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Book Retreat Mysteries #3
Murder in the Secret Garden
Things really go to seed in the newest novel in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mysteries...
There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward s book-themed resort a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett's classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.
With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton s secret library..."
There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward s book-themed resort a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett's classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.
With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton s secret library..."
462 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2017
513 people are currently reading
2962 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,224 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 485 reviews
December 15, 2025
I loved the herbalism side of this book. The author adding in the bit at the end about doctors prescribing risky medications with terrible side effects was the icing on the cake. This happens all too often!!!
August 14, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I am so excited to be back in Storyton and to wander the beautiful gardens. No cell phones, no computers, no deadlines, a vacation from the rat race surrounded by books, books and more books.
The Medieval Herbalists are guests at Storyton Hall and when one their bodies is found floating down the river Jane and the Finns are on the case. The suspects are many but they are up to weeding out the murderer.
Ellery Adams continues to create stories that surpass the last. The mysteries of the secret garden at Storyton bring us straight back to the classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It makes me want to find my old copy and reread it yet again because I am sure there are more correlations the author referenced that I have since forgotten.
We already know what an amazing place Storyton Hall is from the first two books in this series that now we travel the gardens and a very special garden makes the place even more idyllic. I particularly enjoyed the way Jane’s sons, Hemi and Fitz start out hating helping their mother weed the garden but soon become totally invested when a little cash is offered and they start to learn about the plants and get excited about the bounty the gardens produce. Being covered in dirt from head to toe and having so much fun.
In addition to the Steward family’s life at such a wonderful place Adams gives us a fantastic mystery to sink our teeth into. The suspect pool is pretty full but as each one is eliminated Jane feels she is missing something. The motive just doesn’t seem to be what it appears. She keeps digging until all the clues and secrets are revealed and even then she has a couple of loose ends. This was a tough one to figure out. I also still think there is more to the overall Book Retreat Mystery story. I can’t put my finger on it yet, but there is something there.
It is also interesting that Storyton Hall has its own set of investigators, The Finns, staff members who are more than who they appear to be to the guests. They “work” with the police in their own way but they always seek out answers most times before even alerting the authorities. This time part of the crimes happen out of the local jurisdiction and I was a bit surprised there was more fallout from their actions.
This is a series that needs to be read in order to fully enjoy each story. They are also stories to savor and not rush through because this author knows her stuff and drops hints than can appear to be insignificant at first but can be very important as the mystery continues.
I loved my latest retreat to Storyton. I anticipate some excellent visits in the future. I recommend you book your retreat to Storyton as soon as possible and enjoy your little break from the stress of every day life.
I am so excited to be back in Storyton and to wander the beautiful gardens. No cell phones, no computers, no deadlines, a vacation from the rat race surrounded by books, books and more books.
The Medieval Herbalists are guests at Storyton Hall and when one their bodies is found floating down the river Jane and the Finns are on the case. The suspects are many but they are up to weeding out the murderer.
Ellery Adams continues to create stories that surpass the last. The mysteries of the secret garden at Storyton bring us straight back to the classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It makes me want to find my old copy and reread it yet again because I am sure there are more correlations the author referenced that I have since forgotten.
We already know what an amazing place Storyton Hall is from the first two books in this series that now we travel the gardens and a very special garden makes the place even more idyllic. I particularly enjoyed the way Jane’s sons, Hemi and Fitz start out hating helping their mother weed the garden but soon become totally invested when a little cash is offered and they start to learn about the plants and get excited about the bounty the gardens produce. Being covered in dirt from head to toe and having so much fun.
In addition to the Steward family’s life at such a wonderful place Adams gives us a fantastic mystery to sink our teeth into. The suspect pool is pretty full but as each one is eliminated Jane feels she is missing something. The motive just doesn’t seem to be what it appears. She keeps digging until all the clues and secrets are revealed and even then she has a couple of loose ends. This was a tough one to figure out. I also still think there is more to the overall Book Retreat Mystery story. I can’t put my finger on it yet, but there is something there.
It is also interesting that Storyton Hall has its own set of investigators, The Finns, staff members who are more than who they appear to be to the guests. They “work” with the police in their own way but they always seek out answers most times before even alerting the authorities. This time part of the crimes happen out of the local jurisdiction and I was a bit surprised there was more fallout from their actions.
This is a series that needs to be read in order to fully enjoy each story. They are also stories to savor and not rush through because this author knows her stuff and drops hints than can appear to be insignificant at first but can be very important as the mystery continues.
I loved my latest retreat to Storyton. I anticipate some excellent visits in the future. I recommend you book your retreat to Storyton as soon as possible and enjoy your little break from the stress of every day life.
April 3, 2025
Print Book/Paperback [Carnegie Library]
Finally. A story that was good! I was really starting to wonder about this series and whether or not I wanted to continue with it and this book made me say YES! I will be continuing on.
