(Book 2 in The Ill-Mannered Ladies series)

Out May 2025
Pre-order now USA and Australia

To most of Regency high society, 42-year-old Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” and her twin sister Julia are just unmarried ladies of a certain age – hardly worth a second glance. But the Colebrook twins are far from useless old maids. They are secretly protecting women and children ignored by society and the law.

When Lord Evan—escaped convict and Gus’s new love––needs to hide his sister, Hester, from the pursuit of their vindictive brother, Lord Deele, Gus and Julia take Hester and her lover into their home. But Lord Evan’s complicated past puts them all in danger. Gus knows they must clear his name of murder if he is to survive the thief-takers who hunt him. But it is no easy task– the fatal duel was twenty years ago and a key witness is nowhere to be found.

In a deadly cat-and-mouse game, Gus, Julia, and Lord Evan must dodge their pursuers and investigate Lord Evan’s past. They will be thrust into the ugly underworld of Georgian gentlemen’s clubs, spies and ruthless thief-takers. Not to mention the everyday threat of narrow-minded brothers.

Will the truth be found in time, or will the dangerous secrets from the past destroy family bonds and rip new love and lives apart?

PRAISE FOR THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF ILL-MANNERED LADIES

(Book 1 in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series )

‘Fresh and fearless, Alison Goodman’s exquisitely written, impeccably-researched genre-blending novel shines a light in the darkest corners of Regency England. The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is part heart-racing adventure, part gothic mystery, part tantalizing romance, and wholly wonderful. I can’t wait for the next installment!’
—Joanna Lowell, author of Artfully Yours

‘A vibrant tale of two plucky women of a certain age who craved more from life than merely attending tea parties and balls, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a truly delightful romp through the Regency period. Alison Goodman has crafted a feminist adventure story that will have you cheering on the unconventional Colebrook sisters in all their exploits.’
—Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of Her Lost Words

‘Goodman’s ladies are the undercover Regency heroes we’ve been waiting for! This is sparkling, thrilling, romantic fun.’ Toni Jordan, bestselling author of Addition and Dinner With The Schnabels

‘Witty and poignant, this is a clever twist on historical romance and mystery. The Colebrook twins are the Regency’s answer to Holmes and Watson!’ Belinda Alexandra

‘A joyous romp through Regency England that is equally entertaining, revealing, feminist, heartbreaking and humorous‘ Books+Publishing

‘Heroines can appear out of nowhere and soon become indispensable, and such is the case with Lady Augusta Colebrook, who, with her twin sister Lady Julia, is at the heart of this compelling, enthralling, unforgettable novel. You will be very glad you’ve let Gus into your life then wonder how you ever did without her.‘ Sophie Green

‘Such an unexpected book. A Regency romp, like a 21st-century Georgette Heyer, with gay characters, people of colour and a feisty and independent heroine in her 40s. Just wonderful and delicious.’ Maggie Alderson

‘Fierce, funny, and often dark, this is an eye-opening portrait of a colorful yet misogynistic period in English history. Readers will be eager to return for the duo’s next adventure.’ Publishers Weekly

‘A truly delightful feminist adventure story that will have you cheering on the unconventional Colebrook sisters in all their exploits.’ Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of Her Lost Words

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