Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

Oh my goodness this book was absolutely what I needed. I had been in a reading slump and this got me out of it!

This was the perfect book for a snowy day. I love the historical references and a little mystery is never a bad thing.

I enjoyed the characters a lot.

This was my first ARC/Net Galley read and I must say I loved it. I’m a sucker for a period piece and this one was well done.

You immediately love and respect the protagonist, Lady Petra Forsyth, and the other strong women she surrounds herself with. Petra and her friends are forced to navigate the world as “ladys” while trying to ensure their own rights and freedoms. The premise of the story is not only creative and thrilling, but also a strong commentary on past and present views of female health, as well as mental health in general.

My only real complaint is that I sometimes had trouble keeping all of the characters straight, since many of their names were similar. Additionally, I would have appreciated less fluff about secondary characters, and more one-one time between Petra and Duncan earlier on in the book.

Overall, it was a great read! That cliffhanger at the end made me even more excited for the next one!

Rounding up from, like, a 3.5 or a 3.75.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord brought me in on title, blurb, and general interest thanks to an affinity for Downton Abbey, Evie Dunmore's Rogue series, and Victorian England itself. Lady Petra Forsyth is a charming woman born in the wrong time - I would love to get into a drunk conversation with her about falling the patriarchy at a bar these days - and dealing with society that doesn't like her saying "I'm going to be alone forever, deal with it!" after the untimely death of her fiancé. Petra's got the support of her dad, her friends, and her staff and, really, that's all that should matter. Just kidding, it's the 1800s.

The book starts off slow: I told people that it started getting interesting around chapter 15 and 16, but once it did, boy howdy, I almost didn't want to put it down. I appreciate the amount of times I got the chance to yell, "MAKE IT GAY" in my annotations. And the ending, I kid you not, had me flipping back and forth, physically looking for more because that couldn't be the end of the story.

Overall, I would recommend this to friends who like Victorian England and certain mysteries, but not friends who devour romance stories. This story doesn't get all the stars because there was soooo much exposition for so long (I can understand some world building, but 15 chapters of it?) and I wish there was more depth to Duncan and Petra's relationship. Their reunion is kinda...bleh, and I didn't get the warm bubbly feelings I think a reader should get when they're together. It feels like Connally tried really hard to do mystery and romance all at once and ended up with MYSTERY, oh yeah, and there's a little romance too if you look for it.

Thankful to NetGalley for getting this in my hands and thanks to Celeste Connally for ruining my day with her ending. I'll be thinking about it for the next 24 hours.

What an interesting premise! Lady Petra is a spinster by insistence/choice at the age of 24. She is determined not to marry and equally determined to continue holding a grudge against her former best friend, the dashing Duncan. As Lady Petra begins to uncover a sinister scheme affecting the women in her social circle, she risks losing her status, her independence, and maybe even her life.

There are many things to like about the story and they mainly involve Petra - she is a fun character (though maybe too forgiving?). It took me a while to get into the story as there are many many characters introduced early on. As the story progresses and the mystery unfolds, I was hooked (and also distressed as the plot line of women being locked away without their consent is very grim). I will be thinking about that ending for a while. Recommended to anyone looking for a feminist mystery/romance without a tidy ending. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

A new cozy mystery by an author whose previous series I enjoyed. This was a good cozy mystery, a fast read. I had just finished several books on rather deep subjects and this book was a nice balance.

Fun book to curl up with on a. rainy day. Does not take itself too seriously. Fun escapism.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly what I hoped it was going to be: a fun and interesting story that I could sit and read in a day. I adored Petra and her little group of friends, especially Teddy. I look forward to reading the second book in this new series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

I actually really enjoyed this book.
I think Petra was a really engaging protaganist who was just so competent. I loved how well she knew herself and her needs. I love that she used every advantage she has to make her restrictive world work for her. I love that she was a genuinely kind person, who cares for her friends, and their well being. That she doesn't judge anyone's life choices, or identity.
I also liked how the world that was set up. Yes, it's a historical romance that takes place during regency England, but there is still a diverse (ish) set of characters. While not exactly racially diverse, there are different classes represented, and different sexualities, not to mention the many different personalities.
I think my only complaints with the book would be that many of the antagonists were so incredibly evil, they were almost comical. I also felt that the epilogue, and its final sentence especially, was unnecessary. The book tries to end in a bombshell that is clearly setting up another book. But I think that information would have been better if it was relayed to Petra by the main antagonist during the climactic scenes, as a way to sow doubt and conflict. And honestly, the chapter before served as a good epilogue on its own, so I think the author/editor should have made a choice between the last two chapters - it didn't need both.

What a great book! Very well written and engaging. If you are a fan of historical fiction, don't pass this one up. I really needed this as I 've been in a book slump for awhile. Highly recommend!

This new regency cozy series is the perfect series. I loved this book and I can't wait for the next one to see what else Petra gets into!
I just reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. #NetGalley
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Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord
by Celeste Connally


Pub Date: 14 Nov 2023 When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.

"Bridgerton" meets Maisie Dobbs in this witty, fast-paced rom-com/mystery! Fans of Evie Dunmore and lovers of girlbosses of all eras will have a blast with Connally's wild child protagonist.

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord" by Celeste Connally, it was the best book I have ever read. It reminds me so much of a mixture between Sara Maclean & Stacy Reid style of writing. It's heartwarming, women empowerment, love have no boundary and Jane Austen in 2023.

Thank you!

I just reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. #NetGalley
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This was an interesting read. It's definitely a mystery with Bridgerton type vibes (solely because of the Regency era and gossip factor) which I thought was fun. The main plot line was entertaining, I liked that it was centred around this ridiculousness that was being a woman in that time period. This book really highlights how little control women had over their lives and the unfortunate results of men making decisions on their behalf. It touches on how little society understood mental health and I always appreciate a book that does a decent job with these topics.

That being said, the imagery in this was a little much for me personally. A lot of description, a lot of monologuing - it just isn't my preferred writing style. Some bits were a little bit dragged out, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters.

This novel is a perfect blend of Agatha Christie meets Bridgerton. Everything we love about a classic, “who done it?” ensconced with acerbic wit, charm, and poise of the Bridgerton era.

I gravitate towards strong female characters, and really enjoyed the mind and thoughtfulness of Lady Petra. She is certainly one to be admired.

Definitely a must read!

A must-read for every woman who wants to achieve her goals with grace and confidence. Brilliant! 🙌 Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

This was a quick and interesting read. I enjoyed Petra’s tenacity and intellect. She is a woman that would inspire even women today to do what they want and to heck with what society deems appropriate. She consistently outwits the men around her. Reader’s will find themselves feeling outraged for the women of the ton whose fathers and husbands don’t appreciate their value and individuality. I love the contrast between the men in society who are morons and intelligent supporters of the independent women. There is also a wide range of classes represented in a positive light, from Teddy the orphan to the woman who helps run the apothecary, and the servants who are all so helpful to Petra. I enjoyed this book.

Bridgerton-like mystery! loved Lady Petra and her adventure while trying to solve the disappearance of her friend. wished there was more romance :/ but excited for the rest of the series!!

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, and a great cozy mystery. I enjoy books of this time period and the fact that it featured a woman who was a self declared spinster in a time when that was going against all the social norms for women was an interesting twist.

I enjoyed Lady Petra, found her to be well developed, strong and spunky, but was also caring of her friends and family.

The mystery element of this story was well written, it drew me in and kept me interested throughout. I’m also really hoping that this book is setting up to a series as the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger, and I hope that there will be another book where the author is able to investigate it.

The reason I only give 4 stars is that I sometimes found it difficult to keep all the secondary characters especially some of the lords and ladies straight as there are some with similar names and not a lot of defining characteristics to make them stand out from one another.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was not quite expecting the real mystery in this book, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the story.

I love Petra's character and her ability to be herself, regardless of what others think.

I am glad this book ended in a way that opens it up for more to follow!

There are many good qualities with this book, but at the same time, I wasn't as invested as I usually am for other Regency-era books I've read. I mean, it's got a strong feminist vibe and good mystery, but lacks romance.Overall, this was pretty fun, regardless, I am open to reading the sequel when it comes out.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this story about Petra and her investagative skills. The way she stumbles upon the mystery was interesting and I was shocked by some parts being very progressive and coming out of nowhere and felt anachronistic until I got used to Connally's writing style and understood the characters a little better.

I liked Petra as a character and her friends and her lady's maid were so fun and I loved her banter with her former best friend, and while I thought this was bringing soem enemies to lovers energy I was suprised at how it played out and it felt new. The cliffhanger at the end was a good twist and I am looking forward to book two!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I cannot begin to explain my love for this book. As you can tell by my reviews, I’m a lover of Regency and Victorian romances. This book is a fabulous spin on the typical Regency romance…

Petra is a self-proclaimed spinster after he fiancé dies suddenly 3 weeks before their wedding. Duncan, her best friend, has come back to London after 3 years on the Continent. They have not spoke these 3 years due to harsh words prior to his leaving.

What makes this book different is the mystery aspect. Petra notices strange happenings. Women of her acquaintance begin to go missing or are dead and it isn’t adding up. She discovers that they may be locked up in a private asylum.

I’ll leave you with this. But let’s just say that I think we haven’t seen the last of Lady Petra and Duncan….

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There was a touch of romance in the story, but it was minimal and not truly central to the story, thus I would consider this more a mystery than a romance. The mystery at the heart of the story was captivating and built a tension that kept me turning the page long after I should have gone to bed. Petra was well written, a headstrong female character determined to live the way she wished, and not how others believed she should live. Petra is also loyal and dependable to those whom she considers friends. When a drunk former suiter accuses her of having “sapphic tendencies” in front of others at the ball, she does not defend herself and deny it despite it being untrue, because she feels she would be “diminishing the hearts and feelings of friends like Juddy, Captain Smythe, and even a dear female cousin…” Overall, a very enjoyable read, and the ending seems to indicate there may be another book in the future, which I hope to look forward to.

Regency-era mystery with some romance thrown in. Lady Petra Forsyth is a likeable, strong-willed heroine who looks into the disappearances and/or deaths of several women. There was a lot of exposition and world-building, which makes sense since this will apparently be the first in a series. The mystery was straightforward and easy to solve if the reader has previously read many novels (mystery or romance) set in this period. Lady Petra is an interesting character - smart, strong-willed, independent, determined - interesting enough to forgive her for a couple of dumb, out-of-character decisions made toward the end of the story. The ending was a cliffhanger, which I do not like, but I will still read the next in the series. Four out of five stars. Thanks to #Minotaur and #NetGalley for the ARC.

This book has been hotly anticipated on Goodreads and every book blogger has written about it so it has been on my to read shelf for a while. I was so grateful for the opportunity to read it and it was even better then I expected. I am a huge Bridgerton fan so I applaud Petra for standing up to the societal norms of that time. I loved following her journey through the misogyny lense- she was underestimated which allowed her access to information because she wasn't viewed as a threat. I really would love a series from this author like a Lady Petra Detective Agency or something.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, and a great cozy mystery. I enjoy books of this time period and the fact that it featured a woman who was a self declared spinster in a time when that was going against all the social norms for women was an interesting twist.

I enjoyed Lady Petra, found her to be well developed, strong and spunky, but was also caring of her friends and family.

The mystery element of this story was well written, it drew me in and kept me interested throughout. I’m also really hoping that this book is setting up to a series as the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger, and I hope that there will be another book where the author is able to investigate it.

The reason I only give 4 stars is that I sometimes found it difficult to keep all the secondary characters especially some of the lords and ladies straight as there are some with similar names and not a lot of defining characteristics to make them stand out from one another.

I absolutely loved this story with it's feminist, strong main character! The whole book is a fun and entertaining read with an powerful and uplifting message to all women. I love the witty title and banter between characters. Just a fun escape of a novel!

Thank you for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Any reader who loves historical mystery and romance would be attracted to the cover and title of this book, but the wit and charm of the writing take this into “favorite read” territory.

A strong and sometimes outrageous female main character is a mainstay on this genre, but Celeste Connolly gives Lady Petra Forsyth a backstory that is achingly beautiful…and conveys a personal tragedy in just a few, beautifully crafted sentences. This isn’t some carbon copy heroine. She has weathered profound sadness after the loss of a fiancé and she also feels rejected by her closest friend, someone who has just reappeared after being away from London for a few years.

The main storyline deals with society women who have gone missing. Petra’s friend died several weeks ago and the friend’s husband didn’t tell Petra. One of her friend’s former servants says he saw his employer just days ago. Petra decides to find out what happened to her friend and other women who have gone missing. Her childhood friend tries to keep Petra safe as she investigates and tension abound when they interact.

Throw in a sweet street urchin who Petra attempts to care for and employ, plus some adorable dogs, and you have a wonderful cast for what is hopefully the strong of a long series.

The best part: the ending manages to be happy while also setting up a sequel with a huge twist.

The first 60% or so was enjoyable but not unputdownable. But once it hit that 60% mark (somewhere around chapter 21/22) I was so invested and couldn’t stop reading.
It did get a bit darker than I expected or cared for (maybe I should have expected it given the blurb).
That being said, I’m always impressed when an author gives me second hand embarrassment or, like in this case, second hand anger. I was feeling this even before Petra found out the extent of the evilness of the bad guy.

