Storyton Hall, Virginia, is a top travel destination for book lovers and the perfect spot for literary events. But as a children’s book publisher hosts a gathering there, some folks aren’t going to live—happier ever after or otherwise . . . Jane Steward’s resort is hopping—not only is Peppermint Press’s conference in full swing, there are also lots of families staying on the premises, bringing … their kids to events like a scavenger hunt through the Fairy Tale Forest. Then a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood is found dead from a plot device straight out of a fairy tale—with a rare and valuable copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in her basket. Not long after, a second victim is killed, with yet another treasure—a volume by Hans Christian Andersen worth thousands of dollars—nearby. It looks like a big bad wolf may be lurking among the guests, and Jane can’t just wait for a handsome prince to come to the rescue . . . “Readers will find themselves wanting to live in Storyton, no matter how many people end up dead there.” —Suspense Magazine on Murder in the Locked Library Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
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Murder In The Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams is the 6th in the Book Retreat Mystery Series.
A Fairy Tale Forest for the delight of children and parents alike, a woman found dead dressed like Little Red Riding Hood with a rare and expensive copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and then another body is found nearby with another rare book found.
Another wonderful installment of this series that keeps you guessing who done it until the very end. I highly recommend to anyone that loves a good book that helps you escape into the story with the characters.
Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams is book six in The Book Retreat Mystery Series. I truly enjoy this series.
Jane is ready for the Children’s Book Conference to begin at Storyton Hall the next morning. There has even been a story book village for the children built on the property. While doing last minute checks, Jane finds a body in one of the new buildings and it resembles Red Riding Hood. No one knows her and is was not a registered guest. But the conference must go on and everything seems to be going along fine until a guest goes missing. When the body is found, with a different fairy tale reference, Jane knows she needs to find out who is behind these murders and why.
This cozy is well written with many plot twists that have you wondering until the end. You also have a magical sounding setting that has you wishing you were there. There is friendship, family, romance, some humor and maybe even an engagement……
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.
This is the first of this series that I have read. Storyton Hall is a large estate now hotel which harbors a secret library of valuable books and documents. It is also a high-class resort. Peppermint Press is hosting a children’s book conference and families have joined with their young children to take advantage of the activities. Just as guests are arriving Jane discovers a dead woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood with a copy of a valuable nursery rhyme book.
The book interweaves the mystery with the conference activities and the Valentine activities of her friends. I loved this book and will look for the earlier ones. Great setting, great characters, great story.
Every time I pick up a book by Ellery, it takes no effort to become immersed in the story and lose myself. Her books are perfectly written and the characters are developed at just the right speed.
This installment of the Book Retreat Mysteries is no different. Just like the others, the mystery was compelling and the literary references had me stacking up my to read pile as I was turning pages.
I love the storybook references that are made through the book and the events that are created for families to attend are amazing. The children’s authors and illustrators conference sounds amazing. I would have loved for this to be real. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Once again, Ellery Adams leads her readers into the world of Jane Steward and Storyton Hall in “The Murder in the Storybook Cottage.” The top travel destination in Virginia for book lovers and literary events is the place for a Family Valentine’s Celebration this year. True to Jane’s generous heart, a family who couldn’t afford the weekend wins the first Golden Bookmark award, allowing them to stay in the Fairy Tale Suite.
When Jane takes the members of her book club to Storybook Village, a new attraction at the resort that is close to opening, they are startled to find a young woman who bears a resemblance to Red Riding Hood dead. While Jane, her friends and crew are working hard to solve this mysterious stranger’s murder, a resort guest goes missing only to be found later, also dead. Her death reminiscent of Snow White. Jane will not rest until she brings the Fairy Tale Killer to justice, and there is a laundry list of suspects to be investigated.
Adams excels at not only providing another page-turning mystery, but also romance for more than one well-deserving couple. She helps readers see into the hearts of her characters and understand what drives them, both good and bad, and that is a perfect reason to delve into her books.
I loved the story line and setting. It makes you feel like you are really there The way the author describes the surroundings. I love the characters they all being something different to the story.
I recommend this book highly.
In the sixth book of the Book Retreat Mystery series, Murder in the Storybook Cottage, Ellery Adams reminds readers why fictional guests and real-life readers keep eagerly returning to Storyton Hall.
The manager, Jane Steward, creates more literary-themed activities and additions to the resort that would be any book lover’s dream to attend. I can only read about it and enjoy it through Jane’s eyes until the murders, of course. Then readers get to see Jane, the Fins, and the Cover Girls in action as they search for the Fairy Tale Killer.
Sometimes when one reads a series, they can get bored with it. The descriptions of the characters are usually the same from one book to another, the actions of the characters can become predictable or frustrating. For me, this has never been the case when reading any of Adams’ series, especially this one. Jane continues to grow in each installment as Adams moves the overall storyline forward. The events at Storyton are never stale nor is the spread of food at any of the gatherings in the books.
The characters and their dialogue and action feel realistic and sometimes relatable. I wish I had friends like the Cover Girls, co-workers like the Fins, and a place to visit like Storyton. Instead, I only get to spend a weekend there with each new book. That will have to be enough.
