The title says it all.
This book piqued my curiosity from the moment I saw the cover. The promise of two ladies with sass and attitude who do good deeds while sweeping aside the conventions of their day – well, who wouldn’t want to read that?
Lady Augusta Colebrook, – ‘Gus’ – and Julia are twin sisters. They have been sidelined by their mean-spirited brother after their father’s death. As 42-year-old spinsters of independent means, they are well aware of the precarious status of single women in regency England. So when troubled ladies seek out their assistance, they simply must do all they can to help, using their invisibility as ‘old maids’ to their advantage.
Whether it’s rescuing kidnapped children from a brothel or breaking into a lunatic asylum, our two heroes find themselves in some dangerous, frightening and challenging situations. There’s a memorable scene with a blunderbuss, but don’t let me spoil it for you!
This book is charming and funny, while highlighting some serious social issues. There is plenty of action, mystery and adventure, with a dash of restrained regency romance thrown in. One of my favourite parts is how the twins communicate to each other wordlessly with just a look. It’s skilfully written too, with plenty of emotional depth.
I listened to the audiobook with my husband, and he also enjoyed the sister’s hijinks. It has all the elements for an excellent TV series and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
If you’re looking for a spirited adventure, I expect you will very much enjoy this beguiling book!
-Katrina Roe, RRL
