This happens to be book 2 in the Lady Petra series and it probably would help if the first book was read before this one. It is not required but some of the storylines coincide with events that happened in book 1. However, I did not read book 1 before reading this one and I still enjoyed this one for the most part. This is a good mystery with the added bonus of being in 1800's London. Lady Petra is a strong and independent MC who helps the Queen catch a murderer, all while trying to be an upstanding female in society. I loved her character and I feel strong female MC's are where Connally's strengths lie. The male characters were not as well developed here but may have been in the first book. In fact, I will go back and read the first one just for the sake of getting more of the romance plot that was mentioned in book 2. I really feel that Duncan should have had more focus in this story, and he probably did have more in the first one. But since this has a feminist tone to it, the romance is not the sole focus for Connally and if this is something you are looking for, then you will love it.

The only thing I felt hindered the book was the timing. Things jumped around a lot and didn't really get going until the second half of the book. There were areas in the first half that maybe didn't need to be in the story at all or maybe could have been shortened. But by the second half, when the mystery was unfolding, I was charmed and intrigued by it all. I especially liked how Connally maneuvered around the plights of a female in society at the time and giving Lady Petra a voice. And of course the way it all comes together at the end was well written.

After reading Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, I was so excited to see that Celeste Connally had written a new book in the Lady Petra Inquiries Series. All’s Fair in Love and Treachery immediately caught my attention, from the story to the continuation of Petra’s adventures in love and life.
Lady Petra continues her adventures of being a super sleuth in 1800s London, where it was unheard of for a woman to be a private investigator, much less an unmarried woman. After finding out that the death of her fiancé three years prior may not have been as innocent and accidental as it seemed, and that her current love, Duncan Shawcross, may have been involved. In trying to get to the bottom of this mystery, Petra uncovers a conspiracy that runs deep through London society. A scheme that has impacted her life long before she knew it existed. Now Petra is running out of time to uncover everything and save London society as they know it.
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery is a fantastic mystery with an undercurrent of adventure and romance. This was a great read that hooked me from the beginning to the end; I struggled to put this novel down and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Petra to uncover mystery after mystery and save the day. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of mystery novels and shows like Miss Scarlet. This is another triumphant success for Celeste Connally, and I look forward to reading the third book in the series and more of her work in the future.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

These books are so fun!! I am here for the bridgerton vibes! I love the historical mystery genre and the strong willed female characters are everything! I think I liked the first book a little more than this one but it was still very good and a fun adventure!

Oh oh oh! The blurb for this book was SO good and I'm happy to say that the book itself lived up to it. I loved the pacing, the characters felt real and loved the twists and turns.

It’s June, 1815 and Napoleon has just surrendered at Waterloo. The whole of London is cheering the victory, but Lady Petra Forsyth isn’t interested because she has just discovered her fiancé’s death in 1812 was murder. Was Duncan Shawcross, the handsome, half-Scottish scoundrel and her secret paramour responsible? But Duncan has disappeared, so she can’t get answers to the questions plaguing her.

She is distracted by a royal assignment. Queen Charlotte asks Petra to look into the death of the matron at the Asylum for Female Orphans. What actually happened…and is her death linked to a group of radicals tied to the aristocracy? An intercepted letter would seem to suggest a connection.

The mystery deepens when Petra overhears two men discussing a plot to topple the monarchy during the victory celebrations.

How will she solve the mystery of what’s going on in time? The stakes get higher when it appears Duncan and his half-brother may be involved in the plot. Past and present collide, and Petra dives into danger to save her country and her heart.

The author has created a stylish Regency mystery filled with interesting characters and plenty of mystery.

*All’s Fair in Love and Treachery* by Celeste Connally is such a fun, clever Regency mystery! It has just the right mix of swoony romance, sharp wit, and a twisty plot that keeps you turning pages. Lady Petra is independent, bold, and so easy to root for — I loved following her as she untangles secrets and navigates all the drama (and danger!) around her. The historical details make the setting feel rich without ever weighing the story down. It’s one of those books that feels like a cozy escape but still has plenty of intrigue. Perfect if you love a smart heroine and a good bit of scandal. I had a blast with this one!

There’s no denying that Celeste Connally’s Regency-era setting is lively and immersive, and it’s easy to get swept up in the world while reading. But once the book is closed, frustration lingers longer than the charm.

Lady Petra, our protagonist, continues a trend from the first book—diving headfirst into danger with very little thought for consequences. Her reckless decisions don’t so much solve mysteries as create chaos for others to clean up, and most major reveals seem to come about because someone else swoops in to rescue her. The social complexities of the period are often brushed aside for convenience, which makes the story feel more like modern fantasy in a corset than a true period mystery.

I initially rated this three stars because it was entertaining in the moment. But the more I reflect on Petra’s impulsiveness—often bordering on idiocy—the more disappointed I feel. Her behavior isn’t just frustrating; it actively undermines the mystery and suspense. If you're looking for Bridgerton-style flair with a dash of danger, this might work for you—but be prepared to suspend not just disbelief, but also your patience.

Set in Victorian England, a young girl from an aristocratic family is tasked with uncovering a plot to murder the monarch - which may involve the man she loved. The characters and dialogue are very stiff, flowery and proper. The plot slowly plods along in a similar fashion.

I had so much fun with this one. The mix of romance and intrigue was exactly what I wanted and it kept me completely hooked.

