Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance

Miss Morton Mysteries #3

by Catherine Lloyd

Social standing is everything in Regency England—and no one knows better than Miss Caroline Morton, a lady’s companion from a disgraced line. But when she has a chance to claim what’s rightfully hers, the one obstacle in her way is a dangerous murder mystery . . .

Miss Caroline has doubts when she receives an urgent invitation from a London law firm to discuss her late father’s estate. After all, the dishonored Earl of Morton died without a pound sterling to pass on to his two daughters. But while immersing herself in helping Mrs. Frogerton’s capricious daughter navigate the high social season, Caroline meets with a cagey lawyer, Mr. Smith, who shares life-altering news—the earl composed a second will, leaving behind an undisclosed fortune.

Mrs. Frogerton, however, is thoroughly unimpressed with the firm’s conduct and suspicious of their true motives. Her instinct proves right when the two ladies find the office ransacked, staff in turmoil, and Mr. Smith missing. The full weight of the situation doesn’t sink in until Mr. Smith dies following a brutal attack on the street—discovered with an empty envelope bearing Caroline’s name in his pocket.

With a connection forming between two deaths at the firm, Caroline can’t imagine why anyone would kill twice over the contents of a will. Further complicating matters is the amorous Mr. DeBloom—who claims his mother goaded the earl into making bad investments and promises to link Caroline to her inheritance—and the disappearance of Susan, her younger sister. As Caroline unwittingly becomes the center of both a criminal case and a sordid love triangle, she must tread with caution while seeking the truth . . . because someone is waiting to reduce her to nothing more than a signature on a dotted line.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Cozy

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

Catherine Lloyd was born just outside London, England, into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers. She completed her education with a master’s degree in history at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and uses the skills she gained there to research and write her historical mysteries. Catherine currently lives in Hawaii with her husband and youngest daughter..

Please note only the Kurland St. Mary mysteries are written by this Catherine Lloyd, not the romances.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps my least favorite, so far. Caroline is still dealing with her father’s mess after his death. When her lawyer contacts her about her father’s will, she’s not interested. She also just inherited some money from her deceased aunt, so she has no choice when Mrs. Frogerton steps in. After, that things become more complicated with wills, murder, debts, and a willful sister intent on hating Caroline. Did I mention a few men that want more from Caroline? The story was ok, but, honestly, Mrs. Frogerton is my favorite character. She especially made this one better because Caroline didn’t feel very warm in this book.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs Frogerton still brings the main character energy and I wish Caroline had more chances for her personality to shine. We don’t see her inner thoughts as much as I’d like. In the first books it felt like Dr. Harris was set up to be a match for Caroline, but now Inspector Ross might be the one. I can’t see where this is going because we don’t get Caroline’s thoughts on the subject. I’m not a love triangle fan, so I’m hoping this doesn’t go down that road.

The ending felt abrupt. I’m confused as to why anyone assumes Caroline will get a huge windfall. If Caroline’s father committed suicide because he was in debt, and Caroline inherits anything from him, wouldn’t that have to go to paying back the debts before she walks away with anything? She isn’t obligated to pay his debts, but the creditors have to be paid first before she gets anything from his estate. Everything was sold to pay creditors and Caroline had to even hide her mother’s pearls from being repossessed. So his debts have to be paid first, and then Caroline and Susan can inherit. How much would they really walk away with?

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Lavins · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This book lost at least a star due to the narrator.

The story is decent, although it feels unfinished.
The whole drama with the sister was a bit too much, so I am thankful it wasn't too long

Note to self: if the next one is narrated by Lucy Rayner, read the ebook.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was better than book 1, it was nowhere near as good as book 2, and I was left vaguely disappointed and wondering what went wrong.

I like delving further into Caroline's fathers mess and there was some interesting twists and turns there [all that equals to him still being a complete and utter hideous person ]. I also really enjoy Mrs. Frogerton [her daughter less so, though the son, who was also...snotty? at the beginning, redeemed himself in the end ] and her ability to just shove-in when most "ladies" would never ever [she honestly cares little about what people think of her and is very comfortable with herself and what she does and we all should take a page from her IMO ] - she just brings so much to every story and my admiration for her grows with each book. I do wish Caroline would learn some backbone from her, while I love her gentle ways, she does need to be a bit more forceful as to avoid being railroaded like she has been.

