ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD by Celeste Connally and narrated by Eilidh Beaton is a mash up of Regency era cozy mystery.

This story introduces Petra Forsythia 1815 London as a singular woman who has chosen a path far outside the common expectations. Rejecting the term "spinster" for its negative connotations, Petra has nonetheless embraced the status and declared her intention not to marry. She is drawn into a mystery of the death of a friend and uncovers much more than she bargained for, but not without putting her own freedom at risk.

I was really excited to read what was billed as "Brigerton meets Agatha Christie." I also read the synopsis, which told the first 2/3rds of the story (not the synopsis I just gave). I was unfortunately disappointed in my expectations and the spoiler synopsis. If I had simply seen it as a Regency mystery, I would have been better situated to enjoy this one. AG is a major comparison, and it is hard to match. This was not a twisty whodunit at all. It was a social critique about feminism in the early 1800's with a serial killer in a cozy format.

The audio was done well. I think she did a good job with the various characters and I was easily able to keep everyone separate.

I really think this story could have hit me better without the synopsis. As it was with what I had, my experience with this story was a ⭐⭐⭐. I think if you don't read the given synopsis and go into it with less of a whodunit expectation, it could be better. I did have both the digital and audio, which is usually a win for me, but unfortunately, I kept waiting for something different.

Thank you to @netgalley @macmillan.audio & @minotaur_books for this book in both formats and for letting me share my thoughts. This was published on November 14th, so if it sounds like it would be a win for you, please go check it out!

This sounded like it would be a nice historical mystery beginner. I am sorry to say that I didn't really like it. I didn't like the characters. I didn't feel like the period was represented accurately. I didn't like the way this opener ended. I didn't like the wishy washy way the MC brooded with the thoughts in her mind and jumped to all kinds of conclusions. I guessed the murderer as soon as he was introduced. There were no redeeming twists in the mystery. This book just didn't work for me. I almost didn't finish but I skimmed through the last bit, wanting to see if it ended any better than I thought it would. Nope.

1815

Lady Petra Forsyth, 24, spends her days exercising her horses. She is the daughter of the Earl of Holbrook. Sadly, her mother died not long after Petra was born leaving her father to raise her and her governesses to educate her. Her fiancé died shortly before their wedding leaving Petra to proclaim that she will remain a spinster much to the chagrin of her odious uncle, Lord Allington. However, Petra is free to do as she wishes because her mother left her an inheritance that only she can touch.

Growing up, her playmate was Mr. Duncan Shawcross spending their time riding horses and enjoying the fresh air. However, shortly before he was to the leave for the continent, they had a terrible argument. That was 3 years ago and while Petra wrote and apologized, he did not respond.

Petra has arrived in London to attend a ball given by a Duchess friend. There, she sees Duncan again who is chilly to her. She also learns of the sudden death of an old friend. She is shocked as she was told that the woman had a fit and passed away. But when a footman claims to have seen the woman just a couple days ago, she is determined to find out exactly what the situation is.

This book was fairly good. The plot was interesting but my biggest complaint is that it is so wordy. Goodness, every move, every thought is written down. That took so much away for me. A lot of editing needed here.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first in a series of regency-era mysteries.

When Lady Petra Forsyth, self-declared spinster, discovers that her friend has unexpectedly died, she cannot believe it. As Lady Petra learns more information about her friend’s untimely death, she begins to question what really happened and who else has fallen victim to “melancholia”.

This one ended up being ok for me. The synopsis gives away what is really happening, so I didn’t include all of it in my description. I recommend reading it without reading the synopsis.

I enjoyed that the MC is an independent woman for this era and she uses her position to help uncover the clues.

There were times when conversations were occurring and I felt like I was missing something. It was as if I started reading in the middle of the series and missed prior books.

There is a touch of romance but it is not the main focus of the book.

