Someone resorts to murder and mayhem in the first mystery in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat series… Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of … Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.
But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…
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A very entertaining cozy mystery. It is more of a cozy mystery meets James Bond set in a wonderful hotel in the Virginia resort of Storyton Hall. This is a mystery for book lovers about book lovers who love adventure and mystery. I highly recommend this Book Retreat Mystery series and am anxiously awaiting more enjoyable stories to come.
This is an incredible cozy mystery!
I love the main characters in this book. They are extremely well developed and a pleasure to get to know. The variety is wonderful. The way that they interact with each other is fun and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the antics of Jane’s twin boys.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Storyton Hall itself. I would love to find a resort like it. It would be a delight to explore the different public rooms and libraries. Along with that I had a blast trying to see how many book, character, and author references there were in the naming of the actual places and characters in this fun book.
The mystery and how it was plotted was fantastic. I was completely drawn into it and caught up in trying to figure out “who-dun-it” once the murder had occurred. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I changed my mind a few times as to who the culprit was a few times.
One of Jane’s friends is very vocal about her preference for “steamy” romances. That description pushed my limits for a clean read a little. That was the only down side to this wonderful book for me. I just kept reminding myself that we can’t control our friends and their tastes either.
Another winner!
Great book, great series. Looking forward to more.
This is a great series
I am a HUGE fan of Ellery Adams – one of the best, consistent writers, Ellery creates unforgettable characters in lovely settings.
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read
I’m a huge fan of Ellery Adams’s book. This series adds an interesting twist to the cozy mystery genre.
I loved this book. It’s peopled with intelligent, interesting characters. The writer’s extensive knowledge of books and literature adds savor to this mystery. I appreciate the author’s literary references as I have read many of the quoted books, which for me, adds extra interest. Even if you haven’t read the quoted books, this story will keep you glued to the pages as they fly by.
Absolutely love all of her series!
The first book in a series. I love the setting which is a resort dedicated to readers. To improve the resort’s income, our heroine Jane decides to hold a mystery reader event. The many references to different mystery writers (some characters on real mystery author characters) is fun.
The world of this house and it’s unique rooms is incredible.
Storyton Hall, a getaway for book lovers, is tucked away in the hills of western Virginia. Jane Steward is the resort manager and she’s planned a Murder and Mayhem week in order to increase their bookings. However, she doesn’t expect real murder to happen.
I’ve read Ellery Adams’ Secret, Book, and Scone Society series and loved it so decided to give this series a try and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed this well-written book which is first in the Book Retreat series. I was drawn in from the start and didn’t want to put the book down. The characters are wonderful and the various relationships are well-done. The mystery will keep you on your toes. I’m really looking forward to the next book as Storyton Hall is a place that I would love to visit. I highly recommend this book.
It had very interesting characters and kept me guessing who the guilty party was until the end. Interesting twist with the main character that I haven’t seen before which adds to my enjoyment. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was great to read all of the books
Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book Retreat Mysteries, #1), my first read from author Ellery Adams, and it will not be my last. A well-written story from a very good author. I bought this book back in April of 2016 and am just now getting around to reading & reviewing it. Johanna Parker’s excellent narration adds to the book’s enjoyment. Oh, and then there’s the sub-plot. No spoilers from me. You need to buy and read the book then leave a review. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
Adams is my new favorite author. She is an excellent writer and the characters, dialogue and plots are so well done I find it’s easy to get lost in her books.
Jane Steward lives at the picturesque Storyton Hall, tucked in the rolling hills of Virginia. She is the manager of the family’s resort, an oasis for book lovers. In order to increase income for much needed repairs the resort hosts a Murder and Mayhem week, bringing together mystery fans from around the country. Events include a scavenger hunt, role-playing, and a festive ball.
Tragedy strikes when the winner of the scavenger hunt is found dead in his suite. His prize, a valuable book, is nowhere to be found. When the death is declared a murder, Jane is determined to find the killer who must be a guest. The costumed “detectives” that fill the resort make this feat nearly impossible.
This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries. I am very glad I picked it up. First of all, the setting is fabulous. As I read I could only wish Storyton Hall was a real resort in which to spend time away from home. The characters are wonderfully well-developed and interesting. I love the relationships that the main characters have with one another. The plot moves along at a steady pace and keeps the reader engaged.
I recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the series.
Depth in a cozy. My latest favorite author. I’ve read a dozen of Ellery Adams’ books this summer. They are not cookie cutter cozies. Murder in the Mystery Suite is the first in the Book Retreat series. Read them in order since the back story is as important as the individual mysteries.
Wish I could go Three and a Half. Not the best by Adams but the series gets better and as an author, I would generally recommend.