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Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #7
A Crime Well Versed
As librarian at Castleton Manor, the upscale literary retreat in Lighthouse Bay, Massachusetts, Faith Newberry cheerfully hosts various events for book lovers while accommodating the mansion's quirky guests. But during a poetry retreat, Faith's patience is tested by Emilie Smythe, an ill-mannered lecturer with an uncanny resemblance to Emily Dickinson. Emilie not only looks like Dickinson, but she dresses like her and also owns a Newfoundland named Carlo. Even stranger, Emilie claims to be Dickinson's great-great-granddaughter. No one believes her far-fetched story, but Emilie insists she has letters and documents to prove it.
Faith is stunned when Emilie gives her a Victorian beaded bag containing the papers and instructs her to determine their authenticity. But the next morning tragedy strikes . . . Faith and her friends discover Emilie's body washed up on a desolate beach.
It was widely known that Emilie was wealthy and eccentric and possibly even mad. Did she take her own life on the deserted beach? Or was she murdered? Even though an apparent suicide note is found, the list of suspects grows: The man walking on the beach the morning Emilie's body was discovered. Emilie's charming older brother and guardian. Her estranged half-sister who was left out of the family estate. And the poet at the retreat who publicly disparaged Emilie.
As Faith and her friends in the Candle House Book Club seek answers, a string of break-ins occurs around town. Is someone searching for Emilie's letters and documents? Can Faith and her friends -- including her protective feline companion, Watson -- finally close the book on this mystery?
Faith is stunned when Emilie gives her a Victorian beaded bag containing the papers and instructs her to determine their authenticity. But the next morning tragedy strikes . . . Faith and her friends discover Emilie's body washed up on a desolate beach.
It was widely known that Emilie was wealthy and eccentric and possibly even mad. Did she take her own life on the deserted beach? Or was she murdered? Even though an apparent suicide note is found, the list of suspects grows: The man walking on the beach the morning Emilie's body was discovered. Emilie's charming older brother and guardian. Her estranged half-sister who was left out of the family estate. And the poet at the retreat who publicly disparaged Emilie.
As Faith and her friends in the Candle House Book Club seek answers, a string of break-ins occurs around town. Is someone searching for Emilie's letters and documents? Can Faith and her friends -- including her protective feline companion, Watson -- finally close the book on this mystery?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 18, 2021
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 7th book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series. Faith Newberry is a great cozy protagonists, and I love her character. I also love Faith's cat, Watson, and his parts are so much fun. The plot and storyline of this book is so good. I love all the main characters in this series. The mystery in this book was so good, and I loved how Faith always finds the body. (*)
February 4, 2019
This is a cozy mystery series set in a beautiful manor house in Massachusetts that is used for book retreats. The library at the house is large and well-stocked, and run by Faith, a young woman with a nose for mystery. She also has a cat named Watson who is becoming quite annoying to me. After having read 7 volumes in the series, I know the predictable plots of the books, and I know that somehow Watson will "save the day." In this volume, a poetry retreat is interrupted by the death of one of its attendees, who either fell off, or was pushed from, a cliff by the sea. Faith and her friends end up in the middle of the mystery, and help to catch the guilty party, with Watson's help. I really enjoy the setting and the book themes of this series, but I don't enjoy the attention and excessive care given the cat.
May 20, 2020
During a poetry retreat a guest, who claims she is related to the late Emily Dickinson, is found dead along the shoreline. Who could possibly want this eccentric person killed? Is there more to her story than just her claim to fame?
Faith & Watson are such a delight and make a great mystery solving team. Throw in the ever faithful members of the Candle House Book Club and it's just pure sleuthing fun. There is just no end to my love for this cozy series.
Faith & Watson are such a delight and make a great mystery solving team. Throw in the ever faithful members of the Candle House Book Club and it's just pure sleuthing fun. There is just no end to my love for this cozy series.
April 30, 2018
Always enjoy these books. this is part of the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series and easy reads, mysteries, with a little romance. Faith finds a body on the beach, protected by the owners Newfoundland and along with her friends and her faithful cat, Watson, uncovers the who dun it.
March 12, 2026
Really good
I'm enjoying this series very much. Each story is well written and the characters are easy to like. I must admit that I like Marlene a little better in this book, maybe she's finally starting to warm up to her staff.
I'm enjoying this series very much. Each story is well written and the characters are easy to like. I must admit that I like Marlene a little better in this book, maybe she's finally starting to warm up to her staff.
