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Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #2
Bitter Words
Join Faith Newberry and her cat, Watson, in the quaint town of Lighthouse Bay on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as she marries her love of books to a penchant for sleuthing. After landing her dream job as librarian at Castleton Manor, an upscale literary retreat, Faith is forced to read between the lines and solve the mysteries she finds among the stacks.
Faith, Watson, and the lively members of the Candle House Book Club set out to unravel whodunits that might have stumped even Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt with Faith and her friends as they solve shocking crimes, discover dark secrets, and embrace heartwarming truths that have long been hidden in the voluminous pages of the Castleton Manor library.
Faith, Watson, and the lively members of the Candle House Book Club set out to unravel whodunits that might have stumped even Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt with Faith and her friends as they solve shocking crimes, discover dark secrets, and embrace heartwarming truths that have long been hidden in the voluminous pages of the Castleton Manor library.
205 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
19 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 8, 2021
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 2nd book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library. I found some of these book in a thrift store, but I am so happy my library has some of this series audiobooks. I listen to this book by audiobook. In this book the library had cookbooks authors the library's big cookbook event. The big star was Sugar who wrote several cookbooks and stars in her own television show, Sweet & Sassy. The first day that Sugar was at the event someone try to kill her, and during this book they try to figure out who is trying to kill Sugar. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. (*)
October 22, 2018
Bitter Words is the 2nd book in the Secrets of Castleton Manor Library series. The series is published by Annie's Fiction (part of Annie's Attic) as part of their fiction subscription service. Readers sign up and receive one book in the series each month for $14.99 plus tax, shipping, etc. Luckily, an awesome reader donated quite a few books in this series to my local library! :)
This series is written by various authors. This second book is authored by Jan Fields who has written several other books for Annie's. Castleton Manor Librarian Faith Newberry is settling into her new job and preparing for a retreat week filled with cookbook authors and enthusiasts. Guest of honor for the retreat is Sugar Worthington. Sugar has authored several cookbooks and stars in her own television show, Sweet & Sassy. Sugar might be sweet, but she has left a bitter taste in someone's mouth. The retreat barely gets started before someone starts trying to kill her. Faith, her faithful cat Watson, and the members of the Candle House Book Club are on the case once again. Who is trying to off the cookbook guru??
This book is a fun, light read. It's definitely a cozy mystery -- no spurting blood, no cursing, no sex. The book is appropriate for all ages. While the book has 205 pages, it's a bit padded with a blank page at the end of each chapter. The story is really only about 180 pages long. So, it's a nice short length for travel reading, or for carrying along to appointments, etc. Don't expect a heavy plot....this is a cozy, so it's mostly light with a bit of suspense here and there. I like Faith as a main character. She is intelligent and inquisitive. She's not afraid to investigate when things start going wrong. I like the background theme of a literary resort that is pet friendly. Guests of the retreats bring along their pets which adds a bit more of the cozy feel to these books.
The books are attractive and well-written. The cover art is colorful, engaging and cute. And each book has a cloth ribbon built in as a bookmark. The paper and binding are high quality. The set would be very attractive displayed on a bookshelf. I can see why the Annie's Fiction titles are popular with crafty readers. I just balk at the expense for books I am only going to read one time. So, I will be checking these out from my local library rather than purchasing them. Definitely a fun, engaging cozy series though! I'm glad someone was generous and donated their collection to the library!
This series is written by various authors. This second book is authored by Jan Fields who has written several other books for Annie's. Castleton Manor Librarian Faith Newberry is settling into her new job and preparing for a retreat week filled with cookbook authors and enthusiasts. Guest of honor for the retreat is Sugar Worthington. Sugar has authored several cookbooks and stars in her own television show, Sweet & Sassy. Sugar might be sweet, but she has left a bitter taste in someone's mouth. The retreat barely gets started before someone starts trying to kill her. Faith, her faithful cat Watson, and the members of the Candle House Book Club are on the case once again. Who is trying to off the cookbook guru??
