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Book Retreat Mysteries #8
Murder on the Poet's Walk
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...
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...
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First published September 27, 2022
416 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,251 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 367 reviews
October 15, 2022
This author has written so many books including six separate series in one of my favourite genres and this is the first one I have read. I have really been missing out!
Murder on the Poet's Walk is the eighth book in The Book Retreat Mysteries. It is set at Storyton Hall, a book retreat managed by Jane Steward. She is backed by a cast of excellent characters including her twin boys, her partner Edwin, some very faithful staff and a group of close friends. In this story they are hosting a group of poets who are competing for a valuable contract with a greetings card company. First one of the poets is found murdered, then another and Jane is determined to discover the murderer.
I really enjoyed this book despite the fact that I was very late to the party. Storyton Hall is a beautiful setting and the writing is very well done. I loved all the literary references and if the place really existed I would definitely have a holiday there! Now I must look out for more books by this author and go back and read the earlier ones in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Murder on the Poet's Walk is the eighth book in The Book Retreat Mysteries. It is set at Storyton Hall, a book retreat managed by Jane Steward. She is backed by a cast of excellent characters including her twin boys, her partner Edwin, some very faithful staff and a group of close friends. In this story they are hosting a group of poets who are competing for a valuable contract with a greetings card company. First one of the poets is found murdered, then another and Jane is determined to discover the murderer.
I really enjoyed this book despite the fact that I was very late to the party. Storyton Hall is a beautiful setting and the writing is very well done. I loved all the literary references and if the place really existed I would definitely have a holiday there! Now I must look out for more books by this author and go back and read the earlier ones in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 24, 2022
"I cannot picture your future husband holding a punch glass," said Violet.
"A Viking drinking horn would be more like it," added Mrs. Pratt.
Eloise smiled. "Maybe he can order a set for the groomsmen."
"Who else, besides me, would pay money to see Butterworth drinking champagne out of a horn?" asked Mabel.
Loc 3221 Kindle ebook
I will say this, MURDER ON POET'S WALK by Emery Adams is fun, by which I mean spirited. Consider my excerpt: Adams clearly had fun writing this scene. She knows her characters and her story world intimately, so characters joke with each other about characters who aren't even present in the scene! Unfortunately, this exchange doesn't mean much to me because none of these characters is developed enough in this book. After two readings, I can tell you these women are part of a book club with a name I don't care for. I think.
MURDER ON THE POET'S WALK suffers from a terrible case of not-for-me syndrome, but it could have been different if Adams had tried harder to bring along audience members who haven't read the seven previous books in this series. As it is, the large cast, enormous setting, long (and apparently secret) history, and convoluted mystery are just too overwhelming. That's why I read this book twice-- just trying to understand the plot.
In the end, the mysterious twist depended on a content trigger that affects people. And if I list it, I'll spoil the book for everyone. In short, this mystery doesn't stand well on its own, which is how I read it.
Thank you NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book!
Rating 2.5 stars, extra half star for the poetry
Finished October 2022
Recommended to only previous readers of this series. Other readers may feel lost.
TW corpses, corpse staging, blood, guns and shooting, dementia/alzheimers, drowning (mention), alcohol consumption, pills
*Follow my Instagram book blog for all my reviews, challenges, and book lists! http://www.instagram.com/donasbooks *
"A Viking drinking horn would be more like it," added Mrs. Pratt.
Eloise smiled. "Maybe he can order a set for the groomsmen."
"Who else, besides me, would pay money to see Butterworth drinking champagne out of a horn?" asked Mabel.
Loc 3221 Kindle ebook
I will say this, MURDER ON POET'S WALK by Emery Adams is fun, by which I mean spirited. Consider my excerpt: Adams clearly had fun writing this scene. She knows her characters and her story world intimately, so characters joke with each other about characters who aren't even present in the scene! Unfortunately, this exchange doesn't mean much to me because none of these characters is developed enough in this book. After two readings, I can tell you these women are part of a book club with a name I don't care for. I think.
MURDER ON THE POET'S WALK suffers from a terrible case of not-for-me syndrome, but it could have been different if Adams had tried harder to bring along audience members who haven't read the seven previous books in this series. As it is, the large cast, enormous setting, long (and apparently secret) history, and convoluted mystery are just too overwhelming. That's why I read this book twice-- just trying to understand the plot.
In the end, the mysterious twist depended on a content trigger that affects people. And if I list it, I'll spoil the book for everyone. In short, this mystery doesn't stand well on its own, which is how I read it.
Thank you NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book!
Rating 2.5 stars, extra half star for the poetry
Finished October 2022
Recommended to only previous readers of this series. Other readers may feel lost.
TW corpses, corpse staging, blood, guns and shooting, dementia/alzheimers, drowning (mention), alcohol consumption, pills
*Follow my Instagram book blog for all my reviews, challenges, and book lists! http://www.instagram.com/donasbooks *
October 17, 2022
This book had it all! It is my favorite of the series! A poetry contest, Eloise"s upcoming wedding, a health scare of a beloved character, stolen manuscripts, and not one but two dead bodies. Jane really has her work cut out for her in this one!
You do not want to miss this addition to the book retreat series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Ellery Adams, and the publisher for this opportunity.
You do not want to miss this addition to the book retreat series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Ellery Adams, and the publisher for this opportunity.
July 28, 2022
Murder on the Poet's Walk is the 9th in the series. I have read and enjoyed all of them. It takes place in the town of Storyton, VA. Jane Stewart is the main character. She runs the family hotel that caters to bibliophiles from all corners of the globe. Her Aunt Octavia and Uncle Aloysius have turned over the guardianship of protecting the secret library which has many original books and papers. The Fins are a group of men who have taken an oath to protect the Guardian of Storyton Hall.. Butterworth, Sinclair, Sterling and Lachlan were hired by Uncle Aloyius to protect Jane and her twin sons, Fitz and Hem. Edwin Alcott is her boyfriend who owns Daily Bread Cafe. The hotel is hosting Current Mood Cards who are doing a poet contest for the next person who will be working for them designing greeting cards and receiving a large money prize.
When cleaning up from the the party Jane finds a piece of paper saying Tell no one or I'll silence you forever. Jane gives the paper to Butterwjorth. The next day Jane takes a water bottle to her uncle who forgot it. While coming back to the hotel she comes across a canoe in the reeds with a woman dead in it. She calls Sheriff Evans. The woman who was murdered is Gretchen West one of the poets staying there.
