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Books by the Bay Mysteries #4
Written in Stone
When Munin Cooper, known as the Witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that it is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia’s instincts tell her that something—or someone—more sinister than a mystical force is at play… Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin’s untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer—but she’s got to figure out what they mean. With handsome Police Chief Rawlings by her side, Olivia starts to identify some of the jug’s mysterious contents—and finds its secrets are much darker than she suspected. Now Olivia must enlist the help of the Bayside Book Writers to solve the puzzle behind the piece of pottery and put an end to a vengeful killer before any more damage can be done…
Includes an excerpt from the next book, "Poisoned Prose".
Includes an excerpt from the next book, "Poisoned Prose".
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
244 people are currently reading
1814 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,218 followersUSA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, and rescue animals. She likes to spend her free time rearranging the bookshelves in her home in central North Carolina.
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
July 19, 2018
Oyster Bay, NC has a witch....a strange fortune teller woman, Munin Cooper, who lives outside town. Olivia Limoges thinks it's a bit unusual when a friend tells her that Munin has summoned her. She is busy trying to help plan the Coastal Carolina Food Festival, but it's just too intriguing to ignore so she goes to visit Munin. The strange woman has much to say about Olivia's past and her mother, leaving Olivia with many questions. Unfortunately, the witch woman is murdered, leaving the questions unanswered and Olivia a suspect. Munin left behind a piece of her artwork....a memory jug filled with clues. Will the items sealed in the jar lead to a killer?
Written in Stone is the 4th book of 8 in the Books By the Bay series, so I'm halfway finished with this series. The mystery was nicely paced and kept my interest from beginning to end. There were some surprises in this one. I like how Ellery Adams not only finishes out the mystery portion of the plot, but takes time to flesh out some more character development and background story in each book. The tale doesn't just abruptly halt when the killer is discovered. I do have to add that at times the events do get a bit too melodramatic for me. I like the mix of mystery and women's fiction.....and dislike it at the same time. Does that make sense? Let me explain -- I enjoy the extra character and story development....but I dislike the characters constant whining about the past, the saga of love relationships and mucka-muck that drown much of women's fiction until it's like reading a story from the Lifetime Channel. That is the very reason I avoid the romance genre like the plague. BUT....the mystery plots in this series are unique enough to keep me coming back. Plus the series is set in NC where I live -- I love reading stories set in my home state. :) So I still roll my eyes when the female characters in these books start getting overly emotional....but I can enjoy the story.
A slight note of caution -- this is technically a cozy mystery series because there is no spurting blood or cursing, etc. BUT, this series does have sex in it. It isn't graphic or overdone....but there are some more adult themes. If looking for a cozy series with no sex or one that is appropriate for sharing with your kids, I would pass this one by.
On to the next book! I'm very curious what will happen with this likable cast of characters in the final 4 books in the series!
Written in Stone is the 4th book of 8 in the Books By the Bay series, so I'm halfway finished with this series. The mystery was nicely paced and kept my interest from beginning to end. There were some surprises in this one. I like how Ellery Adams not only finishes out the mystery portion of the plot, but takes time to flesh out some more character development and background story in each book. The tale doesn't just abruptly halt when the killer is discovered. I do have to add that at times the events do get a bit too melodramatic for me. I like the mix of mystery and women's fiction.....and dislike it at the same time. Does that make sense? Let me explain -- I enjoy the extra character and story development....but I dislike the characters constant whining about the past, the saga of love relationships and mucka-muck that drown much of women's fiction until it's like reading a story from the Lifetime Channel. That is the very reason I avoid the romance genre like the plague. BUT....the mystery plots in this series are unique enough to keep me coming back. Plus the series is set in NC where I live -- I love reading stories set in my home state. :) So I still roll my eyes when the female characters in these books start getting overly emotional....but I can enjoy the story.
A slight note of caution -- this is technically a cozy mystery series because there is no spurting blood or cursing, etc. BUT, this series does have sex in it. It isn't graphic or overdone....but there are some more adult themes. If looking for a cozy series with no sex or one that is appropriate for sharing with your kids, I would pass this one by.
On to the next book! I'm very curious what will happen with this likable cast of characters in the final 4 books in the series!
July 23, 2016
I love this series. There, now after 4 books I can say or well I think I already said this but needs repeating. Quite possibly one of my new favorite series right now.