This book is a fun, light read. It's definitely a cozy mystery -- no spurting blood, no cursing, no sex. The book is appropriate for all ages. While the book has 205 pages, it's a bit padded with a blank page at the end of each chapter. The story is really only about 180 pages long. So, it's a nice short length for travel reading, or for carrying along to appointments, etc. Don't expect a heavy plot....this is a cozy, so it's mostly light with a bit of suspense here and there. I like Faith as a main character. She is intelligent and inquisitive. She's not afraid to investigate when things start going wrong. I like the background theme of a literary resort that is pet friendly. Guests of the retreats bring along their pets which adds a bit more of the cozy feel to these books.
The books are attractive and well-written. The cover art is colorful, engaging and cute. And each book has a cloth ribbon built in as a bookmark. The paper and binding are high quality. The set would be very attractive displayed on a bookshelf. I can see why the Annie's Fiction titles are popular with crafty readers. I just balk at the expense for books I am only going to read one time. So, I will be checking these out from my local library rather than purchasing them. Definitely a fun, engaging cozy series though! I'm glad someone was generous and donated their collection to the library!
March 25, 2024
It has been raining with a rather gusting wind all day. Which makes this the perfect day for a fire in the fireplace and a book in my hands. I decided to settle in with another cozy with the “Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library” series, Book 2. (Will this series be my in-between books?)
For background on this series, check out my review on “A Novel Murder” by Elizabeth Penney here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You will notice that this one has a different author. Place and characters remain the same. This time I did not read the dust jacket to give me background on this story. I just covered myself in a warm comforter in front of the fire, opened the book and began to read.
But before I share my review, I thought I would have a little discussion on the book cover.
Let us take a look at the cover art. Are these clues to the mystery within the story?
There is a table. On the table are the following items…
A cookbook. A cube of butter. A bowl of sugar. A towel. A bowl of chocolate with a floating liquid foam shaped like a skull and a ladle inside the bowl of chocolate. Flowers in a vase. 3 chocolate truffles. And one chocolate truffle is on the floor being sniffed by Faith’s cat, Watson. (Faith is our main protagonist who is the Librarian/archivist for the Castleton Manor Library - place.)
There is meaning here in this cover art. The key will be to keep all of this in mind as the story unfolds.
The Castleton Manor is hosting celebrity pastry chef, Sugar Worthington, who writes cookbooks, and also hosts a television cooking show, and will be providing a book signing and talk for her fans.
Clues 1, 2 and 3 have just been provided from the cover art. Pastry chef. Her name is Sugar. Writes cookbooks. Shall we move on?
She has brought with her an entourage along with her television crew that will use this event for an upcoming episode of her cooking show, ‘Sweet & Sassy.’
But it appears not everybody is a fan, as someone is making attempts on her life. Could one of the guests actually be one of her enemies? Or could it be someone closer to her than she realizes? And, if that is the case, why?
Clue 3. Floating liquid foam shaped like a skull. Are we having fun yet with these clues?
And, Clue 4. The first attempt on her life was saved by Watson. And interestingly enough, the next attempt on her life…Watson has his ways… (no more clue solving from me…)
Well, I won’t say how he saved her. And I won’t reveal any more clues. I think you get the point.
And why as the investigation begins, and the Police Chief is involved, is Sugar discounting these attempts on her life as nothing to be concerned about? Even the Chief says…
“You need to take these attempts seriously, this could have ended far worse than it did.”
This is another cute cozy. And I think that really is the point of this series.
But this one had more twists and turns and red herrings. So, it is not always clear as to why these attempts on Sugar’s life are occurring. Can you guess the culprit before the end?
The story is easy-to-read. With likable characters for the most part. It is a beautiful scenic setting. And of course, there is Watson, a very smart, witty cat. And a perpetual hero. We even have a couple of perky dogs. And, some delectable enough pastries that are almost good enough you can taste them.
What better way to spend a rainy day, right?
But I do have some concerns.