This reader is taken on a journey trying to find out who killed Gretchen and later Conor Jenson. The story continues with many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. until the climax of who is the murderer.
The ending ends with the marriage of her best friend Phoebe Doyle who owns the Creamery as well as a romantic ending for Jane and Edwin.
This book was a fun read which keeps the reader wanting to find out what is happening. I look forward to the next in the series to find out what next adventure for Jane and Edwin.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
When cleaning up from the the party Jane finds a piece of paper saying Tell no one or I'll silence you forever. Jane gives the paper to Butterwjorth. The next day Jane takes a water bottle to her uncle who forgot it. While coming back to the hotel she comes across a canoe in the reeds with a woman dead in it. She calls Sheriff Evans. The woman who was murdered is Gretchen West one of the poets staying there.
This reader is taken on a journey trying to find out who killed Gretchen and later Conor Jenson. The story continues with many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. until the climax of who is the murderer.
The ending ends with the marriage of her best friend Phoebe Doyle who owns the Creamery as well as a romantic ending for Jane and Edwin.
This book was a fun read which keeps the reader wanting to find out what is happening. I look forward to the next in the series to find out what next adventure for Jane and Edwin.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
August 15, 2022
Jane Seward and the entire cast of Storyton Hall are back in this eighth installment of the Book Retreat Mysteries series. In this book Storyton Hall is hosting a full house of poets there to attend a poetry competition. A greeting card company is offering a lucrative contract to one poet who wins the competition. When one of the poets is found dead in a rowboat on the lake, posed as "The Lady of Shallot", the poetry competition has become too competitive. Jane, her staff, her book club friends, and the Sheriff race to find the killer. All the poets are suspects along with a few others.
I enjoyed returning to Storyton Hall with the beautiful scenery and the literary-themed atmosphere. The characters are delightful and I can count on Ellery Adams for an interesting cozy mystery to get lost in for awhile. I've read several books in this series and have enjoyed them all. I can highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 27, 2022.
I enjoyed returning to Storyton Hall with the beautiful scenery and the literary-themed atmosphere. The characters are delightful and I can count on Ellery Adams for an interesting cozy mystery to get lost in for awhile. I've read several books in this series and have enjoyed them all. I can highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 27, 2022.
August 25, 2022
Storytime Hall is full of poets vying for a coveted job with a greeting card company. As Jane helps the owners of the card company organize the different events that will lead up to their winner and a job offer, she is also preparing for her best friend's wedding. So when one a the guest turns up murdered, Jane and the Fins are determined to help the sheriff solve the murder before the guests are due to check out and Eloise and Landon’s wedding.
I love the setting of Storyton Hall. This would be an ideal place for a reader to vacation, well except for the occasional murder or two. Jane, her sons, the Fins, and the Cover Girls (Jane’s friend and book club members) are interesting, smart, and likable characters. Jane is not only smart at managing a resort, but does it while raising twin pre-teen boys, and helping solve murders. The Fins are loyal to Jane and her family, they will do whatever it takes to keep the family safe and Storyton Hall’s secret protected. The Cover Girls are each unique in their own ways and a great group of friends, they celebrate one another and are are there for each other in times of need. The mystery is well-paced, with plenty of suspects and surprises to keep you guessing whodunnit and why. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
I love the setting of Storyton Hall. This would be an ideal place for a reader to vacation, well except for the occasional murder or two. Jane, her sons, the Fins, and the Cover Girls (Jane’s friend and book club members) are interesting, smart, and likable characters. Jane is not only smart at managing a resort, but does it while raising twin pre-teen boys, and helping solve murders. The Fins are loyal to Jane and her family, they will do whatever it takes to keep the family safe and Storyton Hall’s secret protected. The Cover Girls are each unique in their own ways and a great group of friends, they celebrate one another and are are there for each other in times of need. The mystery is well-paced, with plenty of suspects and surprises to keep you guessing whodunnit and why. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
July 30, 2022
Murder On the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams may be the eighth book in the Book Retreat series but the book continues be just as complex and captivating as the previous books in the series. I love visiting Storyton Hall and the village. It sounds like a perfect place for a vacation to me.
Jane, the Fins, Hem and Fitz, Edwin and the members of the Cover Girls Book Club have a huge mystery to solve when one of the guests, a poet involved in the greeting card contest, is found murdered and another poet's murder soon follows. A well-crafted and quickly paced plot, several suspects that all have motive, a supposed theft from the secret library, a touch of romance for one of the Cover Girls and Eloise's wedding plans kept me turning the pages until the early morning hours to find out all of the details of "who done it".
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Jane, the Fins, Hem and Fitz, Edwin and the members of the Cover Girls Book Club have a huge mystery to solve when one of the guests, a poet involved in the greeting card contest, is found murdered and another poet's murder soon follows. A well-crafted and quickly paced plot, several suspects that all have motive, a supposed theft from the secret library, a touch of romance for one of the Cover Girls and Eloise's wedding plans kept me turning the pages until the early morning hours to find out all of the details of "who done it".
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
May 30, 2022
Another wonderful mystery to solve at Storyton Hall with Jane, the Fins, Edwin, her boys Hem & Fitz, the loyal staff and last but not least the sleuths in training- the Cover Girls Book Club! This mystery finds Jane searching for a murderer among a group of poet's and facing the fact that Storyton Hall's security may have been breached. Now,Jane has to find a murderer and a thief!
When I read a Storyton Hall mystery, I feel like I'm coming "home" to all the wonderful characters. Each character is well-written and you feel as if they'll jump off the page........they are that "real". Along with the mystery, a family crisis occurs that affects everyone.
Find a cozy nook and settle in to join the sleuths of Storyton Hall solve a mystery that will keep you guessing "whodunit" until the very end!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When I read a Storyton Hall mystery, I feel like I'm coming "home" to all the wonderful characters. Each character is well-written and you feel as if they'll jump off the page........they are that "real". Along with the mystery, a family crisis occurs that affects everyone.
Find a cozy nook and settle in to join the sleuths of Storyton Hall solve a mystery that will keep you guessing "whodunit" until the very end!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 17, 2022
GREAT. GOOGLY. MOOGLY.
WOW. WOW. WOW.