As a cozy mystery and just a fun series to read. The characters keep growing with each book with things either hinted or foreshadowed in one book will me mentioned or brought up again in the next or later book.
This was quite an addicting read. Once I start a series, then I can breeze through book after book in said series. It depends if I'm in the mood to read the series.
It seems this one like the last one was a little sad at times but also at the same time you want to read the next chapter.
I think so far this and the last one are my favorites where the characters really shine. I also like that the Bayside Writers club still meet to discus their chapters, taking their friends criticism into consideration. I appreciate the continuity as well.
All the while the mystery is still going on and that their friendship is still intact.
Also that Olivia has come to like her new found friends and BF as the series goes along. So if you're looking for a cozy mystery series or wonder which series to read first, definitely give this series a read.
As a cozy mystery and just a fun series to read. The characters keep growing with each book with things either hinted or foreshadowed in one book will me mentioned or brought up again in the next or later book.
This was quite an addicting read. Once I start a series, then I can breeze through book after book in said series. It depends if I'm in the mood to read the series.
It seems this one like the last one was a little sad at times but also at the same time you want to read the next chapter.
I think so far this and the last one are my favorites where the characters really shine. I also like that the Bayside Writers club still meet to discus their chapters, taking their friends criticism into consideration. I appreciate the continuity as well.
All the while the mystery is still going on and that their friendship is still intact.
Also that Olivia has come to like her new found friends and BF as the series goes along. So if you're looking for a cozy mystery series or wonder which series to read first, definitely give this series a read.
December 30, 2017
From the book jacket: When Munin Cooper, known as the witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia’s instincts tell her that something – or someone – more sinister than a mystical force is at play. Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin’s untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer – but she’ got to figure out what they mean.
My reactions
This is book number four in the Books By the Bay Mysteries series. I like Olivia and her friends – the Bayside Book Writers. Of course the writers’ group includes the town Police Chief, handsome Sawyer Rawlings, which is convenient for the amateur sleuths. This book focuses attention on Millay, the Eurasian bartender who recognizes the pain of past bullying and really makes it her mission to get to the bottom of the murders.
Adams based some of the plot on actual historic events involving the Lumbee Tribe of Native Americans and the Ku Klux Klan, though she obviously took literary license in crafting this work of fiction.
There’s a little too much personal drama in this one for my taste, but all-in-all it’s a satisfying cozy mystery with a likeable amateur sleuth. I especially like that Olivia’s dog, Haviland, is just that, a dog. He might occasionally come to the rescue when a bad guy threatens Olivia, but he’s not a detective!
My reactions
This is book number four in the Books By the Bay Mysteries series. I like Olivia and her friends – the Bayside Book Writers. Of course the writers’ group includes the town Police Chief, handsome Sawyer Rawlings, which is convenient for the amateur sleuths. This book focuses attention on Millay, the Eurasian bartender who recognizes the pain of past bullying and really makes it her mission to get to the bottom of the murders.
Adams based some of the plot on actual historic events involving the Lumbee Tribe of Native Americans and the Ku Klux Klan, though she obviously took literary license in crafting this work of fiction.
There’s a little too much personal drama in this one for my taste, but all-in-all it’s a satisfying cozy mystery with a likeable amateur sleuth. I especially like that Olivia’s dog, Haviland, is just that, a dog. He might occasionally come to the rescue when a bad guy threatens Olivia, but he’s not a detective!
June 24, 2021
I happily returned to 40 year-old entrepreneur Olivia Limoges and Haviland, a dog so sweetly and intelligently behaved, that I adore him too. Although I had my dear Mom until 2020, my heart always went out to anyone missing theirs. You reach my emotions with stories about family figures important to the storyteller. I liked hearing something about Olivia’s dear Mom. Poignant moments uplift me. The sensitive Ellery Adams is on the cusp of the personal, mysterious, non-crime mysteries that I favour!
In “Written In Stone”, 2012, life has settled around Olivia’s Brother, Sister-in-law, Niece, Nephew, and Sawyer Rawlings. A lot of plots converge in this novel, compounded individual mysteries. I marvel that Ellery knitted intricate threads well. Wide research clearly went into real history that seems incongruous but which apparently occurred in North Carolina. Some sort of nazi types caused trouble for regional Aboriginals. Their children graduating in the 1990s would be Olivia’s age and mine, for that matter. Spending time with the island’s natives enriched this oeuvre past mass market mystery status. When Olivia pursued a personal mystery from an island hermit, I was hooked.
