Another addition of the Book and Scone society. A popular cook off is being filmed that is associated with book titles. One chef is murdered and strange things in the town suggest the show sponsor is involved in child labor abuse. Are these two things related?

A cooking show comes to storyton and with it loads of drama. One of the chefs is a pompous, chauvinist who in typical mystery fashion winds up murdered. Along with several attempts of sabotage to the cooking show Jane Steward and her Finns must keep their guests safe and solve the mystery of the murdered chef before another disaster strikes. As a bonus Olivia Limoges from the Books by the Bay series makes a guest appearance.

The Great British Bake Off, but make it murdery 👨‍🍳💀👩‍🍳🔪🩸

I mean, I'd watch that season.

While I'm not a huge fan of this series, this was a great one-off read if you're at all a fan of cooking/eating/food fiction.

My favorite character was by far Olivia Limoges. She seemed like a badass, just so nonchalantly cool. And, I just discovered she has her own series! I'll definitely have to check it out.

Not sure I'll read more of this series, but I definitely recommend this one!

#elleryadams #murderinthecookbooknook #netgalley @netgalley #murdermysterymonday #murdermystery #ilovemysteries

A Book Retreat Mystery #7

Jane is excited about having the reality cooking show, “Posh Palette” starring Mia Mallett, film at her resort. However, on the first day of setup, things start to go horribly wrong. First, there’s an electrical fire on set, then one of the competing chefs gets murdered. What could possibly go wrong next? Read the book to find out!
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I loved this high-action cozy mystery! There always seemed to be a situation that needed looking into. This kept the plot interesting and moved the story along. I didn’t want to put the book down! I loved Jane’s character and those of her staff. They created the “cozy” in the mystery. I especially got a kick out of Jane’s book club group called Cover Girls. They focus on cookbooks and memoirs of celebrity chefs. Each member brings a recipe from the book they read and they eat while discussing the best recipes or kitchen disasters. Sounds like a book club I would want to be a part of!😀I enjoyed this sophisticated read so much, I can’t wait to read more of the series. I would highly recommend this book to cozy mystery enthusiasts like myself!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this book.

I love cozi mysteries! This was a good one!

Murder in the Cookbook Nook was a wonderful book. It was also a return to the classic cozy mystery after the previous book in the series deviated from that formula. This time the author stumped me completely because I had no clue who did it or why until the killer was revealed. It was an interesting book though because there was more than one mystery, but they were both linked. I loved how the book ended though because one thing I've felt has been lacking in the books is that Jane's twins never have any friends. Friends don't come over, they don't go over to the houses of friends, etc. They're always with their older great-great-aunt and uncle or one of the Fins when they're not with Jane. At least now they'll have some other companionship. I'm looking forward to seeing how all of it plays out in the next book.

MURDER IN THE COOKBOOK NOOK is the latest book in the Book Retreat Mysteries, and it's my absolute favourite!!

Storyton Hall is going to be home to reality tv cooking show, However, when one of the chefs turns up dead in Mrs Hubbard's beloved Cookbook Nook, it looks like there is more than just drama in front of the cameras. With other accidents to contend with it's up to Jane and her crew at Storyton to solve this mystery before the killer strikes again!

I absolutely love this series. It is so smart, with so many hidden layers and it is beyond a doubt, one of my absolute favourites.

MURDER IN THE COOKBOOK NOOK gives us a great mystery to solve, tantalizing foodie delights from the competing chefs, and something I've always wanted. A crossover! This crossover comes in the form of Olivia Limoges [from the author's Books by the Bay Mysteries] coming to visit Storyton Hall. Two sleuths in Storyton Hall!! This was such a delight and I loved every second of Jane and Olivia together.

I honestly can't say enough good things about this series. Ellery writes smart, fantastic whodunnits, that make it almost impossible to solve before the sleuth. This one was pure delight and I can't wait for the next one!

Ellery Adams is one of the coolest cozy mystery authors around and here’s why:

Adams is a huge bibliophile, and it shows! When you read one of her books, you get so many recommendations on other great books to read. A bibliophile’s dream!

Cozy-plus: This is a term I use when someone writes a cozy mystery that deviates a little bit from the tried-and-true formula of a cozy mystery.

Yes, the setting is still cozy. The sleuth is still an amateur sleuth. But the “plus” part is that “something extra” that Adams adds. In “Murder in the Cookbook Nook,” that “something extra” refers to commentary on unethical business practices, specifically in reference to childhood labor and the chocolate trade.

The fact that this author has a platform and uses it to raise awareness on a topic of importance that people may not be aware of, is admirable.

My only bit of caution with this book is something you may have seen me mention before… so many character names! I personally find it super hard to keep track of them unless I make a list. This book came with a list at the front, but it looks like it only contained the regular cast and characters in town, and it was the newbies that I couldn’t keep track of.

