“All three adventures are marked by successively mounting complications that fans of either the Regency period or take-no-prisoners feminism will cheer. Think of the Bridgerton novels with the steamy sex replaced by female-forward action sequences.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“This feel-good romp comes with a little bit of everything—endearing heroines, adventure, romance, mystery, and the promise of more stories to come.”

—425

“A joyous romp through Regency England that is equally entertaining, revealing, feminist, heartbreaking, and humorous…. This book would be loved by anyone looking for a historical adventure that breaks the bounds of convention to feature women ‘past their prime’ taking matters into their own hands.”

—Books+Publishing

“Goodman’s ladies are the undercover Regency heroes we’ve been waiting for! This is sparkling, thrilling, romantic fun.”

—Toni Jordan, author of 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, author of The French Agent

“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, author of The Bellbird River Country Choir

Berkley Prime Crime titles by Alison Goodman

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin

Dedication

For all the women out there
whose ideas and opinions have been talked over,
interrupted, denigrated, or dismissed.
Ladies, it is time to roar.

The Trouble with Brothers

1

The gentleman riding on the bridle way in front of me had not noticed his horse was lame. The gray mare’s head bobbed excessively and her gait was short and choppy on the compacted sand of Rotten Row. Clear signs of distress. It was no wonder; the man jerked upon the reins and his seat was deplorable.

“I think we must intervene,” I said to Leonardo, leaning forward in my sidesaddle to stroke his chestnut neck. “Otherwise, he may ruin her.”

My hunter tossed his head as if in agreement. A whimsical notion, perhaps, but I have always held that horses are creatures of great sympathy.

“Thomas, I am riding ahead,” I called to my groom, who followed at a discreet distance on his own mount.

“Aye, my lady,” he answered.

I shifted my weight in the sidesaddle and gently urged Leonardo into a trot, the sound of his hooves dull thuds upon the damp ground.