Listen free for 30 days

Listen with offer

  • The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

  • By: Alison Goodman
  • Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
  • Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)
Offer ends May 1st, 2024 11:59PM GMT. Terms and conditions apply.
£7.99/month after 3 months. Renews automatically.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, celeb exclusives, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£7.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, celeb exclusives, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies cover art

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

By: Alison Goodman
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
Get this deal Try for £0.00

Pay £99p/month. After 3 months pay £7.99/month. Renews automatically. See terms for eligibility.

£7.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £16.99

Buy Now for £16.99

Pay using card ending in
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. Please see our Privacy Notice, Cookies Notice and Interest-based Ads Notice.

Listeners also enjoyed...

The Murder of Mr. Wickham cover art
Manners and Monsters Collection cover art
The Marriage Season cover art
Murder on Black Swan Lane cover art
The Chaperone cover art
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel: A Gripping Cozy Historical Mystery cover art
The Guise of a Gentleman cover art
The Shadow Earl cover art
The Noble Smuggler cover art
Clavering Chronicles Boxed Set cover art
Murder at Everham Hall cover art
A Very English Murder cover art
The Black Madonna cover art
A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess & His Maddening Matchmaker cover art
My Fair Gentleman cover art
The Music of Love cover art

Summary

A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an 'old maid' to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.

Lady Augusta Colebrook, 'Gus', is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents itself: to rescue their friend's goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.

The sisters set out to Caroline's country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. With Lord Evan injured and unconscious, the sisters have no choice but to bring him on their mission to save Caroline. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.

Back in London, Gus can't stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need-society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.

A rollicking and joyous adventure, with a beautiful love story at its heart, about two rebellious sisters forging their own path in Regency London.

©2023 Alison Goodman (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

'If you love Georgette Heyer, you'll love The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies. Smart and sassy and featuring heroines of a certain age, this is the Regency I've been waiting for. Adventure! Mystery! A touch of romance! This delightful novel has it all!' Jenn McKinlay

'A refreshing new arrival on the historical mystery scene! A wise, kind, and sharp-tongued sleuth solves crime in a well-portrayed Regency England.' Jennifer Ashley

'A vibrant tale of two plucky women of a certain age who craved more from life than merely attending tea parties and balls, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a truly delightful romp through the Regency period. Alison Goodman has crafted a feminist adventure story that will have you cheering on the unconventional Colebrook sisters in all their exploits' Stephanie Marie Thornton

More from the same

What listeners say about The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    35
  • 4 Stars
    4
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    37
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    35
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An Epic Story

From the first minute I was hooked into this epic tale of regency expectations, bucking trends, human compassion and gripping daring.
Thoroughly addictive and I was so sorry when it finished. BUT it leaves the story open to continue and I cannot wait!!
A gripping long listen, you will not be disappointed. Fabulously narrated and such a talented author. Thank you for writing this brilliant story and sharing with us!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Superb!!

While I’ve been an audible listener for 10 years, this is the first time I’ve left a review. This is an outstanding book, narrated impeccably! Hope there will be more!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Narration is great, not always an easy listen as some tough stories but actually great!

There were times when I actually felt quite challenged listening to this story, its complex and gritty but also humorous, heart warming and I also struggled to press pause! It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and because it is so well written and narrated you feel as if you are here! I want to know what’s next!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hopeful Humorous Tragety

Excellent narration of a pretty grim and humorous regency novel. Unusually faithful to real life of the time, of those not being white males in power. A real punch to the gut, while also being quite adorable. Love the take of author here. Very well written. Need the next book now.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

This is an excellent book, well written and well narrated. Without giving away anything I can say it takes the listener through into the world of ‘ blaggards’ and ‘scum’ and that’s just the nobility! It has humour, grief and heroics. Excellent!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

I laughed, cried and gasped as the intrepid spinsters battled cruelty and injustice and came through battered but victorious. The narration did the book full justice.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • b
  • 29-01-24

Superb

I don’t often leave reviews but this ticked every box. Great book, good narration can’t wait for the m next

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A "ripping yarn" that was over far too soon.

Historical facts woven into the 1812 adventures of two spirited sisters. The linked stories bought to life by great narration. It was over far too soon. Surely there is a follow up on its way ?!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

a very promising start to a new series

I am a huge fan of MRC Kasasian and having read lots of disappointing novels that were supposed to be similar, this is the first I have read that has come close to the same level. this is a very promising start to what will hopefully be a series giving us more adventures with the ill-mannered ladies. I am all for a victorian mystery where the lead characters are multi dimensional, likeable, strong and a little bit naughty. the story was good, good enough to maintain interest with enough pace and mystery and enough going on. I look forward to the next installment.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Good plot, good pace, relevant and well read. Hooked from start.
Looking forward to the next one!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!