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple then you should check it out

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a joy to read and I can't wait to read upcoming books in this series! Historical fiction along with mystery and Regency era society is a win-win-win! Lady Petra Forsyth, in the year 1815, is a woman before her times in her desire to be independent and thus self-labeling herself as a spinster. Unheard of in the Regency era and society! Her desire to see women treated more justly leads her directly into a mystery as she discovers that a dear friend had been suffering from melancholia and had suddenly died. As snips of conversations at a gala are overheard, and a footman gives her information that she feels needs investigating, she is thrust into intrigue, danger, and murder as she tries to discover what is happening to the wives of some very questionable Lords! And exactly who is this Dr. Drysdale that seems to be involved?? Along the way she is reluctantly reunited with Mr. Duncan Shawcross, a friend from her youth, who she feels left her to travel when she needed him the most. Peripheral characters add much to the story in both their friendships to Lady Petra and those with ulterior motives. All leads to a storyline that keeps the reader invested in the outcome....to the very last page....which is a cliffhanger that could change the trajectory of her life.. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #ActLikeALadyThinkLikeALord

With a cast of strong female characters, Act Like A Lady, Think Like a Lord is a delightful Regency-era mystery.



What a delicious romp this book is! As with most historical books, it is a little slow to start as you get used to all the characters, their titles, and who they are related to, but once you get that in hand, things really take off. I read this in one sitting because I absolutely had to know what happened next. I stayed up well past my bedtime, and I can assure you it was worth it.

Lady Petra is an absolute delight. I loved everything about her. She is clever, stubborn and strong, with a kind heart and a desire to use her position to help others. I love how she didn’t bow down to the rules of the time, but with a clear and level head, she stood up for what she believed in. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt until they prove themselves to be unworthy. Watching her not give up and persist until she solved the mystery was so much fun.

Beyond Lady Petra, there are a lot of other strong female characters to fall in love with. I think my favourite was Petra’s best friend Caroline, who has quite a saucy mouth! I adored the way the ladies showed up for each other. In a time when women were seen most often as property, these ladies are forging their own ways forward with intelligence, determination and mutual support.

The mystery aspect of this book was very well done and kept me guessing. I heard this book described as “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie,” and I think that is a very apt way to describe it. I was delighted to learn this is number one in a new series, as I would like to read more of Lady Petra’s adventures.

A good Victorian mystery.
Petra fiance fiance dies and she decide to never marry.
A friend of her disappear can Petra solve the mystery.
is just a disappearance or is something else going on..
Voluntarily reviewed.

Celeste Connally has focused this book on a set of women's issues from the upper classes of the early 1800's. Lady Petra, the main character, is a most atypical woman for her day and time. She was a strong woman at a time when women were not expected to be strong. Petra spoke her mind when she knew she was right, she was an excellent horse trainer at her father's stables, and in doing so, Petra regularly rode astride rather than side-saddle. Just imagine! The horror of it all! What would people think? Petra didn't care and to make matters worse, after the sudden death of her fiance, she declared that she would never marry--another sin in the male-only social structure of that time.

Then something happened to put focus to the book. From amid the Comedy of Manners beginning section of the book we learn that a close friend of Petra'a, Lady Gwen Milford had disappeared. The story was that Gwen became sick, was sent to a quiet country estate to recover, and subsequently died. That story did not fit the facts ad Petra knew them so she set out to find her friend. What she uncovered was a pattern among the women of the ton where more and more women were determined to suffer from "hysteria" and "melancholia" and sent away for their own good--never to return. Along the way she teams up with her best friend, Lady Caroline, and her childhood best friend, Duncan Shawcross.Eventually the three team up to investigate a disappearance and a murder--all of which point toward a shadowy character named Drysdale.

While the first half of the book was slow moving and focused primarily on the social milieu surrounding Lady Petra and her friends, the last part of the book kept me riveted. Most of the book was smoothly written and easy to read, though there were a few places where roughly written paragraphs took me out of the story for a moment. Still, the odd mixture of Comedy of Manners, Mystery, and Romance worked for me and kept me engaged through to a satisfactory ending. I am thankful that NetGalley and St Martin's Press allowed me the chance to read this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read Act like a lady, think like a lord by Celeste Connally. I thought I would enjoy this book more than I did. The beginning was slow, and I came close to DNF'ing a couple of times. The story started to get better midway through, but I couldn't get into the characters of Petra, and Duncan. That with the typical cliffhanger ending to continue as a series, just didn't work for me. I am sure some will enjoy this historical mystery but it was not for me.

