Murder in the Storybook Cottage: A Book Retreat Mystery
By Ellery Adams
Kensington
2020

Review by Cynthia Chow

Readers will be delighted to return for the 6th time to Storyton Hall, a five-star resort in West Virginia catering to bibliophiles from around the world. Book-themed rooms, enormous libraries, book clubs, and now a Family Valentine’s Celebration event specifically for young readers and children’s book authors are all featured at this unique destination. A lucky family has been awarded a free vacation stay at the resort during the special weekend as well, and Storyton manager Jane Steward is looking forward to welcoming the deserving Gilbert family. It’s unfortunate that during an early preview to Storybook Village Jane finds the body of a young woman, eerily dressed up like Little Red Riding Hood but with no villainous wolf in sight. In her basket is a copy of Grimms’ Fairy Tales, with little else to identify her as anything other than a grim mockery of the dark story.

As the Guardian of Storyton Hall’s secret library of manuscripts, tomes, scrolls, and maps deemed too dangerous to be disseminated out into the world, Jane Steward has made the revolutionary decision to slowly release the contents out into the world. While her loyal protectors the Fins may not agree with her choice, Jane believes that the knowledge should be shared and not hoarded away from humanity. It also has Jane wondering if her choice has led to yet another death on her doorstep, especially when this Fairy Tale Killer seems to be increasing the list of storybook victims and threatening Storyton’s book-celebrating event. Aided by her Cover Girls book club and of course her loyal warrior staff, Jane will protect Storyton’s legacy, investigate the child-unfriendly book authors, and delve into the surprising ruthless world of children’s book publishing.

This continues to be a delightful mix of mythical world-building and cozy practical detecting. Jane’s twin boys Hemmingway and Fitzgerald challenge her with their energetic exploits, but they also complicate her relationship with café-owner Edwin Alcott, whose life as a Templar has him not-so-legally stealing rare documents and books and returning them to their rightful place. The dangerous lifestyle and ruthless enemies who follow him have Jane reluctant to allow her boys become too attached, although that ship pretty much sailed as they idolize and adore him. As fascinating as the Storyton legacy are the personalities involved in the business of children’s literature, with competitive contracts and ideologies causing strife between authors, agents, and publishers. A thrilling and tragic conclusion ends with a tease of a new arriving guest, one who will be very familiar to readers of Ellery Adams’ Books by the Bay mystery series. This series that celebrates friends, books and food will only be enhanced by the arriving character, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next in this innovative series perfect for those who love to spend time lost between the pages.

This is the first of this series that I have read. Storyton Hall is a large estate now hotel which harbors a secret library of valuable books and documents. It is also a high-class resort. Peppermint Press is hosting a children’s book conference and families have joined with their young children to take advantage of the activities. Just as guests are arriving Jane discovers a dead woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood with a copy of a valuable nursery rhyme book.

The book interweaves the mystery with the conference activities and the Valentine activities of her friends. I loved this book and will look for the earlier ones. Great setting, great characters, great story.

What magical places Storyton Hall and Storybrook Cottages are. It was so much fun going to all the activities that were planned for the families that were visiting. I love Jane and her boys. What a great mother, friend and employer. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Cover Girls? I love these ladies also. Course, you know, not will be all happiness with murder in the title. The storyline is a good one and its fun with everyone working together to solve the puzzles. Great story with wonderful characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

This 6th book in the outstanding Book Retreat Mystery series is, once again, another top-notch installment in what is a favorite mystery series.

Characters I've grown to love, including Jane, the sleuth, her boys, her co-workers at the book-themed resort, paired with yet another well-plotted book (this time, focusing on fairy tale murders) make this a perfect combination for those who love amateur sleuth-focused mystery series.

Very highly recommended!!

Peppermint Press, a top children's publisher, is hosting a conference at Storyton Hall. Jane Steward is the manager there, keeping the incredible book themed resort running. But while she is giving her friends The Cover Girls a tour of their new offerings they find a woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood dead on the floor, 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.

It's up to Jane and her friends to find the murderer and protect her guests.

When you're stuck in quarantine with no where to go it's a good thing to be a reader. And there is no place better for a reader to go than Storyton Hall.

