The second book in a series is often a "bridge" book to tie the start and ending books together. "The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin" defies that norm and creates an second book as good as, if not better than, the first! The characters, plot, and pacing are excellent. I stayed up much too late to finish the book, knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep without knowing the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I loved the independence that the Colebrook Sisters make for themselves. I started this second book shortly after I finished the first - I was SO eager to continue the tale. I don't know why it didn't enrapture as the first did.

Life and my schedule intervened, and I don't know if I was too distracted to finish the book? Were there too many subplots that discouraged me from digging in? For whatever reason, I did not finish after about 30% in. PLEASE do not decide to read this just because of this review: It really could have been my fault.

Here's what I can share from that limited reading: The characters are consistent and engaging! I loved seeing people from the first book appear again, more satisfyingly developed and contributing to the plot. The uncomfortable family situation continues, such that it had me pulling for Gus (and Evan) and for Julia. The goal (at least my personal goal) of getting Gus and Evan fully together ... I'll miss knowing if that comes true because of my DNFing too early.

Anyway, hearty thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing early access to a digital copy. I will try again in the future!

3.75
Despite the cover and the genre conventions, this book deals with some very heavy subject matter and I would recommend checking trigger warnings before reading. I was honestly shocked by how bleak things got and was tempted to put the book down at a few points, but I'm glad I finished it.

The Colebrook sisters are a plucky pair who will do anything for those they love or for those forgotten by society. Augusta (or Gus) is determined to clear the name of her lover Lord Evan who is on the run from the law. They are also trying to keep Lord Evan's sister and her lesbian lover hidden, but of course, not all goes to plan and they are soon in over their heads investigating a nefarious London club.

A fun historical mystery romp!The author's passion shines through in this book. It has great potential to appeal to romance readers. I encourage others to try it out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

The historical details stayed strong in this one, making the setting really come to life. This included societal norms and contemporary events in history, which was wonderful. This book wasn't set up like the last, and instead of being a series of smaller cases, it resolved one of the major plot points from the previous work and set up more information on another major plot point that's yet to be resolved.

I felt a little more connected to the characters this time than I did in the previous work. There was solid character growth in this one for the two sisters, which I loved. It didn't feel forced and went hand-in-hand with the plot in a satisfying way. The thoughts of some of the characters got a little repetitive, as did the romance plot for two characters and the subplot relating to another two characters (can't give details due to spoilers), but it wasn't a major detractor. I do think that this work could have been many pages shorter and would have benefitted from a more stringent editing.

This work sets up nicely for a book three, which promises some international shenanigans and hopefully a final resolution of the main plot. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

So, I started out reading my ARC, but I was too slow and the book released and my preordered audiobook and my paperback arrived. Not complaining, it’s my own fault. But there is seriously something to be said for listening to a book while you read it. I’m at the age where brain fog is constant and I can’t remember squat. This method helps me, personally, focus at a level that keeps me engaged and less likely to check my phone and socials.

And it makes me love these novels even more. I’ve long been a fan of Alison Goodman, and I don’t think it’s fool hearty to say that there’s something in the water in Australia. The authors that come from the continent are just beyond amazing. I’ve literally never read a book by an Aussie that I didn’t like.

I don’t know how many books are planned for this series, but I could read the shenanigans of the Colebrook sisters forever, especially as Gus finds her more tender side and Julia finds her voice. As it is, there’s gonna be another book and it’s gonna be fancy. I’m thinking less blunderbuss and more décolletage. ;)

And I’m here for it because this book only barely whet my appetite for spinster sisters who are barely respectable and full of derring-do, highwaymen who are not criminals, and lawmen who stand by their principles. Plus, “beaus” keeping secrets of their own. It’s a sequel but it’s an entertaining one, and one that furthers the story rather than being a boring middle book.

I am loving this series and the second installment has only added to that love! It has all of those Bridgerton/regency vibes we love but with more scandal high stakes drama. I adore our female protagonists and that they are spinsters in their 40’s who are completely okay with that.

This book was so exciting and had me in the edge of my seat for 75% of it. I love the first person narration from Augusta and her snarky commentary. I’m glad we got to see more of the romances and am excited to see where things go in the next book!

