Charlie, short for Charlotte, is the daughter of a king who is slowly going mad.  Ever since her mother, the queen, left in the middle of the night six years ago, the king has been lost and Charlie has been left on her own.  A nasty housekeeper who thrives on punishing her, locking her in her room, denying her room, education, and cleanliness is a character you’re sure to hate.  Left to her own devices, Charlie sneaks around the castle learning all the hideyholes and gossip.  She hears that the people are ready to revolt and overthrow her father, so she decides to go to the prime minister.  It appears he is the reason for her mother’s disappearance and also has plans to groom Charlie to become queen as soon as he kills the king.  It’s up to Charlie to set things right.  This book is aptly titled as the castle is full of shadows and secrets, and snappy dialogue.  Renner shows strong characterization and a believable plot with lots of action and twists and turns.  A great story without having to resort to magic.