There are memorable good characters - Petra, Teddy, and Lottie. There are a number of evil and/or entitled men in the story.
This is a graphic look at the mistreatment of women in the 1800s. I could see where this was going and had to take a break before I made myself continue.
There are at least two trigger warnings you should be aware of - rape and physical and mental abuse.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I really enjoy the author’s other modern mysteries. Content made this historical mystery less desirable to me.
The narrator of the audiobook did a good job.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

I felt like it got off to a slow start, but when the story got going, it really got going! Lady Petra and her various friends are so SO entertaining. Smart writing, a creepy AF villain, and a charming cast of characters. And with that cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what they get up to next! Narrator Eilidh Beaton brings excitement and nuance to a great cast of characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

touted as a Bridgerton/Agatha Christie mashup, I was pretty excited to give this regency era historical mystery a go!

This new series focusses on a young self-proclaimed spinster, Lady Petra Forsyth, as she goes through her social whirl, and finds herself in all the wrong places at the right time to be in the midst of a ton wide caper!

As a reader of romance, historical fiction, and mysteries, I found that this book favoured heavily as a historical fiction, more than mystery or romance. That saying it did also have a mystery and elements they could see lady Patra wind up in romance down the line, but the focus was said on regency society and feminist issues of autonomy for the time.

It’s a female mystery, I had hoped for more active investigation and obvious skills pertaining to this field, be shown by Lady Petra. Do you to her position she find herself either knowing people or in the right spots to see and learn what is going on as it unfolds, without much active investigation.

I did find myself getting really caught up as the the mystery of the suspicious asylum was coming to a head.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Eilidh Beaton. Her well paste narration kept me going through slower parts of the book at the beginning, and had me entranced as she truly captured the frenetic energy at the asylum. Her narration really had a good build up and helped carry this story.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is the first book in the Lady Petra Inquires series, and I’m eager to see how Lady Petra’s skills develop, and she turns this happenstance mystery into a full-fledged ambition.

First, let me say that I am a fan of books set in the Regency era. The first chapter of this book, I was trying to figure what was going on, but then the book started to really take off. This book is a feminist take of a young rich Lady Petra who chooses to be a spinster after the tragic death of her fiancé. The story centers on the fact that the town's wealthy society is taken back that Lady Petra a beautiful, headstrong, independent and wealthy woman who has an inheritance left to her by her mother's will.
During this time the town and its men look at Lady Petra with resentment because she has decided she does not want to be taken care of by a man who would then be in charge of her fortune and life. The story takes shape when Lady Petra discovers that her dear friend Lady Quinn has died. Lady Petra starts asking questions in regard to Lady Quinn's disappearance and seeks to speak in private to Quinn's former manservant. This manservant who is assisting Petra in discovering what happened to Quinn is murdered. Petra discovers that a number of women in the area are disappearing or dying, and she sets out to find out what is happening.
This is a delightful Regency era feminist murder mystery tale. I enjoyed this story of finding out why rich men who are tired of their wives and daughters are sending them away to mental health facility.
Thank you MacMillian Audio and Net galley for the opportunity to listen. If you like a murder mystery with a dash of romance I highly recommend.

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!

This book was so fun! Agatha Christie meets Bridgerton with a feminist spin, this Regency-era mystery had me hooked from the very first chapter, and I’m already dying for the next book in the series to come out! The audiobook was phenomenal, capturing the feel of the times and the spunk of Lady Petra perfectly. I highly recommend it!

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!

I had a hard time with this book. I am usually very into a period romance, but as I got this book as an audiobook, I believe that it felt like a lot of info dumping and no plot. The drive for the character wasn't quite enough for me. I DNF'd

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/

An awesome book! Well-written, well-narrated!
This book had me sucked in, and the hardest parts to read were the most intense. I wanted to keep listening to get through them and see what lay beyond.
A great regency era mystery and drama of one woman's pursuit of equality.
Petra, our main character, never lets the patriarchy get her down for long!
Excellent book, I hope to see more from this author!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (Lady Petra Inquiries #1)
by Celeste Connally (1st time read author for me)
Narrator: Eilidh Beaton-I think the audio make me like this more because there were slow parts that were read in Beaton's accent that added some liveliness.
Run Time: 11:14

✔️ Regency Romance, London 1815
✔️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. Mr. Drysdale letter definitely left a big question for Petra and Duncan and a book #2.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

~•~•~
Published 11/14/23, Read 11/13/23
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC💙! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord was an overall enjoyable read, but I did feel like it was uneven resulting in some sections being more engaging than others. Lady Petra Forsyth lost her fiancé shortly before her wedding and in the several years since, has been determined to remain single. Additionally, she helps her father with his horse breeding operation. Her uncle drops by unexpectedly and puts the idea into her father's head that she needed to get married. Petra travels to London to spend some time with her godmother, the Duchess of Hillmorton. There is a mystery around missing or presumed dead lady that is interesting even if not overly complex. Additionally, there is a potential romance between Petra and her childhood friend Duncan, the illegitimate grandson of her grandparents. Those looking for romance may well be disappointed as it seems to be very much an afterthought in this book, but that could change if this ends up being a series. Overall, this was a promising first title that I've read from a new author; I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future titles. The narration of the audio book was very enjoyable and enhanced the story for me resulting in a 3.5 star rating instead of just a 3 star for the story.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little bit of Jane Austen, Sherlock, and Moriarty all wrapped in one. The beginning kinda started slow but was intense as it went on. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

It had a really great start with the introduction of all the characters and the start of the conflict. After that it, the story just fell flat and felt uninteresting.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally
Narrator: Eilidh Beaton
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 11/14

It’s 1815 London, and Lady Petra Forsyth, grieving the loss of her fiancé, shatters societal norms by vowing never to marry again. When one of her friends goes missing, she decides to investigate, and the stage is set for a gripping tale of mystery, romance, and female empowerment.

When I saw this book described as Bridgertonton meets Agatha Christie, I knew I had to read it. It’s a lot of fun, and I think it skillfully weaves together elements of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. Lady Petra is clever, witty, and resilient, challenging societal norms with her independence.

While the initial pacing may be slow, once it picks up, it delivers nonstop action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The slow-burn romance satisfied my need for romance in any book I’m reading, and the twist (which is actually in the synopsis that I didn’t read) took me by surprise. I loved the audiobook, narrated by Eilidh Beaton, who brought the characters to life with her skillful storytelling.

Overall, this historical romance turned out to be a clever and gripping mystery that shines a light on women's struggles in the early 1800s. It’s a captivating blend of genres that I could not put down. And thanks to that cliffhanger ending, I will definitely be picking up the next book in this new series.

Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy and to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord comes out tomorrow!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my word, I loved this book even more than I thought I would. The description of "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" is a perfect phrase to describe this fast paced mystery novel. Lady Petra was witty and so clever, and I truly was not sure what the outcome would be up to the very end.

In this book Lady Petra has willfully chosen "spinsterhood" (though she hates the phrase and all that it implies in their society) after the passing of her love match, so that she can choose to live her life as a free woman without the expectations society places on women of marriageable age. This is awesome in an of its self because everyone love a woman who knows what she wants and is willing to endure scorn to have it.

While at a ball, Petra learns of the loss of a dear friend, and this information leads her down a lengthy path to find things aren't what they may seem among the members of the Ton.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun story that keeps you on your toes while solving a riveting mystery, but also calls society as a whole to question along the way.

I love a good historical fiction book and a solid mystery so when I read the description of this story I was pretty excited. That said, I was frankly let down. It started off solid with the strong female lead and not needing to rely on a man and was just … boring from there!

I would not personally position this book as "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" (it feels quite removed from both of those vibes, in my opinion), but it is a fun read! I'd say it's more in the vein of a cozy mystery with slightly higher stakes.

There is not a lot to say about this book that the synopsis itself does not already cover. It follows Petra, who has enough money and means to declare herself a spinster, much to the shock and consternation of the men around her, mainly her uncle. You know: men doing men things and wanting to control obstinate women. When she learns that a friend of hers has died, only to hear that perhaps she's not dead after all, she starts asking questions and finds herself - and those around her - in danger.

It's a bit predictable, but a good time on the whole. This is a great book for folks who love exploring the trope of the madwoman, appreciate modernisms dropped into the Regency era, and enjoy a cast of quirky characters.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

Author: Celeste Conn ally
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Eilidh Beaton
Publication: Nov 13, 2023
Category: Historical Fiction

My rating 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s not my usual genre and it’s a little long, but I appreciated that it was a fun, easy read.

#bookstagram #books #historicalfiction #newrelease #bookreview #book #easyread

The story was mildly interesting at best. I guess it was my fault for reading a book about this era but I really was just so bored