There, now that I have gotten that out of my system, I believe I can write a review of this book, the 8th edition in the Book Retreat Series.
Actually, I am not sure I can. This is one of those cases where it is good to go in as blind as possible. Typically, in the cases of cozies, I don't mind writing a review minus spoilers and giving an overview of what I just read. I am just not sure this is possible with this one without giving the whole shebang away and trust me, this is one crazy, wild ride [that at moments had my heart racing like crazy] that starts almost from the beginning of the book and doesn't stop until close to the end of the book.
Things I CAN tell you:
1. This is absolutely, hands-down, the best of the series [I was pretty sure the previous book had this spot and is still one absolutely excellent read, but this one just knocks it out of the water]. It is riveting and well-written and there just isn't enough words for me to say all that I felt about this one.
2. Jane is one of the best MC's out there. She works WITH the police. She'd rather NOT have the opportunities to solve mysteries. She DOES HER DAMN JOB BEFORE SNOOPING [not that Jane truly snoops, but there IS that secret wall-space that they sometimes hide in soooo.... ;-) ]. She loves her family, the Finns, her friends and her job fiercely and will protect them at all cost and always finds time to be with all them when they need it. Her care of her aunt and uncle is so amazing and it warms my heart every time I read their interactions and I LOVE how Hem and Fitz also love their great aunt and uncle; their love and care for them is clearly a learned behavior from their mother and I love how the writing emphasizes that.
3. This was a deeply personal book for me and I spent a lot of it in tears. Because of what is going on in my own life, I could see a situation happening before Jane figures it out and my heart is broken for all of them. I know that life and it is hard and hard and hard and I praise the author in how she handled it in this story and how I am sure she will handle it going forward. I also know that I will be in tears again in future books.
4. This book will, at times, leave you gasping for breath and will leave you shaking your head. I always think that I have [in reading so many mysteries, both cozy and regular, fiction AND non-fiction] seen it all and then I read a book like this with a killer who does things for what they deem a "good reason" and it just makes it much more heartbreaking and this book is one of those instances. Absolutely amazing.
I highly recommend both this book and this series. Ellery Adams is one of the best cozy writers out there right now and I would read the phone book if she was writing it. So well done and it leaves you just wanting more, more, more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
WOW. WOW. WOW.
There, now that I have gotten that out of my system, I believe I can write a review of this book, the 8th edition in the Book Retreat Series.
Actually, I am not sure I can. This is one of those cases where it is good to go in as blind as possible. Typically, in the cases of cozies, I don't mind writing a review minus spoilers and giving an overview of what I just read. I am just not sure this is possible with this one without giving the whole shebang away and trust me, this is one crazy, wild ride [that at moments had my heart racing like crazy] that starts almost from the beginning of the book and doesn't stop until close to the end of the book.
Things I CAN tell you:
1. This is absolutely, hands-down, the best of the series [I was pretty sure the previous book had this spot and is still one absolutely excellent read, but this one just knocks it out of the water]. It is riveting and well-written and there just isn't enough words for me to say all that I felt about this one.
2. Jane is one of the best MC's out there. She works WITH the police. She'd rather NOT have the opportunities to solve mysteries. She DOES HER DAMN JOB BEFORE SNOOPING [not that Jane truly snoops, but there IS that secret wall-space that they sometimes hide in soooo.... ;-) ]. She loves her family, the Finns, her friends and her job fiercely and will protect them at all cost and always finds time to be with all them when they need it. Her care of her aunt and uncle is so amazing and it warms my heart every time I read their interactions and I LOVE how Hem and Fitz also love their great aunt and uncle; their love and care for them is clearly a learned behavior from their mother and I love how the writing emphasizes that.
3. This was a deeply personal book for me and I spent a lot of it in tears. Because of what is going on in my own life, I could see a situation happening before Jane figures it out and my heart is broken for all of them. I know that life and it is hard and hard and hard and I praise the author in how she handled it in this story and how I am sure she will handle it going forward. I also know that I will be in tears again in future books.
4. This book will, at times, leave you gasping for breath and will leave you shaking your head. I always think that I have [in reading so many mysteries, both cozy and regular, fiction AND non-fiction] seen it all and then I read a book like this with a killer who does things for what they deem a "good reason" and it just makes it much more heartbreaking and this book is one of those instances. Absolutely amazing.
I highly recommend both this book and this series. Ellery Adams is one of the best cozy writers out there right now and I would read the phone book if she was writing it. So well done and it leaves you just wanting more, more, more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2022
Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams is book eight in the 'Book Retreat Mystery' series and my second book in that series.
Jane Steward is the manager of Storyton Hall and a single mum to her twin boys Fitzgerald and Hemingway (Fitz and Hem). Her partner, Edwin Alcott runs a restaurant called the Daily Bread Cafe in Storyton and is a food writer. Storyton Hall, a book-related retreat, is the site for a group including authors and songwriters competing to write greetings card poems. The winner will be offered a position working for Current Mood Cards. When a dead body is found on the Tennyson Trail, part of the Poet's Walk, found by Jane, she and the Fins are determined to help the sheriff solve the murder.
Murder on the Poet's Walk was a compelling and fun cosy read and you'll want to read the other instalments if you are new to this series. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues. The cast is quirky, and busy protagonist Jane is sparky, spirited, and curious and she has a lot going on in this story. Janes's trusty sidekicks, The Fins, Butterworth, the Cover Girls (Jane’s friends and book club members) as well as Sinclair and Sterling made a welcome return, the mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep me guessing the culprit's identity.
Overall, a marvellous cosy and very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has in store for Jane next, in book #9.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Jane Steward is the manager of Storyton Hall and a single mum to her twin boys Fitzgerald and Hemingway (Fitz and Hem). Her partner, Edwin Alcott runs a restaurant called the Daily Bread Cafe in Storyton and is a food writer. Storyton Hall, a book-related retreat, is the site for a group including authors and songwriters competing to write greetings card poems. The winner will be offered a position working for Current Mood Cards. When a dead body is found on the Tennyson Trail, part of the Poet's Walk, found by Jane, she and the Fins are determined to help the sheriff solve the murder.
Murder on the Poet's Walk was a compelling and fun cosy read and you'll want to read the other instalments if you are new to this series. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues. The cast is quirky, and busy protagonist Jane is sparky, spirited, and curious and she has a lot going on in this story. Janes's trusty sidekicks, The Fins, Butterworth, the Cover Girls (Jane’s friends and book club members) as well as Sinclair and Sterling made a welcome return, the mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep me guessing the culprit's identity.
