According to Amazon, The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman is a story about “[a] high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an ‘old maid’ to protect other women”. This is the first in an anticipated series by Goodman.

This book has received rave reviews and, I must say, I enjoyed it. While a little unbelievable, there was enough action and sass from the protagonist, Lady Augusta Colebrook (known as Gus to her twin sister, Julia) to keep my interest. I could at last see the reason for any far-fetched storylines. This book is a feminist statement on life for high society women in Regency England.

Goodman’s imagery is excellent, adding to the atmosphere of the story. The addition of a romantic interest is not out of place – although I saw it coming early.

I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the sequel!

Categories: audiobook review book review The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies

Tagged as: Alison Goodman historical fiction

Kerry A Waight - Author

A writer of historical fiction and paranormal stories.