What a good story, historical fiction with a modern context and modern implications. I was amazed how similar we are in today’s world. Sometimes seems like we’re going backward again. I enjoyed Petra and her bravery, she was a character I admired. If you like great women’s fiction with a historical twang, you should definitely read this book!

When I read the blurb that said Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Lord was "Bridgerton meets Status Christie" I knew all I needed to know. This was wonderful I and I'm glad to know this will be a series. it reads fast (which I love) and has a good mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital review copy.

I found this historical romantic mystery to be precisely what I needed when I needed it.

It wasn't a stuffy and slow-moving historical, it had wit and candour and levity, relatable characters and modern struggles in a Regency-era period. It was mystery-forward with a slight romantic subplot. Remember that if you come to this book for a primarily romantic story, you will risk being disappointed. It is primarily a mystery, which is why I enjoyed it so much.

It combined cozy mystery with a Regency-era setting, added a cup of feminism, a dash of romance and a sprinkle of spinster pride. As a happily childfree and unmarried person, I felt a connection to the FMC and was invested in her chosen lifestyle.

I didn't realize until the 90% point of this book (when I started looking at other reviews) that it is actually the start of a series. I cannot wait until November 2023 when this book is released and I can start widely recommending it to family and friends. And the even longer wait until the next in the series is released...

You will think it will be an easy wait for the next in the series until you read the very.... last.... sentence...

Bridgerton vibes? Sign me up. Throw in some Agatha Christie vibes too? Even better.
Immediate dislike of Uncle Tobias, whose comparisons of Petra to a horse were infuriating, not to mention his gaslighting later on.
But wait, the gaslighting!!! It’s so sad how easy it was for men to gaslight women and then be believed in earlier times. Shoot, it still happens today. The fact that evil men such as Uncle Tobias and Drysdale exist! Bellingham too! And to think her father so easily believed these other men… The hatred that men had for independent women…is had my blood boiling.

But the ending?! What?! There has to be a sequel, I’m hoping. Ultimately, I loved this book. It had me hooked very early on, just how I like it

Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for approving me for this ARC!

This one eased quite slowly into the mystery. It really set the historical stage, which made for a slow start, but a good foundation.

I enjoyed watching this character fight to make her own path, despite societal and familial expectations. The mystery itself was quite delayed and then quite slow, and I wish it had been a bigger focus to the story.

That being said, it was a good read, with building suspense, disturbing elements based on history, and an overall enjoyable read!

I didn't like the last chapter and how it left off. I m assuming it's to set up for a second book, but I still didn't like that little tweak.

Thank you to NETGALLEY and MINOTAUR BOOKS for the ARC!

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley, St. Martin Press and Minotaur Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Regency era comes a new mystery series that gives you a new and exciting read. A time when ladies are not expected to act prim and proper and not meddle into murders. A charming series that have the potential to be another favourite.

We meet Lady Petra who was toe be married until her fiancé suddenly passes away. She begins to become an outcast in society ass rumors are saying that she’ll never marry.

Her friend suddenly disappears and is presumed, Petra will find herself seeking answers. An entertaining story of a head strong female who does not conform to the time. A promising start to a new series.

If Enola Holmes were little older and more jaded.

When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and love match dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking public proclamation that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, thanks to an inheritance from her late mother, Petra sees no reason to give up her freedom to marriage. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of an asylum, Petra vows to use her social status to dig deeper. But will diving headfirst into this investigation cost Petra her freedom and independence. And how does her childhood confidant, Duncan’s, return to London fit into all this?

I think the premise and the set-up is quite enjoyable. I also think the ending is intriguing and left me feeling content for now. Frankly, the idea of wealthy men throwing their wives and daughters, who became too hard to control or too much of a nuance to bother trying, into an asylum under the care of a shifty physician has historical merit. And I love a feminist spin on a period piece. It’s an easy, fun read. And I would gladly read another story in this universe.

Historical intrigue romance
Ms. Connally brings a tale of romance and intrigue to the table. Petra and Duncan played together as youngsters, but circumstances created a parting of the ways and she resented his lack of connection.
She became aware of sinister happenings and set out to find out who was responsible.
I liked the story, it flows well and does create emotions, although I thought Petra’s disappearance didn’t match her portrayal. Just sayin’. I recommend to fans of historical intrigue.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the series. Lady Petra is an interesting protagonist. She is single by choice, unusual in the Regency era, and has money and property in her own right, which encourages her natural independence, in a time when female independence is unacceptable. When she uncovers a scheme meant to keep the women of her class very dependent, she’s feisty enough to take on the villains and the social norms that make it easy for them to commit such a crime. I’m eager to see what comes next.

I loved the start of this new historical fiction series. It was fresh, smart, snappy and extremely satisfying. It is 1815 and Lady Petra has recently caused a stir in society when she expressed her intention to stay single after the untimely death of her fiancé. Her father is a forward thinker who supports his daughter but her uncle is demanding that she marry. When Lady Petra's friends start disappearing to the country "for their health" and some are said to have died, Lady Petra becomes suspicious, especially after one of the footmen say that they saw their former employer, Lady Gwen, very much alive in London after her supposed death. But before Lady Petra can further question him, he is found stabbed to death. Soon Lady Petra learns more about the house in the country, run by Mr. Drysdale, where women are being sent by their husbands for "treatment." Some may truly need medical attention but most are just meddlesome to their husbands because they speak their mind or dare to seek independence. Lady Petra soon learns that her uncle plans to send her to the country but she has a secret ally to help her escape. Friends since childhood, Lady Petra and Duncan were inseparable until he was sent to oversee his families interests on the continent. He has returned to England and he is teaming up with Lady Petra, her lady's maid, Annie, and her best friend, Lady Caroline, to help save the women at Mr. Drysdale's asylum. I highly recommend and will definitely continue with the series. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Petra Forsyth is a feminist in a man's age. Taking place in 1815, this novel highlights the oppressive times that a woman had to face. She chooses to rebel in some minor and, in some cases, major protests.

But other, more sinister things are occurring. The wives and daughters of members of the British upper class are disappearing. Lady Petra discovers that they are being sent to a sadist man who derives entirely too much joy from his reprogramming efforts. Because of her rebellious ways, her uncle decides that she needs to be reprogrammed also.

I really enjoyed this novel. Besides being very well written, it gave a wonderful view of a forgotten time and lifestyle. The characters were well-developed. The plot moved along nicely. The ending was a bit predictable but was still fun. My only complaint with the book was an unusual one. The author has a fascination with eye color. With every character, she focused on what color there eyes were...over and over. I bet eye color was mentioned over a hundred times! It got to be a bit of a joke and distracted from the overall quality of the book. But, it's a minor complaint. All in all, I loved this book.

Thank you to @Celeste Connally and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This was a refreshing take on historical fiction. I enjoyed that while there was romance, it was not the main storyline of the book, and while men helped save the day, it was the women of this story who did most of the dirty work!

This will be a favourite for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a touch of romance & danger.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord introduces us to Lady Petra Forsyth - independent Regency woman, and self-declared spinster. When women of the ton start disappearing and/or suddenly dying, and their husbands don't seem to care, Petra investigates a shady doctor, and his asylum in the English countryside. Celeste Connally has written a charming, fast-paced, historical cozy (with a little bit of romance thrown in!), and I really enjoyed it! The ending features a teaser for a second book in the series, and I am very much looking forward to reading it as well! 5 stars!!!

After Lady Petra Forsyth's fiancé died and she felt betrayed by her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, along with the inheritance from her mother, she decides not to marry . Going from her home at Buckfields to begin a season of parties with her friends, she encounters Duncan who is polite but cold.
She also learns that a dear friend, Gwen, Lady Milford, had died but Gwen's fired servant said he just saw her alive. When the servant is murdered she starts to hear about more deaths and illnesses that are tied to a certain doctor and his sanitarium. Now Petra needs the help of her friends, especially Duncan, to get to the bottom of this mystery, but in doing so she may be putting herself in danger.
An enjoyable and interesting historical romantic mystery with a fierce heroine who has friends that believe in her.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-galley of "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord".

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a thrilling regency era mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intricately woven, making it a truly enjoyable read.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the unexpected twist at the end. The last sentence set up a sequel in a way that was both surprising and intriguing. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Overall, I highly recommend Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord to anyone who loves historical fiction, mysteries, or just a good story. It's a four-star read that's sure to keep you engaged and entertained.

The description is right, this book is Bridgerton meets Agatha Christy!! 10/10 would recommend for those into mystery and regency ear works. It is a little predictable, but the story and plot really held my attention!

The author writes from a perspective that is observant of the environment as is to leave foreshadowing throughout the book.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, Celeste Connally
Mystery/Suspense, Romance

The second in a series, Connally’s work challenges her readers to challenge social restrictions and step outside their comfort zones. The book is understandable without having read the first, but I do plan to. Again, I’m initially drawn to this book because it is set in the time of Austen. Austenites are always looking for the adjacent read. While this book is significantly from Austen on the surface, I’m thinking Petra and Elizabeth Bennett Darcy would likely be friends. Petra is recovering from the loss of her husband and still reeling from the loss of her friendship with Duncan. After declaring her intent to remain a spinster, she has drawn the wrath of her Uncle Tobias who doubts her ability to make such a decision, she is working to maintain her place in society. At a ball she learns of the death of her acquaintance Lady Milford and the involvement of Drysdale and his asylum for “hysterical” women. Young Martin, who has useful information, is brutally murdered before he can share it. Petra is determined to find out what is happening. Against all common sense she finds herself deeper involved and more in danger every day.
Petra has a mind of her own and like Elizabeth Bennett will remain true to herself when others might find her crazy. I mostly admired her except when I wanted to urge her to calm down. I guess if she had, countless women would have continued to suffer in the fraudulent asylum. She is intelligent, resourceful, daring, and a bit stubborn. She has help from her best friend, young Teddy from the street, and I look forward to seeing him develop as the series grows. Because of my not reading the first books, I am not fully sure that I understood Duncan completely, but I enjoyed the dynamic between him and Petra. The ending clearly hints that we will see more of them together, or not.
I would absolutely recommend this to my Austen reading friends, my mystery loving friends, and my friends who prefer a gentle romance. It is a good reminder of how far women have come. I love that Petra is true to herself as she navigates her independent future, and I love the challenge to the reader to get to know herself (or himself, of course) and to live accordingly. The book also served, for me, as an uncomfortable reminder of how much we still need to progress with regard to how we deal with mental health. I was scared at the lack of power the women in this book had and the treatment they received. While I know we know more and are doing better at taking care of all people, I feel we still fail more than we should in areas of mental illness and health. I like that this book provokes this kind of thinking in the reader.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an engaging first in the Lady Petra Inquires series by Celeste Connally. This book is a gem with many facets! I enjoyed this historical cozy mystery set against the unique backdrop of the Regency era. The author seamlessly weaves together many different elements making it an irresistible read for fans of the historical cozy genre.
I especially loved the courageous and intelligent main character, Lady Petra Forsyth, who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery surrounding the supposed death of a friend. As she navigates society’s social circles Petra discovers a sinister plot brought about by formidable villains. One being a “doctor” and the other her own uncle!
The author paints a vivid picture of the Regency era and Ms. Connally’s attention to detail creates an enjoyable experience for the reader. Along with a bit of romance, the unraveling of this well-planned mystery kept me guessing until the very. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am anxious to read the next in this series.

A bit to wordy at times, but still an excellent story of women who stood strong when it was frowned upon and the lengths some men would go to attempting to control them.

This was a very, very good book. It has a mix of feel-good Regency romances along with the intensity and darkness of a murder mystery. It was refreshing to read a romance that takes place during this time that had the added layers and urgency that comes with a mystery so closely linked to society’s ills. Many of the scenes and descriptions sound actually like they had been written in a novel of this time, owing to their level of detail and cleverness.

Lady Petra is a great blend of kindness and conviction, and I loved the childhood friends trope that was brought out through her relationship with Duncan. While I would have wished for some more interaction between the two in real-time throughout the story, it was still very beautiful and their love felt palpable and strong to read about.

P. S. The very, very end of the book made my heart stutter a little and my eyes go wide, so I certainly hope to read more about Lady Petra and this universe of characters soon! I would love to know what happens next!

Lady Petra Forsyth is a rarity in her Regency society circles. An independent woman of means, she has announced that she is happy to remain a "spinster", after the death of her beloved fiance. Her father supports her, she has a loyal staff and good friends and she is determined to figure out why her childhood best friend, newly returned to town, cut off communication with her 3 years ago. She becomes aware of a disturbing trend as a number of her female acquaintances are mysteriously disappearing and even inexplicably dying. With the assistance of her staff and friends, and a charming street urchin, Lady Petra is determined to figure out what is going on, even at great risk to her own safety.