I really enjoyed Alison Goodman’s The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies and was glad to return to the adventures of the Colebrook sisters in THE LADIES ROAD GUIDE TO UTTER RUIN.

This second book in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series is a continuation of the first, so Benevolent Society is not to be skipped. Goodman once again places the 42-year-old “spinsters” in danger as they seek to right the wrongs against Regency England’s most vulnerable. Using their courage and wits, Gus and Julia protect a lady from an asylum's horrors, save a young woman from a notorious gentlemen’s sex club, and investigate the wrongful sentencing of a man for murder.

I enjoy how these books are written in a style similar to historical romances, but with a focus on adventure instead. The sisters both have romantic interests, but those relationships serve to drive their risk-taking actions. Goodman also tends toward showcasing the darkest parts of Regency England, giving glimpses of life outside the aristocracy as the ladies meet sex workers, street dwellers, and deadly thugs. I appreciate how the author illustrates not only the powerlessness of women in all social spheres - how they were forced to rely on the goodwill of fathers and husbands - but also the ways that some more fortunate were able to carve out a life of independence.

The ending of book two does a great job of setting up the next adventure for the Colebrooks, and I look forward to the continuation of their story. I recommend this series to any reader who enjoys historical mysteries and adventures.

A delightful twist on historical romance type book when two spinster sisters living together decide to get out there and solve mysteries, help people in trouble, etc. They piss of their traditional brother with their escapades, fall in love with unsuitable gentleman, and generally lead the reader on an entertaining romp through the english countryside in the second installment of this series.

I'm sorry to have missed the first entry in this series, but delighted to catch up with book number two. Augusta and Julia Colebrook are 42 year old twins and members of the Aristocracy. They live together, are independently wealthy and their temperaments are more complimentary than like. Augusta takes risks and could care less about the gentry. Julia, who is battling a serious disease, holds herself out as more conventional and aware of their need to maintain appearances. Yet, each has already crossed that line by harboring Hester and her "companion' Miss. Grant while Hester recovers from being institutionalized by her brother in an insane asylum, a common place for women over many years when their families found them problematic. That was apparently the story of the first novel.

"Gus" and Julia each are in love with an inappropriate man. Gus, with Hester's brother who is illegally in the country, having been transported to Australia for killing a man in a duel. Julia, with a Bow Street Runner (predecessor to centrally organized policemen) who met them in connection with Hester's rescue. Now, Hester's other brother, the one who placed her in the asylum is homing in on the twins as the culprits, the twin's brother is helping and they must try to find a way to exonerate the illegally present brother and win back his good name. This indeed leads to a road trip during the Regency period, interfacing with some very evil members of the aristocracy and a club they have that is pernicious, and visits with various friends including encounters with Beau Brummell. A fun read.

I loved The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, and continue to enjoy Gus and Julia Colebrook's adventures as they pursue justice for Lord Evan. I am charmed by their slow burn romances with Lord Evan (Gus) and Mr. Kent (Julia). Their goal to protect vulnerable women and children is paired with the intense chemistry and fun frivolity of the cozy relationship between the neurodivergent Gus and her sister as well as the amazing cast of supporting characters. I am thoroughly charmed by this series and can't wait for the next escapade in this cozy Regency series.

I really enjoyed this book! Overall a 4.5 out of 5 for me. I found the mystery aspect compelling and wanted to figure out the problem. However, what I particularly enjoyed was the relationship development between the sisters as they navigate aging, falling in love with their respective love interests, becoming more independent, and discovering who they are as adults rather than who they were as children. As people age, their relationships change, and that includes the dynamics between siblings. Alison Goodman articulated these changes well.

There are some dark elements in terms of the mystery, women's rights, mental health, and sexual autonomy. I liked that Goodman doesn't shy away from describing the unsavory elements of being a woman in the 1800s, but check the content warnings.

Finally, I also loved that there is diversity and inclusivity.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
I received an ebook copy, and I did a combination of reading the ebook arc and an audiobook that I purchased.

