Book nine in the Book Retreat Series is just as good as the first! Ellery Adams has never lost a step with her series and for that, this book lover is eternally grateful! These cozies have found a place in my heart and a place on my bookshelves forever!

In this novel, Jane and Edwin finally have a chance for a romantic getaway. But death done followed them to the beach and this dead body is accompanied by something connecting them to Jane’s dear Storyton Hall.

Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars

Pro:
* The family at Storyton - love those characters and their relationships
* The romances
* The unique setting
* Unexpected plot pieces
* Writing about writers
* Main characters who do their jobs and read books
Con:
* Reveal is a bit artificial
* The end???? :_(

Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

I treasure each armchair visit to Storyton Hall as the author paints awe-filled vistas of the resort, its trails, recreation areas, and bodies of water. The characters are three-dimensional and memorable, including the shop owners in the village of Storyton. The mystery is complex, a challenge, with several possibilities and plot twists related to people looking for the secret room. The libraries and many, many books would be an unending source of wonder.

Storyton Hall has been a repository for very rare, valuable, or potentially harmful books and documents as overseen by Jane Steward’s ancestors for generations. With great responsibility came great risk of thieves and other miscreants coming purportedly for a special event but actually to locate and steal from the secret library. Criminals have never been above killing anyone getting in their way, causing trouble for centuries.

As planned, Jane and her fiancé, Edwin, went to Oyster Bay, North Carolina. It was the first time Jane had been away from her twelve-year-old twin sons for five days. At Storyton Hall, they have many people who love them, including the Fins, the group of four men who are the security of the Steward family, the resort, and the secret library. They are like family to Jane and her now-retired great aunt and uncle, Each Fin had specialized training and a position that allows them to blend in while keeping a close eye on everything.

The day before, the body of a man was found on the property. He had no ID, and was not recognized as a guest. While they are gone, the sheriff will handle the situation as it was thought the man was renting a nearby guest cabin.

Jane and Edwin stayed in the Book Lover’s Loft, a cottage with a wall of books, at an upscale inn. Their friend, Olivia, an author they met when she was a guest at Storyton, is a delightful older woman who has been eager to show them Oyster Bay. They were on the beach at her home when Jane found the body of one of the authors scheduled to sign their latest novels at Olivia’s bookstore that day. Two items, one on and one near the body, linked him to Storyton Hall.

Edwin was painfully injured in the water, requiring an overnight hospital stay. Jane was alone at the cottage when she heard a sound in the private garden. She found a young woman employed by the inn, dying. Jane administered CPR, but it was too late. The next day Edwin was released from the hospital. Butterworth, one of the Fins, arrived to help with the challenges. He and Olivia had been growing close in recent months; they made a fine couple.

Both the author and the young woman were killed by an overdose of the same unusual drug. The author’s fame had come from revealing tragedies in the lives of people in small towns, such as loved ones of Olivia and two other well-known authors. Just enough truth was written so that the person was recognized, and terrible lies that hurt their surviving loved ones were added. There were at least three people with motive to kill him, but only Olivia has no alibi. So far, there is nobody with a motive to kill the young woman.

The Oyster Bay police had someone in custody for the murders but it didn’t feel right. Edwin, Jane, and the Fins will continue looking into the murders from home. Jane had been keeping a tragedy in her life secret as she didn’t yet want her sons to know what happened to their father. She revealed it to only a few people during the investigation as they try to learn if the author’s next novel was focused on her family.

Storyton has well-defined, engaging characters, especially Jane, Edwin, and the Fins. This is a fabulous place to visit, with unique village shops, an incredible ambiance, and frequent festivals. I love the idea of the Pink-O-Ween festival they attended in Oyster Bay, as it was a fabulous way to raise funds for breast cancer research. I also loved the Halloween masquerade ball at Storyton Hall as the murderer and motives were revealed.