I enjoyed this so much more than I expected to, as it's not typically something I would gravitate towards. I was suckered in by the Agatha Christie comparison and the "independent woman in the 1800s" idea, and I'm so glad I was!

The characters were so well developed; I loved Petra and her friends and absolutely hated the villains like they were real people. I was on the edge of my seat at some points, and that epilogue? That epilogue has me excited for a book that doesn't even have a name yet.


"Speaking your mind when no man asked for your opinion, then."
"This is exactly why I speak my mind, for a man needs a better opinion to which to listen."

If that quote alone doesn't convince you to read this, I'm not sure what will.

The first in a new historical mystery series featuring a wealthy society lady, Lady Petra, as the protagonist. After her fiancé dies, she becomes determined to enjoy life and society. However, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery.

I think this could have benefited from being in first person. There were a lot of characters early on and having the protagonist’s thoughts would have been helpful. Once it got into the mystery, it picked up some.

Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman who may not know exactly what she wants but does know precisely what she does not want.  She is a woman of independent means who has decided not to marry.  Which is simply not done.  Others mock her, but luckily, Petra also has friends who appreciate her.

When she hears of the death of a close friend, along with some unusual details that don’t line up, Petra begins the hunt for the truth.  Petra has her own detective style that will not only help her uncover the terrible facts but may also put her on a path to danger.

Duncan is a childhood friend of Petra, but their relationship is fraught with trouble from the past and a lack of communication in the present.  He remains mostly a background figure, but I found myself rooting for the two to mend fences and become closer. 

There will be many twists and turns along the way.  In an era when women were little more than property, this story will bring out the horrendous acts the male ‘guardians’ of women perpetrated on women that were inconveniences.   Prepare to get angry.  Also prepare to gasp at the end when the author teases you for the next book in the series. 

This story has some dark elements that, to be honest, I was not expecting, and did not really like reading about.  But I really like the character of Lady Petra Forsyth.  Her strength, resolve, daring and her friends mean the mystery will be resolved and the bad guys brought to justice.   Readers of historical fiction who enjoy a twisty mystery will enjoy Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book.  My review is my honest opinion.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: November 14, 2023

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is the first book in a new regency era mystery series by Celeste Connally. This is my first book by this author.

Lady Petra Forsyth is a self proclaimed spinster. After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident just months before their wedding, she has decided she does not need a man or their money and title to live a successful life.

At her young age though, she is not looked well upon by others in society, especially the men. Fortunately her family wealth and ties to the other upper society members protects her for the most part.

As the spring season starts and many are enjoying parties and balls, Petra and her friend notice that some of the women they typically see are missing.

As stories of inexplicable deaths and wives sent to a home in the country meant to act as an asylum for women, Petra is determined to find out what is happening to these women and who is behind some of their horrible treatment.

This is a bit of Downton Abby/Bridgerton mixed with some mystery. I enjoyed the story for the most part but there was a lot going on and many characters to introduce. There was also a bit of a love story I thought could have been teased out a bit more but if it’s a series, there is a lot to go on to tie up loose ends.

This is a 3.5 start for me. I enjoyed the story and characters enough I would be interested in reading the next instalment. I’m interested to see how the author’s writing develops as the story moves along.

#NetGalley #actlikealadythinklikealord
#celesteconnally

When I read the following publisher blurb: “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.” I knew I needed to get my hands on Celeste Connally’s Act Like A Lady, Think Like a Lord mystery. This is book one in her new series Lady Petra Inquires.

So many thanks to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for the ARC to read and I’m happy to tell readers that this is available now to purchase or request from your library! You won’t be disappointed because it is just such a delightful read.

Lady Petra is a young woman of independent means and sees no reason to hand over her wealth and freedoms to any man now that her true love has passed away. Lady Petra is such a wonderfully strong character, with a strong sense of humor and she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations. I pretty much wanted to high-five Petra as I read her story.

Lady Petra learns that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician. She simply cannot believe this is true and vows to use her status to investigate. And what an investigation this is.