I just hope this series doesn’t turn into another “Murder She Wrote” with Jessica Fletcher, where you wonder if there will be anybody left in Cabot Cove, Maine who doesn’t feel like every corner you turn there is an attempt on your life, or someone is getting murdered. For anyone who has read, any of the “Murder She Wrote” books, you know what a wonderful seaside village it is…but, so much mayhem!
So, here we are at this beautiful, Castleton Manor Library by the ocean. I would imagine, if there are a lot of attempts of murder or murders that take place here, do you think this would be a place you would want to take your next vacation?
For background on this series, check out my review on “A Novel Murder” by Elizabeth Penney here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You will notice that this one has a different author. Place and characters remain the same. This time I did not read the dust jacket to give me background on this story. I just covered myself in a warm comforter in front of the fire, opened the book and began to read.
But before I share my review, I thought I would have a little discussion on the book cover.
Let us take a look at the cover art. Are these clues to the mystery within the story?
There is a table. On the table are the following items…
A cookbook. A cube of butter. A bowl of sugar. A towel. A bowl of chocolate with a floating liquid foam shaped like a skull and a ladle inside the bowl of chocolate. Flowers in a vase. 3 chocolate truffles. And one chocolate truffle is on the floor being sniffed by Faith’s cat, Watson. (Faith is our main protagonist who is the Librarian/archivist for the Castleton Manor Library - place.)
There is meaning here in this cover art. The key will be to keep all of this in mind as the story unfolds.
The Castleton Manor is hosting celebrity pastry chef, Sugar Worthington, who writes cookbooks, and also hosts a television cooking show, and will be providing a book signing and talk for her fans.
Clues 1, 2 and 3 have just been provided from the cover art. Pastry chef. Her name is Sugar. Writes cookbooks. Shall we move on?
She has brought with her an entourage along with her television crew that will use this event for an upcoming episode of her cooking show, ‘Sweet & Sassy.’
But it appears not everybody is a fan, as someone is making attempts on her life. Could one of the guests actually be one of her enemies? Or could it be someone closer to her than she realizes? And, if that is the case, why?
Clue 3. Floating liquid foam shaped like a skull. Are we having fun yet with these clues?
And, Clue 4. The first attempt on her life was saved by Watson. And interestingly enough, the next attempt on her life…Watson has his ways… (no more clue solving from me…)
Well, I won’t say how he saved her. And I won’t reveal any more clues. I think you get the point.
And why as the investigation begins, and the Police Chief is involved, is Sugar discounting these attempts on her life as nothing to be concerned about? Even the Chief says…
“You need to take these attempts seriously, this could have ended far worse than it did.”
This is another cute cozy. And I think that really is the point of this series.
But this one had more twists and turns and red herrings. So, it is not always clear as to why these attempts on Sugar’s life are occurring. Can you guess the culprit before the end?
The story is easy-to-read. With likable characters for the most part. It is a beautiful scenic setting. And of course, there is Watson, a very smart, witty cat. And a perpetual hero. We even have a couple of perky dogs. And, some delectable enough pastries that are almost good enough you can taste them.
What better way to spend a rainy day, right?
But I do have some concerns.
I just hope this series doesn’t turn into another “Murder She Wrote” with Jessica Fletcher, where you wonder if there will be anybody left in Cabot Cove, Maine who doesn’t feel like every corner you turn there is an attempt on your life, or someone is getting murdered. For anyone who has read, any of the “Murder She Wrote” books, you know what a wonderful seaside village it is…but, so much mayhem!
So, here we are at this beautiful, Castleton Manor Library by the ocean. I would imagine, if there are a lot of attempts of murder or murders that take place here, do you think this would be a place you would want to take your next vacation?
January 3, 2020
Book #23 of 2019
Ampersand Challenge: A crime or thriller novel
PopSugar:
- A book with SALTY, SWEET, BITTER, or SPICY in the title
- A book about a hobby
Ragdoll Reads: Free read #1
Well, then. This one was not nearly as good as the first one. And I get the impression that these two were created entirely independently of each other, because certain relationships don't make any sense in this one, given how the first one ended. But I guess that's the way it has to be, considering how new the series is yet having to release a new book every single month. I'm curious how that editorial process works.
