Jane just wanted a peaceful, quiet book filled vacation with her fiance... no dead bodies or mysteries to solve. But it was not to be. A skull in the shower and not one but two dead bodies put an end to peace and quiet. With the help of many friends, family, and employees Jane solves the murders as well as a family secret, then has the most beautiful wedding to the man she loves that any woman could ever ask for.

It's vacation time for our favourite couple at Storyton Hall, Jane Stewart and Edwin Alcott. They're headed to Oyster Bay for a little time in the sun. However, not all goes to plan when Jane discovers a body on the beach. The victim is Justin St James, a visiting author, who leaves a trail of very unhappy people in his wake. It's up to Jane, Edwin and Olivia Limoges to uncover the secrets of his death.

There is nothing I love more than Storyton Hall. The cozy bookish atmosphere that Ellery Adams has created in Storyton Hall is absolutely everything! Visiting Storyton Hall, among the pages, is akin to climbing into a comfortable chair with your favourite book! I am so thrilled that a new adventure is here to entice me once again!

I really enjoyed this mystery. Jane and Edwin team up with Olivia to solve the murder. Without giving too much away, this mystery really delves into Olivia and Jane's back story and it's an action packed mystery.

I can't recommend this series enough! Honestly if you read mysteries and this series isn't on your shelves, what are you doing with your life? I love this series that much! It is definitely a series that you have to read in order, as the storyline about the "secret library" builds with each book.

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the best in this series so far! I absolutely can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has up her sleeve next!

Jane Seward and Edwin Alcott start a five-day beach vacation when Jane and her friend Olivia Limoges find a dead body in the dunes. At the same time, Edwin steps on two stingrays causing debilitating wounds that require hospitalization.

The dead body is author Justin St James one of three panelists appearing at Olivia’s bookshop to discuss their titles. An unknown facet of the panel is that Justin wrote four novels based on unfortunate events in each of the other participants’ lives, maligning the people involved even though disguised. When Jane discovers Justin’s next book topic is Storyton Hall, she begins investigating immediately, hoping to avoid the exposure a book by Justin would bring. She also wants to clear Olivia since she is “a person of interest.”

Ellery Adams writes an exquisitely complex and intriguing mystery that proves to be a riveting read. Ms. Adams challenges readers to keep up with her storytelling skills as she continues to weave fascinating plots with well-developed characters in suspense-driven stories.

Ellery Adams does it again!!! Every book in this series is incredible, and this one lives up to the others. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!

I love this series. Jane Stewart is a great main character, and the plots are exciting, imaginative, and always have something to do with books. In this book, Jane is trying to finally get rid of the secret book library which has caused so much trouble. She and Edwin go for a short vacation to Oyster Bay. When Jane looks in the bathroom of their cottage, she see's a human skull in the mirror on the shelf behind her. The manager comes and tells her it isn't real, and the previous guest, an author called Justin St. James, always carries it with him.

Jane's friend Olivia who owns a bookstore is having an event at which three authors will talk about their books. Olivia's new manager has invited St. James as well as two women writers. Olivia tells Jane that St. James is not only an obnoxious male chauvinist who believes only men are good writers, but he bases his books on other people's tragedies, including one about Olivia's family.

Jane and Edwin go to a beach near Olivia's home. Edwin goes into the water while Olivia shows Jane how to use a metal detector to look for hidden items. Just as Olivia and Jane find something, Edwin calls for help. Jane runs to help Edwin to the beach, and finds he has barbs in his feet from stingrays. Meanwhile, Olivia has found the body of Justin St. James, along with a Storyton Hall Key Chain! Edwin is taken to the hospital where he has to stay overnight. The next morning, Jane finds a young cleaner for the hotel dead outside her bungalow. This is definitely not the vacation that Jane and Edwin were expecting. Of course, the local police believe the killer could be Jane or Olivia.

However, they are allowed to return home; Jane continues to investigate with the help of Butterworth and the other Fins while they all prepare for a gala Halloween ball. Jane is sure something will happen at the ball. As it turns out, the murder is solved, and the book has a very happy ending.

I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. The review has my own opinions.

If you love books and cozy mysteries, then Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams may be the book and series that will delight you. Jane Steward is ready for a vacation with her betrothed Edwin Ascott. Jane manages the family resort, Storyton Hall, and Edwin owns a restaurant. While living in the western part of Virginia, they are vacationing in Oyster Bay, Nort Carolina. While their vacation cottage has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a view of the ocean, their stay isn’t the relaxing vacation they needed. Edwin has a medical emergency and Jane finds a dead body. Naturally, they feel they need to investigate the death.

The characterization in this book is excellent. Jane loves books and organizing. She takes a pragmatic approach to the investigation. Despite some setbacks, she remained sanguine about their ultimate success in solving the mystery. Edwin balances Jane, works hard, and enjoys books as well. Add in the staff at Storyton Hall, multiple authors, book club members, vacation resort staff, and police in two locations and readers will enjoy a wide range of characters with different backgrounds and dynamics.

