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Lady Petra Inquires #2
All's Fair in Love and Treachery: A Mystery
Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling next installment in a captivating Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.
21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, the there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter.
Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London.
As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.
21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, the there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter.
Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London.
As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
81 people are currently reading
19333 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Connally
9 books447 followersCELESTE CONNALLY is the USA Today bestselling author of the Lady Petra Inquires series, an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. Her mysteries are set in Regency-era England and feature a headstrong heroine, a feminist spin, and as many equestrian scenes as her plots and editor will allow. She delights in giving her mysteries a good dose of romance, too, and a few research facts she hopes you’ll find as interesting as she does. Passionate about history and slightly obsessed with period dramas, what Celeste loves most is reading and writing about women who don’t always do as they are told.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
December 14, 2024
After reading another series by the author, I followed her work thru pen names and landed on the Lady Petra Inquires series written by Celeste Connally. Set in early 1800s England, Lady Petra is kin and friend to the Queen and several members of Parliament and the royalty. She is known for being a snoop, and the strange death of her fiancé years ago has always made some wonder, especially when she now seems smitten with his best friend. In book two, we find out the truth... what happened to her beloved Emerson, the truth about Shawcross's family lines, and who has a plot to take down the Queen. Great time period. Love the diverse characters. A few too many, and sometimes there were repetitive descriptions or scenes, which likely helped to reinforce who was who. But I thought it was a little longer than needed in those spots. Still, the author has natural talents in helping readers jump back 200 years. I can't wait for the next in series.
November 14, 2024
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling next installment in a captivating Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.
21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter. Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London. As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Heavy hitters, those comps. Aim high, editors and marketers, we can all use some top-flight relief from reality.
If you, like me, haven't read book one (Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord), I think you'll be okay starting here. Lady Petra is a solid character whose relationship to the world she inhabits is established; none of the frequent, and to me off-putting, Regency trope of "marriage or bust" that all the Bridgerton books reinforce so very fully. It's been a long time since the best Regency writer of all time, Georgette Heyer, poured her champagne prose into the flutes that served my readerly soul. Author Connally does not sit that high in my writers' tier list. To be fair, there are almost no other writers that high in my estimation, in genre or out. This unpleasant trope is present in Heyer's writing but is borne up from the yeasty sludge of my twenty-first centurion's disapproval by the prose it's crafted in.
The comparison to Dame Agatha is apt. The puzzle to be solved here had faint echoes of Death in the Clouds, one of her strange 1930s Poirots. If you've read it, you know what the thrust of this book will be. The preservation and/or restoration of Ma'at is the matter of all mysteries, so the ultimate resolution of the story is a foregone conclusion. Which mystery requiring Lady Petra's attention, personal or "professional," will be the one that knits a rent in the social fabric?
The accustomed repurposing of class-based access and modern storytelling's need for a female character to have agency unthinkable in the time period of the story is done deftly here. In part this is due to Lady Petra's age and status as a not-quite widow, but still suitably linked to a male authority figure that it needn't be discussed or thought about...a dead-in-the-war fiancé is a useful device in this world. Her current love interest can be elided from public suspicion because he knew her in childhood, so their connection can be acceptably explained away without the need to resort to scandal. As he is both absent in flesh and central in fact to the submystery in the book, this is a fact much traded on.
Any book set in historical times has a hurdle to leap in the way it handles the realities of its time period versus the narrative needs of a twenty-first century novel. Lady Petra lusts after Duncan, who's hunkiness is permaybehaps over-established, but in private, as would be the case for women of the era who are not Lady Caroline Lamb. Lady Petra's freedom to act due to her distant connection to Queen Charlotte feels a bit overly modern but needs must when the plot-devils drive.
They drive hard in here, with a lot of characters doing a lot of things they oughtn't to do. The ideas of the story are complex, possibly convoluted, and center on the way the world is changing due to the recently-completed Napoleonic wars that have organized English society for decades. At war's end, there is little appetite for going back to the way things were for anyone disadvantaged in that earlier day. The cork's out of the bottle. Now how does society change?
Lady Petra and her fellows are figuring it out. There is a lot of upheaval to come, as history tells us, but this book is set when the shapes of the upheavers are still shadowy. The change that is inevitable in any highly unequal society is as yet unformed but its energy is very much present in every detail Lady Petra uncovers on the Queen's errand. It was fun piecing together the next few years from what happens in the story's present...a big reason I enjoy the historical-mystery genre when it's well done. Plus: doggos!
I needed this kind of escape now. If you're in need of a series that makes story-sense, and is in hailing distance of historical sense, here's you a choice worthy of your time and treasure.
The Publisher Says: Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling next installment in a captivating Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.
21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross—yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake.
So what’s a lady to do when she can’t hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage’s matron. What’s more, there may be a link between the matron’s death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter. Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London. As the clock counts down and London’s streets teem with revelers, Petra’s nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all’s fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Heavy hitters, those comps. Aim high, editors and marketers, we can all use some top-flight relief from reality.
If you, like me, haven't read book one (Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord), I think you'll be okay starting here. Lady Petra is a solid character whose relationship to the world she inhabits is established; none of the frequent, and to me off-putting, Regency trope of "marriage or bust" that all the Bridgerton books reinforce so very fully. It's been a long time since the best Regency writer of all time, Georgette Heyer, poured her champagne prose into the flutes that served my readerly soul. Author Connally does not sit that high in my writers' tier list. To be fair, there are almost no other writers that high in my estimation, in genre or out. This unpleasant trope is present in Heyer's writing but is borne up from the yeasty sludge of my twenty-first centurion's disapproval by the prose it's crafted in.
