The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

By: India Holton

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

A New York Times Notable Book of 2021

“The kind of book for which the word “rollicking” was invented.”—New York Times Book Review

A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.

Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She's also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it's a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.

Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he's under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.

When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her--hopefully proving, once and for all, that she's as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them.

Utterly Delightful!

haven’t had this much fun with a novel since I discovered Terry Pratchett! It’s clever and hilarious and zany - really the only possible descriptor - and I absolutely adored it.

Proper Victorian ladies who are also ruthless pirates who fly (their houses! other people's houses!) into battle and calmly shoot their enemies whilst drinking tea and reading books. I never knew I wanted it but it's clearly what my heart has been wishing for. I couldn't stop laughing at the constant witty (and ridiculous) prose.

I can’t wait for the next book and I only hope we get more of Cecelia and Ned (and the other lady pirates of course).

Good fun

A delightfully silly sexy romance adventure. Love every fantastical moment. Everyone should read this lovely book.

LOVE IT

I can’t get enough of this book. Hands down my favorite read of 2021. I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to the audiobook three times since purchasing it. The story is hilarious yet swoony, and the narrator is delightful. I’m chomping at the bit to get the next one in the series.

Just Fun!

I really enjoyed this one. The narrator did a great job and the premise was pretty unique. The plot was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed the idea of lady pirates so much that it didn’t matter. Nice distraction from the world

my face hurts from grinning so much

imagine: pirates in Victorian era London, but they're all high society ladies and instead of ships they have flying battle houses. and then imagine it's a monty python movie.

I was either grinning or laughing out loud through more than 80% of this book and for the other 20% I was engaged in the inventive and descriptive wordplay. The narrator is absolutely fantastic with her delivery and voices she gives to the eclectic cast of characters. The combination of wit, drama and unfailing British etiquette woven into the unique and compelling story is truly spectacular. If you need a pick-me-up, this book will definitely help put a pep in your step.

I already read the second one and enjoyed it just as much!