’s hard to enjoy a book when the heroine doesn’t appeal to you. That’s my problem here. I could not like Lady Petra despite her being a feminist, LGBT+ ally, and whatever. She’s judgmental, jumps to conclusions, and acts like a typical privileged woman of the ton.
Third, the so-called potential love interest Duncan sounds great in theory. However, he is limited to being a cardboard cutout with zero personality. The chemistry is minus ten. It isn’t even there. Things happen because well... checklist, possibly.
Fourth, the writing is chaotic. I know this is still in the editing stages and is an uncorrected proof, but the book will need major structuring to get rid of the filler content. I also know the book is the first in the series, and some of it is necessary for world-building. However, we don’t need to be introduced to many characters who serve no purpose.
Fifth, the mystery is boring, too. The concept is very good. But once again, the execution doesn’t have it appealing. It’s neither surface level nor detailed, leaving it hanging nowhere. Even the villain doesn’t get more than a couple of scenes to show his villainous side.
Sixth, there’s no denying that the book tries to achieve too much – racism, homophobia, women’s rights, misogyny, sexism, abuse, institutionalization, classism, etc., and a heroine who wants to fight it all. It could have still worked. This doesn’t.
Seventh, there’s a cliffhanger in this one about the FMC’s personal life. Let’s say I couldn’t care less by that point. I tried and failed.
To summarize, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord might appeal to some readers, but it definitely didn’t work for me. Moreover, it even gave me a headache on both days I read it. That doesn’t happen often, so I find it hard to be lenient. Sorry!
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
November 9, 2023
I enjoyed this book! Lady Petra is truly a reluctant Lady! She knows all the rules of society and follows them when she must, but relishes in the moments when she is able to relax unseen.
She turns society on it’s head when her beloved fiancé dies and she vows to remain unmarried. Everyone is scandalized except for a few dear friends. Suddenly everyone is giving her their opinion on the matter. Especially her misogynistic uncle who will do anything to “help“ his niece “learn her place.”
Meanwhile one of Petra’s dear friends dies but people have claimed to see her alive. Petra puts on her sleuthing hat and tries to find out the truth. She runs into all sorts of predicaments while trying to solve the mystery but when a servant ends up murdered things become very serious.
I enjoyed Petra’s personality. She behaves as a lady but is quite cheeky when treated badly. She can be a bit off-color at times but it is done in a humorous way.
I listened to the audio and the narrator does a great job at the voices. She does a large range of voices from upper class to servants and Teddy, the street waif that is always assisting Petra in her endeavors.
I can’t say much more without adding spoilers but I will say that I was shocked at the ending!
TW: Murder, mild talk of sexual exploits and men trying to touch women inappropriately.
Many thanks to Celeste Connally and Macmillian Audio for the ARC via NetGalley.
She turns society on it’s head when her beloved fiancé dies and she vows to remain unmarried. Everyone is scandalized except for a few dear friends. Suddenly everyone is giving her their opinion on the matter. Especially her misogynistic uncle who will do anything to “help“ his niece “learn her place.”
Meanwhile one of Petra’s dear friends dies but people have claimed to see her alive. Petra puts on her sleuthing hat and tries to find out the truth. She runs into all sorts of predicaments while trying to solve the mystery but when a servant ends up murdered things become very serious.
I enjoyed Petra’s personality. She behaves as a lady but is quite cheeky when treated badly. She can be a bit off-color at times but it is done in a humorous way.
I listened to the audio and the narrator does a great job at the voices. She does a large range of voices from upper class to servants and Teddy, the street waif that is always assisting Petra in her endeavors.
I can’t say much more without adding spoilers but I will say that I was shocked at the ending!
TW: Murder, mild talk of sexual exploits and men trying to touch women inappropriately.
Many thanks to Celeste Connally and Macmillian Audio for the ARC via NetGalley.
August 30, 2023
I've read many of these feminist Regency romances where the heroine has a penchant for uncovering the follies of her fellow peerage. What I haven't had the pleasure of until now is reading one with such a spectacular cliffhanger!!
THOUGHTS:
- The cliffhanger! I truly didn't see this coming, especially the way it played out, and I feel like that's the mark of good writing. So much of this story lined up to be what you'd expect - and I loved seeing my predictions come true. But to give us just enough of a happy ever after and then throw in that curve ball?! *Chef's kiss**
NOTES:
- Feminist
- 1800s England Setting
- 🌶️🌶️/5 slow burn in the BEST way... I really can't say anything else but I haven't adored a Regency romance as much in while!!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
THOUGHTS:
- The cliffhanger! I truly didn't see this coming, especially the way it played out, and I feel like that's the mark of good writing. So much of this story lined up to be what you'd expect - and I loved seeing my predictions come true. But to give us just enough of a happy ever after and then throw in that curve ball?! *Chef's kiss**
NOTES:
- Feminist
- 1800s England Setting
- 🌶️🌶️/5 slow burn in the BEST way... I really can't say anything else but I haven't adored a Regency romance as much in while!!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
October 17, 2025
October 2025: I'm getting ready to read book 3 and had to circle back. I love Petra!
