Oh my goodness this book was absolutely what I needed. I had been in a reading slump and this got me out of it!

This was the perfect book for a snowy day. I love the historical references and a little mystery is never a bad thing.

I enjoyed the characters a lot.

This was my first ARC/Net Galley read and I must say I loved it. I’m a sucker for a period piece and this one was well done.

You immediately love and respect the protagonist, Lady Petra Forsyth, and the other strong women she surrounds herself with. Petra and her friends are forced to navigate the world as “ladys” while trying to ensure their own rights and freedoms. The premise of the story is not only creative and thrilling, but also a strong commentary on past and present views of female health, as well as mental health in general.

My only real complaint is that I sometimes had trouble keeping all of the characters straight, since many of their names were similar. Additionally, I would have appreciated less fluff about secondary characters, and more one-one time between Petra and Duncan earlier on in the book.

Overall, it was a great read! That cliffhanger at the end made me even more excited for the next one!

What an interesting premise! Lady Petra is a spinster by insistence/choice at the age of 24. She is determined not to marry and equally determined to continue holding a grudge against her former best friend, the dashing Duncan. As Lady Petra begins to uncover a sinister scheme affecting the women in her social circle, she risks losing her status, her independence, and maybe even her life.

There are many things to like about the story and they mainly involve Petra - she is a fun character (though maybe too forgiving?). It took me a while to get into the story as there are many many characters introduced early on. As the story progresses and the mystery unfolds, I was hooked (and also distressed as the plot line of women being locked away without their consent is very grim). I will be thinking about that ending for a while. Recommended to anyone looking for a feminist mystery/romance without a tidy ending. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

A new cozy mystery by an author whose previous series I enjoyed. This was a good cozy mystery, a fast read. I had just finished several books on rather deep subjects and this book was a nice balance.

Fun book to curl up with on a. rainy day. Does not take itself too seriously. Fun escapism.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly what I hoped it was going to be: a fun and interesting story that I could sit and read in a day. I adored Petra and her little group of friends, especially Teddy. I look forward to reading the second book in this new series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

I actually really enjoyed this book.
I think Petra was a really engaging protaganist who was just so competent. I loved how well she knew herself and her needs. I love that she used every advantage she has to make her restrictive world work for her. I love that she was a genuinely kind person, who cares for her friends, and their well being. That she doesn't judge anyone's life choices, or identity.
I also liked how the world that was set up. Yes, it's a historical romance that takes place during regency England, but there is still a diverse (ish) set of characters. While not exactly racially diverse, there are different classes represented, and different sexualities, not to mention the many different personalities.
I think my only complaints with the book would be that many of the antagonists were so incredibly evil, they were almost comical. I also felt that the epilogue, and its final sentence especially, was unnecessary. The book tries to end in a bombshell that is clearly setting up another book. But I think that information would have been better if it was relayed to Petra by the main antagonist during the climactic scenes, as a way to sow doubt and conflict. And honestly, the chapter before served as a good epilogue on its own, so I think the author/editor should have made a choice between the last two chapters - it didn't need both.

What a great book! Very well written and engaging. If you are a fan of historical fiction, don't pass this one up. I really needed this as I 've been in a book slump for awhile. Highly recommend!

This new regency cozy series is the perfect series. I loved this book and I can't wait for the next one to see what else Petra gets into!
I just reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord
by Celeste Connally


Pub Date: 14 Nov 2023 When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord" by Celeste Connally, it was the best book I have ever read. It reminds me so much of a mixture between Sara Maclean & Stacy Reid style of writing. It's heartwarming, women empowerment, love have no boundary and Jane Austen in 2023.

Thank you!

I just reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. #NetGalley
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This was an interesting read. It's definitely a mystery with Bridgerton type vibes (solely because of the Regency era and gossip factor) which I thought was fun. The main plot line was entertaining, I liked that it was centred around this ridiculousness that was being a woman in that time period. This book really highlights how little control women had over their lives and the unfortunate results of men making decisions on their behalf. It touches on how little society understood mental health and I always appreciate a book that does a decent job with these topics.

That being said, the imagery in this was a little much for me personally. A lot of description, a lot of monologuing - it just isn't my preferred writing style. Some bits were a little bit dragged out, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters.