I had no idea..well, that isn't true, I DID have a glimmer of a clue, but this one was filled with red herrings and didn't really pay attention to that glimmer until closer to the end and by the time of the reveal I had most of it worked out, including the killer, but to be honest, that didn't make it any less satisfying because it did take me some time to get it all together. Most of the time I know who the killer is before I reach halfway in the book!!
This is by far the best of the series and I hope this quality of writing and storytelling continues. NOW if only the narrator would get better....
Finally. A story that was good! I was really starting to wonder about this series and whether or not I wanted to continue with it and this book made me say YES! I will be continuing on.
I had no idea..well, that isn't true, I DID have a glimmer of a clue, but this one was filled with red herrings and didn't really pay attention to that glimmer until closer to the end and by the time of the reveal I had most of it worked out, including the killer, but to be honest, that didn't make it any less satisfying because it did take me some time to get it all together. Most of the time I know who the killer is before I reach halfway in the book!!
This is by far the best of the series and I hope this quality of writing and storytelling continues. NOW if only the narrator would get better....
August 4, 2016
Really 4.5 stars, but I rounded up.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Berkley and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions stated in this review are explicitly my own.*
The Book Retreat Mysteries have become one of the series I look forward to when they're released, so naturally when I got the chance to get a for-review copy of this book I snagged it.
Jane is a wonderful character, she's a single mother and yet balances it wonderfully with her duties as manager of Storyton Hall. Edwin, the love interest, is also excellent. He's surrounded by mystery, but yet you can't help cheering for him the entire time. The Finns are half good and that's why I took the half star off. I really like Lachan and Sinclair, but I really could care less about Sterling or Butterworth. They're boring, and I found myself skimming every time they appeared.
The setting is absolutely amazing. I would love to visit a place like Storyton Hall, and I don't know if I would ever leave! The mystery was also well plotted. It didn't have the typical huge MC-almost-gets-killed ending, but it was an absolutely wonderful change. It was a great puzzle.
Overall an outstanding book. Well worth the read. Highly recommend and I'll read the next one!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Berkley and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions stated in this review are explicitly my own.*
The Book Retreat Mysteries have become one of the series I look forward to when they're released, so naturally when I got the chance to get a for-review copy of this book I snagged it.
Jane is a wonderful character, she's a single mother and yet balances it wonderfully with her duties as manager of Storyton Hall. Edwin, the love interest, is also excellent. He's surrounded by mystery, but yet you can't help cheering for him the entire time. The Finns are half good and that's why I took the half star off. I really like Lachan and Sinclair, but I really could care less about Sterling or Butterworth. They're boring, and I found myself skimming every time they appeared.
The setting is absolutely amazing. I would love to visit a place like Storyton Hall, and I don't know if I would ever leave! The mystery was also well plotted. It didn't have the typical huge MC-almost-gets-killed ending, but it was an absolutely wonderful change. It was a great puzzle.
Overall an outstanding book. Well worth the read. Highly recommend and I'll read the next one!
September 11, 2016
Just a nitpick, but there was no murder in the secret garden.
September 9, 2016
Enter the book themed resort home of Jane Stewart as she welcomes The Medieval Herbalists group and the guests at an unusual wedding. Mix together a garden filled with poisonous plants, a local druid with a past, wedding members with secrets, new village residents and herbalists with devious plots and you get a tangled web of lies, deceit, revenge and murder. This series delivers non-stop action, fascinating characters and a background story that thrills with adventure. A must read cozy mystery series for all cozy fans.
February 5, 2017
It took me a month to slog through this muddle. The plot is horrendous, improbable, mention of Guardians and Templars ?????...complete with an anti Catholic barb at medieval monks and feminist ire....skip it, honestly..get a nice cozy
August 3, 2020
I'm kind of torn. I do love cozy mysteries, even though there are things that drive me a little nuts, I recognize you gotta kind of suspend disbelief and all. I don't know that I care for the romance happening in this story...it feels very...off in some way.
Overall, this was okay, but I felt a little more disconnected from it than the previous one.
Overall, this was okay, but I felt a little more disconnected from it than the previous one.
October 8, 2016
Things were going great with Jane and her book-themed resort and then they find a secret garden full of poison plants. It peaks the interest of her newest group that have booked the resort, the Medieval Herbalist, the only thing is one of them might have used that garden to commit murder.
There is also a rare herbalist book that some might want to get their hands on and Jane has to do her job as protector of a great secret library. She also has to deal with the fact that the man she cares about is a thief and a Templar. Who knew those types were still around...lol. Just like her job has been passed down to him, his has been passed down in his family as well.
So Jane has a lot on her plate in this one trying to deal with Edmund and finding a killer who used her garden to commit murder!
