3/5 for me. I thought the story was good and the mystery was not super obvious, but I just do not like the author's writing style. I prefer a show not tell style, and this author does a lot of telling, often adding unnecessary expository detail. Her habit of characters referring to other characters as "my" or "your" (i.e. "my Emerson - your half-brother") is also annoying; I'm fine if it's once or twice but when it's every single time, with multiple repetitions of the relationships between people - aggressively unnecessary. I also strangely had a difficult time keeping track of some of the characters - the relationships toward the end got muddied amongst all the dialogue (see my earlier comment about show not tell). I'm glad this one didn't end on a cliff-hanger as I have absolutely on desire to read any more of these, should the author choose to continue the series.

After reading another series by the author, I followed her work thru pen names and landed on the Lady Petra Inquires series written by Celeste Connally. Set in early 1800s England, Lady Petra is kin and friend to the Queen and several members of Parliament and the royalty. She is known for being a snoop, and the strange death of her fiancé years ago has always made some wonder, especially when she now seems smitten with his best friend. In book two, we find out the truth... what happened to her beloved Emerson, the truth about Shawcross's family lines, and who has a plot to take down the Queen. Great time period. Love the diverse characters. A few too many, and sometimes there were repetitive descriptions or scenes, which likely helped to reinforce who was who. But I thought it was a little longer than needed in those spots. Still, the author has natural talents in helping readers jump back 200 years. I can't wait for the next in series.

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The first title in this series was a fun read and I was happy to have been invited to read an early copy of this second story.

*character evolution deepens
*dogs
*smart MFC
*two mysteries
*regency London setting
*charming
*twisty

The story pulled me in right away and I was kept guessing til the end.

Fully enjoyable second book for the series.

Recommended.



Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC

All's Fair in Love and Treachery is the second book in Celeste Connally's Lady Petra series. I enjoyed the first and looked forward to the early approval of the second.

In this second book Lady Petra is attempting to uncover the secrets behind the death and their relation to her current lover as well as being assigned to uncover the mysterious death of an orphanage's matron. The duality of these two plot lines makes the story a bit complex and at times confusing. I got especially confused by characters that were referred to as not only first and last names (separately) but at times their titles.

Ultimately the way everything came together in the end was very clever and well thought out, but as a reader it would have been even more impressive if I had not gotten lost along the way.

"All's Fair in Love and Treachery" is a good sequel. The qualities that made Lady Petra and her associates such enjoyable characters in the first book were on display again in this book. I particularly liked Frances’ ingenuity with the flower bombs and the tricks Lottie taught the dogs she trained. I was pleased to learn that the Asylum for Female Orphans was a real place, and that the painted transparencies that played such a critical role in the story were based on painted transparencies that were placed in the windows of many London homes to celebrate Napoleon’s defeat.

I loved the first book in this series but sadly the sophomore addition did not live up to the original. In the first book, I found Lady Petra to be refreshingly original and sassy but in this one she is hot headed and shrew. She lets her temper get the better of her and jumps to conclusions rather than being level-headed, deliberate and focused as in the first book. I found it surprising that she was perfectly willing to accept the worst of those closest to her with little more than a mere suggestion of their wrongdoing. And the mystery itself seemed unnecessarily convoluted and was confusing. It was disappointing.

Loved book one, couldn’t get into this one. Two mysteries going on and I know they’ll come together but I didn’t really care about either one. Also so many characters to manage, and I got tired about reading about them having tea and what they were eating. May try reading it again later

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

Read this if you like:
- regency era stories
- female sleuths
- complex and convoluted mysteries
- historical fiction

I am weary of sequels but this one was great! Fast paced, lovable characters, strong female leads, lots of great twists and turns and this had me guessing till the very end. I am excited for more of Lady Petra!

4 stars.

If you like Regency and a good mystery this novel is a great blend of both. It has a lot of period charm. Romance and suspense mix, making it an awesome read.

The second Lady Petra Investigates mystery by author Celeste Connelly, All's Fair in Love and Treachery, brings us back to London - this time at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. While the capital is abuzz with revelry, a secret plot to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic is underway, and danger lurks around every corner. Is there a connection to Petra's late fiancé and an orphanage for girls? When Petra is asked to investigate by the Queen herself, she has no choice but to discover the answer to these and other questions! A+

This novel is a delightful blend of Regency elegance and sharp mystery! The writing sparkles with period charm and a modern twist, capturing both the intrigue of a potential royal conspiracy and the emotional turmoil of betrayal. Petra's journey from uncovering a past murder to navigating a dangerous plot against the monarchy is as gripping as it is stylish. Romance and suspense mix seamlessly, making it a thrilling read with a refreshing feminist perspective. Fans of historical mysteries with a dash of romance are bound to be hooked, for sure.

I love a historical romance more than just about anything and this one has swiftly moved to the top of my list. As if the mystery itself didn’t have me hooked the entire time, the banter between our two MC’s was *chefs kiss* too perfect. I truly enjoyed this, I’ll definitely be following this author moving forward.

Okay so this book was an absolute delight!!

I’m not usually a big historical romance reader but I’m so glad that I took a chance on this one. The flirting. The banter. The sleuthing.

Had so much fun from start to finish. Maybe I’m a historical romance girlie afterall?

This book was a bit slow to get going, but soon found its footing. The 2 main characters are adorable. Hope Celeste writes more.

All's Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally is a fast-paced and witty novel that will captivate fans of headstrong female sleuths. This delightful period adventure is filled with pitch-perfect banter and effervescent charm. I was immediately drawn in from the beginning and left eagerly wanting more.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Another great installment of this delightful historical mystery. Lady Petra is a capable detective, so much that Queen Charlotte entrusts her with a matter of national security. The mystery was satisfying, and the national security issues were interesting.

All's Fair in Love and Treachery is a Regency-Era mystery with a delightfully determined female main character, Lady Petra Forsyth. Tasked by the Queen to find the truth about a death of the matron at the Asylum for Female Orphans, Petra's investigation soon uncovers deep connections radicals and her frequent companion Duncan. I found this story to be a very entertaining mystery filled with unexpected twists and a complex plot line. Petra's determination to pull out the truth is aided by a nice group of friends and companions. She is a likeable lead and I enjoyed seeing her work through the mysteries logically. There is a lovely romance as a backdrop, and as a couple Petra and Duncan are easy to route for. I especially enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the frequent action that moved the plot forward. This is the second book in a series with Petra as our investigator. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and see what the group investigates next.

This is book two in a series and it did not disappoint. This book was full of regency moments I live for (think Bridgerton) and mystery! The combination of romance, mystery and society standards was so well done. I was kept guessing the entire time. I am not someone who usually guesses the endings in mysteries, and I loved how this one kept me guessing the entire time! It was twisty and mysterious and I loved Petra and her tenacity. She was witty and determined and a fantastic detective.

If you like regency romances along with a who done it, you will love this one! It was so fun and I had the best time with it!