The New York Times–bestselling cozy mystery series continues at a Virginia book-themed getaway where there are multiple murders to solve. With her twins, Fitzgerald and Hemingway, back in school, Jane Steward can finally focus on her work again—managing Storyton Hall, and breaking ground on the resort’s latest attraction: a luxurious, relaxing spa named in honor of Walt Whitman. But when the … Whitman. But when the earth is dug up to start laying the spa’s foundation, something else comes to the surface—a collection of unusual bones and the ragged remnants of a very old book. The attendees of the Rare Book Conference are eager to assist Jane with this unexpected historical mystery—until a visitor meets an untimely end in the Henry James Library. As the questions—and suspects—start stacking up, Jane will have to uncover a killer before more unhappy endings ensue . . .
“This group of intriguing characters and suspects will keep readers riveted until the last page. Ellery Adams has proven, yet again, that this series will go on for a long time to come.”—Suspense Magazine
“This enchanting blend of mystery and fantasy succeeds in feeling timely and grounded…Book and mystery lovers alike will rejoice in this extraordinarily unique, exuberantly fun series.”—Kings River Life
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With the boys back in school Jane is looking forward to the new addition being built at Storyton Hall, a spa. While the space where the spa will be built is being cleared Jane’s boys notice a skeleton and all work has to stop. How long has it been there and who could it be? A specialist is called in to figure out just that. When removing the bones a box is found and inside a book in not so great condition. Both Jane and Sinclair try but fail to figure out the identity of the book, luckily Storyton has a Rare Book Conference going on and Jane knows just the group that can help. Bart Baylor from the group recognizes something from the book and in the end figures out just what book it is. It’s a book with quite a history, and while telling that history to Jane and Sinclair, Bart seems to have a reaction to something and dies. What looks like an accidental death ends up being murder. Who would want to kill such a nice man? Does the book have something to do with his death? Jane must figure that out and more. Can she find the answers she needs before anything else bad happens? Adams delivers a very intricately weaved mystery filled with an inventive story line which always has me coming back for more. I can’t wait to see where the next book leads Jane and how she will take it on!
Murder In The Locked Library is the fourth book in the Book Retreat mystery series by Ellery Adams. It’s an amazing series, and I highly recommend it!
On this visit to Storyton Hall, Jane is hosting a rare book conference and things barely get going when someone finds human remains that have been unearthed during construction of the new spa that is being built.
I loved this book! Ellery Adams remarkable gift for storytelling and unique and wonderful characters made for an outstanding read , one that I didn’t want to end. I only just closed the cover on Murder In The Locked Library, and am anxiously wondering when the next one will be released.
Full of adventure and intrigue this book is sure to be a delight to all cozy fans!
I have read all of the books in this series and couldn’t wait for this book! I love Storyton Hall and wish that it was somewhere that I could go on vacation. In this new addition to the series they are breaking ground on the new Walt Whitman Spa and a rare book conference is going to be held at Storyton Hall. Both are major events, but of course it wouldn’t be a mystery without a body or in this case a skeleton being found on the grounds. This book was wonderful. The characters are wonderful, I love Jane and her boys, Hem and Fitz, as well as the staff at Storyton Hall, especially Mrs. Hubbard. I love hearing about all the delicious food that Mrs. Hubbard is making for the afternoon tea, as well as all of the events for the convention. The mystery was intricate and there were many suspects. I was surprised by the ending which is always the sign of a great mystery! This book is a great addition to the series, but could also be read as a stand alone.
I would like to thank Ellery Adams for an ARC of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
Has become one of my favorite cozy authors. Love the characters and stories.
An exciting page turner from beginning to end, Murder in the Locked Library will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the magical world that can be found within the pages of a good book.
There is so much I adore about this series. The magical and wonderful world of Storyton Hall makes you wish it was a real place that one could go and relax for a weekend of books and great food. I think my favorite thing about this book is the protagonist, Jane. Jane is inspiring as she balances life as a mother, business owner, and Guardian of Storyton Hall. Jane is strong in spite of her fears and insecurities and that is refreshing.
