First, thank you to Berkley Publishing for the digital ARC on Netgalley! I had high hopes for this one being a fun adventure with some strong-willed regency ladies and it was for sure an adventure.

Synopsis in my own words: Twin sisters Augusta (Gus) & Julia are old maids at the age of 45, unmarried and childless in the late 1700s in London. However, they’re anything but boring wallflowers. Because they’ve outgrown their traditional use in society, they’re overlooked and cast aside, making them the perfect secret agents for helping troubled women escape their predicaments their gender finds them in. Once Gus and Julia perform their first “mission,” Gus becomes addicted to the adrenaline of sneaking around and using their societal invisibility for good. Julia tags along and they find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations in the name of stopping evil men. With the help of a handsome outlaw, Lord Evan, they continue taking on seemingly impossible tasks and rolling with the literal punches.

REVIEW: I was expecting more surface-level hijinks based on the cute watercolor cover and description. I didn’t really think of the true issues that Regency-era women faced and I think I was wearing Bridgerton-colored glasses as I downloaded this one, thinking the worst they would encounter were maybe some rumors of dishonorable actions that might ruin a reputation or maybe a mismatched parasol and glove set. HOWEVER, the hijinks and missions were anything but surface level. They actually went really deep and ranged from prostitution to imprisonment to an actual murder plot. The content was not for the faint of heart, but I think these serious missions elevated the story for me. The action was intense and the stakes were real: fail and these girls would die.

I enjoyed Gus as a main character. I appreciated her gumption and felt that her motivations were realistic and focused. She was strong-willed the whole time, but sometimes that headstrong spirit was diminished with some annoyance at her naivete. I understand the author’s choice at keeping Gus a little gullible because it felt very true to the time period – there would be no reason for Gus to understand some of the social situations she was in simply because she was a female. However, it was just slightly frustrating that some of her really strong moments were overshadowed by her thinking something like, “Oh, what shocking language this good sir just used, I must hope these men in this whorehouse show a little decorum.” Not a direct quote and slightly exaggerated, but that was just something I noted that bothered me about her character. I saw this is going to be a series (it better be, based on that cliffhanger ending), so I’m hoping for some more development. She has the street smarts as a character, she just needs to have more confidence in using them and not be so taken aback at the drop of a hat.

The writing style was also interesting. Despite coming out in May 2023, it really felt like I was reading something straight out of the 1700s. The language and syntax were researched well and made the story very cohesive. I wanted to make a note of this, because if you’re more of a Regency-period lover with modern flair (Bridgerton, Reign, Dickinson…) this might take a few chapters to get used to. But once you’re on board with the style, I think the story is absolutely worth telling!

Other bonuses:
-short chapters
-great side characters
-real danger and high stakes
-ending where you need more

I give this a solid 3.5 stars. It admittedly took me a while to get into because the action got increasingly more interesting with a bit of a slower start but after that, the ending did leave me wanting more and I want to see what other schemes they could be involved with.

Don't be fooled by the watercolor cover - this regency novel is not a frothy little romp by any means. The main character, Lady Augusta Colebrook, and her sister, Lady Julia, get pulled into a plot to rescue a friend of a friend's sister, who is being held prisoner by a husband who clearly plans to murder her. On their way to rescue the woman, the sisters are accosted by a pair of highwaymen. Augusta accidentally shoots one, realizing soon after that he is Lord Evan Belford, a disgraced gentleman the women knew from their debuts over 2o years ago who has been sent to New South Wales to serve a sentence for killing a man in a duel. He ends up being pulled into their scheme to rescue the imprisoned woman and he and Augusta share an attraction that brings them together during her second rescue case, which is even more dangerous. She and Julia work to rescue a young girl who has been taken by brothel owners along with several other young girls, and Lord Evan (who is on the run from the law) helps them with that rescue as well. The last of the three cases in this story involves a woman who was wrongfully committed to a madhouse. The recurring theme in the novel is crimes against women, specifically violence and imprisonment. There are certainly some light moments, and the doomed romance of August and Lord Evan is a distraction from the heaviness of the crimes that Augusta and Julia become involved in, but overall this book is pretty intense. I really liked all of the characters and it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm definitely looking forward to getting back to these ill-mannered ladies. Next time I'll know not to expect a lighthearted tale.