This is the first in a series, and has some simililarities with Katherine Schellman's Lily Adler series, of which I am a big fan. Petra is more outspoken than Lily, but she is backed up with a similar crew (particularly that urchin, and the presence of the Bow Street Runners). This book starts off quite light, but the final chunk of the book gets fairly dark, which I was not expecting, and that was challenging for me. The supporting cast here is very well drawn, including Petra's dear friend Lady Caro, whose romantic situation allows for some exploration of the not uncommon dynamic where a gay man of the aristocracy marries a woman who fully understands who he is, and chooses to allow both of them to live a full romantic life, while maintaining a marriage of mutual respect and friendship. The book also deals very plainly with the overwhelming misogyny of the time period, and many readers will find that they can relate to social situations Petra has to deal with.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with engaging characters and a plot that tackles some serious issues along the way. 3. 75 stars rounded up to 4.

This book gave me such boss Woman vibes. I thought about the movie Think Like A Man but it was the 1800’s version. It was soo good I couldn’t put the book down at all.

A very conversational read. Regency Period, England early 1800’s. All women including high born women must follow strict rules of behavior. Basically the purpose of these women were to marry and carry on the line of their husband. Those who did not conform lived a a sad and perhaps torturous life. Lady Petra, was one such woman. Intelligence and spirited. Raised by her adoring Earl father after her mother’s death, she has many freedoms. Engaged to marry the love of her life he meets an untimely end. Devastated she announces to the Ton that she would live her life out as a spinster. That’s when the trouble begins. Men in power can not tolerate a disobedient woman. she has also rejected marriage from several men of the Ton. Apparently there are several such women whose husbands would rather do without. Opportunity arises due to serous debts etc for a evil man to offer a solution to their problems. Luckily Lady Petra has many friends including a dashing childhood friend who just returned from the Continent. . Many twists and turns, throughly enjoyable except for the woke comments (homosexuality) that where totally unnecessary to the plot. I read for enjoyment and relaxation not to be indoctrinated. I sincerely hope this isn’t a trend in literature. Since this book has not been published I suggest removal of these statements.

I loved Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord for so many reasons. This is first of all a historical fiction mystery, with a strong female lead, Lady Petra Forsyth. It does remind me somewhat of a more modern version of a Jane Austen novel, but the theme that really pulled me in was the author, Celeste Connally's, focus on the disadvantages that women had in the early nineteenth century, compared to today.
As Lady Petra asserts herself as an independent young woman, who does not need to be married to have a fulfilling life after the untimely death of her fiance, she tries to find a missing friend and solve the mystery surrounding the rumors she is discovering about a heath asylum for women, where many of the prominent women in her society are being taken, for any reason the men in their lives deem justifiable. There are many suspenseful turns during the story.
I highly recommend this book, especially for women, to remember what we've overcome and to never forget what we don't want to give up.

3.5 stars

This had me at "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" for its description... but its more Agatha Chrstie than anything else.

Lady Petra is an absolutely fantastic FMC. She is strong willed and determined to not marry following the death of her fiance. But that isn't the only death as Lady Petra finds herself searching for answers regarding the death of her friend who passes questionably. Who is Mr Drysdale? Is her Uncle who she thinks he is? So much is happening in London during this1800s read.

Feminism, equality, women's rights were at the forefront of this book as Lady Petra is far from the norm (at the time) and well on her way to being a badass, self proclaimed spinster with an inheritance - who seeks out justice.

There were a lot of side characters which did get lost on me sometimes and I do feel the romance aspect was a bit forced but overall it was a fairly enjoyable, mystery read. Second half picks up significantly, as the first half was a bit slow. I would probably read more of Lady Petra to see what else she's gotten herself up too and because I want to know what's going on with Duncan!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is a fun romp through Regency England.

Lady Petra is a self-declared spinster, who after her fiancé dies, decides to embrace the life of having money and no commitments entails. After she receives word that her good friend has died, but there will be no funeral or memorial service for her and then Gwen is reportedly sighted AFTER her death, she decides to investigate and find out what really has happened. She finds that other women have gone missing and is then determined to find out what’s going on. With the help of her childhood friend and ultimately his grandmother, they solve the mystery and help the victims.

I don’t know that I would consider this a Bridgerton equivalent, other than the era, because it’s not spicy and I don’t know that I would consider it a romance. It’s more a mystery/general fiction book, but that doesn’t have any effect on the way I enjoyed it.

Ms. Connelly has a way with words, describes the ton and life in that era nicely.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

To be a spinster in her era was a bold choice. Women had so little rights if they married but frown on if they did not. But women are disappearing. I like that Petra stood for her friend. The book was interesting and disturbing that men had such power over the women in their lives. I enjoyed the story.

This was such a delightful Regency era mystery with a slight touch of romance - definitely a great start to a new mystery series.

Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back; her fiancé suddenly perishes and her best friend abandons her right when she needs them the most. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance and can remain an independent woman if she so chooses. Oh yes, the thought of such independence makes her deliriously confident and happy. She receives word that a dear friend has passed. Yet, something about all that seems rather suspicious and she is eager to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, that abandoner of a friend has returned to London after several years and its vexing Petra ever so much.

Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. As this is the start to this series, the book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. This is not a light mystery. The theme of the story focuses on the helplessness of married aristocratic women. They are but chattel and are subject to the whims and desires of the men controlling their lives. Petra is a strong female protagonist and will not subjugate herself to any man which garners her quite a bit of grief within society. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: November 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1250867551
No. of pages: 304

According to the description of this novel that I read before reading, it is a “cross between Agatha Christie’s writing and Bridgerton. The story was similar to Bridgerton because it took place during the Regency period and referred to Queen Charlottte. Its plot involved intrigue involving members of the nobility and, like an Agatha Christie novel, a murder that is methodically analyzed by the detective, who is a the daughter of a lord. I found it fascinating and exciting.
The “murder” of the friend of Lady Petra leads her to investigate what caused it when circumstances caused
her to disbelieve the reports of Gwen’s death. As she dug deeper into the mystery, the plot becomes more complicated and disturbing. Celeste Connolly does an excellent job creating such fast paced, riveting details that made me not want to stop reading. In that respect it differs from any writing by Agatha Christie. It was more exciting. I really liked this book. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and family to read.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, is fist off a fantastic hook of a title, and I was happily hooked into reading it. It is a cup of historical fiction, plus a cup and a half of Regency-era cozy mystery with a dash of romance sprinkled on the top of this sweet dessert of a book.

Will you like it? If you enjoy any or all of the ingredients listed above, I think you will enjoy it. I certainly did.

Is it all cozy fluff? No. There is a surprising amount of complicated depth to Lady Petra, our heroine, and a nice juicy backstory for her as well. Plus they mystery is a good and believable one.

Twist ending leading to a sequel? Yep! Nice twist, not hokey. This is one of those books that makes you grateful that it's going to be a series. Lady Petra is someone I want to spend a great deal of time with.

Overall, this is a journey I think you will enjoy to take. I personally, am grateful I was given a ticket.

Thank you to Celeste Connally, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley fora chance to read this book.

For readers like me who were brought up on Georgette Heyer, this new Regency Romance is both fresh and familiar.

All of the conventions of the genre are firmly in place, yet the period novel is a step beyond the traditional Regency romp due to its serious and sinister plot. Our intrepid heroine protests a wee bit too much about her determination to lead a Spinster’s life ( no reader will be fooled by these declarations) and yet that doesn't spoil a reader’s pleasure in following both her adventurous quest to help a friend and her attempt to mend a friendship of long standing.

This was a perfect tonic for a hot summer day.

I truly enjoyed this book. It took a little time for it to develop a flow most likely due to the number of relationships to get straight. I think this could be developed into a great series.

In this first historical mystery by Celeste Connally, she introduces Lady Petra, an independent young woman, who decides to defy society's expectation by declaring she will remain a spinster following the untimely death of her fiancé. The mystery she must solve in the novel further deals with the rigid notions of acceptable behavior for women of this era (Regency England), as well as the limitations on their rights following marriage.

The mystery itself is very suspenseful, and although the cast of characters is somewhat standard for this type of book, the author does not render them as one-dimensional cliches. Lady Petra is a woman who knows her own mind and is not afraid to speak it. I look forward to reading more of her adventures.

There are several references to a previous instance where Lady Petra and her friend Lady Caroline helped a woman in distress, which made me think I had somehow missed an earlier installment of her story. I suppose these are included to further our understanding of Petra's character, but I found it confusing. This is a minor complaint, however, and the ending of this book provides a twist that hints of investigations to come!

I highly recommend this for fans of strong female characters and readers of Sherry Thomas, Tasha Alexander, and Anna Lee Huber.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This Regency-era mystery, presumably the first in a series, follows some of the basic lines of the Regency romance formula. It is set in 1815, mostly taking place in London and its immediate environs.

The protagonist, 24-year-old Lady Petra Forsyth, daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, is extremely liberal-minded for the time. In addition, family circumstances provided her with her own financial resources. This situation enabled her not only to live independently of a man but to contemplate other freedoms denied to so many women - even among the wealthy - in Regency society.

Petra grew up in the company of Duncan Shawcross, grandson of the Duchess of Hillmorton. Petra and Duncan had a close bond, and when Petra was 20, Duncan introduced her to Emerson, Viscount Ingersoll, Duncan’s most trusted friend from Oxford. The introduction swiftly turned into a love match. Just weeks before the wedding however, Emerson died from a broken neck after a tragic fall down a set of stairs in Duncan’s London town house. Then, only a day after the funeral, Duncan left for the Continent in his new role as the Duke’s agent. Petra was bereft at the double loss, and she and Duncan quarreled bitterly. They hadn’t communicated since.

Meanwhile, Petra, beset by marriage proposals, announced to society she would not marry. She was widely scorned for this by both men and women, although her true friends stuck by her and even admired her.

As the story opens, Petra attends a ball given by Duncan’s grandmother. Duncan returns at last, also in attendance, and she needs to deal with her feelings about him. In addition, she receives news at the ball that two weeks earlier her friend Gwen, Lady Milford, had died. A footman confides to Petra he saw Gwen just two days previously. Petra arranges to meet the footman later in a park to hear more about what he has to say, but she was overhead and accused of planning a romantic assignation with an underling. Nevertheless, she goes to the park, only to find out the footman has been murdered. And more women have gone missing.

Petra is determined to discover what is actually happening, even though she almost loses her life in the process. And there is a whopper of a twist at the very end of the book.

Evaluation: Beneath the predictable Regency elements of this crime mystery/romance, there are darker aspects to the story not usually found in the genre. The Epilogue promises more to come from Petra’s exposure to and exploration of the hidden underside of Regency life.

My thanks to Katie Holt and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC written by Celeste Connally. This books offers all the scenery and depth of the Bridgerton era of England with all the mystery and stealth of Sherlock Homes. The main character, Lady Petra, declares that she will wed no one after the loss of her first love. At an all night ball held in London at a family friend’s, events take a turn and soon Lady Petra is on the trail of odd doings when a woman who originally died is reported alive, Along with a cast of friends and loyal help, she tracks the possibility that Lady Milford is still alive. The action and pace are great and the characters themselves are amazing (those you love to love and those you love to hate). Looking forward to more stories about Lady Petra in the future

Novels like this are so important to read. This novel is fiction but events like what took place in this novel absolutely happened in the past. This is a novel for anyone who likes a good historical mystery. It is also a novel that points out just how difficult life has been for women in the past.

Petra, is a spinster. She had been engaged to be married but her fiance died a tragic death. Petra considered him the love of her life and has not wanted to remarry. Due to her desire not to remarry, Petra is seen as unusual and there are several men who want to put her in her place. There are disappearing women and a murder that Petra is determined to find out what is really happening. There was lots of action and even a hint of romance. A good read for anyone who wants to get sent back in the past with a strong heroine.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for this ARC.

The heroine of this story is a woman out of her time. After the death of her beloved, Lady Petra announces her intention to stay single and independent in a society that does not accept women who live thus. The mystery revolves around the sudden death and then sighting of Petra's friend, Gwen. This book is charmingly written and full of wonderful detail. There is romantic tension and gripping mystery. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the wonderful combination of historical fiction, mystery and romance.

Act like a lady, Think Like a Lord
Celeste Connally
St. Martins (minatourbooks.com)
November 2023

First off, I must admit this is a new genre for me. If a regency period novel includes Jane Austen and her contemporaries, that’s the extent of my exposure. But this book looked like an entertaining read and I was not disappointed. Promoted as Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie, it combined the societal restraints of the period, a spirited heroine, a malevolent villain in the company of truly dark characters, murder and mayhem, and of course, romance. What could be better than that?

Lady Petra Forsyth, that rare woman of independent means who has her own inheritance, suffers a terrible tragedy. Her fiancé, whom she truly loves, dies shortly before their wedding. Petra then announces, perhaps unadvisedly, that she will never marry. As a woman of independent means, she sees no reason to turn her wealth, or her freedom, over to a man. Rather than do that, she intends to use her title for good and enjoy her life in society without expectation. This is, of course, is received by society as scandalous and she is reviled by many for her moxie.

At the same time, she hears that her fragile friend, Gwen has died from her melancholy while in the care of a questionable social climber named Drysdale. He has come on the societal scene and runs a mental asylum. He also is ingratiating himself to a number of lords of questionable character and behavior.

This is where the Agatha Christie portion of the story comes in. No spoilers here but murder is on the rise and Lady Petra, who doesn’t think her friend is dead, takes extreme risks to find out what is happening. Of course, in any respectable tale of this nature, there is a love interest in the wings who is smart, handsome, and devoted.