What is there not to like about this series, you have a secret book library and the protectors take it very seriously and are trained in hand to hand combat, a book resort, and murder! :)
Jane is a cool character as she is the protector of a secret library full of rare books. She has had to learn how to fight and she runs a book themed resort. She loves her resort but it seems that there is always murder happening. Her kids are a lot of fun and are the future protectors and have also been doing a bit of training and they think it's fun. I am not real sure what I think of Edmund as he is kind of a good/bad guy depending on how you look at things. :)
Overall, a good series and if you like cozies and books with bookish things in it then you will enjoy this one.
There is also a rare herbalist book that some might want to get their hands on and Jane has to do her job as protector of a great secret library. She also has to deal with the fact that the man she cares about is a thief and a Templar. Who knew those types were still around...lol. Just like her job has been passed down to him, his has been passed down in his family as well.
So Jane has a lot on her plate in this one trying to deal with Edmund and finding a killer who used her garden to commit murder!
What is there not to like about this series, you have a secret book library and the protectors take it very seriously and are trained in hand to hand combat, a book resort, and murder! :)
Jane is a cool character as she is the protector of a secret library full of rare books. She has had to learn how to fight and she runs a book themed resort. She loves her resort but it seems that there is always murder happening. Her kids are a lot of fun and are the future protectors and have also been doing a bit of training and they think it's fun. I am not real sure what I think of Edmund as he is kind of a good/bad guy depending on how you look at things. :)
Overall, a good series and if you like cozies and books with bookish things in it then you will enjoy this one.
August 15, 2019
Ohh I think this is my favorite in the series so far! I just love how it ended and that Jane and Edwin are in a good place with their relationship. This mystery was very intriguing and dealt with herbalists staying at the resort and an herbal healer who had some secrets in his past. I really enjoy reading about the secret library and the men who faithfully guard Storyton Hall and serve as bodyguards to Jane, the library Guardian. Even Jane's twin boys are fun characters, and I'm not a huge fan of kids in cozies. These little guys are like miniature men though. They're polite, easily taught but still like to get into typical 7-year-old boy mischief. I love that they're huge Harry Potter fans too!
I'm so happy that this series hasn't ended yet and that when I read the next book, I'll have another one to look forward to. Like all of her other series, this author always gives more than just a mystery to her stories. She gives us people who care about each other and sometimes ones who are broken but just need a friend to help them. I always want to just sit and think about the book for a little while before starting another one.
I'm so happy that this series hasn't ended yet and that when I read the next book, I'll have another one to look forward to. Like all of her other series, this author always gives more than just a mystery to her stories. She gives us people who care about each other and sometimes ones who are broken but just need a friend to help them. I always want to just sit and think about the book for a little while before starting another one.
July 31, 2022
I was enjoying this series but Jane really rubbed me the wrong way in this book. Heroines in cozies are constantly stepping on the police officers toes, I get it. But Jane is another level. She doesn’t just “do now and ask for forgiveness later”, she straight up tells the police how she is going to handle things and what they are going to do. In what world can someone tell the cops to stay back while they go interrogate the suspect. Get out of here! Jane is annoying. I also didn’t care for how she demonized weed like we are in the 1950s
June 10, 2022
This is such a good series! I love the characters and setting. The mystery was good and kept my attention as I watched it unfold. Looking forward to more trips to Storyton Hall.
June 1, 2020
Sqquuueeeeee! I am so in love with this series! It's pure bookish delight for a bibliophile like me.
Fantastic characters...including a lovely assortment of multi-generational protective hero types who quote books!!!! I can't even...And the mystery is incredibly well done -- all twisty and turny -- and I love the way the author brings compassion to the darkest situations.
I'm binge listening because I can't get enough, though I'm aware that this means I'll ultimately come to the end of the series much too soon. But, I wont think about that today, I'll think about it tomorrow. :-) Today I have book four to conquer!
Fantastic characters...including a lovely assortment of multi-generational protective hero types who quote books!!!! I can't even...And the mystery is incredibly well done -- all twisty and turny -- and I love the way the author brings compassion to the darkest situations.
I'm binge listening because I can't get enough, though I'm aware that this means I'll ultimately come to the end of the series much too soon. But, I wont think about that today, I'll think about it tomorrow. :-) Today I have book four to conquer!
June 30, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
January 25, 2019
Although this is the 3rd book in the series, I enjoyed it immensely. There were a few details that would probably have made more sense if I read the other two first, but they didn't prevent me from falling in love, head over heels, with this book.
I loved it because even though it is a contemporary novel, the characters still uphold traditional values, principles, and morals. I'm in love with Edwin. I want to read the first two books just to get to know him.
Everything was so interesting in this book, and the murder and its solution were plausible. However, it was also very shocking, sad and heartbreaking. I think that part makes it an even better book because not all murderers are bad, hard-hearted, selfish people. And not all victims require sympathy.
