If that’s not a title to draw you in, I’ll eat my bonnet!
After loving The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies I had to pick up the next book in this hilarious series.
Twins Gus and Julia are single women in their forties in regency England, so naturally nobody notices them anymore. They’re expected to be demure, stand in the shadows and quietly fade away from polite society.
When they start to behave disgracefully, by Regency England standards, and stand up for women and children who find themselves on the wrong side of the law they are bound to ruffle a few peacock feathers.
Gus and Julia are hiding a fugitive, Lady Hester and her sapphic lover, from her vindictive brother Lord Deal, while also uncovering the shocking trade at the Gentleman’s Club of Rack and Ruin, which treats women as disposable commodities. There are some distressing details about the club’s activities, but the book doesn’t linger there.
This is a regency adventure, fully of mystery, heroic rescues and vivid period details, all told at a cracking pace. It’s very funny and original, but its best asset is the lead characters – the Colebrook Twins who are the heart and soul of the story.
This series has everything – the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen, the dark gothic mystery of a Bronte novel, and a partnership to rival Holmes & Watson. But don’t take my word for it – try it yourself and rediscover just how good a good book can be.
I listened to this on Borrowbox and the narration was flawless.
-Katrina Roe, RRL