I don't think I can continue with this series, it's too stressful. I made it through the last book a lot more easily because the main characters were such bright spots amidst the darker subject matter, and ultimately they put their skills and plans to good use and were able to help a lot of people. In this book it felt like everyone became at least a little less likable and a lot more jerked around by the plot. Old characters were a bit flatter and new characters had very little substance. I'm also getting a bit impatient with how some of the plots from the first book are dragging.

I'm still giving it 4 stars because this has many of the good qualities of the previous book and I appreciate the integration of the historical research into the story. The audiobook narrator is also once again doing a great job. The next book even sounds interesting in terms of where the plot is going, but I know myself and I'm most likely going to avoid it because I didn't like the headspace this one put me in. The present day still has so many injustices that it's too disheartening to think about how little things have changed from the past.

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder, Classism
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Rape

Mysterious, romantic, and entertaining!

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin sweeps you away to the British countryside during the early 1800s and into the life of the independent, reliable Lady Augusta Colebrook who, after falling for the escaped convict, Lord Evan, will do whatever it takes to help hide his sister from there spiteful brother, finally discover what despicable behaviours are really going on behind the closed doors of the Rack and Ruin club, and once and for all prove her beloved is actually innocent of all the crimes he was accused of.

The prose is witty and sharp. The characters are resourceful, vulnerable, and passionate. And the plot is a fulfilling blend of family, friendship, danger, desire, societal expectations, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, awkward moments, secrets, attraction, and true love.

Overall, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is another charming, adventurous, action-packed addition to the Ill-Mannered Ladies series by Goodman, complete with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten and satisfied!

I absolutely adored this second in the series from Alison Goodman. I have loved so many of her books that any time I see she has a new title out, I know it's going to be amazing. This story was certainly no exception. Augusta and Julia right the wrongs of society the way no one else can. I love that these books have plenty of the fun, fluffy parts of Regency romances that we all love so much, but also speak to the harsh realities that women faced. Goodman does a wonderful job balancing the two and producing a book that is both fun and insightful.

An interesting second installment in a series that seems to be trying to blend semi-comic, Regency mystery with something a bit grittier.

I think the former works better than the latter. Or at least makes for better reading. There is a lot of pretty serious violence towards women in these books, and sometimes it feels out of step with the tone and setting. I understand what Goodman is trying to do, and I think there’s a place for Historical Fiction that is perhaps more representative of actual history in this way. But I’ll be honest and say I don’t actually enjoy that all that much.

I find I prefer not to encounter this kind of violence outside of nonfiction, and never in something that at least purports to be a hybrid with Regency comedy. That said, if you’re willing to tolerate or seeking that kind of content, the disconnect between tone and content likely won’t bother you as much as it did me. Hence a four star rating for a book that I didn’t actually enjoy all that much at times, but recognize is well-crafted.

What I like about these is the sisters’ personalities and relationship, the way they navigate a desire to live freely in an era where that was nearly impossible for unmarried women, and the period detail, which is terrific and my favorite part of the series.

I’d like a somewhat lighter plot in future installments of the series, but there’s a lot about these that make them worth reading.

The Ladies’ Road Guide to Utter Ruin by Alison Goodman is a whip-smart Regency romp, filled with simmering, forbidden romances, 42-year-old twin sister sleuths, and a plot rich with details snipped straight from history. I loved the propriety and tension, the bond between the sisters, and the inclusion of LGBTQ characters whose plights reflect the brutal realities of the era—grounded in the author’s fascinating historical notes.

But be warned: beneath the delightful surface lies visceral darkness—murder, body-snatching, and acts of depravity that starkly contrast the period’s polished decorum. Goodman’s story is bold, clever, and compulsively readable. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first installment (yes, as many of you may already know, I didn’t realize this was book two!)—and I’ll be breathlessly awaiting the next.

August and Julia, twin sisters of a certain age (42) living in Regency England, are known for their strong opinions, quick wit, and strong moral opinions — much to the irritation of their brother, Duffy. Gus harbors affection for Lord Evan, who is an escaped convict on the run from the law. Julia, is genteelly flirting with Mr. Kent, a Bow Street Runner who is currently trying to recapture Evan. At the moment, the sisters are hiding Lord Evan’s sister, Hester, and her lover Miss Green, to keep them away from their vindictive brother.