The descriptions of the setting, the food, the feelings, they were all so evocative. I loved every moment I spent in Storyton Hall. The Fins, Jane, her boys, Mrs. Hubbard (really, the names fit the characters so perfectly), The Medieval Herbalists were all beautiful characters. I really enjoyed getting to know each person, and I feel like I could really care about these fictional people.
This was the first contemporary cozy murder mystery that I really enjoyed,and Ellery Adams, I think you've got another fan!
Update: I shall not read the other books in the series. I loved this one the way it is, and I want to be able to keep it that way. Ellery Adams, forget what I said earlier. I don't have any favourite contemporary cozy mystery writer.
I loved it because even though it is a contemporary novel, the characters still uphold traditional values, principles, and morals. I'm in love with Edwin. I want to read the first two books just to get to know him.
Everything was so interesting in this book, and the murder and its solution were plausible. However, it was also very shocking, sad and heartbreaking. I think that part makes it an even better book because not all murderers are bad, hard-hearted, selfish people. And not all victims require sympathy.
The descriptions of the setting, the food, the feelings, they were all so evocative. I loved every moment I spent in Storyton Hall. The Fins, Jane, her boys, Mrs. Hubbard (really, the names fit the characters so perfectly), The Medieval Herbalists were all beautiful characters. I really enjoyed getting to know each person, and I feel like I could really care about these fictional people.
This was the first contemporary cozy murder mystery that I really enjoyed,
Update: I shall not read the other books in the series. I loved this one the way it is, and I want to be able to keep it that way. Ellery Adams, forget what I said earlier. I don't have any favourite contemporary cozy mystery writer.
August 27, 2016
I couldn't help but being swept away by Murder In the Secret Garden. Enchanting and magical with romance with a multi-layered plot that was beautifully written. The Medieval Herbalists are staying at Storyton Hall, a book-themed retreat where patrons go to read and relax with no distractions of modern day life and Jane Steward is responsible for guarding the hidden library with secret books and manuscripts inside.
There's an upcoming wedding, and will be something for the nature lovers, gardeners, and foodies and studying and growing herbs and there will be a inaugural bookish duck race.
Among the Herbalists are some interesting characters like, Constance Meredith aka "Poison Princess" and expert on poisonous plants with a toxic personality.
Kira Grace is a photographer who's subjects that she photographs weren't just plants.Jane finds Kira Grace floating dead in the river. In Kira Grace's possessions are compromising photos. When it's proven that Kira Grace was poisoned not drowned, and the theft of a rare herbal book on display Jane will do anything to protect Storyton hall and all the books the hidden library hold.
The Secret Library is a place that fascinates me I would love to venture in there to read the books it beholds. The elements of fantasy and a page turning story that makes you feel for the characters, and a captivating romance between Jane and "Book Theif" Edwin Alcott. An unforgettable read that I couldn't put down I can't wait to read and review the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
There's an upcoming wedding, and will be something for the nature lovers, gardeners, and foodies and studying and growing herbs and there will be a inaugural bookish duck race.
Among the Herbalists are some interesting characters like, Constance Meredith aka "Poison Princess" and expert on poisonous plants with a toxic personality.
Kira Grace is a photographer who's subjects that she photographs weren't just plants.Jane finds Kira Grace floating dead in the river. In Kira Grace's possessions are compromising photos. When it's proven that Kira Grace was poisoned not drowned, and the theft of a rare herbal book on display Jane will do anything to protect Storyton hall and all the books the hidden library hold.
The Secret Library is a place that fascinates me I would love to venture in there to read the books it beholds. The elements of fantasy and a page turning story that makes you feel for the characters, and a captivating romance between Jane and "Book Theif" Edwin Alcott. An unforgettable read that I couldn't put down I can't wait to read and review the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
July 29, 2016
This truly unique series just keeps getting better!
When I read the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries, MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE, I just knew this was going to be an amazing series. It feels so good to be right! ;-)
MUDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, as with the first two book in the series, is a blend of old fashioned mystery, spy thriller, and cozy all magnificently rolled into one. It’s both gripping, and fun. Author Ellery Adams seems to have channeled not only many prolific authors, but several of literatures greatest mystery characters to create an unforgettably remarkable series.
The main plot in MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, is extremely well thought out, and left me second guessing myself most of the way through. From page one, to the discovery of the body, to the shocking reveal and ending, I was enthralled with every word I read. I was quite breathless by the end of the book. As with books one and two, there is an underlying, menacing feeling. Something we will see in a future installment perhaps?
Aside from being a wonderful read, this series would make for outstanding movies and/or TV.
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a sneak peek of KILLER CHARACTERS, the newest book in the Books By The Bay mysteries!
