A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile

Author: Angela Bell
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Daughters of Genius Society #2
Pages: 336
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

Angela Bell has written a deeply moving novel which sheds light on pain. 

I was drawn to Angela Bell’s A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by the cover. One hardly comes across a novel where the protagonist is in a wheelchair. This has been one of the most eye-opening novels I have ever read. Angela Bell has brilliantly written a novel that captures pain and physical suffering.

An accident in her childhood leaves Lady Margaret ‘Maggie’ Kingsley with a life-changing condition. Maggie is shunned by childhood friends but fiercely loved by her parents and her new friends at the Daughters of Genius Society, D.O.G.S. Maggie is an exceptional inventor whose witty inventions left me wide-eyed. Maggie’s secluded lifestyle is challenged when she is assigned as the inspector of a purloined patent case. Maggie must battle her inner fears as she takes on this case. The acceptance of this role will not only bring her out of seclusion but also into the path of Charles Noble.

Charles Noble is a music prodigy who sacrifices everything to take care of his family. Little does he know that the acceptance of a job will bring him into the path of a woman who will capture his heart. I loved Charles’ character. I loved how he saw Maggie for who she was and how he loved her deeply. 

Maggie struggles, especially her depleted teaspoon moments were difficult to read. I loved her selflessness and inner strength, which she was not aware of. She had her difficult pain, but still chose to be grateful. 

I enjoyed reading this novel. I struggled at the beginning of the novel with all the names and happenings at D.O.G.S. I was hooked in the second half of the novel. I hope there is a story in the pipeline for Helena and Jane.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

What a FUN read! 

This book is brimming with quirky, endearing characters and charming whimsy in the form of delightfully outrageous gadgets and happenings. 

Along this rollicking romp is an intriguing case to be solved, as well as a little romance of equal parts sweetness and adorable awkwardness, and is completely endearing.  

Angela Bell also explores life with chronic pain and injury induced physical limitations in a way I can honestly say I’ve never encountered in a novel. It was thought provoking. Charles’ and Margaret’s support, acceptance, and understanding of one another’s needs was heartwarming. 

A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile was quirky, fun, and whimsical. A lighthearted and heartwarming read, sure to delight and endear. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. 

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