A Murder Unscripted

Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #8

by Elizabeth Penney

It's lights, camera, action at Castleton Manor, the exclusive literary retreat in Lighthouse Bay, Massachusetts. Faith Newberry's role as librarian expands to include assisting the producer in filming a remake of Alice in Wonderland. Faith and her friends in the Candle House Book Club thrill in the behind-the-scenes drama, and even Faith's loyal cat, Watson, eagerly pursues his big-screen debut.

But the production falls down the rabbit hole when the star playing Alice enters the maze to shoot a scene, then vanishes. The actress has a history of disappearing, and some claim she's mad as a hatter. Did she leave of her own volition? Or is there something more sinister going on?

The situation gets curiouser and curiouser when more trouble and turmoil occur on the set, culminating in a serious crime. Faiths friend Midge is found at the scene, and she's hardly grinning like a Cheshire cat when she becomes the prime suspect. Faith vows to find the real culprit, but as she attempts to solve the great puzzle, she realizes the task is easier said than done.

It's up to Faith and the rest of her friends in the book club - along with Watson who shows up right on cue to make a startling discovery - to clear Midge's name. But will they be able to pull a white

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Animals

205 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.

Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 8th book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series. I enjoyed this book so much, but I feel the storyline fall short in this book. I loved all the characters like I do in all of the books in this series. I really missed the library in this book. (*)

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Watson are at it again. Join them at Castleton Manor for a filming remake of Alice in Wonderland. During the filming actors are poisoned and a murder occurs. Midge, the local vet and Faith's friend is accused of the murder. It's now up to Faith to prove her innocence and find out who is trying to sabotage the movie.

This is one of my favorites of this series so far. I giggled a lot and thoroughly enjoy Watson's antics. He once again helps Faith save the day.

[Carol B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, although I didn't feel like I was reading terrific writing. Definitely had an exciting ending which made up a lot for "slowish" start.
The cat was an interesting character,

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has gotten better and better, rather than fading away as most series do. I've also enjoyed the variety in the genres of the activities at Castleton Manor. This time, the book focused on scripts and movies, with the production being Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." That happens to be one of my dad's favorite stories. So, I've read and seen it many times in my childhood, and with children of my own.

I loved the silliness of this rendition, both in its childlike intent and in the chaotic mishaps.

I did, however, put the book down to read something else, and then returned to it, so I had to refresh my memory on all the suspects names.

At least, the amateur sleuth didn't confront a potential murderer alone this time, something often done for the drama in mysteries.

I did like the scenery near the end of the book with the sandbar and that area. It sounded beautiful, if lonesome.

I enjoyed Watson the Cat's additions to the movie, and, as is often with this series, I liked the visiting pet characters among the best, including this time, a pig and a hedge hog. (Didn't Charles Dickens own a pet hedgehog?)

I liked that Faith had to take up Marlene's job this time and "walk a mile in her shoes," as they say, since the two of them often butted heads in the series. It gave Faith a new sense of appreciation for Marlene, as well as a sense of relief when ...

I liked the tea that Blake had to hurriedly throw together.

The original set of investors for the movie were perhaps too cliché.

I don't think we had enough information to figure out whodunit before the reveal.

SPOILER ... I didn't like that the murderer had mental health issues. That's overdone in the genre, and it casts a negative light on those real nonviolent patients suffering with mental illness.

[Diane Yonchuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant read and enjoyable, but not quite up to other books in the series. Not as strong a story line as others. A satisfying ending though.

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

I love this series! The characters are very likable and interesting and the cozy mystery is intriguing! Faith Newberry is the librarian at Castleton Manor, a literary retreat. In this book, the movie Alice In Wonderland is being made at the manor. Wolfe Jaxon’s family owns Castleton Manor and his brother Blake is the Director of the movie. The star actress disappears, members get sick, and then someone dies and Faith needs to find the culprit to clear her friend. I thought the potential romance would move forward a little but it is very understated. I really like Faith and her book club friends! They make this series even more enjoyable! A fantastic book and series!