Motives have a tough sell with me. Layers of history and time hid the villain, so that I wondered “Why target descendents and why now?” The modus operandi derived from such a subtle detail of the past that few would know. It seemed farfetched to me, for a killer to have clued into that bizarre weapon and for Olivia to siphon it out. My feedback levelled at 3 stars, for the drama of discovering who the villain must be, in their presence and the stretch that they were conscious of it. I also believe the hermit should have named her pursuer. I am happy I have the sequel and look forward to it.
In “Written In Stone”, 2012, life has settled around Olivia’s Brother, Sister-in-law, Niece, Nephew, and Sawyer Rawlings. A lot of plots converge in this novel, compounded individual mysteries. I marvel that Ellery knitted intricate threads well. Wide research clearly went into real history that seems incongruous but which apparently occurred in North Carolina. Some sort of nazi types caused trouble for regional Aboriginals. Their children graduating in the 1990s would be Olivia’s age and mine, for that matter. Spending time with the island’s natives enriched this oeuvre past mass market mystery status. When Olivia pursued a personal mystery from an island hermit, I was hooked.
Motives have a tough sell with me. Layers of history and time hid the villain, so that I wondered “Why target descendents and why now?” The modus operandi derived from such a subtle detail of the past that few would know. It seemed farfetched to me, for a killer to have clued into that bizarre weapon and for Olivia to siphon it out. My feedback levelled at 3 stars, for the drama of discovering who the villain must be, in their presence and the stretch that they were conscious of it. I also believe the hermit should have named her pursuer. I am happy I have the sequel and look forward to it.
March 4, 2016
Really 3.5 stars.
I originally started this book about a year ago, but I added it to my dnf shelf after the MC purposely hit another person's car for a mistake the person made. However, as it was the only book that I haven't finished, and I enjoyed the other books in this series, I picked it back up.
Let me start by saying the MC had no right to purposely drive her car into the back of someone else's car. The MC was following an older man and his probably mistress. She becomes angry at them for careless behavior, and when the mistress throws a cigarette out of the car window the cigarette hits a child on the street and minorly burns them. Because of that action the MC, Olivia, decided to drive her larger vehicle into the back of their convertible. Oh, excuse me, when is it EVER appropriate to purposely cause an accident. It isn't period. Unless you're chasing a killer, which she wasn't, that was not her place to do that.
Besides that I liked Olivia and the rest of the characters. The mystery was also good, I didn't see who the killer was until the last moment, and there was twists and turns leading up the the unveiling.
Overall a pretty good book. I still can't believe the author had the MC purposely do that, but besides that, this was an enjoyable book. I will be reading the next one.
I originally started this book about a year ago, but I added it to my dnf shelf after the MC purposely hit another person's car for a mistake the person made. However, as it was the only book that I haven't finished, and I enjoyed the other books in this series, I picked it back up.
Let me start by saying the MC had no right to purposely drive her car into the back of someone else's car. The MC was following an older man and his probably mistress. She becomes angry at them for careless behavior, and when the mistress throws a cigarette out of the car window the cigarette hits a child on the street and minorly burns them. Because of that action the MC, Olivia, decided to drive her larger vehicle into the back of their convertible. Oh, excuse me, when is it EVER appropriate to purposely cause an accident. It isn't period. Unless you're chasing a killer, which she wasn't, that was not her place to do that.
Besides that I liked Olivia and the rest of the characters. The mystery was also good, I didn't see who the killer was until the last moment, and there was twists and turns leading up the the unveiling.
Overall a pretty good book. I still can't believe the author had the MC purposely do that, but besides that, this was an enjoyable book. I will be reading the next one.
July 10, 2018
Those of you that know me fairly well know that "cozies" are not my usual cup of tea. To be honest I read this one solely because of the objects on the cover. Not a good reason I will admit but I found myself becoming more and more immersed in the story and the lives of the characters...especially Olivia who I found to be a complex and fascinating character. Others in the book were equally well done and the plot moved along nicely building suspense and producing a very satisfying solution to the crime in the end. Well done Ms. Adams.
