Murder in the Cookbook Nook is the seventh book in the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams.

Storyton Hall is hosting a cooking competition when one of the competitors is killed and there are other mishaps that threaten to shut down the show. Jane and the Fins investigate to see if they are related to the murder. The mystery was very intriguing and a serious, real-world issue was highlighted.

This series is great on its own, but when you throw in a reality cooking show and a special treat for fans of the Books by the Bay series, I knew I would read this in one sitting.

What I love about this series is getting to see the characters and relationships develop and grow- Jane and Edwin, Fitz and Hem, the Cover Girls, Mrs. Hubbard, the Fins, Aunt Octavia, and Uncle Aloysius.

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

I could not wait to read Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams. I look forward to reading the newest installment in this series each year. While this is the seventh A Book Retreat Mystery, it can be read as a standalone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the beginning, and I recommend reading it in order (you’ll love it). I love visiting Storyton Hall which is a delight for bibliophiles. The author provides vivid descriptions of Storyton Hall and the surrounding area. These word depictions really bring the story alive for me. I especially was delighted with Mrs. Hubbard’s cookbook nook. It sounds amazing with the special cookbooks and the precious antiques. I want a cozy nook like that where I can read and relax. There is a cast of charming, developed, and diverse characters led by Jane Steward. She has an excellent staff who are part of her family. Jane’s two sons are smart and adorable. Jane’s relationship with Edwin is progressing nicely. They are a cute and compatible couple. It was wonderful to see Olivia Limoges and her poodle, Captain Haviland from A Books by the Bay Mystery series. I hope we see more of her in the future (especially since she has made friends with the Cover Girls). The mystery was well-crafted. There are several suspects who disliked the offensive victim. The clues are subtle (the devil is in the details). This is an engaging whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the tension filled reveal. I like how it all came together with a satisfying conclusion. The epilogue was delightful and fun. I am eager for my next visit to Storyton Hall (I wish we did not have to wait a year for it). Murder in the Cookbook Nook is a bibliophiles dream with a cozy cookbook nook, an odious oaf, delectable delights, a proper poodle, creative chefs, a fierce fire, and a bounty of books.

Murder in a Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams is the 7th in her Book Retreat Series---though I have not read the others, I was able to jump into the flow without difficulty. The setting is a charming hotel retreat called Storyton Hall, where the atmosphere is literary all the way. If it was a real location, I would be there for vacation.
Jane, a single mom, has her hands full as the manager of Storyton Hall in addition to parenting her twin boys, Fitzgerald and Hemingway. The hotel hosts a reality chef cook off ---the story takes off with a bang and does not slow down for a while. I love a quick pace and red herrings that keep the reader on their toes. The conclusion was satisfying and left me with a happy glow.
A character from another series, Books by the Bay, makes an appearance with her poodle, Capt. Haviland. That was a welcome surprise. I will start on book one of this engaging series soon. A wonderful read.

My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I always review books I enjoy.
#MurderintheCookbookNook # NetGalley

Whenever I see a new Ellery Adams book, I am giddy with anticipation. And Murder in the Cookbook Nook sure didn't disappoint.

The seventh book in the Book Retreat Mysteries, we get to catch up with Jane, who is the resort owner of Storyton Hall (and Protectoress of a Great (and mostly secret) Treasury of books). Reality TV and the Influencer Culture has come to Storyton Hall for a Cooking Contest. But it’s not quite the fun and delicious event Jane and crew are hoping for.

Instead, there’s a deliberate fire set, the murder of a famous chef, and more disasters. Wanting to keep everyone safe and discover the culprit are at the top of the list for Jane and the Fins.

The mystery is well done with several suspects with multiple motives and it had a very modern, and very believable twist as to the culprit.

Rounding out Murder in the Cookbook Nook are her supporting cast of The Cover Girls (her friends an book club), Storyton Hall Staff, her beau, Edwin, and her twin boys Fitz and Hem.