The comparison to Dame Agatha is apt. The puzzle to be solved here had faint echoes of Death in the Clouds, one of her strange 1930s Poirots. If you've read it, you know what the thrust of this book will be. The preservation and/or restoration of Ma'at is the matter of all mysteries, so the ultimate resolution of the story is a foregone conclusion. Which mystery requiring Lady Petra's attention, personal or "professional," will be the one that knits a rent in the social fabric?
The accustomed repurposing of class-based access and modern storytelling's need for a female character to have agency unthinkable in the time period of the story is done deftly here. In part this is due to Lady Petra's age and status as a not-quite widow, but still suitably linked to a male authority figure that it needn't be discussed or thought about...a dead-in-the-war fiancé is a useful device in this world. Her current love interest can be elided from public suspicion because he knew her in childhood, so their connection can be acceptably explained away without the need to resort to scandal. As he is both absent in flesh and central in fact to the submystery in the book, this is a fact much traded on.
Any book set in historical times has a hurdle to leap in the way it handles the realities of its time period versus the narrative needs of a twenty-first century novel. Lady Petra lusts after Duncan, who's hunkiness is permaybehaps over-established, but in private, as would be the case for women of the era who are not Lady Caroline Lamb. Lady Petra's freedom to act due to her distant connection to Queen Charlotte feels a bit overly modern but needs must when the plot-devils drive.
They drive hard in here, with a lot of characters doing a lot of things they oughtn't to do. The ideas of the story are complex, possibly convoluted, and center on the way the world is changing due to the recently-completed Napoleonic wars that have organized English society for decades. At war's end, there is little appetite for going back to the way things were for anyone disadvantaged in that earlier day. The cork's out of the bottle. Now how does society change?
Lady Petra and her fellows are figuring it out. There is a lot of upheaval to come, as history tells us, but this book is set when the shapes of the upheavers are still shadowy. The change that is inevitable in any highly unequal society is as yet unformed but its energy is very much present in every detail Lady Petra uncovers on the Queen's errand. It was fun piecing together the next few years from what happens in the story's present...a big reason I enjoy the historical-mystery genre when it's well done. Plus: doggos!
I needed this kind of escape now. If you're in need of a series that makes story-sense, and is in hailing distance of historical sense, here's you a choice worthy of your time and treasure.
December 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into the sequel and while it didn’t quite live up to the first one for me, I still had fun with it. Lady Petra Forsyth is, as always, a delightful character, and I loved the blend of charm and mystery. The setting—post-Waterloo London—is rich with tension and intrigue, and Petra’s investigation into the death of the orphanage matron definitely kept me hooked. The historical details and the atmosphere were spot-on, and of course, I’m a sucker for a book with dogs playing a part in the story!
That said, I found the pacing a little uneven. The first half of the book felt like it dragged on for a while—nothing really major seemed to happen, and I had to push myself through a few chapters to stay engaged. Things definitely picked up in the second half, and the twists were clever, but I don’t think I was as shocked by the reveals as I was hoping for.
I had a good time with this, but it didn’t have the same spark as the first book. If you’re into historical mysteries with strong, witty heroines, I’d still recommend it, but I’m hoping the next book gives us a little more excitement—and more of Duncan!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
That said, I found the pacing a little uneven. The first half of the book felt like it dragged on for a while—nothing really major seemed to happen, and I had to push myself through a few chapters to stay engaged. Things definitely picked up in the second half, and the twists were clever, but I don’t think I was as shocked by the reveals as I was hoping for.
I had a good time with this, but it didn’t have the same spark as the first book. If you’re into historical mysteries with strong, witty heroines, I’d still recommend it, but I’m hoping the next book gives us a little more excitement—and more of Duncan!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 18, 2025
October 2025: I’m revisiting Petra and Duncan as I get ready to read the ARC of the next book in the series. This book is layered and I had to flip back a few times to make sure understood what was happening. The relationship development and the information about the death of Petra’s finance was great.
July 2024: Those who try to solve the mystery before the characters will be thoroughly stymied by this one. Good luck! This was a delightfully complex mystery and a worthy second book in the Lady Petra series by Celeste Connally.
The first book ended with a cliffhanger and this second installment picks up exactly where things left off. The first two chapters are pretty stunning as Petra processes what she has learned about her late fiancé’s death and her childhood friend/current lover’s involvement. She doesn’t get much time, as she’s called to meet the Queen about an investigation…
There are actually two investigations in this book. First, Queen Charlotte asks Petra to investigate the murder of the matron at an orphanage where illegitimate children of the wealthy are trained to go into service. The suspects are the under-matron, an orphan who believes her father left her an inheritance, or outsiders. At the same time, Duncan seems to be involved with a group of reformists who are resorting to violence to overthrow the monarchy. For a time, Petra is unsure about Duncan’s beliefs - is he working with the revolutionaries or trying to undermine them?
I loved the deeper insight into Petra’s late fiancé, Emerson and his family. The secondary characters still shine, as do the dogs. There was a great hint at a future storyline involving Petra’s best friend. I can’t wait for that!
July 2024: Those who try to solve the mystery before the characters will be thoroughly stymied by this one. Good luck! This was a delightfully complex mystery and a worthy second book in the Lady Petra series by Celeste Connally.
The first book ended with a cliffhanger and this second installment picks up exactly where things left off. The first two chapters are pretty stunning as Petra processes what she has learned about her late fiancé’s death and her childhood friend/current lover’s involvement. She doesn’t get much time, as she’s called to meet the Queen about an investigation…
There are actually two investigations in this book. First, Queen Charlotte asks Petra to investigate the murder of the matron at an orphanage where illegitimate children of the wealthy are trained to go into service. The suspects are the under-matron, an orphan who believes her father left her an inheritance, or outsiders. At the same time, Duncan seems to be involved with a group of reformists who are resorting to violence to overthrow the monarchy. For a time, Petra is unsure about Duncan’s beliefs - is he working with the revolutionaries or trying to undermine them?
