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.

I've really loved Alexandra Vasti's regency romances and thought I would love this one! Unfortunately the writing style was a bit hard for me to follow and ultimately led me to not become invested in the story. This book would be perfect for those who loved the first book in the series or regularly like to read regency romances.

I really enjoyed this book! Like the first in the series, it focuses on the lives of two "spinsters" and their adventures and love life. The men are supporting (and supportive) characters, with the women leading the way in solving the mystery.

Ladies Augusta and Julia Duffield are trying to find a long term solution to the problem of Lady Hester and Miss Grant, who are in hiding from Hester's brother, Lord Deele. Deele wants to send Hester back to the asylum for loving a woman. Unfortunately, he is her guardian and has the legal right to do so. The Duffield ladies rescued her at the end of the first book in this series, along with Hester's other brother, Evan. They are also trying to keep Evan safe, as he is on the run from the law after his false conviction of murder twenty years ago. Gus is also worried about her sister's health, their brother's insistence in micromanaging their affairs, and how she can clear Evan's name.

The best describer of this book is adventurous. Is you love strong female characters in your historic mysteries, you'll enjoy this series!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

Delightful, comical, and absolutely charming! The Colebrook sisters are at it again—defying the expectations of high society, causing just the right amount of chaos, and bravely taking matters into their own hands to protect their friends. Their wit, heart, and knack for finding trouble make this story a total joy to read. It’s a perfect mix of humor, mischief, and sisterhood. I adored every page and sincerely hope there's a third installment on the horizon!

The Ill Mannered Ladies are back! Twins Augusta and Julia are 42 year old spinsters with a penchant for helping other women get out of trouble. And in 19th century patriarchal London there is no shortage of women who need their help. This series is simply fabulous!

Though there are certain humorous aspects to the story, Goodman doesn’t shy away from giving a full picture of the women’s vulnerability in this era. TLRGTUR takes Gus and Julia into the underbelly of secret clubs in London, and how women were preyed upon and exploited without the protection of respectability and family money. It’s an ugly reality that I appreciated as books set in this time generally romanticize the period to a degree that can erase these horrible trusts that coexisted with a Bridgerton backdrop.

I love it when Authors mix up genres and that is what we have here. It is part historical fiction, part suspense mystery and part romance. It all comes together in a thoroughly enjoyable balance. I can’t wait to see what these two badass women ( and the men that fall for them) have ahead in future books.

4.5 rounded up.
Welcome to the Colebrook sisters, the protagonists of The Ill-Mannered Ladies series who live gloriously independently of both societal expectation and fear of family reprisal in the face of doing what’s right by their loved ones and society. The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is book 2 in the series featuring these dynamos and I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC read from Berkley. My biggest advice-read book 1 first! It took me awhile to catch up but once I got through about the first 1/3 I picked up on enough to get back up to speed to appreciate the story. The Colebrook sisters are dynamos, and it’s refreshing to read a story about older women during this period of time. The central mystery is intriguing, but I think a reread/listen of book 1 is the best plan to fully immerse yourself in this plot. This is a must read for historical fiction fans who like a dash of romance and a whole lot of justice. Thanks to Berkley for the ARC-I can’t wait for book 3!

A fun adventure story, set in Regency England, starring a brave, impulsive, and intelligent woman. I thought the author did a good job balancing historical fiction, romance, thrills, violence, and feminism in a story that reminded me of how it felt to read The Wolves of Willoughby Chase when I was nine. I hadn't read the first book in this series, and while I was able to figure out what was going on, it would be wise to start with the first of the Ill-Mannered Ladies adventures, as this one drops you right into the middle of an ongoing story.

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is the second in Alison Goodman’s Ill-Mannered Ladies series and follows directly on the action of the first book, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies. And what an action packed story this turns out to be. Lady Augusta and Lady Julia are once again united in offering assistance to Lady Hester, sister of the beleaguered Lord Evan, and her close friend, Miss Grant, protecting them from the other brother that would return Hester to an asylum. And there is the continuing struggle to find proof of Evan’s innocence of a 20 year old crime. This series follows on traditions established years ago for regency era romances but does push the limits well beyond the days of Georgette Heyer.

What a romp this book is! So much happens and there are surprises and cliffhangers around many corners. Gus and Julia flaunt codes of their time to help those in need as they are able. And love appears to have entered each of their lives. Goodman provides historical background on some of the real characters used fictionally in this novel in a helpful and interesting afterword I recommend reading.

The ending of this book guarantees a third installment…I’m looking forward to reading it! And I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, historical romance and period dramas.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. This review is my own.

