Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams

 Murder on the Poet's Walk

Book Summary

When corpses clutching poems begin turning up around Storyton Hall, resort manager Jane Steward is on the trail of someone exercising poetic license to kill . . .
 
As Jane eagerly anticipates the wedding of her best friend Eloise Alcott, Storyton Hall is overrun with poets in town to compete for a coveted greeting card contract. They’re everywhere, scrawling verses on cocktail napkins in the reading rooms or seeking inspiration strolling the Poet’s Walk, a series of trails named after famous authors. But the Tennyson Trail leads to a grim surprise: a woman’s corpse drifting in a rowboat on a lake, a crumpled copy of “The Lady of Shallot” in her lifeless fist.
 

When a second body is discovered, also holding a page from a poetry book, a recurring MO emerges. Fortunately, Jane is well versed in sleuthing and won’t rest until she gives the killer a taste of poetic justice . . .

My Thoughts

Murder on the Poet’s Walk by Ellery Adams takes us back to Storyton Hall where poets are in residence trying to win a contract with an up-and-coming greeting card company.  Things take a turn when one of the frontrunners in the competition ends up dead.  When a second poet ends up in a watery grave, Jane with help from her loyal staff sets out to expose the killer.  As if Jane does not have enough on her plate, it appears that a valuable manuscript has gone missing from the secret room.  Jane is baffled as to how someone could have discovered the way in.  Jane needs to find the guilty party before the competition ends and the poets fly the coop. 

Murder on the Poet’s Walk is a delight to read.  I always enjoy my visits to Storyton Hall which is a paradise for booklovers.  While Murder on the Poet’s Walk is the eighth A Book Retreat Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  The author included all the background information that a new reader needs to know.  I thought Murder on the Poet’s Walk was well-written with developed characters.  Jane, Edwin, Fitz, Hem, Aunt Octavia, Uncle Aloysius, the Fins, and the Cover Girls are back for another adventure.  The author’s descriptions bring Storyton Hall to life.  I can envision the beautiful rooms especially the library and the secret room.  The mystery is well done.  I love a complex mystery with some good twists and turns along the way.  I enjoyed the literary references throughout the story.  There is a romantic scene at the end that will delight fans of the series.  I was sorry when my trip to Storyton came to end.  I have read every book in A Book Retreat Mysteries and each one is better than the last.  Murder on the Poet’s Walk is bibliophiles delight with a cutthroat competition, a watery sepulcher, an adroit discovery, a literary killer, a missing manuscript, an ill uncle, and a poetic penalty.

Murder on the Poet's Walk is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other seven A Book Retreat Mysteries here.  You can follow Ellery Adams on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  You can find all of Ellery Adams' novels here.  Here are some of the other books that came out today:  An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer, Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell, Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day, The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard, The Second Christmas by Marta Perry, Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart, Cicada Season by Mindy Steele, and An Amish Proposal for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on The Second Christmas by Marta Perry.  It is the first An Amish Holiday Novel.  I am off to move my gnomes and garden flags out of my yard (anything that could be a projectile). Unfortunately, a hurricane is heading this way.  I am glad that I have not put up my Halloween display yet.    I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams

 Murder in the Cookbook Nook

Book Summary

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams has Posh Palate with Mia Mallett filming their latest season at Storyton Hall.  Jane Steward expected some drama with a film crew and six chefs in residence, but she was not prepared for it to start before the filming began.  A fire near the cooking tent has Jane and her staff scrambling to remove all signs of the destruction.  Jane is pleased that Mia Mallett is warm and friendly along with five of the chefs.  Unfortunately, one of them is an offensive obtuse oaf.  In the middle of the night after the filming of the first contest, Jane receives an urgent call from one of her baker’s.  She rushes to Storyton Hall where she finds the odious chef dead in Mrs. Hubbard’s cozy cookbook nook.  Sheriff Evans quickly arrives with his staff to process the scene.  Jane and her Fins start digging into the background of their guests to see who had motive to kill the deceased.  Because of the victims’ behavior, their suspect list is quite lengthy.  When more strange incidents occur, Jane begins narrowing in on the guilty party.  Can they capture the killer before he can harm someone dear to them all?

