Having recently binge watched the recent Great Britain version of this type of show, I was all about reading a mystery that takes place during the filming of such a series! Ellery always gives the reader a solid mystery, and this book/series is no exception! This is the 2nd of the 7 books in this series that I have read, and Jane is just as charming and determined in this book, as she was in the previous one I read. Not only does Jane have paying customers to keep safe, she has her family and employees to keep from danger, which seems to be plaquing the set non stop. As secrets keep coming out about the different chefs, more and more suspects emerge. This is a fun read, but it may make you wish for your own cookbook nook! LOL

I love Ellery Adams and I love this series. It's always a treat to review a book that is part of a series you follow. Ellery Adams is one of the queens of Cozy fictions. Her books are well written and entertaining. She also has a wonderful penchant for sharing books and quotes from famous authors - love how she plugs that in.

I'm not going to write what the book is about, as the publisher does a much better part, but I will say Jane and the Fins always come through. I loved all the twists and turns in this book. I would have loved to have seen Edwin a little more involved - especially after the last book, but him being a minor character this time, did not take away anything from the book (relax, Edwin is still a major character).

I highly recommend this series and this author to any fans of cozy mysteries - especially well written ones.

Thank you Netgalley. This opinions are strictly my own.

Grateful to be auto-approved by Kensington Books to review this wonderful novel by Ellery Adams. This is the latest novel in the Book Retreat cozy mystery series.

In brief, Jane Steward is the Guardian of Storybrook Manor. She wants all of the guests to feel safe while they are staying at the luxury hotel. Meanwhile, it is the location of the Chef competition on a Reality Television programme.

This misogynistic Chef is murdered and there is a long list of suspects. While Jane and her Fins are searching for the killer, Jane meets Olivia Limognes from another series - Books by the Bay cozy mystery series. I loved seeing Olivia again.

Content warning: Fire, Groping, and a few scary moments.

I received this book from that galley #netgalley

A friend recommended this series and I'm so glad that she did I enjoyed the characters development over the course of the book and the plot and mystery was also very enthralling

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams once again returns readers to Storyton Hall in Virginia and there is nothing that I like better than being there with Jane, the Fins, Mrs. Hubbard and Edison. I love this series and I was thrilled to see a new one is soon to be released. I was delighted to see Olivia Limoges and Captain Haviland visiting Storyton Hall since Ms. Adams series starring Olivia had ended quite some time ago.

The story moves quickly with a long list of characters that might have personal reasons for murder. As the story progressed and Jane and the Fins investigated it seemed that there were more threads to the events than a murderous desire.It was so difficult to put the book down once I opened the first page, the twists and red herrings kept me guessing and I was completely off base as to who had "done it" at the reveal.

I think I start every review for books in this series by saying I wish Storyton Hall was a real place where I could go on vacation, but I really do! The setting for the series is lovely and I like the cast of characters. The ending of this mystery felt rushed to me, but I still enjoyed reading it.

Another favorite by a great author. The plot of the story was very well written. The author really draws the reader in as you read. I felt like I was an unnamed character in the story. I love this author.

Adams has a gift for writing compelling mystery series. I have enjoyed all of her series. It is a pleasure to return to the resort series based on books. Jane agreed to allow a cooking show to film on the premises, but after a series of mishaps, a murder, and other damage she and her team have to figure out the culprit. The secret library takes a back seat in this book while other parts of the resort are played up. Adams also Includes a beloved character from her concluded Oyster Bay series, Olivia Limoges. I always like it when an author has characters from different series show up in the books. Murder in the Cookbook Nook is a fast paced read and ends on a positive note. Crack open this book and take a literary look through its pages.

The thing I liked most about this book is that it gave you a summary of what happened previously in the series and reminded you of who everyone is. For me this was great because I hadn’t read this series and was able to read it as a stand alone. However, sometimes even if I read the series from the start I can’t remember what happened from book to book.
I loved the cast of characters that reside at Storyton hall! It’s definitely a place I would love to visit for a vacation! And the fact that the hall was host to a cooking competition just made the story that more fun! Over all I thought it was well written and I will definitely read more in the series

Another fun book about what sounds like it would be my favorite place to visit, Storyton Manor. I have read this series from the beginning, and like the characters and how Jane and her sons have accepted their legacies of guardians of the secret library. This is a pretty original idea. This time Jane is hosting a Bookish Cook Off, and it seems several people really don't want to see it happen. Things go wrong almost from the beginning, and everyone, including the cook is involved.

Another great cozy mystery in this wonderful series. As always I love the characters in this series and how they interact with each other. The description of the scenery is always beautiful. Plot was great with a cooking competition turned murder. Had me guessing throughout, and I was surprised by the ending.
Looking forward to the next Storyton book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The characters in this series have become old friends by now, and I thoroughly enjoyed this
installment. Thanks for the opportunity to preview the title!

I enjoy the writings of Ellery Adams. This book will not disappoint. In this installment, a reality show comes to down and murder and mystery follow. The characters are great, and the storylines keep getting better and better. Start this series from the beginning!

If you like cozy mysteries, small towns, and cooking competitions, grab Murder in the Cookbook Nook.

