Readers who love the Regency era but are looking for a feminist, queer-friendly take on it need look no further than Alison Goodman (The Dark Days Club). The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin, the second novel in Goodman's Ill-Mannered Ladies series, is a fabulous romp that handles weighty topics with grace.
Twin sisters Julia and Augusta "Gus" Colebrook, who are distinct among their upper-class peers due to their financial independence and contentment with being unmarried in their 40s, defy Regency society's strict constraints in order to aid women in distress. Their current houseguests are Lady Hester Belford and her partner, Miss Grant. Lady Hester was put into an asylum by her brother, Lord Deele, who became the head of their family when their eldest brother, Evan, was disgraced in his youth. Lord Deele disapproved of Lady Hester's love for Miss Grant. When Gus and Julia find out that Lord Deele knows they rescued Lady Hester, they need to quickly relocate her. Since Lady Hester is still frail from her incarceration, the twins call in assistance from her other brother. Evan, the black sheep of the family, is now wanted by the law. However, Evan is a very handsome outlaw, and Gus is pleased to attempt to clear his name.
Perfectly plotted and both funny and sad, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is a delight. Goodman balances several storylines with skill and gives readers a glimpse into the seamier side of Regency life. Fans of Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray or Veronica Speedwell series will adore Gus and Julia. --Jessica Howard, former bookseller, freelance book reviewer