The Grim Reader

Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library

By: Margaret Welch

Narrated by: Ann Richardson

It's Simmering Suspense Week at the Castleton Manor literary retreat in Lighthouse Bay, Massachusetts. Librarian Faith Newberry has her hands full with a week of author talks and signings planned. But when the bejeweled guest of honor, reigning queen of romantic suspense Gloria Bauer, clears out her luxurious suite and disappears without a trace, Faith must scramble to keep the manor's other guests - and her cranky boss, Marlene Russell - satisfied with one less author.

Charlotte Jaxon, Castleton's owner, thinks Gloria's absence is all a stunt. Didn't Agatha Christie do the same thing decades ago? But when both a ransom note and Gloria's dog, Sir Arfer Conan Doyle, turn up, Faith quickly realizes the danger could be real. In exchange for Gloria's safe return, the kidnapper wants not only the stunning diamond necklace the author stowed away in the manor's safe, he also demands a priceless, one-of-a-kind handmade book from the library's collection. Is it all a public spectacle, or has something royally dreadful happened to the author?

Despite Charlotte's wishes, Faith begins to investigate. She can't help but wonder if Charlotte knows more about the kidnapping than she is letting on. After all, publicity for Gloria is also publicity for Castleton Manor. Meanwhile, the remaining authors don't seem all that concerned about Gloria being gone. Without her around, their stars will shine brighter than Gloria's diamonds. And what about the disgruntled fan who seems more than a little obsessed with her favorite author? Any one of them, or the other castle guests, could be behind the plot.

To restore Gloria to safety, Faith will need all the help she can get from her best friends, tuxedo cat Watson, and the trusty members of the Candle House Book Club. But can they find the interloping perpetrator before Gloria's deposed - permanently?

©2017 Margaret Welch (P)2020 Annies

ewith each one, the characters get better

its all due to the narrator....each story's plots are well written. the characters continue to grow in dimensions; right off the page, into your room. Descriptive, well paced, each story stands on its own

Watson's Truth!

I do love all these story's. The best part of this is the ending .
When the old book is brought to its rightful home. The story of the hero cats that lost their tales fighting the waves. Now Watson and we all know how special he is , how very brave and where he truly belongs!!! I love Watson so very much!!!!😄🎆😗

Disappointed

While I love the settings and main characters of this series, I was disappointed in the story line that seemed to be too drawn out. I found it to be confusing at times as if the author wasn't sure of the story herself and was making it up on-the-fly...too many dead end characters and not enough intriguing development.