I’ve said it before and I’ll gladly say it again: Ellery Adams is the best in the business. Her world building and relationships are spectacular. If you’re a cozy mystery fan and you’re not reading Ellery Adams, go to the library, check out one of her books and read your heart out.

Once again Ellery Adams expands the cozy genre by weaving strong thriller threads into the fabric of her latest Book Retreat Mystery, Murder in the Locked Library.

Jane Steward has been named the Guardian of the secret library* of rare books hidden within Storyton Hall, the resort that Jane manages. Her twin sons, Fitz and Hem, spot the bones of a body while watching a construction crew prepare the site for a new addition to the resort. In addition to the bones, a “time-ravaged” book is found in a box by the bones. An anthropologist is called to help identify the gender, and possibly the identity, of the bones.

In the meantime, Storyton Hall is preparing for The Rare Books Convention and Jane suggests that maybe one of the experts attending can help identify the book which may provide clues to whose bones they found. The sheriff agrees, and Jane solicits the help of the Robert Harley Rare Book Society who meet with Jane privately to examine the book. The next day, Bart Baylor, president of the Robert Harley Rare Book Society, comes to Jane and requests a private meeting so they go to the first-floor library. Bart explains that the book is quite possibly a book entitled The Devil’s Recipes because the recipes were thought to be “hazardous to the public’s health.” He also adds that the ink on the pages is not washed away but instead hidden and can be restored by a simple chemical process. At that point Bart experiences an allergic reaction and his Epi-pen is administered. Unfortunately, Bart dies within minutes.

Now there are bones to identify, an active death to investigate and well devised red herrings to distract. Ms. Adams has crafted a multi-layered story that combines elements of a cozy mystery with those of a thriller. At the core is the richly drawn community that make cozies feel so comfortable while trying to solve the mystery. Throughout this adventure Ms. Adams pulls in interesting thriller threads like: the story behind the bones and book; or the backgrounds of the men who serve in various functions at Storyton Hall while insuring the security of the secret library; or the covert sect that Edwin, the Templar and man she loves, represents.

Her characters are convincing. Dialogue is realistic. The pacing is steady but easily pushes the reader through the story. Bottom line: Ms. Adams conceives intriguing plotlines, writes engaging stories and literally takes the reader on a suspense filled adventure.

*“A treasure trove of rare, invaluable, controversial, and potentially dangerous books…. collected since man first began recording the human narrative.” – Murder in the Locked Library

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.

I was happy to hear that this series was picked up by another publisher.
This series has an intriguing premise and the whodunit always keeps you on your toes.
I recommend you read the series in order.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams is a late April release but one I could not wait to get my hands on and review. I love this series. The Book Retreat series centers around a young mother, widow and guardian of a super secret book library. Her ancestral home has been turned into the most amazing retreat for booklovers. They hold teas, balls, conferences and give book lovers the opportunity of a lifetime. Right down to the ability to stay in literary themed rooms and libraries. This is one of the most exciting of the series I read. Main character Jane is a literary superhero of sorts raising the most adorable twin boys, living on the estate and working to carry on with day to day life, while protecting the most important books of all time. She is not alone, having trained guards called Fins that work with her and she is up against book thieves professional and amature. I found myself holding my breath several times in this book. Great mysteries with in mysteries, cozy for sure and a healthy dose of adventure. This is a spectacular read and one not to be missed.

Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams is the fourth book in the Book Retreat series and was worth waiting for (even if it did seem like forever).

I would love to spend a few days at Storyton Hall, Virginia with Jane, her family and the Fins. I could probably spend a month there and never get bored. Jane is one strong and dedicated woman who doesn't hesitate to act when her loved ones are in peril. The recent murder has Jane and the Fins looking at many of the attendees of the Rare Book Conference; but there is also an additional cold case that also must be resolved. The swiftly paced plot kept me turning the pages with so many twists and turns, two murders, a kidnapping and a missing Templar. All of these events led me along on one of the best adventures that I have had this year. Oh, and the ending, has me hanging by a thread for the next book. All of the characters have now been established; but there always seems to be more to learn about each one. I enjoy seeing the layers being peeled back as these new insights are revealed.

eview: MURDER IN THE LOCKED LIBRARY by Ellery Adams (Book Retreat Mysteries)

Discovering Ellery Adams' cozy mysteries has given me true delight. MURDER IN THE LOCKED LIBRARY is my first read in the Book Retreat Mysteries series, a love letter to books, reading, book clubs, and bibliophiles--so much that makes life worthwhile. Additionally, this novel is a riveting mystery, with history, deep emotions, friendships, family loyalty--and secret societies. And you can't beat that. Guardian Jane Steward is one admirable heroine, and the world is a better place for her {and for her author, Ellery Adams!}

Ellery Adams never disappoints, This is the first book I've read of this series. I love that it's centered around books and book lovers with multiple references to old and new books, complete with quotes, It's chocked full of magic, mystical events that keeps the story flowing well. Replete with interesting characters and murder with modern subthemes.
I'd love to check into Storyton Hall. I'd never leave.

Murder in the Locked Library is the fourth book in the Storyton Hall/Book Retreat series. Jane Steward, manager of Storyton Hall, is overseeing the groundbreaking of a new spa for the manor. When bones are found along with a rare book, the Guardian of the hall and her Fins are on the case. Who is he? What is the book? Luckily, some of the world's best rare book experts happen to be in residence, and are more than willing to help out. Unfortunately, as the mystery starts to unravel, murders present day begin. Jane and her loyal Fins are in a rush to figure out who is the kill;er, and what exactly the connection to the old body and book is. This was a very good story and kept me guessing all the way through. It wasn't quite as good as the previous books, and I didn't like how this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, considering how long it is between books. But overall, a good addition to a great series.

Murder in the Locked Library is great addition to this wonderful mystery series.

I love the small town of Storyton, Va but I love the idea of Storyton Hall more. A home filled with books and a guardian for the collection of books from the past. Every mystery within these walls are about the books and the keepers. Waiting for the next one to be written.
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Storyton, a place I always enjoy visiting, and the twins keep me entertained. Interesting combination of elements in the story that kept me wanting to know where it was going to end. Was not disappointed.

Although I've only read one other in this series, it was easy to fall into the Storyton world once more. Anyone who loves books would feel drawn to this place, where they honour and celebrate the written word and all it entails. It's hard to describe the love of books to someone who doesn't 'get' it, yes? Where you try to tell someone about the smell, or how you liked to run your hands down the spine of a hardback and feel the raised writing, or how you could have spent hours staring at a favorite illustration. Well, Ellery gets it, and this cozy series is made all the better for it.

I was a little confused as to where the mystery was headed, but we end up with a few victims and a confusing set of clues. I did have a suspect in mind, but no motive, and I was proven correct. The writing drags you to a place where you just want to know what happens next, and the next book promises the same.

This series is a must for cozy lovers and book lovers alike. Full of action and mystery, as well as books! Five stars!

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. In this book, Jane Steward is on the verge of realizing her biggest dream for Storyton Hall, adding a spa to the resort. New buildings on undeveloped land require new foundations. When the earth is disturbed in the area designated for the new spa, 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. When the guest is murdered, Jane and her loyal staff have to find out if and how the guest’s death was linked to the gruesome surprise at the spa.

I am a fan of Ellery Adams’ works and enjoy this series. This series combines the love of books, the gothicism of a crumbling family manse, the intrigue of spy thrillers, the comfort of family, and the support of a close-knit community into murder mysteries. I liked this book and appreciate how it set up an adventure to come.

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