I loved the deeper insight into Petra’s late fiancé, Emerson and his family. The secondary characters still shine, as do the dogs. There was a great hint at a future storyline involving Petra’s best friend. I can’t wait for that!
November 8, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.
Lots of things added up to my giving this book three stars—I can't really remember anything from the first book and this one isn't interested in catching me up, the plot here is scattered and not really emotionally compelling, and I no longer feel connected to the characters that I do remember—but the result is the same, so it's sort of a fool's errand and waste of time to really narrow down why this book wasn't a winner for me. It just didn't work for me, pick one or more of the reasons above or invent your own.
The more books I read in a year (and I've read a lot this year, maybe more than I've ever read in a single year), the more I find myself willing to give up on books that are not engaging me. This is one of those. To be honest, I only finished it because it was an ARC.
There are, happily, a lot of long-running feminist historical mystery series to choose from right now*, and I just think my time will be better spent reading one of them.
*Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney, The Alewives of Colmar, The Ill-Mannered Ladies, Lady Hardcastle, and The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency, just to name a few.
Lots of things added up to my giving this book three stars—I can't really remember anything from the first book and this one isn't interested in catching me up, the plot here is scattered and not really emotionally compelling, and I no longer feel connected to the characters that I do remember—but the result is the same, so it's sort of a fool's errand and waste of time to really narrow down why this book wasn't a winner for me. It just didn't work for me, pick one or more of the reasons above or invent your own.
The more books I read in a year (and I've read a lot this year, maybe more than I've ever read in a single year), the more I find myself willing to give up on books that are not engaging me. This is one of those. To be honest, I only finished it because it was an ARC.
There are, happily, a lot of long-running feminist historical mystery series to choose from right now*, and I just think my time will be better spent reading one of them.
*Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney, The Alewives of Colmar, The Ill-Mannered Ladies, Lady Hardcastle, and The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency, just to name a few.
August 14, 2025
I loved the first book and was so excited to receive a free ARC copy from NetGalley! The only problem? I have read soooo many books since the first book and had the hardest time remembering anything that happened in the first one. Took me so long to remember. Sometimes, I wish books had a 'previously on' like tv shows do. :)
Anyway . . . the book definitely can be read as a stand-alone. The last book left off with Petra and Duncan getting together, only for her to find a letter saying he murdered her dead fiance (and his dead best friend). So, just some background info.
Can't wait for the next book to come out (really hope there is another one)!
Leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks again to NetGalley for the free kindle book!!!
Anyway . . . the book definitely can be read as a stand-alone. The last book left off with Petra and Duncan getting together, only for her to find a letter saying he murdered her dead fiance (and his dead best friend). So, just some background info.
Can't wait for the next book to come out (really hope there is another one)!
Leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks again to NetGalley for the free kindle book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
Fun and lighthearted while also featuring a complex political movement - not an easy feat to achieve but this novel nailed it! Directed by the Queen, Lady Petra works to unravel the mystery behind the murder of the matron of the “Asylum for Female Orphans” and the connection her death has to an anti-monarchist political group that has begun to stir up trouble. The heart of the story for me was not the romance between Lady Petra and Mr. Duncan Shawcross, but rather the central friendships among strong and independent women who are thriving in a time where the odds are stacked against them. The dual mystery plots tangled in a way that complimented the pacing and the tone of the story. There were some moments that will truly pull on your heartstrings and some moments that will get your heart racing!
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC and St. Martins Press for an advanced copy!
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC and St. Martins Press for an advanced copy!
July 8, 2024
A compelling, fast-paced sequel! Petra is stunned to find out her childhood best friend and current lover may have been responsible for her fiancé’s death. Duncan has fled the scene so Petra has no choice but to investigate while also helping the Queen with a murder case.
This was great - a very high energy mystery with a captivating romance between Petra and Duncan.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
This was great - a very high energy mystery with a captivating romance between Petra and Duncan.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
January 13, 2025
Ms. Connally's characters and her Mystery Novels have much in common with Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgina Rannoch's Spy Thriller Mysteries. In this case, however, the setting is during The Regency and The Napoleonic Wars.
Lady Petra Forsyth has been tasked by Queen Charlotte to investigate the mysterious death of the Matron at the Asylum for Female Orphans.
It was an interesting story, given the historical battle at Waterloo and Napoleon's' great defeat as a backdrop to the mysterious murder.
Lady Petra Forsyth has been tasked by Queen Charlotte to investigate the mysterious death of the Matron at the Asylum for Female Orphans.
It was an interesting story, given the historical battle at Waterloo and Napoleon's' great defeat as a backdrop to the mysterious murder.
November 12, 2024
This audiobook is narrated by Eilidh Beaton. I've enjoyed books narrated by Eilidh before and hope to in the future. Her voice and tone were perfect for the humorous bits of the story.
I did not read the first book in this series and did not struggle to follow along or keep up with this story much. This follows the adventures of Lady Petra Forsyth and her work for Queen Charlotte. Petra is distantly related to both the royal family and associated members of Parliament. This gives her an inside advantage in her investigations.
There are 2 investigations taking place simultaneously in this book. The assignment from Queen Charlotte regarding the orphanage and the mystery surrounding the death of Petra's beloved late fiancé. The mystery and reveals surrounding Petra's late love, Emerson, and the possible involvement of her new love, Shawcross, are probably richer and more meaningful for readers who've read both books in this series.
