A Lost Clause

Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #22

by K.D. McCrite

An unexpected death and a shady family tree bring a fresh wave of mysteries to the doorstep of Castleton Manor.

Castleton Manor librarian Faith Newberry is pleased to participate in the important Books as Friends conference, and she warmly welcomes the authors and librarians arriving at the Castleton Manor literary retreat. However, a shadow is cast over the event when Faith learns that her aunt's friend Louise Stitt died unexpectedly. As Faith and her friends in the Candle House Book Club investigate Louise's death, they discover that there is bad blood between Louise and some of her business associates. Was her death an accident? Or was she murdered?

Meanwhile, children's book author Roslyn Ethridge enlists Faith's help to search for her long-lost relative, and the woman seems willing to stop at nothing to uncover the truth of her family tree. Will Faith and her friends -- along with her adventurous cat, Watson -- turn the page on these mysteries before it's too late?

This clever whodunit from Annie’s Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, reading, pets, and female friendships.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

About the author

Also writes as Sydney Hope Archer.

K.D. McCrite was raised on a small dairy farm in the Ozarks. She has a degree in psychology from Drury University and has worked as a librarian and as a mental health caseworker.

She currently resides in Arkansas.

Reviews

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lost Clause is the 22nd book in Secret a of the Castleton Manor Library series and is a good addition to the series. Faith Newberry is the librarian at the manor. They are hosting librarians and authors for a retreat. Faith's Aunt Eileen's friend Louise is found dead unexpectedly. Faith, Eileen, Brooke, and Midge are in a book club together and they do some sleuthing too. A few people have secrets, others are acting oddly and things are missing at the mansion. Fajth's boss Marlene is worse than usual. Faith has been dating Castleton Manor co-owner Wolfe Jaxon but he is out of town for most of the book but things are improving between them finally. Faith has a cat Watson. Watson helps her find clues and he has some thoughts throughout the book. This is a fun series and the characters are wonderful. #ALostClause #SecretsOfTheCastletonManorLibrary

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lost Clause is book22 in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Librar series

A Lost Clause is the 22nd book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series and it is a good addition to the series! Faith Newberry is the librarian at the manor. They have an event for librarians and authors. Faith belongs to a book club that helps her solve the murder. Faith was dating co-owner Wolfe Jaxon but he is away on business for most of the book. Watson her cat is helping out. The friendships of the characters and the cozy mystery make it so enjoyable! #ALostClause #SecretsOfTheCastletonManorLibrary

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend (AC) started me reading this series. I took a break after the first 10-12 books but then decided to read those that I can request from my local library.

After thinking things were finally sorted with Wolfe and Faith, it's a bit disappointing that he's absent for most of this book.

I'm not quite sure why Watson suddenly decides he needs to give Faith mice as presents when, to my recollection, he hasn't in the previous 21 books in the series.

I liked the idea of school librarians and public librarians sharing tips on reading and getting children interested in reading.

[Bells Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect cozy mystery to fall to sleep to. Faith and her faithful cat Watson are alone in this one as boy friend Wolfe has disappeared on a business trip. Luckily her aunt Eileen is around and invested in the investigation. Faith isn’t sure what the status of her relationship with Wolfe is which leaves her a bit unsettled but the ending clears that up. Local Louise is dead and Marlene is particularly prickly. Number 22 in the series ends nicely.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I always enjoy visiting Castleton Manor and seeing what trouble Faith and Watson get themselves into. As usual, Watson works hard to keep his human safe. The mystery wasn't too difficult but I especially loved the new development at the end.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books. Watson as usual is Watson but a little humor was added this time. Faith continues to do her very best not to lash out at Marlene’s rudeness.

Enjoyed the ending. Only two books left in this series.

[Jackie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the better books on this series.