All that said...the mystery was V E R Y thin [it honestly could not have been anyone else ], the issues with Susan and her complete snottiness [and Caroline's too gentle way of dealing with her ] made me want to SMACK someone and I just wanted a resolution so we could move on [because OH MY GOSH she was so dumb and unreasonable and so convinced that everything including world poverty and smog were Caroline's fault *EYEROLL*], *AND*, it looks like what was friendships is now going to be a FREAKING LOVE TRIANGLE and I am not amused [love triangles are lazy writing plain and simple and I hate them so very much. There is absolutely no need and this just makes me cringe ]. It is the one trope that will break me and should there be a book 4 and this nonsense continues, it will probably be the last one I read; as I am enjoying [to varying degrees ] this series, I will be really disappointed.

While I had higher hopes for this book, it honestly wasn't ALL awful [just parts here and there ] and I will absolutely read book 4 if it is written/published and hope that TLT is worked out and I won't have to end a pretty decent series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Lloyd, and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t want to read any more books in this series. Super annoying. So unrealistic and full of inconsistencies. I’m not even sure why I finished this one.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read.

My one major complaint: Miss Morton is so beautiful that every man she meets is attracted to her. Give me a break. I wish the author would pick one guy for Miss Morton to be interested in. Clearly the inspector is the right choice, but I really don't enjoy the Inspector v. the Doctor nonsense.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and I, while I suggest you read the others first for background it isn't entirely necessary. Each book in this series has been a solid 4-star read and an overall entertaining mystery. If you enjoy these types of historical cozy mysteries, then I highly recommend the Miss Morton series.

Caroline is a strong character, and her sleuthing abilities are very well written. The other characters, especially Mrs Frogerton , are fun and interesting. Caroline and Mrs Frogerton make an excellent duo.

This was a well crafted and puzzling mystery. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific book in this series. And I love the characters!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Caroline Morton is a lady’s companion from a disgraced line. But when she has a chance to claim what’s rightfully hers, the one obstacle in her way is a dangerous murder mystery. Caroline has doubts when she receives an urgent invitation from a London law firm to discuss her late father’s estate. After all, the dishonoured Earl of Morton died without a pound to pass on to his two daughters. But while immersing herself in helping Mrs. Frogerton’s capricious daughter navigate the high social season, Caroline meets with a cagey lawyer, Mr. Smith, who shares life-altering news—the earl composed a second will, leaving behind an undisclosed fortune. Mr Smith’s office is ransacked, the staff in turmoil, and Mr. Smith missing. The full weight of the situation doesn’t sink in until Mr. Smith dies following a brutal attack on the street & an empty envelope bearing Caroline’s name is found in his pocket.
The third book in the series & it’s now approaching the end of the season & Dorothy, Caroline’s charge looks to be ready to marry so Caroline’s future is in abeyance. I really like Caroline but she was somehow not as likeable in this book. I also liked the mystery in the book & that kept me turning the pages at a pace. There were a couple of side issues which to my mind interfered with the story. I keep expecting Caroline to find a suitor & whilst there are plenty of candidates nothing is happening so far. A well written book which I enjoyed but didn’t love
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[L & J Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well constructed historical mystery, # 3 in the series. Lady Caroline Morton, because of her father’s poor judgment and lack of business sense lost her childhood home, mother’s jewelry and her own dowry. To support her younger sister and herself she has taken on a role as a lady’s companion to Mrs Frogmorton, a wealthy industrialist. In book 3, Miss Morton receives an urgent invitation from her late father’s solicitors to discuss his will. A junior partner tells her a second will exists, but he dies unexpectedly and violently and his office is ransacked and the second will is missing. There are plenty of plot twists that keep the plot entertaining and the secondary backstory adds rather than distracts. I found this book to be an enjoyable read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful series. I am getting more and more connected with Caroline and how her mind works. Despite everything she has been through, she is more honorable than most of the other characters in the book and caring of others. Though it's frustrating, I love the way she treats her younger sister, allowing her to make her own (bad bad bad) decisions. Also I love how this mystery centered around a possible new will from her father and the different consequences. As usual her partnership with Mrs. Frogerton was so enjoyable; I love their relationship and banter (and do I forsee a romance with her son?) I was shocked by how everything shook out and how cool, calm, and collected the smart Caroline can be in the face of danger.

Note: I have listened to this entire series on audiobook and I highly recommend that format!

Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my review and my thoughts are my own.

