Murder in the Book Lover's Loft by Ellery Adams

 Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

Book Summary

The latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mystery series, featuring Virginia resort manager and sleuth Jane Steward.

 

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.

My Thoughts

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams is a delight to read.  We journey back to Storyton Hall in Virginia where Jane Steward is getting ready to go on a vacation with her betrothed, Edwin.  I would love to visit Storyton Hall.  It is a resort for bibliophiles and writers (for anyone who loves and appreciates books).  I thought Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft was well-written with a great cast of characters.  I have enjoyed getting to know Jane, Edwin, the twins, Aunt Octavia, Uncle Aloysius, the staff at Storyton Hall, and the Cover Girls.  I like that the author tied this story in with her A Books by the Bay Mysteries which features Olivia Limoges and her canine companion, Captain Haviland (a black standard poodle).  Jane and Edwin travel to Oyster Bay, North Carolina for a vacation and end up embroiled in a mystery.  It is a well-plotted mystery.  There are several suspects because the victim who is author Justin St. James was not a nice man.  I had a good time following Jane as she questioned people and searched for clues.  The costumed All Hallows’ Ball was a great place to catch a killer.  The Fins and the Cover Girls as well Sheriff Evans (loved his costume) and his deputies were there to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.  I loved the ball with everyone in costume.  It made for an entertaining and lively reveal.  I like how all the various elements tied together.  

The last chapter will delight fans of the series.  I finished Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft with a smile on my face.  I was sad that Jane felt the need to dispose of the treasures in the secret room (she has been doing this in the last couple of books).  I can understand being afraid of people breaking in to get their hands on the special items hidden at Storyton Hall, but I do not if I could have let go of such unique items.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  I like that the author included Olivia Limoges and gave us a conclusion to her story.  The woman certainly deserves to have a happy ending.  Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the ninth A Book Retreat Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone.  However, I have enjoyed following Jane Steward on her journey since the beginning.  It has allowed me to get to know her as well as the other characters and the secret of Storyton Hall.  Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft has friendships, family, books, murder, furbabies, food, romance, and fun.  I sincerely hope that this is not the last book in A Book Retreat Mysteries because I will miss my yearly visits to Storyton Hall.  Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is an entertaining tale with an odd death, a beach retreat, murdered author, playful puppies, fishy suspects, bookish costumes, and a startling reveal.  

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Book Retreat Mysteries here.  You can find A Book by the Bay Mysteries starring Olivia Limoges here.  You can find Ellery Adams' other delightful cozy mysteries here.  

There are a number of new books out today.  A few of the new book releases are:  The Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass, Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble by Laurien Berenson (the 2nd A Senior Sleuths Mystery), Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn, Pink Lemonade Murder by Joanne Fluke (the 29th A Hannah Swensen Mystery), Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah, Steeped in Malice by Vicki Delany (the 4th A Tea by the Sea Mystery), Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlote Hubbard (the 7th novel in the Promise Lodge series), A Questionable Character by Lorraine Barrett (the 17th A Booktown Mystery), Finding Us by Tracie Peterson (2nd book in Pictures of the Heart series), Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover, Hidden Amish Target by Dana Lynn, and Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler.  So many delightful new books.  I will return tomorrow with Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn.  It is a Love Inspired Suspense and the 15th book in the Amish Country Justice series.  I hope that you have a happy and cool day (it is so hot and humid).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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