On the advice of her doctor, Mrs. Frogerton has arranged a visit to Bath to take the waters and regain her health and good spirits. While she reflects on her own next steps in light of her changing circumstances, Caroline goes with her to ensure the good lady’s well-being. Daily life in Bath takes on a routine of its own, with visits to the spa interspersed with social occasions and new acquaintances, including a group of women who live on Queen Square and gather to drink tea, play cards, and gossip.
When it comes to light that some of the ladies are recipients of poison pen letters, a rejuvenated Mrs. Frogerton offers to help. Sorting through the social dynamics of the group for motive and opportunity, she talks with the ladies while Caroline questions their companions.
The situation becomes more grave when Lady Greatmere, the oldest and most unpleasant of the ladies, is discovered strangled in her own locked drawing room, a half-finished epistle on her dressing table suggesting she might be the author of the poison pen letters. As Lady Greatmere’s companion falls under the suspicion of the Bath constabulary, Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton attempt to read between the lines to force the killer to come clean.
I am so torn about this newest addition to the Miss Morton series. For starters, Mrs. Frogerton admits to Caroline that she is hesitant to interrogate the woman because she now fears retaliation. But on the other hand, she investigates the murder of an unlikeable woman and pokes at the lead detective. Then there is Caroline, who went from “I am not a fan of the aristocracy and the people” to “now that I have options, what do I do with my life?” It just felt somewhat wishy-washy.
I do wish that Inspector Ross or even Dr. Harris were more involved, because it seems like a third potential suitor has entered into Caroline’s life. Could the author not, please? I hate love triangles on any day. This just really makes it feel like too much.
The mystery felt inspired by Agatha Christie’s The Moving Finger, which makes it an automatic win in my book. Add in a locked room, and I was drawn in immediately. The solution came as a bit of a surprise, but not the killer’s reasoning.
Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
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