Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

Book Retreat Mysteries #9

by Ellery Adams

Storyton Hall in Virginia is the perfect getaway for booklovers, but when resort manager Jane Steward tries to take a quick break of her own, it leads to a real-life mystery that’s far from relaxing . . .

Jane and her fiancé, Edwin, are headed to the North Carolina coast for a much-needed vacation. Their harborside loft has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and breathtaking views, but Jane’s hopes of exploring the town with her man are stymied when Edwin steps on a stingray. Things take an even less romantic turn when Jane stumbles across a dead body . . .

Instead of taking leisurely beach strolls, Jane is suddenly on a literary chase through time, unearthing a dark secret in her family tree that threatens all she holds dear back in Storyton. And it’ll take a whole village to help her make amends for the past—and stop a madman bent on exacting justice in the present.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Books About Books, Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2023

About the author

USA 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

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love books and cozy mysteries, then Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams may be the book and series that will delight you. Jane Steward is ready for a vacation with her betrothed Edwin Ascott. Jane manages the family resort, Storyton Hall, and Edwin owns a restaurant. While living in the western part of Virginia, they are vacationing in Oyster Bay, Nort Carolina. While their vacation cottage has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a view of the ocean, their stay isn’t the relaxing vacation they needed. Edwin has a medical emergency and Jane finds a dead body. Naturally, they feel they need to investigate the death.

The characterization in this book is excellent. Jane loves books and organizing. She takes a pragmatic approach to the investigation. Despite some setbacks, she remained sanguine about their ultimate success in solving the mystery. Edwin balances Jane, works hard, and enjoys books as well. Add in the staff at Storyton Hall, multiple authors, book club members, vacation resort staff, and police in two locations and readers will enjoy a wide range of characters with different backgrounds and dynamics.

The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, found family, books, death, and much more.

Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. This series is best read in order. I hope there will be more novels in this series. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.

Kensington Books – Kensington Cozies and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023.
---------------------------------------
My 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series that I joined late and I must try and find the time to go back and read the earlier books. The stories are set at Storyton Hall, a book retreat managed by Jane Steward. In Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft Jane goes on a short holiday with her partner Edwin but bad luck follows them. She stumbles across a dead body and he steps on a stingray. All the events that follow indicate that Jane is being targeted and all her associates swing into action to catch the guilty party.

Although this book is certainly a cosy it has a certain aspect of being a bit more with Storyton Hall's history, the secret library, the Fins who are actually guards, and mentions of past espionage. The author writes well and the story is well paced and always interesting. It even has two children in it who are well mannered. A rare event in most books today. I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the 9th book in the Book Retreat Mystery. I have read this series from the beginning. This one is as good as all the rest. Jane Steward is the main character. She is the caretaker of the Storyton Hall, a world famous resort catering to readers. The building is filled with books. The Stewart family serves as guardian of all the printed material. She was handed the mantle by her Uncle Aloysius and the Finns. butler, Mr. Butterworth, Head Librarian, Mr. Sinclair, chauffeur, Mr. Sterling and Head of Recreation, Mr. Lachlan who have been assigned to keep her safe. She lives at the resort with her twin sons, Fitzgerald (Fitz) and Hemingway (Hem) along with her partner Edwin Alcott. Her Uncle Aloysius and Aunt Octavia also lived there. They took Jane in when her parents died in a car accident.

Jane was in the attic with the current task of reviewing the inventory list to select several items to sell, donate or returned descendants of the original owner. Jane wants to give up her guardianship and empty the secret library but the process has been going slow.

Jane runs into sheriff Evans who tells her that Sam had found a body in the woods near the new cabin by the river. He is not local. She goes into the woods with Sam, the sheriff and the doc to see the body. The man has been dead for several days..

The town is getting ready for the costume All Hollow Ball. Before the ball Edwin and Jane are going away to Oyster Bay, North Carolina staying at The Admiral Inn in a bungalow called The Lover' Loft. The arrive there an are shown their bungalow. They find a skull in the shower with writing on the mirror of the bathroom. It had belonged to the author, Justin St. James who stayed there before them.