I hope Faith isn't quite such an idiot in the next one. She's supposedly a cop's daughter and talks about how that gives her insight, but she is completely ignorant of even the most basic police procedures. This is more of a 2.5-star read, but it's light enough to be entertaining despite its flaws, some of which were not really things the author could control, so I'll round up to 3.
Ampersand Challenge: A crime or thriller novel
PopSugar:
- A book with SALTY, SWEET, BITTER, or SPICY in the title
- A book about a hobby
Ragdoll Reads: Free read #1
Well, then. This one was not nearly as good as the first one. And I get the impression that these two were created entirely independently of each other, because certain relationships don't make any sense in this one, given how the first one ended. But I guess that's the way it has to be, considering how new the series is yet having to release a new book every single month. I'm curious how that editorial process works.
I hope Faith isn't quite such an idiot in the next one. She's supposedly a cop's daughter and talks about how that gives her insight, but she is completely ignorant of even the most basic police procedures. This is more of a 2.5-star read, but it's light enough to be entertaining despite its flaws, some of which were not really things the author could control, so I'll round up to 3.
May 24, 2017
This book is part of the Annie Fiction Series Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library. If you have never looked up Annie's Fiction website I highly recommend it. They have several cozy mystery series that are all very good. They are also written by different writers. This book is about Faith Newberry who is the new Librarian at Castleton Manor. She has a cat named Watson that seems to read humans a little too well. Between the two of them they seem to find bodies and mysteries everywhere they turn but they also solve the mystery and Watson has saved the day a time or two. Delightful series.
March 12, 2019
Loved this book. Easy read. Of course, Watson was our hero! GOOD KITTY.
May 26, 2021
This one was just ok for me. It was a little disappointing because I loved the first one. But I'll still continue.
February 18, 2020
I just finished "Bitter Words" by Jan Fields and it was great!
It is the 2nd book in the Mystery of Castleton Manor Library series that is written by different authors but with the same cast of characters in Lighthouse Bay on Cape Cod:
Faith, the Librarian
Watson, her cat
Brooke, her friend and chef
Wolfe, owner of the Manor
Marlene, Director of the Manor's literary retreats
Sugar Worthington, special guest who is a reality star chef and writing a cookbook
There isn't a murder in this book but that doesn't meant that there wasn't a couple of attempts. There are many suspects but I didn't solve the case this time. This series doesn't have blood and ick crime scenes or a sex Olympics going on. It is good clean fun that you can share with you mom or friends without worry if you will scare or offend them.
Because the series is written by different authors, they are difficult to find so here is the list for you.
SECRETS OF THE CASTLETON MANOR LIBRARY SERIES:
1) A Novel Murder by Elizabeth Penney
2) Bitter Words by Jan Fields
3) The Grim Reader by Margaret Welch
4) A Deadly Chapter by Jan Fields
5) An Autograph Mystery by DeAnna Julie Dodson
6) Second Edition Murder by Elizabeth Penney
7) A Crime Well Versed by Marlene Chase
8) A Murder Unscripted by Elizabeth Penney
9) Pride and Publishing by DeAnna Julie Dodson
10) A Literary Offense by Elizabeth Penney
11) Up to Noir Good by Jan Fields
12) For Letter of Worse by Margaret Welch
13) On Pens and Needles by Sandra Orchard
14) Ink or Swim by Catherine Dilts
15) Tell No Tales by Marlene Chase
16) Page Fright by Elizabeth Penney
17) A Fatal Yarn by Allie Pleiter
18) Read Between the Crimes by Lucy Averill
19) From Fable to Grave by Marlene Chase
20) A Fateful Sentence by Lucy Averill
21) Cloak and Grammar by Allie Pleiter
22) A Lost Clause by K.D. McCrite
23) A Thorny Plot by Catherine Dilts
24) A Scary Tale Wedding by K.D. McCrite
It is the 2nd book in the Mystery of Castleton Manor Library series that is written by different authors but with the same cast of characters in Lighthouse Bay on Cape Cod:
Faith, the Librarian
Watson, her cat
Brooke, her friend and chef
Wolfe, owner of the Manor
Marlene, Director of the Manor's literary retreats
Sugar Worthington, special guest who is a reality star chef and writing a cookbook
There isn't a murder in this book but that doesn't meant that there wasn't a couple of attempts. There are many suspects but I didn't solve the case this time. This series doesn't have blood and ick crime scenes or a sex Olympics going on. It is good clean fun that you can share with you mom or friends without worry if you will scare or offend them.