July 2024: Rereading with the ARC of the sequel on deck. I appreciate the small hints early on of things to come that I missed the first time around. The pace is FAST. I couldn’t put this down, even though I knew what was going to happen.
May 2023: Any reader who loves historical mystery and romance would be attracted to the cover and title of this book, but the wit and charm of the writing take this into “favorite read” territory.
A strong and sometimes outrageous female main character is a mainstay of this genre, but Celeste Connolly gives Lady Petra Forsyth a backstory that is achingly tragic…and conveys a personal tragedy in just a few, beautifully crafted sentences. This isn’t some carbon copy heroine. She has weathered profound sadness after the loss of a fiancé and she also feels rejected by her closest friend, someone who has just reappeared after being away from London for a few years.
The main storyline deals with society women who have gone missing. Petra’s friend died several weeks ago and the friend’s husband didn’t tell Petra. One of her friend’s former servants says he saw his employer just days ago. Petra decides to find out what happened to her friend and other women who disappeared. Her childhood friend, Duncan, tries to keep Petra safe as she investigates and tension abounds when they interact.
Throw in a sweet street urchin who Petra attempts to care for and employ, plus some adorable dogs, and you have a wonderful cast for what is hopefully the start of a long series.
The best part: the ending manages to be happy while also setting up a sequel with a huge twist.
July 2024: Rereading with the ARC of the sequel on deck. I appreciate the small hints early on of things to come that I missed the first time around. The pace is FAST. I couldn’t put this down, even though I knew what was going to happen.
May 2023: Any reader who loves historical mystery and romance would be attracted to the cover and title of this book, but the wit and charm of the writing take this into “favorite read” territory.
A strong and sometimes outrageous female main character is a mainstay of this genre, but Celeste Connolly gives Lady Petra Forsyth a backstory that is achingly tragic…and conveys a personal tragedy in just a few, beautifully crafted sentences. This isn’t some carbon copy heroine. She has weathered profound sadness after the loss of a fiancé and she also feels rejected by her closest friend, someone who has just reappeared after being away from London for a few years.
The main storyline deals with society women who have gone missing. Petra’s friend died several weeks ago and the friend’s husband didn’t tell Petra. One of her friend’s former servants says he saw his employer just days ago. Petra decides to find out what happened to her friend and other women who disappeared. Her childhood friend, Duncan, tries to keep Petra safe as she investigates and tension abounds when they interact.
Throw in a sweet street urchin who Petra attempts to care for and employ, plus some adorable dogs, and you have a wonderful cast for what is hopefully the start of a long series.
The best part: the ending manages to be happy while also setting up a sequel with a huge twist.
sampled-not-for-me
December 13, 2023In fairness to this book, I only got a few pages into it and just didn't grab me.
June 26, 2023
Lady Petra has declared herself a spinster, vowing never to marry after her fiancé dies from a fall. She receives the sad news that her friend Gwen has died after a short illness and there is to be no funeral, but this arouses her suspicions, since someone reported seeing Gwen after she supposedly died. When that witness is murdered, Petra finds out that there is an evil man helping men get rid of wives who are not submissive, or even those who are infertile. Not just another Regency romance dealing with the antics of the ton, Petra is a spirited protagonist with her own fortune who is less bound by convention than most women of her time. Recommended for fans of Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby series. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
November 14, 2023
Happy release day - Unfortunately, this title falls under St. Martin's Press, and therefore will not receive a review or promotion from me. I am in full support of Palestine and the boycott in response to St. Martin's silence regarding horrific social media posts containing racist and harmful rhetoric.
I wish this author and their book well.
I wish this author and their book well.
November 4, 2023
Lady Petra Forsyth, who lost her fiance in an accident, has decided never to marry again. This is quite a shock to society in London, 1815. But Petra has made up her mind to enjoy her life and freedom as best she can without her love, even while having to take on the mocking title of "spinster." But when women around Petra start disappearing, she discovers something shocking. Men are paying to have their daughters and wives put into an asylum, for crimes such as feeling sad, speaking their minds, or being too independent. The asylum is run by a cruel and dangerous man. Lady Petra, who dares to ride astride instead of sidesaddle and possesses her own fortune, is in danger as well. Can she stop this man for good?