My Thoughts

I could not wait to read Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams.  I look forward to reading the newest installment in this series each year.  While this is the seventh A Book Retreat Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  I have enjoyed reading this series from the beginning, and I recommend reading it in order (you’ll love it).  I love visiting Storyton Hall which is a delight for bibliophiles.  The author provides vivid descriptions of Storyton Hall and the surrounding area.  These word depictions really bring the story alive for me.  I especially was delighted with Mrs. Hubbard’s cookbook nook.  It sounds amazing with the special cookbooks and the precious antiques.  I want a cozy nook like that where I can read and relax.  There is a cast of charming, developed, and diverse characters led by Jane Steward.  She has an excellent staff who are part of her family.  Jane’s two sons are smart and adorable.  Jane’s relationship with Edwin is progressing nicely.   They are a cute and compatible couple.  It was wonderful to see Olivia Limoges and her poodle, Captain Haviland from A Books by the Bay Mystery series.  I hope we see more of her in the future (especially since she has made friends with the Cover Girls).  The mystery was well-crafted.  There are several suspects who disliked the offensive victim.  The clues are subtle (the devil is in the details).  This is an engaging whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the tension filled reveal.  I like how it all came together with a satisfying conclusion.  The epilogue was delightful and fun.  I am eager for my next visit to Storyton Hall (I wish we did not have to wait a year for it).  Murder in the Cookbook Nook is a bibliophiles dream with a cozy cookbook nook, an odious oaf, delectable delights, a proper poodle, creative chefs, a fierce fire, and a bounty of books.

Murder in the Cookbook Nook is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Book Retreat Mystery series here.  You should check out Ellery Adams' other delightful cozy mysteries.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with Treasure Most Deadly by Terry Ambrose.   It is the 5th A Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast Mystery.  I hope you day is filled with joy.  We need more happiness in our lives.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams

Welcome!  There are some delightful new books out today!  The list includes:  Proof of Murder by Lauren Elliott, Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower, The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steel, The Diva Spices It Up by Krista Davis, Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey, Murder in the Wine Country by Janet Finsilver, Sugar and Vice by Eve Calder, Pumpkin Spice Peril by Jenn McKinlay, Home to Stay by Loree Lough, Promise at Pebble Creek by Lisa Jones Baker, Mrs. Morris and the Witch by Traci Wilton, Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams, Have You Seen Me? by Kate White, Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua by Rose Pressey, Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn and, last but not least, Tents, Trails and Turmoil by Tonya Kappes.  Are any of these books on your TBR list?

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams has Jane Steward busy preparing for the upcoming Peppermint Press Conference for children’s authors and illustrators at Storyton Hall.  She also has the first Golden Ticket winners arriving the next day and Jane wants to make sure that the Gilbert family have a magical vacation.  Jane has a special surprise for the Cover Girls (her book club).  They take a sleigh ride to the new Storybook Village which will open to children of all ages on Friday.  The ladies are delighted with the fairy tale houses and the activities available in each one until they stumble upon a woman in a red cloak with a basket nearby laying on the floor of Belle’s house.  There is a valuable copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in the basket.  Jane is shocked when a couple of a days later another woman turns up dead in the woods wearing a blue parka with white fur trim with a copy of Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen left in her room. Jane and her loyal Fins needs to catch the Fairy Tale Killer before he strikes again.   