Overall, a marvellous cosy and very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has in store for Jane next, in book #9.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 6, 2023
Very enjoyable! The murder mystery was excellent, and there were multiple suspects who looked very suspicious. I was kept guessing until I finally learned the identity of the murderer. As always, I was fascinated with the setting at Storyton Hall within the village of Storyton. (What a magical place!) The usual characters were there, and I love them all so much! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book, although I understand that it will be the final book in the series. I hope for a spinoff for some of the characters!!
November 28, 2022
This series just gets richer and better as it progresses. Ellery Adams has created an entire village of characters that read as real people, real friends that a reader is happy to visit on each return.
Storyton is hosting a poetry contest, providing a bookish, romantic, emotional backdrop. Jane’s boys are growing so quickly, and they play a new role in the plot. The pacing is good, the mystery is well devised, and we are left once again both satisfied and waiting for more.
Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Storyton is hosting a poetry contest, providing a bookish, romantic, emotional backdrop. Jane’s boys are growing so quickly, and they play a new role in the plot. The pacing is good, the mystery is well devised, and we are left once again both satisfied and waiting for more.
Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
4.5 stars - Murder on the Poet's Walk is the eighth in the Book Retreat Mystery series. I've read most of the books in this series, but this one would work well as a standalone. A list of characters at the beginning made it easy for me to catch up on the important characters and would also benefit readers who are new to the series. This entire series is a book lover's dream. Jane Steward has turned her family estate into a luxury resort for booklovers from all over the world. In this book, the resort is hosting a group of poets who are hoping to win a lucrative contract with a greeting card company. Things turn serious when one of the poets is found dead on the grounds, her body posed to look like a scene from a poem. Now Jane and her staff and friends set out to investigate the tragic death of one of their guests.
I loved this book! I had forgotten how good this series is. I love the literary references throughout the story, in addition to an interesting mystery. Since this book is focused on poetry, the author has included a list of contemporary poets that readers may want to check out further. I enjoyed seeing Jane and her Storyton family cooperate with local law enforcement to investigate crime. The mystery has a few interesting twists to keep your interest throughout the book. Both new and returning readers will love the very romantic scenes at the wedding of Jane's best friend to wrap up the book. After reading this book, now I'm eager to go back and read the one right before this one, Murder in the Cookbook Nook. Somehow I missed that one and there from the excerpt at the back of this book, it sounds great!
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I loved this book! I had forgotten how good this series is. I love the literary references throughout the story, in addition to an interesting mystery. Since this book is focused on poetry, the author has included a list of contemporary poets that readers may want to check out further. I enjoyed seeing Jane and her Storyton family cooperate with local law enforcement to investigate crime. The mystery has a few interesting twists to keep your interest throughout the book. Both new and returning readers will love the very romantic scenes at the wedding of Jane's best friend to wrap up the book. After reading this book, now I'm eager to go back and read the one right before this one, Murder in the Cookbook Nook. Somehow I missed that one and there from the excerpt at the back of this book, it sounds great!
I received a copy of this book from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 3, 2023
Summer is in full swing and Storyton Hall is hosting a large group of poets for a greeting card competition. The winner will get a contract with a new, hip greeting card company called Current Mood Cards that's run by two former journalist Gil Callahan and Jeremiah Okoro with assistance by Stephanie Harbaugh. Several of the entrants already have promising careers and have attended a special workshop called Brightleaf hosted by one of the judges, Professor Ashley Dodge. Jane is also very busy planning Eloise's upcoming wedding. Things are going quite smoothly until Jane stumbles across the body of one of the top candidates tied to a boat in the lake. She also discovers that some of their poems have been stolen from the secret library. And to top it all off her Uncle has been exhibiting some very serious memory issues. Will Jane be able to solve the crimes, help her Uncle, and save the competition in time for Eloise's wedding?
This book got me all kinds of emotional. I will say this series is usually heavier than most cozy mysteries, but this one was really quite heavy. If you've read the books since the beginning by this point all the characters feel like family, and there are some very heartwrenching moments in this to say the least. It started off a little shaky, I had a hard time keeping up with all the poets and people from the card company. But once I got a handle on who was who the story really picked up. I appreciated that the resolution wasn't so cut and dry either, the solution was actually quite complex. Much more like real life crimes, the motive was a bit murky. I love this series so much and I can't wait to join Jane, her friends and family on their next adventure.
This book got me all kinds of emotional. I will say this series is usually heavier than most cozy mysteries, but this one was really quite heavy. If you've read the books since the beginning by this point all the characters feel like family, and there are some very heartwrenching moments in this to say the least. It started off a little shaky, I had a hard time keeping up with all the poets and people from the card company. But once I got a handle on who was who the story really picked up. I appreciated that the resolution wasn't so cut and dry either, the solution was actually quite complex. Much more like real life crimes, the motive was a bit murky. I love this series so much and I can't wait to join Jane, her friends and family on their next adventure.
October 4, 2022
There are so many fabulous aspects to this novel that it is hard to review it adequately! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of Storyton and Storyton Hall. Storyton is a quaint village that could provide most of the needs of tourists and residents. Jane, the manager of Storyton Hall, her family, their specialized staff and friends breathe life into the resort. The special events are greatly appealing to those who love to read, with libraries including a wide variety of books and other reading material. The mysteries this time are fascinating and challenging, keeping me guessing throughout.
The special event is sponsored by Current Moods, a new card company who will offer one contract to the winner of a poetry contest. The person will write poems for every type of card imaginable and illustrations each one. Poets from around the country are competing for this coveted position.
Jane, who is now the manager of this resort, found Gretchen in a canoe at the edge of the lake on the second morning. She was one of the top contestants, one who most attendees thought would win. Her cause of death was not immediately evident, and she was posed, reminding the Fins of a classic writing and painting. The Fins have highly visible positions and assist the guests while behind the scenes, they take care of Jane and her family. The three oldest have been there enough years to be like part of the family.