Plot twists were well-timed for maximum effect, building my suspense throughout. I enjoyed seeing the start of a new story for two former suspects. I was genuinely shocked and saddened to see who the bad guy was and why. I understood the motive when learning of the horror in the person’s background, and greatly appreciated Jane’s compassion. The grand finale of this episode was joyfully wonderful with much to look forward to next time! I highly recommend this excellent mystery and series!

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is another fabulous book by one of my favorites, Ellery Adams. I devoured this book in one day and loved every minute of it.

I love books that have a bookish theme and this one did not disappoint. I always feel like I can relate to Ellery’s characters. They are book lovers. They are problem solvers and investigators. They are all dealing with something in their lives - trauma, physical scars, chronic illness, mental health issues, etc. As an enneagram 5, introverted, autoimmune warrior bookworm, I feel seen.

The mystery in this book is intriguing and the pace of the investigation in the story flowed nicely. There are no slow periods that would cause the story to drag. There are tiny clues throughout to keep your interest and I was completely surprised by the ending.

I loved the seasonal progression of the story. As it went into Halloween/Fall, complete with a masquerade ball, I was there for it. Despite it being mid 90’s outside here in SC, I felt like I was transported to cooler weather surrounded by pumpkins, warm drinks and fall feasts. As it ended with Christmas (and snow!) I felt a smile appear on my face. As I prepare my kids for school in two weeks, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better book to close out my summer reading and prepare me for spooky season.

I have posted this review on Instagram

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Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5715334594

And Amazon

I love the magic of Storyton Hall in Ellery Adams' A Book Retreat Mystery series. Her latest, 'Murder in the Book Lover's Loft' in no way disappoints. Once again there is a murder that can be attributed to the secrets Storyton Hall maintains. I in no way want to ruin anyone's enjoyment of the story, so I will just say that I highly recommend it and the entire series. My only concern is that in some ways I felt there was a sense of closure, that perhaps this might be the end of the series. That was off-set by a little teaser by Uncle Aloysius that gives me hope, and I do hope there are many, many more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Oh my goodness, so many emotions all wrapped up in this book, which was to me the absolute best of them all. I’m not sure if the series is ending, but it easily could with this book, although I’ve not heard anything official. Everything awesome that readers have wanted came to happen. It was kinda cool how it started off in North Carolina with Olivia Limoges and giving a nod to that ended series, so if this series is really ending, it was pretty fitting that Olivia had a nice part in it. Although I think it’d be really awesome if Olivia and Captain Haviland stayed in Storyton and started a whole new chapter of mystery solving along with Jane and the Fins. And I’d love to know if Merry and Pippin ever benefit from having a well-trained standard poodle as their leader for a while!

There were some super funny moments in North Carolina when Butterworth showed up feeling like he was needed after everything that’d gone down. That Pink-o-Ween sounded so cool and his part in it was priceless! Uncle Aloysius was getting help with his dementia we learned about previously, and that little stinker had a pretty awesome scene in the book himself! A tissue alert for happy tears is recommended toward the end, and while I really hope there’ll be more books in the series, I’m happy with how this book ended.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

I have a sneaky suspicion that this just might be the last book in this series and that makes me very sad since it’s been one of my favourite cozy series for many years; I’m not ready to say goodbye!
All the staples that make Ellery Adams a go-to author for me were accounted for; many bookish delights, tasty treats, lovely characters, a charming small town, a sinister mystery, and of course, the Cover Girls.

<i>ARC Provided by NetGalley<i>

Another great book in the series. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery was fun and had me wondering who done it throughout the story. Such a fun read!

I have not had the best luck with cozies lately, even with series that I have loved for years, so I will admit going into this book with some trepidation. Thankfully, with the exception of the ending, this book exceeded my expectations and I feel funny for having doubt! :-)

Set in Oyster Bay [and can we just take a moment to talk about how awesome it is to be back there AND to have Olivia back in our lives? I loved her in the cooking challenge book and it was so awesome to see her again in this book - her decisions are some of the best parts of the ending] and then back at Storyton Hall, this book has many twists and turns and kept me guessing to the end [which is NOT what you expect and is much sadder than I had anticipated] - I didn't have a clue about the killer and I think you too will be surprised at what the reveal reveals. Jane is so very generous and has a way better heart than I do - that is ALL I will say. ;-)