Peppermint Press, a top children’s publisher, is hosting a conference at Storyton Hall. Jane Steward is the manager there, keeping the incredible book themed resort running. But while she is giving her friends The Cover Girls a tour of their new offerings they find a woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood dead on the floor, with a rare and valuable copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in her basket. Not long after, a second victim is killed, with yet another treasure–a volume by Hans Christian Andersen worth thousands of dollars–nearby.
It’s up to Jane and her friends to find the murderer and protect her guests.
When you’re stuck in quarantine with no where to go it’s a good thing to be a reader. And there is no place better for a reader to go than Storyton Hall.
This series grows with each book, and Murder in the Storybrook Cottage is the best that I’ve read so far. The complexity of the murder, and the wonderful sprinkling of clues is perfect. Ms. Adams tells a story that weaves its arms around the reader and holds them close until the last page.
One of the things I love about this series is the characters. They grow with each book, and become friends. I love to take journeys with them all, and can’t wait to see where they go next. The only bad part about this book is when it ends and you have to wait for the next book in the series. What that means, though, is you have the entire series to reread, and enjoy the tales all over again.
I read a digital copy of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Jane is preparing for a Valentine’s Day Weekend at Storyton Hall. When a young woman is found dead in the Children’s Storytown Village. The woman is not a guest and no one knows who she is. The next day the Peppermint Press Publishing Conference starts. Jane has her hands full between the conference and the upcoming weekend. Another body shows up and someone has threatened the twins. Looks like the Finns, Jane, Sheriff Evans and Edwin are on the case. The Cover Girls are always willing to help out, but can Valentine’s Day fulfill everyone’s dream?
Being a long time fan of Ellery Adams I may be a little bit partial to her tales but this new book in her A Book Retreat Mystery is my favorite in this series. It is a wonderful tale with mystery, fun, laughs, and tears. I can honestly say that I have a soft spot for cozy mysteries and this one will not leave you disappointed.
Jane is excited about the events that are being held at Storyton Hall. Peppermint Press is holding their conference there this year and quite a few families are also staying with them, there to enjoy a myriad of friendly activities. While checking on the village that she has had built for the event Jane discovers the body of a young woman. The scene before her looks like it is straight from a fairy tale bringing forth many questions. During a quick study of the area Jane notices a rare book in the basket next to the body and wonders where it fits into the young woman’s death. Later when a guest goes missing and is then found dead, posed in another fairy tale like scene Jane knows there has to be a connection. Another rare book is found and now all Jane has to do is figure out how it’s all related. Follow along as Jane garners help from her employees, friends, and even the sheriff to figure out which one of her guests is a killer and why they have gone to such extremes. This such a lovely series filled with grand characters, beautiful scenery, and a plot that will always keep you on your toes and guessing. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters to next!
What magical places Storyton Hall and Storybrook Cottages are. It was so much fun going to all the activities that were planned for the families that were visiting. I love Jane and her boys. What a great mother, friend and employer. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Cover Girls? I love these ladies also. Course, you know, not will be all happiness with murder in the title. The storyline is a good one and its fun with everyone working together to solve the puzzles. Great story with wonderful characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
This book was wonderful. I love children’s books – both words and illustrations. I have always enjoyed reading Grimm’s fairy tales and Hans Christian Anderson’s stories, and I love how the author intertwines the stories in the murder settings. I need to go back and read the first couple of books, but out of the ones I’ve read so far, this one is my favorite!
I have to admit to absolutely loving this series. The setting, a resort for bibliophiles, is a dream location for me. And, to have mystery, and intrigue mixed in makes for an enjoyable read. This new edition to the series is a home run right from the start. As the title implies, a murder takes place in a cottage that is to be a new children’s section of the resort. The owner of the resort, along with the help of the local police, her friends, and her staff, try to help find solve the murder; all the while trying to navigate a book publishing conference, and a family story themed event.
The thing I love most about this series is the characters, and how well they are written. Even the minor characters, and the one that are brief for the story, are very well rounded, and full of life. I feel as if I am having a reunion of good friends every time I delve into the author’s works.
If you have not read the others in this series, I would highly recommend that you do. Although you could read it as a stand alone, there are many nuances to the characters and their previous background that really needs to be read before you tackle this one. If you love this author’s other series, I highly suggest you give this one a try, as you will be delighted by this cozy. And, if you have read the others inThe Book Retreat series, run, do not walk to your nearest bookstore, or library and grab a copy. You will not be disappointed.
MURDER IN THE STORYBOOK COTTAGE, the sixth book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, is the epitome of the cozy mystery genre with its amazing literary themed setting, deftly drawn characters, and superior murder mystery.
I am a huge fan of all of Ellery Adams’s series, but the Book Retreat books just might be my favorite. Only she could weave murder, precious books, secret societies, and small town life together, and make it all seem perfectly plausible. Book five, MURDER IN THE READING ROOM, had a sense of finality to it, and I was not sure where the series would go from there. Have no fear, dear readers, because there is plenty of murder and mayhem to keep Jane and her loyal Fins busy and on their toes.
