Miss Morton And The Spirits Of The Underworld

Miss Morton Mysteries #2

by Catherine Lloyd

From the author of the critically acclaimed Kurland St. Mary series, this new historical mystery series is “a charming cross between a Regency romance and a well‑constructed detective story” (Kirkus Reviews), and will appeal to fans of Victoria Thompson and Deanna Raybourn.

Lady Caroline is happy to be back amid the swirl of London society, guiding her employer’s daughter, Dorothy Frogerton, through her first Season. Dorothy has been declared “an original” by a patron of the exclusive social club, Almack’s, and is sifting through potential suitors. Mrs. Frogerton, meanwhile, finds her own diversions, including spiritualist gatherings at the home of Madam Lavinia, and begs Caroline to come along.

Caroline is skeptical of Madam’s antics and faux French accent—until she slips a note into Caroline’s hand, which contains intimate family knowledge. Even as Caroline tries to discern whether the spiritualist’s powers are real, a much darker mystery presents itself. Madam Lavinia is found lifeless in her chair, a half-empty glass of port at her elbow. In her desk is a note addressed to Caroline, entreating her to find her murderer.

Caroline needs no psychic abilities to determine a motive, for it seems that Madam was blackmailing some of her clients and has left a trail of aggrieved aristocrats behind. But as Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton investigate further, they find other suspects, and a litany of deceptions, some very close to home. Now Caroline will need to keep all her wits about her if she is to stop others from joining Madam Lavinia in the afterlife . . .

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

Unknown Binding

First published August 22, 2023

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

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series and one I was really looking forward to as I really enjoyed the first. I was not disappointed.

It is now 1838 in London and Lady Caroline is helping Dorothy Frogerton navigate the hazardous waters of the London Season. Dorothy has her heart set on marrying a Duke and she appears to be determined enough to do so. Caroline also attends to the day-to-day affairs of Dorothy's mother, Mrs. Frogerton, a wealthy widow.

Mrs. Frogerton becomes interested in a spiritualist, Madam Lavinia, and hopes to make contact with her dead husband. Instead another murder occurs, a friend is the accused, and Caroline and Mrs F. are off and away in their own investigation.

The mystery is involved, the suspects many and varied, and the actual murderer is a clever surprise.
Beautifully written, with an excellent Regency atmosphere, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the genre.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld is the second volume in the Miss Morton Mysteries series by Catherine Lloyd and it is one fun, fast cozy historical mystery. Set in 1838, Mrs Frogerton has asked Caroline to accompany her to a seance.. Caroline is skeptical but the medium seems to know things abt her family. She decides to return and asks her friend, Dr Harris, to accompany her. This time, the medium says something that seems to anger Harris. When the medium is later found dead, Dr Harris becomes the main suspect. Miss Morton is convinced he is innocent and, with the aid of her employer, she is determined to prove it no matter the danger.

I have enjoyed both books in the series. The characters, both old and new, are, fir the mist part very likeable. There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings to keep the story moving at a brisk pace and keep the reader guessing. Definitely an entertaining read for fans of historical cozies with interesting and stron female protagonists.

I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Miss Morton Mystery #2
Publication Date: 8/22/23
Period: Victorian – 1838 London
Number of Pages: 304

It is 1838 and Miss Caroline Morton along with her employer Mrs. Frogerton and Mrs. Frogerton’s daughter Dorothy have settled into their rented London home to attend Dorothy’s first season. Dealing with the ton will be a cakewalk compared to the harrowing times they lived through in Miss Morton and the English Houseparty Murder, the first book in the series.

Dorothy is busy setting the ton on its ear with her forthright, headstrong, and very engaging manner. Yes, they sit up and take notice even though her wealth comes from – gulp - gasp – trade. Meanwhile, Mrs. Frogerton has taken an interest in spiritualism and has attended a few sessions with Madam Lavinia. She even takes Caroline with her to a session to see what she thinks about it. Very doubtful and very skeptical, Caroline wants to bring Dr. Harris to one of the sessions for his opinion. Why? Well, Madam Lavinia passed along something that no one else could have known – and she did the same with Dr. Harris. Could she genuinely have a gift? We’ll never know because Caroline and Dr. Harris found her body – and Dr. Harris was soon charged with murder.

It was so much fun watching Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton set Scotland Yard on its ear with their staunch belief in Dr. Harris and their flat-out refusal to let him be railroaded. Since Sergeant Dawson wasn’t really interested in finding the real murderer – he only wanted to close the case as quickly as possible – Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton decided they’d solve it to save their friend.