Edwin, Jane’s boyfriend of many years, shared what Jane’s sons told him a few days ago. They found a hidden passage, which may have helped Gretchen’s killer avoid being seen on any of the security cameras when getting into or out of the resort. Inside the passage was an original, handwritten poem of Walt Whitman’s. It had been in special storage in a hidden, secret library where many treasures were stored over the years. When Jane checked where it was stored, she found that several pieces of Whitman’s work were missing. Nobody except the Fins and Jane’s aunt and uncle know where the library is, and only a few others know it exists. The next day, another poem is found, damaged, having been outdoors in the rain.
When the second person is discovered murdered, also a top contestant for the card company contract, it is imperative to find who is killing the guests.
The local sheriff has been assisted by the Fins, who have special security backgrounds, and by Jane. Storyton has a small sheriff department, and Jane’s people have proven their value several times when murders occurred. Determining the actual cause of death has been a challenge this time. They raced against the clock to check backgrounds of certain guests and determine if the thefts and murders were connected.
I had no idea whodunit and was absorbed in the investigation. I enjoyed learning some of the aspects of managing a literary-themed unique resort. Some of the apple goodies made by the staff could almost bring tears to an apple lover’s eyes! The literary references, quotes, and seeing how Jane personifies the stately old structure added to the novel’s charm without taking away from the mysteries. I was surprised at the final resolutions and motivations, and overall satisfied with the conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and others in the series to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with literary themes, historic resorts, a loving family, and a touch of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
The special event is sponsored by Current Moods, a new card company who will offer one contract to the winner of a poetry contest. The person will write poems for every type of card imaginable and illustrations each one. Poets from around the country are competing for this coveted position.
Jane, who is now the manager of this resort, found Gretchen in a canoe at the edge of the lake on the second morning. She was one of the top contestants, one who most attendees thought would win. Her cause of death was not immediately evident, and she was posed, reminding the Fins of a classic writing and painting. The Fins have highly visible positions and assist the guests while behind the scenes, they take care of Jane and her family. The three oldest have been there enough years to be like part of the family.
Edwin, Jane’s boyfriend of many years, shared what Jane’s sons told him a few days ago. They found a hidden passage, which may have helped Gretchen’s killer avoid being seen on any of the security cameras when getting into or out of the resort. Inside the passage was an original, handwritten poem of Walt Whitman’s. It had been in special storage in a hidden, secret library where many treasures were stored over the years. When Jane checked where it was stored, she found that several pieces of Whitman’s work were missing. Nobody except the Fins and Jane’s aunt and uncle know where the library is, and only a few others know it exists. The next day, another poem is found, damaged, having been outdoors in the rain.
When the second person is discovered murdered, also a top contestant for the card company contract, it is imperative to find who is killing the guests.
The local sheriff has been assisted by the Fins, who have special security backgrounds, and by Jane. Storyton has a small sheriff department, and Jane’s people have proven their value several times when murders occurred. Determining the actual cause of death has been a challenge this time. They raced against the clock to check backgrounds of certain guests and determine if the thefts and murders were connected.
I had no idea whodunit and was absorbed in the investigation. I enjoyed learning some of the aspects of managing a literary-themed unique resort. Some of the apple goodies made by the staff could almost bring tears to an apple lover’s eyes! The literary references, quotes, and seeing how Jane personifies the stately old structure added to the novel’s charm without taking away from the mysteries. I was surprised at the final resolutions and motivations, and overall satisfied with the conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and others in the series to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with literary themes, historic resorts, a loving family, and a touch of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
September 26, 2022
Murder On The Poet’s Walk is the eighth book in the Book Retreat Mysteries series by Ellery Adams.
Storyton Hall is hosting fifty poets vying for a job with a new greeting card company, Current Mood Card Company. Jane Steward, Storyton Hall's manager, hopes the competition will conclude without one dying.
After taking her Great-Uncle Aloysius's water bottle to where he was fishing, Jane returns to the Hall along the Tennyson’s Trail; she sees a canoe at the edge of some cattails. As she approaches, she notices a woman sitting in the boat. Jane soon realizes that the woman is dead and is one of the poets staying at the Hall. What she and the staff find unusual is that the body’s position in the canoe is much like the lady in the poem The Lady of Shallot. Then a second poet is found floating face down in a pool of water at the construction site of a new folly, much like in Hamlet’s Ophelia. Having found two dead poets, this is compounded by Jane learning that someone has discovered some secret passages at the Hall. With the help of her staff and the members of her book club, the Cover Girls, and her romantic interest, Edwin, Jane sets out to help the local police find who is responsible for these deaths. In addition to the investigation, Jane is also concerned about the health of her great-uncle. Her uncle has recently started to be forgetful, and she is concerned that he might be starting to suffer from dementia.
I love this series and the other works of Ms. Adams. The book is well-written, plotted, and beautifully told. The story reads at a good pace. All the characters, who are well developed and believable, are back again to help Jane solve the murders. I particularly enjoyed Jane’s twins, Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who are well-behaved and helpful. They were instrumental in saving their uncle’s and their mother’s lives.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to see what adventures Jane and the folks at Storyton are up to.
Storyton Hall is hosting fifty poets vying for a job with a new greeting card company, Current Mood Card Company. Jane Steward, Storyton Hall's manager, hopes the competition will conclude without one dying.
After taking her Great-Uncle Aloysius's water bottle to where he was fishing, Jane returns to the Hall along the Tennyson’s Trail; she sees a canoe at the edge of some cattails. As she approaches, she notices a woman sitting in the boat. Jane soon realizes that the woman is dead and is one of the poets staying at the Hall. What she and the staff find unusual is that the body’s position in the canoe is much like the lady in the poem The Lady of Shallot. Then a second poet is found floating face down in a pool of water at the construction site of a new folly, much like in Hamlet’s Ophelia. Having found two dead poets, this is compounded by Jane learning that someone has discovered some secret passages at the Hall. With the help of her staff and the members of her book club, the Cover Girls, and her romantic interest, Edwin, Jane sets out to help the local police find who is responsible for these deaths. In addition to the investigation, Jane is also concerned about the health of her great-uncle. Her uncle has recently started to be forgetful, and she is concerned that he might be starting to suffer from dementia.
I love this series and the other works of Ms. Adams. The book is well-written, plotted, and beautifully told. The story reads at a good pace. All the characters, who are well developed and believable, are back again to help Jane solve the murders. I particularly enjoyed Jane’s twins, Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who are well-behaved and helpful. They were instrumental in saving their uncle’s and their mother’s lives.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to see what adventures Jane and the folks at Storyton are up to.
