Born into the wrong era, the Ladys Colebrook, "Gus" and Julia, have made it their life work to protect the victims of domestic violence. When they are the victims of attempted robbery, Gus wounds the robber, only to find that they know him. As they blackmail their victim into helping them, the story ramps into an entertaining story of the actions and consequences of the trio. My reading circle enjoyed this story so much, we're checking for more titles by Alison Goodman.

Ladies Augusta and Julia Colebrook are twin spinsters with a lot on their minds and not enough on their hands. Julia lost her betrothed in a tragic accident two years ago, and now her own mortality hovers in the wings. A lump found in her breast threatens to send her the way of their mother and aunt at just 42. Augusta is determined to keep her sister occupied, and it helps to keep her own worries at bay, as well. There's the concern she carries for Julia's health and also a crisis of faith that's very poorly timed. The two start a series of helpful but dangerous acts to keep them busy and do right by others. They make a deal to get a friend's blackmail materials returned, and they agree to help jailbreak a woman being held hostage by her own husband, likely to be murdered so he can try again to get an heir on a new wife. The book is broken up into three "cases" they take on, each building on the one before in terms of an overarching plot but featuring its own specific problem that the twins are determined to solve. It reminds me a bit of the good old days of watching TV, where you get a specific mystery or problem in each episode, but you also have the big picture concerns plaguing the characters that attach you to them and draw you ever deeper into potentially hundreds of episodes. For the record, I would probably show up for such a proliferation of episodes if they were about these sisters.

Augusta is the tall, brash, incendiary one of the two. Julia, meanwhile, is sweet-tempered, stylish, and has a sharp memory. With one's audacious planning and the other's untapped skill for acting, they embark on a life of crime that really oughtn't be considered crime-- namely, rescuing women from unfair but legal circumstances when they can't get themselves out alone. This may sound backward, but I appreciate that this book takes us into the darkest depths of humanity. While I'm the first to enjoy a flippant mystery story, this is about the wrongs people commit against one another when they have the power to do so, and it's about being daring enough to stand against them when we see such wrongs being committed. To dismantle it or to reach out a helping hand, whatever we can do to stop cruelty and offer hope or peace. It's also worth noting that the author is thoughtful about not putting Gus and Julia forward as white saviors. Instead, we see two women who have the privilege in many circumstances to offer that helping hand, so they do. And Gus burns with such fury and desire for action that it's no surprise she's drawn to situations where she can be of service. She's well-educated on issues of power and oppression and spares her judgment for men (and the occasional woman) who do harm rather than those who have been marginalized and cast out of society. I think the cruelties visited on her and her sister, lesser though they might be, fuel especially Augusta's desire to seek justice for others.

I get so wound up over stories where people try to break a woman of her spirit and put her in "her place." This one is no exception. While the sisters are independently wealthy (thanks to their mother) and relatively free to do as they wish for their sex, anything can be taken away, especially if you're a woman seemingly without protection-- no man in her life to step in and say no, since she's not allowed to say so herself. Augusta's relative freedom and bold self-confidence are indeed what make her a target. The primary antagonist here is our leading ladies' brother, a jealous and small-minded creature who hates the way their father denied him the preference his gender "should" have earned him. Gus was always the favorite, and the sisters have always had each other's backs in a way he can't claim. While Julia works hard as a peacekeeper between her fierce twin and their prickly little brother, her efforts will be tested as he gets bolder in his attempts to contain Gus throughout the book.

There's a satisfying romance subplot that you know I have to gush about. On their first case, Augusta and Julia are stood up by highway robbers en route to springing a woman from house arrest. Gus shoots one, which is in keeping with her character, and she spots an opportunity to strengthen their ruse. The sisters have been bickering about how to gain entry to a home where the husband won't want wandering eyes that could expose him. Gus proposes that demanding a physician for their shot and unconscious "brother" would be hard to refuse given his peerage. The audacious plan only requires that the highwayman remain unconscious. He doesn't. This is one of many hiccups the sisters encounter on their adventures, unsurprising given the stakes and boldness of their missions. Evan is convinced to play along in this instance, impressing Gus with his respect and wit to the point that she leaves this first team-up with an infatuation that Julia finds deeply ill-advised. Gus can't help but rope him in on their subsequent cases as an excuse to see him and because he's a trusted accomplice. Of their many disguises together, Evan and Augusta play at siblings, two gentlemen about town, and husband and wife. You can guess which one I prefer, especially when there's only one bed to be had. There's also the teeniest, tiniest, but impossible to ignore insinuation that Julia could be ready for a new romance for the right gentleman-- and that gentleman is the Bow Street Runner intent on catching Evan for his crimes, which are not limited to highway robbery, as it turns out. It's TOO delicious, I tell you.

