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.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, by Celeste Connally, is a civilized and sometimes pithy, period mystery. Set in the Regency era, c.1815, in England, the story introduces Lady Petra Forsyth, an independent woman and self-avowed spinster. She believes that her choice gives her more freedom and independence than her female peers. When a friend dies under suspicious circumstances, she decides to use her mind and her means to investigate the woman’s untimely death.
The characters are nicely drawn, and Petra is a high-spirited, likeable protagonist. Her defense of abuses and male oppression of women of that era is applaudable and buttresses the plot line. While she has a feminist attitude, Petra also enjoys romance and the company of men, a well-balanced heroine.
This is a well-written mystery involving thought-provoking subject matter of the era, i.e., how women can be literally locked away by more powerful male figures in their lives. The final chapters are suitably exciting as Petra achieves justice for the women, but faces alarming information about her own personal life.
I look forward to the next entry in this entertaining, Regency-era series.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

This book was so lovely! Loved the historical feminist lens and the cast of characters. I was frustrated with the ending, as it felt a bit rushed/sloppy after the climax, but then the last line made me gasp out loud!

I was expecting a cozy and got a little more than I bargained on with this book. It’s light hearted, but touches on some serious subjects. I’m not sure what to think about that last line, though. Obviously more to come…
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A satisfying mystery with a wide range of characters. The romance was more of a side plot, but it was sweet and satisfying. Based on the blurb, I thought there would be more romance, but then I've never actually watched Bridgerton, so how should I know? This book presents a bleak view of the morality of the Regency upper-class, but I could not help rooting for Lady Petra. As an independently wealthy woman, Lady Petra is determined not to marry and is able to live as she pleases. Petra is smart and capable and she does a wonderful job tracking down clues to solve the mystery of the disappearing women. I really enjoyed the variety of female characters who worked together to help her solve the mystery, along with help from a few good men.

Lady Petra is so bad ass, I loved how even with the times women had to act proper, and married off early and such, she made her own way, she chose her own path after losing her fiancé. I loved that, I felt it like it set the town for the whole book, she is smart and she plays no games. The death of her friend was very suspicious for her, and the way she went after trying to find justice for her was admirable given the times.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

It's like a marriage of a cozy mystery and an historical fiction romance. As the only daughter of an Earl and motherless since a very young age, Lady Petra is a woman before her time. In Regency England, she may dress like a lady but she is headstrong, rides like a man, bristles at the injustice of women being thought of as inferior and as property of men, and opinionated. Lady Petra even goes so far as to declare that she will never marry, such to the dismay of her overbearing uncle. But she is also the adored daughter of her papa, and is kind to others especially those who are lessor stations in life than she. When rumors of ladies begin, alluding to them having fits, and being sent to the country for rest under the care of a nefarious "physician", Lady Petra is alarmed. Sharing her concerns with her childhood friend, Duncan, she is still not sure who she can trust, even him. But Lady Petra's inquisition to the death due to hysteria of her friend, Lady Milford draws ire from some, and her life is put in danger. Will Duncan help her? It is certainly a mystery that has twists and turns and some sinister aspects. But this story is also based on some historical truths as it was common and acceptable practice during that time period where husbands, fathers, brothers, and uncles could have their female family members committed to asylums under the guise of saying that they were crazy or unnatural, especially if they wanted these women to disappear. I loved that this cozy mystery featured a strong protagonist and yet she had a softer side who was still open to romance. As this ends, it leaves you with a thought that her story and Duncan's is not yet complete and is still ready to unfold. I can't wait. Besides, I do have some questions because not all was made clear at the end and wrapped up neatly in a bow, so my hope is there has to be more of the story to be told. Many thanks to #netgalley #actlikealadythinklikealord #celestconnally #stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a well written story that highlights the lack of women's rights in England's Regency era. The main characters are engaging, the plot is compelling, and the villains are truly villainous! My only complaint is some of the actions of some of the characters don't seem true to that character. No spoilers here. Just some of it seemed off. But other than that, the book was very hard to put down!