When I read the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries, MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE, I just knew this was going to be an amazing series. It feels so good to be right! ;-)
MUDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, as with the first two book in the series, is a blend of old fashioned mystery, spy thriller, and cozy all magnificently rolled into one. It’s both gripping, and fun. Author Ellery Adams seems to have channeled not only many prolific authors, but several of literatures greatest mystery characters to create an unforgettably remarkable series.
The main plot in MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, is extremely well thought out, and left me second guessing myself most of the way through. From page one, to the discovery of the body, to the shocking reveal and ending, I was enthralled with every word I read. I was quite breathless by the end of the book. As with books one and two, there is an underlying, menacing feeling. Something we will see in a future installment perhaps?
Aside from being a wonderful read, this series would make for outstanding movies and/or TV.
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a sneak peek of KILLER CHARACTERS, the newest book in the Books By The Bay mysteries!
January 7, 2023
Book #3 in Adams' Book Retreat Mysteries, and probably my favorite so far.
Jane Steward runs Storyton Hall, a resort in western Virginia, w/ the help of many loyal assistants. Jane and many of these same assistants belong to a secret society dedicated to protecting the priceless literary treasures hidden in a turret of the Hall. I've really never enjoyed this secret society aspect, but there's less unrealistic fighting in this one and more coordinated detective work instead.
Jane and staff are hosting a group, The Medieval Herbalists, for their meeting plus hosting the wedding for the sister of one of the Herbalists. The whole town is involved in activities including a Duck Race in the local river. This sounded like huge fun to me: watching rubber duckies decorated as punny literary characters bob down the river! Anyway, Jane finds one of the Herbalists in the river, NOT bobbing along w/ the duckies, but dead. Thus begins the murder mystery aspect. Can Jane and the "Fins" determine who murdered the Herbalist before the death ruins the convention AND the wedding? The murderer couldn't possibly be a fellow Herbalist...could it? And on top of all this: a love interest for Jane who is a - gasp- book thief!
This plot line is just totally up my alley: we read about all sorts of medicinal uses for plants. (Herbal pharmacology was a special interest of mine in pharmacy school.) We learn that herbs were the ONLY medicine in medieval times, and medieval uses were often different from present-day ones. We learn the difference between the cannabis plant and hemp - and that one is evil and that one is not. (Hmmm....) We learn what we've always suspected: that pharmaceutical companies are evil and just out for money. (Um...duh.) And ALL the references to the Harry Potter books is just icing on the cake for me! (Jane's twin boys are into Harry Potter.)
I was becoming disappointed in the ending, b/c the novel was pointing at a certain Herbalist as the murderer. It just seemed too easy, but then there was a nice little twist in the identify of the actual murderer that left me satisfied w/ this cozy mystery after all.
Jane Steward runs Storyton Hall, a resort in western Virginia, w/ the help of many loyal assistants. Jane and many of these same assistants belong to a secret society dedicated to protecting the priceless literary treasures hidden in a turret of the Hall. I've really never enjoyed this secret society aspect, but there's less unrealistic fighting in this one and more coordinated detective work instead.
Jane and staff are hosting a group, The Medieval Herbalists, for their meeting plus hosting the wedding for the sister of one of the Herbalists. The whole town is involved in activities including a Duck Race in the local river. This sounded like huge fun to me: watching rubber duckies decorated as punny literary characters bob down the river! Anyway, Jane finds one of the Herbalists in the river, NOT bobbing along w/ the duckies, but dead. Thus begins the murder mystery aspect. Can Jane and the "Fins" determine who murdered the Herbalist before the death ruins the convention AND the wedding? The murderer couldn't possibly be a fellow Herbalist...could it? And on top of all this: a love interest for Jane who is a - gasp- book thief!
This plot line is just totally up my alley: we read about all sorts of medicinal uses for plants. (Herbal pharmacology was a special interest of mine in pharmacy school.) We learn that herbs were the ONLY medicine in medieval times, and medieval uses were often different from present-day ones. We learn the difference between the cannabis plant and hemp - and that one is evil and that one is not. (Hmmm....) We learn what we've always suspected: that pharmaceutical companies are evil and just out for money. (Um...duh.) And ALL the references to the Harry Potter books is just icing on the cake for me! (Jane's twin boys are into Harry Potter.)
I was becoming disappointed in the ending, b/c the novel was pointing at a certain Herbalist as the murderer. It just seemed too easy, but then there was a nice little twist in the identify of the actual murderer that left me satisfied w/ this cozy mystery after all.
May 10, 2022
As much as Storyton Hall sounds like bookish paradise, with this many murders happening all over the place, you wouldn't catch me setting foot in there.