The Hansel and Gretel House

Murder in the Storybook Cottage is the delightful 6^th installment in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  It can be read on its own for those new to this book themed series.  It is a joy to visit Storyton Hall in Storyton, Virginia with all the fabulous books, special events and scrumptious food.  I love the books, authors and literary characters mentioned throughout the story.  My favorite was Raggedy Ann and the Lucky Pennies (I collect Raggedy Ann items).  Storyton Village is a magical addition to the resort with the adorable fairy tale themed little cottages.  There is the gingerbread house, Rapunzel’s tower, Belle’s house, and Rumpelstiltskin’s workshop (just to name a few).  There are enchanting events for the guests to attend at Storyton Hall including the colorful Rainbow Tea and the Family Valentine’s Celebration.  I thought Murder in the Storybook Cottage was well-written with developed characters and special setting.  It is rich in detail that allows the reader to visualize the captivating setting.   I always enjoy reading each A Book Retreat Mystery to catch up with the characters who inhabit this world.  Jane’s twin boys are up to their usual mischief, Eugenia Pratt’s beau is coming to town and he has big news to share with her, Lachlan has something special planned for Valentine’s Day for his girlfriend and Jane’s bestie, Eloise Alcott.  The mystery was intriguing with its fairy tale theme.  There are a variety of suspects including a very dislikeable couple who write children’s books.  I enjoyed the misdirection as well as following the clues to find out why someone killed the two women.  My favorite quote from Murder in the Storybook Cottage is when Jane was saying the ladies did not read the books for happy endings.  “It was the journey they were interested in--the voyage from the first page to the last.” There is a hint at what will occur in the next A Book Retreat Mystery at the end.  Murder in the Storybook Cottage is a diverting cozy mystery with fairy tale fun, wonderful Wonka Bars, a terrible twosome, a clever killer, fun family festivities, and bibliophile bliss.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage is available from Amazon* (click here for other options).  You can find the other five books in A Book Retreat Mystery series here.  Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book One) is currently available on Amazon (digital version) for $2.99 (please verify price before purchase).  Ellery Adams also writes A Secret, Book and Scone Society series.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am participating in the Celebrate Lit Tour for God Sees Her by Our Daily Bread.  I hope you have a positive day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Little Red Riding Hood reading book after defeating the wolf

*This post contains affiliate links.

Murder in the Reading Room by Ellery Adams

Happy Book Release Day!  A few of the new books out today include Murder in the Reading Room by Ellery Adams, Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait, On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Emily Gone by Bette Lee Crosby, The Bishop's Daughter by Patricia Johns, Staging is Murder by Grace Topping (I will feature on May 9), Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott, The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart, Terrier Transgressions by Molly Fitz and Knit One, Die Two by Peggy Ehrhart.  How many new books will purchase today and add to your TBR pile?

Murder in the Reading Room by Ellery Adams is the fifth novel in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  Jane Steward, manager of Storyton Hall, along with Landon Lachlan are traveling to Asheville, North Carolina to the famous Biltmore Estate.  Jane’s boyfriend, Edwin Alcott has been missing for two months and she believes he is being held at Biltmore.  Jane’s cover is a participant in the Luxury Lodging Seminar which will give her access to the grounds and buildings to search for Edwin.  Landon is befriending the master gardener on the estate to see if he can provide any useful information while Jane has gotten them a tour of the main building from a high ranking employee.  When Jane and Landon go to give the master gardener a special gift, they find the kind man dead in his favorite chair in his superb library.  It is thanks to the gardener that the pair receive a clue that leads them to the underground passage where Edwin is being held.  Unfortunately, Edwin’s captor is awaiting them, and he has a shocking surprise for Jane.  To get Edwin back, Jane will have to search Storyton Hall for the papers from Ernest Hemingway’s lost suitcase.  Will Jane and her protectors be able to defeat this evil foe?  Join Jane on her dangerous quest in Murder in the Reading Room.

Murder in the Reading Room is a riveting cozy mystery.  I thought the story was well-written and it moves along at a quick pace.  Murder in the Reading Room is the fifth book in A Book Retreat Mystery series, and it cannot be read alone.  This series is best read in order and each book is better than the previous.  Ellery Adams’ has an engaging writing style, and I was quickly engrossed in Murder in the Reading Room.  Jane Steward is a widow with two rambunctious boys.  She manages Storyton Hall as well as being the Guardian to the secret library.  Jane is lucky to have her aunt and uncle on the premises as well as her trustworthy and protective staff.  The characters are complex and continue to evolve as the series progresses. The Fins and the Cover Girls are delightful secondary characters.  I like seeing the relationship between Eloise Alcott and Landon Lachlan progressing. The setting of Storyton, Virginia is beautiful (especially in the fall).  Storyton Hall is a masterpiece and it is filled with books along with paintings, statutes and other unique items (I want to move in).  The mystery is complex and multifaceted.  I love it when I am surprised in a mystery, and Murder in the Reading Room has one fabulous and shocking turn of events.  There were several great phrases in this book, and it was hard to pick my favorite.  I ended up choosing “I think a book is like a good climbing tree.  They both yearn to be touched.”  I enjoyed the book referenced sprinkled throughout the story which included Maisie Dobbs, Anne of Green Gables and various works by Hemingway.  Murder in the Reading Room is my favorite book in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  Murder in the Reading Room is a captivating cozy mystery that will have you staying up until the wee hours to finish it. 