I love historical fiction, and the mystery aspect of this was great. I was such a fan of Lady Petra and her group of women who were willing to defy some of the norms of the time to seek out the truth. I also very much enjoyed the dynamic between Lady Petra and Mr. Shawcross throughout the book as well. Really hoping for a book 2, the cliff hanger ending made me want to go straight into a second book!

If you like Bridgerton and enjoy a good mystery, you're gonna love Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. This lush Regency mystery revolves around Petra, a formidable sleuth that knows her place in society but will do whatever needs to be done to uncover the truth. I love her courage and resolve to make her own way in the world, and to help others out along the way.

Lady Petra is outspoken 24 year old who has announced she does not plan to marry. She is impetuous. She learns one of her friends is dead, but the funeral is private. She discovers this isn't true. Who is the mysterious man, Mr. Drysdale who has a private place for women that their husband, father, uncle thinks there is an issue...such as, nerves, moods, flighty, etc. Their relatives just seem to want them out-of-sight or just plain gone [dead!]
Read this complicated adventure of Lady Petra. More to come...

I picked up the book because it had an interesting premise. It's definitely more of a mystery than a romance. After her fiancé died three years ago, Petra announced that she never planned on marrying. With conflicting information about the death of a good friend, Petra is looking to discover the truth. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. For me, the story is slow, not that interesting or memorable. Also, Petra's conversations and actions are of a modern woman rather than a regency one, which pulled me out of the story.

A strong start for a new series set in 1815 England! Lady Petra is an independent and intelligent woman who refuses to be put in a box so when she receives conflicting information about her friend- is she dead or alive- she must investigate. It's a different sort of Regency novel but does hit a familiar theme of women being sent to and locked away in asylums by their husbands or families for their behavior or beliefs. Petra, however, is ahead of her time in both attitude and approach. This has a couple of good twists, a little romance, and ends on if not a cliffhanger, a clear indication that the story will continue. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

This book started out as a standard regency cozy mystery but then it got dark and I loved every minute of it. Just when I thought I couldn’t love it any more, it ends on a cliff hanger that had me squeal in shock. I can’t wait for the sequel!

I was excited by the premise and cover of the book. Cozy mystery meets Regency with a feminist bent? Yes, please.

Unfortunately, though, this one didn’t live up to my expectations. The start was slow to me, and the forward momentum of the story tended to get bogged down by what felt like superfluous details.

The themes covered here and the crimes themselves are ones I’ve seen before in books set in the Regency period, and it doesn’t feel like this story adds anything new to that discussion. The resolution of the book felt a bit rushed as well.

I didn’t feel very attached to any of the characters other than Teddy, the street urchin who provides assistance along the way.

The book isn’t bad; it just didn’t suck me in.

I received an advance copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

If you love a Regency Historical Fiction novel, look no further. Just be ready for a crazy ending!

After losing her fiance and soulmate, Lady Petra decides to use her mothers inheritance to live off of instead of looking for a man to keep by her side. During 1815 in London, that was unheard of. When Petra hears of a dear friend's suspicious death, she starts to look into it. She discovers a private asylum where men can take their wives and daughters to be locked away. Petra starts to wonder if her friend is actually dead, or being kept in this facility.

I loved Petra, her independence and fiery heart was so refreshing. Feminism radiated from every chapter of this novel. While Petra wants to crush social norms she also doesn’t want to ruin her family's reputation, but some things are just more important.

The beginning of this novel was very slow for me.I loved the hints of romance but really wish there was more in this department. The ending of this novel took me by surprise. I love a good cliffhanger but also need some closure. I do think that regency novels might not be for me!

Thank you Minotaur Books for sending me the physical copy!

What a delightful read! This well-written feminist mystery has an intriguing premise, compelling characters, humor, and a touch of romance. Lady Petra investigates the mysterious death of a friend. She uncovers a disturbing plot, one that highlights some of the frightening issues women faced during this period of history.

Petra is an unconventional and fantastic FMC who consistently outwits the men who hold power. Her character is well-developed, gutsy, intelligent, caring, self-assured, and resourceful. She's brave enough to defy conventions and stay true to herself, living life as she wishes at a time when women had so little control over their lives. The secondary characters were also vivid, from the charming to the infuriating to the sinister. And street-wise Teddy was an endearing stand-out.