And for those of you who are long-time fans of Adams’ works, we are treated to a triple delight of Olivia Limoges, Captain Havilland, and Chef Michel from the Books by the Bay series. I loved these characters and seeing them interact with the Storyton characters was even more of a pleasure. I especially love how protective Olivia is of Jane’s twins,

What brings me back to Adams' work is a combination of plot twists and her characters. Well rounded, engaging, and likable, the characters beg you to come back and visit them again to see how their lives are developing. As well as how their relationships with each other are growing. This ability of Adams' shines in the Book Retreat series.

While this book could be read as a stand-alone, you'll enjoy it much more if you read the previous books in the series.

One thing I have come to really appreciate about cozy mystery series like the Book Retreat Mysteries is that I get to spend time with characters I’ve come to know and love. It’s like visiting old friends – and a very welcome respite from the events in the real world.

So, curl up by the fire with a nice glass of wine or cup of tea and get lost in the world of Jane, her family, and her friends.

(I graciously received an ARC of this book from the publisher and author via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)

This series continues to be a favorite in the genre with this newest one! This combines a reality tv cooking show with a bookish cozy mystery, a meld I didn't even know I was looking for but thoroughly enjoyed. Despite the high murder rate, Storyton Hall remains a place I desperately wish I could visit. All of the usual characters get a chance to shine in this one. One of the things I really enjoy about this series is the way the subplot of Jane as the Guardian of Storyton Hall and it's secret treasures, along with the Fins, has been carried through, and while this plays a smaller role in this one compared to some others, it is still present and really just adds to the story.

There is so much to love about this book that I don't even know where to start. First, I didn't know that this book was part of a series and it doesn't matter at all (except for the fact that I'll now be putting all of the Book Retreat Mysteries [Storyton Hall] books on my TBR!). This book stands alone as a completely adorable cozy read. Set in West Virginia, at Storyton Hall, Jane is the HBIC in charge of everything and I might dare say she has the best job in the world. As the steward of the Hall she is responsible for all of the books, the historical items, and the people that enter the land. In "Murder in the Cookbook Nook" we see that Storyton Hall has opened its doors to a Great Britsh Baking type show, and is now filled with cooks, judges, celebrities, crew, cameras, and of course lots of drama. Not the least of which is the fact that one of the least lovable contestants is now dead in the very beloved cookbook nook. This is the classic closed room whodunit with amazing twists and updates that everyone will love.

5/5 Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series and this book did not let me down! In this there is a cooking competition being filmed at Storyline Hall and one of the competitors is murdered in Mrs. Hubbard's cookbook nook. One of my favorite aspects of this series is that the murderer isn't super obvious, so you are continuously guessing.

If you love cozy mysteries, this series is a must read!

Disclaimer: I was given an eARC of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of my favorite series. I feel like I'm on a vacation with a group of my favorite friends with each book. I love the setting of Storyton Hall. This vacation we going to a cooking competition of some top cooks. The cooks are just as diverse and complex as the regular series characters. Some of the relationships may be volatile but others are complementary and inspiring. As I said the regular series characters feel like beloved friends. The characters are well-developed, relatable, and encouraging. The mystery is well-crafted with tons of red herrings and several suspects. I was completely surprised by the killer. I look forward to the next book in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

I love to escape to Storyton Hall and to be so well taken care of by Jane Steward and her wonderful staff. When a murder occurs, not to worry, Jane and The Fins will set things to right. She juggles being a single mother to twins, Fitz and Hem (my how they have grown), romantic partner to Edwin Alcott, manager of Storyton Hall and a member of a secret group known as The Fins. She is also a very good crime solver. This pouting is no different. By the end of the first quarter of the mystery we have witnessed a arson fire that threatened to take down an event tent and then a murder committed in the Hall's beloved cooks' book retreat. That's just the first quarter mind you. More mayhem to come and a very long list of suspects as the victim was a guy anyone would love to hate.
Not only does the reader get to spend more time with Jane, Edwin, the twins, The Fins and the Cover Girls there are two characters from a previous series to visit with - Olivia Limoges along with her standard black poodle, Captain Haviland (I have a weakness for black standard poodles). Combine it all with a very well constructed puzzle to solve while being distracted by twists, turns and red herrings, well I was sad to read the last page. Honestly, if Ellery Adams writes it I want to read it.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Literary Cook-Off, Human Rights Violations and Murder combine for a first-rate mystery in this excellent series. I particularly enjoy the many nods to great books and authors. Also I really like the continuing characters that appear in each book. They are warm, relatable and loyal. And the main character, Jane Steward, is bright, talented and resourceful. She is someone you would want for a friend. Thank you for bringing back Olivia and Captain Haviland. My only wish is for some recipes of the mouth-watering dishes described in the story. I would buy a Storyton Cookbook. Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderInTheCookbookNook for an advanced digital copy,

