I like it for the most part (feminist Regency era novel) even though I find some parts hard to get into. It made me not want to buy the upcoming books with my own money unless it's available from the library.

I had such a great time reading this book! Historical mysteries are always enjoyable, and when you add in gender politics, of a lady stepping out of the bounds that society puts her in, yeah, that's so great! I really enjoyed Lady's Petra's story, and I'm glad that this is a series!

I can totally understand Lady Petra's decision not to marry, she has the means to not need a man to depend on-it's more the societal expectations, and given that her fiancé died, she doesn't have a reason to get married.

The idea of an asylum that women were sent to, because they were inconvenient, that was enough to boil my blood. The power structure that enabled something like that, I'm glad it's gone. We're still not at equality yet, but it's much better than it used to be.

Watching Petra investigate, finding out what happened to her friend, and what was going on with this murder, I loved it! She was clever, and the mystery was well-crafted, and between the mystery and the writing, I was hooked until the end!

This was such a great read, and I can't wait to see where the series goes!

This book just didn’t work for me. I found it to be a bit to pick me in how it described the ladies acting.

A huge "Thank you!" to Celeste Connally, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an eARC of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord!

This book felt like Bridgerton meets Sherlock Holmes with a strong female character. I enjoyed it so much and I can't wait to read the sequel because that last minute cliffhanger had my jaw DROP.

Things I Loved:

The Buildup: We learn about one of Petra's friends passing away under some suspicious circumstances. The mystery grows from there with other women going missing or getting sent away. The situation builds up to concerning levels and very quickly ties into some unsavory behavior from Petra's uncle at the beginning of the book. I did feel like Petra's dad wouldn't have behaved the way he did, but I was so glad he came around in the end.

Petra: She was likeable and kind, but also flawed and stubborn. She was incredibly relatable and independent. I love a strong female lead!

The Plot: I thought the story was fun and attention grabbing. Period pieces where women flaunt the expected norms of the day are always interesting, but this one was a bit scarier because it truly showed how men could pretty much snap their fingers and have a woman "taken care of" back then. Even though it had a mostly light tone, the book did get serious at time.

Something I Didn't Love:

Not Enough Duncan & Petra: We hear A LOT about Duncan and Petra's childhood, but Duncan comes back into the picture and I felt like we didn't get enough scenes with them together. I think the story skirted the lines of romance and murder mystery, trying to lean more towards murder mystery. I just felt like Duncan was talked about so much that he should have played a bigger role in the story than he did. Hopefully we'll see more of that in book 2!

In the end, I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately had to check when book 2 was coming out! I am so excited to read the next installment and see what antics Petra gets up to with her crew in the next book. 4/5 Stars

I love Bridgerton. I love Agatha Christie. I am in my Regency era. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is the perfect combination.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Doesn't defy expectations but it was a nice cozy mystery. Just the type of book one needs after more darker reads.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an engrossing and thrilling mystery. Lady Petra is a funny and charming character, and the supporting cast are vibrant as well. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen. As it did, I was satisfied by the payout of earlier foreshadowing and the comeuppance that the villain received.
The villain is terrifyingly realistic: a creepy, manipulative misogynist seeking power over women. There were scenes which, while not graphic, were enough to turn my stomach at the pain inflicted on women with no societal power to stop him.
Petra, the protagonist, is strong-willed and brave, rushing into potentially dangerous situations to try and help others. She was portrayed as a feminist who might fit into our current world, with a lot of support from her friends and father. While it was fun to see this group of offbeat characters, something about it also felt a little hard to believe. Perhaps that the only people who objected to her immense freedom were actual bad actors, without any of the kind of general disapproval that her social circle would have had.
Especially given that all these women are disappearing without apparently generating a lot of attention in society. It suggests that women are expected to kind of fade into the background, which in turn makes me think Petra's behavior would turn heads. That being said, I was pleased that she found romance without sacrificing her spinster status, because she had put so much emphasis on being one.
I would probably read other books in this series, especially since I appreciate mysteries that don't include finding a corpse.

