This book was a fun historical mystery read. I really loved the main characters, Gus and Julia, they were such an interesting duo! The book is from the point-of-view of Gus, who is a strong, intelligent woman who pushes against social expectations. She is tired of being cast off as a spinster and decides to use her intelligence to save and protect other women. This novel is broken into three parts and each part focuses on a separate rescue that Gus pursues in the story. During her first mission, she crosses paths with Lord Evan, who is an acquaintance from the past who was arrested and exiled from community society groups. Gus and Lord Evan's interactions are tension filled and great throughout the book and I loved seeing Gus allow herself to let someone in despite his apprehensions about staining her position in society due to his past. The three rescues were unique and dangerous in their own way and shed a light on the mistreatment of women during this time. The book as a little long due to the three different missions, but I really enjoyed it! I can't wait for another book with these gutsy sisters and to see more about Lord Evan and Gus's romance! If you are a fan of the Ladies Most Scandalous series from Manda Collins, you will enjoy this new series!

Thank you so much Berkley Pub for the free copy of this novel and PRH audio for access to the audiobook version to enjoy. #berklypub #berkleypartner #prhaudio

Cozy mysteries are def not for me. Which is unfortunate because I love regency era books, but I couldn't really get into this or the characters. My library did purchase it though for our mystery collection and I think it will be a hit with our patrons.

Wow , just wow! This book checked all of the boxes for me and it wasn’t even on my radar until I saw a few posts about it last week when it was published on 5/30. Did I run to netgalley to see if I could find it right away? You bet I did! ( And I have ordered a personal copy - I have to own it!)

From the cover you can guess it’s a Regency fiction that mixes romance with mystery. However, our protagonists are unmarried twins in their early 40s! They are old enough to get away with more and not care, but still women in the regency time under class driven patriarchy. They embark on a series of adventures in helping other women who are seriously suffering.

Though lighthearted and funny in places, the book takes on the darker side of the times for women. While our heroines must deal with their younger brother taking their home and a selling a horse without asking, (problems indeed but nothing too dire) they quickly find themselves coming to the aid of a woman imprisoned by an abusive husband, children kidnapped into prostitution, and women exiled to vile madhouses. This requires a difficult balance the I believe Goodman handled perfectly. There is suspense and heartbreaking drama along with humor and a bit of romance to keep things even more interesting. I love dynamic between the sisters and the fact that they are 40 something is 💯 chef’s kiss perfection!

Read this if you like regency fiction, suspense mysteries, romance, with bad ass FMCs. Think Amina Al-Sirafi meets the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels 😍

I loved it!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @berkleypub for access to an e ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Lady Augusta Colebrook and her twin sister Lady Julia are in their forties, unmarried and thus considered to be of negligible worth by vast swathes of their Regency English society. Fortunately, they have both financial security and a supportive circle of friends, one of whom has asked them to assist her in a delicate matter. Lady Charlotte Davenport seeks to recover several indiscreet letters she once wrote to a paramour. She asks the Colebrook sisters to meet with her blackmailer and exchange some jewelry for the incriminating missives.

The rendezvous doesn’t go exactly as planned but the sisters emerge both triumphant and with a newly whetted taste for adventure. So when Charlotte asks for their help once again, they’re more than willing to listen.

Charlotte’s goddaughter Caroline made an advantageous marriage some years ago, but has since come to fear for her life after being unable to bear the heir her husband so desperately desires. Sir Reginald Thorne has made it impossible for any of Caroline’s friends or relatives to see her, and her family only knows of her predicament through a letter smuggled out by a sympathetic maidservant. Caroline’s sister, Millicent, begs for the Colebrook sisters to intervene and help her sister escape imprisonment, despite the fact that they – or indeed anyone in 1800s England – have no legal standing to do so:

QUOTE
By law, our attempt to extract Lady Thorne would be considered kidnapping or abduction and very much outside the law. However, the fact that Sir Reginald was mistreating his wife was not against the law and would not be so until she was dead by his hand or design. According to the laws of England, and indeed God, she was his chattel and he could do with her as he pleased up to the point of murder. Was it any wonder that I could not reconcile this God with my own moral sense?
END QUOTE

Julia’s kindly nature immediately prompts her to agree to help, but Augusta is spurred more by dissatisfaction with the general oppression of her sex. And if God does not exist, as she’s starting to believe, then she had better step up to help make the world a better place herself.

