Exceptionally smart, funny and enjoyable Regency fiction featuring two rebellious 'old maids' (ie two single woman who dare to be wealthy, single, and over forty...)
Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents to rescue their friend’s goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.
The sisters set out to Caroline’s country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots and injures the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.
Back in London, Gus can’t stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need—society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.
Staff Choice: Naomi
My main thought while reading this was: Women! This is feminist historical mystery fiction set in Regency London, and tells the story of unmarried twin sisters Augusta and Julia. As they are financially independent and in their forties, they decide to buck social convention and found a society dedicated to helping women in need. Of course there's a romance as well, which consists of our hero supporting the sisters as they enact daring rescues. This adds some lovely dimension to the sister's relationship with themselves and each other. This book is a dedication to the resilience, tenacity and power of women. The characters are all fleshed out and even though I have no interest in living in an age where running water was not yet a thing, I would have loved to be their friend.