The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, found family, books, death, and much more.

Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. This series is best read in order. I hope there will be more novels in this series. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.

Kensington Books – Kensington Cozies and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023.

This is one of my top 3 favorite cozy series and the 9th in series. Thank you to the author, the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Storyton Book Retreat is a biblophile dream with each room themed to a author and book retreats for authors, biblophiles and fans of particular authors. Jane has been hosting retreats since she inherited the retreat center. She has a close security group called "The Fins" that help her manage the resort where murder seems to be front and center of every retreat. Jane is also responsible for a secret hideaway of precious ancient manuscripts and books that many have tried to steal. She is slowly selling and donating them to ensure safety for herself and her two twin boys in the future.

In this next in series Jane and her fiance Edwin are going on a trip to the North Carolina coast where they are staying in a romantic setting with books they both love. Before they leave another body is found on the grounds. The leave on their trip but Instead of the romance they hope for Jane finds a skull in the shower where they are staying. She becomes involved in a mysterious past set of circumstances that intriques her to solve when she finds a body on the beach belonging to a author. Soon she finds evidence of the suspect and the mystery surrounding the murder that may put her Storyton Retreat in danger and those she loves.

I loved this next in series and read it cover to cover. In this book much is decided for Jane and family that leads the reader wondering if this is the last book. The author has gifted us with two endings . One is the wedding of Jane and Edwin. The secondary ending solves the mystery of the two bodies . We fans hope this is not the last book as this is a wonderful series with captivating sleuths and wonderful characters. This book brings Oliva from the author's other series and her bookstore which is a fun addtion to this next in series. Bravo to the author. This is cozy mystery perfection.

This is book 9 in the series, and picks up after the evets of the last book. It's an interesting diversion for the series- setting a god part of the book away from Storyton, and allowing the locals in NC to share space with familiar ones, to freshen up the storylines. Add in some murder, some seemingly untraceable clues to Storyton found at the scene, and you know its business as normal for Jane. The book allows for backstories of some of the characters to come to the front, and to allow the 'sub characters' to shine, all the while supporting Jane and Edwin. Add in a storybook wedding, and you've got a summer pleaser of a book.

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is the ninth cozy mystery in the Book Retreat Mysteries series. When Jane, owner of Storyton Hall, the perfect getaway for book lovers, take a break of her own with her fiancé, Edwin, they head to North Carolina for some rest and relaxation. Or so they think. As always with Jane, trouble seems to follow her everywhere and rest isn’t in the cards. Jane stumbles upon another dead body and in order to save Storyton, she works to uncover the full story before time runs out.

I have read every book in this series and this one was one of my favorites. I always love the Storyton Hall setting and really wish I could visit it, but it was nice to get away from Storyton for a little while and see Jane in a different environment. This series is full of great characters and mysteries that unravel the secrets of Storyton Hall that are intriguing. I always love visiting Jane and I really loved her in this book. The whole book was great and the mystery had me guessing the whole time, but the last chapter was my favorite. I hope to visit Storyton Hall again soon and see what else is in store for Jane and company.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book!

One word, wow. This book has the feel of a final book in a series, and I sincerely hope I am wrong.
It is a great series with characters and stories that leap off the page.
Another 5 star addition.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Well written story that is 9th in the series. I can definitely say this book can be read as a stand alone but I think the ending will bring joy to long time readers. No spoilers! A delightful read from beginning to end that kept me guessing with a few surprises thrown in. Ellery Adams does a wonderful job to include background stories where appropriate and needed.

The characters in this book feel as if they are a group of mystical superhero spies with a knights of the roundtable vibe. Yes, I actually wrote that in my notes. No magical powers. But a lot of well read, well trained bibliophiles who are confident in themselves, loyal to one another, and oddly able to predict people's behavior. Sounds weird, but I want to be like them when I grow up. Which at my age, will likely not happen.

Body number 1 is found just as Jane and her fiancé are leaving for vacation. (Not a spoiler, it happens very early in the story.) Since it's not on their property and the sheriff is handling it, they head off to a relaxing coastal town. Only to find a dire warning left in their bungalow. They have one dreamy evening together before chaos ensues. By the time they return from their not so relaxing vacation, I had all but forgotten about the first body. (I see what you did there Ellery.)

I recommend this to all cozy mystery readers. But especially those who enjoy the classics. Multiple murders. Secret rooms in manors and just well written mystery novels that you can loose yourself in. Thank you #netgalley and #KensingtonCozies for the DRC of this book.

Jane and her fiancé, Edwin take a vacation week away from Edwin's restaurant and Jane's five star resort, the Storyton Hall. They look forward to a romantic, relaxing week on the North Carolina coast but it turns out much different than than they had planned.

