Lady Petra, our intrepid ahead of her time detective of sorts is back in this second installment in what is definitely g0ing to be a fun series for fans of the historical cozy. It's 1815 and there are plots afoot, plots the Queen has asked Petra to look into, even as she looks for more information about people in her own life. While it will help to have read the first novel, Connally gives enough background to make you appreciate Petra. This isn't strictly Regency- it definitely skews toward the modern-but the atmospherics are good. And the dialogue sparkles. You might be a bit befuddled about some of the politics but they never get too deep. Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc. Great read and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to Celeste Connelly, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and listen to free ARCs in exchange for an honest review.

This was pretty good. I can't remember squat of the first one from a year ago, so this felt fresh to me. Could have been shorter, had a bit of a saggy middle and could have stood to lose a few unnecessary characters. I got a bit lost on the mystery between the beginning and the end, forgot what the objectives were and was distracted by Petra's rather annoying impetuousness. Her jump to a negative conclusion at the beginning soured me toward her character; she'd been friends with Duncan since childhood, sleeping with him for how many years, claimed to be in love with him---I mean, those demonstrate his loyalty at the very least---yet some nobody leaves her a vague note saying Duncan was a liar and a traitor, and she doesn't question it? Yeah I wasn't going to respect her much after that. The book tries to address it---if she wasn't silly she wouldn't be the woman Duncan loves *fart noise*---but she was telling herself an excuse to make herself feel better. She <i>should</i> be ashamed that she believed the worst of him without hesitation. She was also reactionary, headstrong, and a bit full of herself. she was probably what I disliked most about the story.

This was my first Celeste Connally book and I had a good time with it
I did find the writing style odd at first but soon became invested
3.5 Stars

The second book in the Lady Petra Investigates series, All's Fair in Love and Treachery has Lady Petra investigating not only murder, but revolutionaries who want to overthrow the monarchy.
The first book ended with a cliffhanger and this second installment picks up exactly where things left off. The first two chapters are pretty stunning as Petra processes what she has learned about her late fiancé’s death and her childhood friend/current lover’s involvement. She doesn’t get much time, as she’s called to meet the Queen about an investigation.
There are actually two investigations in this book. First, Queen Charlotte asks Petra to investigate the murder of the matron at an orphanage where illegitimate children of the wealthy are trained to go into service. At the same time, Duncan seems to be involved with a group of reformists who are resorting to violence to overthrow the monarchy. For a time, Petra is unsure about Duncan’s beliefs - is he working with the revolutionaries or trying to undermine them?
Adorable as always and the ending is fantastic. Hoping for more from the intrepid Lady Petra.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-arc.*

Lady Petra and Duncan find themselves embroiled in the struggle to reform British rule. This book has lots of twists and turns, plenty of interweaving of foes to the realm and their connections to Petra and her late fiance, Emerson. Set in a span of a few days the urgency of figuring out who and what was going on came through in the writing. I loved this story and continue to cheer on Petra and her friends as they seek equality for the women and girls of this time period.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This review first appeared in the November 2024 issue of Historica Novels Review:

This is the second book in Celeste Connally’s Regency mystery series featuring Lady Petra Forsyth, an unconventional noblewoman who declares her intention never to marry, after the death of her fiancé in an accident. At the beginning of this novel, Petra finds evidence that her fiancé was murdered and that her childhood playmate and current lover, Duncan Shawcross, was responsible for his death. But before she can confront Duncan, he disappears, giving no indication of his whereabouts. As London celebrates Wellington’s victory at Waterloo, Queen Charlotte asks Petra to investigate the murder of the matron of an orphanage for girls, several of whom are the illegitimate daughters of aristocrats. A note threatening the Queen was found with the matron’s body. Petra discovers ties between the orphanage and a radical group planning to bring down the monarchy and kill members of the royal family. She also learns she only has three days to stop the attack, and that Duncan may be involved with the group.

This is an excellent addition to the world of Regency mysteries. Petra is an exceptionally strong heroine, who refuses to play by the rules of a society that doesn’t give women the same rights as men. She is a great horseback rider, fights with a dagger, and carries a set of lockpicks that come in handy more than once. She shares the radical group’s desire to reform society, especially where women’s rights are concerned, but is opposed to the violent means they want to use to bring about the changes. I also enjoy reading about her group of friends, including her best friend Lady Caroline, who can shoot a bow and arrow better than anyone in England, Lottie the dog trainer, and Frances the apothecary. I cannot wait to read more of Petra’s adventures. Highly recommended.