This is a compelling mashup of mystery, romance, and thriller, and a look at how few rights women had at that time. Lady Petra is a strong, determined woman who is not easily fooled. Duncan Shawcross, her former childhood friend, is a great foil to Petra's character, and their misunderstandings fuel the plot in many ways. The villain in this story is oh, so evil, as are the men who help him. The first 25 percent of the book moves a little slowly for me, but then the pace picks up dramatically and the action doesn't stop until the end.
I listened to the audiobook version, which is well narrated by Eilidh Beaton.
This is a strong look at the harsh treatment of women, even women of means, in early 1800s London. It will transport you to that time and take you on an adventure with a memorable main character.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is a compelling mashup of mystery, romance, and thriller, and a look at how few rights women had at that time. Lady Petra is a strong, determined woman who is not easily fooled. Duncan Shawcross, her former childhood friend, is a great foil to Petra's character, and their misunderstandings fuel the plot in many ways. The villain in this story is oh, so evil, as are the men who help him. The first 25 percent of the book moves a little slowly for me, but then the pace picks up dramatically and the action doesn't stop until the end.
I listened to the audiobook version, which is well narrated by Eilidh Beaton.
This is a strong look at the harsh treatment of women, even women of means, in early 1800s London. It will transport you to that time and take you on an adventure with a memorable main character.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2023
Historical mystery is one of our favorite genres, because you get most of the fun of a historical romance (there's always a slow burn romantic b-plot) combined with a Holmsian emphasis on deductive reasoning rather than forensic investigation. Sadly, this one felt like we'd seen it all before: women are disappearing from Society, and their husbands are benefiting. If you've read Regency or Victorian novels (or historical romance), you know that placing women in asylums was a convenient way to get rid of them. Obviously Celeste Connally has read these books, too. Sadly, instead of a unique take, this book felt like a tired retread. We felt like we'd read it before, making it a struggle to get through.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
September 27, 2025
Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this series debut by Celeste Connally. As I have an ARC for the third novel in the collection, I wanted to get an idea of things from the start and discover the intricacies of Lady Petra Forsyth. After the death of her fiancé, Lady Petra Forsyth flees for London, to distract her amongst the city’s high society, vowing never to marry or had her heart to another man. After handling the drama her family had to the proclamation, Lady Forsyth is alerted to the death of a friend who had been suffering from ‘melancholia’. There is little time for grief, as Lady Forsyth hears whispers that her friend might still be alive, locked away in a facility. Murders leave Lady Forsyth scared but determined to get answers. Lady Petra Forsyth might put her safely and life in jeopardy to discover the truth. A great debut by Celeste Connally has me curious about the next novel.
While I do love a good mystery, I am not one who reads a great deal during the early 19th century. Connally pens a decent story that is filled with the flavouring best associated with the early 1800s. The piece progresses well and uses the mystery to ensure momentum is never lost. Connally also handles the issue of female ‘mental issues’ of the time period, which will surely be eyebrow raising to some readers.
Character development works well and the reader is able to connect both with Lady Petra Forsyth and a handful of others. While I was not completely pulled into the web spun by those Connally presents on the page, they entertained in ways that helped flavour the story. There is surely a societal expectation of both sexes, which emerges in how characters are presented and their interaction with one another.
A mystery needs strong plot points, which Celeste Connally secures from the opening chapters. While saddled with technology and social standing of the 19th century, the story does not lose its impact or entertainment value. I did see some great action that matches both the time period and desire for women to put themselves on equal footing. I am eager to see where things are headed as I reach for the next novel.
Kudos, Madam Connally, for this wonderful historical mystery.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While I do love a good mystery, I am not one who reads a great deal during the early 19th century. Connally pens a decent story that is filled with the flavouring best associated with the early 1800s. The piece progresses well and uses the mystery to ensure momentum is never lost. Connally also handles the issue of female ‘mental issues’ of the time period, which will surely be eyebrow raising to some readers.
Character development works well and the reader is able to connect both with Lady Petra Forsyth and a handful of others. While I was not completely pulled into the web spun by those Connally presents on the page, they entertained in ways that helped flavour the story. There is surely a societal expectation of both sexes, which emerges in how characters are presented and their interaction with one another.
A mystery needs strong plot points, which Celeste Connally secures from the opening chapters. While saddled with technology and social standing of the 19th century, the story does not lose its impact or entertainment value. I did see some great action that matches both the time period and desire for women to put themselves on equal footing. I am eager to see where things are headed as I reach for the next novel.
Kudos, Madam Connally, for this wonderful historical mystery.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 15, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Nov. 14, 2023
“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a historical fiction novel by Celeste Connally. The author has other novels under another name, but she is new to me, and this was one heck of an introduction!