This is a fun historical cozy mystery, and I enjoyed Lady Petra's adventures enough to add the first book in this series to my to be read list.
Thank you to Celeste Connally, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
I did not read the first book in this series and did not struggle to follow along or keep up with this story much. This follows the adventures of Lady Petra Forsyth and her work for Queen Charlotte. Petra is distantly related to both the royal family and associated members of Parliament. This gives her an inside advantage in her investigations.
There are 2 investigations taking place simultaneously in this book. The assignment from Queen Charlotte regarding the orphanage and the mystery surrounding the death of Petra's beloved late fiancé. The mystery and reveals surrounding Petra's late love, Emerson, and the possible involvement of her new love, Shawcross, are probably richer and more meaningful for readers who've read both books in this series.
This is a fun historical cozy mystery, and I enjoyed Lady Petra's adventures enough to add the first book in this series to my to be read list.
Thank you to Celeste Connally, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
September 21, 2024
Having adored the first book in the series, I immediately requested the ARC when it became available on NetGalley.
It holds all the same charm and whimsy of the first book, so if you enjoyed the first for those reasons then I highly recommend this follow-up. The characters are delightful and I'm always going to be a fan when dogs are present as characters themselves!
While the vibes of the book were excellent, I struggled with this book overall. Perhaps because it has been quite some time since I read the first book, I was having a hard time trying to keep all the people straight. They used different names (first, last, or title) and I kept getting confused about who were who.
The two mystery plotlines ran concurrently throughout the book, and I found the ending satisfying in how the author wrapped it all up with a bow. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't "get it" having been confused for a good portion of the book, but it came together very well at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It holds all the same charm and whimsy of the first book, so if you enjoyed the first for those reasons then I highly recommend this follow-up. The characters are delightful and I'm always going to be a fan when dogs are present as characters themselves!
While the vibes of the book were excellent, I struggled with this book overall. Perhaps because it has been quite some time since I read the first book, I was having a hard time trying to keep all the people straight. They used different names (first, last, or title) and I kept getting confused about who were who.
The two mystery plotlines ran concurrently throughout the book, and I found the ending satisfying in how the author wrapped it all up with a bow. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't "get it" having been confused for a good portion of the book, but it came together very well at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2024
I thought I might give this two stars, but the ending was so cute and also made me tear up. I enjoyed coming back to familiar characters in Lady Petra, Duncan, Caroline, Teddy, Annie, Frances, Lottie, and others and being introduced to new characters, like Nell. However, the beginning of the book was very convoluted for me. It took the explanations at the end for me to really see the connections that Connally was building. I felt like the threads were all over the place for a large chunk of the book. I did enjoy reading it and wanted to know what happened and whodunnit and all that, but it was just okay to me, and the asides with Petra and Duncan were wearisome. I get it. He has muscles.... I get it, you're attracted to him... It just became way too much and a big distraction from the story itself. Without all the swooning and such content, the book might have come together "better" in my opinion. Like I said, though, Connally does tie it all together in the end, and the ending is very sweet, so I liked it. I'm just not sure I want to read a book 3 if there is such a one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-book for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-book for an honest review.
November 11, 2024
I hate to say this, but this book just didn't capture me. I enjoy Lady Petra as a fun detective and the feminist vibes that she displays, but the plot just was too jumbled and slow for me. I felt like many of the twists were obvious and a bit circuitous. The big twist at the end was a true shocker, but by that point I had lost a lot of interest. I think that this was more my expectations for this series than the series itself, but I just was left wanting more from the characters. There were a LOT to keep track of, and they were referred to so many different ways (title, first, last, nicknames) that it did become confusing especially listening to the audio. That also made the twists a little less impactful when you're trying to remember who is who and related to whom. I was also confused about the spy plot, because it seemed like everyone knew about the double agents, but also it was a deadly secret? I don't know, maybe we as the readers knew too much at the start and then the story lagged a lot up until the end.
I think lovers of historical mystery will enjoy this, if they enjoy mysteries involving the upper classes.
Note: The audiobook narration is good, though most of the male character narration wasn't my favorite.
I think lovers of historical mystery will enjoy this, if they enjoy mysteries involving the upper classes.
Note: The audiobook narration is good, though most of the male character narration wasn't my favorite.
November 14, 2024
I adored Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, book 1 in the Lady Petra Inquiries series, so I was excited to pick up the second installment.
Unfortunately, I didn’t love this quite as much as the first book. It still features Lady Petra as the smart and sassy FMC along with her many friends who we met in the first book, including childhood friend and current love interest Duncan Shawcross. Oh, and there are adorable dogs that are a great crime fighting duo and I still loved young Teddy.
In this installment, Lady Petra is called into action when the Queen asks her to investigate the murder of the matron at an all-girls orphanage where illegitimate children of the wealthy are trained to go into service. Along the way, Petra runs afoul of a group of violent reformists bent on overthrowing the Queen.
I did enjoy the time period and setting as well as the strong female protagonist, including Petra's friends, which highlighted positive and underestimated attributes of women across class and status. However, the story dragged in parts for me and I found the miscommunication and distrust early on between Petra and Ducan to be annoying at times.
Things did pick up in the second half as Petra closes in on the murderer and helps put an end to the reformists. The ending was sweet and satisfying with no real cliffhanger this time. Rounding up to 3.5 stars.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC of this story.
Unfortunately, I didn’t love this quite as much as the first book. It still features Lady Petra as the smart and sassy FMC along with her many friends who we met in the first book, including childhood friend and current love interest Duncan Shawcross. Oh, and there are adorable dogs that are a great crime fighting duo and I still loved young Teddy.
