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Maven & Reeve Mystery #2
The Wolf's Howl
A secret mission.
A missing cook.
A hostile landscape.
A mystery to unravel.
Maven and Reeve find themselves at the far-flung and gloomy Glawn Castle while Sir Garrick secretly searches for supporters of the rebellion. But when a cook goes missing and the Airl's personal guards take more than a passing interest in the disappearance, danger looms and the potential for discovery grows.
Can Maven and Reeve solve the mystery . . . or will they be unmasked and sentenced with treason?
The thrilling sequel to The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery, #1).
A missing cook.
A hostile landscape.
A mystery to unravel.
Maven and Reeve find themselves at the far-flung and gloomy Glawn Castle while Sir Garrick secretly searches for supporters of the rebellion. But when a cook goes missing and the Airl's personal guards take more than a passing interest in the disappearance, danger looms and the potential for discovery grows.
Can Maven and Reeve solve the mystery . . . or will they be unmasked and sentenced with treason?
The thrilling sequel to The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery, #1).
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2021
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 7, 2021
Another winner from this author, great follow up to the first adventures of Mavern & Reeve.
August 11, 2022
I loved The Wolf’s Howl as much as I did The Fire Star (book one). I enjoy a good duology because it gives me more time to spend with characters I like and it offers a chance to see the characters continue to grow. Add in a mystery, a secret society, political intrigue, kidnappings, and you have a book that kept me turning pages.
As a YA mystery from one of my favorite authors, The Wolf’s Howl goes on my shelf as one of my favorite reads of the summer.
Here’s a quick break-down:
*Book two in the Maven and Reeve Mysteries
*YA with two main characters, ages 15 and 16
*Told in dual POV (which I loved!)
*Medieval fantasy world setting
*Mystery that includes a missing cook, treason, a mysterious society, and kidnappings
*Intricate plot with political intrigue and mortal danger
*Themes relevant to today including the status of women
I will always recommend reading a duology (or series) in order. It makes it easier to see (and enjoy) the characters’ development. I felt like I connected with Maven and Reeve in book one and that connection grew stronger in The Wolf’s Howl. Author A. L. Tait has a talent for creating complex, yet likable characters who are smart, brave, and loyal. However, they’re never perfect and that’s what I like best.
In The Wolf’s Howl, Maven and Reeve have traveled with Lady Cassandra and Sir Garrick to the isolated Glawn Castle. The castle sits in a region where an ever-present howling, gusting wind sweeps through the landscape that’s dotted with windmills. When they arrive at Glawn Castle, they’re immediately thrown into a mystery. The cook has gone missing and a search party must be dispatched to find her.
“There is more to Glawn that meets the eye.” (The Wolf’s Howl, page 81)
There also is more to Maven than meets the eye as well. She’s clever, capable, and a member of the Beech Circle. Being a young woman of intellect and drive, she’s in constant danger. Women like her are not acceptable. Reeve is an ambitious young squire with his own set of special skills. He respects Maven and is indebted to the Beech Circle. He’d never give away their secrets. Together, they are a formidable pair and have forged a deep bond of friendship. As I mentioned in my review for book one, I love that Maven and Reeve are friends instead of love interests.
A quick recap of the Beech Circle because they play a prominent role in this story:
A group of girls and women who are connected. They help each other and those who need help. They are educated, self-reliant, and they’d be eliminated if their existence was discovered by the men who desire to keep all women complacent and silent. (from my review of book one)
If you love books with strong female characters, friendships built on trust and respect, and political intrigue amid a medieval setting, then grab a copy of The Wolf’s Howl by A.L. Tait.
As a YA mystery from one of my favorite authors, The Wolf’s Howl goes on my shelf as one of my favorite reads of the summer.
Here’s a quick break-down:
*Book two in the Maven and Reeve Mysteries
*YA with two main characters, ages 15 and 16
*Told in dual POV (which I loved!)
*Medieval fantasy world setting
*Mystery that includes a missing cook, treason, a mysterious society, and kidnappings
*Intricate plot with political intrigue and mortal danger
*Themes relevant to today including the status of women
I will always recommend reading a duology (or series) in order. It makes it easier to see (and enjoy) the characters’ development. I felt like I connected with Maven and Reeve in book one and that connection grew stronger in The Wolf’s Howl. Author A. L. Tait has a talent for creating complex, yet likable characters who are smart, brave, and loyal. However, they’re never perfect and that’s what I like best.
