Mixed emotions about this book. I enjoyed it and hated it at the same time. I cannot put my finger on what is bugging me but there is something. Could be a reflection of the insanity of the times more than anything.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Review:

This is one of the most elegantly written cozy mystery that I’ve read, fascinating in every way! It is not a fast read, rather, one to be slowly savored. One comes away with an understanding of the Storyton residents, especially Jane Steward, the manager of Storyton Hall and Guardian of the secret library tucked away in her ancestral home. We enjoy those who work with and protect Jane and grounds, her friends, and her twin sons. There are excellent descriptions of the pertinent the Hall and grounds so that one can feel the same wonder as the guests, especially the children who come to special events. The mystery is complex; Jane has a huge challenge finding the real culprit(s) may be.

Storyton Hall sounds like an amazing destination for booklovers of all ages; it is a five-star bibliophile resort. Jane’s great uncle Aloysius and great aunt Octavia are now retired from the daily activities but are still on top of all that occurs. Jane has been in charge for a few years with the help of the Fins, a specially trained group of men who protect the family and the secret library as well as overseeing day-to-day security.

The Hall is preparing for a five-day children’s book conference. They will also welcome a family chosen to win a prize package of several days and activities at the Hall, and many more families with children anticipated for the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend.

They will be there in time for the opening of Storybook Village, a fairy tale world on the grounds that children will love. When their book club meeting is over, Jane takes the Cover Girls out to see the Village. Their awe turns to horror when entering one of the cottages to find a woman lying on the floor dressed like Little Red Riding Hood. She is clearly dead, but it is not obvious what she died of. They learn that she only has a basket from which a book has fallen, a costly edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. She was not a guest at the Hall. They later learn she had been murdered by anaphylactic shock; the murder “weapon” had been removed from the cottage.

A couple mornings later, a senior editor from a children’s publishing company was missing. Jane and the Fins conducted behind the scenes searches to no avail. The next day, one of the Fins found the woman, dressed as another storybook character, dead, but not from the snowstorm. Gloria was also murdered, but in a different, ghastly manner. In her room was a valuable copy of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Jane, the Fins, and the Sheriff feel the pressure to solve this quickly as the families with children are arriving.

The characters are three-dimensional; I loved catching up with them! I think those I enjoy most are Jane and her aunt and uncle, her best friend Eloise and all the Cover Girls – the women in the book club – and the Fins. Jane takes her responsibilities to her family and guests seriously and would go to almost any length to protect them. Eloise, her best friend, owns the bookstore in town and her knowledge of Storyton’s secrets is safe with her. The Cover Girls have been together for several years and are totally loyal to each other. If one is in need, the rest will help unless personal circumstances prevent it. Three of the Fins were around when Jane was growing up; they are family.

Storyton Hall sounds like the best place in the world to grow up, a wonderland of adventure and books. Aloysius and Octavia have been loving and very wise parents as well as managers of the Hall. I am very impressed with the author for designing such an incredible place, down to every detail! The mystery is as complex as Storyton Hall, with plot twists that would change the texture of searching for the real killer. I thought I had guessed who did the murders except for a couple points, including what the motive could possibly be. There were many surprises in the final chapters, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this novel!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I was scheduled to read and review this book on the release date of April 28, 2020, but unfortunately, my mama passed away three days prior and I was unable to do so. When I was able to read again Ellery Adams was able to bring a sense of comfort and love when needed. Her characters feel like friends every time you open up a book.

Even though a murder or two occurs in the book love shines through in many forms. We have the love of lovers during Valentine's Day, the love of our fellow man no matter the age, race or gender, and the love of books. I was reminded so much of my mama. She introduced to me at a very young age the love of books and reading. She continued to nurture that love up until her passing. Valentine's Day was a time for her to shower those she loved with cute cards and treats. Most importantly she taught me to love others by seeing what was inside and not on the outside.

The ending left me happy and eagerly anticipating the next book. I am not going to say anything more as I want you to be as surprised as I.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

This was the first book in this series that I have read, and I found it very easy to catch up as the story unfolded. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the setting in which the story takes place; it is one of those fictional places that you really wish did exist

Ellery Adams never fails to deliver and this is an excellent story, well plotted and engrossing.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Murder and fairy tales come together in this cozy mystery. A family Valentines event is marred by a murder of an unknown woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood. Jane and her staff must work to see if the murderer is a guest at the inn while entertaining families and children.

The epilogue hints at the next book in the series and I cannot wait to read it!