This was a really enjoyable entry in this series, and it ended in my favorite way: I was right about some of the reveal but not all of it, and the things I didn't guess were well done. I wouldn't say there are red herrings in this one, but there were certainly a few people who seemed suspicious and had motive or opportunity. I also always love when the first crime gets complicated by additional ones. The reveal was kind of emotional and honestly made a lot of sense to me. I mean…murder is bad, kids, but like, sometimes you understand.
I also appreciated that there was less focus on the whole secret society thing, as well as none of the fatphobia from the first two books. At first I was a little annoyed with the romantic subplot (are there ANY cozies without one? Or for that matter, any with a married main character?) but as the book went on, I actually started caring about it. Also, I would pay cash money to witness a bookish-themed rubber ducky race down a river.
I did think Jane's SHOCK HORROR at finding someone growing pot plants was kind of silly, and there were a couple bits that were overly convenient, but that's par for the course with this type of book. I forgive the author for those if only because she also gave us rubber ducks named Ducktor Zhivago, Quackenezer Scrooge, Moby Duck, and Count Quackula. BRILLIANT.
This was a really enjoyable entry in this series, and it ended in my favorite way: I was right about some of the reveal but not all of it, and the things I didn't guess were well done. I wouldn't say there are red herrings in this one, but there were certainly a few people who seemed suspicious and had motive or opportunity. I also always love when the first crime gets complicated by additional ones. The reveal was kind of emotional and honestly made a lot of sense to me. I mean…murder is bad, kids, but like, sometimes you understand.
I also appreciated that there was less focus on the whole secret society thing, as well as none of the fatphobia from the first two books. At first I was a little annoyed with the romantic subplot (are there ANY cozies without one? Or for that matter, any with a married main character?) but as the book went on, I actually started caring about it. Also, I would pay cash money to witness a bookish-themed rubber ducky race down a river.
I did think Jane's SHOCK HORROR at finding someone growing pot plants was kind of silly, and there were a couple bits that were overly convenient, but that's par for the course with this type of book. I forgive the author for those if only because she also gave us rubber ducks named Ducktor Zhivago, Quackenezer Scrooge, Moby Duck, and Count Quackula. BRILLIANT.
October 29, 2019
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. Another excellent book in this series. Never read a mystery that featured herbalists before (and a poison princess at that!). Great characters. Really would love to move to Storyton. My one complaint is her time frame at times. She packs a full day, plus some, for the main character and I find it hard to believe all is accomplished in a day. Could be just me though.
July 4, 2024
A Great Series
This is book 3 of the series, which I am really enjoying. Great characters and such a great story line. It makes me think of "Warehouse 13" meets a library resort, meets a little bit of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
This is book 3 of the series, which I am really enjoying. Great characters and such a great story line. It makes me think of "Warehouse 13" meets a library resort, meets a little bit of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
August 3, 2022
4.5 stars
August 26, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mu...
Murder in the Secret Garden
A Book Retreat Mystery, Book #3
By Ellery Adams
ISBN#9780425265611
Author Website: Elleryadamsmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward’s book-themed resort—a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett’s classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane’s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.
With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she’s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton’s secret library… (Goodreads)
Review:
Ellery Adams once again pens a clever and exciting mystery in a dreamy book-centric setting. Murder in the Secret Garden is the outstanding third entry in the Book Retreat Mystery series, and it is a winner.
Summer is in bloom, and resort manager Jane Steward is hosting a group of gardening enthusiasts, The Medieval Herbalists, and a wedding at Storyton Hall. To get things off on a festive note, the guests and entire community gather at the river to cheer on the Inaugural Rubber Duck Race, hosted by village newcomers and sporting goods store owners Phil and Sandi Hughes. Everything is fine until Jane discovers nature photographer Kira Grace, a member of the herbalist group, floating in the river. The other members of The Medieval Herbalists and the Hughes provide a rich pool of suspects, and Jane and her highly skilled employees are on the case. When another person dies and an invaluable book is stolen, the investigation becomes even more complicated.
The Book Retreat Mystery series is unlike any other cozy series out there, and these books are among my favorites, deliciously entertaining comprised of part traditional mystery + part Indiana Jones + a heavy sprinkling of spy thriller thrown in. I would really like to visit Storyton Hall some day. With themed locations, including the Agatha Christie Tea Room, the Lewis Carroll Croquet Lawn, and the Ian Fleming Lounge, the resort’s strict no technology rule, and bucolic setting, I am ready to pack my bags. Of course, there is much more to Storyton Hall than meets the eye. Jane’s family legacy is to be the “Guardians” of a priceless hidden library. Masquerading as librarian, chauffeur, butler, and head of recreation, these resort employees are Fins, descendants of the Templers, each with distinct skills and pledged to protect the library.