This is such a fun book. A pair of twin sisters set out to right the wrongs of their world in Regency era England. It starts with trying to save their friend from a blackmailer. Their next caper is an attempt to save a woman that is being held hostage by her husband. There's definitely something very Sherlock Holmes-esque about this. I hope that it turns into an entire series. It seems like the ending hinted at the next adventure.

If you're looking for something fairly light and full of adventure, I would highly recommend this.

A fun Regency adventure with a touch of romance.. The Cole brook twins, as two "old maids" are asked to help friends of friends to get our of precarious situations such as an abusive husband, a brothel and a madhouse. They each take on dramatic roles to accomplish their rescues. They also have to take on their brother who treats them as women without value. I had to keep reading to see how they got out of some interesting predicaments.

Alison Goodman's attention to Regency historical details was my favorite thing about the Lady Helen trilogy, and so I was thrilled to see her returning to that setting. The Benevolent Society follows a pair of sisters (twins), Augusta and Julia Colebrook. Augusta and Julia are rather singular in terms of Regency heroines, as they are 42 and unmarried. They live independently, but are still beholden to their younger brother in many ways. The book is split into three main sections, as Augusta and Julia (along with the help of the disgraced Lord Evan Belford) attempt to help women who are being mistreated by their families and by the strict rules of society. The sisters are also dealing with attacks on their own independence, and with some potentially serious health issues.

The Benevolent Society is a wonderful entry into a new set of regency characters. Goodman's knowledge of the period shines through, and she does a wonderful job portraying exactly how confining the era's rules were for women on all levels of society. There are definitely some darker aspects of regency culture displayed here than we generally see, and the constant injustices--both large and small--faced by the characters are both interesting and rage inducing.

This book ends with the feeling that there are definitely more stories to be told about the Colebrook sisters. I hope that we'll get to see more of their adventures in the future.

So much action packed into one book- but I'm here for all of it...helping women, righting wrongs, impersonations, and love. Madcap social justice and the best use of a chamber pot in a Regency romance... :)

Mix a good Regency Romance with a bit of Sherlock Homes add in a protagonist who is a feminist before her time and you have the ingredients for The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies. Twins Augusta and Julia are past their "prime" as far as English society is concerned and therefore considered only good for playing hostess at their brother's home and visiting other socialites for "tea." But these ladies have other plans in mind for their "retiring" years starting with the rescue of a wife being held prisoner by her husband. Their adventures are not without danger and often lack a complete plan to accomplish their goals. Amusing and at times horrifying at others, it is parent that author Goodman has done her research into the time period. Keeping the tone and voices true to the era and maintaining the social graces and language expected of true Ladies, immerses the reader into the world of women in the early 1800s in Regency England. A rousingly good read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book- and I sincerely hope for a sequel! " The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies" centers on two spinster sisters, Lady Augusta and Lady Julia Colebrook, wealthy twins who live together, going about the same routine of social calls, entertainments, and life on the periphery of genteel society. Lady Julia is mourning the death of her betrothed, while Lady Augusta is just BORED. Bored with the social round, bored with her spinster status that relegates her to the sidelines of everything, and bored with the limited choices she's allowed in her life. When the chance for an adventure arises out of a favor performed for a friend, Lady Augusta jumps at the chance- and drags Lady Julia along with her!

"The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies" is a terrific examination of the plight of so many women during this period, a truly feminist take on the injustices that can befall women when treated as second-class citizens, without rights or the ability to advocate for themselves. A perfect recommendation for lovers of Regency novels, this book has it all- action, adventure, high society, and a sweet romance.