Storyton Hall is an estate that’s been turned into a resort. It’s hosting a children’s book publishing event and proprietress Jane Steward would like nothing better than to have it go off without a hitch. Unfortunately for her and 2 of her guests, murder comes calling. A woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood is found murdered and then another woman is murdered and staged to look like the Snow Queen. Who is committing and staging these Fairytale murders? Can Jane, her friends and staff, along with the sheriff, figure out the clues before someone else winds up dead?

I liked this book. It’s the newest entry to the “Book Retreat Mystery” series. I’ve never heard of the series before, but I saw the blurb for it on Netgalley and asked for an advanced ARC so I could check it out (for my review, of course!). Not having read any of the other books, there was enough backstory provided that I got the gist of what had gone on previous and was able to understand what had happened before this book.

I’ve been reading quite a few “cozy mysteries” as of late and I’m kind of getting burnt out on the pretentiousness of some of them. It seems like so many of them (to me) go over the top in letting you know that the characters have money, can do whatever they like, are gourmands, top of the line everything, etc. This book however, did not do that. It was so refreshing! Yes, Jane is living and working in her ancestral home, but there’s no brand names thrown about, no gourmet meals all the time, just her working to keep her family business going. She’s also the Guardian of a secret library. I’ll need to read the rest of the series and find out more about that. I wish this was an actual place. The way Storyton hall and the Village are described, it made me want to go there and visit myself. I love books and fairytales and a place that’s all about them? How cool is that?! I’d be in heaven.

If you like to read cozy mysteries, this book is worth taking a look at.

“Murder in the Storybook Cottage” by Ellery Adams the 6th instalment in the "Book Retreat Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and have been slowly buying the whole series.

I found myself enjoying the story, I love the premise of a town and hotel devoted to reading. The way it’s described I feel like I’m there with them. One of the things I love about this series is the characters you have Fins, Templar, but the whole town is like one big family. I want to be a Cover Girl and be part of their book club.

The mystery was interesting and well plotted, the idea of a fairy tale murder was good and I did not suspect the killer till Jane did.

My favorite quote from Murder in the Storybook Cottage was in the epilogue when Eloise answers Jane by opening her copy of “The Great Alone“ to a page marked by a sticky note and read, “‘Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I’ve got books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.’”

I liked the hint at the end of the book that two characters from one of Ms. Adams' other series are going to make an appearance at Storyton Hall maybe in the next book. I look forward to seeing how Olivia and Jane get along.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

A bit tame if I do say so, it's intriguing with mild excitement. Jane's sleuthing needs more to desire, she and her staff act like they are the ones in charge instead of the Sheriff and his deputies. A mild yet interesting cozy.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage is the sixth book in the Book Retreat series. Jane Steward is hosting a children's book conference at Storyton Hall when two murders are committed and a "Fairy Tale" killer is on the loose.

It is always a pleasure to read a book by Ellery Adams because her stories are so descriptive. When reading about Storyton,, I feel like I am visiting the Greenbrier, only with book themes. Ms. Adams really makes the scenery come alive - from the drinks served at the All Colors Cocktail Party to the costumes and decor at the Alice in Wonderland tea to the experiences of the Golden Bookmark Winners. As a reader, I can really imagine myself submerged into the Storyton community.

This book is a true nod to the Grimm's twisted fairy tales. The story keeps you on edge. I would never have guessed the resolution to the two murders. I like how Jane and the Fins work so well in conjunction with the Sheriff.

I can take or leave Jane's relationship with Edwin. I am not too invested in their relationship. I prefer Lachlan and Eloise and was delighted in how their relationship moved forward in this book.

My favorite part of the entire book was the hint that two characters from one of Ms. Adams' other series are going to make an appearance at Storyton sometime in the future. I look forward to having Olivia's world merge with Jane's world.

I received this book as an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

Can I please visit Storyton Hall? Because despite the number of murders happening there it sounds utterly delightful.
Another great instalment in one of my favourite cozy series. Pretty good whodunnit, amazing events happening at Storyton, delicious sounding food and drink, a pretty lovely romance, and characters I'm actually invested in. Perfect reading for these uncertain times.

