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Lady Petra Inquires #4
Murder of a Merry Gentleman: A Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling fourth installment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.
London, December, 1815. It’s Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is concentrating on behaving herself. Thus, she’s volunteered to assist the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with a series of bachelor-auction dances in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Eve. Over five nights, the families of unmarried ladies will each bid for their daughter to be the evening’s hostess and dance with the five eligible bachelors—called the Merry Gentlemen in a nod to the season.
However, after only the first evening, Petra discovers the dead body of one of the bachelors, splayed below the ballroom’s balcony. The death is declared an accident, but when another bachelor’s life is nearly ended a few days later, Petra fears something more sinister may be afoot. As tensions rise, the Patronesses ask Petra to investigate from within…by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors’ attentions. Indeed, it’s enough to make an obstinate, headstrong girl scream.
As she begins to unravel the truth, all while pretending to flirt with the bachelors to keep her cover, Petra will need to act like a lady—a Lady Patroness, that is—think like an enterprising scientist, and use every lock pick and defensive move she has learned to ensure that her reputation—and her life—don’t become the next target.
London, December, 1815. It’s Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is concentrating on behaving herself. Thus, she’s volunteered to assist the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with a series of bachelor-auction dances in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Eve. Over five nights, the families of unmarried ladies will each bid for their daughter to be the evening’s hostess and dance with the five eligible bachelors—called the Merry Gentlemen in a nod to the season.
However, after only the first evening, Petra discovers the dead body of one of the bachelors, splayed below the ballroom’s balcony. The death is declared an accident, but when another bachelor’s life is nearly ended a few days later, Petra fears something more sinister may be afoot. As tensions rise, the Patronesses ask Petra to investigate from within…by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors’ attentions. Indeed, it’s enough to make an obstinate, headstrong girl scream.
As she begins to unravel the truth, all while pretending to flirt with the bachelors to keep her cover, Petra will need to act like a lady—a Lady Patroness, that is—think like an enterprising scientist, and use every lock pick and defensive move she has learned to ensure that her reputation—and her life—don’t become the next target.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Celeste Connally
7 books465 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As always, I was excited to see an email about this book coming out, and I took the offer to read it ahead of time. I love the time period the books take place in, and I enjoy the characters. The mystery was just okay this time, but I love the overall concept of a bachelor type contest for unmarried women to meet eligible men and potentially find a life partner over the course of four dances before Christmastime (hence their title of Merry Gentlemen). There is some cattiness from the eligible women, who are vying to be Christmas Roses and host the dances, gaining exclusive access to the bachelors during their dance. Of course, one of the Gentlemen is murdered, and there begins the real story.
There are multiple threads in the book that we know will come together and do. There is an interesting sidestory tied to the main one about women in the sciences who invented impressive things in various categories and who call themselves the Minervas after the goddess of wisdom. They are fascinating young women who dedicated themselves to science, technology, and discovery despite their society's views on intelligent women without marriage as their main goal. The Minervas have a townhouse with strict security and perform experiments and help and protect each other in their endeavors. Also, Teddy is a major character again, and Duncan comes in a bit (fortunately not that much!!) and of course, Lady Caroline, Lottie, and Frances make appearances. There are developments for each of their characters, which impact Lady Petra and her life choices moving forward as well.
The ending was okay for me--it made sense with the story and the characters. I probably will read the next one because I enjoy the Regency Era and the characters. I just felt like the whodunnit was so obvious in this book from pretty much the beginning--what I thought were red herrings weren't, and that took away from the enjoyment of the mystery part. There are also classic cozy tropes that get a bit old from reading so many cozy mysteries and watching a ton of Hallmark Mysteries, but that's to be expected in any super genre'd writing. Anyway, all in all, I still recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers, Regency lovers, and anybody who has already ready at least one Lady Petra Inquires story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this electronic ARC!
There are multiple threads in the book that we know will come together and do. There is an interesting sidestory tied to the main one about women in the sciences who invented impressive things in various categories and who call themselves the Minervas after the goddess of wisdom. They are fascinating young women who dedicated themselves to science, technology, and discovery despite their society's views on intelligent women without marriage as their main goal. The Minervas have a townhouse with strict security and perform experiments and help and protect each other in their endeavors. Also, Teddy is a major character again, and Duncan comes in a bit (fortunately not that much!!) and of course, Lady Caroline, Lottie, and Frances make appearances. There are developments for each of their characters, which impact Lady Petra and her life choices moving forward as well.
