Lady Petra, thwarted in love by the death of her fiance, lives a bit on the wild side for her time. She defies Regency Era upper crust social norms, starting with proclaiming herself to be single for life and building on that foundation to give herself permission to push the boundaries in more ways. Lady Petra carves a new sphere into society to meet her needs and wishes, which plays well into her investigation of the death of a friend and other suspicions she develops along the way while watching those in her circle more closely. Can she save her inheritance from her scoundrel of an uncle? Can she prevent other women from the fate of her friend? Lady Petra does not bend willingly, and continues to fight for fairness every step of the way trying.

I found this a fun read that brings to light many inequities and injustices of the period. Though a little clunky at times and repetitive at others, it was an overall satisfying cozy mystery.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this book.

3.75 stars!
I'll start with the good news: once the pace picked up, I couldn't wait to finish this book! The author did a great job at maintaining the tension in the last third of the book. A slow beginning redeemed by a great ending. The exposition at the beginning was lengthy and I had trouble remembering all the names and differentiating the characters. Some may be needed in the following books, but in this one, it was tiresome to keep track of characters that weren't necessary to this plot in my opinion. Also, one or two questions remained opened at the end. I understand there will be at least a sequel, but I wished it was revealed. Hmm, thinking of it, maybe it's the answer to the romantic subplot in the next book? Fair enough, I shall wait. Overall, while I wasn't really enamored with Petra, the protagonist, the others characters were strong enough to carry this book. So, I will pick up the next one. If you like historical settings with a heroine fighting for equality and social justice, you found your pick!

This novel got off to a slow start, but there was much more action in the second half. Lady Petra lost her soul mate, and has vowed to never marry. She will receive an inheritance so she will be financially secure, and she is opinionated and independent at a time when women were expected to marry and be submissive to their husbands. The book felt mostly historically accurate, as Lady Petra investigates the disappearance and possible death of her friend. Not much romance here, but I think this book is a set-up for a series. Overall, I didn’t love any of the characters, and the plot was similar to other books I have read. I don’t know if I will continue with the next book. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

i loved this! that being said, the beginning starts off a bit slow as there are quite a few characters in play and and a lot of backstory that needs telling. don’t let that scare you away! it’s not confusing and so worth it. i found it really easy to follow despite all of the moving pieces and it’s quite necessary world building for this ongoing series.

lady petra was a gem and such a take- charge heroine. i loved how down to earth and real she was. her desire to helps others really drove this story and i enjoyed her interactions with the lower class — specifically teddy and annie. her plethora of friends made for hilarious and entertaining side characters!

petra’s history and shaky relationship with duncan was so much fun. the TENSION!! it’s so obvious to the reader what is between these two, but to these lifelong friends no so much. i loooooved their verbal sparing and how certain truths were revealed to get them back on track in the best way!

and then the mystery…completely horrifying what women were put through in that time period in the name of “hysteria”. i loved the way this was used and the villain is super creepy. the whole thing is like a train wreck…you can’t look away. i listened to this book and i can’t tell you how many times i gasped, yelled no, or was straight up cackling. this story has it all and i highly recommend it in any format. oh yeah….THE ENDING. i’m sorry, but what? i can’t wait for book two!!

thank you to minotaur books for the arc and thank you to macmillan audio for the audio arc. my thoughts are my own!

I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed the characters and the Sherlock Holmes vibe of it all.
Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé passes away just prior to their wedding.
After this devastating event, Lady Petra Forsyth makes the decision that she never intends to marry. This is unheard of for a woman of her standing and in this period in history. You can’t blame her for wanting to hold onto her wealth instead of losing it to any man she marries!
Petra soon learns that her fiend has died under questionable circumstances and Petra is determined to get to the bottom of it, let the sleuthing begin!

I enjoyed the writing style and the character development. I enjoyed this glimpse into a time when women didn’t enjoy the rights they do now and one woman’s determination to buck that system.
I look forward to future installments in this series!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is an entertaining historical cozy mystery that is the start of a new series. Set in the Regency era, it provides an entertaining read and is definitely a page turner. As this is the first in the series, I'm sure the pages that follow will be just as enjoyable.

A wonderful read a cozy mystery that I enjoyed from beginning to end.Perfect book to curl up with relax and enjoy another excellent book by this author.#netgalley #st.Martins

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

4.25/5 stars

I really enjoyed this! It was such a fun Regency-era who-dun-it with a witty, clever, independent female lead and a spectacular cast of characters. It wasn't terribly difficult to figure out what was happening, but that wasn't the point - it wasn't a serious thriller but a fun mystery that was thoroughly enjoyable to experience.

I really loved Petra - she is so sure of herself, even as she goes against every grain of the society she's grown up in. She knows the rules and is clever enough to live within them just enough that she can break them, always for good of course! I honestly want to be like Petra when I grow up (I saw as an almost 30 year old woman...).