Jane is an intelligent, practical protagonist. The Fins and cook Mrs. Hubbard add variety and interest to the cast of characters. As a general rule, I do not care for children in my cozies, but Jane’s twins Hemi and Fitz are precocious and fun. Most of all, I am glad to see Jane’s mysterious love interest Edwin return to the tales. As with the other recurring characters, he is much more than the local café owner, and I am happy to learn more about him and look forward to where his and Jane’s relationship is headed. I am sure, no matter what, it will not be dull.
The mystery surrounding Kira’s death is well crafted, but I think the second death of the local druid is really the heart of the story. As more clues are revealed and suspects eliminated, I waffled on the identity of the killer. The final reveal made the story that much more entertaining.
Move Murder in the Secret Garden to the top of your to be read list. Highly recommended.
Murder in the Secret Garden
A Book Retreat Mystery, Book #3
By Ellery Adams
ISBN#9780425265611
Author Website: Elleryadamsmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward’s book-themed resort—a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett’s classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane’s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.
With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she’s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton’s secret library… (Goodreads)
Review:
Ellery Adams once again pens a clever and exciting mystery in a dreamy book-centric setting. Murder in the Secret Garden is the outstanding third entry in the Book Retreat Mystery series, and it is a winner.
Summer is in bloom, and resort manager Jane Steward is hosting a group of gardening enthusiasts, The Medieval Herbalists, and a wedding at Storyton Hall. To get things off on a festive note, the guests and entire community gather at the river to cheer on the Inaugural Rubber Duck Race, hosted by village newcomers and sporting goods store owners Phil and Sandi Hughes. Everything is fine until Jane discovers nature photographer Kira Grace, a member of the herbalist group, floating in the river. The other members of The Medieval Herbalists and the Hughes provide a rich pool of suspects, and Jane and her highly skilled employees are on the case. When another person dies and an invaluable book is stolen, the investigation becomes even more complicated.
The Book Retreat Mystery series is unlike any other cozy series out there, and these books are among my favorites, deliciously entertaining comprised of part traditional mystery + part Indiana Jones + a heavy sprinkling of spy thriller thrown in. I would really like to visit Storyton Hall some day. With themed locations, including the Agatha Christie Tea Room, the Lewis Carroll Croquet Lawn, and the Ian Fleming Lounge, the resort’s strict no technology rule, and bucolic setting, I am ready to pack my bags. Of course, there is much more to Storyton Hall than meets the eye. Jane’s family legacy is to be the “Guardians” of a priceless hidden library. Masquerading as librarian, chauffeur, butler, and head of recreation, these resort employees are Fins, descendants of the Templers, each with distinct skills and pledged to protect the library.
Jane is an intelligent, practical protagonist. The Fins and cook Mrs. Hubbard add variety and interest to the cast of characters. As a general rule, I do not care for children in my cozies, but Jane’s twins Hemi and Fitz are precocious and fun. Most of all, I am glad to see Jane’s mysterious love interest Edwin return to the tales. As with the other recurring characters, he is much more than the local café owner, and I am happy to learn more about him and look forward to where his and Jane’s relationship is headed. I am sure, no matter what, it will not be dull.
The mystery surrounding Kira’s death is well crafted, but I think the second death of the local druid is really the heart of the story. As more clues are revealed and suspects eliminated, I waffled on the identity of the killer. The final reveal made the story that much more entertaining.
Move Murder in the Secret Garden to the top of your to be read list. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2016
I am a huge fan of this author so any new release, whatever the series, automatically goes on my buy list. This is the third book in a series that just keeps getting better and better. In my opinion, I thought this was the best book yet.
This author has such a talent for creating idyllic settings, wonderful characters and cleverly crafted plots and mysteries. As a result, the reader is transported into her world from page one staying engaged until the book concludes. This story is no exception. The characters are rich, dimensional and real in a very tangible way. Jane Steward is a wonderful protagonist. She is a strong, caring, and undaunted when solving a mystery. In this story, the Medieval Herbalists provide a strong supporting cast of secondary characters, with one of them having a possible future in later books. The return of Edwin Alcott allows us to get more of an understanding of his story and it's a nice twist. The romance developing between him and Jane progress at a nice pace and I am interested to see where the author goes from here.
The mystery is cleverly crafted with two murders. As Jane and the Fins work to find the identity of the killer, they must determine whether the murders are related and how. This provides a nice twist in the plot that I enjoyed. There are plenty of suspects for each murder and the author weaves clues along with twists and turns around every corner. Both mysteries were wrapped up in a very satisfying way.
I love this author and this book was one of my favorites so far this year. I mean, what self-respecting bibliophile wouldn't want to spend time at a book retreat at Storyton Hall. Add in wonderful writing, engaging characters and a clever mystery and this is all a recipe for great entertainment.