[Anne Majcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Goodreads, Catherine Lloyd, and Kensington Publishing for my complimentary copy of this book! Because it was the third in a series, I took the time to read the first two books before reading this one. I am enjoying the series, but Deadly Inheritance was, unfortunately, my least favorite so far. This would not have held up well as a stand-alone. I will, however, look forward to future installments.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the series. I have read the previous books, so I remember, at least vaguely, previous events, but I do think it would be best for a new reader to read the earlier books to get the background.

I'm sure the series will continue as there are still issues to resolve.

[Iris Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading this 3rd book in the Miss Morton series. The story has many characters, plots, suspense and surprises. The ending really isn’t the end but leaves one looking for a continuing book. Looking forward to that one as Miss Morton has much unfinished business. A great 4* read.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series.

[Carol Dimitriou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying story about Miss Morton. A very admirable character!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Catherine Lloyd's work. There is a wittiness and energy that I find engaging. I really like both Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton - they are a fun combination and I enjoy the strange situations they encounter. Lloyd's worls-building is quite spare. This is where I find her work frustrating. Much of the dialogue is somewhat abrupt. We are rarely 'shown' people's expressions when they interact. Lloyd does an excellent job of conveying Caroline's motivations and inner thoughts, with the glaring exception of how she feels toward any potential suitors. This results in a jarring lack of chemistry among some of the key characters. I do enjoy the main characters enough that I will continue with the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to review the ARC.

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

In shocking disregard of my goodreads reviews of her previous books, this widely read author still makes all her characters say, “With all due respect,” WAY too often.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Miss Morton Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 8/20/24
Period: Victorian London - 1838
Number of Pages: 275

After the suicide of her spendthrift father, Lady Caroline Morton found herself orphaned, penniless, homeless, and with the care of her much younger sister. What is an intelligent, vibrant, and intrepid young lady to do in such a situation? She found herself a position as companion to an equally intelligent, intrepid, and boisterous woman. Mrs. Frogerton, a rich as Croesus mill owner, wanted Caroline’s help with guiding her daughter, Miss Dorothy Frogerton, through a London season with the hopes of landing an acceptable husband. Dorothy, you see, wanted a titled gentleman. Since Lady Caroline, as the daughter of an earl, had the manners and contacts to see they received invitations to all of the right events, it was a match made in heaven. Little did they know – they both had a knack for solving crimes – particularly murders!

This book finds us toward the end of the season with Dorothy having decided on a beau who clearly seemed to care about her. That means there are many things for Lady Caroline to worry about – the wedding, her sister, and what she will do after her employment with Mrs. Frogerton ends and Dorothy is married. She doesn’t need any more worries, so she ignores the first letter from their family solicitor. So what if her father had made a second will? There were NO assets, none, even their doweries were gone, so what difference could a second will make? Evidently, someone thought it made a lot of difference because people began to die, the will disappeared from the Lawyer’s office, and Lady Caroline was attacked and threatened. Who could possibly be interested in that second will? Now that it has disappeared, maybe things will just quiet down and go back to normal. Or not!

I always like some romance in my mysteries, and so far, this series doesn’t have any. We have some characters who could be potential suitors, but none who seem to stir Lady Caroline’s blood. We have Dr. Harris who has been in all three books, but I don’t care much for him – at least not for Caroline. Then there is Inspector Ross who chose to work at Scotland Yard much to the objections of his titled family. We were introduced to another potential suitor in this book – Mr. Samuel Frogerton – son of Lady Caroline’s employer. I liked him and I could see a match there because he isn’t the typical doting sycophant – he challenges and discusses with Lady Caroline. We did rule out one potential suitor though. I just need some romance – and soon. 😊

I enjoyed this book and the mystery was good, but it just wasn’t my favorite. Lady Caroline seemed to be ‘less’ in this book – less decisive, less vibrant, less intelligent – just less. Then, in the middle of the story, a sub-plot popped up with Lady Caroline’s sister, and that sort of bogged things down. I’m sure it was to move things along in Caroline’s relationship with her sister, but everything just seemed to go on hold. So, while I enjoyed the book, I wouldn’t care to read it a second time. I will, however, look forward to the next book and hope Caroline is back to her full vibrance and that we get some romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Catherine Lloyd for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance coming out August 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Miss Caroline has doubts when she receives an urgent invitation from a London law firm to discuss her late father’s estate. After all, the dishonored Earl of Morton died without a pound sterling to pass on to his two daughters. But while immersing herself in helping Mrs. Frogerton’s capricious daughter navigate the high social season, Caroline meets with a cagey lawyer, Mr. Smith, who shares life-altering news—the earl composed a second will, leaving behind an undisclosed fortune.

