The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

May 1, 2023

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

Lady Augusta and Lady Julia are unmarried twin sisters, past their "sell by" date at age 42. Their mean-spirited much younger brother has inherited the title and the family estate, and he and his despicable new bride are treating the sisters with disdain. To ease her boredom, Lady Augusta (Gus) agrees to help a friend secure some love letters that she sent to a most unsuitable man. After the successful completion of their task, Gus realizes that she quite likes being useful and having something to do. So she agrees to help another friend, and so on, and so on. Meeting a handsome highwayman doesn't hurt, either.

The first book in a planned new series. After a slow start, this was a very enjoyable read. Unlike many novels set in the Regency period, there is less emphasis on gowns, jewels, and balls. As in C. S. Harris' Sebastian St. Cyr novels, there is solid history and a focus on daily life, especially among the middle and lower classes instead of just the bon ton. The women visit a brothel and a private lunatic asylum, both horrible places. Like Sebastian, Gus and Julia can move in a variety of social circles and they too have their faithful retainers to assist and aid them. I quite hope that the brother gets murdered in a future novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

19th c. private lunatic asylum