The story was well paced and the cast of characters of fun and quirky and each played into their role very well. I hated who I was supposed to hate, loved who I was supposed to adore, and felt true comradery with the women of Petra's group. And the small little twist at the end...which I hope will be explored in book 2....was perfect!

This is a fun, easy read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a pallet cleanser or just something quick and fluffy!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is this week’s book. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This book is billed as “Bridgerton  meets Agatha Christie … a dazzling first entry in a captivating new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin”  Wow, that is a lot to live up to, Although I am not totally sure what that means,

Lady Petra Forsyth is the daughter of the Earl of Holbrook and is her own person, She was in love and going to be married but her love died, She has since announced that she has no interest in marrying. This has taken her social set by storm and is definitely not what a lady of that era should do, But she was left funds by her mother so she can survive without a man,

When Lady Petra is told that a friend of hers has died, she is upset, She then sees some evidence that the friend is not dead but is barely alive and hidden somewhere. She becomes interested because she hears whispers about a doctor. The whispers are coming from the married men in her social circle who seem to want to see their wives disappear, She decides that she must follow up on the mystery. At the same time, the man she grew up with and felt was her close friend until they had a terrible fight, is back and she isn’t sure about their relationship. Is he there to help her?

Despite the description above, it is a pretty good story, It has lots of twists and turns and if you like the Regency era, you might like this, I know nothing much about the Regency era, so I don’t know if it is true to form but I liked it. (My understanding is that the Regency era had very strict behavioral codes and people love that era. I don’t know enough to judge whether this book follows the rules.)

I liked it and I suggest that you try it,

Thanks for reading.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is a new historical mystery series that hooked me from the beginning.

Can Lady Petra Forsyth find out what happened to her friend?

Lady Petra Forsyth
Lady Petra Forsyth is the only daughter of Earl Holbrook and a younger sister to her brother. She was set to marry but never made it down the aisle to be wed. Instead, she went to a funeral. I felt terrible for Petra, and I’m glad to see that after three years, she’s okay. She is not only okay but ready to fight for what she believes. Lady Petra is a great character, and I’m glad to see someone like her in a historical mystery. She knows how to hold her own around a man while also playing a demure woman.

The Mystery
In the beginning, Lady Petra Forsyth found out that her longtime friend had died and that she wasn’t invited to the funeral. Although, I’m not sure that is what her friend would have wanted. Petra wanted to believe that her friend was gone so that she wouldn’t have to deal with her episodes of melancholia anymore. Except Petra may not believe that is the truth. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to figure out what was happening. Kudos to Ms. Connally for making me slack-jawed on what actually happened.

Five Stars
I am giving Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally five stars. Along with those five stars, I am recommending this book to everyone who loves a good historical mystery. Ms. Connally is excellent at transporting you to Regency-era London to be with these characters, fight with Lady Forsyth on women’s rights, and figure out a mystery. I had a lovely time with Lady Petra.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an entertaining read for all book lovers. True , the setting is in 1815 England but the characters are modern day thinkers. The plot centers on Lady Petra who has a unique way of looking at the world. Although she is part of the gentry, she cares for all people. Petra is also a untrained sleuth and she seeks out mystery. She has a dear friend to back her up and makes friends a long the way. Of course there are hints of a love interest, although Petra has recently declared herself a spinster. Well written and amusing, this cozy read is perfect for a long holiday weekend.

Thank you @minotaur_books and @MacMillan.Audio for the #gifted ALC/ARC of ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD!

When I started this book I figured it would be a cute little Regency mystery since it’s being marketed as Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie. But oh my gosh I absolutely loved this one!

After Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiance tragically dies in an accident, she declares to society that she will never marry and become a spinster with independent means. This shocks the ton as becoming a spinster of own’s of volition is simply not done!

At a ball, Lady Petra overhears gossip suggesting one of her friends has died of “melancholia”, which Lady Petra just can’t accept due to the woman she knows. While looking into her friend’s death, she discovers a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away… or worse.

I adored Lady Petra’s tenacious spirit. She absolutely does not care about what a proper lady should do and instead acts in a manner that she believes is right. The narrative over a woman’s right to agency over her own body and finances feels timely even to this day.

The mystery is compelling and I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know what happens next! The supporting characters are excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed her banter with her BFF Lady Caroline. I’m hoping that this turns into a series because I would definitely pick up book two!

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD is out today!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5962026127
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzojCP7RB3R/

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally

The protagonist/narrator Lady Petra Forsyth has trouble acting like a lady, but she does think like a man, especially for her time period; 1814-15, Britain. Getting through all the characters’ names and titles takes a bit in the beginning, but the story is a good one. Hang in.