What Lady Petra found and experienced in the asylum turns the book from a story of societal norms to a heroic quest. It has a modern feminist twist that you might really have to suspend belief in, given the times. But as a fully engaged reader, I was with her the entire time.

Hopefully, this will be the first of a series featuring Lady Petra. She’s a character all of us modern feminists could aspire to be!

My only negative comment is the awful title. Petra deserves more credit than that! Thinking like a man, I mean lord, in this sense, is nothing to aspire to.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins ( Minotaur) for this advanced reading copy.

A great start to a new series. I like regency with a bit of feminism in it. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Two hundred years ago, a woman's life was not her own. But Lady Petra with a fortune of her own, makes her way in society. Because her fiance died three weeks before their wedding, she decides she will never marry. Of course this does not sit well with the men in society. Lady Petra soon learns there are women who have been locked away in an asylum at the whim of their husbands - for their money, just to be rid of them or much worse. When one of her friends is reported dead, Petra discovers the woman has been seen after her so-called death. This leads her on a devastating trail of cruelty and abuse. Using all her wits, Petra uncovers the unscrupulous doctor and his secret, cruel work. The end of this book screams sequel.

Stolid storyline which details the struggle of women in the early 20th century. I'd never read a book by Celeste Connelly and I enjoyed her style of storytelling. The action moved well and kept the reader entertained. The book also sets up a new story without creating a terrible cliffhanger that can't be resolved. Very enjoyable read with villains around every corner.

This was a quick, fun read with an interesting main character, Petra. Her quest to uncover foul play and then rescue the victims was a bit far fetched, especially for the time period, but interesting nonetheless.

This is a wild ride through the year 1815 in England when Lady Petra declares she will. not wed and is content to remain a spinster. While others are gasping at this outrage, Petra is busy riding horses (not sidesaddle like a lady should), but with men's pants and boots, furthering indignation by all around her! There is whispered talk of a Mr. Drysdale but no one seems to really know him or what he does...until the courageous Petra makes some gruesome discoveries of her own and finds herself in a no-win situation! It's a crazy romp that left me breathless in a good way and I was so glad I can act like a lady OR a lord...hopefully with no repercussions!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

This was such a fun and adventurous Regency read!

Lady Petra, a self-declared spinster after her fiancée’s death before their wedding, is a strong feminist, good friend, and most inquisitive when she hears of a dear friend’s unannounced death under suspicious circumstances.

I could not put this down! The primary story takes place over just a few days, and it is action packed. I could never handle all the balls, teas, luncheons, walks during social hour, and murder investigation that Lady Petra takes on. But I sure loved watching her do it all!

Overall, a strong female MC and exciting plot make this a complete hit for me!

Delightfully entertaining! Absolutely loved the wit and charm of the main character. I was enthralled by the story and easily lost track of time while reading. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

I don’t normally read Regency era stories, but when St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley offered a chance to read an advance copy the description made me think of Downton Abbey, a favorite show of mine, and I decided to give it a try. A mystery, a feminist story, and a cliffhanger with a strong heroine and her friends, the story introduces us to Lady Petra, a young aristocrat who has decided to flaunt the rules of society and remain unmarried. When women she knows begin to disappear, and a strange man joins her social circle Petra puts herself at risk when she begins to connect the two. While the story is somewhat predictable (except for the previously mentioned cliffhanger) it’s well told, with a lot of detail as to how life among the wealthy was lived.
While I may not search out other Regency authors, I have followed this author so I’ll be alerted to the next book featuring Lady Petra and her mystery solving abilities, and to see how the last line of this book plays out in the next.

fun historical thriller that was a delightful read

thank you to netgalley and to the publisher for this review copy.

A cozy regency era? Yes, please!! This book was such a comfy read, and was just what I needed to snuggle down with. The characters were fun (I even loved the side characters) and the plot moved at a steady pace. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you’ll love this book about Lady Petra and her crew. I’m looking forward to more in this series!

I was thrilled when I found out that this historical, cozy mystery is to be the first in a series. We meet Lady Petra just after her fiance and soulmate has died. In a move that makes her an outcast in society, she has declared that she will never marry and choose to be a spinster. Like most debuts of a series, there is a lot of character and environment building. We spend some time getting to know Petra's world and the people that occupy it, so if you don't enjoy that you may find some parts a bit slow.

The characters are wonderful and if you like Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, you will certainly love the world that Lade Petra moves in. Especially for those who like Lady Sybil or Eloise Bridgerton, Lady Petra does not want to be like all the other ladies around her. You will love her pluck as she tries to find out what really happened to the friend who suddenly disappears.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed it. It was a great, easy read and I can't wait to read more of Celeste's work!

This book totally surprised me. It was some nice light reading after several heavy books and then at the end ,it totally caught me by surprise. A young London woman decides to go completely against the norms of society by announcing to everyone that she will never marry after the death of her true love. She happens on a plot to rid elite men of their troublesome women by saying that they are dead or going to the country for mental "rest". She teams up with a childhood friend to discover what is really going on and finds love right under her nose. They uncover the plot and rescue several women. Everything is going well until she makes a discovery that blows threatens to destroy everything she has come to believe. It ends on a cliffhanger

A new Regency-Era book? Why, yes, please!

Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiance’ has died just ahead of the wedding, which led her to proclaim that she will never marry and will be a spinster.

Well, that caught my attention! Lady Petra has her own money and sees no reason to share it or herself with another man. She intends to be her own woman and do as she pleases. (We love that).

And what will she get up to first? Well, a longtime lady friend has died under questionable circumstances and this seems like just the time to begin to spread her wings and see what happens.

She uncovers a private asylum where men can pay to have their troublesome wives and daughters locked up. Shocking, I know! And just as our Petra gets somewhere, her own independent ways may cause her a stay in the place.

May I say this was a great distraction from my own hospital stay? I am going to like Lady Petra a lot!

Netgalley/ St. Martin’s /Minotaur November 14, 2023

I had no idea what to expect going into Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord. But after binging on Bridgerton, I knew I'd love it!

Such a fun surprise that this book is a mystery. Super fast and fun read.

It's a 3.5 read for me as from the mid point on I knew exactly where it was going (I read a ton of mysteries and this is not my first one with this plot) That said, I very much enjoyed Lady Petra, her lady-maid Annie, her cousin/friend Caroline and Duncan.

Lady Petra, like many historical mystery heroines, is a straight up feminist (almost a little too modernly so though I appreciate she is not homophobic which matters in this story). Again like many historical mystery heroines she is motherless and her father has indulged her including letting her ride his horses wearing her brother's pants instead of side saddle.

The mystery part takes a while to get going but I definitely predicted it. Petra's friend Gwen died two weeks ago but no one knew this. Feeling hurt and hounded at her father's home in the country by her mother's brother, a total misogynist, Petra attends the Dutchess's ball in London even though she knows she'll run into her former childhood friend, Duncan, the illegitimate child of a lord and grandson to the duke and dutchess whom she fought with three years ago after the death of her betrothed. (and a lot of this is info dumped in chapter one more than I would have expected).

Naturally he's going to be the love interest (though it was done with a too-light of hand imo) and at the ball Petra has to deal with no end of misogyny from both men and women because she declared she would never marry after the loss of her lover. Enter Doctor Drysdale and all too real ease at which troublesome women could be committed to asylums in the 1800s.

We're about half way in before there is a murder related to her friend Gwen's death and Petra with Duncan's help (such as she allows it as she blows hot and cold with him) starts to investigate it because she feels responsible for the murdered servant.

About the only thing I predicted that didn't happen (which I'm glad of) was I expected her underhanded woman hating uncle was going to bump off dad to get control of her and her money because he (like so many of the Ton) believed women shouldn't be allowed to inherit.

Even though it went as expected I still very much enjoyed the characters and hope to see more of them.

Celeste Connally's debut book about Lady Petra Forsyth, who has publicly stated she will not marry, thus setting the stage for an independent life, ends up trying to find the fates of several married women who have either died or disappeared with no trace. In the course of her investigation, she almost ends up with the same fate herself. I look forward to the next story to see what other mischief Lady Petra gets into.

The title of this historical novel,Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, drew me in and is very descriptive of the plot. Lady Petra is as. Independent and intelligent as a lady could be in the early 19th century. The mystery she sets about uncovering, unfortunately, is based in the reality of that time.

Any historical fiction fan will enjoy this well-written story and appreciate the well-rounded character of Lady Petra.

This book didn’t start our really strong for me, but after about 25% I was hooked. Petra is a strong woman who has decided to stay unmarried and choose her own path. However there is a group of nefarious men that are seeking more ways to control woman. It got a little harrowing at times! Strong themes of feminism and friendship, which I love!

I don’t know that I would call this book Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie. True it is written in the same period as Bridgerton, but it is missing that humorous love connection that loved in the Bridgerton series. The love connection is a good one, don’t get me wrong but it doesn’t give off the same enduring vibes. I do love the mystery involved in this book. I love how it touched on such a sore point of woman who didn’t want to follow the fold many times during this time period were deemed wrong in the head. Creating a place that I could 100% see existing to send these head strong woman, was a very smart choice. Lady Petra does a great job of upholding her beliefs and fighting to right wrongs she sees happening around her. I do enjoy that she stood by her staff and didn’t allow those around her to sway her beliefs in what was best for her and her situation.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

i ADORE this i'm such a mystery gal and i could not put this down ! love the setting and the characters, hope the next books in this series are a tad less predictable (but i've also just read a lot of mystery so what seems predictable to me may not seem so for other readers). overall such a cute and fun read and delightfully complex relationships and writing for a cozy mystery <3

Regency-Era is my absolute favorite! I immediately knew this book was going to be for me as soon as I read the description. I think “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie” is an excellent way to market this but it also has the banter and strong female lead that reminded me of Jane Austen. I absolutely flew through the second half of this book, the book really took off for me around chapter 14. Petra was so easy to root for throughout the entire book. The ending really got me! I cannot wait for the sequel. Overall, I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a regency-era setting, a strong female lead, and a mystery!

Lady Petra has a mind of her own and sometimes flouts the rules of Society, especially since the death of her fiance and her declaration that she would remain single. She has been in the country helping run her father's stable since he broke his leg, but runs back to London for the Duchess' ball when her detested uncle visits. There, she finds that her friend was sent to a "rest" home in the country and died. There are several ladies of her acquaintance who have recently gone missing, and their husbands and fathers don't seem to care. Petra is determined to find out what happened. He quest for information leads to the stabbing death of a footman before he can tell what he knows. Everything leads to a secretive doctor the men are consulting to have their wives and daughters "treated" for "nerves" and "unfeminine conduct".
Petra ends up at Fairwind, the secluded "treatment" facility, courtesy of her hated uncle. (All gothic heroines ALWAYS trustingly drink the drugged wine poured by the villain.) Petra escapes,with damning documents about the doctor and the men he was blackmailing, aided by the sympathetic housekeeper and her own efforts. Outside is her childhood friend, Duncan, who has brought her maid, and her father.
Once the documents are turned over to the Duchess, who has the ear of the Queen, the "doctor" is executed and the men are exposed for their misdeeds.
A good expose' of the involuntary commitment of women for the "crimes" of not wanting to marry, not birthing an heir or "just don't like this wife but want to keep her money and want a new one".

This was a fun, cozy Victorian mystery. Just the right thing for a very hot day. I read it in one day and look forward to the next in the series.

When I saw this touted as "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie", of course I was intrigued! And I do think the description apt, though more Bridgerton in terms of the Netflix adaptations than the book series, because this book brings some some modern sensibilities (especially in terms of the main character's feminism and general attitude, including mention of acceptance of LGBTQ identities) to go along with the opulent Regency England setting - along with pulling back the curtain (ahem) on the various trysts and affairs and match-scheming of the British nobles. It is a bit of a romance, a solid friends-to-lovers trope, which I like, but it's just as much an amateur sleuthing story, when Lady Petra, a well-connected 20-something who has her own inheritance and therefore has decided not to marry but forge her own path - learns of the death of a friend that seems a bit suspicious. What she eventually uncovers, regarding a pseudo doctor and a sanatorium, brings in some interesting themes to a Regency romp, dealing with the idea of female "hysteria" and misogyny. This part of the story was maybe a bit slow to take off, but once it got rolling I was very intrigued - I can see why there's an Agatha Christie comparison in terms of amateur sleuthing, but I would say it has more pace and a bit more of a glimpse of an "underbelly" of society feel to it than a real "cozy" mystery. A plus, in my book. If you like any/all of the above, this was a fun read - and actually had me on the edge of my seat toward the end - but warning that the first chapter was actually a bit of a slog, with the mentioning of so many different society names in conversation between Petra and her lady's made. Hard to keep track of since you're not actually meeting any of those characters yet (and so many nobles have 2 names - "Lord whatever" in addition to their regular name), but worth pushing through! The publisher's blurb also mentions this as the start of a new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin, and I'm here for more of it.

There isn’t a thing wrong with the romance. It is perfectly paced, the H and h perfectly paired, and the plot perfectly charming and unique.

I love when authors find clever ways to develop relationships without the constraints of the ton. And the heroine winning over the hero by beating him in a duel so that he hires her as his personal secretary was such fun.

