Miss Morton and the English House Party Murder by Catherine Lloyd

Caroline was disappointed by love when her father killed himself in disgrace. She broke off her engagement (her fiance didn't protest much) and became a lady's companion. Now her aunt wants her to come "home" for her cousin's come out ball. Caroline insists that her boss be allowed to come and bring her daughter as well. They are merchants so the daughter,  Dorothy, will have a great fortune and she is also pretty so she could potentially marry well. Her manner needs some work but she is presentable.

Caroline's cousin, Mabel, has insisted that a motley group be invited to her ball including many of the orphans that her parents took in. But strange things are happening. First, the butler is locked in the basement. Then Caroline's great aunt is murdered and her aunt and uncle refuse to acknowledge that anything is amiss.

The solution was a bit convoluted but I did enjoy most of the story.

Three and a half stars
This book came out May 31, 2022

Followed by Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld

Borrowed as ebook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own