Mystery of 'Castle' future ends with cancellation

Castle's murder-solving days are coming to an end, as ABC is not renewing it for a ninth season.

The mystery drama's future already was the subject of speculation after news last month that star Stana Katic wouldn't be returning. Katic plays NYPD detective Kate Beckett, who works with mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) to solve crimes.

Another Castle actor, Tamala Jones, also wasn't scheduled to return if there were a ninth season.

ABC this week is making decisions on series pickups, renewals and cancellations in advance of announcing its 2016-17 schedule next week in New York.

Castle is not the only ABC cancellation, as Nashville will not be back for a fifth season.

Other series are getting better news. Critically acclaimed American Crime, a limited series, will be back for Season 3 and The Catch, which is produced by Shonda Rhimes, will get a second season.