I think you’ll be genuinely surprised by the identity of the villain. You will probably wonder – what if – but you won’t be sure. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you and our erstwhile sleuths off on tangents and plenty of wit to keep you smiling and shaking your head.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can recommend it. The characters are delightful – especially Mrs. Frogerton, because, for me, she steals the show. So far, there isn’t a romance of any sort – and I really need one of those to totally enjoy the series. There is, of course, Dr. Harris from the last book. I never warmed to him in that book and the same was true of this one. Then, there is a new character, Mr. DeBloom, who is a bit intriguing. Not only could he be an excellent romantic interest, but there are some other hints of things to come for Caroline’s future as well. Cool – mystery within a mystery.

So, if you decide to read this book – I hope you love it as much as I did! Happy Reading!

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

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a little more than the first book. This one had more of Mrs. Froggerton investigating than I think the first one did. I really like her, so maybe that’s why I enjoyed this one more.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Miss Morton series, and it was a very good and compelling mystery.

Caroline Morton is still situated in her role as companion to Mrs Frogerton, while her daughter Dorothy is enjoying her first London season.
Mrs Frogerton visits a spiritualist named Madam Lavinia, who claims to have spoken to her late husband. Caroline accompanies her the next time she visits and then goes again with Dr. Harris.
Later, she and Dr. Harris go to Madam Lavinia's house for a private meeting, and they find the spiritualist dead.
Now, Dr. Harris is accused of murder and Caroline and Mrs Frogerton will do everything in their power to find the true culprit.

This mystery was great and kept me guessing until the end. I really love all the characters in this series and can't wait to read more about them.

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

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1838, Lady Caroline Morton is guiding her employer’s daughter through her first Season while Mrs. Frogerton gets involved in spiritualist gatherings. Caroline is skeptical of Madam Lavinia until she slips a note into Caroline’s hand containing intimate family knowledge. But then Madam Lavinia is found dead with a note addressed to Caroline, entreating her to find her murderer.
 
Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton team up to investigate, although Mrs. Frogerton takes the active role. After book 1, I thought this series would solely be a duo solving mysteries. I’m more hopeful with the return of Dr. Harris that there will be a romance element eventually. The culprit was clear to me as soon as they were introduced, but I was entertained in finding out the why and the how.

I can’t say I like this as much as the Kurland St. Mary’s series yet, but the pacing was better in this book than the first one. I’m eager to for book 3!

3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley

[A Tiny Reader | Sharfin Islam · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are so much more complicated than cosy crimes generally are

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. I really enjoyed Lloyd's Kurland St. Mary mysteries and was extremely disappointed in the first Miss Morton mystery. This second book is much better and more like the Kurland St. Mary books.

There's nothing new or original here, but I love having comfort reads and Lloyd's books fall into that category. No graphic violence, just a little murder and characters you get to know better with each book in the series, far removed from issues today.

Looking forward to book three.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable installment in the Miss Morton series.

Like the first book, this is a solidly plotted, compelling historical mystery. Though the focus in this series is less on setting than in many successful books in the subgenre, the books still feel rich and immersive, making up in feel and atmosphere what they lack in charming historical detail.

The characters are fairly standard to the subgenre, but they’re likable enough and function well within the framework of the plot.

The story is slightly better in the first book of the series than in this one, though I appreciated that this one was a bit lighter and more in line with what I expect to get in terms of tone for this type of book.

In all, an enjoyable read and one that compels me to look forward to the next in the series.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange in exchange for an honest review.*

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There are more things in heaven and earth!” (Hamlet)