They were meeting their friend, Olivia Limoges who lives there as well as having dinner at her old restaurant now owned by Michel. They see a poster for Olivia's book store, Bayside Books for a Triple Thrills Event staring three authors, Justin St. James, Heather O'Grady and Winston Hall are giving a talk.

The next day after having dinner Edwin and Jane go to spend the day on Olivia's beach. While there with Olivia and Jane find a body in the dunes. It is Justin St, James. At the same time, Edwin is in the water swimming and calls for help. He has stepped on two stingrays and was having a reaction from their sting. She calls 911 and Edwin is taken to the hospital. In the meantime, Olivia calls the police about Justin St, James. She also tells Jane that while waiting for the police she finds a key chain from her resort buried in the sand near the body. Jane calls Butterworth.

This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of finding out who killed Justin and later, the body of Rachel who works at the Admiral Inn. There is so much going on in this story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy. There are two endings to this story. Who killed Justin St. James, Rachael Wilcox an employee at the Admiral Inn and Alex Hoyt, the man in their woods. The second ending is the wedding of Jane and Edwin. There were only the finns, the ladies from her book club, the Cover Girls and the story ends with their wonderful reception.

I look forward to the next book in the series and all that is ahead for Jane, Edwin and all the people living in the town and Storyton.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the book retreat mystery series, but I haven’t read the earlier books and I still was able to follow and enjoy the story. I am intrigued by what I read and definitely interested in reading the previous books. While I understand the main character’s logic it was a little disheartening to find a magical hidden library of amazing rare or unseen works only to learn it was being dismantled. Jane and Edwin are taking her first true vacation and spending a few days by the beach. Unfortunately Jane’s uncanny ability to stumble upon dead bodies has followed her on vacation and despite the police being confident in their arrest she doesn’t feel like things are really over. It was a pretty good cozy mystery series with some decent twists. I will admit the author did a great job making the murder victim unlikable which gave pretty much everyone at least a small motive for killing him.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ninth book in Ellery Adams series Book Retreat Mysteries (please don't let it be the last!). I've read every book in this series and loved every single one. Storyton Hall is a dream hotel for book lovers with literary themes everywhere, as well as a secret library stash of rare books and manuscripts that some people would kill to own/steal.

This one starts with Jane and Edwin finally taking a vacation to Oyster Bay, North Carolina to get away from Storyton Hall and hopefully, relax and unwind. That's not what happened though as first Edwin has an incident, then there's the murder of an author and the murder of a worker at the Inn Jane and Edwin are staying at - The Admiral Inn. Jane, of course, has to investigate and finds some disturbing links to Storyton Hall.

This is a complex murder mystery that involves many suspects. Following the investigation is both fun and intriguing. At one point Jane may even be a suspect. The costumed All Hallows Ball is a hotbed of frenzied activity with the Fins and the Cover Girls, as well as the Sheriff and his Deputies are trying to watch everyone there for suspicious activity. All of this happening as Jane and Edwin's wedding is upcoming.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 25, 2023.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a good mystery series with amateur sleuths and wonderful characters, this is a great series to check out. Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is the ninth in the Book Retreat Mystery series and, after reading it, I’m guessing it may be the final one - which makes me a bit sad, as I really enjoyed both the story and the characters.

The main character is Jane Steward, whose family has run Storyton Hall, a hotel/resort in western Virginia that caters to book lovers. I was a bit disappointed at first that the story sends Jane and her fiancé Edwin to the North Carolina coast for a short vacation, but that setting was also really lovely with interesting characters, and the second half of the book sees them back at Storyton Hall. Murder seems to follow Jane! A body is discovered near Storyton Hall right before they leave for their vacation, and more deaths occur in Oyster Bay, North Carolina while they’re there, one right in the cottage where Jane and Edwin are staying! Are they connected? If so, how?

