In this absolutely charming Regency mystery, Celeste Connally brings an unlikely hero into our midst. Lady Petra Forsyth is an independent woman of means who is determined not to let her existence be controlled by society’s demands. While at her level of upper class English nobility, women are expected to marry quickly, bear heirs, and keep their opinions to themselves, Petra refuses to comply.

We learn that she did fall in love and was engaged to be married when her unfortunate fiancé fell down a flight of stairs and died. After mourning him, she declared that she would not marry. Her father is an earl and runs a breeding stable of racing horses. And there’s nothing Petra loves more than working with the horses and riding (astride) when she is in the privacy of her father’s estates.

But there are sinister forces in motion in Petra’s crowd, and several women have died of unexpected causes. Petra is sad, but that grief turns to suspicion when she observes the not-very-heartbroken new widowers and sees them interact with an unsavory man who dresses like a gentleman, but is decidedly not. She overhears suspicious conversations. Petra enlists the help of her best friend, Caroline, and her childhood playmate from whom she had been estranged for the past three years, Duncan. There is more in the story about each of these characters’ situations and backgrounds that is fascinating.

Petra investigates, and how she uncovers the devilish plot is carefully depicted. And along the way we are treated to British high society, having tea with a duchess and attending a ball that lasts until the early hours of the morning. Dinner at 1:00 in the morning followed by more dancing makes the nobility seem positively filled with party-going energy.

But what Connally tragically points out — and the reality — is that in those times women had almost no rights. Actually, until fairly recently (1971), a woman could not get a credit card in her own name nor could she refuse to have sex with her husband. In Regency times, once a woman married, her husband controlled their entire fortune and she had no rights. Her husband could take their children away, lock her in a room, deny her health care, or basically do anything he wanted. And these horrendous conditions are pointed out in horrifying detail.

Petra is a magnificent main character with plenty of pluck, intelligence, and lock-picking skills. She treats those who are not of her class with respect and kindness. We root for her as she confronts the villain and gets justice for those concerned. And perhaps even more delightful? This is just the first novel in a mystery series. I, for one, can’t wait to read about how Petra solves the next mystery, which Connally describes briefly in the last chapter. There are a few other loose ends that we want to see tied up as well, including straightening up any questions about Duncan’s intentions and past deeds.

This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.