For fans of Georgette Heyer and Regency romance lovers who really enjoy the history as well as the romance, Alison Goodman's new book will be a must read. Lady Augusta Colebrook and Lady Julia Colebrook are the daughters of an Earl and lucky enough to be left well off by their deceased father because they do not get along all that well with the new Earl, their brother. These fraternal twins are also 42, so our heroines are definitely different from what you'll find in most Regency romances.
The sisters and best friends are drawn into some very unladylike behavior when they are asked by a dear friend to rescue her goddaughter Caroline from Caroline's husband who seems to be intent on killing his wife since she has not presented him with a much-needed heir. This is one of the best parts of this book; how much true information is passed on in this story: the fact that married women were under total control of their husbands as far as the law was concerned. How in England there was a law that taxed windows so some householders bricked theirs up so they could skip the tax. Set in 1811, we get to see how a single woman could navigate life, helped as always by being in the upper class and having their own money.
Three separate tasks take the sisters out of their comfort zones but give them a way of enhancing their life and sets up for another book that will be eagerly awaited.

Alison Goodman is excellent at writing Regency novels, which is no surprise considering she has PhD in historical research and Regency era. Historical details were the best part of Goodman's Dark Days books, and this novel as well. Selfishly, I hope one day the author would choose to write a Regency romance, as, I have to admit, things got really dark in this book.

Unlike the Dark Days trilogy that had a paranormal fantasy angle to them, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a mystery, or, rather, it is structured as a series of cases solved by twin sisters and spinsters Julia and Augusta Colebrook. If I am to be even more precise, this is a novel about rescue operations to save women (young and old) from dire circumstances. Goodman takes us on a journey from ballrooms, to brothels, and madhouses. I found all historical details extremely fascinating and terrifying. Social lives of the Colebrook sisters, rich, but single and thus vulnerable to mistreatment were well drawn. There is even a bit of romance.

While I found the structure of the book slightly repetitive, the historical and social setting kept me glued to the story. So I'll be coming back for more, if there is more. I hope there is.

Have you ever rode in a horse-drawn carriage?

I did once in St Augustine Florida, and it was magical. It was back before I had my daughter, over Christmas. They go all out with the lights in St Augustine and it was nothing short of Christmas magic.

Lady Augusta, and her twin sister Lady Julia, are unmarried and bored with society life. At 42 society has given up on them getting married and the sisters are okay with that. They find themselves trying to rescue their friend’s goddaughter Caroline from her violent husband. When the sisters set out they find themselves in danger and Lady Augusta accidentally shoots and injures a ruffian. But the injured is not who they thought – rather is it Lord Evan an acquaintance from their past who was accused of murder! Now back in London Lady Augusta can’t stop thinking about Lord Evan and works on clearing his good name. Can they figure everything out or will Lord Evans name be forever tarnished?

I was quite intrigued to read about these twin spinster sisters! I always think it is funny that women used to be considered spinsters if they weren’t wed before your mid-twenties. So adventurous pair were definitely considered just that at 42. Thankfully for them they are able to survive on their own without outside help.

All the characters in this book are well developed and well done. I really enjoyed the writing style Reading about the Regency era and this book delivered. It is obvious by the writing that this book is well researched and developed.

I highly suggest you check this one out May 30th!

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, Berkley Romance, @berkleyromance, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This well researched Regency adventure is a joy to read and will delight readers who like authenticity in historical settings as well as characters one grows to love. Lady Augusta and Lady Julia are smart, resourceful, and willing to do whatever is necessary to do what they are convinced is right. In their first major adventure, the 42 year old twin spinsters (a terrible appellation for two such dynamic women), embark on a mission to rescue a woman who may be about to be murdered by her husband when they are held up by a highwayman. Saving his life after she shoots him, Augusta discovers she knows him from years past before he was stripped of his title and transported for killing a man in duel. As they throw themselves into danger over and over, life, mores, and the social order in Regency England are examined. Thoroughly entertaining but also strong on substance, this is sure to build a strong following for Goodman.

Alison Goodman’s Regency mystery, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, starts out a little slow for me, but once it picked up speed, the characters and difficult cases keeps the story moving. Goodman’s notes say she’s inspired by Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels. This one takes the best of those stories, ages the characters, while adding mystery and adventure. Get past the opening, and it’s fun.