Once again Caroline Morton finds herself involved in a death. This time a medium, Madame Lavina is murdered, and strangely she’s left a note for Caroline.
Caroline’s kindly employer Mrs. Frogerton had wanted Caroline to accompany her to a séance.
It’s 1838, the beginnings of Victoria’s reign. Spiritualism and mannerism are all the rage during these times
Interestingly, Dr. Harris is present, as is Madame L’s brother, Professor Douglas Brown, who we are told is conducting a scientific study of spiritualism. Caroline is impressed by his serious undertaking. There’s noises, electric currents and smoke involved, but Caroline detects something else.
The last thing Caroline wants is to be investigating another murder, but it seems she is!
Meanwhile her charge, Mrs. Frogerton’s daughter Dorothea, is looking beyond a plain mister (no matter how charming and wealthy) and has fixed her sights on the Viscount Augustus Lingard. (Although, if a Duke happened along she’d be thrilled, even if they’re quite old.)
Ah, the charms of youth!
The mystery of how Madam L. was killed and by whom is complicated. The ‘after the event’ revelation brings more mystery.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series. It was a fast paced read. I enjoyed it more than the first one. Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway book!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and I love this series! If anything, she's taking the romance EVEN SLOWER this time around (which I didn't think was possible). The mystery is great, doesn't feel like a cheat, and felt appropriate for the time and class of people. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, compelling whodunnit, with an engaging host of characters that have the potential to feel like family!
My first encounter with Lloyd's Miss Morton, Lady Caroline, in this fun whodunnit that really absorbed, intrigued and kept me continually doubting my instincts as she cleverly wrapped me up in the unravelling of the murder mystery afoot.
The main characters oozed chemistry, they bounced off each other in a wonderfully engaging yet believable way, both comically and of deep affection. I particularly enjoyed the force to be reckoned with that is Mrs. Frogerton. She rather stole the show for me, with her joy at playing sleuth, her straight talking zeal dipped in polite, disguised setdowns with a heady dose of I'll-not-be-provoked-by-your-judgemental-rudeness-because-I-smell-of-the-shop, way in manner that highlighted her core of steel clad intelligence, selfworth, generosity and devotion to those she loves. Which makes her such a great spring board for our practical, struggling with the resentment and conflicting emotions her father's untimely death two years ago represents and the difficulties it has slapped our heroine with, Caroline... they just sang with intelligence and a smooth heartwarming synchronicity.
Then we add the accused murderer and friend, Dr Harris, there is clearly an undercurrent of irritation meets subtle sexual tension between Caroline and Dr Harris that at the minute is buried deep but interwoven with a wealth of history - some I am not fully aware of, with not having read book 1 - yet even I can see the conflict residing between the pair, as it crackles with a hidden deep affection, Caroline has yet to uncover but Dr Harris is clearly on the path to realising for himself.
In addition, the premise of a touch of paranormal in the mix, in the murderer being a spiritualist, drew me. There was this eeriness to the precision of the intimacies, and remarkably specific details exposed in Madam Lavinia's séances that sparked a believability in her abilities that blurred the skeptism and added another layer to my enjoyment of the tale. While I found joy in hunting out clues, piecing together suspicions, puzzling out plausible scenarios and theories, that lingered even when I had to put the book down.
Despite, suspecting the culprit early on, the full motive did elude me as I was bamboozled by the many red herrings that cleverly made me doubt by suspicions until the big reveal. Taking me off the scent many a time and clouded by head with many a well placed distraction. All combining so entertainingly to produce a well paced mystery I loved becoming absorbed in and has encouraged me not only to look forward to my next encounter with these intriguingly wonderful characters but to hunt out what came before, to find out where it all began and understand the past histories more clearly so I can enjoy their relationship developments to a greater degree.
Ultimately, a great read on its own but I recommend you read in order, as I wish I had in many ways, to get a richer understanding of the dynamics between the many key and well defined players involved.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Rounded up

I loved this!
This was also a but dark for a cozy mystery but the mystery is much more mysterious than usual for a cozy mystery.
I have to try this authors other books.

[Kiaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series ,Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld in a fun whodunnit set in 1830’s London. Lady Caroline Morton’s Earl father squandered his money and took is own life…leaving his tow daughter’s disgraced by association and at the mercy of uncaring relatives. Unwilling to simply fade away when her fiancé breaks off their engagement and the “ton” shuns her, Caroline now goes by Miss Morton and works as a companion to the irrepressible widow, Mrs. Frogerton. Helping her employer to guide her bratty daughter thru her first Season on the marriage market is a full time job but Miss Morton and Mrs. Frogerton also end up investigating the murder of a Spiritualist Madam Lavinia and arrest of their friend Dr. Harris. Miss Morton doesn’t believe in Madam Lavinia’s ability to connect to those in the afterlife, but she can’t completely discount Madam’s power to cancel the words of the dead when she tells Miss Morton something about her father that few, if any would know. Miss Morton’s skepticism is further challenged when she and Dr. Harris find Madam’s dead body and a note left for Caroline b Madam asks her to find out who is her killer. The police inquiry is bungled, accusations and clues are assessed and once again, Miss Morton and Mrs. Frogerton are working on their own investigation while Miss Frogerton waltzes thru the Season. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[Lavins · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

What a delightful book!! I love Catherine Lloyd style of writing and creating a story. It is funny, interesting, heartwarming and intriguing in the same time. I love how she is able to recreate exactly the regency times. The dialogs, the interactions, even the house descriptions, everything completely submerges the reader in this beautiful world.