There were quite a few revelations throughout this book and it was really lovely. My only complaint was the end - it all seemed rather rushed and since we have been following Edwin and Jane for so long, a little more of their romance would have been lovely. Rushed endings are not my favorites and it just seemed like there was too much crammed in at the last 20 minutes. It didn't change my rating [or overall feeling of the book], but it did make me a touch disgruntled. ;-)

I am not sure there will be another book as this one feels really final, but if there is, I will be there with bells on - this series has been one of my favorites from the beginning and I have loved watching all the great things that have happened to everyone in these books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a crossover series, and Ellery Adams never disappoints with her cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed the storyline and the pace was great - I never got bored.

When a visiting author is murdered, Edwin, Jane and Olivia join forces to find out why. Full of so many twists, this story kept me guessing. I thought the storyline of an author using others’ tragedies for his story fodder was really clever and made for a great read (and mystery). It was also fun learning more about Storyton Hall‘s history.

Can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is such a creative series. Storyton is such a unique setting. The literary references and the bookish themed mysteries make this a great series for book lovers. Jane and Edwin are getting away on a mini vacation for some rest and relaxation, but it wouldn’t be a mystery without those plans going somewhat awry. The story moves from Oyster Bay back to its culmination at Storyton Hall. The characters in this series are well developed and very engaging. The mystery is compelling and entertaining. I always look forward to the newest installment in this series and this one certainly didn’t disappoint!

Calling all cozy mystery bibliophiles! Here is a new one for you by Ellery Adams. In Murder in A Book Lover’s Loft, all Jane and Edwin wish to do is to have a nice relaxing vacation. They choose to stay in a harborside loft which has bookcases full of books that go from the floor to the ceiling (I would love to stay there)! Unfortunately, their trip ends up not being so relaxing. Edwin steps on a stingray and Jane finds a dead body!

While I enjoyed reading Murder in A Book Lover’s Loft, I did not enjoy it as much as some of her other books. Still, I would recommend reading the book.

I adore books about books, especially mysteries. I have been a fan of this series from book 1. The setting and cast of characters are so engaging that you feel like you are in Storyton.

The mysteries and stories in this installment are written beautifully. This was written with the perfect mixture of old and new cast. The stories in this novel truly touched my emotions.

I love the progression of relationships, both romantic and friendship. I feel as if this novel wrapped up the series well. I am not certain if this is the last book and I hope not, but it was a great ending.

I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put the book down until I found out who the killer was. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing, and I was surprised by the reveal at the end.

Overall, I enjoyed Murder in the Book Lover's Loft. It was a fun and cozy mystery with likable characters, a well-developed setting, and an engaging mystery. I would recommend it to other fans of cozy mysteries.

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is book #9 in the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams.

Jane and Edwin are off for a romantic getaway, but the vacation doesn’t go as planned.

I loved this book! Fans of the Books by the Bay series are in for a treat. The vacation starts off well, but finding a body changes things. I’ve read the whole series and seeing Hem and Fitz grow up and Jane and Edwin’s romance grow has been a pleasure. The mystery was interesting with plenty of twists to keep me guessing. This felt like it could be the end of the series, but I hope it isn’t!

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This series just keeps getting better and I am beyond thrilled that it has crossed over with the Books by The Bay series!!! I am beyond thrilled that Olivia and Captain Haviland are back for another visit and hopefully will be making many more appearances in future books since it appears she may have a connection with a long time Storyton Hall resident! Yes, I am full on bouncing in my chair like a toddler in joy at this possibility!!! I absolutely loved the Books by the Bay series and have fallen in love with all the characters in this series so to have a crossover of favorite characters brings me immense amounts of pleasure! Once again Jane is forced to investigate a murder especially when it looks like a friend is in danger of being blamed and it connects back to Storyton Hall in some weird way! If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on an amazing literature inspired cozy mystery series. Excellent characters, fantastic dialogue and interactions and a drool worthy setting that makes me so jealous that I can schedule my next vacation at Storyton Hall in real life! I can't wait for the next adventure for this crew of characters!

