The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin

The Ill-Mannered Ladies, Book 2

De: Alison Goodman

Narrado por: Kristin Atherton

In Regency England, the eccentric Colebrook sisters are amateur detectives who use their wits and invisibility as “old maids” to fight injustice in this delightful and fiercely feminist novel of mystery and adventure from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.

To most of Regency high society, forty-two-year-old Lady Augusta Colebrook, or Gus, and her twin sister, Julia, are just unmarried ladies of a certain age. But the Colebrook twins are far from useless old maids. They are secretly protecting women and children ignored by society and the law.

When Lord Evan—a charming escaped convict who has won Gus’s heart—needs to hide his sister, Hester, from their vindictive brother, Gus and Julia take Hester and her lover into their home. But Lord Evan’s complicated past puts them all in danger. Gus knows they must clear his name of murder if he is to survive the thieftakers who hunt him. No easy task—the fatal duel was twenty years ago and a key witness is nowhere to be found.

In a deadly cat-and-mouse game, Gus, Julia, and Lord Evan must dodge their pursuers and investigate Lord Evan’s past. They will be thrust into the ugly underworld of Georgian gentlemen’s clubs, spies, and ruthless bounty hunters, not to mention the everyday threat of narrow-minded brothers. Will the truth be found in time, or will dangerous secrets from the past destroy family bonds and rip new love and lives apart?

©2025 Alison Goodman (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Goodman skillfully blends mystery, adventure and a dash of romance.”—The Washington Post

"Ms. Goodman’s ill-mannered ladies are delightful company."—The Wall Street Journal

“Cannily sets full-blooded fantasies of female empowerment blooming in a thicket of stifling masculine rules.”—Kirkus

Great story wonderful author.

This is the 2nd book and it’s just as good as the first one. The story, the characters the pace of the book was right on! See - a story can be told without lurid sex and language. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Another rollicking adventure!

The sequel did not disappoint! I continue to be very happy with this choice of narrator. Gus and Evan are so fun together and I was happy to get even more Julia and Kent.

I loved all the characters!

The main characters are strong, intelligent, competent women who behave rationally and bravely. i can't wait for the next book in the series.

mad cap feminist fiction

both the books in this series are fantastic. I love how they illustrate the plight of women in different stations and walks of life in this time period. the wait for book three will be horrible! even if they hadn't left us on a giant cliffhanger, I just want more Gus and Julia!

Two amazing ladies

What an exciting adventure this book will take you on. Finally a look at what 40 year old women are capable of, not simpering young misses. Kristin is an amazing reader.

Riding Anger into Action

Just pure gold. Love how all the "manly men" are so emotional and the real men will do anything to support the women. Can't wait for the next adventure of Julia, Guss, and co.

The story was fantastic

I loved this book. I cannot wait until the next book. It was the perfect sequel and left me not wanting to leave these characters.

The Ladies Adventures Continue

Another grand frolic for Gus and Julia and as some threads get sewn down, new ones open. Can’t wait for the next edition in the series.

A faithful continuation of a great story!

I love that I feel in good hands— that my investment in the characters and story will pay off across multiple books.

I love that Lord Evan’s sister is not miraculously restored to perfect health in Chapter 1 of Book 2, after all that happened in the first book. We truly pick up where we left off.

I love that there’s an element of murder mystery in the unraveling tale of what actually happened in the duel of 20 years ago.

Our narrator has found her voices and settled in well. I admit that I was worried about it in the first book— but she’s hit her stride and now I hope she reads (performs) the whole rest of the series!

I love the setup for the third book.

I do not love that I have to wait for it to be written! I have a feeling I will listen to both books multiple times before Book 3 drops.

Wonderful!

The further adventures of Gussie & Julia do not disappoint- except for the long wait for the next installment!