I am always on the look out for new historical fiction novels—it’s my favorite genre to read. I love history and any combo or history, romance, mystery, or standard historical fiction, is usually right up my alley. Like most genres, it’s saturated with new books on a regular basis. All promising to be ‘new and different’ but when you crack open the book it’s often ‘oh this again’. But that is one of the reasons I love the genre so much. I don’t always need ‘hot new different’ reads, sometimes I just need a good solid historical fiction novel (or any combo of historical fiction and it’s sub genres).
How do you break out of traditional historical fiction stereotypes though if you are a new author? What makes your book stand out and different that readers will want to read it though? For me—you write good solid characters! Characters are what make the stories! Sure the bones of the book sound familiar, but it’s the characters that make books! When someone asks you what stood out in Pride and Prejudice—-I bet 99% of you would NOT say the time period or setting—-I am SURE most of you would say Mr Darcy and Elizabeth!
I love reading different takes on classic troupes with standout characters which is one of the reasons this book stood out to me. On the surface it sounds like ‘just another historical fiction book’—-a young widow solves Agatha Christie style mystery in Regency England but what we got was a fund heroine even if the premise of the book sounded traditional and bland, this book was so much fun and I loved getting to know Lady Petra!
Summary
Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.
When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.
But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
Lady Petra was such a fun character to read and get to know! I think her character really showed the struggles that women faced in that time period and how difficult it was to be unmarried in society even if you have independent means—-she was still an odd duck of sorts. I liked how her mind worked though. She had a lot of adversity to work through and I thought that translated nicely in this book. I finished it feeling hopeful for her character and also eager for a follow up book! There was so much development and emphasis on Lady Petra’s character with a hint of a possible romance later on, that I can’t imagine it NOT becoming a series. I really hope it does as I would be eager to dive back into this world!
I think the author did a great job at bringing the history element in this book as well! As a big history fan, I always looks for books that make history it’s own character and really bring authenticity into the story. Sometimes the history just serves the purpose of being a time setting reference rather than taking on a life of its own—but in this book history really comes alive and so do the supporting characters. The book doesn’t make history ‘boring’ either—instead the characters and historical period really pop and take on their own roles and purpose in the book. I also really enjoyed the mystery! I thought it was interesting and well thought out. I would say this book is pretty well balanced—-there is history, a unique heroine, and a mystery but nothing overshadows the other if that makes sense.
The only thing I felt was a little over done was the Lady taking in a street urchin. I feel like that device is deployed in A LOT of historical mysteries and for me it’s getting a little overdone. I think there are other ways for characters to get the information they need and for me I would have liked to have seen maybe a different approach. But overall this was another memorable read and I am really hoping it becomes a series in the future! I would welcome returning to this world and these stand out characters!
Book Info and Rating
Format 304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 14, 2023 by Minotaur Books
ISBN 9781250867551 (ISBN10: 125086755X)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical fiction, historical mystery
The Lit Bitch 