This is a part of a series and while “Murder in the Cookbook Nook” definitely can be read as a standalone, I would have liked to have read the other books in the series first. I would have had more depth and background for the regular characters and the experience would have been richer. But again, not necessary to read the others first, in terms of comprehension overall.

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams is the seventh book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. Storyton Hall is playing host to six chef competing in a cook-off. One of the contestants is found dead and mysterious accidents take place making it clear that all is not well. The series is a bit more fantasy than the usual cozy mystery series. It is a nice change of pace, and I love the eccentricity of it all.

Another thoroughly enjoyable book from Ellery Adams. This was my first in the series but was easy to catch up. This book is a fun read with a great setting, fun characters, and keeps you guessing. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

This is book 7 in the Book Retreat Mystery series. I can honestly say this series never fails to delight me. Storyton Hall is hosting a cooking show, think Great British Bake Off, and nothing goes right. I'm thrilled that Jane's sons, Hem and Fitz play such a big part of the book. With a great setting and fabulous characters, including an old friend from the Oyster Bay series, this book is perfect for the devout cozy reader.

Jane agrees for a British Bake Off/Top Chef type show to be filmed at Storyton Hall and murder soon follows. Adams blends food and books very well in this story while also dealing with sensitive subjects. Plus I was so excited to see old characters from Oyster Bay visit Storyton!

Murder in the Cookbook Nook is #7 in the Book Retreat Mysteries. This is one of those series where each book builds on the one before it, but the mystery is self-contained. If you want to read all the books in this series, I recommend reading them in order, but you can read this one and enjoy it even if you have not read the previous books. Storyton Hall is its best vacation spot for lovers of books. This summer a reality show is filming at Jane Steward's resort mixing culinary with literary. Six chefs are preparing to compete in an outdoor tent at Storyton Hall for prizes that will boost their careers. Each of the chefs is also the author of a cookbook, so there will be a book tent as well. For anyone who has ever seen a cooking show, you know that they can be very dramatic, with a lot of conflict, but this one has the added drama of the death of one of the contestants. Jane along with many of her staff, set out to discover how he died, and find the culprit before someone else is hurt.

I really enjoy the characters in this story Jane is smart, loyal and very serious about her job protecting the books and artifacts in the resort, but also the way she protects the safety, privacy and comfort of her guests. Her boys, Fitz and Hem are also a part of the story, but they are involved with the festival, not the murder. Edwin and Jane are in a wonderful relationship and it is going well. I love that the resort's chef plays a large role in the story. Apparently some of the characters in this book have crossed over from another of her series, but it is not one that I read. The mystery starts off quickly, but settled down to a good pace while the investigation plays out. There were several clues, but I did not catch them until they were revealed and explained during conclusion. I had no idea who the culprit was and there were plenty of red herrings to throw me off. The showdown was partially planned out by the Fins, and it went well, catching the murderer. I find this series is very character driven with the reader getting to know the townspeople well. I enjoyed this mystery and recommend this series.

I can never get enough of the cozies that include a cooking contest and what a wonderful location to be able to take part in such an endeavor. Picturesque Storyton Hall nestled in the mountain area of North Carolina is to play host to six chefs, an Insta influencer, as well as a killer. But this is no ordinary venue, Storyton has a rich history of secrets, such as the incredible book collection. A collection that has been protected for generations by the Steward family known as the Guardians, and the family has been protected by the Fins, the bodyguards for the Guardians also for generations. But they are more like family than caretakers and bodyguards. You don’t have to be familiar with Jane’s family history or backstory to figure out that she is inquisitive and perceptive as well as being an awesome Mom and friend. She is also extremely brave which you learn while she is tracking down the killer of an entirely too odious chef who went out of his way to annoy, irritate, enrage, alienate, and aggravate, well, everyone with whom he comes into contact with. Even the congenial cook, Mrs. Hubbard does not think highly of the so-called renowned chef. Great plot twists and a few red herrings to keep you guessing, oh and the food that is mentioned, a feast for the imagination. I felt inspired to find a cherry cola hanger steak recipe and recreate the wonderful dinner shared by the book group ladies. If only there were recipes at the end of the stories…

Ellery Adams writes intriguing mysteries that keep the reader engaged and invested in the characters. This book was no exception. I love how Ms. Adams has brought in characters from one of her other series and how well they worked in this story. Storyton Hall is a book lovers paradise and I wish that I could visit there. In this book there is a cooking competition taking place at Storyton Hall with literary themed challenges which made things even more exciting. I love watching these types of shows and it was fun to read about it. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

It takes an amazing imagination to design the incredible Storyton Hall with the details of every area covered and the excellent characterizations of Jane, her family, Fins, family, friends. Even Storyton Village is delightfully pictured for the reader. I am impressed with the author’s design of the series and with this novel and latest mystery.