October 23, 2018
Another wonderful entry in the Secrets of Castleton Manor Library series! Wonderful core cast of characters! Faith Newberry is one of my favorite cozy protagonists! Always well plotted. Always holds your interest. I highly recommend this series! My sister is hooked now, as well! Annie's Attic offers a number of cozy series, and I intend to try the others! Bravo Annie's Attic!
April 20, 2022
This volume in the series dealt with yet another genre - poetry. It was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it, although I doubt I'd reread it. I seldom reread mysteries. Even though this book was prose, the setting and descriptions in it were told more beautifully and boldly, like poetry.
First I'll comment on the poetry included (and not included), and then comment on the plot.
I recognized that the character was dressed as Emily Dickinson before I knew she was supposed to be an Emily Dickinson look-alike. I also recognized the description of one scene as being from Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" - minus the boat.
I am currently, slowly reading through a compilation of Tennyson's works. They are thoughtful enough that I have to pause for long stretches between them to absorb them, and I read other things in the pauses. "The Lady of Shalott" is sad, but it makes me smile because I remember "Anne of Green Gables" ' dramatic rendition of it and how that turned out. I can't think of that poem without thinking of that.
I hadn't realized that "The Lady of Shalott" ended in prayer. I liked his prayer quote better in "Mort d' Arthur" :
"More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day..."
His "Flower in the Crannied Wall" annoyed me because only a jerk would think of picking the flower, but to be fair, perhaps they didn't know that then.
There were several good Emily Dickinson poems included. I was glad to see the prominence of the "Hope" poem in the solving of the case, as that poem is one of my mom's favorites.
Hope is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all.
I do love so much of her poetry, but some of it was just strange, too. I have wondered if she might have been slightly autistic because not only was she extremely introverted, but also small sounds bothered her - like flies, for instance.
She's one of my favorite poets, but I also like Robert Louis Stevenson, a poet not mentioned in the collection, maybe because he mainly wrote poetry for children.
But, about this story. I didn't like the Emily Dickinson look-alike's personality. I don't think we were supposed to. But the real Emily Dickinson was so painfully shy and this one was so bossy and arrogant. I feel like I know some people who are as quiet and as unobtrusive as Emily was and I am comfortable with them and their gentle natures.
I remember, though, one person talking about being secluded like Emily Dickinson, and I told her that Emily's seclusion always made me sad, because society missed out a great deal as she isolated herself. I do understand withdrawing to heal or to protect oneself or just to revitalize - I am an introvert myself, if less of one than Emily - but the loss in her influence to society during her lifetime was still the same, whatever her motivation.
I did not know she had a dog named Carlos! So I learned something. And I liked the Carlos character as one of the best in this book.
Watson was an attack-cat for a third book in a row.
I wondered if any of the other reviewers would mention animal abuse (or neglect, too!) and some did, but the animal abuse was not glorified, and obviously not meant to be emulated. Of course, Midge treated the patient.
Since I read the book and didn't listen to the narration, I don't know how "Smythe" was pronounced. It's an old family name, way back in my family, pronounced as "Smith," but I know other families where it is pronounced with the y having a long i sound, like in "smite," but "Smythe."
It was interesting to me that the author of this volume shared the same first name as one of the negative, cantankerous characters in the story.
Somehow I didn't envision Aunt Eileen as the fishing type. I wish she would speak up more about her arthritis bothering her and stand up for herself a little more on that front. Faith, however, admired her silence on the topic.
EMTs, at least locally, don't remove dead bodies. The coroner does that. Otherwise, the family gets hit with an expensive, unnecessary ambulance bill as well as the coroner's. The paramedic can just pronounce them dead at the scene and call in the coroner. Other locales might arrange that differently, but it makes sense to me.
Yes, I'll agree with the reviewer that said more clues should've been handed to the police earlier on.
I knew the scented clue would come in handy.
I knew where the valuable clue would be, if not what it was. We weren't given enough information to know that in advance.
I don't think we were given enough clues to figure out whodunit in advance.
I believe if I found an expensive item that murderers had killed for, that I would call the police to come get it rather than take it to them for just such a reason.
First I'll comment on the poetry included (and not included), and then comment on the plot.
I recognized that the character was dressed as Emily Dickinson before I knew she was supposed to be an Emily Dickinson look-alike. I also recognized the description of one scene as being from Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" - minus the boat.
I am currently, slowly reading through a compilation of Tennyson's works. They are thoughtful enough that I have to pause for long stretches between them to absorb them, and I read other things in the pauses. "The Lady of Shalott" is sad, but it makes me smile because I remember "Anne of Green Gables" ' dramatic rendition of it and how that turned out. I can't think of that poem without thinking of that.