This book captures the fun of romance alongside the severity of real historical wrongs. Each tale relies on detailed accounts of the legal system and how it was used and abused to benefit men in power. These sisters spit in the eye of these wrongs, so the stories are both informative and satisfying. The pining and banter provided by Gus and Evan provide the ultimate garnish. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!

Might just be the mood I was in when I tried to read this one, or my changing taste as a reader, but I didn't find myself being charmed by this one, unfortunately! I think it's one of those "it's not you, it's me" situations.

I'm a sucker for a well-written Regency book starring women who are smart, feisty and open to perhaps a bit of romance as they set the world to rights. That's exactly what you get here! I rated it down just slightly because Gus and her twin sister Julia are 42 years old. That's old enough to be a grandmother easily in Regency times and just about the life expectancy of someone who's not nobility. Gus and Julia show no signs of physical impairment except for Julia's illness, and I'm just not sure about that. I'm significantly older than 42 myself, but perhaps for realism's sake, if Gus is getting into fistfights with men, it perhaps should have been reconsidered and they should have been aged down just a bit.

However, you can certainly tell that the author has done her research into the period. I hadn't realized that this is the same author who wrote the Dark Days Club books which I also very much enjoyed. In this series there seems to be nothing paranormal about our characters and the situations that they run up against are very realistic for the times.

This book is divided into three cases. The first case is Gus and Julia trying to help a friend out by removing a lady who is being abused from her husband's home so that her family can spirit her away to a hiding place and safety. This theme of protecting other women is constant through the book. In this case, Gus meets a highwayman who turns into her love interest. Being a highwayman and a gentleman, Sir Evan tries to keep Gus disentangled from his own affairs but life being what it is, these two just keep bumping into each other.

The second case deals with a young girl who has been kidnapped and sold to a brothel where she will be sold to a john looking for the "virgin cure" to syphilis. This is a horrific practice that still occurs today. Gus goes undercover as a man to try to get into the brothel but ends up needing help from Sir Evan before the end of this adventure.

Gus tends to be the one putting herself into dangerous situations and Julia tends to be the one that backs her up. Julia is also much better at understanding the intricate social network in which these women operate. I really liked both of these characters.

Finally, the last case involves Sir Evan's sister, who has been committed to a madhouse of the worst kind of this era, which is truly heinous. Again, the author has researched this topic and as hideous as the conditions described at this sanitarium are, they are quite accurate. It makes my heart ache to think of how so many women were so maltreated in the different ways that this book explores. Gus and Julia can rescue some, but they can't rescue all the women and girls who were victims of the systems in place during the Regency era and long afterward. At least we do get some satisfaction in their fictional triumphs.

I really liked the characters in this book and despite the grimness of some of the cases I'll be happy to read further in the series.

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 living independently in Regency London.
I was expecting a 'gentle' romance but was ecstatic to discover that this was not that, but so much better!
There's a lot of historical detail, but this is definitely fiction.
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.
This is not a book about 18 year olds; this is not a 'spicy' romance. I enjoyed specifically because it didn't fall into either of these 'categories'.
Would appeal to fans of Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries.

As expected of any Alison Goodman book, this is not your average regency era book. The characters are quirky and charming and the writing is wry, snarky and fun. I love books that highlight female friendships, sisters, etc. love this one!