Lady Augusta Colebrook (Gus) is forty-two. At that age, she and her twin sister, Julia, are definitely spinsters. They’re lucky they have their own income, their own household, and are not dependent on their brother, the Earl of Duffield. But, despite their status in society, Gus is bored. After a successful retrieval of letters for a friend threatened with blackmail, Gus is inspired. Why shouldn’t she and Julia have adventures while helping other women out of difficulties?

Goodman’s characters are wonderful. They do feel as if they stepped out of the pages of a Georgette Heyer novel, but Goodman goes so much further by introducing women who are considered over-the-hill as the main characters, along with a man who was exiled because of a duel. The cases the sisters become involved in involve the social and political issues of the time – women who are legally property of their husbands after marriage, young girls kidnapped for brothels, women consigned to madhouses. The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is an entertaining introduction to Regency England with mystery and a little romance. Both are to be continued in the next book.

I'm having very mixed feelings about this book and I can't help it! I absolutely loved the characters and the idea of older spinsters in regency London solving crimes and saving people from the bad guys.

That said... I felt kind of bored at times. While there are quite a few capers they are involved in to move the novel along, it wasn't super interesting and didn't really keep me engrossed and on the edge of my seat turning pages.

Thank you so much for the early copy!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I haven't read anything else by this author, but was intrigued by the premise of two 40-something sisters in Regency London.
I was expecting a 'gentle' romance but was ecstatic to discover that this was not that, but so much better!
There are 3 sections to the book, which are essentially 3 consecutive novellas with the same main characters and different themes.
As the book opens, the sisters are convinced by a friend to 'rescue' a relative from an abusive situation. Also, they meet a highwayman (long story, read the book). The rescue is eventually successful, and 'Gus' and Julia decide that they will be open to helping other women in similar situations if necessary. There are a lot of interesting details about how few legal rights women actually had at that time - for example, even though the sisters have their own inheritance (and manage to find a new house), their brother kicks them out of the house they've lived in for years on a whim.
The highwayman does become a prominent character, and I'd love to see another book about Gus and Julia in the future.
Would appeal to fans of Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries.

OH MY WORD I LOVED THIS!!!! I have been a fan of Goodman since Eon, she has NEVER disappointed me! This was a bit of a departure. I love that Augusta and Julia are in their 40s. I think that due to their age and the fact they have never been married (**gasp**) they are able to better see social injustice and as such they are inclined to right those wrongs. And they are so smart! I loved how Goodman was able to weave in historical people and events.

I really want this book to do well so there will be many more installments to come!

I did enjoy reading this book a lot even though it was not quite what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be about two witty, independent women fighting within their society, and it was that but so much more. I did not think the book would take such a serious turn, but it was very well done. The only problem I had was the ending, it seemed to just end too quickly.

A genuine delight. It's very Georgette Heyer but with a social justice bent, which, like, yes, let's.

This book is way too long, with way too many plot threads. They're not even related plot threads; the story moves from one episode of abused women to the next. And I think 1st-person narrative was the wrong choice to handle all of it.

The romance was non-existent. I didn't like that Gus fell quickly and inexplicably in love with Lord Evan and vice versa—I thought they had a past relationship, but it was only that they'd danced one time together at a ball 20 years ago.

I also didn't like that she kept asking him to help her with investigations after he told her it would be too risky for him to do so. How she didn't figure out that he was trying to tell her it's because he's a fugitive, I don't know.

Overall, not one I'd necessarily recommend for a good time.

this was such a well done historical mystery novel, it had what I was hoping for and I enjoyed going on these cases. I enjoyed the way this was written and the plot of the book. It had great characters that I enjoyed getting to know and wanted to read more from this universe. I enjoyed what Alison Goodman created and look forward to more her.

"As far as I could determine, Deele was the only person who had benefited from Lord Evan’s removal from society and the family’s line of succession. Of course, Lord Evan would be appalled if he knew I was approaching his brother, but he was currently somewhere in Somerset robbing people, so he had no say in the matter."