Thank you @minotaur_books and @MacMillan.Audio for the #gifted ALC/ARC of ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD!

When I started this book I figured it would be a cute little Regency mystery since it’s being marketed as Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie. But oh my gosh I absolutely loved this one!

After Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiance tragically dies in an accident, she declares to society that she will never marry and become a spinster with independent means. This shocks the ton as becoming a spinster of own’s of volition is simply not done!

At a ball, Lady Petra overhears gossip suggesting one of her friends has died of “melancholia”, which Lady Petra just can’t accept due to the woman she knows. While looking into her friend’s death, she discovers a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away… or worse.

I adored Lady Petra’s tenacious spirit. She absolutely does not care about what a proper lady should do and instead acts in a manner that she believes is right. The narrative over a woman’s right to agency over her own body and finances feels timely even to this day.

The mystery is compelling and I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know what happens next! The supporting characters are excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed her banter with her BFF Lady Caroline. I’m hoping that this turns into a series because I would definitely pick up book two!

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD is out today!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5962026127
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzojCP7RB3R/

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

The protagonist/narrator Lady Petra Forsyth has trouble acting like a lady, but she does think like a man, especially for her time period; 1814-15, Britain. Getting through all the characters’ names and titles takes a bit in the beginning, but the story is a good one. Hang in.

Not needing a man to take over her body, mind and inheritance, inquisitive Lady Petra finds herself in the middle of a bad conspiracy among her societal acquaintances. She sets out to discover the truth of a rumor. Will anyone believe her? As things go from bad to worse, Petra hopes her fiends Duncan and Caroline will come to her rescue.

It all comes to a satisfying conclusion after a most exciting chase scene. Wait for the very unexpected twist at the end! This well-written four star tale from St Martin’s Press and Net Galley will be enjoyed by all, but especially by Brit Lit mystery lovers.

Regency romance/mystery with attitude

This is the first book I have read by Ms Connally but certainly won't be the last. I am in the middle of searching out her backlist (under a different pen name) as I write this review. I enjoy Victorian and Regency romances, what's not to like about a bit of escapism so long as you don't take it too seriously, especially with the current world affairs. This romance/mystery is wonderful. The plot is atypical and fun with bits of heat and interesting characters. It tackles women's role in society, what is mental illness vs societal norms, and the terrible power enjoyed by men during that time. Very thoughtful but entertaining read!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (Lady Petra Inquiries #1)
by Celeste Connally (1st time read author for me)

✔️ Regency Romance
✔️childhood friends
✔️ Mystery/Suspense
✔️ h's POV

This is the story of Lady Petra Forsyth's mother Lady Maria nee Allington's gift of an inheritance before she died. Petra would receive the money regardless of marital status. If she did get married, her husband would sign an agreement that the inheritance is hers alone. Petra is engaged to Emerson- Viscount Ingersoll, but he dies 3 weeks before their wedding. Petra vows never to marry and enjoys the freedoms her inheritance gives her. All the while women she knows are disappearing, so she investigates what's happening.


The world building is based on the idea that women must be quiet and obedient. Petra defies that with her outspoken nature and declaring to the ton she will never marry. Men like Uncle Tobias and Mr. Drysdale have found a way to stifle women they deem too bold. Their whole operation wouldn't exist without such a misogynistic culture.

The characters- Petra was awesome as an independent woman who had choices most women were not afforded. She still grieves her fiancée but misses childhood friend Duncan Shawcross. He actually introduced Emerson to Petra but left for 3 years after Emerson's death. Petra has been upset with him for leaving in her time need. They don't spend much time together and the romance takes a back seat to the mystery. I liked Annie-Petra's maid and closest friend. She can gossip with the best and be outraged by Petra's antics.

I loved Petra's need to investigate and right the wrongs in society, but I would have liked more interaction with Duncan. There was plenty of intrigue and suspense when Petra got herself into sticky situations.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

~•~•~
Published 11/14/23, Read 11/13/23
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) for this ARC💙! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the free eARC. This is my honest opinion.

I struggled with connecting to the characters although I did enjoy aspects of Petra's character. I loved the fact that she is a horse person, intelligent, and determined to remain independent, thanks to her inheritance and title. This is similar to Gail Carriger's Soulless (Parasol Protectorate), without any paranormal storylines. The main male character is a little on the flat side. The mystery is semi decent, with some twists and turns, and brought up more questions, which does set up for a continued series.

All in all, it's not bad, but I didn't love it.

3.25 out of 5 stars.

I do wanted to love this one , but alas it was not for me … to start with there were way too many characters and I couldn’t for the life of me keep track of them . Secondly everyone Petra met just gave the information she needed without even being asked half the time

The romance part didn’t really exist 🤷‍♂️

I’m sure others may like this but … like I said it wasn’t for me

Lady Petra has a life most would envy - albeit be confused about her choice to remain single and thus be considered a spinster. Curious and sharp, Petra finds it odd when one of her friends dies ... and she finds out weeks later, no funeral... and it seems odd to say the least.