In The Wolf’s Howl, Maven and Reeve have traveled with Lady Cassandra and Sir Garrick to the isolated Glawn Castle. The castle sits in a region where an ever-present howling, gusting wind sweeps through the landscape that’s dotted with windmills. When they arrive at Glawn Castle, they’re immediately thrown into a mystery. The cook has gone missing and a search party must be dispatched to find her.
“There is more to Glawn that meets the eye.” (The Wolf’s Howl, page 81)
There also is more to Maven than meets the eye as well. She’s clever, capable, and a member of the Beech Circle. Being a young woman of intellect and drive, she’s in constant danger. Women like her are not acceptable. Reeve is an ambitious young squire with his own set of special skills. He respects Maven and is indebted to the Beech Circle. He’d never give away their secrets. Together, they are a formidable pair and have forged a deep bond of friendship. As I mentioned in my review for book one, I love that Maven and Reeve are friends instead of love interests.
A quick recap of the Beech Circle because they play a prominent role in this story:
A group of girls and women who are connected. They help each other and those who need help. They are educated, self-reliant, and they’d be eliminated if their existence was discovered by the men who desire to keep all women complacent and silent. (from my review of book one)
If you love books with strong female characters, friendships built on trust and respect, and political intrigue amid a medieval setting, then grab a copy of The Wolf’s Howl by A.L. Tait.
December 26, 2021
I quite enjoyed The Fire Star and was looking forward to rejoining the adventures of Maven and Reeve. This sequel literally picks up a week after the events of the previous novel, so we are transported directly back to that time. We knew Maven, Reeve and their masters were soon to set out on a secret mission. What was unexpected was the Airl's daughter, Anice, accompanying them. A deliberately grating character, she adds tension to the early stages of the story. I'm sure if she were living in current times, she would be an influencer!
This was an enjoyable mystery, with a little Ranger's Apprentice style adventure thrown in. We continue to learn a little about the world Maven is in and the discrimination and lack of opportunity for women. I didn't find the mystery of the Cook's disappearance and possible plots in Glawn castle to be as engaging as the first book, however. There is a lot more talking and considering possible outcomes than action, until the end. Even then, some elements, such as the explanation for the disappearance of a couple of characters, seem underdeveloped and strange choices for their captors to make.
Still a good series, I think enjoyed most by 10-14 yo readers.
This was an enjoyable mystery, with a little Ranger's Apprentice style adventure thrown in. We continue to learn a little about the world Maven is in and the discrimination and lack of opportunity for women. I didn't find the mystery of the Cook's disappearance and possible plots in Glawn castle to be as engaging as the first book, however. There is a lot more talking and considering possible outcomes than action, until the end. Even then, some elements, such as the explanation for the disappearance of a couple of characters, seem underdeveloped and strange choices for their captors to make.
Still a good series, I think enjoyed most by 10-14 yo readers.
July 10, 2024
Maven’s life was turned upside down when his father’s property was taken to pay gambling debts. Once a lady of the upper class, now Maven is a lady’s companion, a servant. Reeve is only 16 years old and a new squire. His dream is to be a knight. Both Maven and Reeves find themselves caught up in castle politics when they accompany their masters to a remote fiefdom to try and win support for a regency to rule rather than the neglectful young king.
If any of the group are caught, they will die. Such talk is treason. A cook has vanished, the laird’s guards are acting suspiciously, and then Reeves disappears. Maven suspects foul play and seeks the support of the Beech Club, a group that supports girls and women in distress. Do they escape the charge of treason?
I enjoyed the medieval setting and plot.
Recommended for readers who are into history and mystery, aged ten years and older.
If any of the group are caught, they will die. Such talk is treason. A cook has vanished, the laird’s guards are acting suspiciously, and then Reeves disappears. Maven suspects foul play and seeks the support of the Beech Club, a group that supports girls and women in distress. Do they escape the charge of treason?
I enjoyed the medieval setting and plot.
Recommended for readers who are into history and mystery, aged ten years and older.
August 27, 2021
Near the end of last year, I read The Fire Star, which is book one in this engaging middle school series about Maven and Reeve, maid and squire to Cassandra and her new husband, Sir Garrick.
In this, the second book, Sir Garrick is using his honeymoon travels as a cloak to hide his real business of investigating where loyalties lie across the kingdom. And the search for a missing cook as soon as they arrive at the wind-blown Glawn Castle has Maven and Reeve soon doing what they do best… unravelling a mystery.
