Picture a storyteller who spins tales of defiant women unraveling mysteries in Regency-era England—meet Celeste Connally! Writing under a pseudonym that honors her middle name and family heritage, Connally, also known as Stephanie Perkins, has captivated readers with her historical mysteries. Her debut, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, blends feminist flair with Agatha Christie-style suspense, earning her an Agatha Award nomination and a loyal following.
With a knack for crafting strong heroines who challenge 19th-century norms, Connally draws inspiration from her love of history and period dramas like Bridgerton and PBS Masterpiece. Her stories aren’t just whodunits—they’re vibrant portraits of women reclaiming their power in a world that demands obedience. Let’s dive into the life and works of this rising star in historical fiction.
The Making of Celeste Connally
Born Stephanie Perkins, Celeste Connally hails from Houston, Texas, where her passion for history blossomed. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and period dramas, she found herself enchanted by tales of the past, particularly those featuring women who defied expectations. Before becoming a novelist, Connally honed her craft as a freelance writer and editor, skills that sharpened her ability to weave intricate narratives. Her pseudonym, Celeste Connally, combines her middle name with her great-great-grandmother’s maiden name, a nod to her family roots and a way to distinguish herself from another author named Stephanie Perkins.
Connally’s love for history isn’t just academic—she’s a self-professed history nerd who draws inspiration from social media, podcasts, and even news stories with historical echoes. Her equestrian background also gallops into her work, with heroines often riding horses through Regency settings, reflecting her own experience in the hunter/jumper world. This blend of personal passion and professional discipline set the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Celeste Connally’s Unforgettable Stories
Connally burst onto the scene in 2023 with Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, the first book in her Lady Petra Inquires series. Set in 1815 London, it follows Lady Petra Forsyth, a headstrong heiress who vows never to marry after losing her fiancé. When gossip suggests a friend’s death is suspicious, Petra uncovers a chilling plot involving a private asylum. Praised as “Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie,” the novel’s feminist spin and sparkling banter earned it a spot among Amazon’s Top 20 Best Mysteries of 2023.
Her 2024 follow-up, All’s Fair in Love and Treachery, continues Petra’s adventures amid London’s celebrations after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Tasked by Queen Charlotte to investigate a mysterious death, Petra navigates romance, betrayal, and murder. This USA Today bestseller deepens the series’ mix of suspense, romance, and historical detail. Connally also writes the Ancestry Detective series under her other pseudonym, S.C. Perkins, featuring a modern Texas genealogist solving crimes. Her dual pseudonyms showcase her versatility, but it’s her Regency mysteries that have truly captured readers’ hearts.
Connally’s style is a delightful cocktail of wit, romance, and social commentary. Her heroines, like Petra, are obstinate and headstrong, echoing Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet but with a sleuthing edge. She balances lighthearted banter with heavier themes, such as the historical mistreatment of women, using sensitivity readers to ensure authenticity. Her meticulous research and love for period dramas infuse her settings with vivid authenticity, making Regency England feel alive and urgent.
Why Celeste Connally Matters
Celeste Connally’s work resonates because it gives voice to women who refuse to be silenced, whether in 1815 or today. Her stories highlight the resilience of those who challenged patriarchal constraints, making her a fresh voice in historical mystery fiction. By blending romance, suspense, and feminist themes, she appeals to fans of both cozy mysteries and period dramas, carving a niche that feels both timeless and timely. Her Agatha Award nominations and USA Today bestseller status signal a bright future, with readers eagerly awaiting more Lady Petra adventures.
Connally’s ability to weave historical accuracy with modern sensibilities invites readers to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. Her growing influence in the genre proves that stories about defiant women never go out of style.
- Pen Names: Celeste Connally, S.C. Perkins
- Key Works: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (2023), All’s Fair in Love and Treachery (2024)
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee for both pseudonyms
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
Snag Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord and dive into Celeste Connally’s thrilling world of Regency mysteries! Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, Lady Petra’s adventures will keep you turning pages late into the night.