Jane and her twin sons are back. This is book 4 in the Book Retreat series. The work has begun on the spa with the hopes it will attract even more guests to the estate. When they uncover a dead body during the excavation things start turning nasty. In a mystery dating back to the Templars the gang goes into investigation mode to find a kidnapper and a murderer. I would probably recommend reading the series in order. I love Ellery Adams and especially enjoy this book oriented series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have enjoyed all the Book Retreat mysteries set at Storyton Hall. The concept is so appealing - the main character, Jane Steward, is the hereditary Guardian of a fabulous library of rare, one-of-a-kind books that can only be reached through a secret stairway. They are also guarded by a group called the Fins who protect not only the books but Jane and her family.

Jane runs Storyton Hall as a resort for book lovers, and in this installment, the Rare Book Lovers conference has come to stay. At the same time, one of the Fins discovers an old dead body that was buried with a book. Jane hopes that some of the Rare Book Lovers might be able to help her identify the mystery book with no written pages, and all is well until one of the Lovers turns up dead.

Jane needs to solve the murder to protect Storyton Hall and her own family and needs the help of the Fins and the Rare Book Lovers to do it.

The plot was well thought out and interesting, and the writing was, as always, concise and easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing Company and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This series keeps getting better and better. How great would it be to go on one of these retreats? Well…except the murdering part. I also enjoyed Edwin’s twist (so to speak) at the end. Don’t worry…I won’t spoil it for you!

Thanks again to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.

I did not enjoy this book. I like a good cozy but this book was all over the place with secret libraries, knights Templar and just a ton of characters that are barely flesged out

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!

A strong instalment in one of my favourite cozy mystery series! Murder in the Locked Library balances quaint small town charm, delightful characters, strong family connections, and just a touch of romance against what, for a cozy mystery, was a very intense and dramatic climax. Oh how I wish that Storyton Hall was a real place; my next vacation location would be a no brainer. Can't wait for the next instalment!

An excellent mystery. There were lots of characters, but all were well written. I have not read others in this series, and that would have been helpful to understand the role of the Guardian and the Fins. I am rushing out to get the first three titles in the series.

I thought the summery was interesting, I mean this is a book about book lovers and a place where books are the main thing, a library and a secret library and a Murder mystery, perfect right?

When I started reading I was a bit confused, I mean the names of the places and the characters, and although we were introduced to the characters and places I still felt something was missing. I thought all the characters were cartoonish!

But I did get into the story once things picked up and there were some very interesting book related information.

Before I reached half the book I realized that this is book four of a series, and suddenly things cleared up and I knew why everything and everyone were referred to as familiar but were not.

I would have loved to have started from book one, but I did enjoy the mystery.

This review is for a free copy courtesy of Netgalley.

Jane Steward of Storyton Hall is finally seeing one of the items that has been on her "wish list" get underway. The Walt Whitman Spa has finally broken ground, however, there is a complication - bones have been found in the ground and so construction is halted while an investigation is put in place. Archaeologists come to the "dig" and must determine if this is an old death or something that the police should look into.

In the meantime the retreat is hosting the Robert Harley Rare Book Society led by a man with severe superstitions but Jane has managed to keep him on an even keel, however, the construction issues throw a damper all around, things only get worse. Somehow the society leader is murdered in the locked library while Jane is sitting right next to him.

Fascinating writing, great mystery and wonderful how it all comes together in the end! Can't wait for the next one!

Adams ties what seems like a personal murder into the larger world of her novels, making for a suspenseful mystery that puts everyone in danger. Adams does an excellent job mixing mystery and romance with trivia about books. A great series!

While this was an enjoyable book, it isn't something I'd automatically recommend. I chose to read this book because I love cozy mysteries set in libraries or book clubs. I also particularly enjoy books set in a state I have lived in. As this was set in Virginia, I thought it would be interesting to imagine the setting.

The characters were interesting and fairly well developed. The plot was interesting if sort of fantastical and hard to believe - but, hey, this is fiction, right? Anything can happen. It was harder for me to imagine the setting of the story than other novels set in Virginia.

But my big problem was that as the fourth book in this series, the author did EXACTLY the opposite of what many authors of serials do. She tried to make this a stand-alone but failed in that there was not enough information which I hope was given in previous books.

