The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

'Just wonderful . . . this book deserves to be the new Bridgerton' THE LADY 'Goodman's ladies are the undercover Regency heroes we've been waiting for! This is sparkling, thrilling, romantic fun' TONI JORDAN A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an 'old maid' to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman. What readers are saying: 'Taut, exciting, in turns angry, funny and poignant, with a fabulous romantic subplot, this is the new regency series I didn't know I was waiting for. Highly, highly recommended' 'A fabulous read, full of compelling characters with wit and depth, heart breaking and heart pounding moments make this a complete page turner' 'What a thrilling ride this book was!' 'This book was an absolute riot to read. The central cast is very well fleshed out and are a joy to get to know' 'A really refreshing regency read that's a little bit different!' ......................... Lady Augusta Colebrook, 'Gus', is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents itself: to rescue their friend's goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband. The sisters set out to Caroline's country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. With Lord Evan injured and unconscious, the sisters have no choice but to bring him on their mission to save Caroline. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan. Back in London, Gus can't stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need-society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins. A rollicking and joyous adventure, with a beautiful love story at its heart, about two rebellious sisters forging their own path in Regency London. ......................... 'If you love Georgette Heyer, you'll love [this]. Smart and sassy and featuring heroines of a certain age, this is the Regency I've been waiting for. Adventure! Mystery! A touch of romance!' JENN MCKINLAY 'A must-read for lovers of the Regency and historical mysteries alike' JENNIFER ASHLEY 'A truly delightful romp through the Regency period. Alison Goodman has crafted a feminist adventure story that will have you cheering on the unconventional Colebrook sisters in all their exploits' STEPHANIE MARIE THORNTON 'Part heart-racing adventure, part gothic mystery, part tantalizing romance, and wholly wonderful' JOANNA LOWELL