January 5, 2013
Another wonderful adventure with Olivia and her family of friends. Being a history buff I am particularly loving how Ellery is weaving bits into this book and the last one. It adds a depth to the stories that makes me eager to get to the next page. Once again we see more growth from Olivia and I for one love her more and more. The 'whodunnit' kept me guessing right up until the big reveal. Well done my friend.
May 20, 2020
If it was possible, I'd give Written in Stone more than five stars. What an exciting and yet in ways very sweet mystery!!! I got to know some of the characters better and appreciate where they were coming from. There were tears shed for those lost and those found as well. Now I'm ready for Poisoned Prose!!!! Bring it on Ellery Cant wait for the next one.
April 17, 2025
This cozy was more involved than I was expecting, had several different facets, and forced me to pay attention to the twists and turns that each chapter took. That's not typical for a cozy, so I have to hand it to Adams- she made an interesting narrative that had me invested in the entire town of Oyster Bay, even though this was my first visit to this coastal town.
There's a long list of things done well here, first and foremost, the relationship between Sawyer and MC Olivia. They have clear communication, trust, consent, and love in spades, and it's quite refreshing to see in a cozy. There are no other love interests or fawning parties, and it's lovely to see a mystery that doesn't rely on romantic problems to fluff out the story. Second, the dog, Haviland, is smart, but not overly smart. He adds to the story enough without taking over, and there's no magical or questionable elements to it. He doesn't talk, there's no telepathy happening, he's just a good dog. The setting also plays a big role in the story, making me believe this really is a coastal Carolina town. Some cozies could take place anywhere, so it's wonderful to see a sense of place. I also enjoyed the involvement and respect given to the local indigenous tribe in the narrative.
So, why the lower score, you may ask? The story was too convoluted in parts. There were too many pieces going to the point where it was difficult to determine what was the main story line and what the reader should be focusing on. Also, the main hook doesn't play as big of a role as it should. Olivia owns some restaurants, but they are placed on the back burner (pun intended) and are rather ignored here. There's also a book writers club that Olivia is part of, and I didn't care much for this part. The group of friends is fine, but it didn't really connect with me and felt like it was wedged in for the sake of the name of the series.
I would be more than willing to read more by Adams, and perhaps more in this series. It was an interesting read, to be sure.
There's a long list of things done well here, first and foremost, the relationship between Sawyer and MC Olivia. They have clear communication, trust, consent, and love in spades, and it's quite refreshing to see in a cozy. There are no other love interests or fawning parties, and it's lovely to see a mystery that doesn't rely on romantic problems to fluff out the story. Second, the dog, Haviland, is smart, but not overly smart. He adds to the story enough without taking over, and there's no magical or questionable elements to it. He doesn't talk, there's no telepathy happening, he's just a good dog. The setting also plays a big role in the story, making me believe this really is a coastal Carolina town. Some cozies could take place anywhere, so it's wonderful to see a sense of place. I also enjoyed the involvement and respect given to the local indigenous tribe in the narrative.
So, why the lower score, you may ask? The story was too convoluted in parts. There were too many pieces going to the point where it was difficult to determine what was the main story line and what the reader should be focusing on. Also, the main hook doesn't play as big of a role as it should. Olivia owns some restaurants, but they are placed on the back burner (pun intended) and are rather ignored here. There's also a book writers club that Olivia is part of, and I didn't care much for this part. The group of friends is fine, but it didn't really connect with me and felt like it was wedged in for the sake of the name of the series.
I would be more than willing to read more by Adams, and perhaps more in this series. It was an interesting read, to be sure.
February 3, 2019
This book is beautifully written, with words that you can savor. The characters are wonderful not because they are perfect but because they change and grow and have the courage to face pain and the future. The plot has twists and turns and complications involving the past, time itself, and relationships that are slowly revealed. But at its core, it’s a very simple book about what the heart holds dear: the sea, love, family, and friends. "She could almost feel the water's pull, a silent call that could be heard only by the heart." p. 212.
September 21, 2020
I am enjoying the Books by the Bay Mystery series more and more with each book. This is a series that you do NOT want to read out of order! Both the character development and the storyline are priceless. Once again, I was very taken by the last two chapters of this book. I can tell that these two chapters contain important information that will continue on with book #5 and the remainder of the series. Yes, I will read all eight books!
February 25, 2019
I'm slowly warming to Olivia - but I suspect that's because she's warming to other people in character at the same time.