The ending was okay for me--it made sense with the story and the characters. I probably will read the next one because I enjoy the Regency Era and the characters. I just felt like the whodunnit was so obvious in this book from pretty much the beginning--what I thought were red herrings weren't, and that took away from the enjoyment of the mystery part. There are also classic cozy tropes that get a bit old from reading so many cozy mysteries and watching a ton of Hallmark Mysteries, but that's to be expected in any super genre'd writing. Anyway, all in all, I still recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers, Regency lovers, and anybody who has already ready at least one Lady Petra Inquires story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this electronic ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 / 5.0 Stars
This was yet another fine and delightful Regency era mystery from author Celeste Connally. With its chaste touch of romance and a troubling murder investigation thrown in for good measure, this was a spectacular and fun romp through a Regency era ballroom.
Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back and her fiancé had suddenly perished. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance which permits her to remain an independent woman.
London, December 1815
The Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms are ardently raising funds in support of the city's poor. They're sponsoring four balls where the Ton have bid privately in order to win sponsorship of each of the balls. This, in turn, allows them to designate their marriageable daughter as "Rose of the Ball". The enticement is for the "Rose" to have exclusive rights to dance with the "Four Merry Gentlemen," (also of marriageable age). All is well until a body is discovered faced down on the ballroom's parquet floor. Lady Petra is soon called upon to quietly investigate and bring about justice without drawing it to the constabulary's attention.
Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. The book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. The theme of the story focuses on the many secrets one may hold about others and how deadly such knowledge can be. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 10, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250387424
This was yet another fine and delightful Regency era mystery from author Celeste Connally. With its chaste touch of romance and a troubling murder investigation thrown in for good measure, this was a spectacular and fun romp through a Regency era ballroom.
Regardless of being of upper British society, Lady Petra has been dealt a tough hand or not, depending on one's perspective. Her mother passed away a number of years back and her fiancé had suddenly perished. Yet thanks to her mother, she received an inheritance which permits her to remain an independent woman.
London, December 1815
The Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms are ardently raising funds in support of the city's poor. They're sponsoring four balls where the Ton have bid privately in order to win sponsorship of each of the balls. This, in turn, allows them to designate their marriageable daughter as "Rose of the Ball". The enticement is for the "Rose" to have exclusive rights to dance with the "Four Merry Gentlemen," (also of marriageable age). All is well until a body is discovered faced down on the ballroom's parquet floor. Lady Petra is soon called upon to quietly investigate and bring about justice without drawing it to the constabulary's attention.
Author Celeste Connally has crafted a wonderful mystery full of wit, charm and warmth. The book starts rather slowly as the reader is introduced to a myriad of players. It builds gradually and accelerates as the climax nears, adding tension and drama to the mix. The writing is lovely and highly descriptive. The mise en scène is exquisite and sets a beautiful stage. The theme of the story focuses on the many secrets one may hold about others and how deadly such knowledge can be. All in all, this was a rewarding and enjoyable diversion.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 10, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250387424
May 21, 2026
4 1/2 ⭐️ I really enjoyed Murder of a Merry Gentleman by Celeste Connally. The writing is smart and witty, the characters are engaging, and the mystery is very well crafted. This was such an easy book to get pulled into, and I found myself genuinely looking forward to picking it back up each time.
I especially enjoyed the London season setting in December 1815. While the ballroom events are part of the backdrop, what really stood out to me was how seamlessly the social world is used to frame the mystery and character interactions rather than overpower them.
Lady Petra continues to be such a strong and enjoyable lead—clever, observant, and determined, and never quite content to stay within the expectations placed on her. I also really enjoyed seeing Petra and Duncan together again, even if only briefly in this installment. Their dynamic added a nice sense of continuity to the series.
The mystery itself is very well done. It’s carefully plotted, with enough twists and clues along the way that kept me second-guessing right up until the end.
One of my favorite parts was the inclusion of the lady scientists and how their intellect and contributions were highlighted within the story. I appreciated seeing women in science being encouraged and taken seriously in a time period where that wasn’t always the case. That thread added a thoughtful layer to the mystery and the world-building.
There were also some really tender character moments, including Petra’s care and compassion toward a young boy she encounters along the way, which added warmth to the story without taking away from the mystery.
This is a clean romance in tone, but not a fully clean-content read due to some mild profanity and suggestive/irreverent anatomical humor.
Murder of a Merry Gentleman releases November 10, 2026, from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I especially enjoyed the London season setting in December 1815. While the ballroom events are part of the backdrop, what really stood out to me was how seamlessly the social world is used to frame the mystery and character interactions rather than overpower them.
Lady Petra continues to be such a strong and enjoyable lead—clever, observant, and determined, and never quite content to stay within the expectations placed on her. I also really enjoyed seeing Petra and Duncan together again, even if only briefly in this installment. Their dynamic added a nice sense of continuity to the series.
The mystery itself is very well done. It’s carefully plotted, with enough twists and clues along the way that kept me second-guessing right up until the end.