The heroine is the type of character you would want as a friend. Smart, sweet, cunning, humorous, a tad eccentric, brave, loyal, and adventurous. The hero is an alluring alpha male who is also brilliant. They are the best.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Petra has made a decision that many people are not happy with. She decides to govon a mission when she learns that someone has died mysteriously. Thus was an engaging read.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is an historical fiction story set in the early 1800’s in England. It is both informative and entertaining to read about Lady Petra Forsyth and her views on a woman’s lot in life in that time period. The death of Lady Forsyth’s fiancé’ shortly before their wedding gives her the opportunity to renounce any expectations that she would marry in the future. But her childhood friend Duncan continues to pursue her with hilarious results. As a member of the upper class and with the financial means to take care of her needs, Lady Petra Forsyth finds herself in a unique position.to live life on her own terms. It is quite amusing how she handles herself in a variety of situations as she thinks like a Lord. However, an element of mystery also enters her life when she notices the sudden absence of a female married friend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sense of humor, but also to readers who like a good mystery. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this highly engaging book.

Great new cozy mystery. Wonderful read doe when you need a pick-me-up or on a rainy/snowy day. If you love books set in regency England with plucky leads this is your book.

Wow. I finished this in less than a day and I’m already clamoring for the next installment (tell me there will be another one soon!!) This tale of the adventures of Lady Petra Forsyth, spinster, kept me riveted. Mystery, intrigue, a bit of detective work, lots of suspense. I did struggle a bit with how many of the characters were involved in the…nefarious plot, the frequency being a bit too convenient in my mind. And I struggle as well with the cliffhanger ending (setting up book 2?!) but I very much enjoyed this and can’t wait to read the next one.

This book was fun and easy to read. If you like Bridgerton or Jane Austen, or the general vibe of stories set in a Regency period you'll enjoy this book. It was a fast read but didn't necessarily lure me in until about Half way through. The first half is a little slow, but by the second half I couldn't put it down. If you are okay with a slow start in order to get to the rewarding end, definitely give this story a try.

Connally drops readers straight into 1815 Regency London where 24-year-old Lady Petra Forsyth is negotiating her way through an all-night ball held by the Duchess of Hillmorton. Tucked in amongst newsy tidbits, she hears that a friend, Lady Milford, has recently died of an apoplexy, although details are vague. When she discovers that Martin, a footman from Lady Milford’s household, was let go in sudden circumstances she contrives to speak to him and discovers that he has seen his former mistress very recently. Petra sets up a meeting with him on the usual bridle path ride, but when she arrives, he is dead. Upon further investigation, she discovers that a number of ladies of distinction are being assisted through mental health issues by a mysterious Mr. Drysdale and she vows to find out more.
This is the first in a Regency period mystery series. The mystery at the story’s centre, remains solely within the ton. This gives the author leeway to invest in everything to do with the Regency upper classes, their dress, behaviour, houses, servants, and their hierarchical snobbery and tittle-tattle, plus debutantes, wealthy bachelors and grasping mothers. Connally does an excellent job with a plot that, particularly in the second half of the book, moves swiftly. She holds romance in the wings, although Petra has sworn off marriage publicly. A well-written, illuminating and insightful novel about the often-tragic fall-out when 19th-century women found themselves facing male ownership of property, including wives and children, with nowhere to turn.

Lady Petra is one of those "uppity women" challenging the social norms of her era. There are certainly echoes of our issues in modern times that will feel very familiar. Pacing was engaging and gentle until about halfway through when it became a real page turner. I read late into the night to finish it. Highly recommended.

Very entertaining story. I ADORED this time piece and the strong female protagonist. As well as the highlighting of positive and underestimated attributes of other female characters. When the story turned into a mystery, it was a welcome surprise! Sweet read with love woven throughout.

Four stars! Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is the first ARC (advanced reader copy) that I have been sent and oh what a good one it was!! I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this one, especially as it is my first book by this author and I believe her debut novel! This story is the first installment in a Regency-era female-lead mystery series and I think it was such a good first installment. The writing was really well done and helped transport me to the setting while still keeping the language modern enough for today’s standards. I found it so easy to really love and root for the main character right from the start. I loved that she was an independent woman who didn’t care what people thought of her and fought for what she believed in. The mystery aspect was very interesting, though it didn’t involve any huge twists, but it was entertaining and kept me reading for sure! I was really rooting for Petra to uncover the truth and dismantle the misogynistic men at the center of the mystery. The end also really set everything up for the next novel, with a great little cliffhanger that left me excited for the next installment! Overall, I would recommend this one for a fun, slightly thrilling twist on a historical fiction.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

As I am trying to find myself out of horror, I'm dabbling in all kinds of genres and when the publisher offered a chance to read Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, I said "why not?" I'm so glad I took a chance on this.

Act is a fun, historical-feminist-mystery thriller starring proclaimed to remain unmarried Lady Petra Forsyth. I love her. She is witty, headstrong, determined, and kind. There is something amiss when one of her lady friends is allegedly deceased but Lady P was never told. Then, a servant makes mention of seeing her friend alive and recently! A series of mysteries, actions, and a truly vile villain make up the remainder of this novel and guys, I was HOOKED.

This does start off a bit slow, but more like the fuse on dynamite. The fuse burns a ways before it BLOWS UP and this book sure does. Very few books make my heart race when the action happens, and Act gave me heart palpitations.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is out on 11/14/2023 and I will be purchasing a physical copy. There's talk of this being a new series and I'll be buying those too. Celeste Connally, you just got a new biggest fan.

I received an e-ARC from stmartinspress and minotaur_books on netgalley in exchange for my honest review and I am eternally grateful.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lady Petra is one of the funnest characters I have read about recently. This regency era mystery gave me Bridgerton with a dash of mystery vibes. I do have to say the first 13-ish chapters are a bit slower and took me a bit longer than I care to admit to get through as there was a lot of world building to get us to understand who everyone is, and what part they play in our mystery but once chapter 14 hits, I was sucked into the story and just wanted to know who was doing it? The tension between Duncan and Lady Petra made for a fun addition of romance to the story. The side characters were loveable and a perfect addition to Lady Petras world. I have to say the story wrapped up nicely with answers to all the questions that I have throughout the book. I cannot wait to see if there’s a sequel. Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress @celesteconnallyauthor for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. Don’t miss it when it releases November 14th!!

I have not been reading as much romance and historical romance as I have in the past, but so thankful to netgalley for approving this read as I loved it so much. It had such heartache, yet hope, fear, friendship, sweet and tender moments and love. The setting was great and a little sprinkle of mystery. Can't go wrong

I enjoyed this book! The beginning is mostly character and world building with Regency details galore. Then, Her Grace’s ball happens, and the plot moves forward quickly from there. A little too quickly for me, swept along nice and neat, but still. It’s interesting to read, and I gobbled down the last part because I wanted to know how I knew what would happen would happen. The book is predictable but not in a bad way. It’s entertaining! The characters are great, well-defined if not deeply layered, and there is humor but also social commentary. Parts of the book made me feel deeply upset because I know the treatment of women isn’t overplayed.
Overall, I liked this book. A decent cliffhanger, and I might read a second book starring Petra, hinted at in the novel, if I need a quick read between other books or on the beach!

Bridgerton meets mystery in this Regency era romance with a strong female protagonist, Lady Petra. After her engagement ends when the love her life dies tragically, Petra decides not to remarry. This makes Petra unusual and several men want to put her in her place. But when women start disappearing and a murder takes place, Petra is determined to get to the bottom of things.

This was a fun read and a change from my usual fare of contemporary crime fiction. I enjoyed the characters and the way the author made the setting come to life. Recommended!

When Petra's fiance dies shortly before their wedding, Regency society expects her to find another husband immediately after her mourning period. But Petra is independently wealthy, and she decides to live as a single woman. All is well until she finds herself investigating a friend's death -- it turns out that in England, in that era, husbands who wanted to get their wives out of the way could declare them mentally ill and have them sent to asylums -- and who knows what might happen to them there. Petra turns amateur sleuth to investigate in what I hope is the first of a nice long series! Great characters, great Regency setting, and great story. This is the type of mystery that will definitely appeal to Bridgerton fans.

Thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress @minotaur_books and @celesteconnallyauthor for this ARC! This was an extremely fun and feminist mystery with an undercurrent of romance, a little different than my usual easy reads, and I definitely enjoyed it.

Lady Petra, after losing her much loved fiancé three years ago, has declared herself a spinster by choice. She’s tired of the men of the ton and how disgusting they are, including and especially the truly odious Josiah Bellingham, one of the men she’s refused suit. While he seemed innocuous in the past, he and his friends have escalated in their actions, making her social life miserable. This coincides with her uncle’s anger that she’s unwed, a problem she also can no longer ignore, as he’s now involved her father. On top of everything, her childhood best friend Duncan Shawcross, has just returned from the Continent after disappearing for three years. She and Duncan had a miserable, horrible fight after her fiancé died, and while she wrote a letter to him, he never responded. What’s a girl to DO?

The answer is dodge society’s censure while attempting to get to the bottom of what happened to her friend Gwen, reported dead without a body, but who is also reported to have been seen recently in London.

All signs point to a nefarious and mysterious gentleman who has been seen with the more rotten members of the ton, whispers of a remote respite house in Essex, and the disappearing ladies who have been reported as “mad.” Petra’s own life is now at risk and it’s hard to know who’s a friend or foe when everybody seems to be watching her every move.

This book digs into what happens to women who don’t fit the norm (feminists and lesbians), those with mental illness, and those whose husbands could not control them. This book lets Petra be the hero, not Duncan, despite the hint of romance — I thought this to be a fun twist to let her be the inspector/sleuth and have the entire book from her POV.

I assume there will be a sequel where Duncan features more prominently as either a love interest, a suspect, or both. And I cannot wait. This one comes out mid-November, so unfortunately, I will indeed be waiting.

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a Regency mystery by Celeste Connally. This book follows independent Lady Petra Forsyth, who doesn’t wish to marry, solve a mysterious death of a friend - as things are all as they seem. I found a number of the characters decently well-rounded, which was nice for a new series, though I’m expecting other characters to be rounded out as the series continues. I found the beginning to be the most difficult part to push through - lots of names, lots of titles, and lots of family history. Once the book got rolling, and the focus was on fewer characters, it became easier to follow characters through the story. I think this was a good book - I quite liked Lady Petra’s independence, reasoning, and putting pieces together during this book - plus she’s got spunk. Overall, a 3.5 star rating - the beginning just dragged for me and the ending seemed a lot like setting up for the next book, not always how I like books to be.

I received this book complimentary from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this. I liked Petra’s grit. The epilogue hurt my heart a bit (I didn’t want that ending). It was interesting and well done, if a bit fantastical for the age. However, it was interesting and well-written. I enjoyed reading it.

I've read many of these feminist Regency romances where the heroine has a penchant for uncovering the follies of her fellow peerage. What I haven't had the pleasure of until now is reading one with such a spectacular cliffhanger!!

THOUGHTS:
- The cliffhanger! I truly didn't see this coming, especially the way it played out, and I feel like that's the mark of good writing. So much of this story lined up to be what you'd expect - and I loved seeing my predictions come true. But to give us just enough of a happy ever after and then throw in that curve ball?! *Chef's kiss**

NOTES:
- Feminist
- 1800s England Setting
- 🌶️🌶️/5 slow burn in the BEST way... I really can't say anything else but I haven't adored a Regency romance as much in while!!

<i>**Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤</i>

I've read and enjoyed the author's work (under a different name), so when I saw this new release, I grabbed an early copy. Loved that it's set in 1815, a period I don't know a ton about. My historical fiction often gravitates toward America's Gilded Age, but I might need to turn back the clock by another 75 years, eh? Petra is a formidable lady, and what happens to her is deliciously horrible. I was more irate than she when it came to the way men, in particular her uncle and the doctor, treated this woman. That's a sign of great writing, when an author can conjure an emotional outburst of passion and hatred all at the same time. The mystery was expertly weaved together in a normal storyline about what it was like for a woman during this time period. Meeting the various duchesses and ladies and lords made the setting and history come alive. The ending, which I wish had a bit more comeuppance, delivered a solid sense of reality... and really made me hope this becomes a series. Petra makes a brilliant main character, and her exploits could continue to entertain for many more books.

Cozy mystery with regency elements! I loved this one! Petra and Duncan are a great couple! I loved how this followed their relationship from the marriage on and we got to see all their struggles together.

Prepare to be swept up in this mystery!

Set in Regency England, a time when laws favored males, women had few rights and were subject to rule first by their fathers and then by their husbands.

Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman ahead of her time, independent and thinking. Connally does an exceptional job in depicting the life, manners, times and morals of both the ton and the servant class of the early 1800’s.

I eagerly await the next chapter of Lady Petra’s story.

Many thanks to NetGalley & St.Martin’s Press for a complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this first entry in what I very much hope is a long series about Lady Petra Forsyth, a 24-year-old woman of independent means (almost impossible during this time) who has become a curiosity in London society since she declared herself a permanent spinster after the tragic death of her fiance. At the start of this novel, Petra is at odds with her uncle, who disapproves of her unwomanly behavior (riding astride, having opinions, not being interested in marriage), and she decides to leave her father's country estate to return to town. She soon learns that one of her closest friends, who she had seen not long before, had suddenly died. The circumstances of that death turn out to be suspicious, and Lady Petra finds herself in the middle of a bit of a conspiracy to deal with inconvenient women. She is accompanied by her maid, Agnes, her friend Lady Caroline, and her childhood friend and potential romantic interest, Duncan. The end of this was just *chef's kiss* and I can't wait to read the next entry in this series. Content warning for violence against women, next-level gaslighting, kidnapping, and references to sexual abuse.