I hadn't realized that "The Lady of Shalott" ended in prayer. I liked his prayer quote better in "Mort d' Arthur" :
"More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day..."
His "Flower in the Crannied Wall" annoyed me because only a jerk would think of picking the flower, but to be fair, perhaps they didn't know that then.
There were several good Emily Dickinson poems included. I was glad to see the prominence of the "Hope" poem in the solving of the case, as that poem is one of my mom's favorites.
Hope is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all.
I do love so much of her poetry, but some of it was just strange, too. I have wondered if she might have been slightly autistic because not only was she extremely introverted, but also small sounds bothered her - like flies, for instance.
She's one of my favorite poets, but I also like Robert Louis Stevenson, a poet not mentioned in the collection, maybe because he mainly wrote poetry for children.
But, about this story. I didn't like the Emily Dickinson look-alike's personality. I don't think we were supposed to. But the real Emily Dickinson was so painfully shy and this one was so bossy and arrogant. I feel like I know some people who are as quiet and as unobtrusive as Emily was and I am comfortable with them and their gentle natures.
I remember, though, one person talking about being secluded like Emily Dickinson, and I told her that Emily's seclusion always made me sad, because society missed out a great deal as she isolated herself. I do understand withdrawing to heal or to protect oneself or just to revitalize - I am an introvert myself, if less of one than Emily - but the loss in her influence to society during her lifetime was still the same, whatever her motivation.
I did not know she had a dog named Carlos! So I learned something. And I liked the Carlos character as one of the best in this book.
Watson was an attack-cat for a third book in a row.
I wondered if any of the other reviewers would mention animal abuse (or neglect, too!) and some did, but the animal abuse was not glorified, and obviously not meant to be emulated. Of course, Midge treated the patient.
Since I read the book and didn't listen to the narration, I don't know how "Smythe" was pronounced. It's an old family name, way back in my family, pronounced as "Smith," but I know other families where it is pronounced with the y having a long i sound, like in "smite," but "Smythe."
It was interesting to me that the author of this volume shared the same first name as one of the negative, cantankerous characters in the story.
Somehow I didn't envision Aunt Eileen as the fishing type. I wish she would speak up more about her arthritis bothering her and stand up for herself a little more on that front. Faith, however, admired her silence on the topic.
EMTs, at least locally, don't remove dead bodies. The coroner does that. Otherwise, the family gets hit with an expensive, unnecessary ambulance bill as well as the coroner's. The paramedic can just pronounce them dead at the scene and call in the coroner. Other locales might arrange that differently, but it makes sense to me.
Yes, I'll agree with the reviewer that said more clues should've been handed to the police earlier on.
I knew the scented clue would come in handy.
I knew where the valuable clue would be, if not what it was. We weren't given enough information to know that in advance.
I don't think we were given enough clues to figure out whodunit in advance.
I believe if I found an expensive item that murderers had killed for, that I would call the police to come get it rather than take it to them for just such a reason.
May 25, 2021
I find this series entertaining. There are stupid gaffs, and the occasional idiocy - you have an odd encounter with the deceased hours before her death during which she gives you something, and you don't give the item to the police??? I might understand if this was the first encounter ever with an unexpected death, but seriously???
Of course, then you don't have a plot for your book, but it really stretches credibility. And to throw an antique bag on the floor and leave it there ... this was not the best plot. Good thing it was an audiobook and I was knitting. If it had been a physical book it might have been tossed.
And how does a vet examine an animal and miss an injury that grooming causes pain?
This is probably a 2 star if I assess it seriously, but I cut it some slack and gave it three.
Of course, then you don't have a plot for your book, but it really stretches credibility. And to throw an antique bag on the floor and leave it there ... this was not the best plot. Good thing it was an audiobook and I was knitting. If it had been a physical book it might have been tossed.
And how does a vet examine an animal and miss an injury that grooming causes pain?
This is probably a 2 star if I assess it seriously, but I cut it some slack and gave it three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2020
I love this series and A Crime Well Versed was a wonderful addition. This book was based on poetry and I'm not a poetry reader but it was interwoven into the story so well, it was enjoyable. Faith Newberry is the librarian at Castleton Manor, a literary retreat owned by the Jaxon family. They are hosting a poetry retreat. One of the guests believes she is related to Emily Dickinson and has a Newfoundland dog named Carlo. Emily gives Faith a beautiful beaded bag and then Emily is found dead. Faith and her book club friends work together to figure out what happened to Emily. I really like Faith and her friends. Very enjoyable cozy mystery. I had the audiobook which is well done and enjoyable.