On the way to Sir Reginald’s estate, the sisters have a pivotal encounter with a highwayman who will turn Augusta’s world upside down. Lord Evan Belford has returned from the colonies in order to continue his life of crime, or so it would seem. Over the course of press ganging him into their scheme, the sisters are surprised to discover in him a steadfast ally. While the Colebrooks both come to appreciate his assistance, Julia is more wary of his continuing presence in their lives, largely due to the effect he has on Augusta:

QUOTE
“Still, when you are in Lord Evan’s company you are too reckless. You become another person.”

“That is unfair. I have always been reckless.”

Although perhaps she had a point; I did feel strong and smart and a great deal bolder when I was with him. All admirable qualities in a man but adding up to recklessness in a woman. Yet, I rather liked the person I was in his company.
END QUOTE

With more than one successful caper under their belts, the sisters soon find themselves the founders of the title benevolent society, dedicated to eschewing politeness and gentility in favor of saving women and girls from the most oppressive, if not outright deadly, of circumstances. In addition to Lord Evan and Lady Charlotte, they gain staunch allies in their faithful servants, John Driver and their freedman butler Weatherly, and an increasing circle of sympathetic contacts.

Of course, this also means that they have plenty of detractors, including their own younger brother Duffy. While presented as neither evil nor criminal, he certainly represents so much of what was wrong with Regency society, leading to a perhaps inevitable series of family breaks that are painful for our protagonists to bear. The deep and sensitive exploration into this and many other aspects of the period’s injustices – too many of which linger on to the modern day – are only a small part of what makes this swashbuckling romance novel equal parts thrilling and thoughtful. Whether addressing legal or medical aspects in which women and people of color were given little recourse or autonomy, this book neatly weaves each clearly well-researched topic into its engaging, lively plot.

I loved reading how the Colebrook sisters defy convention to ensure that good prevails in the world, and how naturally and convincingly the romance between Augusta and Evan blooms. By the end of the book, I was desperate to know what happens next. I can’t wait to read more of the series after this splendid start!

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. Of course, I know and have read Alison Goodman's other books (Dark Days Club is one of my favorite series) but they are sooo different from what this book is that I wasn't sure what to expect. With that said, I started this one and found myself not wanting to put it down.

This book focuses on two forty-something twin ladies living in Regency London and while they face the restrictions ladies in Society normally do, they have found a way to be who they want to be...for the most part. I loved the relationship Gus and Julia have with each other. They love and trust each other unconditionally and it was one of my favorite parts. Their brother on the other hand was a piece of work and I hated how he treated Gus...I'll be curious to see how their relationship moves forward based on how this book ended.

As Gus and Julia take on "projects" to help ladies they know, they find themselves in plenty of danger and I loved how resourceful and willing they were to do whatever it takes to make sure things are right. Along the way, Gus finds herself drawn to the man who tried to rob her (who happens to be someone with a past and a secret) and he strangely becomes a key participant in their work.

A lot happens in this book and I can't go into everything. If you take anything out of this, I hope that it's that you should read this book. If you enjoy Regency era stories, I highly recommend you pick this up. There's mystery, action, and a bit of romance that will keep you turning the pages.

A thoroughly delightful historical mystery set in Regency England with the author throwing in many historical details, which makes it even better! A delightful journey full of wit, adventure and proving Lord Evan had been imprisoned falsely, bring this story full circle, leaving you with only wanting more!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Note: Sexual abuse of women and girls is mentioned several times but not detailed

This novel, set in 1812 England, captured and held my attention. The author is adept at designing characters who quickly become almost real to the reader. The scenery, whether wooded or in the countryside, in the best or worst parts of town, came to life through scents, sounds, and visuals. The same can be said for the homes of those in different levels of society and the less-reputable businesses.

It sounds as if this era in England was a terrifying time for many women! Married women had no rights, and unmarried women were often under the “protection” (thumb) of their father or brother. Men could hold their wives/ family members as prisoners, abuse them, commit them to asylums, or do almost anything short of murder. I cringed at Lord Duffy, the imperious younger brother of our two protagonists, and several other, similar, men in this novel.

Lady Augusta “Gus” and Lady Julia are fraternal twins in their early forties, unmarried, and living in a home previously owned by their father. Julia was once engaged to be married, but her betrothed died in a hunting accident two years ago.

Gus and Julia set out on three intriguing “adventures” after helping a dear friend, Charlotte, handle a matter requiring utmost discretion. Each adventure is a life-and-death challenge. Despite Julia suffering from an illness that has already claimed two of their family members, she joined Gus on the adventures of helping women get out of horrible situations.

The sisters are in their carriage on the way to remove Caroline, one of Charlotte’s goddaughters, from her husband’s country estate. There, he held her prisoner, medicated and fearing for her life. Highwaymen stopped their carriage. Gus, holding a loaded pistol when the coach is jostled, accidentally grazed the man at their window. Julia recognized him as Lord Evan, incarcerated in Australia twenty years ago after the man he dueled with died. They couldn’t leave Evan on the side of the road, as he would be hung if recaptured, so he became a part of their first rescue.

Lord Evan is a likable rogue who calls himself Jonathan Hargate. Gus falls in love for the first time, a love doomed for heartache. She wants to help absolve him of the murder charge as Evan and his second in the duel know he barely nicked the man. He has something more important to handle before he leaves London for good. Gus could never leave her twin, especially with her illness.

The next adventure is more difficult. Weatherly, their butler, is a benefactor to a young woman who takes in orphaned and abandoned girls, preparing them to make an honest living. One of her girls, only twelve, goes missing. It is suspected that she was taken by a bawdy house owner from another town.

Their third adventure is equally challenging. Evan’s sister, Lady Hester, was committed to an asylum by his brother. Hester’s lady friend has tried for two years to get her out. Evan grieved for not having been there to protect her. The only way to get in was for Evan and his “wife”, Gus, to acquire positions acting as a working-class porter and housekeeper, under an assumed name. One of London’s Bow Street Runners is now after Evan, as is a “thief-taker”.

Gus, Julia, Weatherly, and Evan are engaging people I would want on my side in a crisis. All are described very well through realistic conversations and behaviors. At times, Gus could be considered “ill-mannered”, but she is blunt whereas Julia is kinder and soft-spoken. Some situations were so well written about that I could feel their fear, disgust, or happiness.

The only unresolved situation was finding information to acquit Evan for the death of the man two decades ago. He couldn’t stay in London. Even if he was found not guilty, he would still be on the hook for becoming a highwayman to survive while seeking his sister. I wanted Evan and Gus to pursue a life together, but it doesn’t look possible. This is a fascinating set of adventures, very intriguing and suspenseful. I highly recommend this first in a new series!

A unique Regency-era story that focuses on twin sisters Augustus "Gus" and Julia Colebrook. Dubbed old maids by societal standards, they use their financial independence to help women in bad situations. There is sleuthing, romance, intrigue, and a great deal of insight into the Regency era's unromantic, unglamorized, problematic areas. Divided into three cases, the book explores three different situations that women faced during the time period and, as readers, we root for Gus and Julia to intervene successfully so that the women can live safely.

Goodman crafts a very well-researched story. Based on the cover, title, and blurb, I think I was expecting a lighter romp through the era, but this book got decidedly dark. Once I got over the surprise of the subject matter, I enjoyed the story, but I want to flag this shift in expectations.

The structure of the novel made it feel a bit repetitive, but overall it was an engaging read with rich characters. While this story was a bit of a departure from my usual historical fiction reads, I really enjoyed it.

Absolutely delightful historical mystery!

I fell in love with Lady Augusta (Gus) Colebrook and her twin sister, Lady Julia, in the first chapter of this novel set in Regency London. Both are unmarried ladies of a certain age and have been dismissed by most of the ton as old spinsters. Despite their younger brother's efforts to control them, the ladies put themselves into the position of rescuing women in distress. Their adventures are both dangerous and require clever ruses to outwit those who would hinder their efforts. Along the way, Gus meets her new partner in peril, Lord Evan Belford, shortly escaped from his prison sentence and on the run from Michael Kent, of Bow Street.

The plot was great, and the narrative was full of great details and dialogue. I liked the main characters and those associated with them as well. Truly an enjoyable read with just enough romance though the three different situations that Gus and her sister get involved in were dark, suspenseful, and dramatic. I believe this is the first in a new series that I will be following as I wait for the second installment with high anticipation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. Don't miss this if you enjoy intriguing historical mysteries with unlikely heroines.