October 12, 2022
I so want there to be a real Storyton Hall that I can go and vacation on a regular basis there! Wonderful characters who have become like old friends that you fall back in step with just by cracking open the newest book! The plot on this one was absolutely outstanding as it had twists, turns, red herrings and fabulous interactions to keep you guessing until the end who the culprit (or culprits) were. The theme in this book is all things poetry and the author does not disappoint by wrapping the mystery deftly in poetry to entertain for hours. In fact, the author creates such a vivid world wrapped around books and literary references that you become absolutely immersed in the story and stay there until the last word is read! I'm only sorry that now I am back to waiting for the next book to come out!
September 22, 2022
This cozy mystery series is one of my favorites, and this 8th installment didn't disappoint! Ellery Adams has crafted wonderful, likeable characters that feel like family, and the magical retreat center of Storyton Hall. In this book, Jane is hosting a poetry contest organized by a greeting card company, and along with the requisite murder, fears that someone has learned the secrets of the house. Each book feels like returning to friends at a welcoming refuge from the busy world, and I enjoy getting to know all of them better. I can't wait for the next in the series! Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy.
November 16, 2022
This is the 8th in the Book Retreat Mysteries series. I think it's best that the series be read because of history built on each. I don't know if I could accurately say it could be a stand alone since I've been reading these in order.
The writing is cutesy in some areas, mysterious in some, and romantically cheesy in some. The relationships were great to see and didn't seem over the top in this one.
The mystery did have me guessing until the end and then wondered how they were going to sum it all up. Writing style is consistent to the series.
This is the first hard copy I've read and used audiobooks for the prior in the series.
The writing is cutesy in some areas, mysterious in some, and romantically cheesy in some. The relationships were great to see and didn't seem over the top in this one.
The mystery did have me guessing until the end and then wondered how they were going to sum it all up. Writing style is consistent to the series.
This is the first hard copy I've read and used audiobooks for the prior in the series.
October 24, 2022
This one was really good, it had a lot going on in it but it wasn't to much. I really enjoy the characters in this series. I did also like the mention of a character from one of her other series towards the end, I was like I know that character! :)
September 3, 2022
Another interesting and intriguing mystery in this series set in the book lover's heaven of Storyton Hall. This time our retreat is a convention of poets, all competing for a lucrative job as the writer of verse for a new Greeting Card company. When the frontrunners in the competition start dying, and some priceless poems disappear from the Secret Library can Jane, the Fins, the Sheriff and Edwin figure out what is going on before more mayhem takes place? This is a mystery with many twists and turns, the involvement of almost the whole community, the backdrop of Eloise and Landon's wedding quickly approaching and some help from some unexpected sources. Truly a wonderful read.
September 28, 2022
Storyton Hall is hosting a competition – poets vying for a greeting card contract. When a woman is found dead in a rowboat on the lake, and another death occurs later, Jane and the Fins work with local law enforcement to learn who is responsible.
This is book #8 in this series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the previous books in the series, perhaps even more. Each book makes me wish my area had something like Storyton Hall and the town surrounding it. The characters are like old friends, and it’s been fun watching relationships grow as the series progresses. Issues and problems come up that they have to deal with, but they work through them with the help of their friends.
There seemed to be plenty of suspects to consider here, and it was hard to narrow my mental list down to just a few characters. I like the way Jane and the rest work *with the police, rather than conducting their own investigation and keeping what they learn to themselves. I have to wonder, though, how realistic it is for the police to welcome, even ask for, help from civilians in trying to solve the crimes. The person ultimately revealed to be the killer as on my list, but didn’t move to the top until just before it was revealed in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is book #8 in this series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the previous books in the series, perhaps even more. Each book makes me wish my area had something like Storyton Hall and the town surrounding it. The characters are like old friends, and it’s been fun watching relationships grow as the series progresses. Issues and problems come up that they have to deal with, but they work through them with the help of their friends.
There seemed to be plenty of suspects to consider here, and it was hard to narrow my mental list down to just a few characters. I like the way Jane and the rest work *with the police, rather than conducting their own investigation and keeping what they learn to themselves. I have to wonder, though, how realistic it is for the police to welcome, even ask for, help from civilians in trying to solve the crimes. The person ultimately revealed to be the killer as on my list, but didn’t move to the top until just before it was revealed in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 28, 2022
2 1/2 stars. A solid cozy that deals with the incredibly sad and scary condition of dementia with compassion. Now, that is not the main focus on the book but it runs throughout the story. I have read other book in this series and you do not need to read the others to understand what is going on in this book but it does give context and depth to the relationships that make this a good series. The ties of family and friends shine strongly.
There is one aspect of this series that gives it a kind of secret society or institution flare (and any more information would be spoilers for the series) that I'm not always fond of. It plays a role in this book but not enough to effect my enjoyment of the book. In fact, it does give it some extra twists and turns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
There is one aspect of this series that gives it a kind of secret society or institution flare (and any more information would be spoilers for the series) that I'm not always fond of. It plays a role in this book but not enough to effect my enjoyment of the book. In fact, it does give it some extra twists and turns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
September 24, 2022
What can go wrong with holding a greeting card context at Storyton Hall and hosting a group of talented poets? Murder, that’s what! Murder on the Poets Walk is the latest book in the “Book Retreat Mystery” series, and even though it has the same feel as all the others, it stands a bit apart. When someone begins killing poets, the reader definitely gets the implied prose if they read poetry.
Jane can be a tough character to like. She seems judgemental of most things, but her love of her children, her aunt, and uncle, and everyone who works at Storyton Hall make her attractive. The hall is a perfect place to hold any type of literary contest and seems to lend itself to a greeting card with its picturesque setting. Putting any group of writers together in one place for more than a day or two can have explosive results, sometimes good and other times, not good. Poets can make an explosive situation turn into outright world ending war. Or at least that is the way it feels. Having one of them as a murderer is a delightful way to use their emotional outpouring.
There are plenty of suspects when the greeting card context turns deadly. Not just poets but also the people running the contest and perhaps an outsider or two. There is also some heartwarming family drama to make everything move along and feel vital to the plot. The evidence points all over the place, and readers need to pay close attention to detail in order to find the killer. Other characters are enjoyable, but none more so than Jane’s sons. They are every mother’s dream children. I loved their involvement in this story and find that they make me like Jane more.
