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

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

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

by Celeste Connally

Series: Lady Petra Inquires #1
Series Rating:
Published by Minotaur Books on November 13, 2023
Setting: 1815 London, England
Genres: Historical Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover, Kindle
Source: NetGalley
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Nook
Also in this series: All's Fair in Love and Treachery

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era cozy series with a feminist spin.

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.

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

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

Lady Petra Forsyth

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

The Mystery

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

Five Stars

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

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

Until the next time,

Happy Reading!

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Beachcombers Mystery RC
• 2023 Cloak and Dagger
• 2023 Goodreads RC
• 2023 Medical Examiner RC
• 2023 Six Shooter

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