Because the series is written by different authors, they are difficult to find so here is the list for you.
SECRETS OF THE CASTLETON MANOR LIBRARY SERIES:
1) A Novel Murder by Elizabeth Penney
2) Bitter Words by Jan Fields
3) The Grim Reader by Margaret Welch
4) A Deadly Chapter by Jan Fields
5) An Autograph Mystery by DeAnna Julie Dodson
6) Second Edition Murder by Elizabeth Penney
7) A Crime Well Versed by Marlene Chase
8) A Murder Unscripted by Elizabeth Penney
9) Pride and Publishing by DeAnna Julie Dodson
10) A Literary Offense by Elizabeth Penney
11) Up to Noir Good by Jan Fields
12) For Letter of Worse by Margaret Welch
13) On Pens and Needles by Sandra Orchard
14) Ink or Swim by Catherine Dilts
15) Tell No Tales by Marlene Chase
16) Page Fright by Elizabeth Penney
17) A Fatal Yarn by Allie Pleiter
18) Read Between the Crimes by Lucy Averill
19) From Fable to Grave by Marlene Chase
20) A Fateful Sentence by Lucy Averill
21) Cloak and Grammar by Allie Pleiter
22) A Lost Clause by K.D. McCrite
23) A Thorny Plot by Catherine Dilts
24) A Scary Tale Wedding by K.D. McCrite
February 19, 2025
"Bitter Words (Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library #2)" Jan Fields has a group of cookbook authors taking over the estate. Faith and the other employees have to especially cater to Famous tv baker and cookbook author, Sugar. Someone is out to get Sugar but since this is a super cozy mystery, Faith or her cat are always there to save her just in time.
I really think these are written with one person in mind as the culprit but then switched at the last minute. I swear it was leading up to one suspect in particular then it was someone else. The downside of this means a whole villain monologue has to happen. The motive has to be entirely explained by someone because it's not more obvious from all the clues drops or they could point more towards someone else. I was also waiting for a more romantic link between the culprit and my prime suspect. It didn't happen and would have been a good motive too.
Almost forgot for those who like a bit of a holiday. There's a smidge of mentions about Halloween approaching. At least talks of Watson and one of his pet buddies being Sherlock and Watson.
I really think these are written with one person in mind as the culprit but then switched at the last minute. I swear it was leading up to one suspect in particular then it was someone else. The downside of this means a whole villain monologue has to happen. The motive has to be entirely explained by someone because it's not more obvious from all the clues drops or they could point more towards someone else. I was also waiting for a more romantic link between the culprit and my prime suspect. It didn't happen and would have been a good motive too.
Almost forgot for those who like a bit of a holiday. There's a smidge of mentions about Halloween approaching. At least talks of Watson and one of his pet buddies being Sherlock and Watson.
November 9, 2018
I get that people enjoy this as a "light read" but please, people. This book series is about a librarian who:
regularly fails to do the most basic research about the crime, when she does do the most basic research, she agonizes about informing the police about her dumb discoveries (should I tell this cop that his suspect used to work for the victim???), then has long detailed conversations with the chief of police about her super basic discoveries and dumb theories of the crime (I have to assume the cops in this series are trolling her or they are also very dumb and don't do basic research?), and doesn't seem to ever use a smartphone or computer.