This is one of my favorite series and I eagerly await each new addition! This series is never a disappointment! The characters are well developed, engaging and unique. The mystery is well crafted and interesting. The setting is unique and having the storylines revolve around books and food that compliments those books is always a highlight. The creativity that is woven into this series is a reading pleasure.

This is the latest edition in the Storyton Book Retreat Mystery series. These books all take place in a fictional town that any book lover would love to really exist. It is a place where you are encouraged to relax, and just read. You are pampered with food, and drink, as well as having access to a spa and other activities if you wish. Many of the books in the series take place around a particular theme. In this one, it is the filming of a cooking show.

For anyone who has ever seen a cooking show, you know that they can be very dramatic, but this one has the added drama of the death of one of the contestants. Jane, who is the owner of the retreat, along with many of her staff, set out to discover how he died, and do so before someone else is hurt.

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and I loved this new entry. It does not have some of the spy elements that some of the earlier versions did, but it is a highly enjoyable cozy mystery that those who love the series, as well as those new to the books will enjoy. The author does a good job of allowing you to get to know the characters without revealing the previous story elements, so if you have not read the others, you can read it as a stand alone, and then go and read the ones before it. If you have read the others, you will be reunited with some of your favorite characters, and enjoy learning more about how they are doing in Storyton.

The mystery started off pretty fast in this book, but settled down and had a really decent pace after a couple of chapters. The clues were there for discovering who did it, but it was a nice ride to go one with Jane to discover who it was, and why. I did get thrown off by a couple of the red herrings, but that was perfect to make me want to read on to discover if I was initially correct, or had I been misdirected. Perfect mystery writing.

I recommend this book to cozy book lovers, especially if you enjoy book themed ones. I also recommend to others who love to have a book to just escape into, as this one will make you wish you could make a reservation, and just read in a comfy chair all day long.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an advanced copy of Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams. This is another great entry in to her Book retreat mystery series which I really like. I suggest reading the others before diving into this one though.
Six chefs are preparing to compete at Storyton Hall that will boost their careers—but is there someone who can’t stand the heat? It looks that way when one of the contestants is found dead in a pantry packed with two centuries’ worth of cookbooks, among other treasures and rarities. Jane with the help of her security team, the Fins must solve the mystery especially when other events in town start flaring up, like tampering with the costume of a local mascot. When someone serves a second course of murder, the kitchen must be closed and the killer must be found! This series is great fun and a perfect cottage or beach read!

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams is book seven in the 'Book Retreat Mystery' series and my second book in that series.

Jane Steward is the manager of Storyton Hall and a single mum to her twin boys Fitzgerald and Hemingway (Fitz and Hem). Her boyfriend, Edwin Alcott runs a restaurant called the Daily Bread Cafe in Storyton and is a food writer. Storyton Hall, a book-related retreat, is the site for a cooking competition, Posh Palate with Mia Mallet, a billionaire trendsetter and social media influencer. Mia can be demanding and for the Posh Palate show, six of America’s very best chefs have been brought in. On the day that the filming crew is setting up, Jane, Hem and Fitz are cycling back from a visit to Storyton village when they see smoke in the distance but it turns out to be a minor grass fire. Later, a technician from a power solutions company finds the electrical wiring has been overloaded, suggesting that someone might be trying to sabotage the competition. Then one of the chefs, Chef Pierce, who has been annoying and insulting everyone since his arrival, gropes the pastry chef and Mia informs him that he is no longer in the competition. Chef Pierce fails to show up at breakfast the next day and he is found dead in his room...