What could be more fun that a children's book conference at Storybrook Hall!!! Jane and the Covergirls, her book club friends, are so excited to meet their favorite authors and book artists as well as to see all the delighted children, but something sinister is lurking around the grounds of the hall. Someone is killing seemingly random women with old fairy tale themes. Jane and the Fins must work overtime to keep the children safe and catch a killer or two. Meanwhile, several of the Covergirls are also finding their relationships heating up! I love the multi-layered plots that not only entertain, but draw you in and help you feel connected to the characters. This author weaves characters that are very realistic and charming that you feel as if you are meeting up with old friends rather than stepping into a story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and oh how I wish Storybrook Hall was a real place so I could plan a vacation there!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I didn't realize this is part of a series. I can't wait to read the others in this series. I enjoyed this author as well. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams is an edifying cozy mystery that is so churning with personality I hardly know where to start. Jane, the heroine and amateur sleuth (although less amateur than many) operates a small resort, which is entirely book-themed. She loves on the grounds with her twin sons and lovingly brings the love of books to many. At the first mention of Guardians/Templars I was hooked, although the connection was not the brunt of the story. See and her friends have a book club, the Cover Girls, that comes together for far more than discussing books. They are the backbone of Jane's life, always available to assist, to support, and to babysit. Storyton is a wonderful little town that Adams has constructed as the setting for this wonderful series. Very much book-themed as well, which is why Storyton Hall has thrived.

Shortly the main business of the guardians will come to an end when the ancient volumes they hold in trust will be disbursed, but this is a secondary plot. The main plot, of course, is a murder, a planned murder, and a clever one at that. But where had this victim even come from? She was not a registered guest. Jane handled it all with aplomb and grace and not a sole knew what was happening until she saw fit to tell them. And the local police welcomed, no, sought, her assistance in solving the case. A refreshing change. I love this book. It was challenging and different. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of Murder at the Storybook Cottage from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #murderinthestorybookcottage

Princess Fuzzypants here: I enjoy this series with its combination of spies and Templar-like characters, a hotel and town devoted to books and reading and a secret library that has a guardian to protect it from the bad guys who want the treasures it holds. There is the family- Jane and her twins, Hem and Fitz, her mysterious beau, the Fins who protect Jane and the library and an assortment of other characters who are charming and slightly whimsical. It is always a joy to catch up with what it happening in their world.
They are hosting a Children’s book convention and a gathering of families to delight any young reader. It has been prepared to the final touches but the discovery of a body of a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood is just the beginning events that will throw a pall over the festivities. The second killing proves beyond a doubt that someone is seeking revenge and using book themes to exact it. Who would be so black hearted to do such things with children around? And then threaten Jane’s two boys?
There are red herrings galore amongst the candy and sweets. They hide the real villains and the motives so the reader is left guessing in a very effective way. But Jane and her friends are on the hunt and they will not stop until justice is served. Just the right touch of whimsy with mystery and a little bit of romance too.
Five purrs and two paws up.

This is the 6th book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. I've read them all and they get progressively better with each book. The characters are vibrant and every book seems likes visiting old friends. The story revolves around different book fairytales, and the book is a great afternoon read.


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

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

Book 5 in the series.

I enjoyed this one much more than the previous one. It's not nearly so over the top and out there, now that they're slowly supposed to be dismantling the collection. I still find the Edward storyline silly, but at least it's a bit minimized in this one.

All in all, I love the setting, the town, and the idea of the series, I'm just still a bit hesitant about the practice, haha.

Hoping this leads in to a bit more "normal" stories, instead of cozyish spy tales.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage is the sixth installment in Book Retreat Mystery series but can be read as a stand alone.
As with any series it is always better to start at the beginning if you are interested in character development, if you only read for the mystery reading in any order is absolutely fine.

I fell in love with Storyton Hall, its vastness, secret chambers and corridors, hidden rooms and passages. It is like a magic castle. Activities that feature in these series are so creative and inviting. I absolutely love their little village and I adore quirky and imaginative names for all the stores. This is the place that I wished really existed so that I could move there.

In this particular book, Jane is overseeing another conference and a scavenger hunt through the forest. So to say that the place is hopping with activity would be an understatement.
So the last thing Jane needs is another dead body. Which is exactly what happens, when a woman dressed as a Little Red Riding Hood is found dead with a valuable book in her basket. Soon another murder follow, another character with a valuable book.
As always it is up to Jane and her family and friends to help her catch the killer.

I love this series besides from everything else I mentioned, because the mysteries are so well presented, they are intelligent and the characters are believable and relatable. The main protagonist is a level headed mother of two who is almost always careful and very cautious and doesn't rush into dangerous and silly situations.
The trails are left clearly to everyone to follow yet culprit is not easy to figure out.
The stories have their own rhythm and pace and are easy to read.
Highly recommended.

I really wish this was a real place so that I could visit. My favorite thing about these mysteries is that they are not predictable. I can never guess the killer ahead of time but the explanation of who did it always makes perfect sense.