I was stoked to give this book a go with the "Bridgerton Meets Agatha Christie" concept, but it fell flat for me. I wanted to Love Petra because of everything she stood for, but it was so slow to get into and her rebellious nature was pointed out so often it started to become an eye roll inducing moment whenever it was brought up. The mystery aspect was alright and the romance was predictable in the way many of the regency-era romances are. Overall, the novel was ok, nothing terrible about it, but nothing that makes it a favorite for me. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!

A perfect weekend read with a sprinkle of romance and of mystery. Love that Lady Petra is an independent woman that has no fear of showing society who she is.

A gritty reality here: families sending their woman folk off to asylums because their were "troublesome".
The main character dives deeply into this reality when she realizes multiple friends and acquaintances have disappeared this way.
Then she realizes that she is, in fact, one of those troublesome women!
The romance is pretty obvious, but pleasant enough.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Celeste Connally for free e-ARC of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord in return of my honest review.

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord" presents an intriguing setup with a blend of romance, mystery, and social commentary. After the tragic death of her fiancé, Lady Petra makes a bold declaration that she will never remarry, choosing instead to embrace her independence and wealth in a society that often confines women to traditional roles. This premise offers a promising exploration of female empowerment and societal expectations in the context of Regency-era London.

However, while the initial concept is compelling, the execution feels somewhat lackluster. Petra's journey into the elite circles of society and her investigation into the mysterious death of a friend provides the framework for intrigue, but the narrative often falls into predictable patterns. The pacing can feel uneven, and while there are moments of tension, they are often overshadowed by a lack of depth in character development and plot progression.

The exploration of the private asylum and the darker aspects of mental health during that era is a thought-provoking element, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The societal critique regarding how women were treated and confined is timely; however, it sometimes feels secondary to the plot rather than a central theme. As Petra uncovers secrets about the asylum, her motivations become clearer, but the stakes don’t feel high enough to keep readers fully invested.

The supporting characters, while interesting, often serve more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. This makes it challenging to form a strong emotional connection with them, which diminishes the overall impact of Petra’s quest for truth and justice.

In summary, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord" is an okay read that offers moments of intrigue and social commentary but ultimately lacks the memorability and depth that would elevate it to something truly special. It’s a light, enjoyable read for those interested in historical fiction with a hint of mystery, but it may not leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a quick escape into a Regency setting, this book fits the bill, but don’t expect it to linger in your thoughts long after you've closed the cover.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Bridgerton and cozy mysteries check this one out! A regency based mystery that is perfect to binge.

This was a fun one! I always love a regency romance and this was a vibe. I also received a had copy of this. Thanks for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book. The main character was a woman ahead of her time. I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedy and/or historical fiction.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book

I was skeptical about this book solely based on the title. I think it’s a bit silly, however, this book was much more fun than I was expecting. Set in 1815, Petra’s love has died, so she decides to never marry. Society has deemed her a spinster, of course. When one of Petra’s friends dies, she’s shocked because her friend was never ill.

Although Petra is shunned by most of society, she loves who she is and accepts others, as well. She has no problem with how she lives, whether two women love each other, or if they choose to marry or have children. However, the men of society disagree and are making sure their women are properly “looked after,” so to speak. This book started off a bit slow and features a lot of characters, but once the actual mystery of the book was revealed, it flew by. I was really pleased with how enjoyable this book was.

Holy homophobia, Batman. So, first: There were a list of isms and phobias in this book that, honestly, weren’t necessary to the plot or character development. It’s like Connally had a checklist of every group to offend and made sure to hit all except the BIPOC and Jewish. I’m sure they were supposed to paint our main character in a positive light and make her seem like a “modern woman,” but mostly just achieved making her feel insincere and like the girl in high school who didn’t understand why other people didn’t like her even though she was mean.