This novel is a perfect blend of Agatha Christie meets Bridgerton. Everything we love about a classic, “who done it?” ensconced with acerbic wit, charm, and poise of the Bridgerton era.

I gravitate towards strong female characters, and really enjoyed the mind and thoughtfulness of Lady Petra. She is certainly one to be admired.

Definitely a must read!

A must-read for every woman who wants to achieve her goals with grace and confidence. Brilliant! 🙌 Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

This was a quick and interesting read. I enjoyed Petra’s tenacity and intellect. She is a woman that would inspire even women today to do what they want and to heck with what society deems appropriate. She consistently outwits the men around her. Reader’s will find themselves feeling outraged for the women of the ton whose fathers and husbands don’t appreciate their value and individuality. I love the contrast between the men in society who are morons and intelligent supporters of the independent women. There is also a wide range of classes represented in a positive light, from Teddy the orphan to the woman who helps run the apothecary, and the servants who are all so helpful to Petra. I enjoyed this book.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, and a great cozy mystery. I enjoy books of this time period and the fact that it featured a woman who was a self declared spinster in a time when that was going against all the social norms for women was an interesting twist.

I enjoyed Lady Petra, found her to be well developed, strong and spunky, but was also caring of her friends and family.

The mystery element of this story was well written, it drew me in and kept me interested throughout. I’m also really hoping that this book is setting up to a series as the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger, and I hope that there will be another book where the author is able to investigate it.

The reason I only give 4 stars is that I sometimes found it difficult to keep all the secondary characters especially some of the lords and ladies straight as there are some with similar names and not a lot of defining characteristics to make them stand out from one another.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was not quite expecting the real mystery in this book, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the story.

I love Petra's character and her ability to be herself, regardless of what others think.

I am glad this book ended in a way that opens it up for more to follow!

There are many good qualities with this book, but at the same time, I wasn't as invested as I usually am for other Regency-era books I've read. I mean, it's got a strong feminist vibe and good mystery, but lacks romance.Overall, this was pretty fun, regardless, I am open to reading the sequel when it comes out.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this story about Petra and her investagative skills. The way she stumbles upon the mystery was interesting and I was shocked by some parts being very progressive and coming out of nowhere and felt anachronistic until I got used to Connally's writing style and understood the characters a little better.

I liked Petra as a character and her friends and her lady's maid were so fun and I loved her banter with her former best friend, and while I thought this was bringing soem enemies to lovers energy I was suprised at how it played out and it felt new. The cliffhanger at the end was a good twist and I am looking forward to book two!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I cannot begin to explain my love for this book. As you can tell by my reviews, I’m a lover of Regency and Victorian romances. This book is a fabulous spin on the typical Regency romance…

Petra is a self-proclaimed spinster after he fiancé dies suddenly 3 weeks before their wedding. Duncan, her best friend, has come back to London after 3 years on the Continent. They have not spoke these 3 years due to harsh words prior to his leaving.

What makes this book different is the mystery aspect. Petra notices strange happenings. Women of her acquaintance begin to go missing or are dead and it isn’t adding up. She discovers that they may be locked up in a private asylum.

I’ll leave you with this. But let’s just say that I think we haven’t seen the last of Lady Petra and Duncan….

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There was a touch of romance in the story, but it was minimal and not truly central to the story, thus I would consider this more a mystery than a romance. The mystery at the heart of the story was captivating and built a tension that kept me turning the page long after I should have gone to bed. Petra was well written, a headstrong female character determined to live the way she wished, and not how others believed she should live. Petra is also loyal and dependable to those whom she considers friends. When a drunk former suiter accuses her of having “sapphic tendencies” in front of others at the ball, she does not defend herself and deny it despite it being untrue, because she feels she would be “diminishing the hearts and feelings of friends like Juddy, Captain Smythe, and even a dear female cousin…” Overall, a very enjoyable read, and the ending seems to indicate there may be another book in the future, which I hope to look forward to.

Regency-era mystery with some romance thrown in. Lady Petra Forsyth is a likeable, strong-willed heroine who looks into the disappearances and/or deaths of several women. There was a lot of exposition and world-building, which makes sense since this will apparently be the first in a series. The mystery was straightforward and easy to solve if the reader has previously read many novels (mystery or romance) set in this period. Lady Petra is an interesting character - smart, strong-willed, independent, determined - interesting enough to forgive her for a couple of dumb, out-of-character decisions made toward the end of the story. The ending was a cliffhanger, which I do not like, but I will still read the next in the series. Four out of five stars. Thanks to #Minotaur and #NetGalley for the ARC.