MURDER IN THE STORYBOOK COTTAGE finds Jane hosting a children’s book conference sponsored by Peppermint Press. While the resort is full of writers, illustrators, publishers, and families there to celebrate all things children’s literature, Jane and her book club friends find a stranger dead in one of the resort’s new Storybook Cottages. Her attire is reminiscent of Red Riding Hood, and a pricy rare copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales is found near her. Soon a conference attendee is also the victim of a grisly murder, posed in the snowy woods like another fairy tale character, and another expensive book of Hans Christian Anderson tales is found.
Adams sparingly doles out the clues and keeps readers guessing throughout the book. I felt immersed in this engaging story from the first page to the last and caught myself wanting to read, ignoring my other responsibilities. The characters, relationships, and motivations are captivating. I felt invested in what happened to everyone. The lighter moments, including touches of romance and interactions with friends, balance the darker elements to make a cohesive, satisfying cozy mystery. And, the epilogue made me literally jump with joy.
I cannot wait for the next book and hope there are many, many more adventures featuring Jane. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I received a free physical copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I’ve read every series by this amazing author, but the Book Retreat series is by far my favorite! I love that there is a map of Storyton, and I’m very appreciative that there’s a list of staff and local merchants.
This book surrounds a Fairy Tale retreat. I loved seeing some of my favorite childhood stories mentioned, as well as a few I’ve never heard of. (I love reading this series and adding new books to my collection.)
“Happily ever after isnt a single moment. It’s a million little ones. Like bubbles in a bottle of champagne.”
“She could bathe Muffet Cat. I’d pay to see that.”
I loved the storyline, characters and plot. This book was amazing and I now have a book hangover. Can’t wait for the story to continue.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love this series! The plots are superb, the writing is absolute, and th are you amazing. I just want to hop into this book and live at Storyton Hall forever. This is an interesting and easy to read book that I highly recommend. Enjoy!
Murder In The Storybook Cottage is the sixth book in the A Book Retreat Mystery series.
I have been reading Ms. Adams’ books from the beginning of writing career and consider her the best author in the cozy mystery genre. She skillfully writes a wonderful story focusing on human interest and writes about murders with the greatest finesse.
Jane Steward has had enough threats on her life and her family because of the family’s secret library has been selling off some of the items. Jane is putting the final touches on this weekend’s Family Valentine’s Celebration, it is being held in conjunction with the appearance of Peppermint Press, publisher of children’s books, and the opening of Storyton Halls Fairy Tales Forest. She has also selected one family as the Golden Bookmark winners. This family has experienced difficult times and would not be able to afford to stay at the Storyton, otherwise.
Jane is hosting her book club, the Cover Girls, and has planned a special surprise for them, a sleigh ride visit to the, yet unopened, Fairy Tale Forest. As they are touring the Fairy Forest they come across the body of a young female dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, with a very valuable book of fairy tales in her hands. The body has no identification and no one knows who she is. Jane gathers her Fins, employees of Storyton Hall and guardians of the family, and set off to identify who she is and why she was at Storyton. Before they can learn who the young lady was, a guest, Gloria Ramirez, has gone missing. Ms. Ramirez who currently works for Baxter Books, but had previously worked for Peppermint Press, has not been seen since her arrival. Soon, Mr. Lachlan, Head of Recreation, finds Ramirez in a field on Hall’s property. She is also found lying on her back and clutching a very valuable book of fairy tales. Jane hopes that she and the Fins will be able to find the killer before any more lives are lost.
Another well-written and plotted story from Ms. Adams. The book has a well-developed and believable cast of characters who I would love to call my friends. There were enough red-herrings in the book to keep me guessing until the end.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I’m looking forward to seeing what my favorite character from another series is doing with herself.
Ellery Adams has created a whole world that you enter when you open this book. The details in the setting are so real, it seems you can even smell and touch items in the scenes. Wouldn’t we all love to visit magical Storyton Hall? I appreciate the focus on books, book knowledge and book history, especially about fairy tales. It’s also great to see the intense loyalty in the characters. Ellery Adams is gifted with never-ending imagination.
I love Ms. Adams’ knack for bringing childlike wonder and grisly murders into one setting. Reading about Storyton Hall always feels like visiting with old friends, and Murder in the Storybook Cottage was no exception. This cozy mystery brings mystery, revenge, fairy tales, and romance together to weave a sweet, compelling story that I didn’t want to put down.
Murder in the Storybook Cottage is by far my favorite book in this series! Book Lovers are flocking to Storyton Hall which is the perfect place for book related events. Jane Stewart, who is in charge of the resort, is pleased with the turnout and all the wonderful events that are scheduled. Beside a conference going on there are all sorts of things planned for the families also staying there. But when a woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood is found dead in the Fairy Tale forest things take a dark turn. When another person is found dead under the same mysterious circumstances Jane wonders if a killer is among them. I love the characters. Ellery Adams gives such a detailed description of the characters, the resort, and the events that you can imagine yourself there. Add in a very well written mystery and this is a book that will have you glued to the pages! You won’t want to put it down. I highly recommend this book!