Mrs. Frogerton, however, is thoroughly unimpressed with the firm’s conduct and suspicious of their true motives. Her instinct proves right when the two ladies find the office ransacked, staff in turmoil, and Mr. Smith missing. The full weight of the situation doesn’t sink in until Mr. Smith dies following a brutal attack on the street—discovered with an empty envelope bearing Caroline’s name in his pocket.

With a connection forming between two deaths at the firm, Caroline can’t imagine why anyone would kill twice over the contents of a will. Further complicating matters is the amorous Mr. DeBloom—who claims his mother goaded the earl into making bad investments and promises to link Caroline to her inheritance—and the disappearance of Susan, her younger sister. As Caroline unwittingly becomes the center of both a criminal case and a sordid love triangle, she must tread with caution while seeking the truth . . . because someone is waiting to reduce her to nothing more than a signature on a dotted line.

I really love this series and author! I was so happy to receive the third book! I think the mystery was a little more subtle this time. It was a short read, so I think there was a lot of action upfront. But the story seemed to focus more on Caroline and her sister’s relationship. There was also more about Caroline and her possible suitors. I was hoping for a little more romance, but Caroline doesn’t seem to be interested. Hopefully there’s more movement in the next book. I’m excited to continue with the series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency mysteries!

[Stephanie Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

**My thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**

2.5 stars

I’ve had mixed feelings on the previous Miss Morton titles, but this installment represents a bit of an upswing. While I found the first 40% of the novel a little annoying, the last 60% gets better.

The good: Caroline Morton is finally starting to trust her own two feet, and takes some steps into solving this mystery without being dragged into it against her will by Mrs. Frogerton. At last, the main character is acting like one! I also appreciate the fleshing out of some side characters. Letty the maid is a treasure, and it’s good to see Susan on the page again.

The not-so-good: I’m not wild about how every male character seems to be in love with Caroline; I think her interactions with male characters could be significantly more interesting by navigating the various ways they could find to be friends, colleagues, acquaintances, frienemies, etc. as members of opposite sexes in Regency England, but everything seems to come down to people finding Caroline hot and/or marriageable. However, this isn’t as big a part of the book as I’d feared, so it didn’t bother me as much as it has in previous titles.

I’m also tired of all the mysteries so far being tied to the Morton family; I understand that because of Caroline’s mind-my-own-business character it’s probably the only way to force her to care about a mystery, but I would absolutely love for Caroline to have to help Mrs. Frogerton weather something for a change.

I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, as I clearly have some beef with the protagonist and don’t care for the romantic elements of the series so far, so I suppose it will depend on if the next book has a really gripping blurb to hook me, as I do love Mrs. Frogerton and Lloyd is pretty skilled at crafting a twisty murder mystery that keeps me guessing.

[William J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance from Goodreads and I would like to thank them for this book. This is the first book from Catherine Lloyd that I have read and I very much enjoyed reading this book. Lady Caroline is the daughter of the late Earl of Morton who appears to have passed away leaving behind an enormous debt because of his reckless spending and leaving his daughters broke and homeless. Their Aunt Eleanor came and took them to Greenwood Hall. Caroline left her younger sister at Greenwood Hall while she went on to seek paid employment with Mrs. Frogerton. Mrs. Frogerton considered Lady Caroline a family member whom she kept as a companion to help her navigate social circles. Mrs. Frogerton was wealthy but prone to the dramatics and Lady Caroline helped dampen her enthusiasm and assisted her. After it appears that a new will has been discovered concerning Lady Caroline's late father, several people are murdered including some of her family solicitors. Several men are also interested in Lady Caroline because she is beautiful. This book involves murders, assaults, threats, and trouble with family as Lady Carolines sister who is ten years younger blames her for being left behind at Greenwood Hall and later sent to Kent for schooling as Lady Caroline wished to protect her sister. The story goes on to investigate mines in South Africa her late father invested in (Wonderwerk Myne) and as to authenticity of this mine. I liked the end of the book which answers some questions and leaves the story open for continuation of Lady Carolines life. I highly recommend that you buy, gift, but most importantly read this mystery that was thoroughly enjoyable. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I enjoyed the way people of society behaved and spoke to each other. Several families were involved that you will enjoy following in the book.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance is the third outing for Miss Morton by Catherine Lloyd. Released 20th Aug 2024 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in 3rd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is an engaging, light Regency historical cozy series featuring a heroine whose late father's mess continues to impact her circumstances. She's recently inherited from another relative (an aunt) and is disinclined to sort out her disgraced father's estate. She's dragged into (and implicated in) the mystery by the complicated related deaths of the legal folks involved. Skullduggery, envy, dishonesty, and murder all make appearances.

