Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

by Ellery Adams

Overview

For bibliophiles who love Rita Mae Brown and Alexander McCall Smith, New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams is sure to delight with her newest novel set at Virginia’s book-themed resort, Storyton Hall. It’s the perfect getaway for book lovers, but when resort manager Jane Steward tries to take a quick break of her own, it leads to a real-life mystery that’s far from relaxing . . .

Jane and her fiancé, Edwin, are headed to the North Carolina coast for a much-needed vacation. Their harborside loft has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and breathtaking views, but Jane’s hopes of exploring the town with her man are stymied when Edwin steps on a stingray. Things take an even less romantic turn when Jane stumbles across a dead body . . .

Instead of taking leisurely beach strolls, Jane is suddenly on a literary chase through time, unearthing a dark secret in her family tree that threatens all she holds dear back in Storyton. And it’ll take a whole village to help her make amends for the past—and stop a madman bent on exacting justice in the present.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781496729507
Publisher:	Kensington
Publication date:	07/25/2023
Series:	Book Retreat Series , #9
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	26,848
Product dimensions:	4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Ellery Adams has written over forty mystery novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on her next novel, she reads, bakes, gardens, spoils her three cats, and rearranges her bookshelves. She lives with her husband and two children (aka the Trolls) in Chapel Hill, NC. For reading guides and a list of bibliotherapy titles, please visit ElleryAdamsMysteries.com.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for the Book Retreat Mystery Series by Ellery Adams:
 
“A literary mystery with a puckish hint of Nancy Drew.” —Kirkus Reviews on Murder On The Poet's Walk

“Love Chopped and mysteries? This delightful character-driven cozy is just the treat for you.” —Kirkus Reviews on Murder in the Cookbook Nook
 
“Creating a group of suspects that will keep readers intrigued until the last page, Ellery Adams has proven one thing with this book: this is one series that should and will go on for a long time to come. In fact, the author has done such a brilliant job, readers will find themselves wanting to live in Storyton, no matter how many people end up dead there.” —Suspense Magazine on Murder in the Locked Library
 
“Ellery does a wonderful job in capturing the essence of this whodunit with a visually descriptive narrative that not only lends itself to engaging dialogue but also seeing the action through the eyes of Jane and her fellow characters.” —Dru’s Book Musings
 
“Combines clever clues, a smart and courageous heroine, and an interesting setting in a whodunit that will inspire readers to make further visits to Storyton Hall.” —The Richmond Times-Dispatch on Murder in the Paperback Parlor
 
“This enchanting blend of mystery and fantasy succeeds in feeling timely and grounded, although few budding librarians would have sword training on their résumé. Book and mystery lovers alike will rejoice in this extraordinarily unique, exuberantly fun series.” —Kings River Life Magazine on Murder in the Locked Library
 
“Adams hooks the reader into the story instantly... I highly recommend booking a room at Storyton Hall and hanging out with Jane, her great-aunt, and uncle, the employees who are family, and her girlfriends, The Cover Girls.” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews on Murder in the Reading Room

From the Publisher

2023-05-24
Bibliophiles unite to solve several puzzling murders.

Storyton Hall is a charming Virginia resort that celebrates books, but in addition to the extensive library in the public spaces, the inn is home to a secret repository of rare books and other items. After centuries during which her ancestors have guarded this collection, even having to fight off violent incursions, Jane Steward has decided to donate, return, or sell the whole thing to give her family a quiet future. In the meantime, Jane, a widow with two young sons—Fitzgerald and Hemingway—is looking forward to taking a vacation with her partner, Edwin Alcott, in charming Oyster Bay, North Carolina, home of her friend Olivia Limoges. Their bungalow at the Admiral’s Inn turns out to contain a skull in the shower and a warning written on the bathroom mirror: “Your story is over.” The skull is apparently a prop belonging to author Justin St. James, who recently stayed at the bungalow, so Jane and Edwin ignore what must be a prank. The next day, Jane and Olivia are hunting for treasure with a metal detector on Olivia’s private beach when they hear Edwin’s cries for help just as they find St. James dead on the shore. Edwin has stepped on stingrays, and the barbs that pierced his feet bring on a dangerous allergic reaction that sends him to the hospital. Since St. James died from an overdose, the police suspect a drug dealer, especially after Jane finds the body of one of the man's clients. But Jane is less convinced after learning that St. James based his books on the painful stories of real people, including Olivia, who have cause to hate him.

Visually delightful backdrops and charming characters add appeal to a book lover’s mystery.

Kirkus Reviews