Hi. My name is Stephanie and I love mischief. I also love mayhem. The title of this novel called to my obnoxious soul and I could not escape its grip.

Not that I wanted to escape A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins because it checks so many boxes of novels I enjoy. There’s some murder, some romance, Victorian England for the setting, and the delight of two sassy, independent female writers who are not interested in playing by society’s stupid rules. It’s a boatload of fun in my eyes, and I hope you’re as entertained by it as I am.

Collins introduces us to Kate, a widow who now runs a newspaper and has zero interest in ever getting married again. I mean, why would she? Due to the rules in this historical setting, her newspaper would become the man’s property and her past experiences have scarred her against trusting a husband again.

But then she stumbles into Andrew’s crime scene, not once, but twice. Kate wants to write about the string of murders by the so-called “Commandments Killer” in a way that highlights how crime impacts the lives of women. It isn’t considered a ladylike topic, but Kate and her writing partner Caro don’t give a crap about what the men of society deem is proper.

Andrew is a bit bitter toward Kate and Caro since their interview with a witness his team missed costs him his spot in the investigation. But when bodies start dropping at a house party in the country with a similar MO, Andrew ends up working with Kate to find answers… even though he really doesn’t want to and repeatedly tries to ditch her.

I am obsessed with the snappy comebacks and sexist takedowns woven throughout A Lady’s Guide To Mischief and Mayhem. It helps women of modern times see a different side of the prim and proper ladies of times past, mixed with hints of murder, scandal, and love. It’s best of both worlds for readers like me who oscillate between thrillers and romance novels.

Look for my review of the second book in this series, An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire.

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