It must be exhilarating for Jane and her staff to welcome every special group that arrives at Storyton Hall! It is early summer, and we are welcoming the star of Posh Palate with Mia Mallett, a gourmet cookoff reality show between six top celebrity chefs. The chefs, director, and crew have already arrived. Mia, international trendsetter, influencer, and 27-year-old billionaire is a gracious, friendly young woman who gifted Storyton’s head chef, Mrs. Hubbard, with a breathtaking surprise. Thankfully, the fire that began earlier in the day, near the huge tent where much of the filming will be done, did not damage anything. It has been determined that the electrical fire was an act of arson, hopefully a foolish prank. The staff will be on high alert to make sure nothing else occurs.

Storyton Hall is an amazing destination for the person who loves to read, with events and retreats held throughout the year for booklovers of all kinds. It is the kind of place I would love to visit, nestled in the mountains of Virginia like another world. It was lovingly brought from Europe, piece by piece, and reconstructed in this lovely location. The filming of the cookoff will open Storyton Hall and nearby Storyton Village up to millions of viewers with the potential of many new tourists.

Filming the first challenge goes off without a hitch. Almost. Chef Pierce, unhappy with the judges’ determination, showed everyone what a high-maintenance jerk he could be by damaging the winning chef’s prize. He had been rude, harassed one of Storyton’s kitchen chefs, and annoyed almost everyone. A couple of the chefs were wonderful guests, folks who were personable and complimentary of everything. Chef Pierce is a top-rated chef, one of the reasons he was invited to participate. The other reason he was invited, however, is to help create the drama that makes for a good show.

Early the next morning, Jane received a call from a kitchen staff member with an emergency. She dashed to the Hall to find one of their worst nightmares. Chef Pierce was dead in Mrs. Hubbard’s peaceful sanctuary, the cookbook nook, with two family heirloom serving containers shattered around him. At first it wasn’t clear, but within a couple hours they knew for sure. He had been murdered, and once again, there was a murderer staying at Storyton Hall.

The Fins have been part of Storyton for many years. They have special backgrounds and training, and are prepared to protect Jane, her great-aunt and uncle, and her sons. They also oversee the security needs of the Hall undercover of being head of the library, recreation, chauffeurs and cars, and the butler. Three of the four men were like surrogate fathers to Jane when she grew up, having lost her parents at a young age. One oversees the martial arts training she and her twin sons receive. The Fins, Jane and her family, and her friends are defined to perfection. They are endearing and invaluable.

Plot twists affect so many things in this complex mystery! As if a fire and a murder are not enough, unusual things continue to occur. One incident cannot occur without being intertwined with several others. The sheriff spends many hours at the Hall and, without the help of the Fins and Jane, would have a much more challenging job this time. They have an excellent working relationship, so they do not have the head-butting that often happens in cozy mysteries. I enjoy the interaction between them, as well as between Jane’s twins, the staff, and the chefs. I enjoyed a special guest of one of the chefs who became fast friends with Jane. Discovery of the bad guy(s) was not easy to determine, as there were unforeseen layers to each situation. I was actually shocked at part of the solution, while expecting part of it. All the loose ends were tied up, and I am so looking forward to the next visit! I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series!

Another thoroughly enjoyable installment in the series from Ellery Adams. This book is engaging, has fun, personable characters, and keeps you guessing.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 7 in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.* I mention this early, because there were A LOT of typos/errors in the version I read, and they really distracted me from the story.

Errors aside, I honestly can't put my finger on one single thing that I didn't like, I just couldn't focus on the story. I think maybe I am growing out of cozy mysteries or I am in a reading slump, because I've had a hard time with a lot of books lately.

BUT, I am still having issues with the whole Edwin relationship and his "real" profession. Stick in an "influencer" and I just found myself annoyed.

It's too bad, because I loved Bake Off and thought the idea for this was fun. Add in a surprise appearance of a crossover character from a defunct series and I should have loved it.

I think I may take a break from cozies for a bit.

Another lovely instalments in one of my favourite cozy series. Intriguing mystery, great cast of characters, a charming small town and hotel (oh how I wish I could visit Storyton), and lots of yummy food descriptions. Perfect summer reading!

Jane’s Storyton Manor is host to a cook off TV show, presented by a young social media influencer, Mia. Add in the regular cast for characters in the series, plus chefs and television staff, and there are too many characters, distracting from the mystery. The cook off’s theme is literary, as is the Manor, celebrating books and authors. When one chef is murdered and fires and other mishaps occur, Jane works with the police to solve the case. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.