This book has been hotly anticipated on Goodreads and every book blogger has written about it so it has been on my to read shelf for a while. I was so grateful for the opportunity to read it and it was even better then I expected. I am a huge Bridgerton fan so I applaud Petra for standing up to the societal norms of that time. I loved following her journey through the misogyny lense- she was underestimated which allowed her access to information because she wasn't viewed as a threat. I really would love a series from this author like a Lady Petra Detective Agency or something.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, and a great cozy mystery. I enjoy books of this time period and the fact that it featured a woman who was a self declared spinster in a time when that was going against all the social norms for women was an interesting twist.

I enjoyed Lady Petra, found her to be well developed, strong and spunky, but was also caring of her friends and family.

The mystery element of this story was well written, it drew me in and kept me interested throughout. I’m also really hoping that this book is setting up to a series as the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger, and I hope that there will be another book where the author is able to investigate it.

The reason I only give 4 stars is that I sometimes found it difficult to keep all the secondary characters especially some of the lords and ladies straight as there are some with similar names and not a lot of defining characteristics to make them stand out from one another.

I absolutely loved this story with it's feminist, strong main character! The whole book is a fun and entertaining read with an powerful and uplifting message to all women. I love the witty title and banter between characters. Just a fun escape of a novel!

Thank you for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Any reader who loves historical mystery and romance would be attracted to the cover and title of this book, but the wit and charm of the writing take this into “favorite read” territory.

A strong and sometimes outrageous female main character is a mainstay on this genre, but Celeste Connolly gives Lady Petra Forsyth a backstory that is achingly beautiful…and conveys a personal tragedy in just a few, beautifully crafted sentences. This isn’t some carbon copy heroine. She has weathered profound sadness after the loss of a fiancé and she also feels rejected by her closest friend, someone who has just reappeared after being away from London for a few years.

The main storyline deals with society women who have gone missing. Petra’s friend died several weeks ago and the friend’s husband didn’t tell Petra. One of her friend’s former servants says he saw his employer just days ago. Petra decides to find out what happened to her friend and other women who have gone missing. Her childhood friend tries to keep Petra safe as she investigates and tension abound when they interact.

Throw in a sweet street urchin who Petra attempts to care for and employ, plus some adorable dogs, and you have a wonderful cast for what is hopefully the strong of a long series.

The best part: the ending manages to be happy while also setting up a sequel with a huge twist.

The first 60% or so was enjoyable but not unputdownable. But once it hit that 60% mark (somewhere around chapter 21/22) I was so invested and couldn’t stop reading.
It did get a bit darker than I expected or cared for (maybe I should have expected it given the blurb).
That being said, I’m always impressed when an author gives me second hand embarrassment or, like in this case, second hand anger. I was feeling this even before Petra found out the extent of the evilness of the bad guy.

What a good story, historical fiction with a modern context and modern implications. I was amazed how similar we are in today’s world. Sometimes seems like we’re going backward again. I enjoyed Petra and her bravery, she was a character I admired. If you like great women’s fiction with a historical twang, you should definitely read this book!

When I read the blurb that said Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Lord was "Bridgerton meets Status Christie" I knew all I needed to know. This was wonderful I and I'm glad to know this will be a series. it reads fast (which I love) and has a good mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital review copy.

I found this historical romantic mystery to be precisely what I needed when I needed it.

It wasn't a stuffy and slow-moving historical, it had wit and candour and levity, relatable characters and modern struggles in a Regency-era period. It was mystery-forward with a slight romantic subplot. Remember that if you come to this book for a primarily romantic story, you will risk being disappointed. It is primarily a mystery, which is why I enjoyed it so much.

It combined cozy mystery with a Regency-era setting, added a cup of feminism, a dash of romance and a sprinkle of spinster pride. As a happily childfree and unmarried person, I felt a connection to the FMC and was invested in her chosen lifestyle.

I didn't realize until the 90% point of this book (when I started looking at other reviews) that it is actually the start of a series. I cannot wait until November 2023 when this book is released and I can start widely recommending it to family and friends. And the even longer wait until the next in the series is released...