I’m very late to this series, which is odd because I have loved another series by the talented Ellery Adams (the Secret, Book and Scone Society series). In addition to this book, I’ve only read the first book, Murder in the Mystery Suite. I’m quite glad I read that first book, for its story and all the backstory on the secret library at Storyton Hall, but I think this one would work as a standalone if you haven’t read any of the others - of course, you’ll appreciate the continuing characters and backstory much more if you’ve read at least one of the previous books in the series. In addition, this story seems to be a bit of a crossover from another of Adams’ series that I haven’t explored, Books By The Bay!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and I am beyond thrilled that it has crossed over with the Books by The Bay series!!! I am beyond thrilled that Olivia and Captain Haviland are back for another visit and hopefully will be making many more appearances in future books since it appears she may have a connection with a long time Storyton Hall resident! Yes, I am full on bouncing in my chair like a toddler in joy at this possibility!!! I absolutely loved the Books by the Bay series and have fallen in love with all the characters in this series so to have a crossover of favorite characters brings me immense amounts of pleasure! Once again Jane is forced to investigate a murder especially when it looks like a friend is in danger of being blamed and it connects back to Storyton Hall in some weird way! If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on an amazing literature inspired cozy mystery series. Excellent characters, fantastic dialogue and interactions and a drool worthy setting that makes me so jealous that I can schedule my next vacation at Storyton Hall in real life! I can't wait for the next adventure for this crew of characters!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest in the Storyton series, this book has a bit of a crossover when Jane and Edmund take a holiday to Oyster Bay. I really loved this book and the mystery, as usual, was great. It seemed a bit like it might be the end of the series but I truly hope it’s not.

[marita lazarus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book in the series..... A must-read for fans of the series and of Ms. Adams.

I loved it so much that I would hate it if the series ended with this book... There, I said it!!!!

The Book Lover's Loft is a bungalow in a beach resort on the Virginia Coast. Jane and Edwin take off for a week of fun and relaxation at the beach, but the excitement starts when they check in and get to their bungalow. Message in the bathroom mirror, a fake skull in the shower, and soon dead bodies start piling up. This book was non-stop and I could not stop reading it.

The book ends with the beautiful wedding between Jane and Edwin, the boys adopted, and the secret room emptied of all its values (or is it??????)

This was a great book, and if you are fan of this series, this book is def a must-read.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is nice seeing Jane and Edwin get out of Storyton once in a while even though all the characters are back. The mystery is interesting and I enjoyed the setting. I got the impression that this is the last book of the series, which is sad as I really liked them. It is good to see them get married. #MurderintheBookLoversLoft #NetGalley

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and this book did not disappoint. The mystery was compelling and kept me hooked and trying to figure out the clues with Jane. The romance and the family is fantastic. Such a happy ending. I enjoyed the ties with Olivia from the other series by the author. I've only read the last two of this series. I really need to start at the beginning.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I randomly picked this up at the library as an airplane/vacation read, and it suited that purpose. This turned out to be book 9 in a series, which I didn't realize at the time, but the backstory is filled in well enough. I don't read many cozy mysteries, but when I do they I enjoy them in the beginning, but realize that I start to tire of the cheeriness that I suppose defines cozy mysteries.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a box of books from my stepmother, this took up space. It’s an easy read, good characters, good dialogue, believable.. but one should probably start with the first in the series, as many references (even when nicely explained) would have been smoother had I read of them in context. But did appreciate that they were expounded upon, not many writers take space to do that. I also appreciated the not-so dramatic reveal scene. Sometimes easy is just as good. Now I have to go find the first book and read up to this (#9) .

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane and Edwin head to coastal North Carolina for a long-awaited vacation. When Edwin steps on a stingray at almost the same moment that Jane finds a body on the beach, though, their vacation plans are out the window. During the ensuing investigation, Jane learns a secret from her family’s past that threatens her future – and that of Storyton Hall.

