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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I really enjoy this series. Each book is fun with a lot of books referenced.
Another good, entertaining mystery by Ellery Adams. This the fourth book I have by this author and I have enjoyed her story line in this series, the flow of the writing, and the individual characters she has developed. I look forward to more of this writer’s books.
This book contains all those things I love. Libraries, Book Clubs, Librarians, Mysteries and Secrets. Add to that learning those quotes and sayings. Such likeable and interesting characters. love this series and I am sure you will too.
I like this series. The premise is good. Reminds me some of Dan Brown’s books.
Love this series!
Live everything by this author
I really like all of these books. I missed Edwin in this one, but I get that that was to setup the next one.
Since this was the 4th in a series, I found it difficult to determine “who” the various characters were. I think it is written as a “Harry Potter-like” book. Maybe reading the first one would let me identify the characters better.
This book has more suspense and action. The characters are again richly developed and fun. I can’t wait to see where she goes with the next book. The main character keeps defining herself and her role as the books progress. Excellent read once again.
I think that there should be a disclaimer at the beginning of books that are going to have a particularly difficult murder/unpleasantness/nastiness etc so you are somewhat prepared when it happens. This book has that [I will not give a spoiler, but people, especially those of us who are empaths and sensitive truly need a warning, even in books] and I feel that it is appropriate to note that here. I spent the first night of reading this upset and disturbed and in tears. I realize that these are just characters in books, but it was still a disturbing and upsetting scene and I would have liked a little warning.
That said, this is one of the better ones in the series. The only reason that I did not give it 4 stars was because this narrator drives me insane. I can barely stand listening to her. The voice that she does for the main character grates on my last nerve [that is already to its breaking point and completely frayed! LOL] and even when the MC is close to hysteria, you just do not get that feeling. It is read is almost the same placid voice. It is so bizarre. And then she is also really whiny when she reads. I don’t know, she just bugs me so much.
It also has a semi cliff hanger, which I also despise. Sigh. I am going to read the dumb book, you don’t have to set it up that way to get people to read ya know? Sigh.
Overall, this was a very good installment – lots of interesting talk about books and authors and the book world and excitement and murder [see above] and a reveal you will NEVER. SEE. COMING. That was the best part I believe.
The continuation of this series is interesting. In this volume, the conspiracy theories get more complicated and take a darker turn. The characters are still interesting and the many book references are great for bibliophiles.
This was a wonderful book – hard to put down once you start reading! Had me stumped until the end on who the killer truly was! Love this series and the characters!
The best so far in the series. A cliffhanger at the end, so I hope the next one comes out soon.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Storyton Hall is expanding and building a wonderful spa named in honor of Walt Whitman. Construction begins by digging the hole for the foundation. Jane Steward’s twins Fitzgerald and Hemingway are very excited to watch the big excavation. Imagine their surprise when a skull, bones and a very old book are uncovered. Storyton Hall just happens to be hosting the Rare Book Conference and those attending love a mystery as much as Jane so they offer up their assistance to find out as much as they can about the book. The police are calling in an anthropologist to help with the bones. Storyton Hall also has its own experts to investigate all the findings. But when one of the Hall’s guests suddenly dies in the Henry James Library just as he starts to share information about the book the police and staff of Storyton Hall realize they now have two murders to solve and they are probably connected.
I love this series so much. I am also thrilled that this series has found a new home at Kensington Books. These characters stories were far from over after the first three installments.
All my favorite characters are back. Jane Steward is the manager of Storyton Hall. It is a huge job and a privilege to be its caretaker, its guardian. She has twin sons, Hemi and Fitz, who are as curious as can be. Jane has her book club, the “Cover Girls” and they always have her back. The staff of the hall have a variety of jobs and some are quite surprising. If you are new to the series you will have to discover what I mean when you read the story.
The setting is magnificent, Ellery Adams has created an amazing place that all book lovers would enjoy. Secret stairways, secrets passages, secret rooms and most important of all a secret library. If I could I would pack my bags and move to Storyton Hall and probably never leave.
The author has crafted an amazing story with more than one mystery. An old murder, a new murder, an old book, all entangled together in the most delightful way. She keeps the pace brisk and throws in some dynamic twists. A cozy mystery with the perfect amount of action and suspense. She draws the reader in and holds us captive until the final page.
With the publisher change, the book has been written to give enough background for new readers to jump right in but this series is so fantastic I recommend you read the series in order. If you do decide to start with this one I guarantee you are going to want to read the first three.
This is definitely one of my favorite cozy series!
Ellery Adams writing is fantastic. I am always spellbound and have trouble laying down her books. I like the main characters being wealthy and humanitarian and human but moral. I’m a big fan of her writing.
MURDER IN THE LOCKED LIBRARY has everything going for it. A wonderful whimsical setting, well developed characters, a believable amateur sleuth, and a solidly crafted mystery make it one of my favorite reads of the year.