#MurderintheCookbookNook #NetGalley

If I could simply use one word for how I feel about this series of books, it would be "Wow"!
I have always enjoyed this series, and this latest offering was above and beyond my expectations. With the appearance of a surprise guest, it was fabulous!
This book grabbed me from the first page and did not let go.
The characters and setting are written vividly and are intriguing.
The whodunit and suspects kept me enthralled and guessing!
I strongly suggest you read this series in order, to fully appreciate it.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I loved this book. It's great being with the characters of Storyton again. I love how they interact with each other. This story is interesting, a great mystery and lots of camaraderie. I was surprised by who the bad guy was but felt sympathetic to the reasons. I was happy by the surprise gift from Olivia. #MurderintheCookbookNook #NetGalley

Murder in the Cookbook Nook: A Book Retreat Mystery
By Ellery Adams
Kensington
April 27, 2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

Famous for their book-themed rooms and specializing as a resort for bibliophiles, Virginia’s Storyton Hall is about to be the site of a televised cooking competition show, A Bookish Cookoff. Six renowned American chefs will be competing against one another in book-themed challenges for bragging rights and a prize of $100,000, all hosted by young billionaire entrepreneur Mia Mallett. Before they even begin filming there’s a fire on the archery field grounds, and resort manager Jane Storyton fears that the sabotage has already begun. The combative relationships between the chefs is incendiary enough, although that’s mostly a result of Chef Pierce’s sexist, condescending, and bullying behavior. When his body is found surrounded by priceless broken porcelain tea cups and stabbed to death with one of the shards, Jane rallies her forces to investigate and protect her beloved Storyton Hall home.

Jane does indeed have a formidable army at her side, as she is the Guardian of Storyton Hall, a historical estate that for centuries housed and protected tomes believed too valuable or dangerous to be read by mankind. Jane has only recently changed their purpose and begun disseminating the information to the world, with her loyal guard of wise and battle-trained Finns at her side. Just as instrumental to her has been her boyfriend Edwin, a Templar whose Robin Hood-ish mission has been to steal already-purloined books and return them to their rightful homes. Now they make it their goal to solve the murder of the chef before filming stops and the suspects return to their various kitchens and television studios around the country. That doesn’t mean that Jane still won’t have time for her Cover Girls book club meetings, especially when they follow the cuisine theme by reading – and cooking from – chef memoirs. Nothing can be more mouth-watering or heartwarming than meals coming straight from the souls of Anthony Bourdain, Ruth Reichl, Eddie Huang, or Top Chef’s Kwame Onwachi.

As someone who has seen every episode of Top Chef, this book delighted me in a countless number of ways. While chefs are renowned for their brash personalities and big egos, here many surprise with their generosity and willingness to help others to shine on a fair playing field. There is so much fun to be had as chefs compete in challenges based on Hemmingway and Dickens, with the descriptions of their exquisite meals worthy of any Gourmet or Saveur Magazine review. Even more rewarding is the presence of reclusive Oliva Limoges, staying at the resort while her chef competes and she recovers from a personal tragedy. Fans of Ellery Adams will of course know Olivia from the Books by the Bay mystery series, in which she and her wonderful standard poodle Captain Haviland own and run the Boots Top Bistro restaurant. The tone is kept light and lively here with the exciting cooking competitions, television production machinations, and scandals within the food industry. Readers will be educated as well as entertained in this 7th of the series, which continues the mythology of Storyton while reveling in the cooking competition world. Bibliophiles and foodies will find so much to enjoy in this latest installment of the adventures of Jane and her book-protecting family.

Running a five star resort is a huge, full-time, responsibility but one owner Jane Steward embraces wholeheartedly. Only her twin boys, partner Edwin, and immediate family are more important to her. Although Storyton Hall is already popular, extending its charm to potential new clients is always a top priority to all who love it. So, when Jane is offered the chance to host the forthcoming series of extremely popular cookery competition Posh Palate with Mia Mallett she grabs it with both hands.

As the opening challenge draws ever nearer a fire near the main tent has  everyone involved hoping it isn't a bad omen but things are about to get so much worse! With the local sheriff and her trusted friends, the Fins and the Cover Girls, Jane begins an investigation while still trying to keep everything else as normal as possible. As tensions increase for everyone, Jane finds herself far more involved in the finale than she could ever have imagined.

This is an engagingly, original, cosy mystery which was a pleasure to experience. Although this is the seventh book in the Book Retreat series it is the first I have read. This wasn't a hindrance in any way and I look forward to reading more about Jane Steward in her previous outings. The protagonists were a great group and there were more suspects than I expected which provided entertaining red herrings at every turn.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a slightly different take on the cosy crime genre and well worth a read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this 7th book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, one of my favorite cozy series of them all.

Though set at Storyton Hall, book lovers' dream, this one featured the filming of a cooking competition. While there were literary references, the connection wasn't as strong as in other books, yet nonetheless very enjoyable.

If you're a fan of other series this author has written, you'll be in for a very pleasant surprise in this book.

A great plot, great recurring characters, and set at a book lovers' paradise, I couldn't ask for more. Very highly recommended!!

I'm always thrilled to visit Storyton Hall, and each installment just gets better and better. Along with the lovely atmosphere of the literary-themed luxury resort, there was the filming of a cooking competition reality show, more time with the wonderful supporting characters, and insight into some human rights issues that don't get enough attention. I also loved the crossover with the Books by the Bay series, and definitely want to see more of these characters again. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series from a favorite author, and I can't wait to read the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the advance digital copy.

I love the A Book Retreat Mystery series, Storyton Hall and the whimsey surrounding it. I have one minor issue with the tendency to preach in 'Murder in the Cookbook Nook'. Information about social issues in the food industry becomes too much as I try to escape to the environs of Storyton Hall. Some of us need a break from the harshness of life, but Ellery Adams at times has a heavy and depressing hand (i.e. Books by the Bay ending). I'm sorry to feel this way, but there is a delicate balance that I think was missed. I will return again, however, with the hopes of finding joy at Storyton.

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