Not all Regency stories should be about blushing, young debutantes, and the introduction of an older, tart-tongued heroine is most enjoyable. And not just any heroine, but a determined 42-year-old who is sick to death of being ignored. She determines to use her "invisibility" as a spinster to help other women and people shunted to the sidelines in the rigid system of the Regency. Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, are beguiling heroines whose adventures make it hard to put this book down. A real keeper. (I received an advance e-copy via NetGalley. Opinions mine.)

One of my favorite books this year! This book is the perfect mix of adventure, mystery, and romance. I laughed out loud on several occasions, and thoroughly enjoyed being whisked away on one of Gus and Julia's heroic endeavors in this novel. Below is a link to my discussion with Alison Goodman on the Feminist Book Club podcast.

This was a lot of fun a clearly made by someone who knows their stuff about the regency era. Plus, the mystery was fun!

This was a fun book to read with enjoyable characters. I like that Gus and Julia are older spinsters so they have a little more freedom then younger ones. I liked how they were willing to help people out even if they had to do it in maybe a not as legal way. I thought they were fun to read about as they went on their adventure. I also liked the contrast between the two sisters. I loved that they were the complete opposite of each other but worked well together to accomplish what needed to get done. I thought the writing style was well done. I also thought the author dealt with difficult topics well

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman is an incredible historical fiction featuring epically fierce women that not only defy the norms of society, but also seek to right the wrongs & protect those often forgotten by society. I was in awe of the spirit of them & the way they tackled difficult & dangerous situations. This book is really neat because it is divided up into the multiple cases that the women take on & the treacherous events that the mysteries cause.

The dedication was top tier & set the tone of the book in such a lovely & bold way. I loved the fact that this was a historical fiction & it had 40 something women at the helm. That is something that is unfortunately rare in even contemporary fiction, but it is truly needed!

It does an incredible job of showcasing important issues that require finesse, morality, strong ethics & so much more & deals with then in a truly impressive & inspiring way. Itstories of hardships, wickedness & evil but thankfully, there’s the strong, badass sisters that counter it with fearless protectiveness, goodness & triumph.

I also appreciated the simmering romance that took place as well the drama that takes place within the family & the high society & the ripples their actions create.

This is entertaining historical fiction caked full of thrilling mystery, splendid action, unquestionable gumption & inspiring strength that all takes places with an undercurrent of hope through fighting back in the midst of dark times.


Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the free arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Content Warnings: This book mentions &/or contains violence, gore, death & abuse.

The cover of this book screams Holly Hobbie innocence to me, thank goodness what I found on the pages of this book was strong women bucking the status quo, breaking rules and standing up for themselves.
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The Benevolent Society of Ill Mannered Women was just what I love about Regency Era stories, women who are not complacent to be totally controlled by men and thought of as pure ornamentation and mothers.
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The wonderful twin sisters that are the protagonists of the story, Lady Augusta and Lady Julia, set out to help women in need. There is danger, adventure and excitement as they solve three “cases” and make their way in the world where most men feel they don’t belong. I loved these sisters and their individual attributes and abilities that the author highlighted beautifully.
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The author, Alison Goodman, researched the time period thoroughly and it shows in a very well written look at the interactions of the characters, their daily activities, and the social norms of the day. It was a fun beginning to further adventures in the secret lives of these twins.
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🌸𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖🌸

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗹𝗹-𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for the gifted copies.

📖 Lady Augusta is an amateur detective in Regency London. With the help of her twin and an unlikely ally, she uses her position in high-society and her invisibility as an 'old maid', to help other women in need.

💭 I knew from the dedication that this would be one I'd enjoy!

Dedication: "This book is dedicated to all the women out there who no longer have the patience or desire to put up with any nonsense." 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Yes, ma'am!!!!

This was magnificently clever, wonderfully feminist, and not at all the cozy historical mystery it looks to be by the cover. It delves into some dark corners of women's history, but does so with wit, charm and humor. I loved every second.

I read this in a mix of print, ebook and audiobook, and recommend all formats. The audiobook performance (by the insanely talented Kristin Atherton) is absolute PERFECTION!

***Review posted to my IG on pub day.***

Long past the days when a lady is considered as a potential wife, a determined woman fired with feminist fervor and her sister set out to aid other women in desperate situations when no one else can or will help. A historical mystery not in the traditional sense with non-traditional heroines set against the well-drawn backdrop of the Regency era world.