This author has such a talent for creating idyllic settings, wonderful characters and cleverly crafted plots and mysteries. As a result, the reader is transported into her world from page one staying engaged until the book concludes. This story is no exception. The characters are rich, dimensional and real in a very tangible way. Jane Steward is a wonderful protagonist. She is a strong, caring, and undaunted when solving a mystery. In this story, the Medieval Herbalists provide a strong supporting cast of secondary characters, with one of them having a possible future in later books. The return of Edwin Alcott allows us to get more of an understanding of his story and it's a nice twist. The romance developing between him and Jane progress at a nice pace and I am interested to see where the author goes from here.
The mystery is cleverly crafted with two murders. As Jane and the Fins work to find the identity of the killer, they must determine whether the murders are related and how. This provides a nice twist in the plot that I enjoyed. There are plenty of suspects for each murder and the author weaves clues along with twists and turns around every corner. Both mysteries were wrapped up in a very satisfying way.
I love this author and this book was one of my favorites so far this year. I mean, what self-respecting bibliophile wouldn't want to spend time at a book retreat at Storyton Hall. Add in wonderful writing, engaging characters and a clever mystery and this is all a recipe for great entertainment.
August 1, 2016
Jane Steward is the Guardian for Storyton Hall's fabulous book-themed resort. And within the walls of this resort, lies a secret garden, hidden behind a locked door, that houses the most beautiful and deadly plants. This garden, seemingly straight out the classical novel "The Secret Garden" will be a wonderful place to visit for their latest guests, the Medieval Herbalists, visiting the resort for their annual gathering coinciding with the wedding of one of their member's sister. But when a guest is found floating in the river, possibly poisoned, Jane knows she needs to get to the bottom of this mystery, along with the help of her competent staff. This is the third book in the Book Retreat Mystery, and as with the other two books in the series, presents interesting main characters in a wonderful setting. I enjoy Jane's interactions with her two young sons, as they explore and learn about the world they are living in, as well as with her loyal staff who have their own mysterious (and often useful) pasts. This story also further expands her unexpected attraction to Edwin and how there may be a connection between her role as Guardian and his own secret career (besides that of notorious book thief). And of course, there are even tidbits of knowledge about plants, beneficial and poisonous, throughout the book to enlighten the reader. There are several interesting twists, including an additional murder, before the final unexpected resolution. I look forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2022
There is a lot going on at Storyton Hall with a group of Medieval Herbalists and a wedding party in residence. When one of the guest end up dead Jane and the Finns have to help the local police solve the murder before the guest check out it the inn.
The mystery is well plotted with plenty of suspects. I was surprised who the murderer(s) was/were and why. The characters are realistic and interesting. The characters have great chemistry. One of my favorite scenes in the story is the duck race. I love the literary character references. I recommend this book to other cozy mysteries book lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
The mystery is well plotted with plenty of suspects. I was surprised who the murderer(s) was/were and why. The characters are realistic and interesting. The characters have great chemistry. One of my favorite scenes in the story is the duck race. I love the literary character references. I recommend this book to other cozy mysteries book lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
August 31, 2024
In the third book in the Book Retreat Mysteries series, Jane has a group of herbalists staring at Storyton Hall. When one of them is poisoned by a plant in the resort’s secret garden, Jane must use the books in her library to solve the murder.
I love this cozy series by Ellery Adams. The setting of Storyton Hall is so quaint, and I love all the book references. Adams comes up with such clever storylines incorporating books into so many aspects. The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books so I love that this story focused on that novel. I enjoy reading the characters’ growth in this series, and look forward to seeing where book 4 will bring us.
I love this cozy series by Ellery Adams. The setting of Storyton Hall is so quaint, and I love all the book references. Adams comes up with such clever storylines incorporating books into so many aspects. The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books so I love that this story focused on that novel. I enjoy reading the characters’ growth in this series, and look forward to seeing where book 4 will bring us.
January 30, 2018
There is a group of plant lovers staying at Storyton Hall - The Medieval Herbalists and there is a wedding happening (the sister of one of the Herbalists wants to get married at the Hall and have a Medieval themed wedding), as well as this there is a new shop in the town - and for the grand opening they are doing a rubber duck race down the river! It all seems to be joyous, until Jane Steward discovers one of the Medieval Herbalists dead in the river - but she didn't drown,
It is up to Jane and the Fins to find out what happened so that an innocent person doesn't get accused of poison.
It is up to Jane and the Fins to find out what happened so that an innocent person doesn't get accused of poison.
August 29, 2016
RECEIVED FREE THROUGH GOODREADS FIRST READS.
I love a good mystery and this is one!! Not my first foray to Storyton Hall, nor will it be my last!
Ellery Adams is a great author and i so look forward to more great mysteries!!
I love a good mystery and this is one!! Not my first foray to Storyton Hall, nor will it be my last!
Ellery Adams is a great author and i so look forward to more great mysteries!!
December 26, 2018
Templars really? The central mystery was fine and I still enjoy the setting, but the romance angle I’m finding wanting.
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