This series grows with each book, and Murder in the Storybrook Cottage is the best that I've read so far. The complexity of the murder, and the wonderful sprinkling of clues is perfect. Ms. Adams tells a story that weaves its arms around the reader and holds them close until the last page.

One of the things I love about this series is the characters. They grow with each book, and become friends. I love to take journeys with them all, and can't wait to see where they go next. The only bad part about this book is when it ends and you have to wait for the next book in the series. What that means, though, is you have the entire series to reread, and enjoy the tales all over again.

WOW! WONDERFUL! AMAZING! AWESOME! Another amazing book in this series. I literally couldn't put it down. Stayed up till 4am to finish reading it. Can't wait for the next one!

This is the first book that I have read in this series. At first I wondered if it was some sort of fantasy or paranormal mystery because some of the names of the groups involved. Turns out it is none of these things. There are just teams of people and individuals who have unusual titles who are tasked with protecting the rare items contained in a hidden library

I very quickly came up to speed on the essentials of the continuing plot and was able to pick up the story without any trouble. The entire whodunnit is based on what happens in this book so it can easily be read standalone.

There appears to be an important pivot in the story which may mean more to individuals who have been reading the series for a while. In any case, it was still interesting and seems to project well for the next book in the series.

There are two groups that are having get-togethers at Storyton Hall which is a book lovers retreat style resort in Virginia. It is also the location of a secret library where priceless artifacts are stored.

One group is authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books. The other group are families (including a family that has won a trip to the special place ala something similar to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) who are there to immerse themselves in a book retreat.

A murder occurs in a soon to be opened area of the grounds which is based on children’s story books. Jane Stewart, who is both manager of the hall and the Guardian of the secret library, discovers the body and is drawn into helping solve the whodunnit.

The mystery was very interesting and surprised me although there were clues that I missed. The setting was very different from other books I have read and has certainly drawn me into wanting to read more in the series.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Jane is excited about the events that are being held at Storyton Hall. Peppermint Press is holding their conference there this year and quite a few families are also staying with them, there to enjoy a myriad of friendly activities. While checking on the village that she has had built for the event Jane discovers the body of a young woman. The scene before her looks like it is straight from a fairy tale bringing forth many questions. During a quick study of the area Jane notices a rare book in the basket next to the body and wonders where it fits into the young woman's death. Later when a guest goes missing and is then found dead, posed in another fairy tale like scene Jane knows there has to be a connection. Another rare book is found and now all Jane has to do is figure out how it's all related. Follow along as Jane garners help from her employees, friends, and even the sheriff to figure out which one of her guests is a killer and why they have gone to such extremes. This such a lovely series filled with grand characters, beautiful scenery, and a plot that will always keep you on your toes and guessing. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters to next!

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams has Jane Steward busy preparing for the upcoming Peppermint Press Conference for children’s authors and illustrators at Storyton Hall. She also has the first Golden Ticket winners arriving the next day and Jane wants to make sure that the Gilbert family have a magical vacation. Jane has a special surprise for the Cover Girls (her book club). They take a sleigh ride to the new Storybook Village which will open to children of all ages on Friday. The ladies are delighted with the fairy tale houses and the activities available in each one until they stumble upon a woman in a red cloak with a basket nearby laying on the floor of Belle’s house. There is a valuable copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in the basket. Jane is shocked when a couple of a days later another woman turns up dead in the woods wearing a blue parka with white fur trim with a copy of Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen left in her room. Jane and her loyal Fins needs to catch the Fairy Tale Killer before he strikes again. Murder in the Storybook Cottage is the delightful 6th installment in A Book Retreat Mystery series. It can be read on its own for those new to this book themed series. It is a joy to visit Storyton Hall in Storyton, Virginia with all the fabulous books, special events and scrumptious food. I love the books, authors and literary characters mentioned throughout the story. My favorite was Raggedy Ann and the Lucky Pennies (I collect Raggedy Ann items). Storyton Village is a magical addition to the resort with the adorable fairy tale themed little cottages. There is the gingerbread house, Rapunzel’s tower, Belle’s house, and Rumpelstiltskin’s workshop (just to name a few). There are enchanting events for the guests to attend at Storyton Hall including the colorful Rainbow Tea and the Family Valentine’s Celebration. I thought Murder in the Storybook Cottage was well-written with developed characters and special setting. It is rich in detail that allows the reader to visualize the captivating setting. I always enjoy reading each A Book Retreat Mystery to catch up with the characters who inhabit this world. Jane’s twin boys are up to their usual mischief, Eugenia Pratt’s beau is coming to town and he has big news to share with her, Lachlan has something special planned for Valentine’s Day for his girlfriend and Jane’s bestie, Eloise Alcott. The mystery was intriguing with its fairy tale theme. There are a variety of suspects including a very dislikeable couple who write children’s books. I enjoyed the misdirection as well as following the clues to find out why someone killed the two women. My favorite quote from Murder in the Storybook Cottage is when Jane was saying the ladies did not read the books for happy endings. “It was the journey they were interested in--the voyage from the first page to the last.” There is a hint at what will occur in the next A Book Retreat Mystery at the end. Murder in the Storybook Cottage is a diverting cozy mystery with fairy tale fun, wonderful Wonka Bars, a terrible twosome, a clever killer, fun family festivities, and bibliophile bliss.

