Murder of a Merry Gentleman - (Lady Petra Inquires) by Celeste Connally (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling fourth installment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.

London, December, 1815. It's Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is concentrating on behaving herself. Thus, she's volunteered to assist the Lady Patronesses of Almack's Assembly Rooms with a series of bachelor-auction dances in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Eve. Over five nights, the families of unmarried ladies will each bid for their daughter to be the evening's hostess and dance with the five eligible bachelors--called the Merry Gentlemen in a nod to the season.

However, after only the first evening, Petra discovers the dead body of one of the bachelors, splayed below the ballroom's balcony. The death is declared an accident, but when another bachelor's life is nearly ended a few days later, Petra fears something more sinister may be afoot. As tensions rise, the Patronesses ask Petra to investigate from within...by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors' attentions. Indeed, it's enough to make an obstinate, headstrong girl scream.

As she begins to unravel the truth, all while pretending to flirt with the bachelors to keep her cover, Petra will need to act like a lady--a Lady Patroness, that is--think like an enterprising scientist, and use every lock pick and defensive move she has learned to ensure that her reputation--and her life--don't become the next target.

Review Quotes

Praise for the Lady Petra Inquires Mysteries:

"Readers should pick this up and be ready for delicious treachery, lies, and scandal." --First Clue on Revenge, Served Royal

"Connally adorns the plot...[with] exciting fistfights and a dash of heart-fluttering romance." --Publishers Weekly on Revenge, Served Royal

"Bridgerton meets The Great British Baking Show. Lots of plot twists, and lots of fun." --Kirkus Reviews on Revenge, Served Royal

"With baking details, plot twists, and a smart, feisty, competent, ahead-of-her-time heroine." --Booklist on Revenge, Served Royal

"Although its haute ton setting nods at Bridgerton, Lady Petra's story owes more to Sex and the City... A light and lively romp." --Kirkus Reviews on All's Fair in Love and Treachery

"An excellent addition to the world of Regency mysteries. Petra is an exceptionally strong heroine, who refuses to play by the rules of a society that does not give women the same rights as men... Highly recommend." --Historical Novel Society on All's Fair in Love and Treachery

"Fast-paced, witty....For fans of headstrong women sleuths and readers of Deanna Raybourn and Kerry Greenwood." --Library Journal (starred review) on Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

"Effervescent...A delightful period adventure with pitch-perfect banter." --Kirkus Reviews on Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

"Delightful...Petra is marvelously drawn--an easy-to-love, instantly memorable heroine--and Connally equips her with a brisk, page-turning adventure. This is catnip for historical suspense fans." --Publishers Weekly on Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

"Refreshing for the complexity of its lead characters and will be popular with Bridgerton fans." --Booklist on Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord

About the Author

CELESTE CONNALLY is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history--plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece--Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn't always do as they were told.

You can find Celeste Connally on social media at:

celesteconnally.com
Instagram: @celesteconnallyauthor