You will think it will be an easy wait for the next in the series until you read the very.... last.... sentence...

Bridgerton vibes? Sign me up. Throw in some Agatha Christie vibes too? Even better.
Immediate dislike of Uncle Tobias, whose comparisons of Petra to a horse were infuriating, not to mention his gaslighting later on.
But wait, the gaslighting!!! It’s so sad how easy it was for men to gaslight women and then be believed in earlier times. Shoot, it still happens today. The fact that evil men such as Uncle Tobias and Drysdale exist! Bellingham too! And to think her father so easily believed these other men… The hatred that men had for independent women…is had my blood boiling.

But the ending?! What?! There has to be a sequel, I’m hoping. Ultimately, I loved this book. It had me hooked very early on, just how I like it

Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for approving me for this ARC!

This one eased quite slowly into the mystery. It really set the historical stage, which made for a slow start, but a good foundation.

I enjoyed watching this character fight to make her own path, despite societal and familial expectations. The mystery itself was quite delayed and then quite slow, and I wish it had been a bigger focus to the story.

That being said, it was a good read, with building suspense, disturbing elements based on history, and an overall enjoyable read!

I didn't like the last chapter and how it left off. I m assuming it's to set up for a second book, but I still didn't like that little tweak.

Thank you to NETGALLEY and MINOTAUR BOOKS for the ARC!

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley, St. Martin Press and Minotaur Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Regency era comes a new mystery series that gives you a new and exciting read. A time when ladies are not expected to act prim and proper and not meddle into murders. A charming series that have the potential to be another favourite.

We meet Lady Petra who was toe be married until her fiancé suddenly passes away. She begins to become an outcast in society ass rumors are saying that she’ll never marry.

Her friend suddenly disappears and is presumed, Petra will find herself seeking answers. An entertaining story of a head strong female who does not conform to the time. A promising start to a new series.

If Enola Holmes were little older and more jaded.

When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and love match dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking public proclamation that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, thanks to an inheritance from her late mother, Petra sees no reason to give up her freedom to marriage. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of an asylum, Petra vows to use her social status to dig deeper. But will diving headfirst into this investigation cost Petra her freedom and independence. And how does her childhood confidant, Duncan’s, return to London fit into all this?

I think the premise and the set-up is quite enjoyable. I also think the ending is intriguing and left me feeling content for now. Frankly, the idea of wealthy men throwing their wives and daughters, who became too hard to control or too much of a nuance to bother trying, into an asylum under the care of a shifty physician has historical merit. And I love a feminist spin on a period piece. It’s an easy, fun read. And I would gladly read another story in this universe.

Historical intrigue romance
Ms. Connally brings a tale of romance and intrigue to the table. Petra and Duncan played together as youngsters, but circumstances created a parting of the ways and she resented his lack of connection.
She became aware of sinister happenings and set out to find out who was responsible.
I liked the story, it flows well and does create emotions, although I thought Petra’s disappearance didn’t match her portrayal. Just sayin’. I recommend to fans of historical intrigue.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the series. Lady Petra is an interesting protagonist. She is single by choice, unusual in the Regency era, and has money and property in her own right, which encourages her natural independence, in a time when female independence is unacceptable. When she uncovers a scheme meant to keep the women of her class very dependent, she’s feisty enough to take on the villains and the social norms that make it easy for them to commit such a crime. I’m eager to see what comes next.

I loved the start of this new historical fiction series. It was fresh, smart, snappy and extremely satisfying. It is 1815 and Lady Petra has recently caused a stir in society when she expressed her intention to stay single after the untimely death of her fiancé. Her father is a forward thinker who supports his daughter but her uncle is demanding that she marry. When Lady Petra's friends start disappearing to the country "for their health" and some are said to have died, Lady Petra becomes suspicious, especially after one of the footmen say that they saw their former employer, Lady Gwen, very much alive in London after her supposed death. But before Lady Petra can further question him, he is found stabbed to death. Soon Lady Petra learns more about the house in the country, run by Mr. Drysdale, where women are being sent by their husbands for "treatment." Some may truly need medical attention but most are just meddlesome to their husbands because they speak their mind or dare to seek independence. Lady Petra soon learns that her uncle plans to send her to the country but she has a secret ally to help her escape. Friends since childhood, Lady Petra and Duncan were inseparable until he was sent to oversee his families interests on the continent. He has returned to England and he is teaming up with Lady Petra, her lady's maid, Annie, and her best friend, Lady Caroline, to help save the women at Mr. Drysdale's asylum. I highly recommend and will definitely continue with the series. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Petra Forsyth is a feminist in a man's age. Taking place in 1815, this novel highlights the oppressive times that a woman had to face. She chooses to rebel in some minor and, in some cases, major protests.