Madam Lavinia, a spiritualist, succeeds to upset a fair share of people, but one is taking things to the next level and he/she kills her. The policemen, who are pressured to wrap up the case as soon as possible, are making an arrest that doesn't sit well with Lady Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton. So they decide to investigate the crime and reveal Madam's Lavinia real murderer.

I can hardly wait for the next instalment in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this great book!!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Caroline Morton has been impoverished and disgraced. She now calls herself Miss Morton and thinks she is lucky to be the companion to the wealthy Mrs. Frogerton, who may be in trade and vulgar, but who is also kind, generous and intelligent. She even agrees to go to a seance with Mrs. Frogerton, and returns the next day with her friend Dr. Harris, only to find Madame Lavinia murdered. The police set upon Dr. Harris as the murderer, and Mrs. Frogerton is determined to help clear his name, in her spare time from marrying off her self-willed daughter Dorothy, who wants to hold out for a duke. One of Dorothy's suitors seems to be interested in Caroline, who wonders if his sister may be the murderer of Madame. I'd really rather have another of the St. Mary Kurland series, also by Lloyd, but this is the second enjoyable entry in the Miss Morton series.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series and still enjoying it. As was the same in the first, I never suspected who the murderer was. Mind you, I didn’t really actively try to figure it out, but it was obvious to me either. A lovely little series.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about spiritualism. I listened to the audio book but that’s not listed as an edition.

[Sarah Matchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through book two of the Miss Morton series! The mystery made much more sense this time around, and it was compelling and fast-paced. I’m excited for book 3!

[Leighanne Hoffmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series. These are such good murder mysteries.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even better than the first. Interesting ending too.
My only problem is that the narrator seems to over exaggerate a bit too much at times.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
Lady Caroline is happy to be back amid the swirl of London society, guiding her employer’s daughter, Dorothy Frogerton, through her first Season. Dorothy has been declared “an original” by a patron of the exclusive social club, Almack’s, and is sifting through potential suitors. Mrs. Frogerton, meanwhile, finds her own diversions, including spiritualist gatherings at the home of Madam Lavinia, and begs Caroline to come along. Caroline is skeptical of Madam’s antics and faux French accent—until she slips a note into Caroline’s hand, which contains intimate family knowledge. Even as Caroline tries to discern whether the spiritualist’s powers are real, a much darker mystery presents itself. Madam Lavinia is found lifeless in her chair, a half-empty glass of port at her elbow. In her desk is a note addressed to Caroline, entreating her to find her murderer.
The second book in the series & another well written page turner. I loved both Caroline & Mrs Frogerton & how they ere determined to find the murderer & clear Dr Harris. There are twists turns & of course red herrings. I didn’t guess the villain, which is always a bonus. The characters have depth & were well portrayed. I look forward to more books in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Carol Dimitriou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, and I never guessed the murderer! Miss Morton is a great character, and I want to read more of her books.

[ili · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up! I’m a little confused by the sheer number of characters - but I’m really enjoying the painfully slow burn.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 bk 265 As always a well done mystery and one that wraps up some loose ties from book one - with a reader starting at book two not being left out. I'm coming to like Miss Morton and her characters as well as the characters in Lloyd's earlier series and hope that there will be many more to come.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is even better than the first! Now that I have rid the expectation of this being super cozy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel like the author has hit her stride with this series. I love the unlikely and unique sleuthing duo of Caroline and her employer Mrs Frogerton. The historical setting is well explained and the eerie atmosphere for this mystery was really well done. I was shocked by the ending and really enjoyed all the twists the sleuthing took. I am hoping for a bit of romance for Caroline, but love how she really has come into her own and feeling more comfortable and confident in her skin.

Note: I LOVED the audiobook!

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1838 Lady Caroline Morton due to a perilous financial situation is the companion to trade woman Mrs Frogerton and is guiding her daughter Dorothy through her first season in town. When spritualist Lavinua Dubois is killed, Mrs Frogerton and Caroline investigate to prove the innocence of their friend Dr. Harris.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this series set in early Victorian England.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick read. It feels like a 'condensed cozy', yet I still found Lady Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton to be very likable characters and well developed. The supporting cast is rather less defined and the stakes of the mystery feel quite low, thus the 'condensed' feeling. That said, it was an enjoyable read with two interesting and relatable intrepid women.

[Big Otter Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Intriguing mystery with Lady Caroline and the intrepid Mrs. Frogerton enmeshed in a twisty tale of a medium and a murder (or two or…) Fast paced, well plotted and an ending you won't see coming! Very good book; I'm enjoying the series and can't wait for more to be released. I did receive a copy of the book (thank you Kensington Publishing) and this is my own opinion.