Lady Petra Inquires

“Bridgerton” meets Agatha Christie in “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord”, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era cozy 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.

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling next installment in a captivating Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin. 21 June, 1815. London may be cheering the news of Napoleon's surrender at Waterloo, but Lady Petra Forsyth has little to celebrate after discovering that the death of her viscount fiancé three years earlier was no accident. Instead, it was murder, and the man responsible is her handsome, half-Scottish secret paramour Duncan Shawcross-yet the scoundrel has disappeared, leaving only a confusing riddle about long-forgotten memories in his wake. So what's a lady to do when she can't hunt down her traitorous lover? She concentrates on a royal assignment instead. Queen Charlotte has tasked Petra with attending an event at the Asylum for Female Orphans and making inquiries surrounding the death of the orphanage's matron. What's more, the there may be a link between the matron's death and a group of radicals with ties to the aristocracy, as evidenced by an intercepted letter. Then, Petra overhears a nefarious conversation with two other men about a plot to topple the monarchy, set to take place during three days of celebrations currently gripping London. As the clock counts down and London's streets teem with revelers, Petra's nerves are fraying as her past and present collide. Yet while all's fair in love and war, she can never surrender, especially when more orphaned girls may be in trouble. And to save their lives, the monarchy itself, and even her own heart, Lady Petra must face her fears with the strength of an army of soldiers and fight with the heart of a queen.

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling third instalment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series. September, 1815. Autumn is in the air as Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte's inaugural patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England's finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra's own cook one of the contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges. Petra's happiness at tasting delicious cakes and biscuits only increases at finding her beloved Aunt Ophelia in attendance at Windsor, as well as Sir Rufus Pomeroy. As England's most famous former royal chef-turned-cookbook author, Sir Rufus is slated to present his best recipes to the Queen during the festivities, with Petra being granted an early viewing in the royal library. Yet upon arrival, Petra instead encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty's guests―and to the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What's more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham, the ne'er-do-well brother of Petra's own lady's maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his innocence, claiming the late guest argued with several aristocrats, including the Prince Regent and Petra's Aunt Ophelia, and boasted about hiding a potentially scandalous document within the vastness of Windsor Castle. When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it's clear the real killer is still walking the castle's halls. Indeed, in order to prove the innocence of Annie's brother and find the incriminating document, Petra will need to act like a lady, eat like a chef, and think like one of Her Majesty's best spies before a murderer can turn the celebrations from sweet to royally deadly. "Bridgerton meets The Great British Baking Show. Lots of plot twists, and lots of fun." ―Kirkus Reviews "Readers should pick this up and be ready for delicious treachery, lies, and scandal." ―First Clue "Connally adorns the plot...[with] exciting fistfights and a dash of heart-fluttering romance." ―Publishers Weekly "Celeste Connally's Revenge, Served Royal is a page-turning delight bubbling over with mystery, suspense, and humor that had me riveted from the first page! Lady Petra is an engaging heroine, the Windsor Castle setting is―literally―to die for, the twisty plot will keep you guessing, and the descriptions of the pastries in the bake-off will make your mouth water. I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series!" ―Syrie James, USA Today bestselling author of The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall "An absolute delight! Fans of historical mysteries and The Great British Bake-Off will gobble up this latest installment in the clever Lady Petra Inquires mystery series. It's filled with Regency history, royal intrigue, and delicious twists." ―Anna Lee Huber, USA Today bestselling author "Connally whips up murder, scandal, and a baking contest with equal parts history, twists, and suspense…Revenge, Served Royal is a treat to be consumed in one sitting!" ―Dianne Freeman, USA Today bestselling author of the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries "Celeste Connally paints a dazzling picture of deadly intrigue among high society, with the irresistible Lady Petra determined to serve justice alongside spilling the tea. Revenge Served Royal is a delicious treat for Regency and mystery fans alike!" ―Jessica Bull, author of the Miss Austen Investigates Mysteries Praise for the Lady Petra Inquires Mysteries: "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