Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance

Catherine Lloyd

Aug 2024 · A Miss Morton Mystery Book 3 · Kensington Books

About this ebook

Social standing is everything in Regency England, and no one knows better than Miss Caroline Morton, the daughter of a disgraced earl, now gainfully employed as a lady’s companion—along with a sideline in sleuthing. 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.

Ratings and reviews

After her father’s death, Caroline finds a hidden will and a secret fortune, only to be thrust into a dangerous game of inheritance and deceit. When her lawyer is murdered and her sister disappears, Caroline must navigate a web of suspicious characters, including a love triangle, to uncover the truth and claim her rightful inheritance. This fun and intriguing mystery held my interest with its many twists. The book is part of a series best read in order. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

In this third installment of the Miss Morton Mysteries. Caroline find herself as a companion to Mrs Frogerton's daughter navigate the season. Now she worries that her job may be ending when the daughter marries. Then is seems a second will is found from her deceased father, who left no funds and miraculously there is money! Buy of course all may not be as it seems and a murder occurs. A journey to find out the truth leads us on a merry chase.

About the author

Catherine Lloyd is the acclaimed author of Regency-set historical mysteries, including the Kurland St. Mary Mystery series and the Miss Morton Mysteries. Born just outside London, England into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers, she holds a master’s degree in history from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. She currently lives with her family in the UK and can be found online at Catherine-Lloyd.com.