Ugh.
regularly fails to do the most basic research about the crime, when she does do the most basic research, she agonizes about informing the police about her dumb discoveries (should I tell this cop that his suspect used to work for the victim???), then has long detailed conversations with the chief of police about her super basic discoveries and dumb theories of the crime (I have to assume the cops in this series are trolling her or they are also very dumb and don't do basic research?), and doesn't seem to ever use a smartphone or computer.
Ugh.
May 2, 2020
A well paced novel. I enjoyed returning to the familiar characters and setting in Castleton Manor. Wasn't thrilled about the cookbooks featured but it didn't put me off either. This is becoming a light series to get into during the Pandemic. I also enjoy the playful titles and welcoming cover-art. On to book number 3: The Grim Reader
August 31, 2019
Such a cute cozy mystery. I am going to enjoy working through this series.
April 20, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library cozy mystery series but the first one in the series or by Jan Fields that I've read, that I know of. They play down the authors for books in these Guideposts and Annie's series books perhaps hoping that we won't notice the authors playing musical chairs.
I noticed this book on the shelf because it is physically like the Annie's Attic books and then bought it because it said "cat" and "library" on the back cover.
In the front of the book there is a disclaimer that says "The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental." I kept that in mind when I started to get too critical about details that were essentially inconsequential. It's just a no sex, no four-letter-words, no blood & gore, cozy mystery.
Having read a number of books in the Annie's Attic series, I was expecting the story to be frequently interrupted by prayers, but praying was only mentioned once on page 202.
I noticed this book on the shelf because it is physically like the Annie's Attic books and then bought it because it said "cat" and "library" on the back cover.
In the front of the book there is a disclaimer that says "The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental." I kept that in mind when I started to get too critical about details that were essentially inconsequential. It's just a no sex, no four-letter-words, no blood & gore, cozy mystery.
Having read a number of books in the Annie's Attic series, I was expecting the story to be frequently interrupted by prayers, but praying was only mentioned once on page 202.
August 28, 2025
Written by Jan Fields, First book by Elizabeth Penny; Lighthour Bay, Cape Cod;
Faith Newberry - librarian and archivist at Castleton Manor, Watson - her cat;
Sugar Worthington, Sweet and Sassy realty show, cookbook queen retreat, two poms, Ginger & Snap;
Wolfe Jaxon - manager, Marlene Russell - assistant manager;
Mitzi Hubert - personal assistant;
Jane McGee - Snickerdoodles;
Midge Foster - vet - Happy Trails shop - Atticus;
Eileen Piper - Faith's aunt - librarian at Candle House Library;
Brook Milner - sous-chef at Castleton;
Andrew Ashe - (intern) - alleges Sugar stole some of his recipes, restraining order against him;
Several ATTEMPTS on Sugar's life, several suspects;
Andy Garris - Chief of Police;
Cole Venn - publicity;
Liam - film crew - provided info;
Elton Fritsch - producer - BEHIND all the attacks, wanted the publicity for the residuals, had Faith and Sugar in the gardening shed. Watson saved the day again by jumping on his face and scratching, and biting his ankles.
Faith Newberry - librarian and archivist at Castleton Manor, Watson - her cat;
Sugar Worthington, Sweet and Sassy realty show, cookbook queen retreat, two poms, Ginger & Snap;
Wolfe Jaxon - manager, Marlene Russell - assistant manager;
Mitzi Hubert - personal assistant;
Jane McGee - Snickerdoodles;
Midge Foster - vet - Happy Trails shop - Atticus;
Eileen Piper - Faith's aunt - librarian at Candle House Library;
Brook Milner - sous-chef at Castleton;
Andrew Ashe - (intern) - alleges Sugar stole some of his recipes, restraining order against him;
Several ATTEMPTS on Sugar's life, several suspects;
Andy Garris - Chief of Police;
Cole Venn - publicity;
Liam - film crew - provided info;
Elton Fritsch - producer - BEHIND all the attacks, wanted the publicity for the residuals, had Faith and Sugar in the gardening shed. Watson saved the day again by jumping on his face and scratching, and biting his ankles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
A librarian and her cat Watson live in Lighthouse Bay Maine near Cape Cod. Faith works at the Castleton Manor which is hosting a cookbook writers retreat, famous celebrity pastry chef Sugar Worthington book signing and meet and greet.