For Jane Austen and mystery loving fans–you are in for a treat. Where is book 2? ;)

There’s a whole lot of world building in the first half of the book and it can get quite tedious. I almost gave up a few times because of how often it’s pointed out that Petra is not like the others (unmarried, outspoken, LGBTQ+ supporter); I get it – she’s a rebel. It finally started to pick up and the story got better but it took forever. The ending was satisfying but the last line definitely made me think about picking up the next in the series (I was undecided at first).

A Headstrong Regency Heroine

In 1815, titled ladies were supposed to be decorate adjuncts to the men in their lives. When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé dies before the wedding, she announces that she will remain unmarried. Although her father supports her decision, her uncle and other members of the ton are aghast. Whatever others think, Lady Petra remains true to her decision.

When she learns her friend Gwen has died of melancholia, Petra decides to investigate. She learns that Gwen’s physician was questionable. She also learns of a private asylum where wives and daughters who displeased their husbands and fathers were locked away. Undeterred, Lady Petra investigates and finds evidence of murder and danger to herself.

Lady Petra is a strong character. I liked her and thought she had made a good decision to live her life as she saw fit in spite of the rules of society. I believe this book is the start of a new series. Lady Petra will make a fine central character.

The description of the Regency Period was detailed and historically accurate. My only complaint is the setting of the scene slowed the beginning to the book. If you love historical romance, this should not be a deterrent. However, it you’re looking for the mystery, it may be a bit too slow.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for this review copy.

After the death of her fiancé Lady Petra, who has her own money, decides she would rather be a spinster than marry for a reason other than love. This is frowned upon by the ton who expect all women to be compliant to men, marry and have children. But some women were being sent away for their health of even reported to have died. As mentioned in the book description Petra will find a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away. That felt like a spoiler to me. The first part is filled with many, many characters and minutia about what they did all day and what they wore and the parties and teas they went to and it was just so slow I was ready to give up.

Even though this is the first in the series a couple times I felt like I missed something. One example is Petra telling her groom that she knows Teddy, the street urchin, because he has helped her out before. Finally at about 67% Petra discovers the existence of Fairwinds but we already knew that was going to happen. The story could have gotten to this point much sooner.

Not sure I really liked Petra. Duncan sounded handsome, of course, but as far as his background it was kind of fuzzy when there were so many characters involved.

All in all the end was kind of fun but it took to long to get to that point. I don't think I will continue with the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.

DNF at 27% (chapter 9).

For me, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is taking too long to get anywhere. The first 8 chapters have been tablesetting and intro'ing a zillion characters without much indication why we should care about most of them. I think we know who the possible murder victim is, but it's just not holding my interest.

Regency Era–Jane Austen-esque Deliciousness!

It's 1815 London and Lady Petra Forsyth endures the loss of her fiance shortly before they are to be married. Suffering from this intense personal loss, Petra publicly declares to the ton that she will never marry. Fortunately, the inheritance left to her by her mother, Lady Maria, provides her with the ability to assert this independence at a time when women were expected to marry and have children. But, not Petra. With her independent and inquisitive nature and wealth she sees no reason why she should be chattled to a husband when she can be enjoying all society has to offer. Until, the death of a dear friend with suspicious circumstances motivates her to solve the mystery surrounding her death and that of women throughout her society who go missing.

This book is regency era–Jane Austen-esque deliciousness! One the I was a few chapters in I couldn't put it down! I love the way Celeste Connally uses detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture in her reader’s mind. So many books tend to get right to the plot points leaving me feeling slightly empty. But, Connally takes the time to romance me in true regency fashion making the book all the more befitting of its subject matter. Fans of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie this book is a must have! I can't wait for the next installment!

My thanks to Celeste Connally, NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

While this book had some good characters, the pacing was slow, and most importantly, I did not care for the 2 leads. I did not like our FL and found the ML boring and one-dimensional. There was not much chemistry between them either. The mystery had a good concept, but the execution was lacking. The book tried to tackle too many themes and issues, but didn't do most of them justice.

Overall, it wasn't my favorite read of the year.

Huge Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.