Murder of a Merry Gentleman: A Mystery
Nov 2026 · Lady Petra Inquires Book 4 · Minotaur Books
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Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling fourth installment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.
London, December, 1815. It's Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is assisting the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with four bachelor-auction dances to be held in the fortnight before Christmas Eve. With one eligible young lady per night winning the right to dance with the four eligible bachelors—called “the Merry Gentlemen” in a nod to the season—it’s sure to be a delightful event.
Until the first dance, when Petra and a group of science-minded young ladies discover the dead body of one of the bachelors. The death is deemed an accident, but when another bachelor’s life is nearly ended, Petra fears something sinister may be afoot. What’s more, Petra’s young friend Teddy has arrived at her door, begging for help. His long-absent mother has been imprisoned, and Teddy is certain she is innocent of her crime.
Time is of the essence in both cases, and Petra is asked to investigate from within by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors’ attentions. Indeed, it’s enough to make an obstinate headstrong girl scream.
As she works to unravel the truth, Petra will need to act like a lady—a Lady Patroness, that is—think like an enterprising scientist, and use every investigative tactic she’s learned to solve two mysteries before she becomes the next target.
London, December, 1815. It's Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is assisting the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with four bachelor-auction dances to be held in the fortnight before Christmas Eve. With one eligible young lady per night winning the right to dance with the four eligible bachelors—called “the Merry Gentlemen” in a nod to the season—it’s sure to be a delightful event.
Until the first dance, when Petra and a group of science-minded young ladies discover the dead body of one of the bachelors. The death is deemed an accident, but when another bachelor’s life is nearly ended, Petra fears something sinister may be afoot. What’s more, Petra’s young friend Teddy has arrived at her door, begging for help. His long-absent mother has been imprisoned, and Teddy is certain she is innocent of her crime.
Time is of the essence in both cases, and Petra is asked to investigate from within by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors’ attentions. Indeed, it’s enough to make an obstinate headstrong girl scream.
As she works to unravel the truth, Petra will need to act like a lady—a Lady Patroness, that is—think like an enterprising scientist, and use every investigative tactic she’s learned to solve two mysteries before she becomes the next target.
Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling fourth installment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.
London, December, 1815. It's Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is assisting the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with four bachelor-auction dance...
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Ratings and reviews
1 review
Carvanz
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November 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the combination of a murder mystery, Christmas festivities, and all the little twists and secrets that come with Lady Petra getting involved. There's something so much fun about a historical mystery with a bit of holiday charm thrown in. The characters, the intrigue, and the Christmas atmosphere made this such an enjoyable read. Just a fun little mystery to add to the holiday reading list!
About the author
CELESTE CONNALLY is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.
CELESTE CONNALLY is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as...
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