I have liked this series from the very first book, and it keeps getting better and better. I like Jane and have enjoyed watching her grow and change as the series has progressed. Since she and Edwin are away from their home base in this book, they don’t have their customary friends and connections to call on for help, but they’re not without friends and resources here, even while on vacation.

The murder victim here was not very well-liked, but was a guest in town who had previous connections with only a small group of people, so those people were at the top of the suspect list. The names on that list kept shifting around as the investigation progressed, and I appreciated the way Jane reported her findings to local law enforcement rather than keeping things to herself. I wasn’t able to figure out whodunnit or the motive until just before it was revealed in the story, but that’s not unusual.

I’m angry that this book gives away a *major spoiler for a book in one of this author’s other series. Yes, that book has been out for several years, but I haven’t read it yet. This is something I won’t be able to forget, so I’ll have this information hanging over me while reading the book, and that bothers me – a lot.

This book reads like it’s the end of the series, but I hope that’s not the case. Despite the spoiler issue, this author is one of my favorites, and I like this group of characters and the setting for most of the series. If there are additional books in the series, I will certainly read them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not had the best luck with cozies lately, even with series that I have loved for years, so I will admit going into this book with some trepidation. Thankfully, with the exception of the ending, this book exceeded my expectations and I feel funny for having doubt! :-)

Set in Oyster Bay [and can we just take a moment to talk about how awesome it is to be back there AND to have Olivia back in our lives? I loved her in the cooking challenge book and it was so awesome to see her again in this book - her decisions are some of the best parts of the ending] and then back at Storyton Hall, this book has many twists and turns and kept me guessing to the end [which is NOT what you expect and is much sadder than I had anticipated] - I didn't have a clue about the killer and I think you too will be surprised at what the reveal reveals. Jane is so very generous and has a way better heart than I do - that is ALL I will say. ;-)

There were quite a few revelations throughout this book and it was really lovely. My only complaint was the end - it all seemed rather rushed and since we have been following Edwin and Jane for so long, a little more of their romance would have been lovely. Rushed endings are not my favorites and it just seemed like there was too much crammed in at the last 20 minutes. It didn't change my rating [or overall feeling of the book], but it did make me a touch disgruntled. ;-)

I am not sure there will be another book as this one feels really final, but if there is, I will be there with bells on - this series has been one of my favorites from the beginning and I have loved watching all the great things that have happened to everyone in these books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Now that Jane has arranged for the precious treasure of books she and her family have protected for centuries in Storyton Hall are set to go to new homes, she and her fiancé Edwin can take a break. They head off to Oyster Bay on the coast, checking in at a glorious resort. Their plans for a restful romantic stay are thwarted almost immediately first by an accident and then by two deaths. It seems violence has followed them.

Jane is at a loss to figure out her connection to the happenings other than the fact she discovered both bodies. But there is a link and once she finds it, she is convinced she will also reveal the killer. It is a complex story with many twists and turns. When she and Edwin leave for home, the local authorities think they have the villain in custody. Jane is not so sure and elaborate plans are made to lay a trap for the killer. When the person is revealed, the backstory is tragic and heartbreaking. It does not excuse the killings but even Jane has a lot of sympathy for the perp.

This is a lovely series that blends books and mysteries with a touch of James Bond with a magical place that I would love to visit were it real. This book could be read as a standalone but treat yourself and go back and read through the series. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and I am beyond thrilled that it has crossed over with the Books by The Bay series!!! I am beyond thrilled that Olivia and Captain Haviland are back for another visit and hopefully will be making many more appearances in future books since it appears she may have a connection with a long time Storyton Hall resident! Yes, I am full on bouncing in my chair like a toddler in joy at this possibility!!! I absolutely loved the Books by the Bay series and have fallen in love with all the characters in this series so to have a crossover of favorite characters brings me immense amounts of pleasure! Once again Jane is forced to investigate a murder especially when it looks like a friend is in danger of being blamed and it connects back to Storyton Hall in some weird way! If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on an amazing literature inspired cozy mystery series. Excellent characters, fantastic dialogue and interactions and a drool worthy setting that makes me so jealous that I can schedule my next vacation at Storyton Hall in real life! I can't wait for the next adventure for this crew of characters!