April 30, 2022
This one was better than the last one, maybe because it is a different author? The only thing that bugged me about this one is the author kept introducing all the characters as if it were the first book. If you are reading the seventh book in a series, you should know who the characters are or be fine with not knowing exactly who they are and how they relate. That got super old and repetative. And the romance with Wolf didn't go any further either. If the romance doesn't pick up in the next book (my last owned book in the series) or that author (a different one again) does the same thing of reintroducing everyone, it will be my last read in this series. Somewhat cute and fun but sort of draggy as well. Very middle of the road.
September 4, 2022
A friend (CC) gifted me with a number of books from this series. This novel deals with a Poetry Retreat (hence the well versed--since most of us probably associate verses with poetry or music).
I do not know much about poetry beyond the basics. I recognized some of the poetry referenced but most of it I was not as familiar with.
I have found these books to be quite distracting during nervous times (waiting for doctors etc.) and appreciate them for that. I know there are additional books in the series beyond what my friend sent to me and I will probably try to request the others as well.
I do not know much about poetry beyond the basics. I recognized some of the poetry referenced but most of it I was not as familiar with.
I have found these books to be quite distracting during nervous times (waiting for doctors etc.) and appreciate them for that. I know there are additional books in the series beyond what my friend sent to me and I will probably try to request the others as well.
February 12, 2025
Not my favorite Castleton Manor mystery, but that might be entirely on the theme for the book being Poetry. I've never been a huge fan of the genre, and having poetry stanza's and quotes thrown at me left right and center was off-putting--especially with the part where Faith is talking about how poetry is essential to human storytelling.
The mystery itself felt a little flat as well.
The mystery itself felt a little flat as well.
April 28, 2026
Poetry and murder mix in the next Castleton Manor Library mystery!
Faith is responsible for a group of poets, but one aspiring poet is certain she's related to Emily Dickenson and won't rest until everyone knows it. However, her early demise spells trouble for Castleton Manor.
I love this series so much, and happily listened to the next book!!! The mystery was great, and the antics of Watson, Faith's cat, and his new friend, newfie, Carlos, are just so cute!!
Faith is responsible for a group of poets, but one aspiring poet is certain she's related to Emily Dickenson and won't rest until everyone knows it. However, her early demise spells trouble for Castleton Manor.
I love this series so much, and happily listened to the next book!!! The mystery was great, and the antics of Watson, Faith's cat, and his new friend, newfie, Carlos, are just so cute!!
February 24, 2020
The author spent an excessive amount of time explaining everyone's hair and eye color and willowy hips. I just find that type of writing so juvenile. Watsons POV wasn't as present as the others I've read; and I missed it. There was a little more "feelings and emotions" talk in this one. Faith is always catching the eye of Wolfe. My least favorite thing about this read was the light touch of animal abuse that took place with Carlo. I constantly found myself worrying and wondering where the Newfoundland was. Poetry is not at all in my wheelhouse either and this read is quite heavy in that theme.
June 24, 2021
I have really been enjoying this series which are quick and fun reads. This one wasn't as good for me as the previous stories have been. I loved Watson, as usual, and that there is further development of the friendship between Wolfe and Faith, but I was underwhelmed by the mystery. I would have liked more viable suspects to wade through.
August 21, 2023
I enjoy these stories, but the endings have started coming very abruptly-wham, the police are here. It is though there has been a set 200-page limit and don't go over. You leave the book at little less satisfied each time. You have figured out who the killer is but the wrap up is so fast you feel let down.
August 15, 2018
This book was super cute, and a great mystery as well. I love how it includes animals and their view of things as well. I didn't know who did it until the end! Great story. I'll definitely be reading more of these books.
August 27, 2023
Another fun and delightful story in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series. Faith stumbles on another murder. Join her and her cat Watson as they stumble upon clues to help solve this mystery.
July 22, 2024
This is a good mystery that is Emily Dickinson themed. There were a lot of twists and turns and a Newfie. There were even clues in poetry. If you like poetry, you'll like this mystery. The end reveal was action packed and surprising. Watson is fantastic as usual. On to the next book!
November 15, 2025
Oh, the mistakes one can make! The desires that cause one to live a lie to oneself and others can lead to misery and even death. Emily Dickenson's poetry plays a part in this mystery as do a cat named Watson. A quick, easy read.
May 27, 2020
Cozy mystery but more interesting series because different authors write books.
June 24, 2020
Good quick afternoon read.
June 24, 2021
Book #8 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Diving back into the familiar characters and settings of Castleton Manor… always a fun mystery to be solved there.
July 17, 2024
Liked this installment of the series. It’s a good story with an exciting ending.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews