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Book Retreat Mysteries #1
Murder in the Mystery Suite
First in a new series!
WHO WOULD RESORT TO MURDER?
Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.
But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…
WHO WOULD RESORT TO MURDER?
Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.
But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1276 people are currently reading
8585 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,223 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 1,310 reviews
April 18, 2022
I wanted to like this book but sadly I did not - in fact, I didn't even finish it - I found it slow, boring and utterly forgettable. So many contradictions - the need for a themed mystery weekend to generate revenue, yet they have a fleet of Rolls Royces to pick up guests for transport to the hotel? The hotel holds a scavenger hunt using the entire grounds which are said to be in major disrepair? Lavish food displays for teas and restaurants in the hotel - can't be in that bad of shape financially. And then came the secret library with unpublished plays by a famous playwright - if the property is in disrepair why weren't those sold long ago? I also couldn't figure out if I was in modern day Virginia or olden days England. I just didn't get the concept, I guess.
November 29, 2016
This book was an enjoyable read. What's not to like? Dead bodies, secret passages, fun characters, literary references galore, a grumpy tuxedo cat; my kind of book. I'll be reading the next books in the series as soon as possible.
September 24, 2017
“These people are mystery fans. Readers. Bibliophiles. They’re far too refined to resort to violence.”
I loved the enthusiasm aimed toward books and reading, especially with the themed murder mystery week and the celebration of various literary detectives. It was nerd city for me, trust me. Being with the guests when they visited various rooms such as the Green Gables Gazebo and Agatha Christie Teamroom. Having meals catered to novel names and characters? Yep, a bookworm's dream: Julius Caesar salads, Herman Melville chowder, Homer's pulled pork sandwiches in the Kipling's cafe.
The concept of the murder mystery week, costume contests, treasure hunt and various things was fun. Unfortunately the book lost me a great bit around 40-50% into it. The author decided to enter in a large, outlandish subplot that completely changed the tone of the novel and subsequently the rest of the series. It was a surprise and twist that I didn't like. Sure it was clever and unique and added a completely new dimension....but to me it made a fun cozy into an comedic action-adventure with almost James Bondish staff. The plausibility of some of the stuff was so over the top it just left me behind. My interest waned due to this sadly -- if it had stayed just a book resort with a mystery, I think it would have held a higher star appeal in the end.
The characters are intriguing enough, but none stand out much. The protagonist is a single widow with two twin boys, a sarcastic and overweight aunt who gets into health crisis, an adoring uncle, and tons of devoted staff. That changes into something much more later.
One thing that bugged me was banning all electronic devices at the resort. This included phones and e-readers. I'm all for actual books and they're still my favorites, but I found it a little irritating that people couldn't read e-books or listen to audiobooks at a reading retreat. And sorry, but must use Goodreads on the phone or laptop to update =)
I loved the enthusiasm aimed toward books and reading, especially with the themed murder mystery week and the celebration of various literary detectives. It was nerd city for me, trust me. Being with the guests when they visited various rooms such as the Green Gables Gazebo and Agatha Christie Teamroom. Having meals catered to novel names and characters? Yep, a bookworm's dream: Julius Caesar salads, Herman Melville chowder, Homer's pulled pork sandwiches in the Kipling's cafe.
The concept of the murder mystery week, costume contests, treasure hunt and various things was fun. Unfortunately the book lost me a great bit around 40-50% into it. The author decided to enter in a large, outlandish subplot that completely changed the tone of the novel and subsequently the rest of the series. It was a surprise and twist that I didn't like. Sure it was clever and unique and added a completely new dimension....but to me it made a fun cozy into an comedic action-adventure with almost James Bondish staff. The plausibility of some of the stuff was so over the top it just left me behind. My interest waned due to this sadly -- if it had stayed just a book resort with a mystery, I think it would have held a higher star appeal in the end.
The characters are intriguing enough, but none stand out much. The protagonist is a single widow with two twin boys, a sarcastic and overweight aunt who gets into health crisis, an adoring uncle, and tons of devoted staff. That changes into something much more later.
One thing that bugged me was banning all electronic devices at the resort. This included phones and e-readers. I'm all for actual books and they're still my favorites, but I found it a little irritating that people couldn't read e-books or listen to audiobooks at a reading retreat. And sorry, but must use Goodreads on the phone or laptop to update =)
June 30, 2023
Couldn't finish this one although I tried. The book is supposed to be set in Virginia in modern day. Who in America calls the owner of a restaurant a publican? I felt the author was trying so hard to create a small English town atmosphere that she threw in every word/name she could to evoke the English cozy image. I suppose she thought it would help create the cozy atmosphere to use literary type names for the employees at Storyton Manor, like Sterling, Pimpernel, Sinclair, Hubbard, Butterworth, and guest names like Desmond, Moira, Felix, but all that did for me was take me right out of the story. I did so much eye rolling during the 68% of it that I read, that it is a wonder I didn't get a migraine. I don't know where six year olds have different class "periods". Hem and Fitz's vocabulary was way too advanced for six. They always seemed to be unsupervised too!
When I read a mystery (even a cozy style one), I want to transported into that world. I don't want to be eye rolling and being constantly taken out of the story by thinking "who would say that?" Then there is the contradiction of how they are strapped for cash and trying to get more business for the hotel, which is why Jane comes up with the idea for a booklovers retreat in the first place, but yet, they have a large staff and a couple of Rolls Royces. I always like to finish a book that I start, but I just couldn't get through this one.
When I read a mystery (even a cozy style one), I want to transported into that world. I don't want to be eye rolling and being constantly taken out of the story by thinking "who would say that?" Then there is the contradiction of how they are strapped for cash and trying to get more business for the hotel, which is why Jane comes up with the idea for a booklovers retreat in the first place, but yet, they have a large staff and a couple of Rolls Royces. I always like to finish a book that I start, but I just couldn't get through this one.
August 20, 2014
I wanted to like this book and I've been trying to convince myself that I do, but I just don't. I'm not fond of any of the characters and while I do like how the book started, it completely lost me when the family secret was revealed (even though I didn't enjoy the book I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.). I would've enjoyed the book (and series, I'm sure) if it had just been a book loving retreat that mysteries happened at.
July 18, 2014
MUDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE
by Ellery Adams
Book One in the Book Retreat Mystery series
A few chapters into this first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, I was already enjoying what I thought to be another sweet, cozy mystery series. By chapter five I had the feeling of reading a Nancy Drew story in which Nancy was now a grown woman. This of course thrilled me to no end. However, it felt as though I was also in a modern day Agatha Christie novel. Until chapter eight when Nancy and Agatha combined with Ian Fleming and my mind was blown!
Do you know how wonderful a book has to be to be compared to those three greats? Indeed, Ms. Adams has turned the modern day cozy into the very best of mysteries past, present, and I dare say future. There is so much I want to say about this book, but have to hold myself back from doing so in order not to ruin the joy of discovery for other readers.
What I can say is, Ellery Adams has delivered a story with delightful characters, beautiful surroundings, as well mystery and intrigue unlike anything I’ve ever read. She has insured that this first book will morph into a long running series.
That being said, do yourself the biggest favor of the year and read MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE. Purchase a few extra copies (e-readers, get yourself a print copy), two for yourself and a few for your friends. You’re going to want to keep a mint copy of this first edition hidden away so in the next twenty years or so people will be jealous of your treasure!
MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE well release on August 5th. Don’t wait…Pre-order your copy/copies now!
Note: The copy I read was an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) they I was lucky enough to win from the author. The best prize I’ve won all year! (Since it was a prize in a giveaway, I had no obligation to leave a review. But there was no way I wasn’t going to share my love of this story!) I will still be pre-ordering copies for myself in order to have both wonderful editions!
by Ellery Adams
Book One in the Book Retreat Mystery series
A few chapters into this first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, I was already enjoying what I thought to be another sweet, cozy mystery series. By chapter five I had the feeling of reading a Nancy Drew story in which Nancy was now a grown woman. This of course thrilled me to no end. However, it felt as though I was also in a modern day Agatha Christie novel. Until chapter eight when Nancy and Agatha combined with Ian Fleming and my mind was blown!
Do you know how wonderful a book has to be to be compared to those three greats? Indeed, Ms. Adams has turned the modern day cozy into the very best of mysteries past, present, and I dare say future. There is so much I want to say about this book, but have to hold myself back from doing so in order not to ruin the joy of discovery for other readers.
What I can say is, Ellery Adams has delivered a story with delightful characters, beautiful surroundings, as well mystery and intrigue unlike anything I’ve ever read. She has insured that this first book will morph into a long running series.
That being said, do yourself the biggest favor of the year and read MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE. Purchase a few extra copies (e-readers, get yourself a print copy), two for yourself and a few for your friends. You’re going to want to keep a mint copy of this first edition hidden away so in the next twenty years or so people will be jealous of your treasure!
MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE well release on August 5th. Don’t wait…Pre-order your copy/copies now!
Note: The copy I read was an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) they I was lucky enough to win from the author. The best prize I’ve won all year! (Since it was a prize in a giveaway, I had no obligation to leave a review. But there was no way I wasn’t going to share my love of this story!) I will still be pre-ordering copies for myself in order to have both wonderful editions!
March 18, 2023
Great cozy mystery with some fun characters! Lots of bookish references! In this story, we follow Jane Steward, who is hosting a fun Murder and Mayhem week at Storyton Hall in Virginia (which I would LOVE to be a real place!!). I loved reading about all of the fun costumes everyone dresses up in for the event. People really get into it and that's awesome! But in cozy mystery fashion, we have some drama surrounding the prized book award, one of the guests who ended up mysteriously dead in one of the rooms and some other random murders. Really enjoyed the setting, book vibes, mystery aspect and the characters. I'll be continuing on with this one!
August 22, 2016
This cozy-mystery is set at a resort for book lovers, on the murder mystery weekend where an actual murder takes place. It could have been a lot of fun, but it really wasn't. The author had too many ideas for one book. It went a little overboard with lots of the side stories. I didn’t get much into the book and then when the family secret came out - totally unbelievable - it lost me.
January 16, 2016
WHO WOULD RESORT TO MURDER?
Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.
But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Storyton and Storyton Hall. Book lovers are going to come for a visit and never want to leave.
Imagine a place with a library that has any book you can imagine, classics, bestsellers, children’s books, mysteries from cozy to thriller, romance from mild to wild, literary works from any author you can think of and Head Librarian, Mr. Sinclair, who can find your request in mere minutes.
Resort Manager, Jane Steward, is your host along with her Great Aunt Octavia and Great Uncle Aloysius. There is staff to meet your every need.
The Hall needs some work and Jane hopes to bring in some funds by holding a Murder and Mayhem week. The response was phenomenal and the whole place is booked for a week a fun activities. Everything is great until one of the guests is killed and then the real life mystery begins.
I was blown by this story. Ellery Adams has taken inspiration from all the great mystery heroes we love from Nancy Drew to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie and wrapped those feelings into one fabulous story. In fact she has a party and invites all the guests to dress as characters from their favorite mystery novels. Some of the guests even go to great lengths to stay in character their whole visit.
The rooms are even named the Ian Fleming Lounge, the Jane Austen Parlor, the Daphne du Maurier Morning Room, the Beatrix Potter Playroom and more. I was completely enchanted with the place.
Adams has given us readers truly engaging characters. From the Stewart Family to their employees and those running the shops in Storyton, I couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried. They are all special in their own way and are integral to this story and those coming in the future. She also gave us a eclectic group of people visiting the Hall for this special week. Jane has her hands full with all of them.
The main plot and the subplots are interwoven with precision. It was so much fun following the clues and puzzling through the possibilities. There is also a truly surprising twist that I can’t tell you about. No Spoilers Here!
I loved this book and I know you will too!!
Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.
But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Storyton and Storyton Hall. Book lovers are going to come for a visit and never want to leave.
Imagine a place with a library that has any book you can imagine, classics, bestsellers, children’s books, mysteries from cozy to thriller, romance from mild to wild, literary works from any author you can think of and Head Librarian, Mr. Sinclair, who can find your request in mere minutes.
Resort Manager, Jane Steward, is your host along with her Great Aunt Octavia and Great Uncle Aloysius. There is staff to meet your every need.
The Hall needs some work and Jane hopes to bring in some funds by holding a Murder and Mayhem week. The response was phenomenal and the whole place is booked for a week a fun activities. Everything is great until one of the guests is killed and then the real life mystery begins.
I was blown by this story. Ellery Adams has taken inspiration from all the great mystery heroes we love from Nancy Drew to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie and wrapped those feelings into one fabulous story. In fact she has a party and invites all the guests to dress as characters from their favorite mystery novels. Some of the guests even go to great lengths to stay in character their whole visit.
The rooms are even named the Ian Fleming Lounge, the Jane Austen Parlor, the Daphne du Maurier Morning Room, the Beatrix Potter Playroom and more. I was completely enchanted with the place.
Adams has given us readers truly engaging characters. From the Stewart Family to their employees and those running the shops in Storyton, I couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried. They are all special in their own way and are integral to this story and those coming in the future. She also gave us a eclectic group of people visiting the Hall for this special week. Jane has her hands full with all of them.
The main plot and the subplots are interwoven with precision. It was so much fun following the clues and puzzling through the possibilities. There is also a truly surprising twist that I can’t tell you about. No Spoilers Here!
I loved this book and I know you will too!!
January 5, 2023
I loved book 7 from this series, it was a 5-star read for me. Unfortunately, this one didn't work out too well and I started to lose interest after the first half of the book.
July 11, 2014
Murder In The Mystery Suite is the first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series.
Ellery Adams has come up with another engaging and fun series with a cast interesting characters. This series takes place at the venerable Storyton Hall in western Virginia.
Jane Steward, a widow and mother of precocious twin boys, is the manager at Storyton Hall, having taken over from her great-aunt Octavia and great-uncle Aloysius. Storyton Hall houses several extensive libraries and Jane has come up with a plan to host a Murder and Mayhem Week. She is planning on having a fancy dress ball where the guests will dress as their favorite mystery character and a scavenger hunt.
Just before the guests begin to arrive, Jane and her boys, Fitzgerald(Fitz) and Hemingway(Hem)bicycle to the nearby village and while there Jane witnesses a lady fall from her runaway horse and is soon declared dead.
As the guests begin to arrive, chauffeured in by Mr. Sterling in a vintage Rolls Royce, Jane is amazed that some are arriving already dressed as their favorite character. The first nights scheduled event is a scavenger hunt. Each guest will be given a clue that pertains to their character and the first person to complete the hunt will receive the prize of a copy of Lost Letters by Alice Hart. The hunt is won by Felix Hampden who bears an uncanny likeness to his character, Umberto Ferrari, the detective that Adela Dundee. The prize, Lost Letters, is a book that is written about lost letters from Dundee that have reportedly been found. Shortly after the prize has been awarded, Fitz and Hem run to their mother saying that Aunt Octavia is sick. Octavia asks Mrs. Hubbard the Hall's chef to tell Jane to get the book back, that the wrong one had been given as the prize. The next day Jane goes to Hampden's room to get the book back, only to find him dead. What with Hampden's death, the police have also learned that the lady who died after falling from the horse, is in fact the editor of Lost Letters. Jane's first thought is whether these deaths are related. In addition, Hampstead had tipped Fitz and Hem to help him with the clues and also the fact that two people immediately after the prize was presented attempted to buy the book from Hampstead. Jane, with the help from the members of her book club, The Cover Girls, set off to find who would want the book bad enough to kill for it. And of course to find the killer before any of the guests learn of the death and start canceling there reservations.
This is another well plotted and told story from Ms. Adams. I particularly liked the setting of the book and would love to sit back in one of the winged back chairs in just about any of the libraries Storyton Hall has to offer. I would also like to visit with the very helpful staff. Particularly Jane and Head Librarian Mr. Sinclair and enjoy the wonderful meals that Mrs. Hubbard prepares. And Fitz and Hem are bound to provide lots of entertainment with their antics. As the saying goes: boys will be boys. Another thing that caused me to chuckle are the names of some of the village shops, The Pickled Pig Market and Tresses Hair Salon, just to name two.
Also, the reader will learn of the mystery of the Steward family and Storyton Hall.
So looking forward to spend time at Valentines Day at The Storyton Hall.
Ellery Adams has come up with another engaging and fun series with a cast interesting characters. This series takes place at the venerable Storyton Hall in western Virginia.
Jane Steward, a widow and mother of precocious twin boys, is the manager at Storyton Hall, having taken over from her great-aunt Octavia and great-uncle Aloysius. Storyton Hall houses several extensive libraries and Jane has come up with a plan to host a Murder and Mayhem Week. She is planning on having a fancy dress ball where the guests will dress as their favorite mystery character and a scavenger hunt.
Just before the guests begin to arrive, Jane and her boys, Fitzgerald(Fitz) and Hemingway(Hem)bicycle to the nearby village and while there Jane witnesses a lady fall from her runaway horse and is soon declared dead.
As the guests begin to arrive, chauffeured in by Mr. Sterling in a vintage Rolls Royce, Jane is amazed that some are arriving already dressed as their favorite character. The first nights scheduled event is a scavenger hunt. Each guest will be given a clue that pertains to their character and the first person to complete the hunt will receive the prize of a copy of Lost Letters by Alice Hart. The hunt is won by Felix Hampden who bears an uncanny likeness to his character, Umberto Ferrari, the detective that Adela Dundee. The prize, Lost Letters, is a book that is written about lost letters from Dundee that have reportedly been found. Shortly after the prize has been awarded, Fitz and Hem run to their mother saying that Aunt Octavia is sick. Octavia asks Mrs. Hubbard the Hall's chef to tell Jane to get the book back, that the wrong one had been given as the prize. The next day Jane goes to Hampden's room to get the book back, only to find him dead. What with Hampden's death, the police have also learned that the lady who died after falling from the horse, is in fact the editor of Lost Letters. Jane's first thought is whether these deaths are related. In addition, Hampstead had tipped Fitz and Hem to help him with the clues and also the fact that two people immediately after the prize was presented attempted to buy the book from Hampstead. Jane, with the help from the members of her book club, The Cover Girls, set off to find who would want the book bad enough to kill for it. And of course to find the killer before any of the guests learn of the death and start canceling there reservations.
This is another well plotted and told story from Ms. Adams. I particularly liked the setting of the book and would love to sit back in one of the winged back chairs in just about any of the libraries Storyton Hall has to offer. I would also like to visit with the very helpful staff. Particularly Jane and Head Librarian Mr. Sinclair and enjoy the wonderful meals that Mrs. Hubbard prepares. And Fitz and Hem are bound to provide lots of entertainment with their antics. As the saying goes: boys will be boys. Another thing that caused me to chuckle are the names of some of the village shops, The Pickled Pig Market and Tresses Hair Salon, just to name two.
Also, the reader will learn of the mystery of the Steward family and Storyton Hall.
So looking forward to spend time at Valentines Day at The Storyton Hall.
July 19, 2014
Have you ever wished there more than five stars to give ? I do right now in writing about this book. This is a cozy like no other I have ever read. The heroine Jane Steward is not your usual cozy girl. She is the mother of twin boys Hemmingway and Fitzgerald and that is a big clue to her personality. She like me is a book lover. She works in the family owned resort Storyton Hall. The theme of the resort is books, authors, and fantasy. Just my kind of place. When Jane hosts an event called Murder and Mayhem Week ......well you can imagine what ensues ! Jane's aunt and uncle are characters who are just delightful and lovable. Jane has friends among the shop owners of Storyton Village and a quirky bunch they are. Ellery Adams has done her research in several areas to make this book real. She has added little touches that us book lovers swoon over. Oh and least I forget to mention there is a well crafted mystery. I was left feeling as if I needed to step right into the pages and live at this resort. Don't let yourself miss this one.
January 22, 2016
Entirely silly, with no redeeming qualities. I was longing for a good cozy mystery, and reviews tricked me into thinking this was a decent choice. Sadly, this is a clicheistic, poorly written, totally unsatisfying amateurish book written by a very poor reader of books in general, and a worse writer. Too bad.
December 8, 2025
This was a fun start to a new (for me) cozy mystery series. I loved the setting of the resort, and the descriptions of the rooms and amenities such as the cafe and restaurant, though a resort of that level would not be expected to struggle financially, as the owners often lamented. I feel like this is a common ploy in order for the characters to feel relatable, and I just didn't buy it. Jane and her aunt are intriguing, though weak characters. I can forgive the aunt's weakness due to her age, but I really hope that Jane steels up in the next books to better prepare her for her role in the secret library. I'm excited to learn more about this society and its treasures.
August 5, 2014
I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.
Ellery Adams has begun a mystery series for all lovers of mystery and books. Storyton Hall is a huge resort nestled in rural Virginia, surrounded by shops and restaurants that also cater to the literature lover. Guests will have the services of a full staff, including butler, chauffeur, and a librarian who reins over a library that could rival parts of the Library of Congress. He can find books for everyone from the toddler reading Beatrix Potter, to those wanting mysteries from the classics to the very latest bestseller, to those wanting a tasty bodes ripper. But beware, as no one and nothing is just as they may seem.
On a special Mystery Holliday event filled with scavenger hunts, mystery trivia games, a costume ball and more, one of the staff finds a "Van Winkle", the staff's term for a dead body, in one of the rooms. He had just won a valuable book as a prize and apparently there is someone who will do anything to own that book for themselves. Quietly solving a real murder amongst the mystery guests becomes quit a task, considering that one of those guests may be a real murderer.
This book is like the exciting experience of a puzzle box. Opening one section may reveal truths or send you on another path, but by the end of the puzzle you can fit all the pieces in expertly. Cozy lovers and lovers of intrigue and books will be fascinated with all the secrets that open up to them. The characters are much more then simple innkeepers. There are also some ancient secrets and legends that tantalite the imagination deliciously, and set the background for lots more adventures in books at Storyton Hall.
Ellery Adams has begun a mystery series for all lovers of mystery and books. Storyton Hall is a huge resort nestled in rural Virginia, surrounded by shops and restaurants that also cater to the literature lover. Guests will have the services of a full staff, including butler, chauffeur, and a librarian who reins over a library that could rival parts of the Library of Congress. He can find books for everyone from the toddler reading Beatrix Potter, to those wanting mysteries from the classics to the very latest bestseller, to those wanting a tasty bodes ripper. But beware, as no one and nothing is just as they may seem.
On a special Mystery Holliday event filled with scavenger hunts, mystery trivia games, a costume ball and more, one of the staff finds a "Van Winkle", the staff's term for a dead body, in one of the rooms. He had just won a valuable book as a prize and apparently there is someone who will do anything to own that book for themselves. Quietly solving a real murder amongst the mystery guests becomes quit a task, considering that one of those guests may be a real murderer.
This book is like the exciting experience of a puzzle box. Opening one section may reveal truths or send you on another path, but by the end of the puzzle you can fit all the pieces in expertly. Cozy lovers and lovers of intrigue and books will be fascinated with all the secrets that open up to them. The characters are much more then simple innkeepers. There are also some ancient secrets and legends that tantalite the imagination deliciously, and set the background for lots more adventures in books at Storyton Hall.
August 17, 2021
I was scouting around looking for a book for the r/CozyMystery Online Referral book bingo square and BeachbumBookworm swooped in on Discord with this recommendation. It had all the things I like in a cozy mystery; a deftly written plot, likeable characters, secrets (I love secret anything in books!) and the absence of tropes. Perfect!
Jane Steward runs a resort catering to book lovers, Storyton Hall, in the tiny town of Storyton, VA. Looking for an event to host that will bring in loads of book lovers paying to stay at the inn, she settles on a Murder and Mayhem mystery event, highlighting (and encouraging cosplay of) famous fictional sleuths. After receiving the grand prize of a first edition book, the winner is later found dead in his room, the victim of murder. Tasked with finding a murderer in their midst, Jane has to deal with learning a big family secret while caring for her twin sons, her elderly aunt and an entire inn of guests.
There was a lot to like about this one; a delightful cast of characters, the beautiful setting and a masterfully written plot with more twists and turns than the roads leading to Storyton Hall. What more could a cozy mystery fan want? I figured out the "who" around halfway through the book, but nothing could have prepared me for the why and the how. I also liked how the world of Storyton grew as the book went on, giving enough rich detail to pull you in without being too much to make it clumsy, something the author does very well.
Overall, an enjoyable first and a big thank you to BeachbumBookworm for recommending this one, and I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Jane Steward runs a resort catering to book lovers, Storyton Hall, in the tiny town of Storyton, VA. Looking for an event to host that will bring in loads of book lovers paying to stay at the inn, she settles on a Murder and Mayhem mystery event, highlighting (and encouraging cosplay of) famous fictional sleuths. After receiving the grand prize of a first edition book, the winner is later found dead in his room, the victim of murder. Tasked with finding a murderer in their midst, Jane has to deal with learning a big family secret while caring for her twin sons, her elderly aunt and an entire inn of guests.
There was a lot to like about this one; a delightful cast of characters, the beautiful setting and a masterfully written plot with more twists and turns than the roads leading to Storyton Hall. What more could a cozy mystery fan want? I figured out the "who" around halfway through the book, but nothing could have prepared me for the why and the how. I also liked how the world of Storyton grew as the book went on, giving enough rich detail to pull you in without being too much to make it clumsy, something the author does very well.
Overall, an enjoyable first and a big thank you to BeachbumBookworm for recommending this one, and I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
March 19, 2018
Ummm...okay.
First, I like the characters quite a bit. Its a interesting premise and I enjoyed that.
BUT...