In this installment, Lady Petra is called into action when the Queen asks her to investigate the murder of the matron at an all-girls orphanage where illegitimate children of the wealthy are trained to go into service. Along the way, Petra runs afoul of a group of violent reformists bent on overthrowing the Queen.
I did enjoy the time period and setting as well as the strong female protagonist, including Petra's friends, which highlighted positive and underestimated attributes of women across class and status. However, the story dragged in parts for me and I found the miscommunication and distrust early on between Petra and Ducan to be annoying at times.
Things did pick up in the second half as Petra closes in on the murderer and helps put an end to the reformists. The ending was sweet and satisfying with no real cliffhanger this time. Rounding up to 3.5 stars.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC of this story.
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed the way the storyline from the first book continued and built in this book. There were so many moving parts and small things that connected, and I appreciated the attention to detail.
did-not-finish
August 26, 2024Loved book one, couldn’t get into this one. Two mysteries going on and I know they’ll come together but I didn’t really care about either one. Also so many characters to manage, and I got tired about reading about them having tea and what they were eating. May try reading it again later
August 11, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the free ARC.
Lady Petra and her friends are back for another exciting mystery and murder to solve. Goodness I love these characters! This series has some of my favorite main characters and side characters. I love the relationship with Lady Petra and Duncan, but what I love even more is that it isn't the #1 focus of the series. It really is about a strong female lead and her friendships and the mystery with some romance added in for good measure! I really hope that there is a 3rd book in the series. I want more mysteries to solve!
The description of "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" is so very accurate. If you enjoy the Veronica Speedwell series or even the A League of Extraordinary Women series then you'll love this one!
Lady Petra and her friends are back for another exciting mystery and murder to solve. Goodness I love these characters! This series has some of my favorite main characters and side characters. I love the relationship with Lady Petra and Duncan, but what I love even more is that it isn't the #1 focus of the series. It really is about a strong female lead and her friendships and the mystery with some romance added in for good measure! I really hope that there is a 3rd book in the series. I want more mysteries to solve!
The description of "Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie" is so very accurate. If you enjoy the Veronica Speedwell series or even the A League of Extraordinary Women series then you'll love this one!
October 23, 2024
Thank you to Minotaur Books, for the free copy for review.
From the first page, I found myself gleefully reunited with the indomitable Lady Petra, the enigmatic Lord Duncan, the lovable Teddy, and the rest of the colorful cast that made the first book such a joy.
Lady Petra, our feisty and determined heroine, remains a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering pursuit of truth is as admirable as it is entertaining. This time, I’m treated to a deeper exploration of her vulnerabilities, particularly as she grapples with secrets that threaten her relationship with Lord Duncan. Her internal struggles add a poignant dimension to her character, making her even more relatable and endearing.
Lord Duncan, ever the mystery, continues to intrigue. His complex relationship with Lady Petra forms the emotional core of the story, their chemistry crackling with tension. The secrets between them create a palpable sense of anticipation, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The plot is a delicious tangle of mystery and romance, centered around an investigation assignment from the Queen. This royal connection adds gravitas to the proceedings and raises the stakes considerably. As Lady Petra delves deeper into her mission, the author weaves an intricate web of clues, red herrings, and surprising revelations that kept me guessing until the very end.
What truly sets this book apart is the author's ability to intertwine multiple plot threads seamlessly. The way Duncan's secret mission intersects with Petra's investigation and her mysterious past is nothing short of brilliant. Each revelation feels like a perfectly placed puzzle piece, creating a satisfying and cohesive narrative that left me in awe.
The pacing is relentless, with never a dull moment to be found. The author's attention to historical detail brings Regency England to vivid life, immersing readers in a world of both elegance and danger.
This sequel is a triumph, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and exciting territory. The character growth, intricate plotting, and pitch-perfect blend of romance and mystery make for an engaging read.
From the first page, I found myself gleefully reunited with the indomitable Lady Petra, the enigmatic Lord Duncan, the lovable Teddy, and the rest of the colorful cast that made the first book such a joy.
Lady Petra, our feisty and determined heroine, remains a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering pursuit of truth is as admirable as it is entertaining. This time, I’m treated to a deeper exploration of her vulnerabilities, particularly as she grapples with secrets that threaten her relationship with Lord Duncan. Her internal struggles add a poignant dimension to her character, making her even more relatable and endearing.
Lord Duncan, ever the mystery, continues to intrigue. His complex relationship with Lady Petra forms the emotional core of the story, their chemistry crackling with tension. The secrets between them create a palpable sense of anticipation, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The plot is a delicious tangle of mystery and romance, centered around an investigation assignment from the Queen. This royal connection adds gravitas to the proceedings and raises the stakes considerably. As Lady Petra delves deeper into her mission, the author weaves an intricate web of clues, red herrings, and surprising revelations that kept me guessing until the very end.
What truly sets this book apart is the author's ability to intertwine multiple plot threads seamlessly. The way Duncan's secret mission intersects with Petra's investigation and her mysterious past is nothing short of brilliant. Each revelation feels like a perfectly placed puzzle piece, creating a satisfying and cohesive narrative that left me in awe.
The pacing is relentless, with never a dull moment to be found. The author's attention to historical detail brings Regency England to vivid life, immersing readers in a world of both elegance and danger.
This sequel is a triumph, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and exciting territory. The character growth, intricate plotting, and pitch-perfect blend of romance and mystery make for an engaging read.
August 4, 2024
Oh my goodness, I was so excited when a notification popped up in my NetGalley account that I was chosen to recieve this ARC. Thank you so, SO much from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for picking me ❤️
Now onto the review!