The historical detail is excellent, as is the dialogue, and this has definite Bridgerton vibes, although it's focused more on the mystery than the romance. And the mystery is layered and interesting. With a fair amount of world-building, it takes a bit for the action to build up. But once it does, things become very suspenseful, and toward the end, it is hard to put down! This is a series to keep an eye on and one I look forward to continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Publication: November 14, 2023

Rating: 2 stars

This was my first time reading this type of genre, where it's a bit of romance and Regency era. I think this will be my last time trying outside of my regular genres to read. This book was painfully slow for me and I ended up losing interest. I think this is all a me problem since I don't usually read this type of book.

This Regency period mystery is smart, funny, and feminist. Lady Petra has declared that she intends to remain a spinster after her beloved fiance dies. Fortunately, thanks to an inheritance from her mother, she is financially able to do as she chooses. With this freedom and the connections of her family, she is able to move about society making investigations possible. I enjoy historical fiction mysteries, and this is a nice addition to the genre. The story tackles an issues that women of the time faced where they were at the mercy of men in their lives who could have them spitefully put away. I particularly like how even though childhood friend Duncan tries to protect Petra, she takes care of herself and is clearly the one who resolves the mystery.

I am looking for to reading more from the author and this series as Petra is a great heroine.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Joining the now crowded regency mystery field, Celeste Connally manages to make her entry a stand out in her series debut. Set in 1815, Lady Petra Forsyth has declared to all of society that she plans to remain unmarried. Unusually for the time, she has her own monies left to her by her mother, and she’s mourning not only a dead fiancé but the loss of her dearest childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross. The two were raised together and parted on a terrible note after the death of Petra’s beloved, who was also Duncan’s best friend.

It's now three years later and the two meet up again at a huge ball. They seem determined to remain prickly toward one another (or at least Petra seems determined). More importantly, however, Petra is fending off veiled and not so veiled insults from some of the titled men in her circle, regarding her announcement of intentional spinsterhood. She’s also puzzled about the recent sudden death of a friend, whom a footman at the ball claims to have seen recently – after her purported death date. This is something Petra wants to pursue.

Through a series of machinations, she arranges to “run into” the footman on Rotten Row, the daily London perambulation for fancy horses. Petra loves to ride (and even scandalously rides astride in breeches when she’s at home). She does “run into” the footman, but he’s dead, and this launches an entirely new inquiry, colored now by Petra’s guilt as she feels responsible for his death.

Petra is a fabulous character, a descendant of Deanna Raybourn’s delightful Veronica Speedwell. She knows what she wants and she knows how to go about getting it – mostly. There would be no story if there weren’t some obstacles, and there are some here. For one thing, there’s her judgy uncle. For another, she’s finding a pattern of missing high born wives, those considered problematic for various reasons, including her dead, or not dead, friend. The more she looks into it, the more alarmed she becomes. It also becomes apparent that as free and strong minded as she might be, in 1815, men were in control of things in every possible way.

The investigation draws in an assortment of interesting characters, Duncan included, but also a street urchin named Teddy, Petra’s maid, Annie, her best friend, Caroline, and an interesting female herbalist and pharmacist who is drawn into their circle for various reasons which I won’t give away.

Connally has written a vivid and gripping story, which is one part adventure, one part romance, and one part a look at a horrible underbelly of society, a la Anne Perry. It was so suspenseful toward the end that I couldn’t stop reading. It’s also a lightish but still serious look at the gender-based power divisions in 1815 London. I once heard Laurie King say that writing about the past really means writing about the present, and there are some real echoes of the present here, especially in the societal division Connally is depicting between open minded and more conventional thinkers.

There’s a hard to describe feel of a book that really succeeds in what it’s set out to do. Everything hangs together. It draws the reader in. The story blooms organically, from one plot point to the next. The reader becomes invested in the character or characters, and the writing needs to have just a bit of sparkle. Connally has truly succeeded in delivering a sparkling read.