Book 4 of Miss Morton Mysteries
Kensington Publishers
September 30th, 2025
Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd is a great read. The author makes the 1840s Regency/ Victorian era come alive within the compelling mystery and characters.
Caroline was the daughter of an earl, but her father gambled away everything, leaving her and her sister at the mercy of relatives. A mother and her son Thomas, the Scuttons, show up and says to Caroline that the son is now claiming that he is the heir to the Morton line and should become the next earl. Caroline doesn’t care about royal titles and is content to let him have it along with the ancestral home.
“He is unpleasant, insulting, does not have a high regard for an independent woman, has a temper, controlling, and a snob. While his mother is from humble beginnings, does not care about others, stubborn, negative, avoids answering questions, and has her own secrets. She is a very cold and calculating person.”
When old enough, Caroline struck out on her own taking employment as a companion to Mrs. Frogerton, a wealthy businesswoman. Now Mrs. Frogerton invites the Scuttons to stay with them while the ancestral house is being repaired and made livable. But trouble follows with the mysterious death of a Scutton family servant, and the murder of Mary, Mr. Scutton’s sister. Suspects and persons of interest are numerous, as Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton embark on their own quest for the truth.
To make matters worse, Mr. Scutton believes he can take control of Caroline’s life and has become possessive, telling her how she should behave, that she should no longer work, and who she should surround herself with friends. This adds to the storyline making it very interesting for readers as to what is appropriate for women. This creates tension with Caroline who asserts her independence and strength.
“I put in this book quote from Thomas, “Women require protectiveness and guidance of men, who happen to be the stronger sex,” which is how men thought at that time. Women were not regarded by men then. Mrs. Frogerton, Caroline’s employer and mentor, is the perfect example of someone in control of her life, a successful businesswoman. Caroline throughout the books has learned to stand up for herself through Mrs. Forgerton and has accepted that version of what a woman should be. She no longer thinks she must be protected or subservient, especially since she had to survive by herself.”
The story was riveting with a mystery that had red herrings, multiple suspects, and a shocking conclusion.