**I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I loved this one! Definitely more adventure than mystery, with just a little bit of romance, this is a snappy and creative look at the Regency era from the perspective of a 42 year old unmarried woman and her twin. I loved Lady Augusta, who is snarky and quick-witted and breaks any spinster stereotype. I laughed quite a lot while reading. I gasped a lot too - Goodman uses the narrative to discuss female injustices in the 19th century. It‘s a stark reminder that women had no power. Women‘s health, inheritance rights, child and women abduction/prostitution - just some of the issues addressed. The narrative made me feel so many emotions, and to me that means this is a good book.

Rumor is there will be a book two - I sincerely hope so!

Lovely Historical fiction of two sisters and how they become involved with solving crimes in early 19th century England. Looking forward to reading the next installment to see what happens.

I love Alison Goodman’s young adult novels, and I was really excited to see how she ventured into the adult genre. The synopsis also sounded promising. Therefore, I was really excited! However, I found the novel to be more disjointed than her other novels. Mrs. Goodman packed too many themes into the novel that heavily distracted me from the content. I would have enjoyed it better had she focused solely on one theme. This would have made it more cohesive. Nevertheless, it had potential, but was not executed well. It’s still entertaining but not as enjoyable as her other works. Hopefully, this sequel will get better! I recommend this for fans of Bridgerton!

This was such a fantastic read! I've really enjoyed her YA books, so this adult historical mystery, yeah, I was really had a wonderful time reading about these twins and the shenanigans that they got into, for the purpose of helping women who are in bad situations!

This book is a series of cases, each case getting a part of the book, making things feel a bit episodic. But there was a overarching story, with Lord Evans, Gus and Julia. Watching them take on these cases, from helping a woman escape her violent husband, to freeing girls, yes, children, who were being sold as sex slaves essentially, to breaking out a patient in a horrible asylum, yeah, they were all really great cases!

Throughout, there were these ladies and their lives. Julia is dealing with a serious health problem, but wants to leave things up to God, whereas Gus has lost her faith. Gus, having feelings for Evan, and wanting to help his case, and sure that he was innocent. Oh, and their brother, man, that was infuriating, the way that he treated them, because they're older, but he's in charge, but they have their own money, but he's getting married, and Gus was their father's favourite, urgh, it was a whole complicated and made my blood boil. Society of the time was not nice to unmarried women, and women in general!

One thing that I'm a bit concerned about, is that I am reading this about 6 months after it came out-and there's no news about the sequel yet. And there needs to be a sequel, to further investigate Lord Evan's case, so they can have a happy ending! I need more time with these characters, waiting them investigate further mysteries and right wrongs!

Loved reading this book and I can't wait for the sequel!

This was a really solid read! It had some really cool story ideas that were equally fun and truly depressing for the time. It's certainly set itself up to be a series so we will see if that ends up happening.

A clever and offbeat Regency cozy mystery. I enjoy books set in that period that focus more on the experiences of women than men.

Short Synopsis: Sisters Augusta (Gus) and Julia join forces to protect other women despite her duty to be a lady

My thoughts: I’m always a fan of a strong female character and Gus was just that! I liked how she pushed the boundaries of being a ”spinster” And a Lady and got her hands dirty to help other women.

The layout of this book was formatted fun in the different parts including different situations where Gus helped others.

You can tell a ton of research was out into the time period as far as food, fashion, and treatment of women. The author did a great job at portraying some very heavy topics, so be warned of some of these if you’re a sensitive reader.

Read if you love:
- tough women pushing boundaries
- Romance subplot
- Sisterly love
- Regency period
- Heavy topics

I was surprised that I didn't like "The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies" more. Goodman's previous books have been winners for me, but this one was just not there for me. There were all the elements of a good historical mystery, but they didn't line up for this reader. I have no doubt that others will love this book, just not me.

The Colbrook twins are both spinsters, and middle aged. Lady Augusta "Gus" has had no interest in marriage, and bored by Society. Julia still grieves the unexpected death of her fiancé, and possibly has breast cancer.

Gus has a contentious relationship with their brother, the man of the family. Their relationship only worsens after he ejects from the house they've been living in for years so he and his new wife can live there, and he continues to insult and demean Gus every chance he gets. Julia attempts to keep the peace between them, while also chiding Gus for wanting to do more with their lives and the fortunes they luckily have, thanks to their father.

When their friend Charlotte gives them something important and clandestine to do: rescue her goddaughter Caroline, whose husband is keeping her prisoner in their home.

Along the way, they're beset by a highwayman, whom Gus injures. They decide to bring him with them after they discover he is Lord Evan Belford, someone they know who was charged with murder and sent to Australia twenty years ago. That he's back makes him a wanted man, and in the sisters' debt. He agrees to help them extricate Caroline.

What follows is comedy, danger, adventure and a growing respect and attraction between Gus and Evan. And a determination between the sisters, after they hash out how Julia's behaviour has affected their relationship, to continue helping women who are in trouble.

There have been a spate of Regency-based stories and mysteries released in the last few years. Unlike those, author Alison Goodman takes a hard look at the power imbalances between men and women during this period, as well as how older women are virtually invisible, and crafts a terrifically engaging story.

Goodman knows her history, and walks a fine line between showing how awful privileged individuals could behave then, and ensures her protagonists were able to solve the three cases within this novel and subvert the strictures of Society.

This novel is unexpectedly dark in parts, while there are also moments of levity and ridiculousness to counteract these, and keep me from totally hating just about every gentleman featured in this story.

I loved Gus unreservedly, and the twins make a formidable pair, with Evan rounding out their efforts admirably. I can not wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is the first book in a new historical mystery series by Alison Goodman. Released 30th May 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 464(!) pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is an exceptionally well written mystery romp, full of skullduggery and with a basically historically accurate framework, done so seamlessly that it's not easy to tell where real history fades into fiction. The protagonists are deliciously written, especially Gus, who is -firmly- on the shelf, thank you very much, and has absolutely no desire to put up with anyone's foolishness.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 15 hours 33 minutes and is expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton. She has a well modulated, professionally trained alto voice with a cut-crystal RP accent which translates well to this read. She doesn't overpower the read, and listeners will find her pleasantly neutral and not invasive (or screechy or difficult to listen to).

Four and a half stars for both the audio and print versions. Definitely one for the fans of regency mysteries. The feminist overtones and "protagonists of a certain age who are unwilling to put up with the world's nonsense" are delightful and not -too- heavy handed.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is such an excellent series starter, and I hope to see it continue. It's a great look at women who are bucking societal norms in a time when there were consequences to doing so, and of the bonds of sisterhood. Charming, interesting, complex characters and heartpounding situations in an excellent plot.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙡𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨
by Alison Goodman
464 pages
May 30, 2023
@berkleypub

I'm a fangirl of Jane Austen and all things Bridgerton.
If you find yourself nodding in agreement, read this first in the series. (Yes!!) I can't wait for the next volume of adventures featuring these Ill-Mannered Ladies. Hint, hint @berkleypub

I do not know why I am not seeing more posts about The Benevolent Society of Ill Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman on bookstagram, but it is the sleeper hit of the year for me.

I love a novel set in Regency England.

Even though they are set in different eras of English history, I find this to have the adventure and atmosphere of the League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore which is set in Victorian England.

Gus and Julia are twin sisters residing together- the love of Julia's life has met a tragic end and Gus is a self-proclaimed spinster. Julia has been in a melancholy state and more, so Gus decides they must find a purpose in helping people with their problems to take their minds off their reality. Add in a jealous older brother who is constantly meddling in their lives adding to the drama. The twin sisters take matters into their own hands to resolve tricky situations, adventures abound, and there is a fun bit of romance thrown in - rogueishly handsome hero at that. I did not want it to end.

If you just need a fun romp of a Regency novel to escape reality, read this!

Thank you Netgalley for providing a free ARC in return for an honest review.

The premise is intriguing and the characters were certainly interesting. However, the novel attempts to tackle too many themes without doing any justice. Perhaps future books (assuming this will be a series) will be able to pace itself now that the principle characters have been introduced.

A wonderful work of historical fiction, blending adventure, comedy and drama, and romance. I fell in love with Augusta and Julia and their indomitable determination to help people, and Goodman did a great job raising the stakes with each escapade. I'm already looking forward to the next book. How WILL they clear Lord Evan's name? Will Kent's affection for Julia bring him around to our side? And most important: who's going to plant Duffy that well-deserved facer?

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.