What a fun read! While there is a touch of romance, this is a historical mystery that centers on Petra, an engaging lead character who has decided she will never marry after her fiancé suddenly dies just before their wedding. Petra starts noticing that women in her circle are disappearing or dying, so she investigates … an intriguing mystery ensues, with well-written characters and a terrifically imagined universe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I like historical fiction and mysteries; so, the combination of these two made for an interesting read. The main character is strong and independent. Unfortunately, some men during this time period don't find these characteristics to be their strength. The protagonist discovered that difficult women were being sent to asylums to be rid of them. With her sleuthing and some help from friends, she was able to rescue them. Enjoyable read. Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC.

I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for a review.

3.75 stars rounded up to 4.

This story started slow. It took me a bit to really get into it, but once I did, I got really into it. Once it really got into the core mystery - what was happening to the Ladies of London and who was all involved was worth the wait. I did stay up late to finish it because once Petra was out of London, I had to know what was going to happen. I thought it wrapped up well, but then the last line being such a huge cliffhanger!! Oh my goodness, there’s gotta be another book for that.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an enjoyable read about Lady Petra investigating some things she's noticed in her social circle not adding up. I actually thought this was a romance novel but it's mainly a mystery with a bit of romance mixed in. I love that Lady Petra is a spinster by choice and her family and friends support her. It's clear early on to the reader what is happening to the women but some of the characters still keep you guessing. The story wraps up dramatically and generally happy until the last shocking line leaves you questioning if there's more to come.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

True historical mystery vibes right here, which is one of my faves! Loved the suspense of the disappearing women along with the murder, and there was plenty of action with romance sprinkled on top. Strong female lead which was definitely needed in a story like this, especially when highlighting a suppressed period of history for women.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is the first in a new mystery series by Celeste Connally. As the title indicates, the focus is on how even high-born women were often treated like second-class citizens--or worse--in 1815 London.

After the tragic death of her fiancé and abandonment by her greatest male friend, Lady Petra avows to everyone who will listen that she has decided to remain unmarried. It is a scandalous statement to most, and some take it to mean she prefers women to men. But Petra is proud and determined, and her money and good looks afford her some freedom to live the life she desires. When one of her friends disappears mysteriously and is then declared dead, Petra starts to discover that a deadly conspiracy is afoot, and that other women, including herself, may be in grave danger.

The book takes quite a while to get going, setting the scene and the many characters. The last part of the book is much more interesting--though quite distasteful at times--as Petra gets closer to unmasking the villain(s). I found the plot to be a bit too over-the-top, with the main villain being utterly without redeeming qualities. Men, in general, come off as unsympathetic to say the least, with the exception of Petra's former male friend and a young guttersnipe who admires her enough to help her out when needed. The women are the stars, especially Petra, who often throws caution to the winds to accomplish her goals. The epilogue contains a cliffhanger, which will mostly likely be dealt with in the next book of the series. Personally, I prefer the author's three Ancestry Detective books, under the name of SC Perkins.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Set in the early 1800's during the Regency era, the female protagonist, Lady Petra, is most definitely a feminist. Often doing things that the gentleman of the time do, such as ride a stride and have very strong opinions about things and actually state he opinions, she declares her self a spinster when her fiancé dies. When a close friend dies quickly under what seems to be slightly odd circumstances, Petra decides to investigate. This of course leads to more strange deaths and odd incidents that are connected to her. The story is well written and shows the double standard of how men are allowed to act and how women are seen and treated if they act in a similar manner.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Regency/Victorian mysteries with a strong willed female lead and a slightly questionable but handsome love interests — think Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily series, Rhys No Wen’s Lady Georgie series, and Deanna Raybourne’s Lady Julia series and Veronica Speedwell series. This book gives similar vibes.

Lady Petra is an independently wealthy lady who lost her fiancé and decided to stay a spinster. When her friend mysteriously dies, she sets out on a quest to discover why. Enter Duncan, her childhood playmate whom she had a falling out a few years ago.

I thought the first third of the book could have been trimmed down, the mystery doesn’t really start until then and the pacing felt a little off. However, once Petra is involved in the mystery the book took off. I was a bit annoyed it ended in a cliffhanger, but I’m intrigued and will probably read the next one when it comes out!

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books and Celeste Connally for the ARC.

Full disclaimer: I didn't read the description before diving in and was pleasantly surprised to be met with an exciting, well-thought out mystery.

In this novel, Petra has declared herself a spinster. After her fiance died a tragic death, she has no interest in marrying—why would she, when she's already met (and lost) the love of her life? This creates a wave of controversy in the ton. When women begin to go missing, Petra takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of it. I've torn through Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn's regency novels and Petra is unlike any regency heroine I've ever come across. I adores this title!

I know the tagline is Agatha Christie meets the Bridgertons, but for me it’s more akin to Cindy Anstey’s books. Petra, shockingly Original in Regency England becomes caught up in a murder investigation that veers into a case that is far more than the sum of its parts.

I found this book to be really engaging and I loved the premise. I'm a sucker for regency lady detective stories so this story was right up my alley. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Not only is it brilliantly written, with sympathetic and relatable characters despite the fact that it is set so long in the past, but the mystery itself is compelling and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman before her time, presenting a problem for many of the men in society's upper crust, who believe fiercely that women should stay in their place and are threatened by any inkling of independence from the women in their lives. Petra's journey of discovery regarding the actions of these selfish men is emotionally gripping, and the descriptions of the gaslighting and mistreatment of women who the men are supposed to be protecting hit home for anyone in this time who may have experienced even just a fraction of this behaviour.
I read this book on the edge of my seat, actually worrying for Petra's future and rooting for her and her friends as though they were friends of my own.
I am extremely grateful to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ActLikeaLadyThinkLikeaLord, and to the author for writing such a fabulous book.

This is the perfect read for a rainy day and a mug of tea. This would perfectly be described with "Downton Abbey" (my favorite show) combined with a cozy mystery. This was very fun and quick read too. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Nov. 14, 2023
“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a historical fiction novel by Celeste Connally. The author has other novels under another name, but she is new to me, and this was one heck of an introduction!
Petra Forsyth’s fiancée and love dies in a tragic accident just before they’re about to be married, leaving Petra heartbroken. Since the death of her mother left Petra an independently wealthy woman, she vows to stay single forever, much to the chagrin of her high society friends and family. When Petra hears that a close friend of hers has died as a result of “melancholia”, she is shocked and refuses to believe the news, especially when she hears rumours that her friend was seen just recently, very much alive. A new doctor is in town with big secrets, and Petra finds herself in terrible danger as she continues to investigate why women around her are disappearing.
Petra is spunky, independent and fiery and I loved every bit of her! As a woman in Victorian England who refuses to go along with social norms placed on women at that time, she runs the risk of ruining her family’s reputation as well as her own, but she continues to go against what’s expected of her in order to help her friends. There is absolutely nothing about Petra to dislike and I cheered for her from the outset.
Petra narrates the novel, and there are many high-society characters, so be prepared for numerous mentions of “Lord and Lady” this and “Baron” this and that. Once you can sort through them and determine who is really worth paying attention to, Connally has you hooked.
This is the first novel in a series and if you did not know that at the beginning, you will definitely figure it out by the end, as the conclusion drops a hint of things to come. The novel flows brilliantly, and each chapter leaves just enough of a teaser that I had to keep turning the pages. To ensure the novel hits a thought-provoking and emotional note, Connally includes the asylum plotline, where “women of suspicious character” who “dare to go against societal norms” are committed against their will. “Lady” will sit uncomfortably with readers in certain parts, and it is this hauntingly realistic reminder of our history that makes the novel all the more engaging.
“Lady” will give you “Bridgerton” vibes, with a little bit of Agatha Christie thrown in (and how is that a bad thing)? I eagerly anticipate more from Connally, and definitely- MORE PETRA!

4 stars

Fun read! Lady Petra has decided she does not want to be married and live her life as a single woman. Thankfully when her mother passed away, she was endowed with the funds and means to do so. She stumbles upon a curious set of events where wives in her society are turning up dead. As she works to figure out the details, she could be the next victim.

Fun mystery set in the Regency era of the early 1800s. Would read again.

I wasn't too sure about the book after seeing the title, but from the start this is a great book. You don't think about a cozy mystery set in Regency times but it is a hoot! You really felt like what it was like for a woman in that time period. The mystery was expertly woven into the story and I hope there are more books in the series.

An enjoyable Regency mystery. Petra is very independent and a woman of her own. I enjoyed reading of her investigative skills and hope to see more books in the future.
Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

LOVED this book. A great author that I have not read before. Grab this book, a cup of tea, and your favorite blanket, and snuggle in for a wonderful read!

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

304 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books
Release Date: November 14, 2023

Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers, Suspense

Lady Petra Forsyth has declared she will never marry after her fiancé dies from a fall down a set of steps. She can do this since her mother left her an inheritance and does not need to depend on her father or a husband for support. She hears her dear friend, Gwen, has died and she was not invited to the funeral. She cannot believe this has happened and confronts Gwen’s husband. Now it seems husbands are talking about sending their wives to a resting hospital for their nerves. Petra does not believe this is happening and begins investigating. When she starts asking too many questions, she finds herself in someone’s crosshair. She has no idea who could be after her because there are too many to choose from.

The book is fast paced, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. I like the strength of character the author gave to Petra in a time when women held very little power. It certainly is a book with suspense built in. If you like historical fiction, you will probably enjoy reading this book.

This was such a cute but fun, Regency era mystery that included a mild romantic component. I was hoping for a little bit more on the romance end, but I though the mystery aspect was really done and kept me intrigued through out. I will definitely give this author another go and look forward to the resolution to the cliffhanger!!

Let me start out by saying this is not my normal genre, however I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! If you like Regency era stories and mysteries, this book is for you. The main character, Petra, is extremely likeable and relatable, and I hope we get to read more about her future adventures! The end was genius!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Lord! I'm always excited for a Austen-esque heroine!

Petra, the main character, inspires all the feelings! I was outraged at the way men treated her, especially men close to her. I feel like Petra's story and the mystery were woven together very well, and at times it was difficult to tell where one began and the other ended, which I really liked! I'm not sure if this will be a series, but I think Petra's character is definitely leading lady material!

That being said, the ending left me disappointed. I wanted a banger of an ending to cap off the mystery, and the book kind of fizzles out instead. The ending resolution in a mystery is just as important to me as a romance, and this one left me hanging. I do like the author's writing style, though, so I would be interested to pick up another book if this does become a series.

Overall, I think this was a worthy mystery with just a bit of a rushed/shallow ending. This author can WRITE, though, so you need to check out this book!

Rating: 3⭐️

A fun first entry into a new period cozy mystery series. I love that it balances both a sense of time and place in Regency England with a firm stance on those on the fringes of high society - namely that society needs to get its shit together and include them. They mystery itself is more of setting the stage than an actual mystery this time around - we're meeting people who make up Petra's circle, rather than truly trying to figure out where these women are disappearing to or who has been silencing those who talked - but the cast of characters assembled are all lovely and a breath of air. At times it can feel a little like the narrative is over-explaining for the sake of the reader; there are sidebars about the state of women's rights, gay rights, musings on a character's nationality or religion and how most of society thinks about all of the above concepts, but its heart is in the right place and serves as a good introduction to the state of society at the time.

A great fun read - thank you to #NetGalley for a chance to read the ARC!
This was a solid Regency mystery with a romantic side plot. Lady Petra is a feminist-ideal character in Regency era England. She learns a friend of hers has died, but then shortly after one of the servants claims to have seen her. As Petra investigates the possibility she discovers a surprising number of women of her acquaintance have either 'died' or went away to travel. Petra discovers their fate as she finds herself in the same trap.

Overall, a good start to a new series. I look forward to the next one.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a captivating period adventure that exudes flawless banter. This novel is a breath of fresh air, thanks to its intricately developed main characters, and is sure to resonate with fans of the beloved series, Bridgerton.

