The Grim Reader

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It's Simmering Suspense Week at the Castleton Manor literary retreat in Lighthouse Bay, Massachusetts. Librarian Faith Newberry has her hands full with a week of author talks and signings planned. But when the bejeweled guest of honor, reigning queen of romantic suspense Gloria Bauer, clears out her luxurious suite and disappears without a trace, Faith must scramble to keep the manor's other guests - and her cranky boss, Marlene Russell - satisfied with one less author.

Charlotte Jaxon, Castleton's owner, thinks Gloria's absence is all a stunt. Didn't Agatha Christie do the same thing decades ago? But when both a ransom note and Gloria's dog, Sir Arfer Conan Doyle, turn up, Faith quickly realizes the danger could be real. In exchange for Gloria's safe return, the kidnapper wants not only the stunning diamond necklace the author stowed away in the manor's safe, he also demands a priceless, one-of-a-kind handmade book from the library's collection. Is it all a public spectacle, or has something royally dreadful happened to the author?

Despite Charlotte's wishes, Faith begins to investigate. She can't help but wonder if Charlotte knows more about the kidnapping than she is letting on. After all, publicity for Gloria is also publicity for Castleton Manor. Meanwhile, the remaining authors don't seem all that concerned about Gloria being gone. Without her around, their stars will shine brighter than Gloria's diamonds. And what about the disgruntled fan who seems more than a little obsessed with her favorite author? Any one of them, or the other castle guests, could be behind the plot.

To restore Gloria to safety, Faith will need all the help she can get from her best friends, tuxedo cat Watson and the trusty members of the Candle House Book Club. But can they find the interloping perpetrator before Gloria's deposed, permanently? 

The Characters

Undoubtedly Faith inherited her family's passion for books—her adoring grandmother and Aunt Eileen began sharing the enchanting world of literature with her at a very young age. Even today, as a smart, independent, 39-year-old woman, Faith finds that printed words on paper are her passport to another place and time. In her opinion, a perfectly written novel has the ability to make a reader laugh, cry, love and live. But with recent events unfolding around Faith in her new role as the Castleton Manor librarian and archivist, she learns that some stories are literally to die for!

The luxurious resort for booklovers and their pets draws its fair share of readers, writers, heroes and villains. Much to Faith's unwelcome surprise, she is quickly being penned as the main suspect in a mysterious tale involving the murder of Castleton Manor's previous librarian! This is not what Faith expected when she agreed to move to the dreamy seaside town of Lighthouse Bay and away from the hectic demands of Boston.

With the help of her clever cat, Watson, bright and beloved Aunt Eileen and her supportive new friends in The Candle House Book Club, Faith is determined to clear her name, keep her job and catch a killer.

Sometimes Faith wonders if she rescued Watson or if he rescued her when they met in a snowy alley 14 years ago. Saucy with a distinct air of mystery about him and the uncanny ability to tell if someone is of bad character, Watson adores Faith. He always keeps his protective emerald eyes on the lookout for her well- being, even if it lands him in odd -- and dangerous -- places around their fascinating new home in Lighthouse Bay.

Faith is thrilled to be living closer to her favorite aunt. A spry, witty widow in her 60s, Eileen is the head librarian at The Candle House Library nestled in the historic downtown area. She has lived in Lighthouse Bay all of her life, which makes her the go-to source for the latest local scoop. When she isn't chatting with residents and visitors or volunteering at her church or garden club, Eileen is quick to speak her mind about what's going on around town with the ladies of The Candle House Book Club. Although she suffers from arthritis, she doesn't let it stop her from being a vibrant, active woman. She shocked everyone recently when she traded in her old car for a new red convertible, claiming she still has a few surprises up her sleeve.

Seaside life keeps wife, mother of two, and Lighthouse Bay police officer Jan Rooney busy. Her sharp eye and no-nonsense attitude come in handy when helping to solve the mysteries of the town, and she has come to Faith's aid on more than one occasion. Off the clock, she enjoys reading classic works of fiction and creating beautiful pieces of art with clay. Although petite in stature, Officer Rooney is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to catching the bad guy.

Armed with an MBA from Harvard and an irresistibly charismatic smile, Wolfe is a savvy businessman -- and true gentleman -- who oversees the dealings of his family's century-old shipping business and other family-owned endeavors, including Castleton Manor. Having finally made peace after a tragic boating accident resulted in the death of his fiancée, Wolfe surprisingly finds that his guarded heart is slowly opening up to the manor's new librarian, her inquisitive stumpy-tailed cat, and the mysteries they continually find themselves mixed up in. But Wolfe is hiding a secret -- will trusting him put Faith in danger?