I ABSOLUTELY DESPISED the narrator. SO. SO. SO Meh. Cozy mysteries are not to be read in a breathy, sexy-wannabe voice. Blech. And because of that, I had a very hard time enjoying this book. And how she pronounces words [like she was creating her own language] also almost drove me insane.
Because of that, I will not be listening to any more of this series and am hoping that I will be able to read again soon. Because I'd hate to have to give up a potentially good series just because the narrator blows.
First, I like the characters quite a bit. Its a interesting premise and I enjoyed that.
BUT...
I ABSOLUTELY DESPISED the narrator. SO. SO. SO Meh. Cozy mysteries are not to be read in a breathy, sexy-wannabe voice. Blech. And because of that, I had a very hard time enjoying this book. And how she pronounces words [like she was creating her own language] also almost drove me insane.
Because of that, I will not be listening to any more of this series and am hoping that I will be able to read again soon. Because I'd hate to have to give up a potentially good series just because the narrator blows.
December 16, 2017
A compelling start to a new-to-me series. The setting of a book- themed resort bursting with books and a huge literary secret was exciting. A repeated error with a secondary character's name during an important discussion threw me out of the story but, otherwise, this was a good, easy read. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 12, 2020
This is a first for me, a cosy mystery based in America.
Really enjoyed the first half but then it went down hill, I'm afraid. Won't give to much away but the plot takes a turn.... one I didn't enjoy...and it all got a bit daft.
Maybe I compare most cosy mysteries to Agatha Raisin books, which I love.
Really enjoyed the first half but then it went down hill, I'm afraid. Won't give to much away but the plot takes a turn.... one I didn't enjoy...and it all got a bit daft.
Maybe I compare most cosy mysteries to Agatha Raisin books, which I love.
March 17, 2017
I had a hard time rating this book. I really enjoyed it but a few things bothered me, I went with 4 stars as it is very well written and entertaining. One of my largest problems was that I had to keep dragging myself into this century, between the setting and the way the characters talked I kept putting it in a Victorian era, I had to keep reminding myself that is in these times. The mystery was excellent but unless I missed something I don't think there were enough clues to figure it out. This being said, I do like the characters and loved the premise of a Mystery retreat. Jane's twin boys are great, they actually act like two boys their age should. The mystery was excellent and interesting and was all explained in the end that made sense. The odd twist in this with the family history I found a little out of place at first but it wasn't over done so it ended up meshing in nicely. I will read the next in this series.
February 26, 2015
Jane Steward is trying to get more income to her family’s Storyton Hall, already famous as a retreat for readers. But her idea of a Mystery and Mayhem Week begins with a murder and a stolen book. What secrets will she uncover?
This book attempts to do something a little different with the cozy genre, and I’ll admit it took me a little while to get on board, but once I did I found I liked the idea. I also really did love the characters. Unfortunately, the plot came up short, leaving us with some loose threads and a plot hole or two along the way. I wanted to like this book more, but the weak plot really does bother me.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book attempts to do something a little different with the cozy genre, and I’ll admit it took me a little while to get on board, but once I did I found I liked the idea. I also really did love the characters. Unfortunately, the plot came up short, leaving us with some loose threads and a plot hole or two along the way. I wanted to like this book more, but the weak plot really does bother me.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 3, 2019
I found this cozy very entertaining and with books included in the story is even better but the death of Felix has Jane wondering if her resort is going to have problems with getting bookings. With all that went on in the story Jane also finds out other things that she didn't know about her family and I find quit entertaining. I can't wait to see how this continues and how far she will follow with the family secret.
May 6, 2023
I have yet to read an Ellery Adams book I haven’t enjoyed and this was unexpectedly good!
I love that the settings of all her books are for book lovers and this tale is set in a hotel that caters to book lovers! Similar in many ways to the Secret, Book & Scone Society books, this one features a lot of food and friendship and mystery… with a big twist you won’t see coming. The twist was totally out there but tied the whole story together quite nicely and I look forward to reading more books in the series to see what other things Jane can discover within Storyton Hall!
I love that the settings of all her books are for book lovers and this tale is set in a hotel that caters to book lovers! Similar in many ways to the Secret, Book & Scone Society books, this one features a lot of food and friendship and mystery… with a big twist you won’t see coming. The twist was totally out there but tied the whole story together quite nicely and I look forward to reading more books in the series to see what other things Jane can discover within Storyton Hall!
August 23, 2014
I think Adams' Books By the Bay novels are some of the very best cozies being written today. I love them, so I was excited to learn that she was writing a new series, and I bought a copy as soon as it arrived at my local bookstore. From the first paragraph, I was in heaven. Storyton Hall is any serious book lover's perfect world, and the countryside and village outside its walls complete the dream scenario. There are times when I read that I want to be drawn into the type of world that should exist but doesn't outside of my imagination. This is the sort of world that Ellery Adams has created in her first Book Retreat mystery.
I was enchanted. Jane's aunt and uncle are still deeply in love after decades of marriage. Jane deals with the public the way everyone wants to be treated. Her twin sons Hem and Fitz (Hemingway and Fitzgerald) are a pair of typical, high energy, ornery six-year-old boys. The staff working at Storyton Hall and even the small business owners in the nearby village are lovingly drawn individuals. Jane and her sons bicycle back and forth to the village. It was plain to see that the pages of this book were liberally sprinkled with fairy dust.