Overall, Murder on the Poets Walk is an easy story to read and well worth the time. Jane is changing and growing, and this makes me happy. I wasn’t especially fond of the character previously. I got a chuckle out of the greeting card contest and some of the poems the poets came up with, many of which I can actually see as a card I would send a friend or loved one. I think readers will be thrilled with this new installment in the series, and I look forward to the continuing story of Jane and her family.
Jane can be a tough character to like. She seems judgemental of most things, but her love of her children, her aunt, and uncle, and everyone who works at Storyton Hall make her attractive. The hall is a perfect place to hold any type of literary contest and seems to lend itself to a greeting card with its picturesque setting. Putting any group of writers together in one place for more than a day or two can have explosive results, sometimes good and other times, not good. Poets can make an explosive situation turn into outright world ending war. Or at least that is the way it feels. Having one of them as a murderer is a delightful way to use their emotional outpouring.
There are plenty of suspects when the greeting card context turns deadly. Not just poets but also the people running the contest and perhaps an outsider or two. There is also some heartwarming family drama to make everything move along and feel vital to the plot. The evidence points all over the place, and readers need to pay close attention to detail in order to find the killer. Other characters are enjoyable, but none more so than Jane’s sons. They are every mother’s dream children. I loved their involvement in this story and find that they make me like Jane more.
Overall, Murder on the Poets Walk is an easy story to read and well worth the time. Jane is changing and growing, and this makes me happy. I wasn’t especially fond of the character previously. I got a chuckle out of the greeting card contest and some of the poems the poets came up with, many of which I can actually see as a card I would send a friend or loved one. I think readers will be thrilled with this new installment in the series, and I look forward to the continuing story of Jane and her family.
July 6, 2022
This should be a happy time at Storyton Hall, Jane Steward’s best friend Eloise Alcott is getting married in a few weeks, and Jane and Storyton Hall are hosting a group of poets competing for a greeting card contract. But unfortunately murder never seems to be far away from Storyton Hall and Jane once again stumbles across a dead body – one of the poets in the competition. The police, Jane, and her loyal staff are all investigating the murder but will Jane find the killer in time to enjoy Eloise’s wedding?
“Murder on the Poet’s Walk” is the very nicely done eighth book in Ellery Adams’s Book Retreat cozy mystery series. I love everything about Storyton Hall – a book retreat for book lovers and wish it existed in real life! I love Jane and her extended family and friends – mixed in with the murder in this book is her all too real worry about her Uncle Aloysius and his bouts of forgetfulness – this not only plays a part in the mystery but shows how close Jane is to her family. it is perhaps apt that this book is about poetry – Adams in a gifted writer with a wonderful way of writing so that the words practically dance off the page – even the deaths in the book are poetic. Speaking of the deaths – the mystery is well done with plenty of twists and turns – there were a few times when I was sure I knew who the killer was only to find out a few pages later that I was totally wrong!
“Murder on the Poet’s Walk” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
“Murder on the Poet’s Walk” is the very nicely done eighth book in Ellery Adams’s Book Retreat cozy mystery series. I love everything about Storyton Hall – a book retreat for book lovers and wish it existed in real life! I love Jane and her extended family and friends – mixed in with the murder in this book is her all too real worry about her Uncle Aloysius and his bouts of forgetfulness – this not only plays a part in the mystery but shows how close Jane is to her family. it is perhaps apt that this book is about poetry – Adams in a gifted writer with a wonderful way of writing so that the words practically dance off the page – even the deaths in the book are poetic. Speaking of the deaths – the mystery is well done with plenty of twists and turns – there were a few times when I was sure I knew who the killer was only to find out a few pages later that I was totally wrong!
“Murder on the Poet’s Walk” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
July 6, 2022
I have enjoyed the books in this series, and this was no exception. If such a place really existed, you can bet that I would want to spend my book reading time there. What could be more fun than a resort in the Virginia mountains dedicated to the theme of books. books and more books. Each of the rooms or activities has book related names. In this book, we also discover hidden passage ways. This book is about a poetry contest so we are treated to different passages from a verity of well known poets. As usual, there is a murder or two, and I like the way that Jane is always backed up by the Finns, and in this case. her twin boys.
June 5, 2022
Murder on the Poet’s Walk is the latest book in this series by Ellery Adams.
Jane is a fun character who is always getting herself tangled up in a murder investigation.
Jane takes her job as guardian of the books at Storyton Hall very seriously, and I feel bad for anyone who challenges her.
The wedding of Jane’s best friend is only days away, so Jane has to solve the murder of a visiting poet, quickly and quietly. She enlists the help of her friends and soon they begin to unravel the knot of lies and deceit, narrowing down the suspect list one at a time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#MurderonthePoetsWalk #NetGalley
Jane is a fun character who is always getting herself tangled up in a murder investigation.
Jane takes her job as guardian of the books at Storyton Hall very seriously, and I feel bad for anyone who challenges her.
The wedding of Jane’s best friend is only days away, so Jane has to solve the murder of a visiting poet, quickly and quietly. She enlists the help of her friends and soon they begin to unravel the knot of lies and deceit, narrowing down the suspect list one at a time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#MurderonthePoetsWalk #NetGalley
May 16, 2023
This was a terrible book. The fact that it has 1,700 ratings with an average of 4.32 has significantly decreased my confidence in GoodReads.
The plot was ridiculous. The police handling of the crime scene utterly unbelievable. The writing full of cliches and the author dropping quotes and menu suggestions to impress contributed to a general sense of my annoyance with myself for finishing the book. Perhaps I got the book all wrong - is it meant to be a spoof of the genre?
The plot was ridiculous. The police handling of the crime scene utterly unbelievable. The writing full of cliches and the author dropping quotes and menu suggestions to impress contributed to a general sense of my annoyance with myself for finishing the book. Perhaps I got the book all wrong - is it meant to be a spoof of the genre?
February 6, 2023
“Murder on the Poet’s Walk” (Book Retreat Mysteries #8) by Ellery Adams ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Cozy Mystery. Location: Storyton Village in western Virginia, USA. Time: Mid August, present. NOTE: Although this is book 8, it can be read as a stand-alone due to many backstory references.
Storyton Hall: Would you have a drink in the Ian Fleming Lounge, dinner in the Madame Bovary Dining Room, or head straight for the Henry James Library?