For those of you who don’t know, this is the second book in a series about the main character, Lady Petra. The first book was excellent and it was an Aardvark Book Club selection last year. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend it.
The second book begins with Lady Petra discovering that her lover has disappeared, and on top of that, may have had to do with her fiance’s death, and may also be involved with a group of revolutionaries threatening to overthrow the monarchy. In addition, she is called to meet with the Queen, in hopes that she will be able to investigate the untimely death of the matron of the girl’s orphanage, where the illegitimate daughters of soldiers or the gentry are sent.
The novel actually comprises of two mysteries expertly weaved together by Connally: who killed the matron of the orphanage, and where exactly do her lover’s beliefs lie?
The conclusion is one that is brought about by extremely clever detective work done by Lady Petra, and is helped along by a colorful cast of side characters (some familiar from the first book). There are plenty of twists in this book, and just as you think you may know what direction things are headed in, a new surprise is around the corner.
Petra is a very clever heroine and the dialogue is witty and fun. I also enjoyed the historical context of the novel and how author blended this in to the story to create opportunities for the mystery to unfold.
I will also say I absolutely loved the ending of this book. The last several chapters are incredibly well done and brought the book to a wonderful close.
Fans of Bridgerton, London, smart heroines, dogs, and a good mystery—this book is for you.
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery releases November 12, 2024.
Now onto the review!
For those of you who don’t know, this is the second book in a series about the main character, Lady Petra. The first book was excellent and it was an Aardvark Book Club selection last year. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend it.
The second book begins with Lady Petra discovering that her lover has disappeared, and on top of that, may have had to do with her fiance’s death, and may also be involved with a group of revolutionaries threatening to overthrow the monarchy. In addition, she is called to meet with the Queen, in hopes that she will be able to investigate the untimely death of the matron of the girl’s orphanage, where the illegitimate daughters of soldiers or the gentry are sent.
The novel actually comprises of two mysteries expertly weaved together by Connally: who killed the matron of the orphanage, and where exactly do her lover’s beliefs lie?
The conclusion is one that is brought about by extremely clever detective work done by Lady Petra, and is helped along by a colorful cast of side characters (some familiar from the first book). There are plenty of twists in this book, and just as you think you may know what direction things are headed in, a new surprise is around the corner.
Petra is a very clever heroine and the dialogue is witty and fun. I also enjoyed the historical context of the novel and how author blended this in to the story to create opportunities for the mystery to unfold.
I will also say I absolutely loved the ending of this book. The last several chapters are incredibly well done and brought the book to a wonderful close.
Fans of Bridgerton, London, smart heroines, dogs, and a good mystery—this book is for you.
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery releases November 12, 2024.
November 14, 2024
Lady Petra Forsyth returns with another mystery and this time around she’s taking a more active role in her investigation!
At the dawn of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, lady Petra has been tasked by the queen to investigate the mysterious murder of the headmistress at The Asylum for Female Orphans. With a possible connection to a plot on the Queen’s life, Lady Petra makes this a top priority and jumps into the case with both feet!
This follow up to last year’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, remedies all the Issues I had with the first book in the series. All's Fair in Love and Treachery is a focussed historical mystery without the extra romance and historical fiction plots muddying up the storyline. With this zero in focus, you really get to see Lady Petra’s investigation, skills develop, and improve as she actively unravel this mystery.
That being said, like any good historical mystery there’s still an element of romance and we do get to see her Paramore Duncan plenty in this story. This time around, backs up Petra and boosts her story line instead of being a distraction.
I listen to the audiobook narrated by Eilidh Beaton and found myself easily swept away by their narration. Beaton does an excellent job creating voice distinction between a multitude of characters and all the while expressing emotion through her reading. This was an enjoyable mystery to listen to.
I’m glad I picked up the second book after being on the fence from book one. I will definitely be looking out for Lady Petra’s next adventure/mystery!
At the dawn of Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo, lady Petra has been tasked by the queen to investigate the mysterious murder of the headmistress at The Asylum for Female Orphans. With a possible connection to a plot on the Queen’s life, Lady Petra makes this a top priority and jumps into the case with both feet!
This follow up to last year’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, remedies all the Issues I had with the first book in the series. All's Fair in Love and Treachery is a focussed historical mystery without the extra romance and historical fiction plots muddying up the storyline. With this zero in focus, you really get to see Lady Petra’s investigation, skills develop, and improve as she actively unravel this mystery.
That being said, like any good historical mystery there’s still an element of romance and we do get to see her Paramore Duncan plenty in this story. This time around, backs up Petra and boosts her story line instead of being a distraction.
I listen to the audiobook narrated by Eilidh Beaton and found myself easily swept away by their narration. Beaton does an excellent job creating voice distinction between a multitude of characters and all the while expressing emotion through her reading. This was an enjoyable mystery to listen to.
I’m glad I picked up the second book after being on the fence from book one. I will definitely be looking out for Lady Petra’s next adventure/mystery!
November 12, 2024
ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND TREACHERY is the second book in the Lady Petra Inquires series by Celeste Connally. I loved the first book in the series and was so excited to receive an advance copy of this one. With the first book ending with a teaser, the author picks up right where she left off, which provides for continuity. That said, since it’s been a long time since I read that first book, I had a hard time keeping the characters straight for a while. (Hint, if you can, read these back-to-back or at least read the first one before you start this one.) However, once I figured out the characters, it became easier to follow along. Ms. Connally has created a compelling character in Lady Petra Forsyth. She’s charming, but also an independent woman willing to take on a dangerous mission for her queen. I loved the feminist tone of the book and it worked well with the storyline.