As the third book in the series, it follows on closely from developments in the earlier books. It is understandable as a standalone, but not ideal, and with the codicil that the characters' interrelationships have developed over time, so there will be spoilers if read out of order.

The mystery itself is well constructed, but thin, and readers really should bring a robust suspension of disbelief. All in all, however, it's a good light cozy in a decent series. With 3 books extant, it would make a good binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition.

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Miss Morton Mystery series. It is a historical mystery set in Regency England. Lady Caroline Morton has been summoned to the office of her family's solicitors with regards to a second will from her late father, the Earl of Morton, suddenly coming to light. The first will indicated that her father had squandered his estate and the dowries of his two daughters. Thus, there was nothing for the girls to inherit making them dependent on extended family. Caroline was forced to take a position as a lady's companion to make ends meet and her younger sister, Susan, was sent to a boarding school.

Caroline's employer, Mrs. Frogerton, has taken a deep interest in Caroline and is very supportive of her endeavors, so she accompanies Caroline to the solicitor's office. Upon arriving there, they discover that the attorney handling the second will has disappeared and they don't know where he or the will is. He later turns up murdered. Other suspicious deaths follow.

There is a lot going on in this story. Caroline and her sister inherit 500 pounds each from their deceased Aunt Eleanor. Susan runs away from school to be with her greedy cousin Mabel who is trying to get her hands on their inheritance from their aunt. Caroline has two suitors, Dr. Harris and Inspector Ross, that are showing an interest in courting her. Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton are earnestly trying to find the connection between the missing will and the murders that are happening.

This mystery has a cast of interesting characters and the plot moves along at a steady pace. Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and the author for an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, but some things may be unclear, such as Caroline's antipathy to Mabel.
Lady Caroline Morton's father spent his inheritance, gambled and drank himself into debt and looted his daughters' dowries. Caroline's fiance deserted her and her aunt, Lady Eleanor, took Caroline and her decade younger sister Susan in, but at a price of doing as she said. Caroline took a post as a companion to Mrs. Frogerton (a lady who came from "trade" and still runs her factories after her husband's death) to launch her daughter, Dorothy into society. Caroline is now Miss Morton and dead to society except for the occasional snub.
Out of the blue, Caroline is told that her father made a new will before he died that might have something to benefit her and her sister. As she tries to find out more, murder and theft at the solicitors office and a personal attack on Caroline cause concern. If that is not enough, disgraced cousin Mabel, (Lady Eleanor's daughter) is secretly contacting Susan at her school and poisoning her against Caroline.
All is eventually sorted out with the help of Mrs. Frogerton and her son, and friends Dr. Harris (who has NO tact at all) and Inspector Ross (another outcast from his family for not babysitting his profligate older brother).
Unwelcome suitors, South African mines, missing wills combine to make this historical mystery interesting.
I look forward to the next installment of Caroline's story as she becomes more confident in herself and how her relationships develop with her family, her employer, and her friends.

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a strong woman whose reputation is her only asset. Lady Caroline Morton has been left penniless after the death of her bankrupt father. In reduced circumstances she found a position to the supportive Mrs Frogerton, who treats Caroline like one of the family. The story centres around the mysterious death of the solicitor who had recently contacted Caroline about the existence of a later version of her father’s will. It appears someone is concerned enough about changes to the will to kill in order to hide the contents. Then when a clerk who attempted to blackmail Caroline, to reveal the contents, also dies…events take a sinister turn, which involves an attempt on Caroline’s life.
There is a satisfying cast of characters, from the blunt Dr Harris to the gentlemanly Inspector Rose, and the spoilt Susan (Caroline’s younger sister.) There is a subplot involving runaway Susan that had undertones of Pride & Prejudice about it.
I liked the gentle humour in the book and became a fan of Inspector Rose. There were times when Caroline risked coming across a little too saintly…but then the author skilfully brought her back to reality. It occurred to me how lucky Caroline was to be employed by the generous Mrs Frogerton (on whose goodwill much of the story relies) but it was a minor point and didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the read.
I enjoyed the read and will look out the earlier books in the series. This is Book 3 but can be read as a standalone novel. I picked up hints that in previous stories Caroline was not the strong woman she is now and suspect this may be an interesting character development.
ARC supplied in return for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for an advance reader copy of Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance. All opinions and comments are my own.