Gus and Julia are back in another adventure, using their skills and resources to help women and children find a better, safer life. This is book #2 in the series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, it's much more enjoyable if you've read the first book. As the sisters help the Belford family, they will investigate the accusations that placed Lord Belford in prison.
If you love Regency mysteries, especially those with a little romance mixed in, you'll love the Colebrook twins and their adventures.

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is the second book in the Ill-mannered Ladies series, and it’s as much fun to read as the first book (The Benevolent Society of Ladies).

Goodman’s writing immerses the reader into the world of Regency England with its rigid gender and societal roles. Lady Augusta (Gus) Colebrook, and to a lesser degree her twin sister, Julia, are at odds with these expectations. They are independently wealthy, which sets them apart even more. Gus is forever butting heads with their brother, Lord Duffield Colebrook and his wife, Harriet, much to the despair of Julia. But what the contemporaries of the Colebrook twins don’t know is they’ve made it their life’s work rescuing and protecting the women and children on the edges of society. In this novel, Goodman sets the reader among the Georgian gentlemen’s clubs, a dark, seedy, and at times violent world.
But the women don’t work alone. Lord Evan is an escaped convict and the love of Gus’s life. And Julia has fallen for Mr. Kent, a Bow Street agent (policeman). Neither relationship falls into acceptable standards for the two women. They are also supported by their loyal staff. Weatherly is their unflappable butler. Tully is Gus’s loyal lady’s maid. Their close friend Charlotte, Countess Davenport, supports Gus and Julia’s unconventional choices.

A well-written cast of characters live in these books; people I wish existed in real life. In addition to the characters, the book also has snappy dialogue and humor throughout. Goodman has written a book that is just fun to read, with a well-paced plot, spunky characters, and mysteries not easily solved.
5/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for a free e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Lady Julia and Lady Augusta (Gus) Colebrook are forty-two-year-old unmarried twins. The hot-tempered Gus had a serious falling out with her brother, Lord Duffield, who treats his sisters with maddening condescension. Fortunately, the women have their own income and live in a comfortable home with devoted servants who attend to their every need. Whereas Julia prefers not to call attention to herself, Augusta is an outspoken and impulsive individual who risks her life to help victims of injustice.

In "The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin," by Alison Goodman, someone has sent a ruffian to track down and execute Lord Evan Belford, a fugitive who refuses to leave England until he can ensure the safety of his sister, Hester. When she decided to set up house with the woman she loves, Hester's other brother and legal guardian, Lord Deele, had her confined to an insane asylum. Thanks to the efforts of Lady Augusta and others, Hester escaped, but Deele is determined to recommit her.

This multifaceted story has humorous dialogue, satirical passages, violent confrontations, and biting social commentary. The author explores such themes as the gulf between the idle rich and working poor; the hypocrisy, misogyny, and arrogance of certain members of the nobility; and the scandal generated when a high-born person falls in love with a person deemed unsuitable by society. Although the novel is weighed down by one too many plot lines, "The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin" is, on the whole, an entertaining and action-filled tale of good vs. evil that will please fans of Regency-era romantic fiction.

This is a fun and sassy historical romance book! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and uh didn’t disappoint. It was funny, whitty and had a mystery vibe to it. It also had strong and force FMC’s that women who support women.

I really enjoyed another adventure of the spinster twins!! They really know how to entertain🤣 I would definitely suggest to read the first book in the series…there is not a lot of background info. Definitely recommend this book!!

Lady Augusta and her twin sister Julia may be dismissed as old maids by society, but they’re secretly rescuing women society forgets. When Lord Evan’s sister needs protection, the sisters step in—only to be pulled into a dangerous mystery tied to Evan’s past. Murder, bounty hunters, and buried secrets threaten everything—including new love and fragile freedom.

I made the mistake of jumping into book two without reading the first—and while I could follow along, I wouldn’t recommend it. This is absolutely not a standalone. It gives away the entire plot of the first book (which now I might skip—oops) and assumes you already know everyone and everything.
That said… the writing? Phenomenal. Clever, quick-paced, and layered with wit. The twin sisters, Gus and Julia, are an utter delight—sharp-tongued, strong-willed, and constantly getting into the kind of trouble that makes for a wildly entertaining read. Honestly, the characters are just as much the draw as the plot itself.

While the mystery kept me intrigued, I did find myself losing steam a few times. Still, the themes—especially the value and vulnerability of women in Regency society—are handled with depth and boldness. There’s a thread of romance, too, but make no mistake: this is a mystery through and through, not a love story.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of danger, dry humor, and daring women who don’t wait to be rescued, you’ll have a great time. Just promise me you’ll start with book one.

Perfect for you if you like:
Regency sleuths
Women who refuse to stay in their place
Dry humor
Sister-led chaos

Similar to:
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain

⛔️closed door romance
⚠️mild-moderate language, brutality of women, disturbing violence