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An absolutely charming regency romp, hilarious in parts and thoughtful in others, that totally captured the heart of this reader.

In an early nineteenth-century era when women are chattel (beholden to their male counterparts), when Lydia Hayworth, the low-born daughter of a now-wealthy gentleman, finds herself “accidentally” betrothed to the handsome Marquess of Ashford, it will take all of her wit and intelligence to find a way to free herself without incurring societal scandal, or the wrath of her conniving guardians.

Playing homage to “Pride and Prejudice”, this clever novel takes the strong-minded independence of Lizzie Bennett from that novel, and adds an outlandishly devilish twist, creating a uniquely compelling character in Lydia — who may or may not have found her match in the equally roguish Ashford.

Guests at a lavish ten-day dinner party hosted by Ashford’s cousin, Lady Phoebe Henley, it is not only up to Lydia, and her investigator-wannabe brother Pip, to nullify the engagement, but to deal with a troubling theft, escalating violence, and puzzling layers of mystery — which may threaten the life and liberty of both family and household staff.

No spoilers here, the terrific Georgette Heyer, meets Agatha Christie, meets PG Wodehouse mashup that ensues is highly recommended, leaving this reader totally engrossed and in stitches as the plot, and the machinations of our two main protagonists, oh-so-feverishly unravel.

A great big thank you to #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.