The other novels in A Book Retreat Mystery series are Murder in the Mystery Suite, Murder in the Paperback Parlor, Murder in the Secret Garden and Murder in the Locked Library.  The next novel in A Book Retreat Mystery series is Murder in Storybrook Cottage and Ellery Adams has signed a contract for three more books after that one (hooray).  I am curious to see what direction she will take Storyton Hall as well as Jane and Edwin's relationship.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be back tomorrow (I have not decided which book I will share with you yet).  I hope you have a spellbinding day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Murder in the Locked Library: A Book Retreat Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  The Marmalade Murders by Elizabeth J. Duncan, Bleeding Tarts by Kirsten Weiss, Read Herring Hunt by V.M. Burns, Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams, Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis, Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd,  Expiration Date by Devon Delaney, Antique Blues by Jane K. Cleland, Murder Most Fermented by Christine Blum, Antiques Wanted by Barbara Allen, Murder Will Speak by Penny Richards, Hide and Sneak by G.A. McMcKevett, The Mother's Day Mishap by Kathi Daley and The Amish Teacher's Gift by Rachel Good are a few of the new novels out today.

Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams is the fourth tale in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  Jane Steward is excited that the construction is beginning on the Walt Whitman Spa.  The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the next evening.  After the digging begins, it looks like the festivities will have to be postponed.  Bones were uncovered by the excavator along with a padlocked box and a farthing.  Inside the box is the remains of a badly deteriorated book.  It so happens that the Robert Harley Rare Book Society is attending a conference at the Storyton Hall and they are happy to help discern the books title.  Bart Baylor identifies the book and then expires in the Henry James library.  Jane, with the aid of her trusted, employees delves into the lives of the members of the Rare Book Society to pinpoint the culprit before the conference ends.  How does the skeleton relate to Bart’s death?  Jane is also worried about Edwin Alcott.  There has been limited communication and the recent postcards people have been receiving seem unusually chatty (for Edwin).  As the investigation into Bart’s murder heats up, her concerns about Edwin will have to take a backseat.    Time is of the essence.  They need to work quickly or something very precious could be lost.

I love the concept for A Book Retreat Mystery series.  As a booklover, I would love to visit (let’s face it—live at) Storyton Hall.  If you are new to the series, I suggest starting with Murder in the Mystery Suite.  There is more to Storyton Hall than a beautiful book themed inn.  Jane is the latest Guardian who safeguards a hidden library filled with priceless (and rare) books and manuscripts.  Jane’s role and that of her staff (the Fins) is explained in the first book.  Murder in the Locked Library is well-written, but it does have a slower pace.  I did not mind the pace because the story drew me in from the very beginning. Storyton Hall with its beautiful book themed rooms were brought to life for me courtesy of the author’s descriptions. The characters are established and engaging.  There is a cast of regular characters that include Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Butterworth, Hem and Fitz (Jane’s twin boys), and the Cover Girls (Jane’s friends which make up the female book club).  I like the boys are portrayed as mischievous and curious.  Jane loves them dearly, but she does get frustrated with them at times (which is realistic).  I like how the three storylines come together in the end.  The mystery was compelling and complex.  I do wish, though, that it had been harder to identify the guilty party.  Two little pieces of information gave it away to me (this is the only weak part of the book).  The why did not become apparent until much later in the book.  I am glad that the sheriff works with Jane and her group on the investigation.  They have resources that are not available to the local police.  At the end of Murder in the Locked Library, we get a glimpse of what will be happening in the next A Book Retreat Mystery (which I am eager to read).  My rating for Murder in the Locked Library is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The other books in A Book Retreat Mystery series are Murder in the Mystery Suite, Murder in the Paperback Parlor, and Murder in the Secret Garden.  Thank you for reading my latest review.  If you find it helpful, please consider hitting the Follow button (top right).  On Wednesday I will be featuring Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase.   I hope your day is filled with delightful new books.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader