Suddenly in Her Sorbet — Joyce Christmas

Formal dress and a sharp eye were de rigueur Thursday last, when Helene Harpennis, the busiest fundraiser in the social register, hosted a gala charity ball.
Who could have guessed that the grandest of dames would fall victim to poisoned sorbet? Police detective Sam de Vere suspects several of the elite guests, but lovely Lady Margaret Priam, the ex-aristocrat, knows her close-mouthed class won't confess much to him.
Hot on her own trail of clues, savvy Lady Margaret enlists the reluctant aid of throneless Prince Paul Castrocani, as she keeps one well-heeled step ahead of de Vere and gains his advantage -- in more ways than one.