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams appears to be the last book in this series. It took me a while to warm up to this series, but once I did, I enjoyed each new addition. jane, her children, and the rest of her family and friends all add interest and enjoyment to each book. This book, like the others, has several aspects to the mystery, and of course, a murder. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and multiple suspects that keep the reader turning the pages. The murder once solved is a relief to characters and readers. Finding the truth is not easy but Jane and company keep at it and do not let obstacles keep them from capturing the culprit.

In the end, readers will be glad when the killer is unmasked and Jane, Edwin, and all the other characters get to enjoy living the rest of their lives together. Readers who are just starting this series should read the books in order, or they will get lost very quickly and lose interest. I am happy to recommend this series, and the other books by this author.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and this one worked really well.

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was exciting to be able to read the next book in the wonderful ‘Book Retreat Mysteries’ series. It was like catching up with old friends over coffee and being filled in on what they have been up to. As with every the books in this series I settled happily down to spend time with these friends, their interactions and care for each other are wonderful and I feel that they are so real that I could book a weekend at the Hall and spend time to chatting to them all.

Jane and Edwin are taking a break from Storyton Hall and have travelled to the coast to stay at Admiral’s Inn. Before they leave a body is found in the forest near the hall, but as it didn’t belong to a guest there was no need for the two of them to cancel their trip.

After they check in to Admiral’s Inn, Jane is startled by a skull in the bathroom and a message in the mirror saying “Your story is over…”

Turns out the skull belonged to the previous guest - a crime writer with a bad attitude and a habit of basing his books on true disasters without asking permission. When he turns up dead the next day there’s a long list of people with a reason to kill him. Then a second body turns up. Jane and Edwin decide to investigate because there are links to Storyton Hall.

Returning home for a masquerade ball Jane learns the local body is connected to the coastal one and the team prepare to catch the killer before they strike again. All the threads are connected and the killer is revealed during the ball in a wonderful climax as red herrings distract and I changed my mind as to who the killer was quite a few times. Sadly, there are a few scenes which makes me fear this may be the last in the series - I hope I’m wrong - but if I am then the ending was perfect

With thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my copy to review

[Samantha Fraenkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a sneaky suspicion that this just might be the last book in this series and that makes me very sad since it’s been one of my favourite cozy series for many years; I’m not ready to say goodbye!
All the staples that make Ellery Adams a go-to author for me were accounted for; many bookish delights, tasty treats, lovely characters, a charming small town, a sinister mystery, and of course, the Cover Girls.

ARC Provided by NetGalley

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before they even left for vacation, Jane and Edwin found a body in the woods at home at Storyton Hall. When they got to her friend's inn in South Carolina there was a fake skull in the shower and a threat on the bathroom mirror, both belonging to an author of particularly vile morality. The next body is of that same author but that is overshadowed by Edwin nearly facing almost the same fate as Steve Irwin. And that's just in the first third of the story! Now Jane AND her friend Olivia find themselves in the frame for the murder of the dishonorable author. And another murder! I love this series and this book is terrifically full of relatable characters and an intricate plot full of twists and red herrings!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#MurderintheBookLoversLoft #NetGalley is the 9th book in this wonderful series, and what a story it is!
Jane and her fiance Edwin set off for a much deserved vacation, but trouble seems to find them no matter where they are.
I loved how Ms.Adams blended the characters from a different series, this was a delightful twist that made this book even better.
I was glued to the pages reading this book, it was even better than I expected.
I'm always happy to recommend this series to others readers, as well as the other works by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Pamela Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good, I loved it! It was fun to see how it all tied together, and yikes about swimming in the ocean! And I'm thankful the old books are finally safe. It will be interesting to see what happens next in the Book Retreat Mystery series! I love Ellery's books because she mentions other books inside of them. I love all of her cozy mysteries series and the characters!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is an interesting addition to the Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane and Edwin take a short vacation trip to North Carolina. They meet up with an author that has a reputation of writing books that deal with other people's tragedies. He is also a philanderer and is not well liked in the writing community. When they are out on the beach, Jane notices a man lying in the sand and discovers that it is the author. At the same time she is dealing with Edwin who stepped on a couple of stingrays and has barbs in his feet, the poison causing him to have an allergic reaction. Once Edwin is discharged from the hospital, they head back to Storyton to try and figure out why, Jane's family was the next one on his list to write about. Ellery Adams gives background information about Jane's first husband and the tragedy surrounding his life and death. Will the murderer follow Jane back home?

