# The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

By India Holton · Dangerous Damsels, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-980cfe1a/

Cecilia belongs to a Victorian society of thieves whose houses can fly. When Captain Morvath threatens the women who raised her, she needs help from Ned Lightbourne, an assassin with orders to kill her and an inconvenient attraction to her.

## What makes it funny?

An attempt on her life gives Cecilia hope that the senior ladies will finally recognize her professional standing. She is equally particular about courtesy: after beating a bandit, she goes back to offer him a handkerchief.

### The comedy at work

Cecilia and Ned conduct their courtship through threats and corrections to each other’s manners. She objects to an assassination interrupting her library visit; after a flirtatious exchange, they politely return the possessions they have stolen from each other.

### Try this if…

Readers who enjoy verbal sparring in their romances have plenty to follow here. The Victorian setting also leaves room for flying homes and outlandish criminal adventures.

### Good to know

India Holton flags non-graphic violence, murder and an open-door sex scene.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Historical · Romance
- On the shelf: Historical romance · Romantic comedy
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Whimsical
- Format: Novel
- Length: 336 pages
- Audiobook: 10 hr 2 min
- Published: 2021

## Sources & further reading

- Reading sample: [Read an excerpt](https://reactormag.com/excerpts-the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-by-india-holton)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647959/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-by-india-holton)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593200162)
- Publisher: [Publisher series guide](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/SL5/dangerous-damsels)
- Author commentary: [Author and content notes](https://www.indiaholton.com/books/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels)
- Book information: [Audiobook edition](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-unabridged/id1570581803)