The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

The Ill-Mannered Ladies, Book 1

By: Alison Goodman

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

A Washington Post Best Mystery Novel of 2023

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.

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 and injures 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. 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.

©2023 Alison Goodman (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"If you love Georgette Heyer, you'll love The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies. 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! This delightful novel has it all!"—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of The Plot and the Pendulum

“A refreshing new arrival on the historical mystery scene! A wise, kind, and sharp-tongued sleuth solves crime in a well-portrayed Regency England. A must-read for lovers of the Regency and historical mysteries alike."—Jennifer Ashley, New York Times bestselling author The Secret of Bow Lane

“A vibrant tale of two plucky women of a certain age who craved more from life than merely attending tea parties and balls, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is 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, USA Today bestselling author of Her Lost Words

I love love LOVED this story!

Unable to stop listening. Perfect narrator choice. I can't wait for the next book!

Fantastic

I was thoroughly engaged with the characters and the stories. What I loved the most is that so many social issues of the time period is discussed, and the story kept me on the edge of my seat.

Flawless

So good. A great portrait of a woman’s lot in regency England with strong protagonists and fun adventures. So sad to come to the end. Can’t wait for the next installment.

So enjoyable. I looked forward to every listen!

Wow! I absolutely enjoyed this story! I can’t wait for more! I hope it’s a series!
Historical with light romance. I fell in love with the characters especially the twin sisters. Narrator was awesome! Really made it come alive. Kind of reminded me of a role Katherine Hepburn would embrace.

Surprisingly good book. Highly recommend.

Something about the artwork on the cover made me think this would be a light and silly but entertaining book. It is so much more! The twin sisters Gus & Julia are bright, strong willed and very brave. The brothel rescue was heart racing and, I don't want to give anything away so I will just say it is worth the ride. Excellent storyline and narrator. I thoroughly enjoyed it and very much look forward to the next in the series.

I loved it

After finishing the book, the best part of the book is the deceitful cover. I know, I know don't judge a book by its cover and this book proves it. It's cover is simple and beautiful and it's story within is so much deeper. I went in blind, because really it's one of the best ways to go into stories, and was caught off guard by the darkness, not in a bad way but in a this feels so...real...way. I truly hope for a sequel!

An original story

I loved this book for its originality and the story of these “I’ll.mannered ladies “. I only hope they are up to more hijinks in the future The narrator is terrific.

Clever, empowering, amusing and compelling!

Narration was very professional, well paced, and diverse.
The story was descriptive and well written and nicely balanced with dialogue. I had marvelous scenes pictured in my mind‘s eye while listening to the story. I’m ready for the sequel.

Cheeky Mystery

Absolutely enjoyed this read! It was suspenseful yet at the same time full of tongue-in-cheek humor. Such a very different approach to a mystery. Very refreshing and compelling. Loved it!

Women guaranteed to make you smile!

Lady Augusta is a woman after my own heart: brazen, loyal, and out to right wrongs. Lady Julia is her loving, level-headed sister and side-kick. Between them the world is certain to be a better place!

LOVED the narration, it was spot on!