June 25, 2021
The more I read in this series the more I am enjoying it. Olivia keeps growing on me as a character and I am enjoying watching her change and grow. I enjoy the supporting characters and love the coastal town setting. I wouldn't know what to do with the ocean in my backyard but I like to dream about it. The story in this one was good and I was kept guessing. #readforkimberly
December 17, 2017
Written in Stone by Ellery Adams was another intriguing mystery in this series. The characters are developing more depth and the relationships between Olivia, Rawlings, Laurel, Harrison and Mila are beginning to really take shape. This book covers a lot of issues as well as the murders. Plenty of twists and turns and no suspects until near the end. This book kept me entertained for several days and was difficult for me to put down.
March 8, 2016
A nice cozy, mystery. I read this out of order & I still was able to follow, but wish I would have read in order if I could have. It was quite intriguing. Actual rating: 3.5 stars
February 24, 2017
I love, Love this series. I can't get enough. Each story is a page-turner and I have a hard time putting it down. I can't wait to read more.
December 5, 2023
I love this series. That’s all!
August 30, 2025
Dit was weer net een beetje minder dan het derde deel in de serie maar evengoed lekker leesbaar. Olivia krijgt de vraag van Munin, een oude vrouw die in het moeras woont en de naam heeft een heks te zijn. Als Olivia bij haar aankomt, krijgt ze een van de laatste kruiken met kleine objecten van haar. Munin staat bekend om haar kruiken omdat er tussen de objecten dingen zitten verstopt die voor de ontvanger belangrijk zijn. Volgens Munin kan Olivia hier aanwijzingen vinden naar het verleden van haar moeder. En Munin voorspelt dat er doden zullen vallen. Dan wordt Munin dood aangetroffen.
Ondertussen worden er voorbereiding getroffen voor een Food Festival en voor een samenkomst van de Lumbee indianen. Olivia gaat daar naar toe met Willis, een van haar souschefs. Als Willis onder verdachte omstandigheden overlijdt en even later ook zijn zus Talley ziek wordt lijkt er toch meer aan de hand te zijn en moeten de Bayside Book Writers hun uiterste best doen om ook dit raadsel op te lossen. Een 7, hier een 6
Ondertussen worden er voorbereiding getroffen voor een Food Festival en voor een samenkomst van de Lumbee indianen. Olivia gaat daar naar toe met Willis, een van haar souschefs. Als Willis onder verdachte omstandigheden overlijdt en even later ook zijn zus Talley ziek wordt lijkt er toch meer aan de hand te zijn en moeten de Bayside Book Writers hun uiterste best doen om ook dit raadsel op te lossen. Een 7, hier een 6
August 19, 2018
Foi o livro de que menos gostei, até agora. O enredo não me conseguiu cativar nem concentrar em tudo o que estava a acontecer, desde a morte da chamada "bruxa", Munin, à morte do jovem sous-chef no restaurante de Olivia, ao "fantasma" do pai de Olivia e Hudson... Além das coisas que a "bruxa" disse sobre os pais de Olivia, tudo muito confuso.
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September 25, 2025
I loved this! It has been way too long since I've picked up this series and wow was I missing out. I knew I enjoyed this series, but this was like returning home. I love reading about Olivia's restaurant and the writing group is a delight. I love how different their styles and stories are and it's so fun to hear bits and pieces about their WOP and juxtapose it next to the characters themselves. This book shed a light on how casual racism is so rampant and how someone can appreciate someone's culture for entertainment, but still look at them with such prejudice. It's truly heartbreaking. I appreciate how this author likes to take on darker topics in a cozy mystery because it really makes your heart grow for these characters and shows that even in a lighter story, real trials of human nature are still happening and need to be fought against. The mystery was full of twists and shocks and I loved the dramatic ending (and the some!) Olivia is so strong and I am so proud of her for all her character growth and being so certain in who she is.
April 24, 2025
easy read.
September 19, 2020
Another great installment of the adventures in Oyster Bay.
February 24, 2019
Something seemed a bit disjointed in this installment. May not have been the story--may well have just been me, but for some reason I found myself getting a bit annoyed at how distant and superficial the characters seemed. Something was missing. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit about the Lumbee and had never heard of memory jars before.