One of my favorite parts was the inclusion of the lady scientists and how their intellect and contributions were highlighted within the story. I appreciated seeing women in science being encouraged and taken seriously in a time period where that wasn’t always the case. That thread added a thoughtful layer to the mystery and the world-building.
There were also some really tender character moments, including Petra’s care and compassion toward a young boy she encounters along the way, which added warmth to the story without taking away from the mystery.
This is a clean romance in tone, but not a fully clean-content read due to some mild profanity and suggestive/irreverent anatomical humor.
Murder of a Merry Gentleman releases November 10, 2026, from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1815 London, Lady Petra Forsyth is drawn into a scheme to match a group of bachelors labeled the Merry Gentlemen with a group of lady scientists who belong to the Minerva Society, where they practice their respective fields with study and experiments. When Lady Iris, Petra’s friend, asks her to get involved, Petra agrees to assist the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with this charity bachelor auction. Set around Christmas, the series of balls sounds like fun. That is, until one of the Merry Gentlemen is found dead in the empty ballroom right before the first dance is about to start. At Lady Iris’s plea, Petra attempts to track down the man’s killer, since it appears someone must have pushed him over the balcony railing. A discovery nearby sets her mind on the trail of the Minervas, even as another mystery presents itself. A young lad, who she’d discovered living on the streets and has helped to care for, says his mother has been thrown in prison. Can Lady Petra help discover why she was arrested? As the two problems collide, twists and turns reveal a truth that not even Petra could have anticipated.
Murder of a Merry Gentleman is a fascinating mystery steeped in intrigue, murder, and restrictions of society that make people act in desperation. I like following Lady Petra’s intrepid search for the truth as well as her personal development. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this story. This review is my unbiased and honest opinion.
Murder of a Merry Gentleman is a fascinating mystery steeped in intrigue, murder, and restrictions of society that make people act in desperation. I like following Lady Petra’s intrepid search for the truth as well as her personal development. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this story. This review is my unbiased and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder of a Merry Gentleman is the newest book in the Lady Petra mystery series. This is another series set in the early 1800’s in England and is one of the best! I love how Petra manages to be her own independent woman while dealing with the confines of a society that does not value women. That continues to be a trend in this book as she helps a group of women who are also scientists navigate a society that only wants them married and having children. It was a complicated mystery that I really enjoyed and the Christmas theme just added to the fun. The killer was unexpected as was the way two separate mysteries wound into one large mystery. I not only enjoyed the character of Petra in this book, but also her friends and employees and a few new friends along the way. Petra has the kind of strength that I wish I had and I love how she uses it to help those in need. I recommend this book and look forward to more of Lady Petra in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Despite her best efforts to appear more respectable, Lady Petra once again finds herself called upon to find a murderer when the first in a series of fundraising balls is capped off by the discovery of a dead body.
This is an engaging read. There are plenty of potential suspects, and the reader is provided with several motives while Lady Petra tries to sort out the possibilities. I enjoyed the Regency setting, and the insight into the difficulties faced by women interested in pursuing the sciences in an era when this was unacceptable. There are definite parallels to Lady Petra's own efforts to maintain her independence while navigating the rules of a society that does not make this easy.
I highly recommend this one for fans of historical mysteries, especially those featuring strong female characters.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is an engaging read. There are plenty of potential suspects, and the reader is provided with several motives while Lady Petra tries to sort out the possibilities. I enjoyed the Regency setting, and the insight into the difficulties faced by women interested in pursuing the sciences in an era when this was unacceptable. There are definite parallels to Lady Petra's own efforts to maintain her independence while navigating the rules of a society that does not make this easy.
I highly recommend this one for fans of historical mysteries, especially those featuring strong female characters.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to NetGalley, below is my review.
A great addition to a wonderful series set in the early 1800s. The series does take liberties with how much freedom ladies can have, but it does not detract from a wonderful story.
Ladies studying sciences and wanting to get published is unheard of. Once you marry, your husband may dictate whether you may continue your education. The Minerva society has 4 wonderful young ladies, all of marriageable age who are vying for the title of a Christmas Rose, and the hopes of a good match. The first Merry Gentleman is killed a the first soiree, and shortly after the remaining gentlemen have attempts made. Who is behind this and why? And what if anything do the minervas have to do with it.
A wonderful addition to this series, with a nice ending.... Can't wait for the next installment
A great addition to a wonderful series set in the early 1800s. The series does take liberties with how much freedom ladies can have, but it does not detract from a wonderful story.
Ladies studying sciences and wanting to get published is unheard of. Once you marry, your husband may dictate whether you may continue your education. The Minerva society has 4 wonderful young ladies, all of marriageable age who are vying for the title of a Christmas Rose, and the hopes of a good match. The first Merry Gentleman is killed a the first soiree, and shortly after the remaining gentlemen have attempts made. Who is behind this and why? And what if anything do the minervas have to do with it.
A wonderful addition to this series, with a nice ending.... Can't wait for the next installment
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Really enjoyable entry in this great historical mystery series. Lady Petra continues to use her atypical independence for the time and her intelligence to help others and solve mysteries, including in this book a murder at an Almack’s ball. The mystery soon proves to involve scientific societies, eligible gentlemen, and of course the presumption at the time that women had no business using their brains. The mystery is well done and engaging, and some side questions involving Petra’s friends add emotional heart. Petra’s own relationship continues to develop and deepen, which I also enjoyed. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
June 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this book.
I feel like a lot of readers will enjoy this book, but sadly it was not for me.
I feel like maybe if I had read the other books in the series this might have made a little more sense. I had trouble following all the characters and their story lines. It was a lot of people to keep track of.
I did enjoy how the characters were portrayed in the book and especially enjoyed the heroine of the book.
The touches of Christmas were not totally in your face, but sprinkled in, with the main plot line centered around a series of Christmas balls.
I would recommend for people who love historical murder mysteries, that are kind of cozy. I didn’t think this book was very intense or like a thriller.
I feel like a lot of readers will enjoy this book, but sadly it was not for me.
I feel like maybe if I had read the other books in the series this might have made a little more sense. I had trouble following all the characters and their story lines. It was a lot of people to keep track of.
I did enjoy how the characters were portrayed in the book and especially enjoyed the heroine of the book.
The touches of Christmas were not totally in your face, but sprinkled in, with the main plot line centered around a series of Christmas balls.
I would recommend for people who love historical murder mysteries, that are kind of cozy. I didn’t think this book was very intense or like a thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Lady Petra offers to help out at a bachelor auction during the Christmas season as she tries to stay out of trouble. it’s easier said than done until she finds one of the bachelor dead under the ballroom’s balcony. At first it was consider an accident death until a few days later another bachelor almost died. Lady Petra will have to dig up the dirt to find the killer once again n this period mystery.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Lady Petra offers to help out at a bachelor auction during the Christmas season as she tries to stay out of trouble. it’s easier said than done until she finds one of the bachelor dead under the ballroom’s balcony. At first it was consider an accident death until a few days later another bachelor almost died. Lady Petra will have to dig up the dirt to find the killer once again n this period mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the fourth installment of the very enjoyable Lady Petra Regency whodunits. Despite the title it isn't overly Christmas-focused (which I actually appreciate - and it makes for a great read any time of year). The mystery was engaging and there were enough twists to keep me turning pages. Wish we could have had a little bit more Duncan, but overall still enjoyed the new and old cast of characters. I loved getting more backstory on our buddy Teddy.
I think this was one of my favourites ones of the series, and I am looking forward to what comes next.
Big thank you to the author and publishers for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think this was one of my favourites ones of the series, and I am looking forward to what comes next.
Big thank you to the author and publishers for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for accepting me to read this arc!
A Bridgerton inspired Holiday murder mystery.
At first I had high hopes and expections for this book. The first chapter had me interested until I got to the fifth chapter and then I lost my focus. It was very confusing to figure out what truly the main plot of the book is. I feel like it had high potential for other readers. Sadly it wasn't really for me.
I still give it three stars for how similar it was to the Bridgerton series!
A Bridgerton inspired Holiday murder mystery.
At first I had high hopes and expections for this book. The first chapter had me interested until I got to the fifth chapter and then I lost my focus. It was very confusing to figure out what truly the main plot of the book is. I feel like it had high potential for other readers. Sadly it wasn't really for me.
I still give it three stars for how similar it was to the Bridgerton series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I ADORE this series and the latest installment is a compelling page-turner featuring Lady Petra solving another mystery in early 1800s England. She is the kind of intelligent strong brave female protagonist I love, and Reader, you will love her too and this gripping tale written in the spirited fashion so characteristic of the beloved author. Hurrah and Merry Christmas!
June 5, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books in this series, and book 4 did not disappoint!
Murder of a Merry Gentleman is a fun and engaging cozy mystery with warmth and a little romance. This book has mystery, friendship, intrigue, family, a disguise, and the struggle of being a woman scientist in the 1800s.
I loved this book and can’t wait for book 5!
Murder of a Merry Gentleman is a fun and engaging cozy mystery with warmth and a little romance. This book has mystery, friendship, intrigue, family, a disguise, and the struggle of being a woman scientist in the 1800s.
I loved this book and can’t wait for book 5!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This started as a rather intriguing mystery. The suspects are all hiding something and red herrings abound. The clues were a bit obvious and I figured out the murderer early. I did not like the ending. Justice was not served.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A riveting tale of deceptions and secrets. Scandalous, intelligent women scientists, in a restricted society setting, where they were expected to be dutiful and obedient. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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