There are references to the Fins. And she is a Guardian. There is a magnificent hidden library which sounds like it might have rivaled the Library of Congress or the ancient library of Alexandria. But the word "Fin" is never defined. Who are these people and why are they called that? It seems that they are connected to this hereditary family who preserves books. How did the family get this job to protect books and where did the books come from originally. How did the Fins get there jobs if the whole thing is so secret? Why do they sell books from the secret library to raise funds and what are those monies used for other than a resort for bibliophiles to gather? The author needn't have gone into great detail, but it would have helped to have at least the term "Fin" defined and a cursory nod given to the other questions. Maybe if I'd read the first three books, I'd know the answer to those questions.

While I hate it when an author completely rehashes a previous book (I feel that's an attempt to get the proper number of words in a manuscript when the author is facing some sort of writer's block), it is important to define certain things in subsequent books for those who haven't read the previous ones. Had the author done that, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book as a stand-alone.

Often when I read a book from a series out of order, it make me want to read all that came before. Sadly, in this case, I am just not sure I want to invest my time when I have no guarantees that the author ever addresses those problems. While I enjoyed the style of writing and will be on the look out for more by Ellery Adams, I doubt I will rush to read anymore Book Retreat Mysteries.

Jane Steward is the owner of Storyton Hall, and guardian of its secrets. The Hall is a retreat for the bookish crowd...professors, book collectors, experts and those who love to read. To make the experience even more sublime for guests, construction is starting on a spa. Guests will be pampered and spoiled. Plans come to a halt suddenly, however, when old bones are found by the construction crew excavating the new building site. And with the old bones is a small box containing a very damaged old book. The book is so damaged it's impossible to tell what it once was. Luckily a group of rare book experts are coming to Storyton Hall for a conference. Jane plans to show them the ruined book and ask if they can ascertain what title it was and why someone might have been buried on the grounds with it. When a guest at the conference drops dead just after revealing facts about the book, Jane realizes there might be more to the story than just a century old murder and a damaged book.

This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series that I have read. Murder in the Locked Library is the 4th book in the series. It wasn't necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy the story, but I would have understood the characters and the back story of Storyton Hall a bit better if I had read the earlier books first. The background story of the Hall is so creative and intriguing. I have definitely moved the series up on my tbr list to start reading ASAP. This book has a bit of the Indiana Jones/Librarians sort of feel to it (cozy mystery style, of course).

I liked Jane Steward as a main character. Her twin sons add some shenannigans and the other supporting characters are quirky and interesting in a way befitting the background theme. I think when I go back and start reading from the start of the series I will understand her and the other characters a bit better. I like the idea of Jane being guardian of the Hall and its secret book collection. It's a very unique premise for a cozy series. I liked the front cover art for this book. I could definitely sink into one of those chairs and relax with a book!

The story unfolded at a good pace with lots of suspects and interesting clues. The story definitely kept my interest the entire time! I am definitely backtracking to read the entire series, and am anxiously waiting new books in the series! I'm really never disappointed by any book by Ellery Adams. Her mystery novels are always great! Adams also writes the Books by the Bay and the Charmed Pie Shoppe series, plus The Secret Book & Scone Society.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Jane Steward is the proprietor of Storyton Hall, an idyllic Virginia resort for booklovers and related events and conferences. But her secret life is as guardian (with some highly skilled loyal retainers) of a fabled collection of unbelievably rare books.

I have read all the books in this series and without this background, I think it might be hard to follow this most current mystery. A conference attendee is killed at one of Jane's events, and almost simultaneously, an old old skeleton is discovered as well -- another murder victim. A moldering book is found in the skeleton's hands -- an indecipherable clue.

Jane is a pleasant character but sometimes it feels as though these books can't decide whether they are cozies or superhero comic books for adults. The backstory dealing with the secret collection comes across as unbelievably over the top.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 4 in the series. Not the best place to start if you are new to the series.

I love the idea of this series, the book retreat concept is lovely, and I like Jane and her boys. However, this one left me kind of bored until about halfway through, and then rather annoyed at the end. I was not a fan of the additional plot/cliffhanger thrown in about Jane's lover, Edwin. I hate cliffhangers, they feel like a cheap way to ensure that someone reads the next book. Also, I'm kind of feeling that the plots are starting to become more convoluted and cloak and dagger-ish.