January 16, 2016
Olivia Limoges has been summoned to see Munin Cooper, known as the witch of Oyster Bay. Munin tells Olivia that death is coming. Neither woman realized that is was Munin's death that was imminent. When her body is found Olivia instincts tell her there is something more sinister than a mystical force at work.
Finding Munin's killer takes top priority for Olivia even though she needs to be getting ready for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. Munin had given Olivia a memory jar that she had made and Olivia knows that if she can just figure out what the keepsakes mean she will be able to identify the killer. She enlists the help of the Bayside Book Writers to help her solve the pottery puzzle and help her to catch the culprit before he claims another victim.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Ellery Adams just keeps topping herself. Each book is better than the last. This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year.
One of the mysteries of this series has been the star character herself and we are finally really getting into the heart of her life in this installment. Plus the character is evolving and moving forward in the most wonderful ways.
In this story we also learn about the Lumbee Indian Tribe. The Lumbee are one of eight state-recognized Native American tribes in North Carolina. The author took the history of this tribe and wove it right into Olivia's world. I really love the way she does this because added to the enjoyment of the story we get a little education as well. The memory jug with the keepsake clues added that additional element every great mystery needs. The puzzle to figure out, not just trying to pick up clues from what the characters say or remembering something at at that climatic moment.
To fully appreciate this story it is necessary to read all of the books in order. Only then can the reader enjoy the growth of all the characters.
Kudos Ellery!!! Bring on Poisoned Prose!! I can't wait!!
Finding Munin's killer takes top priority for Olivia even though she needs to be getting ready for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. Munin had given Olivia a memory jar that she had made and Olivia knows that if she can just figure out what the keepsakes mean she will be able to identify the killer. She enlists the help of the Bayside Book Writers to help her solve the pottery puzzle and help her to catch the culprit before he claims another victim.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Ellery Adams just keeps topping herself. Each book is better than the last. This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year.
One of the mysteries of this series has been the star character herself and we are finally really getting into the heart of her life in this installment. Plus the character is evolving and moving forward in the most wonderful ways.
In this story we also learn about the Lumbee Indian Tribe. The Lumbee are one of eight state-recognized Native American tribes in North Carolina. The author took the history of this tribe and wove it right into Olivia's world. I really love the way she does this because added to the enjoyment of the story we get a little education as well. The memory jug with the keepsake clues added that additional element every great mystery needs. The puzzle to figure out, not just trying to pick up clues from what the characters say or remembering something at at that climatic moment.
To fully appreciate this story it is necessary to read all of the books in order. Only then can the reader enjoy the growth of all the characters.
Kudos Ellery!!! Bring on Poisoned Prose!! I can't wait!!
May 27, 2014
This book is, as all of the ones before a great read and great addition to this series! The characters are even more real and I really liked reading more about Millay for instance who tells more about herself in this book. Olivia was a cold person in book 1, but is a great person now. She is friendly, fierce but real and true. On her side, trusty companion Haviland and lover and Police Chief Rawlings.
Olivia visits ‘witch’ Munin when Dixie tells her that Munin wants to see her. Reluctantly but curious Olivia decided to go. She learns new truths on things she thought she knew and receives a memory jug from Munin. Not much later, Munin is found Dead. Olivia decided to find out what happened, while trying to figure out what the memory jug means.
The mystery in this book is fantastic! I had no idea what, why or how! The mystery was not just one on it’s own, but it’s layered, and complex. It was very well written as I found out by the big revealing of why the events happened. Also keeping the Memory Jug in mind, this was one mystery that was thought out very well! Now, I feel that Ellery Adams has done that with every book in this series and I love it! This was my first Cozy Series and so far still my favorite!
The only thing that was less in this book, meaning not much mentioned, was the Bayside Book Writers, their critique and the parts from the books they are writing. If it’s a bad thing that’s up for yourself to decide. I did not really mind as I was totally drawn into the mystery itself!
Olivia visits ‘witch’ Munin when Dixie tells her that Munin wants to see her. Reluctantly but curious Olivia decided to go. She learns new truths on things she thought she knew and receives a memory jug from Munin. Not much later, Munin is found Dead. Olivia decided to find out what happened, while trying to figure out what the memory jug means.
The mystery in this book is fantastic! I had no idea what, why or how! The mystery was not just one on it’s own, but it’s layered, and complex. It was very well written as I found out by the big revealing of why the events happened. Also keeping the Memory Jug in mind, this was one mystery that was thought out very well! Now, I feel that Ellery Adams has done that with every book in this series and I love it! This was my first Cozy Series and so far still my favorite!