I am so glad that Kensington Publishers picked up this delightful series. It is one of the most interesting series in the cozy mystery genre. In this installment, we find young widow and mother Jane busy with plans to build a spa adjacent to her resort, Storyton Hall. However, work comes to a halt when a skeleton and a ratty book are unearthed. Jane and her stalwart guardians, the Fins, know their books, but this is quite the puzzle. When guests arrive for the Rare Book Convention, participant Bart Baylor knows about the book but is murdered before he can tell Jane. With an old and a new murder on their hands, Jane and the Fins put on their investigative hats and get to work as it all leads down a dangerous path that threatens their protected secret lives and could change Jane’s life forever.
I love, love, love this series. In fact, I have never read a book by Ellery Adams that I did not enjoy. Adam’s writing is top notch. She is quite the storyteller, quickly drawing me into the tale. Its pace is quick, and there is plenty of action compelling me to keep reading well past my bedtime. I enjoyed figuring out both the old and new murders and was so pleased when they became intertwined. The dangerous climax, the killer’s identity, and the tease of things to come in future books all left me on the edge of my seat. I so want to take a vacation to Storyton Hall.
I highly recommend MURDER IN THE LOCKED LIBRARY to any cozy reader, to any mystery reader looking for an expertly penned yarn.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Another book set in Storyton and a place I’d love to live. Well, and eat, and sleep, and read; all the true necessities of life. Surrounded by books and book conversations and more books as well as good guys (the Fins) who are like the Knights in Shining Armor. The Fins are always there watching over the dear twins, Fitz and Hem. Somehow I just bet you readers can figure out who they are named after.
This book, well this whole series is like an enigma. Not something difficult to understand but puzzling and secret; almost like a King Arthur and Excalibur story and a cozy mixed together. It’s a mixture of this scene of a beautiful castle with gorgeous gardens and a sleepy little town with cute and funny friends. There are references to books many of us have read in our lives and of books most of us would give almost anything to get just one look at.
Do I seem like I’m being a cheerleader? While it isn’t my natural personality it is what I’m doing for this book. I suppose the previous paragraph gives you an idea of just how well I think Adams has described both the scenes and settings of this series and he has done just as well with his characters. There are some wonderful people you would love and there are those you would hate as in any mystery. He is so good at characters and description that there is a cook I would give anything to meet and to be able to eat at her table. And his library scenes; I can just see myself curled up in a chair with a book on my lap, surrounded by more books. See, it’s so life like I forgot it was fiction again already.
This particular book is not numbered in this series titled “Book Retreat Mystery” but by my count it is number 4. I have enjoyed all of Ellery Adam’s series but this one just seems to be one of those stories you want to be able to live in. Hurry up and write another Ellery.
**This book was provided to me free of charge for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Finally! I was so excited when I found out the series was continuing, and this book definitely did not disappoint!
The imagery painted throughout the book is just amazing. Whether it’s food, a book or scenery, it just comes across so beautifully. I love Ellery’s ability to not just write the story, but to paint it with emotions! As always, I loved all of the bookish quotes throughout the book.
I never like when book snippets do not tell you who dies, cause then I end up thinking “Is it him? No her. Just please don’t be that person!” Sadly, in this story, it was “that” person that I had grown a fondness for. (Listen, the snippet didn’t give it away and neither will I!)
I loved that we get to see more involvement of the secret library in this book. The villain was a total shock to me until Jane announced it. (I love mysteries that suprise me, don’t you?)
I can’t say enough about each of the Fins relationships with Jane and the twins. I also adored seeing Sinclair with a crush and I wonder if she will make an appearance in a future book.
The worse thing about being able to read an advanced copy, is having to wait twice as long for the next book in the series.
Storyton Hall is simultaneously hosting a Rare Book Conference and breaking ground on luxurious spa addition to the resort. While digging ground the crew unearths a skeleton that was buried with a book. In hopes of finding a clue to why the skeleton and the book were buried on the property Jane and the Fin’s enlist the help of some of the Rare Book guest. While viewing the book one of the guests suddenly dies. Are the two mysteries related somehow?
I loved, loved loved this book. Author Ellery Adams is a gifted storyteller. This is only my 2nd book in the series, although this is the 4th book, and is fast becoming one of my favorite series. The book grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. Both mysteries (one from the past and one from the present) are full of twist and turns until the big reveal. Usually, I have an idea of who the murder is and why they committed the murder but I was completely surprised at who the killer was and why. Jane, her twin sons, family, friends, and the Fins are well-developed and complex characters that are very enjoyable to read about. Almost like reading about your friends and family. I also really love this setting. Storyton Hall would be my idea of a great vacation spot, well maybe minus the murders unless it’s a murder mystery weekend.
I would definitely recommend this book to all mystery lovers. I received this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have no way been influenced.
This is a magical series set in an amazing place that I love, and people that are just wonderful. An old book and old secrets are dug up, and all heck breaks loose. If you love books and mysteries, you must read this series.