Month: September 2025

Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Miss Morton and the Missing Heir (A Miss Morton Mystery)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Miss Morton Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 9/30/25
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 272

The delightful Miss Morton (Lady Caroline) and her energetic, inquisitive employer, Mrs. Frogerton, lead us through another mystery filled with red herrings, multiple suspects, and a shocking villain. Mrs. Frogerton’s daughter, Dotty, has finally married her Viscount, and Mrs. Frogerton is suffering from the let-down after all of the excitement. So, when the lawyer shows up with information about a potential heir to Caroline’s father’s title, Mrs. Frogerton immediately offers to host them in her home.

Things quickly go awry for everyone. Both Mrs. Frogerton and Caroline suspect something might be amiss with Mr. Scutton’s claim to the title, but since the lawyers and the College of Arms were investigating the claim, they decided to leave it alone. The Scutton family proves to be a disagreeable lot, which cements Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton’s suspicions. With the death (accidental?) of the Scutton’s servant and then the murder of Mary, the potential heir’s sister, things get very tense.

I loved all of the character updates and cannot wait to see what happens in future books. I’m happy that neither Susan nor Dotty made an appearance, as I don’t care for either of them. Also, I strongly dislike love triangles, and I’m ready to see the one between Caroline, Inspector Ross, and Dr. Harris resolved – since this is the 4th book in the series, it is time for resolution. I vote for Inspector Ross with Dr. Harris relegated to friend status. I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens!

I recommend this interesting, fun book and the entire series. The writing is excellent with a well-plotted, well-paced mystery with characters that you will either love or hate – no indifference here.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

A Murderous BusinessBarbara’s rating: 3.4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Harriman & Mancini Mystery #1
Publication Date: 9/16/25
Period: 1912, New York
Number of Pages: 304

This is a sapphic murder mystery set in 1912 New York. The news of the Titanic sinking fills the air; women cannot vote; women cannot even have their own bank account, yet Margot Baxter Harriman is determined to continue running her deceased father’s cannery – B&H Foods.

The atmospheric opening with Margo entering the cannery to find the body of Mrs. Giana Gilroy, her father’s retired assistant, gives you chill bumps. Then, with the police ready to close the case as death by natural causes, Margo knows she has to hire a private detective if she wants the truth.

Loretta (Rett) Mancini has run her father’s investigative agency since he began to experience memory loss. When Margo gave her the opportunity to investigate what happened to Giana and the mystery behind the letter she was writing, Rett jumped at it.

As they wind their way through the clues, they find there are many secrets within Margo’s father’s company – and a villain who is willing to take their lives.

This is a well-plotted, well-paced mystery with strong, well-developed main characters as well as relatable supporting characters.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.