I love Ellery Adams books especially the Book Retreat Mysteries! Murder in the Storybook Cottage is the 6th book and who could resist a Children’s Book conference at our favorite Book Retreat Hotel set around Valentine’s Day? Who would set up murders based on fairy tales? Jane not only had the help of her Fins ( the guards that protect her and the secrets of Storyton Hall, she also has the Cover girls, her friends and Book Club, who are always there to help solve the mysteries! I totally loved this book, as it talked about fairy tales...the ones I grew up with....NOT the Disney versions...there is no Elsa singing Let it go...in fact I plan on reading a few after this! I like how the characters play off each other; the Cover girls, Jane and her twins, Jane and Edwin. I am happy to read that there “should” be another book Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy for a review!

I was so enchanted by this exceptional mystery ! This is the "Definitive" Cozy Mystery. with a extraordinary plot, wonderful well drawn charcters and a marvelously well crafted sleuth. The world the author created here is a world we all want to live in of a magical book retreat , fairy tales brought to life and rich characterization. This next in series has mystery, murder, and changes ahead for our Jane.

"Murder In The Storybook Cottage" is the sixth book in beloved "A Book Retreat Mystery series." I have read the entire series and found this may be my favorite of all in the series. Thank you with gratitude to the author, the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. I have read all of the author works and was so pleased to receive this next in series for review. My review opinions are my own.

We return to Storyton Book Retreat Center in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Storyton is a magical place focused on the love of Literature providing bibliophiles book retreats with special themes. Jane and her staff are in busy preparations for a children's book publishing retreat . Jane , her employees and the
Fins ( her protectors and guards) are busy preparing for every detail to be perfect. During the preparations it is reveled that Jane will be selling off and donating her coveted ancient secret book collection due to the number of murders and troubles it has brought her and her family. Jane has inherited the responsibility of the collection. As she reconciles with removing the collection from her home she is preparing for a colorful children's book theme high tea, book events with the publisher's and a special surprise for the children attending the event. She revels her surprise to her book group , the "Cover Girls" in a special nighttime carriage ride to the woods. Upon arriving the book group is enchanted by a spectacular creation of each magical Fairy Tale including cottages, decor and activities set up for the children. The surprise is marred when a body is found of a woman dressed as Red Riding Hood and holding a copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales. When another body is soon found Jane and her Fins are on the case investigating each murder to determine who is bringing murder to Storyton. The investigation takes them deep into literature for clues which is a delight to the reader.

Each nuance of this story was captivating. The superb descriptions of the preparations for the events, the fairy tale setting and Storyton Retreat is somewhere we all want to visit. The sleuth was engaging throughout with references to books as clues to keep the reader guessing. You will want to keep a journal handy to write down the wonderful quotes from books.