Petra Forsyth’s fiancée and love dies in a tragic accident just before they’re about to be married, leaving Petra heartbroken. Since the death of her mother left Petra an independently wealthy woman, she vows to stay single forever, much to the chagrin of her high society friends and family. When Petra hears that a close friend of hers has died as a result of “melancholia”, she is shocked and refuses to believe the news, especially when she hears rumours that her friend was seen just recently, very much alive. A new doctor is in town with big secrets, and Petra finds herself in terrible danger as she continues to investigate why women around her are disappearing.
Petra is spunky, independent and fiery and I loved every bit of her! As a woman in Victorian England who refuses to go along with social norms placed on women at that time, she runs the risk of ruining her family’s reputation as well as her own, but she continues to go against what’s expected of her in order to help her friends. There is absolutely nothing about Petra to dislike and I cheered for her from the outset.
Petra narrates the novel, and there are many high-society characters, so be prepared for numerous mentions of “Lord and Lady” this and “Baron” this and that. Once you can sort through them and determine who is really worth paying attention to, Connally has you hooked.
This is the first novel in a series and if you did not know that at the beginning, you will definitely figure it out by the end, as the conclusion drops a hint of things to come. The novel flows brilliantly, and each chapter leaves just enough of a teaser that I had to keep turning the pages. To ensure the novel hits a thought-provoking and emotional note, Connally includes the asylum plotline, where “women of suspicious character” who “dare to go against societal norms” are committed against their will. “Lady” will sit uncomfortably with readers in certain parts, and it is this hauntingly realistic reminder of our history that makes the novel all the more engaging.
“Lady” will give you “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” vibes, with a little bit of Agatha Christie thrown in (and how is that a bad thing)? I eagerly anticipate more from Connally, and definitely- MORE PETRA!
Expected publication date: Nov. 14, 2023
“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a historical fiction novel by Celeste Connally. The author has other novels under another name, but she is new to me, and this was one heck of an introduction!
Petra Forsyth’s fiancée and love dies in a tragic accident just before they’re about to be married, leaving Petra heartbroken. Since the death of her mother left Petra an independently wealthy woman, she vows to stay single forever, much to the chagrin of her high society friends and family. When Petra hears that a close friend of hers has died as a result of “melancholia”, she is shocked and refuses to believe the news, especially when she hears rumours that her friend was seen just recently, very much alive. A new doctor is in town with big secrets, and Petra finds herself in terrible danger as she continues to investigate why women around her are disappearing.
Petra is spunky, independent and fiery and I loved every bit of her! As a woman in Victorian England who refuses to go along with social norms placed on women at that time, she runs the risk of ruining her family’s reputation as well as her own, but she continues to go against what’s expected of her in order to help her friends. There is absolutely nothing about Petra to dislike and I cheered for her from the outset.
Petra narrates the novel, and there are many high-society characters, so be prepared for numerous mentions of “Lord and Lady” this and “Baron” this and that. Once you can sort through them and determine who is really worth paying attention to, Connally has you hooked.
This is the first novel in a series and if you did not know that at the beginning, you will definitely figure it out by the end, as the conclusion drops a hint of things to come. The novel flows brilliantly, and each chapter leaves just enough of a teaser that I had to keep turning the pages. To ensure the novel hits a thought-provoking and emotional note, Connally includes the asylum plotline, where “women of suspicious character” who “dare to go against societal norms” are committed against their will. “Lady” will sit uncomfortably with readers in certain parts, and it is this hauntingly realistic reminder of our history that makes the novel all the more engaging.
“Lady” will give you “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” vibes, with a little bit of Agatha Christie thrown in (and how is that a bad thing)? I eagerly anticipate more from Connally, and definitely- MORE PETRA!
December 27, 2023
This was such a fun read! I love when a book has a solid cast of likable and unique characters. We have a group of intelligent and caring women at the heart of this book: Lady Petra and her aristocratic friend Lady Caroline, Petra’s lady’s maid Annie, an apothecary named Frances, a dog trainer named Lottie, a courageous housekeeper called Mrs Nance, and others. And of course there’s Teddy the orphaned street urchin, wily and goodhearted. (Can we get a series starring Teddy??) Lady Petra learns some disquieting news at a ball about her friend Lady Milford and discovers that vulnerable women are disappearing. She is soon on the case with the help of her friends and uncovers a dastardly scheme at her own peril. I enjoyed how the clues unfolded and the engaging characters and writing. I’ll definitely pick up the next book in the series.