Murder in the Cookbook Nook was a compelling and fun cosy read and you'll want to read the other instalments if you are new to this series. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues. The cast is quirky, and busy protagonist Jane is sparky, spirited, and curious and she has a lot going on in this story.

There was a large number of characters in Murder in the Cookbook Nook but I think I just about managed to keep track of all of them. Janes's trusty sidekicks, The Fins, Butterworth, Sinclair and Sterling made a welcome return, the mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep me guessing the culprit's identity.

Overall, a marvellous cosy and a very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has in store for Jane next, in book #8.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Jane welcomes Mia Malett and her chef competition show to Storyton Hall. This book is a masterpiece. I love visiting Storyton Hall. This cooking competition was well written and meant to have less drama than other shows, but Chef Pierce is killed ramping up the drama.
I like the chefs and Mia. I love the interactions of the Cover Girls - Book Club, help with the competition and preparing for Eloise wedding.
The book has a cause - to increase awareness of modern slavery in the fishing and chocolate industries. I appreciate that the cause was integrated into the story and not sermonized or shoved down the readers throat.
I didn’t expect the outcome. It was beautifully done and increases your emotional reaction to the story.
I am so happy to have had the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.

In the 7th book in the Book Retreat mystery series, Storyton Hall is hosting a hugely popular cooking competition show. Before the first challenge begins, there is a suspicious fire. Then, one of the contestants is found murdered... but the show must go on and someone involved with the production is suspected to be at fault. Thankfully, Jane, the Fins, the twins, the Cover Girls and Edwin can handle the heat!

Ellery Adams keeps you on your toes and presents suspect after suspect after suspect. She keeps the wonder of Storyton hall alive, references some other wonderful author's works, and brings more depth to some of the supporting cast. Another great read!

This book is filled with delightful characters and a wonderful story. It is the seventh book in the series. This story is very well developed and flowed smoothly. I did not fee like I was missing anything from not reading the other books, but the characters pulled me in and I want to read more. I like finding stories that the characters feel like someone I would want to be friends with. When it is part of a series like this one is, it makes it that much better. I have read other books by Ellery Adams and can't wait to read more of her books.

This is the 7th book in this cozy mystery series and the first one I’ve read. I loved the setting and am ready to spend a long weekend relaxing and reading at Storyton Hall. I like Jane and the family, friends and staff she surrounds herself with. I have also enjoyed this prolific writer’s Secret Book & Scone series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for a copy of "Murder in the Cookbook Nook" in exchange for my honest review.

The story takes place in the Village of Storyton at the 5-star resort known as Storyton Hall. The hotel was shipped over brick by brick to Western Virginia from England. The manager/Guardian of the Hall is Jane Steward. She has twin 5th graders Fitzgerald and Hemingway. Her boyfriend Edwin Alcott is a restauranteur and food writer. Also important to the story are Mrs. Hubbard - the cook, Sterling - the head chauffeur, Sinclair - head librarian, Butterworth - the butler and Lachlan.

Storyton Hall is the setting for an instalment in a cooking show. Celebrity host Mia Mallett has brought her production team to the resort. The chefs on the show are Chef Saffron, Chef Lindsay, and Chef Alondra make up the women in the competition. The men are Chef Michel, Chef August and Chef Pierce. Judging the competition are Levi Anjou and Coco Kennedy.

Chef Pierce rubs the entire group the wrong way from the moment he arrives with his derogatory comments, nasty and rude things he says to make everyone around feel uncomfortable. Even though he signed a Code of Conduct he acts like a brute. He appears to be an alcoholic as everyone wonders what exactly is in his water bottle.

While at first glance there could be several choices as to who might be murdered but it makes sense as one keeps reading. One thing that is shocking is the reveal of who the murderer is.

A film crew is shooting a cooking competition at Storyton Hall in Virginia and the shoot is beset by multiple mishaps, including the death of one of the competitors. This is one of my favorite series and this book didn’t disappoint. It’s a well written, fast paced story that I didn’t want to put down.

This book would work as a stand alone if you haven’t read the rest of the series.