I’ve already enjoyed an earlier book by Alison Goodman so knew I was in for a colorful and exciting reading experience though this time there are no supernatural elements woven in.

Lady Augusta ‘Gus’ Colebrook has had it up to here with insipid High Society and its rules that put women at the mercy of unworthy men and she is not daunted by the darker underbelly of the glittering wealth. She knows full well what getting involved means for her feminine reputation, but she has a heart and fire in her that can’t turn her eyes from others’ plights. Gus decides to enlist her grieving twin sister and go to the rescue.

Along the way, they have an encounter with a highwayman that has a bizarre twist to the story in that he turns out to be a surprising new ally and a man with a criminal past. They operated in secret and I enjoyed pursuing the various types of mysteries they worked on from the first case of abuse to a horrid mental institution

I ended up having to make some mental adjustments when I read this one. First, I had it in my head that it would be lighter- more cozy and bantering- than it was. Once I realized that this would deal with social ills and mysteries that were darker like human trafficking, abuse, and cruel mental asylums, I was fine with what I got. And, secondly, this is actually a story broken into three parts based on three different cases the sisters, Gus and Julia, and Lord Evan are working on with the aid of their loyal serving staff and a Bow Street Runner. It is also not an end all, but the spring board for further books in a series- at least I hope that’s why the end was somewhat abrupt.

It was frustrating for Gus that men wouldn’t heed her and Oys, I wanted to smack her spiteful brother for her the way he acted toward her. Gus and Julia might be considered past it by society, but they were smart and used their spinsterhood to advantage. They also had Twin Power- or at least a fun and helpful way of silently communicating that aided them in their work. The mysteries were great, but I loved that there was a romance brewing for Gus, too. Lord Evan was a fab tarnished hero who wasn’t the criminal that all of society thought him, but he was on a mission about all that and helping the sisters, too.

All in all, this was a good start to the series and I want more Gus, Lord Evan and their team hot on the trail of social injustice and misery in their Regency times. Historical mystery fans who like it a bit grittier and darker with social injustice elements and bold characters should give this a go.

This book didn't grab me like I hoped it would. Twin sisters who are considered to be old maids at age 42 back in the 1800's in London, They become secret agents and try to rescue abused women. This book was just ok for me so I am rating it 3 stars out of 5. Sometimes I have a hard time connecting to books during this time frame for some reason so maybe it's just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy. To be published June 2023.

When you see a book called The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, you immediately pick it up. Or, you do if you’re me. How can you not? What’s better than ladies not doing what’s expected of them? And oh boy, do they act well beyond the rules of society!

Allison Goodman tells the story of Augusta and Julia Colebrooke. The two twin sisters are considered spinsters due to their age and lack of husbands, but they are still very much part of high society.

And after saving a young woman from her tyrant of a husband, they become the women people go to when someone is in need.

Julia is still grieving her betrothed who died in a riding accident and Augusta has never had much thought of marriage. That is until she meets Lord Evan Belford. They meet him on the way to save the woman from her husband, and he throws a wrench in their plans.

The thing that set this book apart from others to me was the fact that it was a historical mystery separated into three parts. In each part, Augusta seeks to solve different, unrelated crimes. I’ve read books where there are multiple mysteries to unravel but none where they were clearly ever divided. By that description you might believe it was a set of novellas however the character’s interpersonal problems are played out throughout the story.

My favourite aspect of Ill-Mannered Ladies was that the novel takes a modern sort of feminist approach to historical fiction and features crimes committed against women that you might not immediately expect from a “detective” type novel. Augusta is content with her spinsterhood and sort of falls into her new trade of detective work quite naturally. Her love interest is equally untraditional as he used to be a society man but has instead been found guilty of a crime, banished, returned and now a highwayman.

This book would be the equivalent of a lovechild between a traditional historical romance and a historical detective novel. While the format made for an interesting change it tried to take on a lot. There were three separate mysteries to be solved, a domineering brother, a sick sister and a romance to unfold. I have never seen a book attempt to tackle so much. This book appears to be the first in a new series and I’m not sure all of the subplots that were introduced were required here and could have been introduced in later novels in order to dedicate more time to each.

Thank you to Berkley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.