Member Reviews
Return to Story took, a little piece of heaven for literature lovers. This story takes us to a wonderland of different children's storybook cottages. A fun mystery and a few gruesome murders. A town full of colorful characters. I recommend reading the whole series in order to understand what is going on in storybook |
Marcia S, Reviewer
An entertaining and well written cozy mystery. My first book in this series but will be going back to read others. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review. |
I'm always happy to return to Storyton Hall, and every time I read a book in this series I wish that it was a real place where I could take a vacation! This book felt a bit darker than some of the others in the series, but the mystery was well crafted and I always enjoy the characters. |
Ellery Adams is the benchmark in cosy mystery there is no other writer that so succinctly and impressively builds a world that I actually want to live in. And not just once. Every series that I have begun by Ellery is a demarcation in my reality and new one that I want to visit again and again. Across each and every one of her series she creates characters that are resonant and attractive to the heart, she creates environments that are rich in detail and decadence and she masters the arc and emotion required for a mystery story. I haven’t read the other five book in this series yet but upon finishing the first chapter; I ordered them all, in paperback for my collection. I was introduced to cozy mysteries with a recommendation to read Ellery Adams and can confidently say that she is the best writer in this genre. A brilliant story, a brilliant series and an absolutely brilliant author. |
Robyn K, Reviewer
I love this series, and this book was my favorite so far. I love the characters, how they support each other, and will drop everything if needed to be there in a jiffy. Jane is a woman who does it all, has a heart of gold, protects her loved ones to the end, and is no nonsense and fierce. This book kept me engaged all the way through, and I couldn't put it down. I love the surprise at the end, and can't wait for the next book! |
If I could simply use one word for how I feel about this series of books, it would be "Wow"! I have always enjoyed this series, and this latest offering was above and beyond my expectations. This book grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. The characters and setting are written vividly and are intriguing. The whodunit and suspects kept me enthralled and guessing! I strongly suggest you read this series in order, to fully appreciate it. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. |
Ashley T, Reviewer
This was a good book! I really enjoyed this entry into the series. This book takes place in the idyllic village of Storyton, I love the characters and the mystery was great! I would recommend this book, but I would start at the beginning of the series to get the full enjoyment of the series. Great mystery, great characters and such a fun read! |
Savanna C, Reviewer
Ellery Adams brings readers back to the book haven life of Storyton Hall and its manager, Jane Steward. This time around guests will experience to whirlwind excitement of Valentine's day celebrations including a newly minted Fairy Tale Forest for families. Adams brings the scenic moments of Storyton to life as Jane and the reader stumble upon another murder. As Jane solves the murder mystery her life is surrounded with books, romance, and whimsical events. The Book Retreat series is a great read for anyone looking for amatuer sleuths that love books and work with secret societies. |
This book is going to bring out your inner child. You're going to want to twirl between chocolate trees, follow a peppermint path to an enchanted village, where some of your favorite childhood books come to life. Storyton Hall is a place like no other, filled with books, book and crannies, and people who will want to share their love of books with you. Jane Steward is a single mom of twin boys, living her life in Storyton Hall, after the death of her husband. Jane's aunt and uncle share the magical place with her, the boys, and a staff full of wonderful people, who have become family to them all. During what is supposed to be a grand event sponsored by Peppermint Press, one of the top publishers for children's books, a tragedy takes place, and it seems the murderer isn't quite finished. This book brought back great memories of my own favorite books, and I enjoyed catching up with some of my favorite friends. To read a book by the talented Ellery Adams, is to discover a new world where anything is possible. |
This is the 6th book in the series Book Retreat Mysteries...and it didn't disappoint. We have a Rip Van Winkle in a new addition to Storyton Hall... We find Jane in the middle of another convention...this time it's children's authors... The Rip Van Winkle is found with a very expensive edition of Grim's Fairy Tales...who is she? As Jane and the Fins (her security team who also help run Storyton) try to solve the mystery They find themselves looking at all of the guests...especially the authors and publishing people.. I really enjoy reading Ellery Adams books....they grab you from the start and keep you reading until the mystery is solved. Highly recommend this series; Great characters; and who wouldn't love to run Storyton Hall, a book retreat... |
I love this series. Every one is a delicious adventure in a charming town and a wonderful resort. The characters are lovable and believable. They have grown on me with each new title. The events put on at Storyton Hall are always so elaborate and imaginative. With the descriptions of the specialty foods made for each occasion, I would love to have pictures to refer to or recipes. This mystery involved a Fairy Tale Killer. The plot was clever and hard to figure out. It kept me guessing until the end. I loved the hint at the end of the book about a surprise to be found in the next book. Now, I can hardly wait! I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. |
Cynthia F, Reviewer
First, this was the perfect book for this crazy time with the Corona virus. It's a cozy mystery, which is exactly what I needed. I hadn't read this series before but I am going back to read the older books in the series now. I wish Storyton was a real place because I'd spend all my vacation time there! I thought I knew who did it and was partly correct but loved the twist at the end. I received this book as a ARC from NetGalley but the opinions are my own. |
carol b, Reviewer
First of all I'm a big fan of Ellery Adams and this series and this book doesn't disappoint. The book is well written and the characters are completely enjoyable. I love how everyone is involved in solving the mystery. I'd love to live at Storyton! |