But other, more sinister things are occurring. The wives and daughters of members of the British upper class are disappearing. Lady Petra discovers that they are being sent to a sadist man who derives entirely too much joy from his reprogramming efforts. Because of her rebellious ways, her uncle decides that she needs to be reprogrammed also.

I really enjoyed this novel. Besides being very well written, it gave a wonderful view of a forgotten time and lifestyle. The characters were well-developed. The plot moved along nicely. The ending was a bit predictable but was still fun. My only complaint with the book was an unusual one. The author has a fascination with eye color. With every character, she focused on what color there eyes were...over and over. I bet eye color was mentioned over a hundred times! It got to be a bit of a joke and distracted from the overall quality of the book. But, it's a minor complaint. All in all, I loved this book.

Thank you to @Celeste Connally and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This was a refreshing take on historical fiction. I enjoyed that while there was romance, it was not the main storyline of the book, and while men helped save the day, it was the women of this story who did most of the dirty work!

This will be a favourite for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a touch of romance & danger.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord introduces us to Lady Petra Forsyth - independent Regency woman, and self-declared spinster. When women of the ton start disappearing and/or suddenly dying, and their husbands don't seem to care, Petra investigates a shady doctor, and his asylum in the English countryside. Celeste Connally has written a charming, fast-paced, historical cozy (with a little bit of romance thrown in!), and I really enjoyed it! The ending features a teaser for a second book in the series, and I am very much looking forward to reading it as well! 5 stars!!!

After Lady Petra Forsyth's fiancé died and she felt betrayed by her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, along with the inheritance from her mother, she decides not to marry . Going from her home at Buckfields to begin a season of parties with her friends, she encounters Duncan who is polite but cold.
She also learns that a dear friend, Gwen, Lady Milford, had died but Gwen's fired servant said he just saw her alive. When the servant is murdered she starts to hear about more deaths and illnesses that are tied to a certain doctor and his sanitarium. Now Petra needs the help of her friends, especially Duncan, to get to the bottom of this mystery, but in doing so she may be putting herself in danger.
An enjoyable and interesting historical romantic mystery with a fierce heroine who has friends that believe in her.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-galley of "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord".

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a thrilling regency era mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intricately woven, making it a truly enjoyable read.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the unexpected twist at the end. The last sentence set up a sequel in a way that was both surprising and intriguing. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Overall, I highly recommend Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord to anyone who loves historical fiction, mysteries, or just a good story. It's a four-star read that's sure to keep you engaged and entertained.

The description is right, this book is Bridgerton meets Agatha Christy!! 10/10 would recommend for those into mystery and regency ear works. It is a little predictable, but the story and plot really held my attention!

The author writes from a perspective that is observant of the environment as is to leave foreshadowing throughout the book.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, Celeste Connally
Mystery/Suspense, Romance

