One of my favourite cozy series; Murder on the Poet's Walk was another fun visit to Storyton Hall with a good mix of mystery and side adventures / story development (Eloise's wedding!). I look forward to the next book!

"'I cannot picture your future husband holding a punch glass,' said Violet.

'A Viking drinking horn would be more like it,' added Mrs. Pratt.

Eloise smiled. 'Maybe he can order a set for the groomsmen.'

'Who else, besides me, would pay money to see Butterworth drinking champagne out of a horn?' asked Mabel."
Loc. 3221 Kindle ebook

I will say this, MURDER ON POET'S WALK by Emery Adams is fun, by which I mean spirited. Consider my excerpt: Adams clearly had fun writing this scene. She knows her characters and her story world intimately, so characters joke with each other about characters who aren't even present in the scene! Unfortunately, this exchange doesn't mean much to me because none of these characters is developed enough in *this* book. After two readings, I can tell you these women are part of a book club with a name I don't care for. I think.

MURDER ON THE POET'S WALK suffers from a terrible case of not-for-me syndrome, but it could have been different if Adams had tried harder to bring along audience members who haven't read the *seven* previous books in this series before reading this one. As it is, the large cast, enormous setting, long (and apparently secret) history, and convoluted mystery are just too overwhelming. That's why I read this book twice-- I was just trying to understand the plot.

In the end, the mysterious twist depended on a serious content trigger. In short, this mystery book doesn't stand well on its own, which is how I read it.

Thank you NetGalley, Ellery Adams, and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book!

Rating 2.5 stars, extra half star for the poetry
Recommended only to previous readers of this series. Other readers may feel lost.
Content Warning for corpses, corpse staging, blood, guns and shooting, dementia/alzheimers, drowning (mention), alcohol consumption, pills

I really enjoyed this latest (8th) installment of the cozy Book Retreat Mysteries. I think this is one of the best books in the series. The plot is outstanding and as usual, the characters are strong. I especially like the personalities of the guests. I highly recommend this book, 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

This book had it all! It is my favorite of the series! A poetry contest, Eloise"s upcoming wedding, a health scare of a beloved character, stolen manuscripts, and not one but two dead bodies. Jane really has her work cut out for her in this one!
You do not want to miss this addition to the book retreat series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Ellery Adams, and the publisher for this opportunity.

I so want there to be a real Storyton Hall that I can go and vacation on a regular basis there! Wonderful characters who have become like old friends that you fall back in step with just by cracking open the newest book! The plot on this one was absolutely outstanding as it had twists, turns, red herrings and fabulous interactions to keep you guessing until the end who the culprit (or culprits) were. The theme in this book is all things poetry and the author does not disappoint by wrapping the mystery deftly in poetry to entertain for hours. In fact, the author creates such a vivid world wrapped around books and literary references that you become absolutely immersed in the story and stay there until the last word is read! I'm only sorry that now I am back to waiting for the next book to come out!

An opportunity to die for or was it an opportunity to kill for? Once again, Storyton Hall has become the site of not one but two Rip Van Winkle incidents, much to chagrin of Guardian Jane Steward. Jane and the staff of Storyton Hall plays host to a greeting card company contract contest complete with a signature cocktail, an amazing cocktail party menu, a literary scavenger hunt and plenty of suspects. This time life will imitate art or rather poetry as the murderer takes a bit of poetic licensing with the subject matter. As if that wasn’t enough, priceless poetry pages from the secret collection are found scattered in multiple places both secret and odd. Jane makes use of the clues, her many companions, and the cognitive skills of the Cover Girls book club members to solve this latest mystery. I am not sure what I enjoyed more, the mystery or the various meals enjoyed by the characters, such as the crêpes with apple filling.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie

This brilliant new cozy mystery, written by a master wordsmith and storyteller, reminds me of all the reasons why I would love to spend a week or four at Storyton Hall. I can easily imagine being seated comfortably with a good book in any peaceful library, reading room, or bench on a hiking trail. One doesn’t have to be an aficionado of classical literature or poetry to feel at home. This idyllic setting with delectable menus for each themed meal, the incredible book collection, friendships and camaraderie amongst the staff and the village, and real-life sweet romances add to the appeal.

Jane Steward, manager of the resort, is hosting approximately 50 poets who are vying for a contract with a new greeting card company. The intense lectures, activities, and writing will produce one winner who will do all drawings and verses for Current Moods Cards, and the competition is fierce.

Great Uncle Aloysius and Great Aunt Octavia raised Jane here after the untimely deaths of her parents. Sinclair, Sterling, and Butterworth have been like fathers to her. Senior members of the staff, they are publicly the librarian, head chauffeur, and head butler respectively. Away from the public eye, they are a kind of security force, known as the Fins, primarily for Jane and her family. Since Jane has been in charge, Landon has joined the Fins, and he publicly handles the raptors and related classes to the public.