If I can recommend one cozy mystery author, Ellery Adams is always at the top of my list. Her books have such emotion and depth to them that I always leave their pages feeling more refreshed than when I went in.
Storyton Hall is in full swing preparing to host a rare book lovers conference and break ground on Walt Whitman Spa. Only one day into digging on the spa grounds, a skeleton is discovered buried beneath the earth. As they are working to solve this historical mystery, a guest is tragically murdered. Can Jane uncover the mystery and work to restore order to her beloved Storyton Hall?
https://cozyexperience.com/murder-in-the-locked-library-bok-review/
No one is innocent”
Jane Steward, manager of Storyton Hall, where she lives with her family and “family of choice”, runs into a situation when a skelton is found while breaking ground on the new spa she is creating. And with that discovery, a mystery of epic proportions begins.
The Rare Books group is coming in for their yearly meeting and Jane hopes they can help figure out why an old, deteriorated book was buried with the body, and what its connection to Storyton Hall is. As the mystery broadens to include another murder, Jane’s way of life is wrapped in the clues that could solve the mystery, or become part of it.
This is my first visit to Storyton Hall, but it definitely will not be my last. Ms. Adams’ knowledge is what sparks your curiosity and her sense of humor and plot twists will keep you coming back. Highly recommended 5/5
Ground is breaking at Storyton Hall for the new spa, but during the digging a discovery is made. There are some old bones and an equally old book in the hole. The Rare Book Conference is being held at Storyton so Jane gets some help from a few of the attendees to identify the book. But when one of the attendees winds up dead, Jane and the Fins must find a killer.
I’m really enjoying this series and this book is a wonderful example of why. While I did come across a few errors in the paperback version I read (which may have been fixed in the eBook version), the book was well-written overall with well-rounded and engaging characters especially the main characters. The various relationships are also well-done. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept captivated throughout. I’m very eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit as well as the ability to truly appreciate all the nuances.
The concept for this mystery series is quite unique. I only wish I had started with the first book in the series. The author does her best to catch readers up, but I found myself at times with more questions than answers regarding references to characters and events from prior books in the series. Still, I found the book intriguing enough to keep reading.
Warning: if you’re a fan of locked-room mysteries, this is not one. The title is deceiving, but that didn’t bother me. The concept was fascinating enough and the writing good enough for me to keep reading.
This book was good, and so far others in this series have been, too. However, be wary of this author — the “by the Bay” series last book ends badly – at least the last book written so far sounds like the end of the line. Because of this, not sure if I should finish this series, either. I think cozy mysteries should always have satisfying endings. If you want to write mystery general fiction, don’t list them as cozies.
Really liked the first one. This one (again, I’m reading for escape from all the anxiety of the world) had more angst in it, but it was good. Really good. I’ve read 3 of this series so far and enjoyed each one. Can’t wait to see where the next few books take this interesting cast of characters.
Just so-so. The characters were bland with very few distinguishing features. The mystery was very interesting, but there was more focus on the setting than the characters or plot.
Great characters and setting! This series is on my radar to keep reading!
Love the setting and characters- lots of layers here, and after having read a few of the books in this series, I am looking forward to reading more, and more by the author. Believable characters and premise, good stories, enough mystery to keep you guessing, I highly recommend!
Although set in modern-day Virginia, the mystery has the feel of an English village cozy.
I quite enjoyed it.
Loved it! Read every thing I can find (or afford) from this author. Love the series!
Ellery Adams weaves interesting bits from the world of books into his stories and this one doesn’t fail to live up to the standard. A great mystery weaving old and new into the tale keeping you interested in every page. I’d love to explore the front and backways of Storyton Hall and meet its characters. This series would make a great TV series.
Love the world and characters. One of my favourite series to cozy up with.
Really solid mystery with a an unusual story line. Made me wish the author would set a book in the future where we get to see Fitz and Hem as men and how they deal with their Storyton duties.
The reason I don’t give this 5 stars is that I don’t really connect with Jane and the other characters. The camaraderie just doesn’t gel for me.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I thought there was too much about the parties and teas, etc. and not enough about the mystery itself. Would not recommend for mystery fans.
Very enjoyable read.