The second in a series, Connally’s work challenges her readers to challenge social restrictions and step outside their comfort zones. The book is understandable without having read the first, but I do plan to. Again, I’m initially drawn to this book because it is set in the time of Austen. Austenites are always looking for the adjacent read. While this book is significantly from Austen on the surface, I’m thinking Petra and Elizabeth Bennett Darcy would likely be friends. Petra is recovering from the loss of her husband and still reeling from the loss of her friendship with Duncan. After declaring her intent to remain a spinster, she has drawn the wrath of her Uncle Tobias who doubts her ability to make such a decision, she is working to maintain her place in society. At a ball she learns of the death of her acquaintance Lady Milford and the involvement of Drysdale and his asylum for “hysterical” women. Young Martin, who has useful information, is brutally murdered before he can share it. Petra is determined to find out what is happening. Against all common sense she finds herself deeper involved and more in danger every day.
Petra has a mind of her own and like Elizabeth Bennett will remain true to herself when others might find her crazy. I mostly admired her except when I wanted to urge her to calm down. I guess if she had, countless women would have continued to suffer in the fraudulent asylum. She is intelligent, resourceful, daring, and a bit stubborn. She has help from her best friend, young Teddy from the street, and I look forward to seeing him develop as the series grows. Because of my not reading the first books, I am not fully sure that I understood Duncan completely, but I enjoyed the dynamic between him and Petra. The ending clearly hints that we will see more of them together, or not.
I would absolutely recommend this to my Austen reading friends, my mystery loving friends, and my friends who prefer a gentle romance. It is a good reminder of how far women have come. I love that Petra is true to herself as she navigates her independent future, and I love the challenge to the reader to get to know herself (or himself, of course) and to live accordingly. The book also served, for me, as an uncomfortable reminder of how much we still need to progress with regard to how we deal with mental health. I was scared at the lack of power the women in this book had and the treatment they received. While I know we know more and are doing better at taking care of all people, I feel we still fail more than we should in areas of mental illness and health. I like that this book provokes this kind of thinking in the reader.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is an engaging first in the Lady Petra Inquires series by Celeste Connally. This book is a gem with many facets! I enjoyed this historical cozy mystery set against the unique backdrop of the Regency era. The author seamlessly weaves together many different elements making it an irresistible read for fans of the historical cozy genre.
I especially loved the courageous and intelligent main character, Lady Petra Forsyth, who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery surrounding the supposed death of a friend. As she navigates society’s social circles Petra discovers a sinister plot brought about by formidable villains. One being a “doctor” and the other her own uncle!
The author paints a vivid picture of the Regency era and Ms. Connally’s attention to detail creates an enjoyable experience for the reader. Along with a bit of romance, the unraveling of this well-planned mystery kept me guessing until the very. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am anxious to read the next in this series.

A bit to wordy at times, but still an excellent story of women who stood strong when it was frowned upon and the lengths some men would go to attempting to control them.

This was a very, very good book. It has a mix of feel-good Regency romances along with the intensity and darkness of a murder mystery. It was refreshing to read a romance that takes place during this time that had the added layers and urgency that comes with a mystery so closely linked to society’s ills. Many of the scenes and descriptions sound actually like they had been written in a novel of this time, owing to their level of detail and cleverness.

Lady Petra is a great blend of kindness and conviction, and I loved the childhood friends trope that was brought out through her relationship with Duncan. While I would have wished for some more interaction between the two in real-time throughout the story, it was still very beautiful and their love felt palpable and strong to read about.

P. S. The very, very end of the book made my heart stutter a little and my eyes go wide, so I certainly hope to read more about Lady Petra and this universe of characters soon! I would love to know what happens next!

Lady Petra Forsyth is a rarity in her Regency society circles. An independent woman of means, she has announced that she is happy to remain a "spinster", after the death of her beloved fiance. Her father supports her, she has a loyal staff and good friends and she is determined to figure out why her childhood best friend, newly returned to town, cut off communication with her 3 years ago. She becomes aware of a disturbing trend as a number of her female acquaintances are mysteriously disappearing and even inexplicably dying. With the assistance of her staff and friends, and a charming street urchin, Lady Petra is determined to figure out what is going on, even at great risk to her own safety.

This is the first in a series, and has some simililarities with Katherine Schellman's Lily Adler series, of which I am a big fan. Petra is more outspoken than Lily, but she is backed up with a similar crew (particularly that urchin, and the presence of the Bow Street Runners). This book starts off quite light, but the final chunk of the book gets fairly dark, which I was not expecting, and that was challenging for me. The supporting cast here is very well drawn, including Petra's dear friend Lady Caro, whose romantic situation allows for some exploration of the not uncommon dynamic where a gay man of the aristocracy marries a woman who fully understands who he is, and chooses to allow both of them to live a full romantic life, while maintaining a marriage of mutual respect and friendship. The book also deals very plainly with the overwhelming misogyny of the time period, and many readers will find that they can relate to social situations Petra has to deal with.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with engaging characters and a plot that tackles some serious issues along the way. 3. 75 stars rounded up to 4.

This book gave me such boss Woman vibes. I thought about the movie Think Like A Man but it was the 1800’s version. It was soo good I couldn’t put the book down at all.