The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

By: Alison Goodman

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

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 Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents itself: to rescue their friend’s goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.

The sisters set out to Caroline’s country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots and injures the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.

Back in London, Gus can’t stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need—society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.

I loved it

This was such a wonderful story. The narrator did an excelent job :) I could read Alison Goodman's hostorical novels for ever :)

Enjoyable

Very well done. A little bit of love, a little bit of adventure, and hint of mystery. An enjoyable read.

Intense

I really liked the female protagonists in this book. Both sisters were independent and thought for themselves. I wish it could’ve had more of a conclusion regarding their brother, and Evan. Some of the topics were a little difficult to digest, incest, sex trafficking, rape, torture. I wish it would’ve stayed less heavy on that regard but it is nice to imagine than in the 1800’s women could do something to free women from horrible situations.

NOT LIGHTHEARTED but excellent

Perhaps there are darker stories out there, but this one was simply much darker than I had been expecting. Once I adjusted my expectations I was able to move ahead with this most-interesting story, which I truly appreciated and recommend. Excellent narration, great story. Will definitely listen to the sequel once it is released.

The Benevolent

Never a dull moment. The reader was mesmerizing.I truly enjoyed being read to and enjoyed the unfolding tale.