There is a secret library hidden deep within the manor, the existence of which is known to a very few hand-selected people who Jane would trust with her life. Contents include rare or original documents, books, and other publications, priceless and irreplaceable.

Jane was on an early morning hike when she saw the turquoise canoe in the reeds of the lake. In it sat a young woman wearing a white dress. She was already dead, sat up and tied to the seat to keep her from falling. She appeared to be like the artist’s rendering associated with Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shallot”.

Identified as Gretchen, she was one of the poets there for the weekend. She was one of the top contenders for the contract. Jane and the Fins use every means they have to help the sheriff. They have provided assistance in the past based on their varied prior careers. It would take time to discover the cause of death and discreetly learn about Gretchen from any others who might know her.

As they try to discover how a killer got in or out of the manor, a one-of-a-kind handwritten poem by one of America’s best-loved 1800’s poets was found. It was in a secret passageway that Jane’s twin boys told her long-time boyfriend, Edwin, about. The poem had been carefully stored in the secret library for many years. Jane discovered that about a dozen of the poet’s original writings were missing. There is much speculation, including whether the thief and the killer were the same person, how the person got into the secret library, or if the crimes were somehow connected.

The main reasons one can enjoy this resort are Jane and her family, her dear friends and fellow book club members, the Cover Girls, and the hand-picked staff. Each of these unique men and women come to life with sufficient details to know and feel their love and loyalties. I love the three older Fins and their close relationships with the family. It always amazes me how the family and the Fins have such in-depth knowledge of poets or authors that they can hear a title or a few lines of verse or prose and recognize it!

This novel is detailed without being tedious; rather, it allowed me to read slowly enough to appreciate it. The mysteries were confounding! When I had an idea who the bad guy was, a plot twist or a simple clue turned up and changed my mind again. I am happy that the mysteries are the primary focus throughout. I enjoyed catching up with Jane and her family, the Fins, and her friends, but none detracted from the murders and theft. There are details that kept Storyton Hall interesting, such as the games the boys played or the signature cocktails for the event. Needless to say, I didn’t know the bad guy(s) or motive(s) and was very surprised at the outcomes. I highly recommend this very original novel and series!

I was surprised I liked this book as much as I did. There were a few annoyances, namely, why didn’t Jane turn on the flashlight app on her phone when she was confronted by an unfamiliar person in a dark confined space; and why did she run to the restroom to wash her hands instead of waiting for help to arrive, and to see who followed her out? Granted, this would have ended the story too soon, but there could have been a workaround.

I enjoy how Ellery Adams brings in authors, titles, and quotes to enhance her narratives and to remind her readers that Storyton is all about the world of the written arts. Usually, readers should start a series from the beginning, but midway through the Book Retreat series, Adams took a slight left turn from where she began. Not in a bad way, but there was a new focus, so the series order might not be as crucial as it once was.

From time to time, I wish there was an actual Storyton. I could use a vacation with no electronics, beautiful gardens, walking trails, and uninterrupted reading.

I read 25 % of this book and have DNFed it. I keep getting historic cozy mystery vibes and then modern-day plot devices are thrown in. This isn't a horrible book but it just isn't working for me right now. I recommend everyone give it a chance to engage them and have a different experience.

I eagerly await each book that is written by Ellery Adams. This latest addition to the Book Retreat series has a poetry competition taking place at Storyton Hall. With each book in this series I wish that Storyton Hall was a real place that I could visit and that I could get to know Jane and the other characters. The mystery was complex and had many suspects and kept me questioning who I thought was responsible. I enjoy the literary quotes and books that are mentioned in each book that relate to the current guests at the resort too. Another great book in this series. This could be read as a stand alone, but I recommend the whole series.

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

Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams is #8 in the Book Retreat cozy mystery series. However this was my first read in this series and I do believe a reader could easily pick it up here. However like most series - earlier books enrich with background, that cannot be denied. I have plans to move through some previous books in the series.

Jane owns this amazing place that is a hotel that was once her home. It is large and rambling and has some secret passages. She has a large staff, with many who have been with her a long time. They all have roles at the hotel, but when it comes to mystery and murder they are there with their expertise. Jane has two twin boys, about twelve, Hem and Fitz and they feature in small and significant ways in the book. Add in Edwin who obviously loves Jane and the boys, the Cover Girls who are part of a book club and Uncle Aloysius and Aunt Octavia. A large cast with a big family feel.