July 19, 2023
This was such a delightful Regency era mystery with a slight touch of romance - definitely a great start to a new mystery series.
Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back; her fiancé suddenly perishes and her best friend abandons her right when she needs them the most. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance and can remain an independent woman if she so chooses. Oh yes, the thought of such independence makes her deliriously confident and happy. She receives word that a dear friend has passed. Yet, something about all that seems rather suspicious and she is eager to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, that abandoner of a friend has returned to London after several years and its vexing Petra ever so much.
Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. As this is the start to this series, the book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. This is not a light mystery. The theme of the story focuses on the helplessness of married aristocratic women. They are but chattel and are subject to the whims and desires of the men controlling their lives. Petra is a strong female protagonist and will not subjugate herself to any man which garners her quite a bit of grief within society. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: November 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1250867551
No. of pages: 304
Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back; her fiancé suddenly perishes and her best friend abandons her right when she needs them the most. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance and can remain an independent woman if she so chooses. Oh yes, the thought of such independence makes her deliriously confident and happy. She receives word that a dear friend has passed. Yet, something about all that seems rather suspicious and she is eager to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, that abandoner of a friend has returned to London after several years and its vexing Petra ever so much.
Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. As this is the start to this series, the book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. This is not a light mystery. The theme of the story focuses on the helplessness of married aristocratic women. They are but chattel and are subject to the whims and desires of the men controlling their lives. Petra is a strong female protagonist and will not subjugate herself to any man which garners her quite a bit of grief within society. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: November 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1250867551
No. of pages: 304
September 27, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up.
Wow, here is a reaaaaaalllllyyy slow-starting book. It was extremely frustrating to have everything and everyone described in detail. The first half is infused with minutiae and inner dialoguing. The second half picks up. I have to admit it does get somewhat exciting, but the subject matter is what could be considered a sensitive one. (i.e. Snake Pit) (Ten Days in a Mad-House) These books are a bit more modern than the era this author was writing about.
A typical mystery novel that has the heroine doing her best to get herself killed or, actually, worse and is always relying on someone else to get her out of her jams. She is an independent woman for her time (1815), and some small allowances are made for her.
The ending was fairly vague and dissatisfying, at least for me. There really is no romance, but there are hints of a future one. There is a bit of Sapphic and homosexuality discussion, but nothing in detail.
*ARC provided by NewGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author.
Wow, here is a reaaaaaalllllyyy slow-starting book. It was extremely frustrating to have everything and everyone described in detail. The first half is infused with minutiae and inner dialoguing. The second half picks up. I have to admit it does get somewhat exciting, but the subject matter is what could be considered a sensitive one. (i.e. Snake Pit) (Ten Days in a Mad-House) These books are a bit more modern than the era this author was writing about.
A typical mystery novel that has the heroine doing her best to get herself killed or, actually, worse and is always relying on someone else to get her out of her jams. She is an independent woman for her time (1815), and some small allowances are made for her.
The ending was fairly vague and dissatisfying, at least for me. There really is no romance, but there are hints of a future one. There is a bit of Sapphic and homosexuality discussion, but nothing in detail.
*ARC provided by NewGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a historical, romantic mystery. Admittedly, I didn't love this book's writing style. At times the feminist and romantic themes felt a little blunt and heavy handed. However, at the end of the day I enjoyed the themes and messaging itself so it didn't bother me too much. My only real issue with this book is that the ending was much darker than the rest of the story, and caught me a little off guard. Overall though, I'd recommend this to any historical fiction readers. It's a quick and exciting period piece!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a historical, romantic mystery. Admittedly, I didn't love this book's writing style. At times the feminist and romantic themes felt a little blunt and heavy handed. However, at the end of the day I enjoyed the themes and messaging itself so it didn't bother me too much. My only real issue with this book is that the ending was much darker than the rest of the story, and caught me a little off guard. Overall though, I'd recommend this to any historical fiction readers. It's a quick and exciting period piece!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review!
November 30, 2023
This one took me a minute to get into but, by about halfway, I was fully invested and wanted to know more. I really liked the mc, Petra. She's feisty and head-strong in a way that isn't much appreciated in society. The beginning starts with a huge cast of characters. It seemed like every other line was introducing someone else (and gossip about them) and I was worried I would never keep them all straight. Luckily, you need to know only a few of them to still flow easily with the story.