Her insatiable curiosity starts putting things together and takes you on a mystery.

I liked also that this is an overlooked part of the early 19th century, what could happen to women at the whim of their male representative. Excited to read the next in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and to Minotaur Books for the ARC.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this historical mystery. The strong female protagonist was the highlight of the novel., and I the mystery itself was satisfying. The beginning felt a bit slow to me, but overall I would recommend this if it fits into sub-genres you normally enjoy (mystery, historical fiction).

Long time fans of Christie and Holmes will appreciate this book, and fans of regency stories will be able to enjoy it as well!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Celeste Connally for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord coming out November 14, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The title of the book made me want to check this book out. I love historical fiction, especially with a strong heroine. I’m not sure if this is her debut novel, but it’s the first book I read by this author. I really enjoyed her writing style. I love historical fiction, and I love the plot to the story. I loved that there were some Agatha Christie vibes. They were definitely some dark themes to the book but I loved that Petra wanted to solve the mysteries. I’m not a huge fan of a heroine who says she will never marry. It seems as if once she is past a certain age, she decides that she’ll never get married. I think it’s a “never say never” situation. I loved Duncan‘s character and I wish there was a little more of him in the book. I am excited to see what happens in the next book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries featuring a strong heroine!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and Celeste Connally for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited for this book, I loved the Bridgerton series, but as a mystery girl, the idea of a combo of the two sounds amazing and I absolutely love the cover! While it had a bit of a slow start, I really enjoyed the cozy mystery and royal vibes overall. Super cute book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 3.5 star read but rounding up to 4!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord was an overall enjoyable read, but I did feel like it was uneven resulting in some sections being more engaging than others. Lady Petra Forsyth lost her fiancé shortly before her wedding and in the several years since, has been determined to remain single. Additionally, she helps her father with his horse breeding operation. Her uncle drops by unexpectedly and puts the idea into her father's head that she needed to get married. Petra travels to London to spend some time with her godmother, the Duchess of Hillmorton. There is a mystery around missing or presumed dead lady that is interesting even if not overly complex. Additionally, there is a potential romance between Petra and her childhood friend Duncan, the illegitimate grandson of her grandparents. Those looking for romance may well be disappointed as it seems to be very much an afterthought in this book, but that could change if this ends up being a series. Overall, this was a promising first title that I've read from a new author; I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future titles.

I wasn't super enamored with this book, but I really thought I would be. Basically female Sherlock, and I love Sherlock in all forms. However, I had a hard time with this book because I kept thinking I was missing facts that I should know; there are a lot of throw aways about how they previously solved something or helped someone and I just kept wondering if I completely forgot that part of the story or if there was a story I was supposed to read first to understand all these little things. That really took me out of the story and I had a hard time engaging. Also, she is not a female Sherlock as there were way too many emotions. I think if I didn't constantly question whether or not I should know something, I would have enjoyed this more. rounded up because the ending definitely intrigued me.

This was my first attempt at a regency era read and I unfortunately discovered they are not my cup of tea. I had a hard time following all the characters and while I was curious about murder aspect, I didn’t feel like it I was totally invested.

It's a fun mashup of amateur detective and historical romance that somehow hits all the sweet spots in both genres without ever feeling unsure of its story. Connally does a fantastic job of marrying the best parts of both to create a story that entertains and also makes you think.
Lady Petra Forsyth tragically lost the love of her life shortly before they were to be wed. She then lost her childhood best friend in a fight that has kept them from talking to each other for 3 years. She's recently declared herself off the marriage market and happy to remain unwed, but not everyone likes her declaring her freedom. There's also her looking into the death of a friend and the disappearances of certain women of the Ton that have made her the target of some very dangerous men. It will take all her cunning and the help of those she loves to find the truth, earn her freedom, and maybe find love along the way.
I will say that I'm not exactly sure about how the romance element takes a back seat to the mystery. I enjoyed the end product so much that I'm willing to acknowledge that it's more of a mystery with romance for spice.
Be warned that it ends on a most vexing note that does exactly what I'm sure the author and publisher wanted because I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the wonderful read!

DNF at 51%

I was really excited to read this one so I am disappointed that I unfortunately had to dnf this book. This book is marketed as a regency mystery but the mystery element/crimes don't start until 50% into the book. By that time, I've sadly grew frustrated with the plot and the characters themselves. Based on other reviews I've seen, the story and mystery do pick up near the end so this book would be perfect for readers who don't mind a slow beginning.

I did enjoy the main character's independence and the fact that this book mentions queer characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to this eARC.

To me this book is quite formulaic. There is the smart and headstrong Lady Petra bucking convention and incurring ridicule and hostility in doing so. A friend of hers may or may not be dead and there is increasing forboding regarding the fate of other women in Petra’s social milieu. Petra is compelled to investigate and it becomes dangerous, etc. There is a great deal of detail about everything. It is presumably for world-building but it slows the story even during action scenes. The expected cast of characters is here, including love interest. The book isn’t badly done, but it never really got my interest - until the very end when a twist so unexpected happens that I not only smiled, I laughed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this Advance Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord.” All opinions and comments are my own.

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” ticks all the right boxes on its way to being a very entertaining historical mystery, and Lady Petra Forsyth joins the cast of “plucky, standing on their own” female characters that make the genre so enjoyable. She’s determined to get to the bottom of what’s going on with ladies of her acquaintance that are mysteriously disappearing, and a sad, sordid tale it is. Lady Petra becomes quite the “lady detective” in her quest to right some really grievous wrongs.

Author Celeste Connolly does a very credible job of making sure our heroine stays within English Regency societal conventions and its demands – with some dramatic leeway, of course. Besides a somewhat awkward title, we have:

Strange, mysterious goings-on that need to be investigated -- check.
Social commentary that the author subtly includes as part of her plot -- check.
Strong heroine “waiting for the right man, after all” – yep, got that, too.

There’s a big finish, and some despicable people get their comeuppance. And she and that “right man” can come together and get on with their lives (well, perhaps – we’ll have to read on!). But there will be more cases to investigate, of course – was there any doubt?

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a very well-conceived tale, full of interesting characters and rife with information on societal issues of the time melded into a mystery plot. Bold protagonists are always welcome, and Lady Petra can now be added to any “to-be read” list.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally
Narrator: Eilidh Beaton
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 11/14

It’s 1815 London, and Lady Petra Forsyth, grieving the loss of her fiancé, shatters societal norms by vowing never to marry again. When one of her friends goes missing, she decides to investigate, and the stage is set for a gripping tale of mystery, romance, and female empowerment.

When I saw this book described as Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie, I knew I had to read it. It’s a lot of fun, and I think it skillfully weaves together elements of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. Lady Petra is clever, witty, and resilient, challenging societal norms with her independence.

While the initial pacing may be slow, once it picks up, it delivers nonstop action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The slow-burn romance satisfied my need for romance in any book I’m reading, and the twist (which is actually in the synopsis that I didn’t read) took me by surprise. I loved the audiobook, narrated by Eilidh Beaton, who brought the characters to life with her skillful storytelling.

Overall, this historical romance turned out to be a clever and gripping mystery that shines a light on women's struggles in the early 1800s. It’s a captivating blend of genres that I could not put down. And thanks to that cliffhanger ending, I will definitely be picking up the next book in this new series.

Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy and to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord comes out tomorrow!

I’ve always been infatuated with royal-type stories, but never read one. It was always within my radar, but not sure why I never jumped in and started one. It could be because I was waiting for the right story to come along. Well, I’m happy to say this was an enjoyable read indeed.

Lady Petra Forsyth was all aglow with her upcoming nuptials, but as fates would have it, her wedding was not to be. Her fiancé passed just weeks before their big day which placed a huge hole in her heart from that point. Lady Petra was not the kind of woman to be tamed or controlled, which in the early 1800s was unheard of. A woman was seen and not heard and she did as she was instructed to do, but not Lady Petra. She was like the kind of woman you’d find living today--very independent, head strong and followed her own lead. I loved her strength throughout the story.

While she attended a ballroom dance, there were rumors swirling around about a good friend of hers who had died suddenly of melancholia. Why Petra had just dined with her good friend not too long ago, but she knew they were both guilty of not seeing each other as they often should. There wasn’t any way that her longtime friend could be deceased, could it?

As Petra begins digging into her friend’s death, she soon realizes that it isn’t safe to insert herself into affairs that have anything to do with her. But being the strong-willed woman she is that would never stop her.

This was a cute story. I have to say the author was a true “author” in the sense that she provided a great deal of detail throughout the story. Some of the detail began to grate on my nerves a bit, but that’s because I’m not a fan of overly done detailing, but to her credit, once I got the rhythm of her writing, the story flowed with ease and the detail was all but forgotten, except for where it counted. 😉

Overall, this was a cute whodunit type of regency-esque murder mystery mayhem. It’s like Murder She Wrote meets Steve Harvey meets Bridgerton. 😁 A very well written story that will keep you glued to the pages.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!.

I really didn't get BRIDGERTON OR Agatha Christie vibes from this lovely mystery, but those comparisons don't mean much anyway. ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD is a hardcore feminist tale that weaves the history of women's (supposed) hysteria into its mystery. I Adored Lady Petra Forsyth's forthright nature and the supporting characters were tons of fun. Also didn't see the twist coming! I will read the next book in the series if there is another.