Who knew that being the daughter of a disgraced earl would be so dangerous? Lucky readers will find the mysterious circumstances unfolding rather quickly in Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance, the third in the early Victorian historical mystery series by Catherine Lloyd.

Seems that her dead father may have not been so terribly terrible after all, as a new will has shown up that may afford some changes in to the two Morton sisters’ circumstances. But to get to this will is going to prove awfully difficult, apparently; there are people who will kill to keep this from happening. And in between dealing with this, she’s dealing with her “sister troubles” – the book is much taken up with these travails. Everything comes together in a scene that highlights Miss -- Lady -- Morton at her best, bringing some bad’uns to justice and setting the stage for changes to her own circumstances.

Is life looking up for Miss Morton? Dare we think that she will no longer be beholden to Mrs. Frogerton for everything? It’s tantalizingly obvious that author Catherine Lloyd would like us to believe that something might be lurking on the horizon. Until then, best to wait and see what else Ms. Lloyd has in store for our busy heroine. I’m sure it’ll prove to be entertaining.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Morton (a/k/a Lady Caroline) is back with another perplexing mystery and an insight into London society in the latter part of the Regency period in England that isn't often seen. Miss Morton/Lady Caroline, the daughter of a late Earl, shunned when she finds employment after her father left her homeless and penniless. Mrs. Froggerton (Miss Morton's employer) and her daughter who is shopping for a titled husband, disdained because they earned their money but sought after because they have money. Mrs. Froggerton is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is clever and down to earth and genuine, and sometimes she makes me laugh. Although less likeable, I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Froggerton's son in this adventure and would enjoy seeing him again in future books. His character has possibilities. The mystery is complex enough to keep the reader guessing, and I admit that I did not expect the exact outcome.

I noticed that some others thought this book could serve as a standalone, but I disagree. The developments with Susan, Miss Morton's younger sister, the second will at the center of this mystery, as well as Caroline's relationships, both potentially romantic, platonic, and professional, will mean less to those not familiar with the previous 2 books. I highly recommend that readers begin with the first book and read the books in order.

The narrator does an excellent job of voicing all of these characters and the variety of accents required.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Lloyd brings us back to regency London and Miss Morton. We find Miss Morton being summoned to discuss her father's estate. Miss Morton is reluctant since he had left both herself and her sister with nothing but debt requiring her to send her sister to finishing school and for herself to find a job. Caroline finds out that her father made a second will, but does not find out what it is since the new lawyer turns up missing, then dies in the hospital. Both her and Mrs. Frogerton, her employer become suspicious when death follows in their footsteps.

We follow Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton as they try to figure out the importance of her father's new will and how much others are willing to make sure that it never sees the light of day. They also must deal with her sister disappearing from school and the three men who seem to be interested in her all the while try8ing to solve this latest case. We get to catch up with characters from past books and meet new ones. You keep wanting to turn the page to see what happens next and find the truth of the matter. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this privilege.

[Maria Sclafani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely the most underwhelming of the 3 so far. Caroline was a bit of a Debbie downer in this one. Mrs. Frogerton was definitely giving main character energy. Caroline’s whole “I don’t know I’m beautiful, and that every man is in love with me “ got a little tired. I was also really annoyed by the Debloom family in this book. The characters were really inconsistent. I also didn’t understand why Caroline rushed over to the company after getting a note from Mr. Debloom- if you don’t care about him, why bother? Also, she went out alone, which is how she ended up trapped in a room with Mr. Kruger. I found the Susan kidnapping plot more interesting than the deblooms. But I have to say, Mabel didn’t seem so hateful in the last book- she exposed her father as a murderer and skipped town with her working class beau. I kinda admired her, and wondered why Caroline didn’t. But in this book, Mabel was a scheming, money-hungry villain. I didn’t understand the change. I agree that the book feels unfinished. The ending was a bit sloppy and thrown together. Like..what will happen to miss debloom? Her brother is definitely going to prison, and she’ll be on her own in London.there wasn’t a final scene between her and her brother. Also, I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was TERRIBLE with the South African accent for the deblooms.