The multi-faceted plot had numerous twists and turns. At times, I didn’t see how they would fit together, but by the conclusion, everything was explained in a highly satisfactory manner. There’s also an element of romance that adds to the appeal and it’s woven into the mystery effortlessly. If you enjoy Regency history mysteries, Ms. Connally has crafted all the elements necessary to love this book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The multi-faceted plot had numerous twists and turns. At times, I didn’t see how they would fit together, but by the conclusion, everything was explained in a highly satisfactory manner. There’s also an element of romance that adds to the appeal and it’s woven into the mystery effortlessly. If you enjoy Regency history mysteries, Ms. Connally has crafted all the elements necessary to love this book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2024
In this sequel to 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝, Lady Petra finds herself tasked by Queen Charlotte to look into the connection between the death of Mrs. Huxton, the matron of the Asylum for Female Orphans, and the threats against the royal family. The task is a welcomed distraction from some suspicions she has surrounding her friend and now lover Duncan Shawcross. Lady Petra is known for not conforming to societal rules, especially after her fiancé death (which happened in the previous book). As the investigation into the dual mysteries intertwined, Lady Petra’s uses her society standings, her connections/friendships and her cleverness to make leeway in her search for answers.
This was a fun historical mystery with a Bridgerton-esque flair! I really enjoyed how the protagonist, Lady Petra stepped out of the societal expectations of the Regency era. I didn’t find it difficult to dig in to this series, having not read its first novel in the series. There is quite a few characters and many directions taken throughout the novel, which at times got a bit overwhelming. Overall a nice break from my usual genres with a fun and bold protagonist!
✵𝖬𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗍. 𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗇’𝗌 𝖯𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝖬𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖺𝗎𝗋 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌 & 𝖭𝖾𝗍𝖦𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖠𝖽𝗏𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋’𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.✵
This was a fun historical mystery with a Bridgerton-esque flair! I really enjoyed how the protagonist, Lady Petra stepped out of the societal expectations of the Regency era. I didn’t find it difficult to dig in to this series, having not read its first novel in the series. There is quite a few characters and many directions taken throughout the novel, which at times got a bit overwhelming. Overall a nice break from my usual genres with a fun and bold protagonist!
✵𝖬𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗍. 𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗇’𝗌 𝖯𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝖬𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖺𝗎𝗋 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌 & 𝖭𝖾𝗍𝖦𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖠𝖽𝗏𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋’𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.✵
December 31, 2024
"All's Fair in Love and Treachery" is a fun blend of romance and drama that keeps you guessing. The story follows Petra, who finds herself caught in a web of love and deceit, making choices that challenge their heart and morals.
While I have not yet admittedly read book 1 when I received this book I did still enjoy the story. This book reminded me of a historical mystery with Bridgerton like vibes to it. I did not find it too difficult to jump into this series without having read the first one and think you could easily start here as well. I found myself really enjoying Petra’s bold personality and the way she challenged the “social norm” of the regency era.
This was definitely different from many of the books I’ve read this year which was nice to step out of my comfort zone some on. I think one big thing I struggle with was all the plot lines happening at once and keeping the characters straight. I do think had I read the first book in the series maybe that would have made it easier.
Overall, "All's Fair in Love and Treachery" is a captivating read for those who enjoy a mix of heartfelt romance and plot twists and historical mysteries.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for a digital ARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
While I have not yet admittedly read book 1 when I received this book I did still enjoy the story. This book reminded me of a historical mystery with Bridgerton like vibes to it. I did not find it too difficult to jump into this series without having read the first one and think you could easily start here as well. I found myself really enjoying Petra’s bold personality and the way she challenged the “social norm” of the regency era.
This was definitely different from many of the books I’ve read this year which was nice to step out of my comfort zone some on. I think one big thing I struggle with was all the plot lines happening at once and keeping the characters straight. I do think had I read the first book in the series maybe that would have made it easier.
Overall, "All's Fair in Love and Treachery" is a captivating read for those who enjoy a mix of heartfelt romance and plot twists and historical mysteries.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for a digital ARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2024
I didn’t realize this was a sequel to the author’s first book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, but it can be read independently. Though at times confusing due to two concurrent mystery plotlines and numerous characters, I even started writing down their names to keep track.
It turns out that Lord Emery's death from the first book might not have been an accident, and her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, isn’t so innocent—he works in secret.
Queen Charlotte sends Lady Petra to investigate the death of the orphanage matron, as the queen is a patron. This book has three intertwined plots: the death of Petra’s late fiancé, the murder of the orphanage headmistress, and a political plot against the monarch (Bellowers).
At times, I found it hard to like Lady Petra. Yes, she’s headstrong, and often can easily believe the worst in people. It makes me wonder what kind of unhappy or unstable upbringing for her to be so judgmental. When upset, she doesn't let the speaker fully explain before jumping to conclusions, often getting it wrong.
It starts off slow but picks up pace and is worth reading through. It may have been easier if I had read the first book, but it wasn’t hard to follow. With two mysteries and romance interwoven, it was a good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a digital ARC for my unbiased opinion.
It turns out that Lord Emery's death from the first book might not have been an accident, and her childhood friend, Duncan Shawcross, isn’t so innocent—he works in secret.
Queen Charlotte sends Lady Petra to investigate the death of the orphanage matron, as the queen is a patron. This book has three intertwined plots: the death of Petra’s late fiancé, the murder of the orphanage headmistress, and a political plot against the monarch (Bellowers).
At times, I found it hard to like Lady Petra. Yes, she’s headstrong, and often can easily believe the worst in people. It makes me wonder what kind of unhappy or unstable upbringing for her to be so judgmental. When upset, she doesn't let the speaker fully explain before jumping to conclusions, often getting it wrong.