I loved Lady Petra as a heroine. She is smart, independent, and not afraid to go after what she wants, and I was cheering for her the whole way through. The chemistry between her and Fox was perfect. The banter, the tension, all of it. I love when a romance keeps me guessing and this one definitely did. There were twists I did not see coming and the mystery added such a fun layer to the story.

If you are in the mood for a historical romance that is clever, swoony, and full of intrigue, definitely add All’s Fair in Love and Treachery to your list. I already want more from this author.

A captivating Regency era mystery and a great addition to the series. Lady Petra is back and navigating a tangled web of murder, political intrigue, and personal betrayal. The plot is fast paced and kept me engaged.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion

If you're looking for an historical mystery following one of the wittiest women I've ever read, with a sprinkle of romantic banter, this is the book for you!

I absolutely love following Lady Petra Forsyth in her adventures! I love the fact that she recognizes her privlage in society, and tries to use it to help others while solving the mysteries she finds herself embroiled in.

On top of that, I absolutely love the romance and banter between Petra and Duncan. It just makes the story a bit more fun, without overtaking the whole plot. Seeing them try to navigate their relationship while also trying to solve the conspiracy against the royal family adds just a little extra excitement.

I cannot wait to follow Lady Petra in her next adventure!

Thank you to St. Martin's press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If you're looking for a fun, engaging, incredibly twisty story, this book is for you! It was fast paced so I finished it in several day. Also, pretty funny!

Lady Petra is at it again in the second installment of the Lady Petra Inquires series. This series has everything someone would want in a Regency era mystery - intrigue, adventure, perilous situations, and scandalous romance. Lady Petra is intelligent, crafty, strong FMC. Her exploits in the service of the queen are delightful, and her chemistry with Duncan is top notch. I truly enjoy the Lady Petra mysteries, and I'm looking forward to reading Book 3!

In June 1815, Lady Petra Forsyth discovers that her secret lover Duncan Shawcross murdered her fiance three years earlier. Lady Petra pursues justice but discovers that all is not as it seems. Deception lies around every corner and threatens the lives of people she loves. One riddle after another forces the sleuth and her friends to untangle clues. As they work, they may even save the queen.
I like the mystery of the windows and how that thread ties into the murder of the orphanage matron. Lady Petra and her friends are also fierce, strong and smart.
The book contains a bit more sexual innuendo than I prefer, though. And I wasn't enthralled while reading. However, I would read more books in this series. It offers a unique look at what life could have been like for a small portion of London society.

What a great sequel! The tag of "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" is such an apt description. I thought this mystery series is going absolutely splendidly. I was so excited to continue with these characters. The mystery was a great time and I can't wait to see where these characters go!

I think people that enjoy the themes and setting that connally's series focuses on will enjoy this book. I think I even enjoyed it more than the first one.

There's intrigue, romance, and a sprinkle of royal shenanigans, which makes for a pretty entertaining blend. If crossing dances with espionage is your thing, and it extremely is my thing, you'll dig it. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

For context, this book takes place in 1815, when Napoleon had just been defeated at Waterloo. The king and queen of England are King George III and Queen Charlotte.

Lady Petra is a rarity in the England of 1815. She is an unmarried woman who has control of her finances and runs her own household. This book begins when Lady Petra was summoned to the presence of the Queen, because of a note left at a murder at the Asylum for Female Orphans. The matron of the orphanage was found dead from a blow to the head, and the note was found under her body with these words: "Those who protect the Queen shall find an early grave."

The Queen has asked Lady Petra to investigate the murder. She believes that a group known as the Bellowers may be behind the threat to the royals and members of Parliament. Her son, Prince George, intends to declare three days of celebration for their victory over Napoleon, so for their safety, the royal family plans to remove themselves to an undisclosed place before the news that Napoleon was defeated spreads.

Lady Petra has also recently come into possession of a book of information that can be used as blackmail. She was horrified to find her lover 's name (Duncan Shawcross) in the ledger, and even more horrified to read a statement that he killed her first love. But not all is as it seems.

I received an e-arc of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

✨ The Vibes ✨
Bridgerton if Agatha Christie was the star

📖 Read if…
✨ You wished Bridgerton had a bit of mystery
✨ You loved Evie Dunmore’s The League of Extraordinary Women series
✨ You watch anything that’s on Masterpiece Mystery

All’s Fair in Love and Treachery is the second book in the Lady Petra Inquires series, following Lady Petra Forsyth as she is tasked by Queen Charlotte to investigate the death of an orphanage matron.

It’s always hard to review sequels without spoiling anything, as there are several plot points that carry over from the first novel. But Celeste Connally does a great job of balancing the lingering mysteries of Petra’s personal life with the current case she’s investigating, ensuring that readers don’t necessarily have to read the series in order (even though the emotional impact will be greater if you do). The mystery was engaging as well, tense without being too scary, and I appreciated how it connected to larger political and social themes of the time. Fans of Bridgerton who are looking for the romance and humor of the show will find it with Lady Petra, along with a bit of intrigue, of course.

I’m not sure if I’ll race to pick up the third book when it’s available, but I can certainly see myself returning to this series one day. All’s Fair in Love and Treachery is out now. Thanks to Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love how quirky this series is! It’s truly Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie—the perfect blend of high-society drama and delightful mystery. If you’re a fan of either series, you need to pick this one up. Stunning dress descriptions and the ever-so-silly crime-solving, this book was such a fun ride!
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley, for the ARC!