Faith has prepared a lecture and presentation of antique cookbooks and favorite recipes.
Sugar is a tv reality star who likes to flirt with all the men. Her assistant is very dedicated to making her boss happy and comfortable.
A mishap with a flowerpot falling from a balcony and almost injuring Faith and Sugar is averted with the help of Watson.
The filming of the retreat is being prepared for her show but an angry apprentice, poisoned truffles, loose horses and a head injury has everyone under suspicion.
The local police chief and the owner of the manor are trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to harm Sugar. Faith is also playing detective and trying to puzzle out who is guilty.
Faith has prepared a lecture and presentation of antique cookbooks and favorite recipes.
Sugar is a tv reality star who likes to flirt with all the men. Her assistant is very dedicated to making her boss happy and comfortable.
A mishap with a flowerpot falling from a balcony and almost injuring Faith and Sugar is averted with the help of Watson.
The filming of the retreat is being prepared for her show but an angry apprentice, poisoned truffles, loose horses and a head injury has everyone under suspicion.
The local police chief and the owner of the manor are trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to harm Sugar. Faith is also playing detective and trying to puzzle out who is guilty.
August 9, 2020
Love this series! Bitter Words is the 2nd book in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library cozy mystery series. The characters are well done and likeable (at least the ones we are supposed to like). The cozy mystery is intriguing and not too many suspects but kept me guessing to the end. Faith Newberry is the librarian at Castleton Manor, an upscale literary retreat. They have a group of cookbook authors coming for the week including a famous author. Incidents keep happening which is suspicious so Faith needs to get to the bottom of the problems to save her job and the reputation of Castleton Manor. The book moves at a good pace and it was hard to put down! The unique thing with this series is that the books are written by several authors but so far it is well done and seemless. The narrator for the audio books is amazing and they are well done. Very enjoyable!
August 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Another mystery from the Castleton Manor Library. I could have easily finished in one day but this one took two days. Once again someone wants to kill someone and some how the librarian, Faith Newberry and her cat Watson, get involved. Someone is trying to kill a celebrity pastry chef at the Manor during the cookbook authors retreat. Things start to happen when a flowerpot is dropped almost on Sugar Worthington’s head. Cute Watson comes to the rescue. This was the start of trying to kill the chef but at the time no one realized it. As always, Watson manages to be at the right place at the right time. It is a quick read and a nice break from the more involved books I usually read, almost like a holiday from the hard stuff. This is my second book from the series and it was entertaining.
May 6, 2025
Watson is definitely the unsung hero in this tale; it matters not that he is a cat. Sugar Worthington, a renowned chef, is filming her show at Castleton Manor, the mansion where Faith is the librarian. It’s been a stressful week, with all the extra activity, the adoring fans, the added security, and the at-large, would-be murderer. Yes, someone has it in for Sugar, and Faith is about to be caught in the same trap. This cozy mystery is a gentle and quick read. The manner in which readers are treated to Watson’s thoughts is delightful. He really is a remarkable cat. The characters are quite real, and the storyline is entertaining and interesting. Half the fun of this series is the interaction between the main characters, and waiting to see how the relationships will develop in future books.
July 13, 2024
I'm impressed with the consistency between authors. The writing style is slightly different but still keeps everything I love about Castleton Manor and the characters. I loved the scenes with Faith, Brooke, Watson, Wolfe, and the Chief. I wish the Candle House Book Club was in this more but it was an enjoyable story and mystery nonetheless. There is an element in this cozy that I haven't read in any other cozy. I can't tell what because it would be a spoiler. Also, cookbook authors retreat was unique as well. The mystery and clues had me guessing the whole way through. I didn't guess the culprit. The reveal was great. I highly recommend this book/series. I look forward to reading the next one!