I'm really glad that I was reading Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord for review. The book started off incredibly slowly for me, where it seemed like ladies of the ton gossiping and jostling for position. Thankfully I was reading for an obligation to finish the book, because it did pick up and get interesting, as Lady Petra is told a friend of hers unexpectedly passed away only to hear contradicting evidence from one of the lady's dismissed staff members. As a self-avowed spinster, Petra decides to follow-up, only to have the man she needs information from murdered. With a disgruntled suitor and a greedy uncle on her hands, Petra begins to see a threat to the women around her and how little power they have in their lives and wonder if the women are really suffering from hysteria or if there is a more sinister plot at hand. Causing her further concern is the possibility that her old friend Duncan might not only be inhibiting her investigation, but putting her safety in danger. In concept, the story is mostly a cozy mystery, but it is also truly terrifying reading the book as a woman and being reminded that the authority women had over their minds, money, property and bodies was less than it is today - not a comforting thought. The proper habits of the ton get a little bit boring, the true gem of the story is the exploration of the dangers women were in from men in their lives that benefitted from disposing of them as they saw fit. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a surprise! This is my first read of author Celeste Connally, but it will not be my last. "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Lord" is a historical mystery with mild romance, but also a story with a feminist bent. It was all done in a most entertaining way, rather than bludgeoning the reader with 'I am woman, hear me roar' throughout the story.
As for the mystery, it was okay; what was more fun was reading the punishment inflicted. Trust me when I say you will definitely get a kick out of it! What intrigued me at the end...the cliffhanger. I look forward to seeing how that plays out.
I started this, and it didn't grab me right off. I set it aside, and when I came back to it, it still a little bit to get into it. But once I did....boy, I finished it in 2 days. I tried to stop myself, but I couldn't...I had to see how it ended. It was worth it that I hung in and read it. I ended up loving it!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

"Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a captivating new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin from Celeste Connally.

London, 1815. Lady Petra Forsyth, daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, has made a shocking proclamation. After losing her beloved fiancé in an accident three years earlier, she announces in front of London's loosest lips that she will never marry. A woman of independent means - and rather independent ways - Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life is gone. Instead, she plans to continue enjoying the best of society without any expectations.

But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of a fit due to her "melancholia" while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper - uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Petra has reason to believe her friend is alive, a shocking murder proves more danger is afoot than she thought. And the more determined Lady Petra becomes in uncovering the truth, the more her own headstrong actions and desire for independence are used against her, putting her own freedom - and possibly her life - in jeopardy."

I love the Regency Era and I love mysteries, therefore I love this book.

I'm not a frequent historical fiction reader, but this book intrigued me. It started off a bit slow, but ended up being an interesting story with compelling characters.

Lady Petra Forsyth declared herself a spinster after the accidental death of her fiancé. However, London in 1815 isn't the best place for that declaration. Disgruntled men, especially her uncle who resents her control of her own money, are outraged. But Lady Petra has an advantage many of her fellow female society ladies do not: she has independent means.

When she learns that a friend of hers has passed away, she's surprised and even more surprised that the lady's husband is carrying on with no signs of grief. She is even more surprised when she meets one of the lady's dismissed servants who states that she was still alive after her husband declared her dead and buried.

As Petra looks into things, she finds herself the victim of a number of "accidents" but, with the help of some friends including a boy she grew up with but separated from at the time of her fiancé's death, Lady Petra unravels a plot to put inconvenient ladies into an insane asylum.

This was an engaging story that introduces an intriguing character in Lady Petra.

An easy read, with a somewhat feminist spin on the historical romance. Predictable for its type, like marshmallows: sweetened historical characters, with a plot that is neither dense nor complicated.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is a spectacular Regency mystery. Lady Petra Forsyth has been left an inheritance that allows her the means to care for herself without the need to marry. And after a betrothal that did not pan out, she is determined to live by her own rules. Much to the shock of society, she declares that she will not marry. After the mysterious disappearance of a good friend, Lady Petra endeavors to get to the bottom of things. But she is up against a sinister rogue. Petra new she had become a threat to him, to his newfound wealth and status, to his livelihood. To his ability to subjugate helpless women, to inflict pain upon them, and with absolute impunity. Yes, Petra had a feeling she would not live long to talk about it. He would make certain of it. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a fabulous Regency mystery from the start to the very last line!

I absolutely loved the ancestry detective series by Celeste Connolly (under a different name), so I was excited to read a new series set in a much different time period, and it did not disappoint!

Petra is a a strong-willed, sharp, and independent woman living in Regency-Era England where those particular attributes are not as appreciated and viewed as unsavory. When society women start to go missing, Petra becomes curious, leading her to investigate.

Connally paints the scene of Petra’s life and times and the characters were believable and relatable. It was hard to not cheer Petra on throughout.

Though it started off a bit slow, once the mystery got rolling, I was hooked.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Petra, a self-proclaimed spinster, hears of the death of a longtime friend while in the care of a suspicious physician and vows to find the truth. But after uncovering a private asylum where men lock away difficult women, Petra’s own freedom is at risk…

Society gossip, romance, and intrigue hooked me into this mystery. Petra was a confident, intelligent woman with a support network of other strong women. And her conflict with (and affection for) Duncan was believable and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, around the 75% mark, once Petra was in serious peril, I lost interest a little due to villain monologuing, drawn out threats, and brief abuse. I wanted to skip forward to a rescue/escape, but even when that began to unfold, Petra stopped to observe the women in the asylum and read some of their records despite a time crunch. It felt deliberate, so the reader would know how atrocious this place was, but I was already convinced and ready to move on.

It concluded satisfactorily for me until the last line’s twist, leaving me with some mixed feelings.

Overall, it was an enjoyable historical mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC.

Lady Petra Forsyth, daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, is an unconventional woman of the Regency era. who has declared that she does not plan to marry. While her father is unconcerned about this, her Uncle Tobias is scandalized and is convinced she must be insane as a result. That initially doesn't bother Petra, because she is more concerned about the rumor that a dear friend of her has died under questionable circumstances involving a shady physician.. When she starts to investigate, a potential source of information is murdered, and then the plot thickens. There is a fair amount of action and red herrings in this mystery, but on the whole I found that there were too many convenient coincidences of help or answers showing up at just the right time. This could be a fun read, but nothing particularly memorable.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a slow burn historical mystery with a side plot of romance. The backstory takes about the first 1/3 of the book but it is an atmospheric read once you learn the characters. The mystery is scary from the female perspective in history. I look forward to the series continuing.

This riveting story transports the reader back into a time when women had very few rights.

It’s 1815 and Lady Petra Forsyth is “a woman with spirit, intellect, great love and abilities.” Just a few days before her marriage to Lord Ingersoll in Suffolk, England, he fell and died. Her heart was broken so she made a decision to become a spinster to enjoy being free of any other man with her rather large inheritance. However, this lifestyle was discouraged by her family and members of the community. It came with a price.

Petra was living ahead of her time with her willingness to be independent from the social norms. When her friend, Gwen, from the village died mysteriously, she wanted to find out what happened. When she heard that Gwen was seen a few days after the funeral, she was further intrigued. Who was telling the truth: Gwen’s husband or the man that just revealed some alarming news?

The beginning was a struggle to figure out which of the many characters were important to follow. However, after a few chapters into the story, everything started to make sense and then it was a fast read. The dialogue and setting made it believable with the times.

It’s definitely a well-thought-out book which makes one think about the struggles of women from this period. I read this in a day and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.

My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of November 14, 2023.

I love the beginning of this book!! I will be leaving my full review on the audio ARC I received.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Part of what makes this story such fun is how Lady Petra defies convention in so many ways but adheres to social conventions in other ways, trying to strike the right balance. The underlying mystery that she sets out to solve is more complicated and dastardlier than I expected. The story has a great supporting cast; I particularly liked the street urchin, Teddy. The interaction between Petra and Duncan was quite enjoyable. The story has some very witty banter. The story ends with a cliffhanger that could cause quite a bit of drama in a sequel.

Lady Petra Forsyth has sworn off marriage after the loss of her beloved fiancé who died in a tragic accident. Lady Petra’s mother was a woman ahead of her time and provided her with a sizable inheritance allowing Petra to have the independent life she desires. Petra uses her social status and inheritance to her advantage and enjoys the best society has to offer.

Lady Petra is devastated when she learns that a dear friend, Gwen, died of “melancholia” while in the care of a less than reputable physician. However, gossip soon circulates that Gwen has been spotted in London several times since she reportedly died. Petra begins to investigateo and uncovers a devious plot by the upper class men of London to have their inconvenient wives and daughters locked away. In her efforts to help Gwen and the other women, Petra finds herself in grave danger.

This Regency Era mystery was fast paced and intriguing. Lady Petra is a force to be reckoned with and I enjoyed getting to know her. This novel includes other strong female characters such as Annie, the lady’s maid, and Petra’s godmother, the duchess. Duncan, Lady Petra’s love interest, is an interesting and complex character. Some of the characters and their actions were a bit stereotypical but there are some more modern themes thrown in to balance it out.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord has been described as a combination of Agatha Christie and Bridgerton which is fairly accurate. This story does not have the spice of Bridgerton but the setting is the same and the story lines are similar. Some parts of the story were predictable but there were a few twists thrown in that balanced that out. The way the story wrapped up was perfect and the bombshell thrown in at the very end was shocking.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an intriguing mystery and thoughtful commentary on society and the challenges women face. This novel will satisfy all your Regency Era cravings!

What a charming read! this one is for the Bridgerton lovers who love a winsome and intelligent heroine and a whiff of mystery

Think Lisa Kleypas meets Death Comes to Pemberley.

I will easily follow Connally wherever she takes me and I heartily recommended this sparkling and unputdownable new read!

PUBLICATION DAY: November 14, 2023

After losing her soul mate weeks before her wedding, Petra is determined (and has even announced to society) that she will never marry. She has her mother (and a generous inheritance) to thank for the option. But not everyone is content to see her voluntarily single, especially in this period of time. Add in the mysterious death of her friend Gwen and Petra has a lot to deal with. What will she find when she investigates the circumstances around Gwen’s death? And is her future as secure as she hoped?

PROS and CONS:
I really liked this author’s writing style, easy to read and quick to digest. Good variety of characters even if the plot was relatively easy to predict. Ending was a bit of a cliff hanger - maybe a series is in the works?

READ IT?
If you’re into period pieces and can’t get enough Bridgerton - then this one’s for you!

3.5 Stars

Being a history buff and fan of cozy mysteries, this one intrigued me. I've gotten somewhat away from my reading of Regency romances but the blurb sounded like it might fit into that former favorite genre. We initially meet the free-thinking Lady Petra and Annie, her maid, in the stable. Seems Petra is fond of riding astride, a practice sure to horrify nobility, and she's rushing to change clothing into a respectable riding outfit (think sidesaddle) with Annie's help after the unexpected arrival of her staid uncle. Unfortunately, all their efforts go for naught as he saw her astride and is taking her father, the Earl, to task for it, pretty much demanding Petra marry. Her father, lucky Petra, is also rather forward thinking and supportive of her independence, but her uncle persists. Can one angry relative be enough to force her to marry? Her late mother left her an inheritance free from any one else's management, hence her ability to go her own way, but life in that era isn't easy for females. Actually, as Petra discovers, she only knows the half of it.

The premise was interesting, the idea of women being sent to an asylum simply because they'd become a burden to their husband. True, some have legitimate health/mental issues but, as Petra discovers, it's become a tool of some wealthy men to rid themselves of a difficult, rebellious wife who can't be cowed. Petra, independently wealthy, had announced that she never planned to wed after the death of her first love, begins to investigate. She's fortunate enough not only to have the security of money and her father behind her, but good friends. That includes Annie. And, then there's Duncan. He's a childhood friend, the one who introduced her to the love of her life, in fact, but they'd gradually become distant and even hostile. But, he's back and soon to be part of Petra's life and plans. They're dangerous plans, too, with a bad guy you'll love to hate, but, well, it took the book a long time to get to that point.

Although I grew to like Petra despite her almost too perfect to be true self, only seeming to show her temper to Duncan, I found myself boggled down in what seemed an endless stream of petty details, names and titles and relationships early on. Heck, we even learned a bit about her horses. Back story is important, especially when a new series debuts, but this one nearly lost me when, sigh, not much was going on until around the halfway point of the book. Many of those names and titles I spent some time trying to sort out and make sense of what role they played in the grand scheme of things turned out to play little or no role. The use of names and titles can always be bewildering to those of us not raised where such are common, alas, but perhaps these characters will play a role in future books as this seems designed to be a series. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

Despite the slow beginning and build, the ending was quite exciting and showed how determined people can work together to create a better world for others. Was it easy? Of course not. Nor were Petra and her supporters willing to just resolve the big danger. In fact, they seemed to be willing to dole out a bit of revenge, making the ending all the more tasty. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Petra and the world she lives in. The characters and story hooked me enough that I'll be looking forward to seeing what develops...or doesn't develop...between Petra and Duncan.

4 ⭐️ | it took me a bit to get into this book, it started picking up a third of the way in and was really hard to put down. Definitely agree that this is for mystery and Bridgerton lovers - it was a nice mix of both. It really took a dark turn, that I wasn’t expected but really liked.

This was a cute regency-era cozy mystery with a feminist vibe. It's a quick read, but it took about 20 pages or so to get used to the writing style, which leans into the Shakespearean style a little. Thanks to MacMillan and Netgalley for the ARC.

What a lovely, female Sherlock type novel! Set in the early 1800s, Lady Petra is formidable woman; a chosen “spinster” and loyal friend with her own inheritance, she firmly believes in women having equal rights and isn’t afraid to hold her own against anyone who disagrees. ⁠
Though it was a little slow at the start, once I hit around 30% this book clipped along at a great pace, had a fun mystery, and championed the rights of women while challenging the class system as a whole. I really felt the fight and passion of Lady Petra as she battled the evil forces at work, and found myself really invested.