There are touches of humor throughout the book as well, but the scene that literally made me laugh out loud was the description of the garden in front of the Cheshire Cat Pub and what would happen some evenings when the pub patrons and local felines would gather together.
The mystery was a good one, keeping me guessing all along the way, but something happened in Murder in a Mystery Suite that just didn't set well with me. Problem is, I can't talk about it without screaming SPOILER ALERT in fluorescent pink flashing neon ten feet high. Spoiler alerts in reviews just aren't my style, so suffice it to say that the suspension bridge of my disbelief collapsed like "Galloping Gertie" did in 1940. The only other thing I will say on the subject is that your enjoyment of the book will depend in large part on how well you like fantasy.
I may have just scared some of you away from reading this book, but don't forget that mileage can certainly vary when it comes to reading books. Your suspension bridge may be much more stable than mine, so don't be afraid to give this book a try. If you're still feeling nervous, then head on over to Ellery Adams' Books By the Bay series. It's marvelous.
I was enchanted. Jane's aunt and uncle are still deeply in love after decades of marriage. Jane deals with the public the way everyone wants to be treated. Her twin sons Hem and Fitz (Hemingway and Fitzgerald) are a pair of typical, high energy, ornery six-year-old boys. The staff working at Storyton Hall and even the small business owners in the nearby village are lovingly drawn individuals. Jane and her sons bicycle back and forth to the village. It was plain to see that the pages of this book were liberally sprinkled with fairy dust.
There are touches of humor throughout the book as well, but the scene that literally made me laugh out loud was the description of the garden in front of the Cheshire Cat Pub and what would happen some evenings when the pub patrons and local felines would gather together.
The mystery was a good one, keeping me guessing all along the way, but something happened in Murder in a Mystery Suite that just didn't set well with me. Problem is, I can't talk about it without screaming SPOILER ALERT in fluorescent pink flashing neon ten feet high. Spoiler alerts in reviews just aren't my style, so suffice it to say that the suspension bridge of my disbelief collapsed like "Galloping Gertie" did in 1940. The only other thing I will say on the subject is that your enjoyment of the book will depend in large part on how well you like fantasy.
I may have just scared some of you away from reading this book, but don't forget that mileage can certainly vary when it comes to reading books. Your suspension bridge may be much more stable than mine, so don't be afraid to give this book a try. If you're still feeling nervous, then head on over to Ellery Adams' Books By the Bay series. It's marvelous.
August 27, 2023
Storyton Hall is a secluded retreat for literary lovers in the hills of Virginia. Jane Steward has taken over the managing of the resort from her Uncle and is trying to stir up interest to increase bookings. She has come up with events, the present on being a "Murder and Mayhem" event dedicated to mystery fans. As the week is starting a mysterious woman dies after her horse runs away and then the winner of the scavenger hunt Jane set up is murdered. Not only that, but the first edition book he won turns out to have been switched with a priceless book from Storyton Hall's collection and it has gone missing.
This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries so it sets up the series nicely. There is more than one secret at Storyton Hall and we find out about many of them as they are being revealed to Jane. The characters in this story were wonderful. Aunt Octavia is a crusty octogenarian who loves life and her family. The twins, Hemingway (Hem) and Fitzgerald (Fitz) are adorable, yet feisty and always on the go. I loved their interactions with the guests and their family. There is a whole group of secondary characters that work and run the resort as well as townspeople that all add to the story. The mystery is well-written with a lot of twists and turns. I thought I knew who the culprit was, but when another murder occurs, I knew I was off base. I did not figure out the many crimes until the reveal and it all came together nicely. So overall with the quirky characters, the secrets revealed and the well-paced mystery, I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio-book and thought the narration was good, but with all the characters, some of the voices were a bit similar. I had a few problems with who was speaking at times, but overall it was a nicely performed reading.
This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries so it sets up the series nicely. There is more than one secret at Storyton Hall and we find out about many of them as they are being revealed to Jane. The characters in this story were wonderful. Aunt Octavia is a crusty octogenarian who loves life and her family. The twins, Hemingway (Hem) and Fitzgerald (Fitz) are adorable, yet feisty and always on the go. I loved their interactions with the guests and their family. There is a whole group of secondary characters that work and run the resort as well as townspeople that all add to the story. The mystery is well-written with a lot of twists and turns. I thought I knew who the culprit was, but when another murder occurs, I knew I was off base. I did not figure out the many crimes until the reveal and it all came together nicely. So overall with the quirky characters, the secrets revealed and the well-paced mystery, I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio-book and thought the narration was good, but with all the characters, some of the voices were a bit similar. I had a few problems with who was speaking at times, but overall it was a nicely performed reading.
July 21, 2014
Book #67 Read in 2014
Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery and I loved it. The book is set in a quaint village called Storyton with the primary setting being a wonderful literary retreat called Storyton Hall, a reader's dream. Rooms are named after authors and characters and this book is during a murder mystery themed retreat, which was the brain child of Jane Steward. Jane is a single mother of twin boys (her husband died when she was pregnant) and the manager of Storyton Hall, owned by her aunt and uncle. Jane is intelligent, brave and an avid reader. When a guest dies in his room, things get a bit more complicated and Jane is forced to take on a more adventurous role than she ever anticipated.