THE SERIES: Storyton Hall is tucked in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia. It’s a luxury resort catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. Jane Steward, (30+) manages Storyton Hall, and is guardian of its secret library. She’s a parent- twin boys Fitzgerald and Hemingway. A group of people called The Fins are sworn to protect her family and the secret library. Somehow, Jane, Storyton Hall, and crime always collide. Luckily, local Sheriff Evans is an ally and friend. Written for literature lovers, the series contains book references, book quotes, landscapes inspired by books, food inspired by books, and an overall feeling of the joy of books.
THIS BOOK: Jane looks forward to her best friend Eloise’s August wedding. Meanwhile, Storyton Hall is filled with poets competing for a greeting card contract. Then it starts: A woman’s body is found in a rowboat floating on a lake by the Tennyson Trail. A copy of “The Lady of Shalot” is clutched in her dead hand. When a 2nd body is discovered, also holding a poetry page, Jane knows she must stop this killer.
Since author Adams’ book is about a poets’ conference, you may be reminded of poems you memorized in school, or quoted as a young romantic. And just for fun, you’ll learn a little poetry trivia. Adams also created the cleverest way to list her characters. What fun she must have had coming up with and staging the poet-referenced murders! There’s a map of Storyton Village, secret passages, stolen poems, light and breezy prose, well described scenery, and interesting characters. It’s 5 stars from me. 🌵📚💁🏼♀️Thank you to Ellery Adams and Kensington Publishing for this copy!
Storyton Hall: Would you have a drink in the Ian Fleming Lounge, dinner in the Madame Bovary Dining Room, or head straight for the Henry James Library?
THE SERIES: Storyton Hall is tucked in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia. It’s a luxury resort catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. Jane Steward, (30+) manages Storyton Hall, and is guardian of its secret library. She’s a parent- twin boys Fitzgerald and Hemingway. A group of people called The Fins are sworn to protect her family and the secret library. Somehow, Jane, Storyton Hall, and crime always collide. Luckily, local Sheriff Evans is an ally and friend. Written for literature lovers, the series contains book references, book quotes, landscapes inspired by books, food inspired by books, and an overall feeling of the joy of books.
THIS BOOK: Jane looks forward to her best friend Eloise’s August wedding. Meanwhile, Storyton Hall is filled with poets competing for a greeting card contract. Then it starts: A woman’s body is found in a rowboat floating on a lake by the Tennyson Trail. A copy of “The Lady of Shalot” is clutched in her dead hand. When a 2nd body is discovered, also holding a poetry page, Jane knows she must stop this killer.
Since author Adams’ book is about a poets’ conference, you may be reminded of poems you memorized in school, or quoted as a young romantic. And just for fun, you’ll learn a little poetry trivia. Adams also created the cleverest way to list her characters. What fun she must have had coming up with and staging the poet-referenced murders! There’s a map of Storyton Village, secret passages, stolen poems, light and breezy prose, well described scenery, and interesting characters. It’s 5 stars from me. 🌵📚💁🏼♀️Thank you to Ellery Adams and Kensington Publishing for this copy!
September 20, 2022
“Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.” ~ Cassandra Clare
A trip to Storyton Hall always influences me, but perhaps this visit with, Murder on the Poet’s Walk, did so most of all. Poets staying at Storyton Hall vie for a contract crafting greeting card sentiments. Poets may be creative, poets may be sensitive, poets may be introverted or extroverted, but might one also be a murderer. Someone is offing the competition in a very poetic manner. No, no character influenced me to commit a crime, but reading about poets and their passion for crafting the perfect word choice influenced me to search my shelves for the limited poetry I own, dust it off, and read it again.
Also, I felt my senses influenced by the descriptive literary tea times I so desperately wish I could attend. I find myself attempting (but failing) to recreate Mrs Hubbard’s culinary delights which in turn delights me greatly! Reading about characters discussing a Robert Frost poem and then voila…there is a Robert Frost Apple Picking Tea Party ripe with apple-shaped cheeseball, turkey, cheese, apple tea sandwiches, and apple cider cutout cookie! It makes me want to attempt such a feast.
Finally, these thoughtful, unique characters with depth leave an impression on me after each visit. I HOPE I will not need to use combative moves to maneuver out of the clutches of a bad guy, although I might recall a move or two from Jane. On a daily basis, I do, however, encounter an elderly relative battling health and aging issues. And I must watch the decline happen. After reading how Jane and family handle particular circumstances maybe I can approach my situation with more grace. Their choices can influence mine.
As this fantastic series progresses, its been a joy to witness the character growth and intersection of characters’ lives. Oh how I wish Storyton Hall and the village of Storyton truly existed as I would not only book a stay, but I’d stay forever. These are my people.
A trip to Storyton Hall always influences me, but perhaps this visit with, Murder on the Poet’s Walk, did so most of all. Poets staying at Storyton Hall vie for a contract crafting greeting card sentiments. Poets may be creative, poets may be sensitive, poets may be introverted or extroverted, but might one also be a murderer. Someone is offing the competition in a very poetic manner. No, no character influenced me to commit a crime, but reading about poets and their passion for crafting the perfect word choice influenced me to search my shelves for the limited poetry I own, dust it off, and read it again.
Also, I felt my senses influenced by the descriptive literary tea times I so desperately wish I could attend. I find myself attempting (but failing) to recreate Mrs Hubbard’s culinary delights which in turn delights me greatly! Reading about characters discussing a Robert Frost poem and then voila…there is a Robert Frost Apple Picking Tea Party ripe with apple-shaped cheeseball, turkey, cheese, apple tea sandwiches, and apple cider cutout cookie! It makes me want to attempt such a feast.
Finally, these thoughtful, unique characters with depth leave an impression on me after each visit. I HOPE I will not need to use combative moves to maneuver out of the clutches of a bad guy, although I might recall a move or two from Jane. On a daily basis, I do, however, encounter an elderly relative battling health and aging issues. And I must watch the decline happen. After reading how Jane and family handle particular circumstances maybe I can approach my situation with more grace. Their choices can influence mine.
As this fantastic series progresses, its been a joy to witness the character growth and intersection of characters’ lives. Oh how I wish Storyton Hall and the village of Storyton truly existed as I would not only book a stay, but I’d stay forever. These are my people.
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