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” by Celeste Connally
Entrancing Regency Mystery
Yes, I loved this mystery; ever so glad it was set in the Regency era. I will admit it took me a couple of chapters to become fully invested in this story. It was about at that point where I really began accumulating options for possible villain(s). You really do not want to know more than the book’s back cover description… because it just might spoil the story for you. It is scary what some people will do. And just how dangerous some people can be. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

“Act Like a Lady, Think like a Lord” is truly one of the best books I have read this year. It takes what we think Regency Era romance is and flips it on its head. What freedoms would a woman have if she made it clear that she would never marry after losing a man that was about to become her husband. What choices does she really have? And is there a man out there who would take her at her word?

Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman of independent wealth (an inheritance from her mother) who truly does not need to marry. And after the death of her fiancé, she finds she does not want to…ever. An independent woman, with her own wealth and her own mind? The gentlemen of the era will need their smelling salts and fainting couches!

Mr. Duncan Shawcross is the illegitimate son of the Marquess of Langford. He is a man born to a nobleman who will never be a nobleman. There is some freedom with that, but also many doors that will forever be closed to him. Not that he minds. He grew up along side Petra and introduced her to her late fiancé. And although they were once close, they haven’t spoken for years.

Duncan and Petra cross paths at a ball hosted by Duncan’s grandmother, who is also Petra’s godmother. It is also at this ball that Petra learns that one of her friend’s has died two weeks prior. But when she speaks to a footman who had previously been employed by her dead friend, she learns that there may have been a sighting of the dead friend being alive. And off we go on a mystery.

Petra hopes to find out what really happened to her friend and Duncan finds himself agreeing to help. As the mystery twists and Petra finds out that her friend isn’t the only woman to have died under suspicious circumstances, she finds that in the pursuit for the truth may end up in her in the crosshairs.

The story is highly entertaining with a wonderful cast of characters. Caroline, Petra’s friend, is a wonder and Juddy is the kind of adorable with one foot in boyhood and one foot in manhood. But I must admit, after the heart pounding culmination of the mystery, the scene where the evil doers get there reckoning….it was both chef’s kiss perfect and highly entertaining. To top it all off, the next mystery is hinted at in the book’s final pages the has left my entirely too eager for the next installment.

The description that this novel is “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie” had me intrigued, and I can definitely say that this description is spot on. Nonetheless, this did not provide as pleasurable read for me as I thought it would.

It got off to an extremely slow start for me. Yes, there has to be some setting the scene and introducing the characters to the reader before things can really get going, but that seems to have been overdone here. The mystery that eventually emerged was somewhat formulaic, and I was also disappointed in the ending, a cliffhanger of sorts (perhaps to lead into the next book in this series?) which attempted to wrap things up far too quickly.

All in all, this was a decent read, and now that the characters have been fully introduced, I look forward to the next in this series, should there be a next one.

Genre: historical mystery
England, 1815

Lady Petra Forsyth, daughter of an earl, is a self-proclaimed spinster. Upon her mother’s death, she was bequeathed a large sum of money with no restrictions, allowing her own financial independence. Raised primarily by her father, Petra has always been bold, preferring to cut her own path in society by wearing pants and riding astride and not caring how many dances she dances per night despite her marital status. She’s saddened to hear of the sudden passing of a dear friend, and starts to realize that pieces of her friend’s death don’t add up, despite proneness to illness. Not one to sit idly by, Petra takes it upon herself to find out what’s going on.

With an intriguing setup, I was eager to pick up this regency era mystery by Celeste Connally. I enjoy a good 19th century lady detective style mystery, but unfortunately this one fell rather flat for me. While many of the themes of the novel interest me - feminism/women carving their own paths in society - the story itself lacked an originality. (Unfortunately, while the reasons for this are easily guessed early in the story, they are spoilers, so I won’t write about them in this review.) I think if you are looking for an entry-point into the regency era with a mystery, this may be a good option to pick up! The themes will interest the contemporary reader, but for someone who reads a lot set in this era, it felt overly familiar.

That said, the writing is solid, and I’m honestly still interested enough to pick up a second book in this series. I enjoyed the narration by Eilidh Beaton, who gives Petra great character and whose storytelling helped keep my interest. The writing and narration earned this a rounded up rating.

Thank you to St Martins Press and MacMillan audio and NetGalley for an eARC and ALC for review. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is out 11/14.

4.5/5⭐️

First in the Lady Petra Inquires series, this is set in 1815 London and billed as Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie with a feminist spin. I loved Petra and am looking forward to seeing more of her.

Headstrong and independent, Petra Forsyth, daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, has made the decision (after losing her beloved fiancé three years earlier) that she will remain unmarried…and announces it to the ton. Why should she cede her wealth and freedom to any other than the lost love of her life?

As she enjoys her life without society’s expectations, she learns the news of a dear friend’s death from “melancholia” and decides to investigate further. She learns a shocking secret and uncovers the dirty laundry of the upper crust lords. Unfortunately, this knowledge lands her in a frightening situation in which she must use her own skills to extricate herself.

There were two things that I dearly loved about this book. First, Petra herself. She is a marvel. An unapologetic woman ahead of her time who is fearless and exceptionally keen. Second, there is a bit of a friends-to-enemies-to-friends romance (if that makes sense) which is very well done and adds some spark to what is overall the dark subject of how society women were treated during this period.

I’m definitely recommending this one and can’t wait to dive in again as there was a very surprising/perplexing cliffhanger here.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing the free early arc of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

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

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The beginning started out a little slow but it kept getting better and better as the story continued. This book reminded me of Downton Abbey with some mystery. I am looking forward to next one!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a good and enjoyable Regency mystery with light romantic elements. I really liked the characters and felt the mystery was well-done. The serious subject of the lack of agency of women during this time, and the easy victimization of wives by their aristocratic and/or rich husbands is tough at times, but it is handled well and with care.

There is a lot of necessary info dumping at the beginning of the book, which tends to be a burden of first books in a series, but once that is completed, the story takes off. I look forward to the next book (especially after that cliffhanger) not having to deal with so much exposition weighing the pace down.

4.25/5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, the author and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Regency Era Mystery with a touch of romantic suspense!

Lady Petra Forsyth, lost her fiancé and has declared herself a spinster. She is perfectly content riding horses and being independent. She’s got an inheritance and doesn’t need a man.
The first 20% of the book is an intro to the characters and nothing much happens in terms of plot. The author is setting up the scene and my understanding is that this will be the first book of a series so it makes sense to have a long introduction. Push through and you will get to the juicy bits!
Gossip spreads about a Lady who has died under a physician’s care and Petra investigates through a series of friends and conversations. She is the first on the scene of a murder in the midst of this investigation which adds to the suspense.
Her uncle, maid, father and best friend are crucial characters to this story.

I liked this mystery set in Regency England. Petra was a fantastic heroine but I loved her ladies maid, Annie. She was utterly hilarious.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD by Celeste Connally. I think it would be important for people to know that they should go into this book with really low romance expectations. I feel like the beginning sets up a romance that doesn't really end up being a very big part of the book—it's there, but it's light. The mystery is definitely the main focus—which is the genre of the book, so it makes sense. I did enjoy the mystery and felt really pulled through by wanting to find out what was going on. The historical feminist aspects of it were also awesome and got me really fired up for women's rights. So, the romance was a bit disappointing, but everything else was great so I enjoyed it overall.

3.75

i’ve had “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” on my shelf for quite a while, not knowing where it fit in to my priority reading list between books by fave authors and series I love. I didn’t even realize it was a mystery until after I read a bit. To be clear, this is for the people who love a light but absurd regency book on par with (list any of a million Regency books here). I haven’t read many, but the Martha Waters books come to mind, even though this isn’t a romance per se.

Petra is a bona fide spinster after having lost her fiancé and love of her life tragically a few years before. She has an inheritance from her mother and a relaxed father and has thus decided there’s no need to marry. She is a perceptive, active person with many friends, some in high places. At the ball to end all balls, or marathon ball, she discovers a strange plot where one of her friends has died, she thinks, and, if so, under potentially suspicious circumstances. She tries to get information from a servant who sparks questions about what she’s been told, but trial and then tragedy get in her way.

Women are being shipped away by their husbands to rid them of any number of “ailments” and the numbers are rising. These women have done everything from having dark moments to acting out plus some worse things that they may or may not have actually done. The plot gets more complicated, but it was an interesting idea, and I don’t want to spoil it. There is a budding, sorta, romance, but you don’t know what will happen because this seems like the first in a series and they never let anything happen too early with a romance in a series.

All in all, this was a fun read. A nice break from listening to Rachel Maddow’s new “Prequel” and the stressful times outside of books. The next story is cued up amongst the increasingly absurd wrap ups to the story so expect more. Since most series books tend to get better than the previous ones, this could be a good series for a bit of a release and enjoyment read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

Great book. I really enjoyed the combination of historical fiction and mystery. And Petra is just the most fabulous of heroines. She is feisty and not at all what you would expect from that time frame, rather advocating for the independance of women. Of course that gets her into all kinds of trouble.

Her spirit gives some great moments of humour as well, and takes her into all kinds of places where she maybe doesn't belong, at least not for a woman during that timeframe. That is part of what makes this such a great book.

Act Like a Lady Think Like a Lord AUDIO by Celeste Connally is a very entertaining book featuring a young woman of the ton (Regency) who is determined to become a spinster. She had lost her betrothed several years before and none of the gentlemen she met seemed to fill his spot. Lady Petra Forsythe has her own fortune, thanks to her dead mother, so she had no need to settle. We open to find her disapproving uncle, Lord Allington, has arrived for his visit, early. He didn’t approve of her and didn’t hesitate to express his displeasure. She wouldn’t put up with it and so accepted an invitation to a ball in town, hosted by the Duchess of Hillmorton. Surely that would be a good enough excuse to flee. Once at the ball she received the disturbing news that her friend, Lady Milford had died. She saw a footman she knew who used to work for Lady Milford and he hadn’t heard the news, indeed had just seen the lady on the street two days previous. Another disconcerting event was the return of her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, who had been on the continent for three years and had never answered even one letter. When she kept her appointment to meet the footman the next day at the park, she found him dead. And who should appear but Shawcross. He was a comforting presence. Thus began their investigation of some strange things happening to women in the ton.

Petra was a strong character, not so different from her peers in many ways, and not without good friends. She was headstrong and independent, but her widowed father had raised her that way. She loved thoroughly and hated just a thoroughly. Duncan was a strong man with good sensibilities, and knew Petra well, so well, he believed what others believed to be her ramblings.
The characters were interesting and the plot was quite good and not at all unbelievable as shipping a wife one had grown tired off off to an asylum was quite common. It was a good story. Highly entertaining!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Act Like a Lady Think Like a Lord by St Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress # ActLikeALadyThinkLikeALo

When Lady Petra’s betrothed dies shortly before their wedding, she vows that she will never again entertain the idea of marriage, a shocking proclamation for a young woman in Regency England, even one of independent means. She refuses to stop socializing – and to accept news of a friend’s death from melancholia, which she decides to investigate.

This is the author’s first novel, and it was a good one. Although I struggle with the limitations put on women in that era (not to mention the whole servant issue), I get that it’s historically accurate.

I really liked Lady Petra and her unwillingness to let others coerce her into doing things that are out of character for her. Her father and her maid were great characters as well, giving her free rein of her own life, but some of the other characters in the book were just plain despicable.

Once the story got going, the primary plot line gave me chills, knowing how easily it could have been accomplished. I figured out what was going on – and who was behind it – relatively early in the book, but I still liked following along to see how everything would work out. I truly hope this is the first book of a series, because I’d like to read more about Lady Petra, her friends, and her adventures.

Lady Petra Forsyth, who lost her fiance in an accident, has decided never to marry again. This is quite a shock to society in London, 1815. But Petra has made up her mind to enjoy her life and freedom as best she can without her love, even while having to take on the mocking title of "spinster." But when women around Petra start disappearing, she discovers something shocking. Men are paying to have their daughters and wives put into an asylum, for crimes such as feeling sad, speaking their minds, or being too independent. The asylum is run by a cruel and dangerous man. Lady Petra, who dares to ride astride instead of sidesaddle and possesses her own fortune, is in danger as well. Can she stop this man for good?

This is a compelling mashup of mystery, romance, and thriller, and a look at how few rights women had at that time. Lady Petra is a strong, determined woman who is not easily fooled. Duncan Shawcross, her former childhood friend, is a great foil to Petra's character, and their misunderstandings fuel the plot in many ways. The villain in this story is oh, so evil, as are the men who help him. The first 25 percent of the book moves a little slowly for me, but then the pace picks up dramatically and the action doesn't stop until the end.

I listened to the audiobook version, which is well narrated by Eilidh Beaton.

This is a strong look at the harsh treatment of women, even women of means, in early 1800s London. It will transport you to that time and take you on an adventure with a memorable main character.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a feminist historical fiction novel with a mystery thrown in for good measure. It is all delivered in Shakespearean style. The protagonist tragically loses her lover and determines to find the truth surrounding his death. But a problem arises in that it is 1815, and women are to know their place, which is to follow, not to lead.

The writing style was entertaining, and the plot was full of twists and turns. Uncovering the mystery was an encompassing adventure, with humor sprinkled throughout the story. I enjoyed the description of a woman’s life during this time period. The including of royalty gave validity to the historical aspect of the book.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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...