I loved this book. The setting was ideal for a reader. The characters were interesting and engaging. Personally, I loved Muffin Cat. This book had a good mystery with twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I look forward to book 2 next year.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for a honest review....thank you, Ellery!
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery and I loved it. The book is set in a quaint village called Storyton with the primary setting being a wonderful literary retreat called Storyton Hall, a reader's dream. Rooms are named after authors and characters and this book is during a murder mystery themed retreat, which was the brain child of Jane Steward. Jane is a single mother of twin boys (her husband died when she was pregnant) and the manager of Storyton Hall, owned by her aunt and uncle. Jane is intelligent, brave and an avid reader. When a guest dies in his room, things get a bit more complicated and Jane is forced to take on a more adventurous role than she ever anticipated.
I loved this book. The setting was ideal for a reader. The characters were interesting and engaging. Personally, I loved Muffin Cat. This book had a good mystery with twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I look forward to book 2 next year.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for a honest review....thank you, Ellery!
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
August 8, 2014
This is the first in a new series from Ellery Adams. In my opinion, it is the best series so far. In this first installment, we find Jane Steward, a widow with twin 6 year old boys, living in a rundown castle, if you will, with her great aunt and uncle. Within the halls of this castle, there are secrets. Secrets that must be protected at all costs. In the town of Storyton, many are not who they appear to be. When a runaway horse gallops through the center of the town and the rider dies, things for Jane go downhill….or do they? Ms Adams will once again lay out a wonderful trail of clues for the reader, making us think we know who the killer is. Then just when we think we have things figured out, well, maybe they were the killer or maybe not. Ms Adams writings are written with all the emotion you imagine the characters are feeling and you will feel like you are right there living in Storyton. This is a wonderful first book in a new series by one of my top 5 cozy mystery writers. I’m not sure I can wait until the summer of 2015 to visit Storyton again.
Read
April 14, 2015I seem to be dropping books right and left, and here's yet another I'm not rating because I couldn't finish it. On the face of it, it seemed to be perfect for me--a cozy mystery set at a British-style manor house resort during a murder mystery weekend. It was fine for the first few chapters, if too unbelievably idyllic (and that's saying a lot for me), but then it jumped the shark for me by turning into something like James Bond as written by Enid Blyton. I blame the publishers and marketers, honestly. Someone has an idea for a book that doesn't quite fit a specific genre, which is fine, but the publishers and marketers jam it into a particular box anyway, and then no one's happy--people who like the genre that fits well into the box won't like it, and those on the lookout for something different won't pick it up because it looks as though it's tucked into a genre that doesn't really interest them. WTH? Now I have to fight my way through Overdrive's damned non-catalog yet AGAIN. What is so hard about SUBJECT HEADINGS, Overdrive??
May 11, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive this book from the author. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!!
Ms Adams has created a whole new village, Storyton, in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Storyton Hall is a huge resort for book lovers. It's filled with books and mystery.
Jane Steward, her fun 6 yr old twin boys, aunt and uncle, along with other great characters, run the charismatic resort. Jane comes up with a brilliant idea for a murder and mayhem theme week at the resort to help raise monies for needed repairs to the resort.
Little did Jane know just what exactly would be raised that week. Her life would never be the same.
Dive into this great new series and join Jane and a wonderful cast of characters who will soon become your new friends. This book has every element that a great cozy mystery should have~~ murder, suspects, food, zany friends, and a few good looking fellas. :)
Ms Adams has created a whole new village, Storyton, in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Storyton Hall is a huge resort for book lovers. It's filled with books and mystery.
Jane Steward, her fun 6 yr old twin boys, aunt and uncle, along with other great characters, run the charismatic resort. Jane comes up with a brilliant idea for a murder and mayhem theme week at the resort to help raise monies for needed repairs to the resort.
Little did Jane know just what exactly would be raised that week. Her life would never be the same.
Dive into this great new series and join Jane and a wonderful cast of characters who will soon become your new friends. This book has every element that a great cozy mystery should have~~ murder, suspects, food, zany friends, and a few good looking fellas. :)
August 5, 2017
After reading the first couple of pages, I knew that this book wasn't for me. I should of stopped reading it.
I was very confused by the writing style of the novel. It was really hard to tell how old the characters as well as where the location of the novel was. All of the characters sounded as if they were in England, 100 years ago. I was surprised when there was a reference of a cell phone and that the hotel in the novel was located in Maine.
I enjoyed how the main character enjoyed books and reading and there was a number of literary references. Also it was clever to have a mystery murder week at the hotel.
The novel really lost me after the main character joins a "secret club". It just felt so unrealistic that I skimmed the rest of the novel and wasn't invested at all.
I was very confused by the writing style of the novel. It was really hard to tell how old the characters as well as where the location of the novel was. All of the characters sounded as if they were in England, 100 years ago. I was surprised when there was a reference of a cell phone and that the hotel in the novel was located in Maine.
I enjoyed how the main character enjoyed books and reading and there was a number of literary references. Also it was clever to have a mystery murder week at the hotel.
The novel really lost me after the main character joins a "secret club". It just felt so unrealistic that I skimmed the rest of the novel and wasn't invested at all.
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