Gus is also worried about Julia’s health, as she is suffering from breast cancer and is currently being treated by a doctor Gus doesn’t quite trust. Hester, hearing Deele is in London looking for her, is frantic to run and hide anywhere but here, while being too frail to endure a long carriage trip. Julia feels like Gus keeps making decisions for everyone — including her — and isn’t happy with her. Gus is helping Evan track down a doctor who may be part of the conspiracy that had Evan convicted of murder. Then, there’s Mullholland, another thief taker who has set his sights on Gus, guessing (correctly) that she may be the key to capturing Evan.

Between balls, midnight rides, shopping, and sneaking around, Gus is determined to save everyone because, of course, Gus knows best. Until she doesn’t.

This is the second book in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Everyone’s backstory unfolds naturally and easily, and I never felt like I was missing out on necessary information from the first book, though having enjoyed this one so much, I will be going back to read book one. There’s a lot of plot in this book, so much so that almost every character gets to have grand adventures, both good and bad … but it’s only Gus, through whose eyes the story is told, that has a chance at any real character development. At 42, Gus had thought she’d put the idea of love on the shelf until she met Evan. In him, she finds a kindred spirit, someone who thrives on action, who prefers to take care of others rather than be taken care of, someone whose fire for justice burns hot and bright. Gus is a good person, but she’s also a bit of a bully, convinced she knows best. When a plan needs to be made, it’s her plan; when someone needs to step up and do something, it’s always her.

In contrast, Julia, her twin, is more aware of social graces, with a large circle of correspondents who help inform her of gossip and give her options. Julia is a master of soft power, of friendships and soothing ruffled feathers. Dealing with her illness is made doubly hard, as Gus wants to be involved, to have an opinion, to fix it for her, when it’s something Gus can’t fix. And it’s not Gus whose sick, not Gus who is suffering. Julia is good natured, though, and understand her sister’s devotion; she’s just tired of it.

Evan, as a young man, got caught up in a sordid mess and ended up in a duel, where he shot and killed a man. Convicted of murder, he was exiled and spent 15 years in a penal colony. Now that he’s back in London he and Gus are trying to find out what really happened that night and who is responsible for the events that took his live away from him. He’s also trying to find some safe place for his sister as Hester has no rights to her own life. She is the property of her brother who can, legally, lock her away in an asylum for the rest of her life, simply for being in love with another woman.

Evan isn’t as well developed a character as Gus. He has no problems doing what Gus wants; whenever she calls for him, he comes, with no indication of how her constant demands infringe upon his own life or plans. He’s easy going, handsome, virtuous, and needs saving. He’s also a Lord. To be honest, I think Evan is fine as a character, but I do wish he had more of a personality.

Mr. Kent, Julia’s suitor, is not a member of the peerage. He’s clever, cunning, moral, kind, and infatuated. He’s willing to look the other way in the matter of Lord Evan because he, too, can see the plot around Evan, a plot which involves powerful lords, hired thugs, and who knows what else … a case that, if he is able to untangle it, may make a man’s career. And, perhaps, because in all the time he’s spent with Evan, the two men realize they don’t hate each other.

A lot of stuff is happening in the background, the foreground, the wings, behind the scenes, and everywhere else in this book. It’s busy, filled with intricate plotting and lovely historical details. I love historicals because they limit the characters and force them to play by the rules of society. Gus can do A and B, but not C, and so has to find a clever way to manage to get what she wants. She can’t just walk up to Evan and kiss him, she has to nod politely and keep a distance … which gives ample room for angst and longing and a build up of tension so that, when they do have a moment alone, the kiss has more meaning.

This is an excellent historical. It’s well researched, it’s clever, it’s funny, and Gus is quite the character. She has to learn to let other people have a say in their own lives, even if she thinks she knows best — and yes, sometimes she does. It’s also open ended as, at the end, Julia and Gus, accompanied by Evan and Kent are headed on a new adventure. I’m very curious to see where their story goes, and will be waiting eagerly for the next book.

Note: Trigger warnings for this book include: Gus cornered in an alley and manhandled, including threats of violence and unwanted touching, attempted rape (graphic and on page), murder, and constant threats of involuntary commitment (Hester’s brother wants to have her locked in a mental asylum).

It took me longer than I wanted to read this book. And it was because I couldn't get into it the same way I was into the first book.

I couldn't get enough of the first book. It had way more wit and gave me a few more chuckles than this one. Book 2 is an all-serious mystery. There are a few things about this one that just felt different from the first book. It almost felt like it was written by a different author!

Although I loved the constant action of this story, this book was one that, dare I say, needed more character development of some of the main characters.

For example, I actually disliked Hester and her partner because they were useless and did nothing to add to this story. They were just, there. This felt odd to me since they are one of the major topics of this entire book and a huge part in the last book.

Another example - Mr. Kent: it was as if he were a completely different character in this book compared to the first book. In book 1 he was hard on the rules, kind of a badass, and not a softie really much at all. This book, it's like he's beyond twitterpated since meeting Julia only a couple weeks ago and can barely function without her it seems lol. *eye roll*.

There are a lot of characters and names to keep up with in this one. Some of the character names I couldn't remember and probably should have written them down because they show up later on and had me confused a bit of who was who.

Lastly, maybe it was just me who got a bit lost at some of the focus points. For a while we were reading and focused on the mystery of the terrible gentleman's club. Then that isn't really much spoken about anymore and now we're focused on something else? The story seemed to jump like this and it lost me along the way. I suppose it tied together but the intense focus and then jump to something else to hyper focus on wasn't a smooth enough transition for me.

This one wasn't my favorite but I'd still recommend for regency era mystery lovers. (There's hardly any romance. All romantic gestures are briefly sprinkled in and only last for a sentence or two.)

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the advanced copy.

I received Book #2 in Goodman’s Ill-Mannered Ladies series from NetGalley, but I quickly realized this was a book I wanted to read properly, so I stopped and picked up the first book instead. I’m glad I did. These are definitely not stand-alone books as Book 2 follows directly from where Book 1 ends. I rarely read two books in a series back to back, but I enjoyed everything about these two. Now, I just have to wait for the next one.

The books are about two middle-aged sisters, Augusta and her twin Julia, in Regency England. The first book, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, begins with Gus and Julia attacking a man who’s threatened to ruin the reputation of their close friend. In their forties and well off the marriage market, no one is paying much attention to them, until they are asked to help rescue a friend’s sister from her abusive husband. That sets Gus and Julia off on a series of adventures involving an escaped convict, a Bow Street runner, and a horrific asylum. The adventures continue in Book 2, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin, and I won’t tell you any more about the story except that you should read them in order.

These are perfect books for those who love Jane Austen, books about Regency England, and historical fiction with strong female characters. But these books aren’t quiet and slow like an Austen novel, and the covers are a bit misleading. Think Pride and Prejudice, if Elizabeth and Jane Bennett were gun-wielding vigilantes.

One thing I really enjoyed is the focus on the sisters’ relationship. They are very close but also quite different. Julia is more concerned about propriety and makes an effort to maintain their relationship with their insufferable brother. Gus is hot-tempered but also clever and courageous and will do anything for her sister. The two balance each other and keep each other from going to extremes. But they also hold each other back at times.

Gus and Julia have the advantages of independent money and high-society status, and I liked that Goodman explores in both books how many lack those protections – and how precarious those protections can be. Gus is fearless but that’s because she’s never faced any real threats. Sadly, her adventures show her a world that’s much uglier than she realized.

I don’t know what to compare these books to. I think they’d appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews and Evie Dunmore, but they are much more adventure and action than romance and history. Goodman reminds me of Anne Perry in the way she uncovers some of the darkest abuses of the time, but at the same time her books are full of humor and witty banter. It’s a fantastic combination of history, thriller, and romance – and the covers are gorgeous, especially the second one. I highly recommend both books and can’t wait for the sequel I hope is coming.

Note: I received an advance review copy of Book 2 in the series from NetGalley and publisher Berkley Press. This book published May 6, 2025.