A lady's guide to mischief and mayhem - Manda Collins

Manda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of historical romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds master's degrees in English and Library & Information Studies. Her novel Duke with Benefits was named a Kirkus Best Romance of 2017. She lives on the Gulf Coast with two lazy cats, a very spoiled Shih Tzu, and more books than are strictly necessary.

"A delectable mystery that reads like VictorianMoonlighting(with a good heaping of Nancy Drew's gumption).Collins writes with a brisk whimsy, her diverting characters popping off the page . . . adroitly threading the needle of her darkly amusing sense of humor, genuine suspense, and a deep sense of connection. The novel truly sings, however, when it comes to its themes of violence against women . . . . The book bursts with pointed commentary on misogyny, particularly when directed at women's power and sexuality. But ultimately, it celebrates a cultural love affair with true crime as a way for women to exert some semblance of control over the chaotic (rarely random) violence that can dot our lives. . . .A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhemis wickedly smart, so engrossing it'd be a crime not to read it immediately."-Entertainment Weekly

"Part Victorian romance and part cozy mystery . . . [an] utterly charming read."-Popsugar

"Smartly plotted, superbly executed, and splendidly witty."-Booklist

"A fun and flirty historical rom-com with a mystery afoot!"-SYFY WIRE

"Manda Collins smoothly blends romance and an English country-house whodunit . . . The twists and turns of the plot will keep readers guessing, but Kate's independent attitude and the interesting friends she gathers around her bring the story to vivid life."-Bookpage

"Collins blends historical romance and mystery with characters who embody a modern sensibility . . . the protagonists and setting of this first in a promising new series are thoroughly enjoyable."-Library Journal

"Both romance and mystery fans will find this a treat."-Publishers Weekly

"[Manda] Collins is a delight! I read A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem waaay past my bedtime, absorbed by its spot-on period detail, the well-crafted characters, and of course the intriguing mystery. Brava!"-Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author

"When I pick up a Manda Collins book, I know I'm in for a treat. With compelling characters and a rich Victorian setting, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem weaves mystery and romance into one enthralling tale."-Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author

"Mystery, romance and an indomitable heroine make for a brisk, compelling read."-Madeline Hunter, New York Times bestselling author

"With wicked smart dialogue and incredibly strong characters, Manda Collins reminds me why I love historical romance so much. Witty, intelligent, and hard to put down, you'll love A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem."-Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A go-to for historical romance."-Heroes and Heartbreakers

"Manda Collins writes sexy and smart historical romance, with a big dash of fun."-Vanessa Kelly, USA Today bestselling author