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Friend loaned to me, a cozy mystery, cute cover but not much else to say for it for me. It seemed like an Americanized version of the Louise Penny "Chief Inspector Gamache" series but much less interesting. Somewhat like a Hallmark Television show and while there is nothing wrong with that, I prefer my reading with a little more meat to it. If I had had the audio it would have been better for me because I would have been walking or something while listening to it but I don't know if this series is even available on audio.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another murder at the Castleton Manor Library and of course Faith, as usual, gets pulled into helping solve the murder. This time it was even more urgent to solve this mystery because one of her best friends has been arrested for the murder, after all she had the weapon in her hands. This time even Wolfe gets involved. And, don’t forget Watson who is always eager to help.

Love these quick read books especially after reading a book that took me three months to read because there was so much to take in.

[JayeL]

I enjoyed this story, but was distracted the whole time. I really wanted to get back to Black Diamond, the next in the Bruno, Chief of Police series. The characters were good, the plot was interesting and I was completely surprised by the perp.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this volume in the cozy mystery series a little more than others, although I'm still annoyed by Watson, the cat. A movie version of Alice In Wonderland is being filmed at the Manor, and Faith becomes part of the crew. Educational and fun, until the director is murdered. There are multiple suspects. Owner Wolfe's brother is one of the producers, as the brothers work through some sibling issues. Faith and Wolfe become closer as they work to solve the mystery. Pretty entertaining.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this wasn't my favorite book of this series, I am always happy to return to Castleton Manor to check in with Faith and Watson. I really enjoy Watson and his role in helping Faith solve the mysteries that come to them. This story included more on the growing friendship between Faith and Wolfe, which I actually liked more than the mystery part.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend (CC) gifted me with a number of books from this series. I have found them able to distract me during "nervous" times (such as waiting for a doctor).

I guessed that this one would be about a movie even before I read the blurb. It was nice to see one of Wolfe's siblings.

I like that the series continues on an even keel rather than declining as some do.

[CatReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good mystery that is Alice in Wonderland themed. It was nice to meet Wolfe's younger brother Blake. There were many different animals at Castleton - flamingos, a pig, a peacock, a hedgehog, etc. Also, Marlene was out sick for most of the book so if she annoys you this is the book for you. Faith and Watson figuring out the mystery was great. A wonderful team! On to the next book!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 8th book of the Secrets of Castleton Manor Library series, Faith and her cat, Watson find themselves involved in another case to help solve. A movie production crew have arrived at the Manor to film a movie. Read along to find out what happens to some of the actors.

[Dedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great Secrets of Castleton Manor Library book (book 8)

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood comes to Castleton manor and so does murder. Faith, Watson and all her friends solve another great mystery

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was good, but Christa Lewis’s narration spoils it for me.

[Nate Balcom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #15 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Halfway to 30 books this summer!

[Debbie VanZandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Castleton Manor series so far. A fun read and interesting mystery!

[AmyLeong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend audiobooks

[db · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun mystery

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes these story lines are too far-fetched and too short to satisfy my mystery appetite. This was one of those times.

[Sarah Brannock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book in the series.

[Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the last book, but again that might have been subject. The mystery was pretty good and it was entertaining to watch the relationship between Faith and Wolfe grow a little bit more.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites I this series so far! Got to see so much more of FMC and Wolf together. And Blake was a nice addition to the Jackson fam. Onto the next one!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first off the series that I have read/ listened to. I think this series would be better to start from the beginning. I enjoyed the secondary characters, but I didn’t really love them. Maybe if I knew more about them I would be more invested. Also Faith wasn’t really a librarian in this one. So this seemed like it might be out of the norm.
I guessed part of the answer to the mystery and I’m glad I was right. The character I didn’t like was supposed to be not likable. So I liked the mystery part, but some of the characters didn’t connect.