The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies
Book description
A Washington Post Best Mystery Novel of 2023
A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an ‘old maid’ to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.
Lady…
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
There's a LOT of Regency romance out there, and I'll read most of it, from the divine to the ridiculous. The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a true step above most books in the genre, grappling realistically and unflinchingly (and often graphically) with the real horrors of women's lives during the period. Yet the social commentary, much of which is still horrifyingly relevant, is nonetheless delivered plausibly in context of an engaging, often mad-cap adventure story, told by a woman who absolutely refutes the ridiculous Regency notion of being "on the shelf." I cannot wait for the next book…
This book is a complete breath of fresh literary air! Well-written, fast-paced, developed characters, lots of historical Easter eggs of Regency England! Not to mention, two middle-aged, but spunky feminists navigating the ills of a male-dominated oppressive society. This book was pure fun.