May 24, 2019
This is the second book in the series. It's cute as a light read cozy. I'd like to rate it as 3-1/2 stars. This series is apparently written by different authors, which I don't usually like since I don't like mixed writing styles but I love the setting of historic Castleton Manor and I adore the small tuxedo cat, Watson! Someone had described the first book in the series as dark and creepy, and I didn't get that vibe at all from this book and all so that might be due to different authors. I didn't read the first book yet because it was checked out. We'll see on this series but it's worth reading a few more (they're short) before I totally make up my mind.
June 7, 2018
A pleasant and fun read as are all in this cozy series. The writing is solid, but not spectacular. Faith Newberry is a good protagonist, but I'm looking for more depth. You really don't know her that well, even after three books. The same with the "regular" cast of characters. You really have no idea why they are, who they are. Marlene is an absolute harpy, a reason would be nice. I'm hoping for more in depth character development in succeeding volumes. Nevertheless an enjoyable and relaxing read, so 3 stars.
May 12, 2021
This is a light cozy mystery series. I really love the setting of Castleton Manor and Watson, Faith's companion cat, is always a scene stealer. One unusual thing I like about this series is that every once in awhile we get the viewpoint of Watson which is amusing. This is the second book in the series and I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one even though it kept me guessing right up to the end. I think the end was a little abrupt for me.
August 28, 2022
This is the second book in the series. A friend (CC) gifted me a number of books from this series and I am using them to distract me at the moment. I liked this book slightly better than the first book.
The retreat event this time is a cooking/cookbook event. The "headliner" is Sugar Worthington, a cookbook author and reality TV star. I was glad to see that other cookbook authors were also included in a book signing.
The retreat event this time is a cooking/cookbook event. The "headliner" is Sugar Worthington, a cookbook author and reality TV star. I was glad to see that other cookbook authors were also included in a book signing.
January 1, 2025
My worries of the book being more Christian themed sequel based were proven false. There was very few mentions of religion and it usually did so in a “my aunt volunteered at church” kind of mentions rather than balantly being religious.
Over all a good clean cozy mystery for a good read while keeping you guessing with tons of red herrings and false trails. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
Over all a good clean cozy mystery for a good read while keeping you guessing with tons of red herrings and false trails. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
February 23, 2025
I'm impressed with the continuity in this multi-authored series. All the aspects of Castleton Manor and the characters' personalities/relationships jive. There's more mysteries and animal shenanigans in store for Faith and her friends in this second book in the series. Love all the bookish snippets and the majestic literary retreat as a backdrop. And the occasional POV from Watson the cat is icing on the cake. :-)
July 4, 2022
A fun addition to the series. I wasn't the biggest fan of the premise and I guessed the ending from the beginning. But the book was made enjoyable by Faith Newberry. I do think that Faith is written with a young adult mindset, not the 30+ she actually is.
looking forward to reading the next installment!
looking forward to reading the next installment!
December 25, 2024
This hardback edition (and the publishing house) put a built in bookmark into the book (and probably the rest of this series as I have the first 3 and they all have this). It worked well and is a unique feature that more books should use. It is ribbon secured into the spine that you can then use to mark your place.
December 30, 2018
It's a nice book. I didn't much care for the way it just ended. It doesn't leave me wanting more of the series. I hate that. Once I am invested in a series, I like to keep reading the books. Sadly, this will not be the case in the Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library series.
April 15, 2020
This series is written by several different authors. It would be helpful if they discussed character development and what transpires in each book to avoid contradictions from one book to another.
It's okay during the "Lock Down" Distractions are good.
It's okay during the "Lock Down" Distractions are good.
February 18, 2023
I am enjoying this series (and so is my hubby!). A fun setting for the stories and good mysteries make this a solid series for me. This mystery was good and held my attention. I will definitely be continuing this series.
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