Let’s get into our characterization. Every character could have had more depth, but then how would we know how amazing Lady Petra was if there weren’t other people she was consistently condescending to and “helping” through their “problems?” Sure, this book takes place in 1815 where a lot of these attitudes were period typical, but if they can regularly drink water even though the filtration system that made this a regular thing didn’t exist for another 12 years, I’m pretty sure Connally could have created a more normative world for the commentary she was trying to make. None of which landed because almost all of her characters didn’t feel like people: they lived as caricatures.

This over-the-top yet simple characterization made some of the dialogue too much by being exposition and developing backstories that didn’t really add anything. Unfortunately, it happened often, but the most disappointing aspect was that it often left the story arc deprived of meaningful development. Spoilers, but Petra actually does very little detecting or putting any pieces throughout the book. Others consistently tell her the answers throughout the book and her main purpose is just to stumble on the clues they needed to do so while gossiping, thinking some crappy things about other women, and thinking highly of herself for being able to ride a horse and pick locks.

I will give this book credit where it is due: it is compulsively readable. It was easy to get through and the sentence structure worked. However, I don’t think I’d compare it to either of the comps (Bridgerton and Agatha Christie) for different reasons. Sadly, not recommending this one, friends. Though, I almost feel like I need to read the next one because of the little note at the end about her late fiancé.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Regency romances, and mysteries, so this book is a treat. Add in some good friends, a few interesting characters in town, and a huge cover up involving women suppressed by the patriarchy, and you’ve got an amazing novel. Highly recommend even with its cliffhanger ending.

This book was not at all what I was expecting, and I loved it. I had thought this was going to be more of a light Regency era romance, and it was anything but.

This is the first in the Lady Petra Inquires series, and I am excited to read more from Lady Petra.

This book was a thrilling read. I loved the main character, Lady Petra Forsyth. She was such a strong woman, not willing to follow all of the social conventions a woman was supposed to during this time period. She wasn't thinking about finding a husband and settling down. She wanted to have control of her life and her money.

When she realized something untoward was happening to the women around her, she wasn't willing to let it go. She was going to figure out what was happening and put a stop to it, even though it put her in danger.

This book evoked so many emotions, I really did giggle a bit at Lady Petra, but there was also heart-pounding danger and behavior that made me so angry. And the ending, what a hook!

This book is definitely for cozy mystery fans, who enjoy reading about the Regency era.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency era mystery. Lady Petra was a delight; beautiful, intelligent, feisty and more than a match for any of the London bluebloods in her circle. In an age when women were raised to be subservient, Lady Petra was a woman of independent means and independent thought. After the death of her finance, she vowed to never marry. This, of course, was a shocking declaration in 1816 London.. She immediately became involved in solving a mystery, using her intelligence and instinct to sharpen her sleuthing skills. Highly recommend. Five stars

This novel blends the charm of Bridgerton with the suspense of an Agatha Christie mystery, offering a fresh Regency-era series with a feminist twist. The novel introduces Lady Petra Forsyth, a determined and independent protagonist who, after the death of her fiancé, vows never to remarry. Her resolve to maintain her freedom and wealth sets the stage for an intriguing plot that delves into the darker aspects of society, particularly the mistreatment of women. The story kicks into gear when Petra, spurred by troubling rumors, investigates the death of a friend under suspicious circumstances. Her quest leads her to uncover a sinister private asylum where women are unjustly imprisoned. This central mystery is engaging, as Petra's investigation uncovers layers of deception and exploitation. However, while the plot is compelling, the pacing sometimes lags, making it a bit of a slow burn for readers seeking constant action.

Character development is a strong point in Connally’s novel. Petra is a well-crafted character, embodying strength and resilience as she navigates societal expectations and personal loss. Her interactions with other characters, particularly those who challenge or support her, add depth to her journey. However, some supporting characters lack the same level of development, leaving readers wanting more from the ensemble cast.

Overall, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a promising start to a new series. The novel's feminist undertones and intriguing mystery make it a noteworthy read, despite some pacing issues. Connally's ability to blend romance, mystery, and social commentary suggests that future installments could refine and expand on the strengths introduced in this debut.