They lose all hope of a romantic week when Jane finds a dead body on the beach and Edwin spends a night in the hospital after stepping on a stingray while walking in the ocean. Their unromantic week is spent trying to identify a murderer while Jane pushes Edwin's wheelchair.

They return home from their trip hoping that the murderer has been identified and the mystery is solved. Unfortunately they find that the mystery followed them home to Storyton.

Like the last Storyton book I read, I couldn't put this one down until I was finished. . The characters are great and the story is believable and yet totally unpredictable.

Jane and Edwin head to coastal North Carolina for a long-awaited vacation. When Edwin steps on a stingray at almost the same moment that Jane finds a body on the beach, though, their vacation plans are out the window. During the ensuing investigation, Jane learns a secret from her family’s past that threatens her future – and that of Storyton Hall.

I have liked this series from the very first book, and it keeps getting better and better. I like Jane and have enjoyed watching her grow and change as the series has progressed. Since she and Edwin are away from their home base in this book, they don’t have their customary friends and connections to call on for help, but they’re not without friends and resources here, even while on vacation.

The murder victim here was not very well-liked, but was a guest in town who had previous connections with only a small group of people, so those people were at the top of the suspect list. The names on that list kept shifting around as the investigation progressed, and I appreciated the way Jane reported her findings to local law enforcement rather than keeping things to herself. I wasn’t able to figure out whodunnit or the motive until just before it was revealed in the story, but that’s not unusual.

I’m angry that this book gives away a *major spoiler for a book in one of this author’s other series. Yes, that book has been out for several years, but I haven’t read it yet. This is something I won’t be able to forget, so I’ll have this information hanging over me while reading the book, and that bothers me – a lot.

This book reads like it’s the end of the series, but I hope that’s not the case. Despite the spoiler issue, this author is one of my favorites, and I like this group of characters and the setting for most of the series. If there are additional books in the series, I will certainly read them.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for the chance to read an advance copy of Murder in the Book Lover's Loft by Ellery Adams. This is the 9th book in the Book Retreat Mysteries series and is just as fantastic as the previous books. I loved the plot of this book, the returning characters of Storyton, and some characters that we met in the last book. Jane and Edwin take a "vacation" to Oyster Bay, and Jane thinks she will not have to deal with murderous plots and dead bodies...but she couldn't have been more wrong!
I hope the series continues, although I worry that this may be the last in the series as Jane has finally emptied the secret library that her family has been guardian of for years.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MURDER IN THE BOOK LOVER’S LOFT (Book 9 of the Book Retreat Mysteries) by Ellery Adams in exchange for an honest review. Jane Steward and her fiancé, Edwin, leave Storyton Hall and go to Oyster Bay, North Carolina on vacation. Suitably enough, there is an author event going on during their visit. When one of the authors is murdered, Jane joins forces with her new friend Olivia Limoges to track down the killer.

I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of both this series and the Books by the Bay mystery series. I recommend this series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring book-themed resorts, book-related intrigues, and tightly-knit communities.

#MurderintheBookLoversLoft #NetGalley

Storyton Hall certainly has an interesting history. This book has a great story line. Tragedies, authors, books, and maybe a surprise or two. The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed reading the book and spending time with my friends at Storyton Hall. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Love this series Especially Jane and Edwin and the others characters.
Jane and Edwin are away on a small vacation but of course things gets complicated..
Mystery,suspense,twists,murder,romance.
Voluntarily reviewed.

The ninth in the Book Retreat series (perfectly ok to read them out of order if you are not bothered by such things) starts with resort-keeper Jane trying to get a quick vacation away from her somewhat murdery small town to the North Carolina coast. Almost immediately upon arriving with her fiancé, she discovers a body and finds herself under suspicion and under threat. Adams’ books are incredibly sophisticated for any genre, but also stand out as instant classics in the cozy field with all the comforting elements we cozy-lovers want: books, food, pets, endless charm. Characters are well and deeply drawn, plots expertly crafted, and this particular book made me burst into happy, emotional tears at the end. An utterly dependable and gifted author at the top of her game.

Lovely cosy murder mystery. I feel I need to read some of the others to get a bit more context into the characters. But really enjoyed it. Great hooks and suspese.

I don't remember how I discovered this series, but I"m glad I did! Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is number 9 in Ellery Adams' Book Retreat Mysteries Series.
Jane and Edwin are off on a well deserved vacation, but in true spirit, they come upon a murder quickly into their vacation. And there are more murders as their brief trip continues. This latest story takes place mostly away from the lovely Storyton Hall Resort, which is quite the change for this series. I liked the change, seeing Jane and Edwin on their own, away from friends and family. The murders take place in a Virginia beach resort town, Oyster Bay. Authors, bookstores, family secrets and love round out this latest in the series. I thought the book was over when Uncle Aloysius revealed a hidden secret, but I was wrong! Another chapter had the most perfect ending! I hope this series continues for a long time!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in return for my honest review.