I will continue to read, because I love the setting, Jane, the twins and the Fins. It almost feel like they're family. I just hope the Edwin storyline doesn't get drawn out over multiple books.

I think I am reading every series that Ellery Adams writes so when I saw this latest installment in the Book Retreat series available, I jumped at the chance to read it. This installment has Jane, the Guardian of Storyton Hall and it's secret book collection, is hosting a gathering of rare book lovers and dealers. She always describes her characters so that you can picture them easily in your mind. I love her descriptions of The Fins, the staff and of course her twins. Now, I need to go back and read the one before this one as I realized I had not read it yet!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Storyton is a unique place. It seems to have elements of fantasy, adventure and a lot of moving parts. Jane is the Guardian, the keeper of books that need protecting. She, her twin sons and an elderly aunt and uncle live in and run Storyton Hall. Surrounded by loyal friends and assistants, she keeps vigil in her idyllic estate with only a handful of people knowing her true identity. It may sound a bit “out there” and it does run the risk of going too far but manages to pull back in time.
During excavations for a new spa on the premises, a body and the remains of a book are discovered buried on the site. Once the identity of the victim is known and the book is identified too, the fun really starts. A guest at the hall is poisoned and there are lots of suspects. Who should Jane trust?
There are lots of clues throughout but the actual perp is a surprise when revealed. There is some good suspense and excitement in the chase to catch the bad guy. I have to admit I was on the edge of my seat.
I am just not sure if Guardians and Templars and others of similar ilk are my taste. Still, I will give it four purrs and one paw up

I have been on pins and needles waiting for this next in series. This is a definitive cozy mystery series and one of the best mystery series I have ever read. The author has a masterful writing style that provides the reader with wonderful imagery of location,. characters and sleuth. Its a delightful read from page one that enthralled this reader to the last page. This is a book you read from cover to cover and cannot part with until it ends.

I received a free copy of Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams in exchange for an honest review.

This is number four in the Book Retreat Mystery series. I highly recommend the entire series.
Jane Steward is on the verge of adding a spa to the Storyton Hall Inn and resort when Jane’s twin sons discover human remains and other artifacts, which include a rare book. Jane enlists the assistance of a resort guest who is an expert in repairing tomes to look at the rare book. When the guest is murdered, Jane and her staff have to find out if and how the guest’s death was linked to the discovery at the spa. Jane is hosting a rare book conference at the same time and she has her Inn to run during the conference while investigating.

Ellery Adams has brought Storyton Hall to life for her readers. I can smell the old books, hear the rare book lectures and feel involved in the charm of the old resort. The intrigue of rare books is a theme in this book throughout with a well crafted thriller that kept this avid mystery reader guessing until the surprising conclusion. The smart brave protagonist and the love of family is endearing. This series includes wonderful quotes from books throughout to the thrill of every reader. The joy of seeing the dedication to her readers was so thoughtful. I recommend this series quite highly for your reading enjoyment and this book to those who enjoy cozy mysteries. I look forward to returning to Storyton Hall for the next in series.
Thank you with gratitude to the publisher and author .

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.

Oh, how I would love to get away to the peace and quiet of Storyton Hall and meet Jane, her colorful Aunt Octavia (and her cat) and have Mrs. Hubbard feed me. To spend time just reading in the appropriate reading room or wander outdoors......and run the risk of encountering a corpse or two. Poor Jane, this time it's an old buried corpse who pops up when the ground is being broken for her dream spa. They have to figure out how he got there, etc before the construction can begin. As if that wasn't enough, her twin sons were at the ground breaking and want to be involved with the investigations. Those things can happen with old estates, right? No need for the police or finger prints, etc. Not so fast, there is a fresh murder to deal with and that really makes Jane's life chaotic. She has to not only change all of the plans for the event centering on the Spa ground breaking but she also has a rare book conference booked into the hotel. Yes, with all that goes on in Jane's life (she is also a Guardian of a secret library - sigh) I would still love to become a part of her world.

A true page turner! The story well written perfectly and well plotted out. The characters were well developed and truly interesting which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.