With a poetry competition going on at the hall, the place is full of hopeful poets who are joining in in a competition that could be very worthwhile. Until one of them is murdered! What is going on? Mystery and sleuthing galore. Half way through on the back of the paper I wrote down who I thought was the murderer, from one small clue. But then I thought as time went by hmm no, of yes, no and YES!

Plenty of poetry and book references. A set of characters to enjoy and like, a little romance and one person out to make mayhem at the conference.

I thought it was a good mystery and read and as I said above I would like to delve into some of the earlier books.

Another great cozy, bookish mystery from Ellery Adams and a great addition to The Book Retreat Series. This one very obviously leans heavy on poetry (which is not my favorite and I blame high school English classes for that), but was a very easy, very good read. And for fans of the series, you'll want to read all the way to the end!

Really enjoyed this story , could imagine myself being amongst these guests , l, enjoying food , postetry and mingling with other poets .Only this fun time has been intruoted by a murder, Jane and the characters try to track down the mysterious guest who done the deed , while finding secret passageways and one of a kind poems , thos story has the reader intrigued and engaged the whole way through .

This is one of the most easily recommendable cozy series out there because it's just so consistently GOOD, and this one just adds to that record. This one is heavier on mystery happening at Storyton than on anything related to Jane's secret life, but it works well and is suitably dramatic.

Jane can't wait for her best friends upcoming nuptials. Meanwhile Storyton Hall is filled with poets who are all vying for a greeting card contract. Everywhere you look there is a poet writing away which leads to the discovery of a dead woman in a rowboat. The woman was posed to look like "The Lady of Shallot.". Jane is obviously upset and sets out to figure out who killed her and why she was killed. The discovery of a second body posed as a other character from poetry has Jane shocked. How many will die before they clue in to what is going on. She can't let another person meet such an end so she delves deeper into the search for a killer. Follow along and see if Jane keeps anyone else from becoming a sick poet's muse!

Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams is book eight 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 partner, 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 group including authors and songwriters competing to write greetings card poems. The winner will be offered a position working for Current Mood Cards. When a dead body is found on the Tennyson Trail, part of the Poet's Walk, found by Jane, she and the Fins are determined to help the sheriff solve the murder.

Murder on the Poet's Walk 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. Janes's trusty sidekicks, The Fins, Butterworth, the Cover Girls (Jane’s friends and book club members) as well as 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 very worthwhile read. I can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has in store for Jane next, in book #9.

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

What a complete delight to settle in for Book 8 of the Book Retreat cozy mystery series by Ellery Adams! Set at the Virginia writer's retreat, Storyton Hall, poets are in residence trying to win a contract with an up-and-coming greeting card company. However, murder strikes again! A contestant, rumored to be a top runner for the prize, is found murdered in a boat where she is dressed to resemble a poem. Jane Seward (manager of Storyton Hall) and her crew are on the case to ensure justice is served. Great pacing, delightful characters and bookish references to make every bibliophile smile, this is truly a great addition to the Book Retreat series. Enthusiastically recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance reader copy.

I love a book themed resort and going there the week of a poetry contest retreat, what could be better? Well after they find the first body posed in the way of a famous poem, everyone becomes a suspect.

Small town, book themed salons and hors d'oeuvres, secret passages, priceless 1st edition and secret book collections, poetry contests for a greeting card company and getting ready for a wedding. Then on top of that there is a murderer and finding who it is when everyone seems sus or possibly throwing them off, is just a lot but also life.

Loved the full cast of characters. This is a series but can be read as a standalone. I'm sure they are better if read in order for the growth of the relationships.


Thank you kensingtonbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Murder on the Poet's Walk is book #8 in the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams.

Storyton Hall is hosting a poetry competition for a greeting card contract when there is a “Rip Van Winkle.” Along with having a murder to investigate, it is just weeks from Jane’s best friend’s wedding.

This is one of my favorite series. The location is described so well that you feel like you are there. You don’t have to read the whole series to enjoy this book, but I really like seeing how Jane has developed from the time when she first learned about her role as Guardian of Storyton Hall. It is as fun reading to catch up with Jane and her friends and family as it is for the mysteries. This mystery kept me guessing!

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

Jane Steward helps run the Storyton Hall a book-themed resort. They have a poets retreat at the resort and then a body is found posed in a manner of a poem. Then another body is found also posed in the manner of a poem. Jane and her family and her book club must find the killer before he kills again or leaves the resort.

This is book eight of the series and I'm honestly mad at myself for not reading them sooner. I loved this book. I love how the author adds other books and talks about books I haven't heard about before. I think I added a few more books to my massive to-be-read list. I loved the quote by Richard Bach and had to look him up. I will for certain be going back to read the first seven books of this series. Ellery Adams is now an auto-read author for me.