As a avid cozy reader I was pleasantly surprised by the compelling reveal in the ending . The reveal will please every reader of this series and fans of the author's work. Jane is a skilled investigator and has a talent for finding clues that others may overlook lending her skills to fascinate even the most savvy mystery reader. . Her determination , kindness and intelligence makes her the perfect person to solve this mysterious set of book related murders. I love her friends the "cover girls" and look forward to reading their further adventures in the next book. Each charcter brings substance to the plot as Jane depends on her friends and staff to work together on the event while helping her solve the murders behind the scenes. They all work together in concert with the utmost respect for Jane , her family and her responsibilities at Storyton for her guests. The Fins are a ancient order of protectors and guards that live with Jane and her family at Storyton providing security, safety and a sense of comfort to Jane. They are depicted here in this series as gentlemen of cl.ass and distinction with special. skills that always enchant this reader. Their input is invaluable and I enjoy their contribution to each book.

This is another fabulous addition to this series that leaves you enchanted and feeling uplifted for having visited Storyton. There is no more perfect escape from life then a trip to Storyton . When you immerse yourself in this series with the author's great love of books she shares with her readers you feel enriched for having spent time in this world of kindness, warm love of books and wonderful friends. If only we could visit Storyton !

Review to be cross posted.

MURDER IN THE STORYBOOK COTTAGE, the sixth book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, is the epitome of the cozy mystery genre with its amazing literary themed setting, deftly drawn characters, and superior murder mystery.

I am a huge fan of all of Ellery Adams’s series, but the Book Retreat books just might be my favorite. Only she could weave murder, precious books, secret societies, and small town life together, and make it all seem perfectly plausible. Book five, MURDER IN THE READING ROOM, had a sense of finality to it, and I was not sure where the series would go from there. Have no fear, dear readers, because there is plenty of murder and mayhem to keep Jane and her loyal Fins busy and on their toes.

MURDER IN THE STORYBOOK COTTAGE finds Jane hosting a children’s book conference sponsored by Peppermint Press. While the resort is full of writers, illustrators, publishers, and families there to celebrate all things children’s literature, Jane and her book club friends find a stranger dead in one of the resort’s new Storybook Cottages. Her attire is reminiscent of Red Riding Hood, and a pricy rare copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales is found near her. Soon a conference attendee is also the victim of a grisly murder, posed in the snowy woods like another fairy tale character, and another expensive book of Hans Christian Anderson tales is found.

Adams sparingly doles out the clues and keeps readers guessing throughout the book. I felt immersed in this engaging story from the first page to the last and caught myself wanting to read, ignoring my other responsibilities. The characters, relationships, and motivations are captivating. I felt invested in what happened to everyone. The lighter moments, including touches of romance and interactions with friends, balance the darker elements to make a cohesive, satisfying cozy mystery. And, the epilogue made me literally jump with joy.

I cannot wait for the next book and hope there are many, many more adventures featuring Jane. Highly recommended!

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

I am fascinated in every way about the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams. It meets the standards of charm in cozy mysteries, but the darkness and suspense ratchets it up a few notches from cozy. 'Murder in Storybook Cottage' was both heart wrenching and heartwarming, I don't know how else to describe it. I will say from the very first page you are gripped in and nothing lets up until the very end. Please read it, along with the entire series if you are a book lover as I am. You will be highly rewarded.

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

Each trip to Storyton Hall is more enjoyable than the last. The Book Retreat mystery series has been one of my favorites by Ellery Adams and each book is better than the previous as my relationship with the characters and Storyton grows. From the moment Jane and the Cover Girls find a body in the new Storybook Cottages, the whodunnit kept me guessing. As Jane and the Fins try to help the sheriff solve the mystery, they must also keep the Peppermint Press sponsored children's book conference running smoothly and keep the families who are enjoying the celebration of Charley and the Chocolate Factory safe and unaware of the criminal activities surrounding them. Suspects abound on Valentine's Weekend but who is staging their crimes to look like scenes from a fairy tale? Ms. Adams writes a mystery full of twists and a great amount of humor that keeps the pages turning. If you haven't read the Book Retreat mysteries don't worry because these books can stand alone but you will want to read the others because the stories and characters are so wonderful.

Two gruesome murders in the Storybook Village at Storyton Hall provide a challenging puzzle as Jane Steward juggles managing the children’s book conference with organizing her team of sleuths to pull together the pieces and identify the killer.