Pam W, Librarian
I got this as an ARC from Netgalley and was thrilled as I am a BIG fan of Ellery Adams and have read many of her books including all the others in this series. This one did not disappoint. Storyton Hall, Virginia, is a top travel destination for book lovers and the perfect spot for literary events. 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 for Valentine's Day. 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. I don't want to give away much of the plot, but I was surprised and excited about the end of the book and can't wait to see it play out in the next book in the series! |
This is the 6th book in this series and I was looking forward to seeing where the author took the series after the way book 5 ended. I was not disappointed. This is an excellent cozy series and I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Adams' storytelling. Storyton Hall is a fabulous book-themed retreat. It is steeped in all things literary but it does have a bit of a dark underside. When we last left Jane and the Fins' she was taking steps to resolve her family's secret to reduce the danger at Storyton Hall and for her family. Unfortunately, this time around, Ms. Seward learns that murders can occur at Storyton Hall that has nothing to do with her family legacy. I was pulled into the story right from the start. I enjoy visiting with Jane, the Fins, the Cover Girls as well as Fin and Hem, Jane's two sons. The characters are mature and well-rounded, and keep me engaged and coming back for a glimpse into their lives. They continue to grow and develop and I find that I enjoy watching them progress in each new book. Jane's romance with Edwin is moving along nicely, but it does not distract from the story. This mystery was well done. It wove grizzly murders with fairy tales leaving Jane struggling to figure out the identity of the person who killed two women in here new Storybook Village. I like how Ms. Adams has written Jane in terms of her sleuthing. She is mature, thoughtful and always keeps safety in mind without doing anything hair-brained. Given that Storyton is hosting a retreat for children's book illustrators and authors as well as families for the opening of the new Storybook Villages, there are plenty of suspects, but the author is a bit stingy with the clues leaving the reader to really pay close attention in order to solve the mystery. Perhaps one of my favorite parts is the epilogue. If it holds true, readers of Ms. Adams series Books by the Bay may see a return of Olivia Limoges. This time using Storyton Hall as a writer's retreat while Michael competes in a cooking competition. I am really looking forward to the possibility of Jane and Olivia teaming up. I voluntarily read a digital advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own. |
I super totally want to live there!!! The whole secret library stuff isn’t my cup of tea, but I love that they’re slowly moving away from that. Also like the new direction with Edwin! As for the mystery, I had an inkling of the villain, but enjoyed the way they got there. |
cozy-mystery, romantic, library, small-town, small-business, bed-and-breakfast, fanciful, murder This story really gives the imagination a workout! Set in a family and book oriented Bed and Breakfast during a Children's Book retreat, there is lots of sleuthing as well as interesting book related things going on. The imagery is to die for (sorry), the dialog witty, the characters certainly are, and the plot is undeniably original. There are lots of things I think I missed because I hadn't read any others in the series, but I still loved it! I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Bibliophile is such a polite word, but I still prefer book addict. |
Carol D, Reviewer
This was a very captivating book set at Storyton Hall, Virginia, where they are hosting a conference for all people related to children’s books. There are editors, authors, illustrators and families with children. They have created a village for the families, complete with activities for all members of the families. Two women are found murdered, and they both have a storybook connection. The author has done an amazing job of weaving an intricate story that is hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are my own. |
Valerie J, Reviewer
I love the Storyton series, I feel like they keep getting better and better. I enjoyed this one very much. The writing is well paced and the characters are so relatable and enjoyable. I was very surprised by who the killers were in this book, I definitely didn't see it coming. It's a interesting and enjoyable story. I recommend reading it. #MurderintheStorybookCottage #NetGalley |
Mary M, Reviewer
This is the 6th edition in this series and after the last book I was uncertain how this would continue. Jane Steward is the manager and owner of Storyton Hall with her Aunt and Uncle and they are the guardians of rare and sometimes dangerous books. The family has been guarding for centuries and Jane is beginning to sell off and donate to museums some of their treasures to avoid the murders that have occurred over the years. As Jane and her staff and her friends are all gearing up for Valentine’s Day as well as a Children’s book conference there is another murder on the grounds. For the upcoming conference they have created a whole village for the children and families that will also be coming. As she shows her friends they discover the body of a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood who has an expensive Grimm’s Fairy Tale book in her basket and she has apparently eaten a “poisoned apple”. She is working with Sheriff Burns to identify the young lady and the Fins (protectors of the Guardian) are working to protect their guests and conference goers. Soon one of the conference attendees is missing and she is also found staged as the Snow Queen with a Han’s Christen Anderson book found in her room. Who would want to commit some acts of violence and what is the connection. Edwin has returned from one of his excursions and vows to help when the twins have been threatened. This is such an engaging and intricate mystery that as I am reading I wonder how did the author put this all together. Working with the local police, Jane and her Fins they of course figure it all out and I love that the book does not end there. They finish the rest of the story with what is going on in the rest of the character’s lives. Eloise is engaged and Jane is ready to open her family to Edwin. See lots of opportunities for the next is the series (London, Cooking competition..). Can’t wait for the next installment. This series is an automatic buy for me. Love this author. |








