Cloak and Grammar

Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #21

by Allie Pleiter

Castleton Manor, the upscale literary retreat in Lighthouse Bay, Massachusetts, prepares to host a retirement celebration for Red Maxton, the author of the best-selling spy series featuring Trey Connor. Librarian Faith Newberry plans for the arrival of Red's die-hard fans, who will converge on the manor to celebrate Red's career.
Before the event begins, a dead man is discovered in the hedge maze. He looks just like Red, and he was carrying the three of diamonds, Trey Connor's calling card. With the guest of honor dead, the event is canceled.

Then Red shows up, alive and well.

Red's sudden appearance sends shock waves throughout the manor. Faith and her friends in the Candle House Book Club conspire to learn the identity of the man in the maze. But the cards seem to be stacked against them. The dead ringer's identity remains a secret, and the event continues to be disrupted by mysterious incidents.

Faith is dealt a devastating blow, raising the stakes even higher. Will Faith and her friends - along with her devoted cat, Watson - play their cards right? Or is there another ace up the culprit's sleeve?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodness, things are heating up at Castleton Manor. Tensions are high even between Faith and Wolfe with their fledgling romance. Watson is always a hero and I loved that it was especially true in this story. There were loads of suspects and even some page turning suspense thrown in. I need to take a breath before going on to the next book.

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

Cloak and Grammar is the 21st book in the wonderful Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library by Allie Pleiter. There are several authors who work together for this series. Faith Newberry is the librarian at the manor library and her cat Watson is a fun and helpful addition. The manor is hosting author Red Maxton’s retirement. He writes a spy series. There is also a car show in conjunction with the book series and a pageant for the cover of the last book. There are problems almost immediately and things go down hill resulting in a death. No one knows who the dead man is which is interesting. Faith belongs to a book club with her Aunt Eileen and friends Brooke and Midge. They do some sleuthing as well as discuss books. Faith is dating Wolfe Jaxson who co-owns Castleton Manor with his mother. They are a cute couple but are still adjusting to being in a serious relationship. This is such an enjoyable series and this is my favorite book so far. The mystery kept me guessing and the friendships make it engaging. #CloakAndGrammar #SecretsOfTheCastletonManorLibrary

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these little mysteries but this one a tad more mysterious. Usually I can almost figure out who the murderer is or close but not this time.

Dead body in the hedge maze, spiked drinks, twice, slashed tires on elaborate and very expensive cars, a twin never mentioned, and dangerous bracelets. Of course Watson came to the rescue but the way it happened this time was certainly unique.

Enjoyed this story and happy I already have the next mystery.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish books got better the closer you came to the end of the series. This book was just off. I can't exactly say what made me think that, but the story was just blah. It jumped more all over the place than usual. A cozy mystery should grab you quickly and keep you interested in the roughly 200 pages of story. This one just didn't do that.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a twisty mystery, with a bit higher stakes than usual for a cozy but not outside of the genre. The romantic subplot was interesting here too.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little mystery book! Would read it again.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe a friend (AC) started me reading this series. I took a break from it after the first 10 books she'd sent me but am now slowly requesting the rest of the series (at least what books they have from it) from my local library.

This time around, Castleton Manor is hosting a retirement party for a spy author. As the series has gone on, it seems the authors describe the events less and less--which was part of the series I enjoyed. I enjoyed seeing what Brooke would make that fit with the theme of the event. I enjoyed seeing decor suited to the event described. I enjoyed reading about the event itinerary and what the participants did to fit that theme.

I did guess partially correctly about who the murdered man was. I did not guess correctly on who the perpetrator was.