Ellery Adams continues to craft compelling stories, combining an edgy, well-plotted mystery with the comfortable evolution of ongoing characters. Ms. Adams makes it easy for the reader to become immersed in the Village of Storyton for the adventure’s duration.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love this series! The plots are superb, the writing is absolute, and th are you amazing. I just want to hop into this book and live at Storyton Hall forever. This is an interesting and easy to read book that I highly recommend. Enjoy! 📚

Great Googly Moogly.
This, in my opinion, was not a cozy. I have found this to be true with other series' by this author [who I really like, for the record]. This was too dark and deeply disturbing and sad to be classified a cozy.

So. Much. Sadness. With touches of racism, theft, grief left unattended and the lust for power and control, this book runs the gamut of feelings and emotions. And even though the "bad guys" get caught in the end, there is little peace for the reader as they try and absorb all they just read. And the end is supposed to be beautiful and lovely, and I really struggled to find the happiness as I was still reeling from all that had just happened and what had been revealed.

This IS an excellent book - it is well-written and if you are not feeling all that you are supposed to be feeling in this book, you need to check both your pulse and your empathy meter. You are absolutely supposed to feel all the things I felt. It was just shocking and jarring to have this in something classified as a cozy mystery [and before the naysayers jump in here - I read ALL kinds of mysteries, not just cozies so I am not "sensitive" because I only read one genre] when the past books were much more suited to the genre. Again, that does not mean this wasn't an excellent book - it absolutely it. It was almost a 5 star read for me. And I will absolutely keep reading this series, as I love it [and the extra tidbit at the end makes me very, very, excited]. It was just very, very unexpected and it took me a night of restless sleep and a day of reflection to even be able to write this much of a review.

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

Murder In The Storybook Cottage is the sixth book in the A Book Retreat Mystery series.

I have been reading Ms. Adams' books from the beginning of writing career and consider her the best author in the cozy mystery genre. She skillfully writes a wonderful story focusing on human interest and writes about murders with the greatest finesse.

Jane Steward has had enough threats on her life and her family because of the family’s secret library has been selling off some of the items. Jane is putting the final touches on this weekend's Family Valentine’s Celebration, it is being held in conjunction with the appearance of Peppermint Press, publisher of children’s books, and the opening of Storyton Halls Fairy Tales Forest. She has also selected one family as the Golden Bookmark winners. This family has experienced difficult times and would not be able to afford to stay at the Storyton, otherwise.

Jane is hosting her book club, the Cover Girls, and has planned a special surprise for them, a sleigh ride visit to the, yet unopened, Fairy Tale Forest. As they are touring the Fairy Forest they come across the body of a young female dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, with a very valuable book of fairy tales in her hands. The body has no identification and no one knows who she is. Jane gathers her Fins, employees of Storyton Hall and guardians of the family, and set off to identify who she is and why she was at Storyton. Before they can learn who the young lady was, a guest, Gloria Ramirez, has gone missing. Ms. Ramirez who currently works for Baxter Books, but had previously worked for Peppermint Press, has not been seen since her arrival. Soon, Mr. Lachlan, Head of Recreation, finds Ramirez in a field on Hall’s property. She is also found lying on her back and clutching a very valuable book of fairy tales. Jane hopes that she and the Fins will be able to find the killer before any more lives are lost.

Another well-written and plotted story from Ms. Adams. The book has a well-developed and believable cast of characters who I would love to call my friends. There were enough red-herrings in the book to keep me guessing until the end.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I’m looking forward to seeing what my favorite character from another series is doing with herself.

Who killed “Red Riding Hood” and “The SnowQueen”? As Jane and staff prepare for book publishers’ conference, they also must solve brutal murder of two costumed women in Storytown. Jane, smart, loyal and determined, deals with grief, blame, vengeance and pride in this excellent story. Especially liked all the literary allusions and warm characterization of staff and friends. I would be more likely to purchase this book if there were a few recipes at end. Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderInTheStorybookCottage for advanced digital copy.

As I hoped, Adams comes through again with a palate cleansing cozy mystery. The Book Retreat series has been my favorite of hers and this one doesn’t disappoint. I loved the children’s book conference that takes place throughout and everything about the setting made me want to visit and spend a week relaxing there. Pick this up as a breath of fresh air.