And the last line, SHOCKING! I will definitely be looking for book 2!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
And the last line, SHOCKING! I will definitely be looking for book 2!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 28, 2023
Lady Petra vows to never marry after her fiancé dies. She uses her title to enjoy the best of society. When she hears a friend has died, she decides to look into the mysterious death.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is the first book in the Lady Petra Inquires series. Petra is a smart, strong protagonist. The cast of characters is interesting. and the setting is lovely. This was a great start to a new series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is the first book in the Lady Petra Inquires series. Petra is a smart, strong protagonist. The cast of characters is interesting. and the setting is lovely. This was a great start to a new series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
If you love Christie, if you adore Bridgerton, then you will swoon over this splendid feminist Regency mystery, first in a new series. I loved it and look happily forward to more by the talented author.
November 12, 2023
Witty, dark and disturbing
Lady Petra Forsyth is a lively, secure woman whose fiancée, Emerson, Viscount Ingersoll, died just before they were to be married. Petra and Duncan Shawcross, who’d introduced her to Emerson, had been friends from an early age. After Emerson’s death they’d not spoken. Ever since, Petra’s gone about in society, secure in the knowledge that she’s loved by her father, has access to her own monies, and will remain a spinster.
Back home she rides astride, helping to care for her father’s string of hunters. Her father, the Earl of Holbrook breeds horses, and whilst he’s recovering from a broken ankle Petra has been assisting more than usual.
Petra returns to London for her godmother’s annual ball to find her childhood friend, turned enemy, Duncan has returned from Continent where he’d been for three years securing and improving the Duke of Hillmorton’s lands.
Duncan had been the one to rescue her after Emerson’s death where they’d been trysting together. Petra had written him letters whilst he was away but he never answered. Their relationship has been cut off.
When Petra is given the news of a close friend’s sudden death and is burial she’s shocked. She’s even more dismayed when her friend’s footman Martin tells her he’s seen his supposedly dead mistress in London. Then when Martin’s found dead and Petra herself comes under attack, the ghastly truth about women being sent to an asylum because they’re husbands or family desiring them to be out of the way for various and nefarious reasons, she’s shocked. During Regency times, such happenings were frequent. When Petra and her father come under attack from her dreadful Uncle Tobias, and Petra is incarcerated who will save her? Who will help these women.?
Petra is far too independent for the time and that is both the source of her joy and her sorrow.
A page turner and sleep depriver, I really enjoyed the characters met within the pages, even as I loathed and detested some.
The ending, poised on a troubling knife’s edge means there’s more to come but what, I can’t imagine.
A Minotaur ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Lady Petra Forsyth is a lively, secure woman whose fiancée, Emerson, Viscount Ingersoll, died just before they were to be married. Petra and Duncan Shawcross, who’d introduced her to Emerson, had been friends from an early age. After Emerson’s death they’d not spoken. Ever since, Petra’s gone about in society, secure in the knowledge that she’s loved by her father, has access to her own monies, and will remain a spinster.
Back home she rides astride, helping to care for her father’s string of hunters. Her father, the Earl of Holbrook breeds horses, and whilst he’s recovering from a broken ankle Petra has been assisting more than usual.
Petra returns to London for her godmother’s annual ball to find her childhood friend, turned enemy, Duncan has returned from Continent where he’d been for three years securing and improving the Duke of Hillmorton’s lands.
Duncan had been the one to rescue her after Emerson’s death where they’d been trysting together. Petra had written him letters whilst he was away but he never answered. Their relationship has been cut off.
When Petra is given the news of a close friend’s sudden death and is burial she’s shocked. She’s even more dismayed when her friend’s footman Martin tells her he’s seen his supposedly dead mistress in London. Then when Martin’s found dead and Petra herself comes under attack, the ghastly truth about women being sent to an asylum because they’re husbands or family desiring them to be out of the way for various and nefarious reasons, she’s shocked. During Regency times, such happenings were frequent. When Petra and her father come under attack from her dreadful Uncle Tobias, and Petra is incarcerated who will save her? Who will help these women.?
Petra is far too independent for the time and that is both the source of her joy and her sorrow.
A page turner and sleep depriver, I really enjoyed the characters met within the pages, even as I loathed and detested some.
The ending, poised on a troubling knife’s edge means there’s more to come but what, I can’t imagine.
A Minotaur ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
August 10, 2023
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
As I am trying to find myself out of horror, I'm dabbling in all kinds of genres and when the publisher offered a chance to read Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, I said "why not?" I'm so glad I took a chance on this.
Act is a fun, historical-feminist-mystery thriller starring proclaimed to remain unmarried Lady Petra Forsyth. I love her. She is witty, headstrong, determined, and kind. There is something amiss when one of her lady friends is allegedly deceased but Lady P was never told. Then, a servant makes mention of seeing her friend alive and recently! A series of mysteries, actions, and a truly vile villain make up the remainder of this novel and guys, I was HOOKED.
This does start off a bit slow, but more like the fuse on dynamite. The fuse burns a ways before it BLOWS UP and this book sure does. Very few books make my heart race when the action happens, and Act gave me heart palpitations.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is out on 11/14/2023 and I will be purchasing a physical copy. There's talk of this being a new series and I'll be buying those too. Celeste Connally, you just got a new biggest fan.
I received an e-ARC from @stmartinspress and @minotaur_books on @netgalley I'm exchange for my honest review and I am eternally grateful.
As I am trying to find myself out of horror, I'm dabbling in all kinds of genres and when the publisher offered a chance to read Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, I said "why not?" I'm so glad I took a chance on this.
Act is a fun, historical-feminist-mystery thriller starring proclaimed to remain unmarried Lady Petra Forsyth. I love her. She is witty, headstrong, determined, and kind. There is something amiss when one of her lady friends is allegedly deceased but Lady P was never told. Then, a servant makes mention of seeing her friend alive and recently! A series of mysteries, actions, and a truly vile villain make up the remainder of this novel and guys, I was HOOKED.
This does start off a bit slow, but more like the fuse on dynamite. The fuse burns a ways before it BLOWS UP and this book sure does. Very few books make my heart race when the action happens, and Act gave me heart palpitations.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is out on 11/14/2023 and I will be purchasing a physical copy. There's talk of this being a new series and I'll be buying those too. Celeste Connally, you just got a new biggest fan.
I received an e-ARC from @stmartinspress and @minotaur_books on @netgalley I'm exchange for my honest review and I am eternally grateful.
October 31, 2023
Great book. I really enjoyed the combination of historical fiction and mystery. And Petra is just the most fabulous of heroines. She is feisty and not at all what you would expect from that time frame, rather advocating for the independance of women. Of course that gets her into all kinds of trouble.
Her spirit gives some great moments of humour as well, and takes her into all kinds of places where she maybe doesn't belong, at least not for a woman during that timeframe. That is part of what makes this such a great book.
Her spirit gives some great moments of humour as well, and takes her into all kinds of places where she maybe doesn't belong, at least not for a woman during that timeframe. That is part of what makes this such a great book.
April 16, 2024
Lady Petra is not like the other ladies in the 1800's. After Petra's fiance passed away she preferred to remain a spinster. She enjoys riding her horse in pants instead of dresses. She is very opinionated and isn't afraid to share it even with men. The secondary characters are interesting but not all are likable. The mystery was well-plotted with plenty of twists. I am happy with the ending.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
January 16, 2025
Read to 25%. Quit for unexpected content.
OF NOTE:
Young man Juddy looks longingly at Duncan and also another young man.
False accusations of our unmarried leading lady having Sapphic tendencies.
OF NOTE:
Young man Juddy looks longingly at Duncan and also another young man.
False accusations of our unmarried leading lady having Sapphic tendencies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
Rounding up from, like, a 3.5 or a 3.75.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord brought me in on title, blurb, and general interest thanks to an affinity for Downton Abbey, Evie Dunmore's Rogue series, and Victorian England itself. Lady Petra Forsyth is a charming woman born in the wrong time - I would love to get into a drunk conversation with her about falling the patriarchy at a bar these days - and dealing with society that doesn't like her saying "I'm going to be alone forever, deal with it!" after the untimely death of her fiancé. Petra's got the support of her dad, her friends, and her staff and, really, that's all that should matter. Just kidding, it's the 1800s.
The book starts off slow: I told people that it started getting interesting around chapter 15 and 16, but once it did, boy howdy, I almost didn't want to put it down. I appreciate the amount of times I got the chance to yell, "MAKE IT GAY" in my annotations. And the ending, I kid you not, had me flipping back and forth, physically looking for more because that couldn't be the end of the story.
**SLIGHT SPOILERY VIBES BELOW**
Overall, I would recommend this to friends who like Victorian England and certain mysteries, but not friends who devour romance stories. This story doesn't get all the stars because there was soooo much exposition for so long (I can understand some world building, but 15 chapters of it?) and I wish there was more depth to Duncan and Petra's relationship. Their reunion is kinda...bleh, and I didn't get the warm bubbly feelings I think a reader should get when they're together. It feels like Connally tried really hard to do mystery and romance all at once and ended up with MYSTERY, oh yeah, and there's a little romance too if you look for it.
Thankful to NetGalley for getting this in my hands and thanks to Celeste Connally for ruining my day with her ending. I'll be thinking about it for the next 24 hours.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord brought me in on title, blurb, and general interest thanks to an affinity for Downton Abbey, Evie Dunmore's Rogue series, and Victorian England itself. Lady Petra Forsyth is a charming woman born in the wrong time - I would love to get into a drunk conversation with her about falling the patriarchy at a bar these days - and dealing with society that doesn't like her saying "I'm going to be alone forever, deal with it!" after the untimely death of her fiancé. Petra's got the support of her dad, her friends, and her staff and, really, that's all that should matter. Just kidding, it's the 1800s.
