The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

The Ill-Mannered Ladies, Book 1

By: Alison Goodman

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Another book coming

I knew going in that this book sold as a two book deal so that the ending would necessarily have to be a cliff-hanger for the next book and braced myself for it because I kind of hate that, feel manipulated in a way, BUT I have to say Alison found a way to end this book so that I was satisfied as I finished, and also interested and even excited to read the next book, whenever it comes out.

She also created a heroine stuck in a repressive situation who doesn't whine and complain but takes action and that felt satisfying when I feel like I've come across a lot of books more on the whiny side.

So, do recommend, enjoyed it a lot.

Enjoyable, and educational

Loved the characters and all the information about the conditions on women at various levels of society. Can’t wait for the next one.

Review

Light in a good way, especially since i have read too many sad sad books lately. However, it didn’t wrap up as it should in my opinion

great story!

beautiful story. romance & adventure that never feels dull. strong female characters who DO things.

Fabulous

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book! Loved the narrator, the characters, the story line. Can hardly wait for the next book. I highly recommend!

Keeps you guessing!

Absolutely loved this story from start to finish. Kept me guessing all the way until the end.

Powerful heroine!

I was prepared to find another "meh" Regency-era story, but the reviews were good and I gave it a try. I was swept away by Lady Augusta (a.k.a. "Gussie"): strong, capable, with a temper barely contained and a willingness to speak her mind in spite of social conventions, and barely reined in by her gentler sister Julia (who has a tough side of her own). Enter a hero just as intrigued by her unconventional nature, but in no position to have any kind of relationship. The novel contains three "cases," separate stories connected by the set of characters. In each, Lady Augusta is asked to rescue someone from peril, and ends up completely cleaning house, so to speak. There's high drama, but reasonably believable. Can't wait for the next installment in the series.

Engaging

The story is very well written. Is a historical fiction and the description of 1800s. England is interesting.. Ladies, Augusta, and Julia. I had a hard time, turning off the story to go to sleep.

exciting and interesting story

I really enjoyed this book ! Wonderful characters (several you will love to hate ) well paced and a fun exciting read ! can’t wait for the next one !!

The VERY best story indeed!!

I love everything about this book and to have it read by such a wonderful, wonderful narrator was the cherry on the top! Definitely worth your read in fact, I am pre-ordering the next book in this series. Something I’ve never done before… Can’t wait!