Not needing a man to take over her body, mind and inheritance, inquisitive Lady Petra finds herself in the middle of a bad conspiracy among her societal acquaintances. She sets out to discover the truth of a rumor. Will anyone believe her? As things go from bad to worse, Petra hopes her fiends Duncan and Caroline will come to her rescue.

It all comes to a satisfying conclusion after a most exciting chase scene. Wait for the very unexpected twist at the end! This well-written four star tale from St Martin’s Press and Net Galley will be enjoyed by all, but especially by Brit Lit mystery lovers.

Regency romance/mystery with attitude

This is the first book I have read by Ms Connally but certainly won't be the last. I am in the middle of searching out her backlist (under a different pen name) as I write this review. I enjoy Victorian and Regency romances, what's not to like about a bit of escapism so long as you don't take it too seriously, especially with the current world affairs. This romance/mystery is wonderful. The plot is atypical and fun with bits of heat and interesting characters. It tackles women's role in society, what is mental illness vs societal norms, and the terrible power enjoyed by men during that time. Very thoughtful but entertaining read!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (Lady Petra Inquiries #1)
by Celeste Connally (1st time read author for me)

✔️ Regency Romance
✔️childhood friends
✔️ Mystery/Suspense
✔️ h's POV

This is the story of Lady Petra Forsyth's mother Lady Maria nee Allington's gift of an inheritance before she died. Petra would receive the money regardless of marital status. If she did get married, her husband would sign an agreement that the inheritance is hers alone. Petra is engaged to Emerson- Viscount Ingersoll, but he dies 3 weeks before their wedding. Petra vows never to marry and enjoys the freedoms her inheritance gives her. All the while women she knows are disappearing, so she investigates what's happening.


The world building is based on the idea that women must be quiet and obedient. Petra defies that with her outspoken nature and declaring to the ton she will never marry. Men like Uncle Tobias and Mr. Drysdale have found a way to stifle women they deem too bold. Their whole operation wouldn't exist without such a misogynistic culture.

The characters- Petra was awesome as an independent woman who had choices most women were not afforded. She still grieves her fiancée but misses childhood friend Duncan Shawcross. He actually introduced Emerson to Petra but left for 3 years after Emerson's death. Petra has been upset with him for leaving in her time need. They don't spend much time together and the romance takes a back seat to the mystery. I liked Annie-Petra's maid and closest friend. She can gossip with the best and be outraged by Petra's antics.

I loved Petra's need to investigate and right the wrongs in society, but I would have liked more interaction with Duncan. There was plenty of intrigue and suspense when Petra got herself into sticky situations.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

~•~•~
Published 11/14/23, Read 11/13/23
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) for this ARC💙! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the free eARC. This is my honest opinion.

I struggled with connecting to the characters although I did enjoy aspects of Petra's character. I loved the fact that she is a horse person, intelligent, and determined to remain independent, thanks to her inheritance and title. This is similar to Gail Carriger's Soulless (Parasol Protectorate), without any paranormal storylines. The main male character is a little on the flat side. The mystery is semi decent, with some twists and turns, and brought up more questions, which does set up for a continued series.

All in all, it's not bad, but I didn't love it.

3.25 out of 5 stars.

I do wanted to love this one , but alas it was not for me … to start with there were way too many characters and I couldn’t for the life of me keep track of them . Secondly everyone Petra met just gave the information she needed without even being asked half the time

The romance part didn’t really exist 🤷‍♂️

I’m sure others may like this but … like I said it wasn’t for me

Lady Petra has a life most would envy - albeit be confused about her choice to remain single and thus be considered a spinster. Curious and sharp, Petra finds it odd when one of her friends dies ... and she finds out weeks later, no funeral... and it seems odd to say the least.

Her insatiable curiosity starts putting things together and takes you on a mystery.

I liked also that this is an overlooked part of the early 19th century, what could happen to women at the whim of their male representative. Excited to read the next in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and to Minotaur Books for the ARC.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this historical mystery. The strong female protagonist was the highlight of the novel., and I the mystery itself was satisfying. The beginning felt a bit slow to me, but overall I would recommend this if it fits into sub-genres you normally enjoy (mystery, historical fiction).

Long time fans of Christie and Holmes will appreciate this book, and fans of regency stories will be able to enjoy it as well!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Celeste Connally for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord coming out November 14, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The title of the book made me want to check this book out. I love historical fiction, especially with a strong heroine. I’m not sure if this is her debut novel, but it’s the first book I read by this author. I really enjoyed her writing style. I love historical fiction, and I love the plot to the story. I loved that there were some Agatha Christie vibes. They were definitely some dark themes to the book but I loved that Petra wanted to solve the mysteries. I’m not a huge fan of a heroine who says she will never marry. It seems as if once she is past a certain age, she decides that she’ll never get married. I think it’s a “never say never” situation. I loved Duncan‘s character and I wish there was a little more of him in the book. I am excited to see what happens in the next book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries featuring a strong heroine!