July 15, 2024
Lloyd’s genteel third historical mystery for down-at-the-heels aristocrat Miss Caroline Morton (after Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld), sees her uncovering dangerous family secrets. In 1838 London, Miss Morton receives a letter from Mr. Smith, a lawyer with the firm that represented her father, the late Earl of Morton, informing her that a new will has been uncovered that might alter her prospects. The following day, Mr. Smith is fatally assaulted, and authorities find in his pocket an empty envelope addressed to Miss Morton. Once again, Miss Morton’s energetic and forthright employer, Mrs. Frogerton, spearheads their investigation into the matter. While the two look into Mr. Smith’s murder, as well as a second death at the same law firm, Miss Morton keeps a bevy of suitors on the hook—including the son of her father’s former associate—and inquires about her younger sister Susan’s disappearance from school. Lloyd gives the plot’s multiple mysteries satisfying-enough resolutions, but the real pleasure is in her beautifully realized Regency setting and empowered heroines. Series fans will enjoy themselves. Agent: Deirdre Knight, Knight Agency.