The book starts off slow: I told people that it started getting interesting around chapter 15 and 16, but once it did, boy howdy, I almost didn't want to put it down. I appreciate the amount of times I got the chance to yell, "MAKE IT GAY" in my annotations. And the ending, I kid you not, had me flipping back and forth, physically looking for more because that couldn't be the end of the story.
**SLIGHT SPOILERY VIBES BELOW**
Overall, I would recommend this to friends who like Victorian England and certain mysteries, but not friends who devour romance stories. This story doesn't get all the stars because there was soooo much exposition for so long (I can understand some world building, but 15 chapters of it?) and I wish there was more depth to Duncan and Petra's relationship. Their reunion is kinda...bleh, and I didn't get the warm bubbly feelings I think a reader should get when they're together. It feels like Connally tried really hard to do mystery and romance all at once and ended up with MYSTERY, oh yeah, and there's a little romance too if you look for it.
Thankful to NetGalley for getting this in my hands and thanks to Celeste Connally for ruining my day with her ending. I'll be thinking about it for the next 24 hours.
November 22, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.
This book really ended up not being what I expected (having read a fair number of historical mysteries led by female characters living outside the social norm). I think I expected a more romance forward story, and one where the MC was actively investigating a murder. But the main thing our heroine is investigating here is the strange death and/or disappearance of her friend Gwen, whose funeral was held two weeks before, but whose former loyal footman swears he saw her the day before.
I also definitely expected this to be more of a romp, but it really wasn't. This book takes on (spoilers for what happened to her friend) and it treats the consequences of that with respect and doesn't shy away from the nasty reality of it. The villain perpetrating all of this (help from the patriarchy, of course) was a bit moustache-twirly for my tastes, but I hated him suitably and he made a good foil for Petra, who I read in an interview the author (Stephanie Perkins using a penname) named Petra because it means "rock" in Greek.
I was thinking this book would be a fun way to pass the time, but I'm actually really into it. Especially since it seems Petra is dedicated to her "spinsterhood", even though she is now regularly getting the good old what for from .
Happily recommend this one!
(The audiobook narrator, Eilidh Beaton, was also lovely and did a great job. If I see her narrating another book, it will make me want to pick it up more.)
This book really ended up not being what I expected (having read a fair number of historical mysteries led by female characters living outside the social norm). I think I expected a more romance forward story, and one where the MC was actively investigating a murder. But the main thing our heroine is investigating here is the strange death and/or disappearance of her friend Gwen, whose funeral was held two weeks before, but whose former loyal footman swears he saw her the day before.
I also definitely expected this to be more of a romp, but it really wasn't. This book takes on (spoilers for what happened to her friend) and it treats the consequences of that with respect and doesn't shy away from the nasty reality of it. The villain perpetrating all of this (help from the patriarchy, of course) was a bit moustache-twirly for my tastes, but I hated him suitably and he made a good foil for Petra, who I read in an interview the author (Stephanie Perkins using a penname) named Petra because it means "rock" in Greek.
I was thinking this book would be a fun way to pass the time, but I'm actually really into it. Especially since it seems Petra is dedicated to her "spinsterhood", even though she is now regularly getting the good old what for from .
Happily recommend this one!
(The audiobook narrator, Eilidh Beaton, was also lovely and did a great job. If I see her narrating another book, it will make me want to pick it up more.)
July 16, 2023
Novels like this are so important to read. This novel is fiction but events like what took place in this novel absolutely happened in the past. This is a novel for anyone who likes a good historical mystery. It is also a novel that points out just how difficult life has been for women in the past.
Petra, is a spinster. She had been engaged to be married but her fiance died a tragic death. Petra considered him the love of her life and has not wanted to remarry. Due to her desire not to remarry, Petra is seen as unusual and there are several men who want to put her in her place. There are disappearing women and a murder that Petra is determined to find out what is really happening. There was lots of action and even a hint of romance. A good read for anyone who wants to get sent back in the past with a strong heroine.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Petra, is a spinster. She had been engaged to be married but her fiance died a tragic death. Petra considered him the love of her life and has not wanted to remarry. Due to her desire not to remarry, Petra is seen as unusual and there are several men who want to put her in her place. There are disappearing women and a murder that Petra is determined to find out what is really happening. There was lots of action and even a hint of romance. A good read for anyone who wants to get sent back in the past with a strong heroine.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 997 reviews