Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord: A Mystery (Lady Petra Inquires)
This story features Regency-era heroine Lady Petra Forsyth, the daughter of an earl, who has both independent ways and means. After losing her beloved fiancé in an accident, Lady Petra declares she will never marry, shocking London’s ton. When a friend mysteriously dies, Petra begins to investigate, uncovering a shocking injustice.
Lady Petra is witty and headstrong, but most importantly, she is a relatable heroine. Though determined to forge her own path, she feels the sting of ignominious comments and insinuations against her character. As a result, Petra is attuned to the wrongs suffered by women, both high- and low-born, and wants to correct them. This desire leads to a major plot point, as Petra uncovers a secret asylum for the most troublesome of society’s ladies.
While Regency England was having its last hurrah before the moralism of the Victorian period, the truth that women had few rights is entirely accurate. A brief explanation of the historical context in an author’s note would have been a welcome addition; not for forty years would women receive any legal protections.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is Celeste Connally’s first foray into historical fiction after penning a successful contemporary mystery series. While some authors fail to make a successful transition to the past, Connally clearly excels. Little details inserted amidst the snappy dialogue provide context to the decadent Regency period without distracting the reader. Characters are vividly portrayed and easy to love (or hate). In short, readers will find much to enjoy in this first entry to the Lady Petra Inquires series.