The only thing that was less in this book, meaning not much mentioned, was the Bayside Book Writers, their critique and the parts from the books they are writing. If it’s a bad thing that’s up for yourself to decide. I did not really mind as I was totally drawn into the mystery itself!
December 18, 2012
Another installment in the Books by the Bay series.
Olivia didn't even know that Oyster Bay had a witch until Dixie informed her that her presence was requested by Munin Cooper, who appears to know something about her mother. This mystery knowledge about her past is the only reason she accepts the invitation. She is told to bring something of value to her, so Olivia brings along the wood carving that depicts her as a child.
Munin gives Olivia a memory jug encrusted with items that are supposed to lead her to something. What is the question. She enlists the help of her writers group to discover what these strange items could mean. When Munin is found dead, Olivia suspects foul play, and when her half brother tells her that he saw someone who looked like their dead father, she is stretched to her limit.
I really enjoy this series. This installment was an excellent addition. The normal murder mystery along with the family mystery are defined yet intertwined in a way that was intriguing yet didn't take away from the main story.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
Olivia didn't even know that Oyster Bay had a witch until Dixie informed her that her presence was requested by Munin Cooper, who appears to know something about her mother. This mystery knowledge about her past is the only reason she accepts the invitation. She is told to bring something of value to her, so Olivia brings along the wood carving that depicts her as a child.
Munin gives Olivia a memory jug encrusted with items that are supposed to lead her to something. What is the question. She enlists the help of her writers group to discover what these strange items could mean. When Munin is found dead, Olivia suspects foul play, and when her half brother tells her that he saw someone who looked like their dead father, she is stretched to her limit.
I really enjoy this series. This installment was an excellent addition. The normal murder mystery along with the family mystery are defined yet intertwined in a way that was intriguing yet didn't take away from the main story.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
December 17, 2012
A good read, one that was better than the book before it, which was better than it's predecessor. The characters in this series have become more real and more likeable, especially the main character, Olivia.
The mystery in this story was interesting, layered, and complex. Instead of a plot with a lot of suspects, this was a plot where there was no obviously viable suspect, making the unfolding of the story even more intriguing. The ending illuminated a motivation it was hard not to pity and be repulsed by at the same time.
A solid cozy mystery series I'd recommend to anyone looking for depth in the cozies - you'll not find humour or comedy in these books, but you will find well thought out plots and considered writing with complex characters.
The mystery in this story was interesting, layered, and complex. Instead of a plot with a lot of suspects, this was a plot where there was no obviously viable suspect, making the unfolding of the story even more intriguing. The ending illuminated a motivation it was hard not to pity and be repulsed by at the same time.
A solid cozy mystery series I'd recommend to anyone looking for depth in the cozies - you'll not find humour or comedy in these books, but you will find well thought out plots and considered writing with complex characters.
May 28, 2017
Questa serie mi ha conquistato, lo ammetto. E la protagonista mi sta simpatica anche quando non si comporta proprio bene, ma, diciamocelo, quando tampona a un semaforo rosso la macchina di due str... dopo che lei ha buttato la sigaretta verso il marciapiede, prendendo in pieno una bambino in un passeggino, ecco, io l'avrei abbracciata! E pensare che all'inizio del primo libro non potevo sopportarla...
Il giallo è ben congeniato e mi ha fatto pensare a chi potesse essere il colpevole fino in fondo, come pure le motivazioni che c'erano dietro al suo comportamento. Continua lo svelarsi del passato della protagonista e a questo punto, poveretta, non posso fare a meno di augurarle di trovare un po' di felicità. Magari con un certo poliziotto...
Il giallo è ben congeniato e mi ha fatto pensare a chi potesse essere il colpevole fino in fondo, come pure le motivazioni che c'erano dietro al suo comportamento. Continua lo svelarsi del passato della protagonista e a questo punto, poveretta, non posso fare a meno di augurarle di trovare un po' di felicità. Magari con un certo poliziotto...
January 19, 2013
Ok cozy mystery, not as good as the previous one, though. :)
July 3, 2015
Solid cozy mystery. The formula is getting a bit too much by book four, but it is still a solid cozy and breezy to read.
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