I liked how Ellery Adams brought Olivia Limoges, the protagonist of her Books by the Bay series into this story. This was another well plotted and developed mystery, with several suspects and twists. Jane knew that whoever the murderer was, they had been to Storyton before, and she was hoping they would appear at the ball they were having at the resort. So many of the characters are moving on to a new life, and all the dangerous books have been sold off or donated, or have they? As I read this story, it felt like the series was coming to an end with so many loose ends tied up, but then there is a scene that leaves the door open. This was another great story, with a mix of mystery and personal stories of the characters. I enjoyed it, but not quite as much as the last one. Again, I did a read/listen and enjoyed both formats. Johanna Parker narrates this series and although she is not a favourite narrator, she has a pleasant voice and makes these books easy to listen to.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole series is a book lover's dream since it is set at a luxury resort in Virginia that has thousands of books that can be borrowed by guests, but this newest book may be my favorite. The main character, resort owner/manager Jane Steward, and her fiancé Edwin Alcott, are taking a break from Storyton Hall. They visit their new friend Olivia Limoges (from the author's Books by the Bay series) in Oyster Bay, North Carolina. Their relaxing vacation takes a turn when Jane discovers a dead body. This investigation is intriguing but Jane and Edwin must return home before it's solved.

Back at Storyton Hall, a masked Halloween Ball is being held, but danger has followed them home and it looks like they may have a murderer as an uninvited guest. This part of the book is dramatic and suspenseful and I was on edge right along with Jane wondering how the evening would turn out. Jane's twin sons are as charming as ever, and I enjoyed spending time with them and the other regular characters from this series. The surprising ending of the book is perfect and one that fans of the series will especially appreciate.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sorry to see the Book Retreat Mystery series come to an end, but yet, the author ended the series in the very best way possible. All of the important characters appeared in the book as well as some of the characters from the Books By The Bay series, which is another series that the author ended a few years ago. It was so wonderful to revisit Oyster Bay, North Carolina again, as I had missed the characters from Oyster Bay and that setting for such a long time! Still, half of the book was set in the beautiful town of Storyton, which is the setting for the Book Retreat Mysteries. Of course, the plot of the murder mystery was very good and had multiple suspects. I highly recommend both the Book Retreat Mysteries as well as the Books By the Bay Mysteries to anyone who has not read them, but please read them in order! You miss so much if you don't.

[Mary Aalgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Ellery Adams has created an intriguing story for our favorite characters at Storyton Hall. This time some of the action happens off site while Jane and Edwin are on a vacation. The trail of clues leads back to her book retreat mansion. The story comes to an exciting conclusion at a masquerade ball. The romance stuff can be a little cheesy, but the story is good and I like the characters.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Pro:
* The family at Storyton - love those characters and their relationships
* The romances
* The unique setting
* Unexpected plot pieces
* Writing about writers
* Main characters who do their jobs and read books
Con:
* Reveal is a bit artificial
* The end???? :_(

Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny]

My sweet mother-in-law wanted me to read this. It was cute; I wish it was a real place. That’s where my enjoyment ended lol.