MURDER IN THE BOOK LOVER’S LOFT, the ninth installment in the wonderful Book Retreat Mystery series, just might be my favorite to date. With characters from both author Ellery Adams’s Book Retreat and Books by the Bay series and a compelling puzzle to solve, it is sure to please fans and new readers alike.

Jane and Edwin take a few days away from Storyton Hall to visit new friend Olivia in Oyster Bay, NC, but their plans quickly derail when Jane discovers a body on the beach and Edwin has a medical emergency. As the body count rises, it soon becomes clear that Jane is a target. With Olivia and the Fin’s help, they do all they can to catch the killer.

It is no secret that Ellery Adams is one of my most beloved authors. I have enjoyed all of her series so it is quite the treat to once again see characters from the discontinued Books by the Bay series and visit Oyster Bay. I love all of these recurring characters; reading is akin to getting to visit with old friends. Jane continues to be a favorite amateur sleuth. The mystery within these pages is challenging and interesting. I did not figure it all out until the exciting reveal. The ending ties everything together. I do hope there will be more books to come.

Highly Recommended!

MURDER IN THE BOOK LOVER’S LOFT can be read on its own, but I do suggest starting this series with book one, MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE. There is a major spoiler in Lover’s Lot for another book in the series.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

My favorite author has done it again…….created a world so believable that I long to be a part of it. The ending was so sweet and sentimental that it felt like the author was. concluding this series. I hope that is not the case.. Because I want to read further adventures of characters who range from children to great-aunts and great-uncles, whose friends become relatives, whose lives revolve around books, good food and beautiful settings. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Murderinthebooklover’sloft for advanced digital copy.

Jane and her fiancé Edwin leave Storyton for a week at the beach. However, their vacation quickly goes awry. A skull and a threatening message is in the cottage bathroom. The following day Edwin gets stung by sting rays and suffers an allergic reaction. And then the murders begin. Needless to say this isn’t the vacation they had in mind. Another great Book Retreat mystery.

Murder In The Booklover’s Loft is the ninth book in the Book Retreat Mysteries series by Ellery Adams.

The story begins with a body being found on Storyton Hall's property. The dead man is not a guest of Storyton Hall, so she will let the local sheriff and her staff handle the investigation as to who the man is. Jane and Edwin are ready to leave Oyster Bay, North Carolina, on vacation. They will stay with their friend Olivia and her standard Poodle, Captain Haviland, at Olivia’s beachfront home.

On the first day of vacation, they all head to the beach. What would be a beautiful first day of Jane and Edwin’s vacation will turn to horror. As Jane finds Justin St. James near a dune, a room key from Storyton Hall is near his body. She soon hears Edwin yelling for help. Edwin has stepped on a stingray and has several barbs on the bottom of his foot. After removing the barbs, he soon has an allergic reaction and must be hospitalized for a few days.

St. James, an author, is in Oyster Bay to join two other authors appearing at Olivia’s bookstore to discuss their books and book signing. St. James was not well-liked. For one thing, he believed that only men could write good books, and secondly, he would take true tragic stories and change just enough facts and names to keep from being sued. Olivia is one of those that St. James wrote about, and she let it be known that she most definitely didn’t like him and she will become a prime suspect. One of the panel members also had her life story written about by St. James. Even though the case hasn’t been solved, Jane and Edwin can return to Storyton Hall. Once back home, they fear the killer has followed them to Storyton Hall. Jane and the Fins hope to catch the murderer at the Halloween ball before any more lives are lost.

I enjoy Ms. Adams's writing, and this book combined characters from my favorite series, the Book Retreat and Books By The Bay. Ms. Adams is a skilled storyteller; her writing is so descriptive. This story is well-written, plotted, and exciting. The characters are all excellent and fascinating. I would love to call them my friends.

I hope there will be more books in this wonderful series.