Vicki Kondelik

Good book. I liked the main characters. And I enjoyed the dialogue. The plot was good, I thought it was a very good story . A must read!

Another well researched and well planned historical cozy mystery by Celeste Connally. The setting and characters were depicted so well and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. I did have troubling following some of the characters since there were so many but I did enjoy it overall. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

*Received as a free ARC*
A deeply enjoyable mystery romp! For once, I realized this was a sequel and quickly got book one from the library. I was then left on pins and needles waiting to see if Duncan was in fact a bad guy. Petra is delightful and her growing cast of compatriots are great secondary characters. I enjoyed that she actually seems to grow over the course of the book. Would highly recommend for period mystery lovers.

This is a magnificent historical mystery. Petra is an independent and fierce young lady. Duncan is a fierce warrior for the crown. The two of them together make an amazing couple. The plot is intriguing as readers meet the characters and try to figure out the roles they play. The author uses misdirection in a wonderful way to surprise readers. Readers will also enjoy the cheeky romantic relationship between several characters. This is a really interesting and page turning book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

First, if you love historical fiction and murder mystery, then this is the series for you!

I will say I did enjoy Act like a Lady, Think like a Lord a bit more than this one. I feel like the mystery is book one was just more interesting and it had more Duncan moments.

With that being said; I did like this one. I really like Lady Petra and her determination. The plot was good and the twist were unpredictable. I do wish that Duncan had more of a presence in this book though. I will always love Teddy, he’s one of my favorite characters. This book had more twists than the first one and so I’m curious how this series is going to continue!

3 stars!

I loved the first book and was so excited to receive a free ARC copy from NetGalley! The only problem? I have read soooo many books since the first book and had the hardest time remembering anything that happened in the first one. Took me so long to remember. Sometimes, I wish books had a 'previously on' like tv shows do. :)

Anyway . . . the book definitely can be read as a stand-alone. The last book left off with Petra and Duncan getting together, only for her to find a letter saying he murdered her dead fiancé (and his dead best friend). So, just some background info. This is a perfect historical mystery/romance. The author leaves you guessing until the very end.

For those who care about the smut level, I wouldn't say it is totally clean, more inferred smut than anything. A little more than a just a few whispers here and there, like them talking the fact they actually had sex. Definitely not huge on the smut level, though.

People who liked this book might want to check out the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn.

Can't wait for the next book to come out (really hope there is another one)!

Leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks again to NetGalley for the free kindle book!!!

All's Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally is the second book in the Lady Petra Inquires #2 series. The series focuses on Lady Petra and her penchant for asking questions and solving mysteries. She is doggered in her questioning, but also headstrong in following her own path. Her lover/partner Duncan, is also an investigator, although there is an almost shadowy knowledge about who he is working for. Lady Petra is working for the Queen and her godmother.

In this particular novel, Lady Petra’s world is turned upside down. She is struggling to understand things from her past while she attempts to discover who killed the matron of a local orphanage. Petra is turned around and around in her investigation and each time she eliminates another suspect, more information comes to light. I really enjoyed the scene when Lady Petra attempts to find a missing object on her lover. It made me laugh.

I do like Lady Petra’s character and her quirky friends. I think it is remarkable that she has such a diverse group of friends during the time the novel is written in. I like how she is headstrong and questions everything, which can be a negative as well as a positive attribute. The novel moves right along and at times twists unexpectedly. All’s Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally is a good read.

Fans of historical fiction with a mystery edge will enjoy this one. Overwhelmingly descriptive and immersive in prose, I found All's Fair in Love and Treachery to be a read that will have staying power on the nightstand. It's a cozy read for fall's colder nights, for sure!

"Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling next installment in a captivating Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.

21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon's surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross - yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.

So what's a lady to do when she can't hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage's matron. What's more, there may be a link between the matron's death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter.

Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London.

As the clock counts down and London's streets teem with revelers, Petra's nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all's fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen."

I love that Queen Charlotte basically has her fingers in ALL the pies.

(3.5/5) I really loved the first one in this series - and I would definitely read the next book.. HOWEVER... for some reason, this one felt like it dragged a little bit.

The first book ended on a fantastic cliffhanger and if I average them out - the series is still pretty good! I think that because I know there's going to be another book coming - it just feels like there's a lot in the middle that I was trying to figure out but still haven't grasped the big picture yet. The adventurous part of this series is the best part- and I liken the writing style to another of my favorite historical fiction authors, Sherry Thomas - both have that long-term mystery vibe, and it's fun to read something longer than interconnected standalone novels.

Some other reasons I've been loving this series:
-Mature women's romances
- Not an immediate happy-ever-after ending
- Real relationship issues
- The side characters are making this story! (I love Teddy!!)

**Thank you to St.Martin's Press & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

Thank you to Minotaur Books, for the free copy for review.

From the first page, I found myself gleefully reunited with the indomitable Lady Petra, the enigmatic Lord Duncan, the lovable Teddy, and the rest of the colorful cast that made the first book such a joy.

Lady Petra, our feisty and determined heroine, remains a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering pursuit of truth is as admirable as it is entertaining. This time, I’m treated to a deeper exploration of her vulnerabilities, particularly as she grapples with secrets that threaten her relationship with Lord Duncan. Her internal struggles add a poignant dimension to her character, making her even more relatable and endearing.

Lord Duncan, ever the mystery, continues to intrigue. His complex relationship with Lady Petra forms the emotional core of the story, their chemistry crackling with tension. The secrets between them create a palpable sense of anticipation, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The plot is a delicious tangle of mystery and romance, centered around an investigation assignment from the Queen. This royal connection adds gravitas to the proceedings and raises the stakes considerably. As Lady Petra delves deeper into her mission, the author weaves an intricate web of clues, red herrings, and surprising revelations that kept me guessing until the very end.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's ability to intertwine multiple plot threads seamlessly. The way Duncan's secret mission intersects with Petra's investigation and her mysterious past is nothing short of brilliant. Each revelation feels like a perfectly placed puzzle piece, creating a satisfying and cohesive narrative that left me in awe.

The pacing is relentless, with never a dull moment to be found. The author's attention to historical detail brings Regency England to vivid life, immersing readers in a world of both elegance and danger.

This sequel is a triumph, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and exciting territory. The character growth, intricate plotting, and pitch-perfect blend of romance and mystery make for an engaging read.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

All's Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally is a third person-POV mystery set in the Regency period. Lady Petra Forsyth lost her fiancé, Emerson, a few years ago and has moved on with her friend, Duncan. At least, that was how things were going until not only did Petra learn that Emerson was murdered, but Duncan might be the one responsible. Petra needs to uncover what happened to Emerson even if that means learning who he really was.

One of the more interesting parts was the discussions around what happened to orphans during the Regency period. I think most are familiar with orphanages, but All’s Fair in Love and Treachery specifically asks about orphans who have a substantial inheritance. Many of the girls are assumed to either be lying about how much money or their relatives who are in charge of the young women's affairs (but don't take the girl in) spend it all, often on gambling, and the young woman is none the wiser. Many then go on to be working class, a very different life than they were expecting.

It's not hard to find a Regency novel that mentions or draws attention to the lack of autonomy many women faced, but this is the first time I'd read a novel pointing to this particular situation. It's very unclear how many girls would lie about having money and how many were swindled and how even more were essentially robbed by their own relatives. I remember reading A Little Princess years and years ago and just assumed that all orphaned girls in the main character’s situation had someone keeping an eye on their funds because that's something I would just expect of the nobility. Apparently not. I'm gonna be doing more research into this because I'm quite interested now.

The other thing I liked was how Petra and Duncan are kind of dancing around each other even though they are something of a couple. They have a physical relationship, which would be scandalous since they are both unmarried, but are also struggling to navigate the accusations against Duncan. Petra also still has some feelings for Emerson, remembering the goodness that he showed her and the love she felt for him even if there are layers there. I'm happy to see her move on with Duncan, someone who appreciates and respects her mind, but I also get why she was cautious for a decent chunk of the book around him.

Content warning for mentions of abuse

I would recommend this to fans of historical mystery who prefer the Regency period, readers of Regency Romance who want the Romance to be more of a subplot with mystery twists and turns, and those looking for a book going into how the system failed orphans in the 19th century

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

I really liked the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into this sequel. It's full of a lot of twists and I was surprised throughout reading. Lady Petra is such a fun character that really sets herself apart from her historical romance counterparts. I spent half this book not sure what I wanted the end result to be for the characters. I can't wait to read more of her mysteries and see more of her friends and her world.

21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter.
Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London.
As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.

Loved it! The mystery was back and forth, with so many false turns and red herrings. Lady Petra is a woman to admire, and I can only hope we get to read about her and her intrepid group of friends solving new mysteries in the future.