It starts off slow but picks up pace and is worth reading through. It may have been easier if I had read the first book, but it wasn’t hard to follow. With two mysteries and romance interwoven, it was a good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a digital ARC for my unbiased opinion.
November 7, 2024
4.25/5⭐️
So happy to have discovered this mystery series set in 1815 London. It’s fun (with a smart, unabashedly original and funny heroine), has great storylines so far and introduces Lady Petra, a confident and courageous young woman for her time.
Lady Petra shockingly discovers that her current paramour Duncan Shawcross might have murdered her fiancé three years earlier. She’s also tasked by Queen Charlotte with an undercover assignment into a death that might be linked to a radical group with ties to the aristocracy. A plot to topple the monarchy is uncovered and a dangerous and possibly deadly situation ensues.
Lady Petra and Duncan are so sweet to watch as they take their lifelong friendship in another direction. Of course there’s the occasional butting of heads and disagreements, but underneath that is a strong and loyal bond.
Another great mystery series to keep up with and enjoy.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing the free early arc of All’s Fair in Love and Treachery for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
So happy to have discovered this mystery series set in 1815 London. It’s fun (with a smart, unabashedly original and funny heroine), has great storylines so far and introduces Lady Petra, a confident and courageous young woman for her time.
Lady Petra shockingly discovers that her current paramour Duncan Shawcross might have murdered her fiancé three years earlier. She’s also tasked by Queen Charlotte with an undercover assignment into a death that might be linked to a radical group with ties to the aristocracy. A plot to topple the monarchy is uncovered and a dangerous and possibly deadly situation ensues.
Lady Petra and Duncan are so sweet to watch as they take their lifelong friendship in another direction. Of course there’s the occasional butting of heads and disagreements, but underneath that is a strong and loyal bond.
Another great mystery series to keep up with and enjoy.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing the free early arc of All’s Fair in Love and Treachery for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
September 7, 2024
All's Fair in Love and Treachery is the second book in Celeste Connally's Lady Petra series. I enjoyed the first and looked forward to the early approval of the second.
In this second book Lady Petra is attempting to uncover the secrets behind the death and their relation to her current lover as well as being assigned to uncover the mysterious death of an orphanage's matron. The duality of these two plot lines makes the story a bit complex and at times confusing. I got especially confused by characters that were referred to as not only first and last names (separately) but at times their titles.
Ultimately the way everything came together in the end was very clever and well thought out, but as a reader it would have been even more impressive if I had not gotten lost along the way.
In this second book Lady Petra is attempting to uncover the secrets behind the death and their relation to her current lover as well as being assigned to uncover the mysterious death of an orphanage's matron. The duality of these two plot lines makes the story a bit complex and at times confusing. I got especially confused by characters that were referred to as not only first and last names (separately) but at times their titles.
Ultimately the way everything came together in the end was very clever and well thought out, but as a reader it would have been even more impressive if I had not gotten lost along the way.
September 15, 2025
This book started off a little slow for me, even though I had read the first in the series. Once it found its stride, I was pulled in. The mystery kept me engaged, and I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Lady Petra and Mr Duncan Shawcross. The interplay between them brought some romantic tension but also good teamwork in solving the case. A solid mix of mystery, built in some real historical incidents, and romance that ended up to be a satisfying read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the e-arc.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the e-arc.
August 15, 2024
First off, thank you to @minotaur_books and @celesteconnallyauthor for the physical arc of this one! I screamed when I got it!
This is book two of a series and it did not disappoint. This book was full of regency moments I live for (think Bridgerton) and mystery! The combination of romance, mystery, and society standards was done so well.
I was kept guessing the entire time. I am not someone who usually guesses in mysteries, and I just loved being taken by surprise with this one. It was twisty and mysterious and I loved Petra and her tenacity. She was witty and determined and a fantastic detective.
If you like regency romances along with a who done it, this is absolutely the book for you. It was so fun! I had the best time with it!
This book releases on November 12, so you have plenty of time to read book one (Act Like A Lady Think Like A Lord) and preorder book two!!!
This is book two of a series and it did not disappoint. This book was full of regency moments I live for (think Bridgerton) and mystery! The combination of romance, mystery, and society standards was done so well.
I was kept guessing the entire time. I am not someone who usually guesses in mysteries, and I just loved being taken by surprise with this one. It was twisty and mysterious and I loved Petra and her tenacity. She was witty and determined and a fantastic detective.
If you like regency romances along with a who done it, this is absolutely the book for you. It was so fun! I had the best time with it!
This book releases on November 12, so you have plenty of time to read book one (Act Like A Lady Think Like A Lord) and preorder book two!!!
September 2, 2024
Another amazing installment in the Lady Petra series! I loved this book and thought it was so fun. If you love a good whodunnit mystery, with tons of twists along the way and a little romance thrown in - you will definitely enjoy this one!
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
• fast paced suspense
• whodunnit mystery
• unexpected twists
• regency romance
• fun friendships
• strong fmc
• dogs
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
• fast paced suspense
• whodunnit mystery
• unexpected twists
• regency romance
• fun friendships
• strong fmc
• dogs
January 14, 2025
“She was staking her reputation, and that of her family’s name as well. But was she now risking her life, too?”
4 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure I would continue on with this series as I didn’t care much for the first book, but thankfully I found this sequel to be more enjoyable.
A fast-paced historical mystery set in 1815 London.
4 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure I would continue on with this series as I didn’t care much for the first book, but thankfully I found this sequel to be more enjoyable.
A fast-paced historical mystery set in 1815 London.
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