I’ve read four of Tait’s books now and it’s fair to say she’s been promoted to my auto-buy author list. This series is highly recommended for the young readers in your life who love to solve a mystery.
In this, the second book, Sir Garrick is using his honeymoon travels as a cloak to hide his real business of investigating where loyalties lie across the kingdom. And the search for a missing cook as soon as they arrive at the wind-blown Glawn Castle has Maven and Reeve soon doing what they do best… unravelling a mystery.
I’ve read four of Tait’s books now and it’s fair to say she’s been promoted to my auto-buy author list. This series is highly recommended for the young readers in your life who love to solve a mystery.
September 18, 2021
I found this quite a slow book. There were a lot of characters that I had trouble keeping up with. I know this is a kids' book, so I tried to suspend disbelief. Despite the flaws in plot and pacing, I still really like the characters of Maven and Reeve and how they bring different complimentary skill sets to the story.
October 5, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Now set it in a cold and unforgiving landscape outside of a kingdom where uneasy alliances are at stake and suspects are around every turn. If that sounds great, then this is the book for you!
Allison does a wonderful job of weaving in a deep level of world building without it being indulgent or getting in the way of the main story. As someone who is writing my own Middle Grade novel, this book is a textbook on how to it well and you also get an enthralling story which is a fantastic addition to Maven and Reeve’s world.
Allison does a wonderful job of weaving in a deep level of world building without it being indulgent or getting in the way of the main story. As someone who is writing my own Middle Grade novel, this book is a textbook on how to it well and you also get an enthralling story which is a fantastic addition to Maven and Reeve’s world.
October 8, 2021
The second installment of the Maven and Reeve mystery series does not disappoint. For those who love following a trail of clues while being immersed in a mediaeval world of squires and maidens, this is a must read. A.L.Tait's first chapter is a stunning reminder of why Maven is the protagonist everyone reader will adore. Her spunk and wit are magnetic. Add a missing cook and a desolate landscape and you have all the ingredients for another grand adventure. Perfect for those who love middle-grade -adults and children alike.
October 21, 2022
Just as good as the first! I hope it doesn’t remain only a duology, certainly plot lines possible for future stories! I truly appreciate the way this author writes male/female friendships where there is a level of mutual respect and team building. Both are needed for the solving of the mystery, but there is also a side of Girl Power in the form of the Beech Circle. Can’t wait to share at a book fair next week!
September 2, 2021
A top rate plot with excellent characters. Love the intrigue and detailed descriptions of castle life. Maven and Reeve find themselves in danger from many sides. Their lives are lived walking fine lines between what they can be seen to be doing and what they know as opposed to the limiting expectations of their stations in life. Can’t wait for book #3!
December 13, 2021
So good! I knew I would love this because #BeechCircle, but what I really loved the most about book two in this series was the setting. I want a stay at Glawn Castle! Not being outdoorsy, I loved the ever-present danger of leaving the castle. I do feel slightly cheated that there were no *actual* wolves, so have written to the author and requested wolves be included in book three.
September 29, 2022
I was very glad to have this second Maven and Reeve mystery to read right after the first book, and I enjoyed it lots, with the result that I am sad that I don't have their next adventure on hand so I can keep journeying with them!
September 19, 2021
Number 2 in the series doesn't disappoint. While there's plenty of action, the real joy is in the intrigue surrounding medieval politics. Loved it.
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October 7, 2021AL Tait just keeps getting better. Her best book yet. Can't wait for the next book in this inventive series and neither can my kids!
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January 6, 2022There was a lot of surprising plot twists and challenge's for Reeve and Maven.
February 10, 2022
An enjoyable read, fun characters, although I would have like Reeve to be a bit better…
September 15, 2022
I need the third book. Stat. So good!!
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August 15, 2025Please please please write a third one I love the books so much and I need to know what happens next
From your #1fan Garrett
From your #1fan Garrett
March 21, 2025
I adore this series! This is such a well done adventure for upper elementary/middle grade kids. Adventure, mystery, courage, and shenanigans round out every book. It is a coming of age set in the times of kings, queens, squires, maids, and castles.
I’m really hoping A.L. Tait is working on a third book. I need more Maven and Reeve!
I’m really hoping A.L. Tait is working on a third book. I need more Maven and Reeve!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews