The ninth book in Ellery Adams series Book Retreat Mysteries (please don't let it be the last!). I've read every book in this series and loved every single one. Storyton Hall is a dream hotel for book lovers with literary themes everywhere, as well as a secret library stash of rare books and manuscripts that some people would kill to own/steal.

This one starts with Jane and Edwin finally taking a vacation to Oyster Bay, North Carolina to get away from Storyton Hall and hopefully, relax and unwind. That's not what happened though as first Edwin has an incident, then there's the murder of an author and the murder of a worker at the Inn Jane and Edwin are staying at - The Admiral Inn. Jane, of course, has to investigate and finds some disturbing links to Storyton Hall.

This is a complex murder mystery that involves many suspects. Following the investigation is both fun and intriguing. At one point Jane may even be a suspect. The costumed All Hallows Ball is a hotbed of frenzied activity with the Fins and the Cover Girls, as well as the Sheriff and his Deputies are trying to watch everyone there for suspicious activity. All of this happening as Jane and Edwin's wedding is upcoming.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 25, 2023.

A multi-layered mystery with well-rounded characters and, oh, my, books and more books. A definite book lover's dream. You don't have to start on book one to grasp the story, it stands alone nicely, but I recommend it. First, because the series is that good and, second, you'll have a far better grasp of who is who and the full meaning behind Storyton Hall and Jane Steward's role there. This go-round, we join Jane and boyfriend Edwin Allcott on vacation at the beach. But, oh, my, this was not the vacation either was expecting. Unfortunately, Jane's unwanted knack of stumbling over dead bodies followed them to the beach.

I won't even attempt to detail the plot other than to say that Jane's role as guardian of Storyton Hall and its priceless book collection plays a role. As with previous books in the series, the characters' lives are interwoven and complex, with past tragedies playing a role. In the process of watching Jane unravel the crime, we do get to indulge in books, book, books. Author names flowed in and out of the story. Of course, the author characters here are fictional but Adams brings them to life nicely. Along the way, you'll even pick up some bits of sea life info, such as what a group of stingrays are called and maybe, given the Steve Irwin tragedy, more than you want to know about their deadly barbs. If you're new to the series, you'll also note that Jane's past experiences have sadly made her mega-efficient at how a facility can best host a police investigation, bewildered guests, and suspects, not to mention a death in the resort garden. Jane would rather not have that knowledge, thank you, and hopes to re-home Storyton's renowned book collection soon.

As to the murder, er, murders, how are they connected? As Jane talks to others, it becomes obvious that Justin St. James, he of the skull called Septimus, had many enemies. What do they all have in common? How does Jane fit into that pattern? How did he die anyway? Did he just keel over on the beach dune? If so, why no tracks? What does a torn out book page have to do with anything? Will the Finns, Jane's group of protectors and assistants, be able to figure it out? But what is the murdered resort worker's connection, if any? Why does Jane plan to send a thank you to someone after her encounter with Trent? How the heck is he connected? Why is Butterworth there?

And, why....oh, nope. Enough teasers. If you love mysteries, books, talking about books and authors, listening in as smart people figure out whodunit, and, well, even romance, this book is for you. Sadly, while Uncle Aloysus' actions near the end give me hope we'll hear more from Storyton Hall, this sounds like the end of a series. I'll miss it although the ending was a lovely, high point to end on. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me along for the ride. Glad Olivia was along, too.

This is the 9th installment in the Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane Steward and her fiancé Edwin Alcott are planning to go on a vacation but first on her walk she runs into Sam and learns a body was found by him not far from Storyton Hall. Jane and Edwin depart on their vacation and upon arrival at the Admiral Inn in Oyster Bay North Carolina, Jane discovers a skull in the bathroom shower with a chilling message on the mirror. What a way to start a vacation. It is learned from the manager of the Admiral that the previous occupant of the Book Lover’s Loft was an author (Justin St. James) and the skull is his and a prop. Jane meets the author after witnessing him in a heated argument with a woman (Heather also an author)and when she approaches him, he turns out to be obnoxious and later learns her friend Olivia is hosting him along with two other authors this week for a book signing. She also learns Olivia is not a fan as Justin St. James is known for taking real life stories about hero’s and switching the story up and he hurts the families in the process and Olivia’s husband (former Chief of Police in Oyster Bay) was one such person so Justin is not a popular person in Oyster Bay. When Edwin and Jane are on Olivia’s beach the next day they are shocked to find the dead body of Justin, but before Jane can investigate Edwin is struggling to get out of the ocean as he has stepped on a stingray and has been stung on both feet. She rushes to save Edwin and get him to the hospital. Fortunately, Edwin will be safe but before long another body this time an employee at the Admiral Inn is found dead in the garden outside Edwin and Jane’s loft at the Inn. What is going on. Initially both Olivia and Jane are suspects but soon a new suspect emerges and in custody which allows Edwin and Jane to head home. Upon her return to Storyton Hall she learns the body found by Sam is Alex Hoyt who is Justin St. James’s half-brother and she wonders what is the connection. Now Jane is deeply regretting doing another Halloween Ball and trying to keep track of all guests and visitors as a murderer arrives at the Hall. Was a very exciting and entertaining mystery which keeps you engaged the entire story. I really love all these characters and the romance of Olivia and Butterworth is great. This series is never dull and looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.

This is one of the best cozy mystery series out there. This one is another example of what a cozy should be. Plenty of characters to keep you guessing. Lots of suspense. Well developed plot and story. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

After reading several cozies recently with plot holes so big you could drive tractors through them, I'm struck anew by Ellery Adams' skill with plotting. Her books always have complex stories with enough characters to keep you guessing--and resolutions that make sense, don't feel too obvious, and yet don't leave a lot of loose ends and ambiguities.

I like that this book happens over two different settings--at the beach vacation and at Storyton Hall. I like that the romance storyline between Jane and Edward has finally reached its resolutions. And I'm happy to see the dissolution of the library making progress.

Uncle Aloysius and Aunt Octavia aren't a large presence in this one, and I miss them a bit. I found myself whispering, "Noooooo,"at Aloysius' actions at the almost-end of the book. I wonder what the future will hold.

The wedding at the end is totally fine, but because there's nothing left to resolve in the mystery part of the book, it feels kind of tacked on. That's a minor quibble, though. All in all, I'd like to get lost at Storyton Hall sometime!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a book lover, Virginia’s charming Storyton Hall might be of interest to you. The fictional resort features literary themed areas such as the Lewis Carroll court and hosts literary themed events for its guests.

Jane Steward and her fiancé Edwin are enjoying a well-deserved beach vacation in North Carolina where they find themselves involved in another murder investigation with ties that seem to point back to Storyton Hall.

What appeals to me in this series by Ellery Adams is more than the deeply connected characters of the Hall and the village, but also the rich history of the cherished resort and it’s secrets.

Step inside Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft for an enjoyable read of this murder mystery.

Love this book!! Another amazing book from one of my absolute favorite series! It was fun to see more of Olivia and see another side of Butterworth. I can’t wait for the next one!!

The latest in the Storyton series, this book has a bit of a crossover when Jane and Edmund take a holiday to Oyster Bay. I really loved this book and the mystery, as usual, was great. It seemed a bit like it might be the end of the series but I truly hope it’s not.

I am so satisfied and just a little sad, as I think this might be the last book in this lovely series. What a great cast 0f characters we have enjoyed spending time with over these nine books. However it appears as if our hardworking friend, proprietor of Storyton Hall, adventurer and finder of dead bodies, may have just had her fairy tale finale. After solving the murders, things begin to fall into place for Jane. Some projects that she has been working on appear to be complete. And she and her husband Edwin sparkle at the wedding of the year.
Ellery Adams always provides her readers with an enjoyable experience. Could it be that the next time we meet up it will be at the Library Bistro?

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC of Murder in the Book Lovers Loft.

I am charmed by each new entry in the Book Retreat Mysteries series by Ellery Adams because I like spending time with Jane, manager of the Storyton Hall literary-themed resort in Virginia, her beau Edwin, and her fun-loving twins. And I love exploring Storyton Hall's many delights, not to mention its stalwart employees who are like family to Jane. In Murder in the Book Lover's Loft, the story begins with Jane and Edwin taking a much-needed romantic vacation in seaside North Carolina, but their plans go unexpectedly awry when Edwin has a painful encounter with a stingray and when a dead body is discovered in the nearby woods.

Returning home a bit earlier than anticipated, they are immediately involved in plans for the resort's Halloween festivities, from a event with presentations by three authors to a lavish costume ball. One of the authors was a recent guest at the very bungalow Jane and Edwin occupied while in North Carolina, and left behind some unsettling items. Now it seems he is battling with the other two authors--until, of course, he is found dead. And the plots of his books may hold the key to why he was killed, although finding the murderer will be difficult because there are so many possible suspects.

What keeps me reading this series are the intricate plots, the engaging characters, the delightful detail and creativity of Storyton Hall, and the dashes of humor. This ninth book feels to me like the last in the series, but I hope I'm wrong. I look forward with pleasure to each Ellery Adams book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I love cozy mysteries and this one hit the spot. Another wonderful addition to the series. Great read.

#MurderintheBookLoversLoft #NetGalley is the 9th book in this wonderful series, and what a story it is!
Jane and her fiance Edwin set off for a much deserved vacation, but trouble seems to find them no matter where they are.
I loved how Ms.Adams blended the characters from a different series, this was a delightful twist that made this book even better.
I was glued to the pages reading this book, it was even better than I expected.
I'm always happy to recommend this series to others readers, as well as the other works by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

I love the Storyton series with Jane & her family. This 9th book is no exception. Jane & Edwin head out of town for time away, of course a body (or two) wind up & they are involved. I love that characters from another series are intertwined, making it even more enjoyable. I am hoping this series never ends!. Thank you to NetGalley, Ms Adams & Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this 9th installment in the Book Retreat Mysteries series. Storyton Hall and Jane Steward and her family and friends combine for what is one of my favorite mystery series, even though much of this book takes place at another location and with a main character in one of the author's other series.

A very enjoyable page turner nonetheless. My only gripe is the feeling of uncertainty after finishing this book.

Highly recommended, especially for those who enjoy book-related mysteries.

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft by Ellery Adams is book #9 in the Book Retreat series. This book has an interesting storyline. I liked the characters. Jane and Edwin are a lovely couple and I enjoy how they support each other. Jane does a great job of ferreting out clues to help solve the case. I have been binge reading this series. I have to say that I enjoyed the earlier books in the series more than the last couple. I read to escape and certain aspects in the later books, including this one, have taken away from the enjoyment for me.

Another good story in the series. Jane and her partner head to the outer banks for a vacation, and naturally she finds a body (actually 2 of them). A good story, with lots of clues and detective reasoning to follow. Enjoyed this one and would highly recommend.

small-business, small-town, gossip, North Carolina, vacation, famous-author, amateur-sleuth, murder, murder-investigation, engaged, threats, suspense, family, family-business, family-dynamics, twins, friends, pets, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, framed, bibliophilia, series*****

Before they even left for vacation, Jane and Edwin found a body in the woods at home at Storyton Hall. When they got to her friend's inn in South Carolina there was a fake skull in the shower and a threat on the bathroom mirror, both belonging to an author of particularly vile morality. The next body is of that same author but that is overshadowed by Edwin nearly facing almost the same fate as Steve Irwin. And that's just in the first third of the story! Now Jane AND her friend Olivia find themselves in the frame for the murder of the dishonorable author. And another murder! I love this series and this book is terrifically full of relatable characters and an intricate plot full of twists and red herrings!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the 9th book in the Book Retreat Mystery. I have read this series from the beginning. This one is as good as all the rest. Jane Steward is the main character. She is the caretaker of the Storyton Hall, a world famous resort catering to readers. The building is filled with books. The Stewart family serves as guardian of all the printed material. She was handed the mantle by her Uncle Aloysius and the Finns. butler, Mr. Butterworth, Head Librarian, Mr. Sinclair, chauffeur, Mr. Sterling and Head of Recreation, Mr. Lachlan who have been assigned to keep her safe. She lives at the resort with her twin sons, Fitzgerald (Fitz) and Hemingway (Hem) along with her partner Edwin Alcott. Her Uncle Aloysius and Aunt Octavia also lived there. They took Jane in when her parents died in a car accident.

Jane was in the attic with the current task of reviewing the inventory list to select several items to sell, donate or returned descendants of the original owner. Jane wants to give up her guardianship and empty the secret library but the process has been going slow.

Jane runs into sheriff Evans who tells her that Sam had found a body in the woods near the new cabin by the river. He is not local. She goes into the woods with Sam, the sheriff and the doc to see the body. The man has been dead for several days..

The town is getting ready for the costume All Hollow Ball. Before the ball Edwin and Jane are going away to Oyster Bay, North Carolina staying at The Admiral Inn in a bungalow called The Lover' Loft. The arrive there an are shown their bungalow. They find a skull in the shower with writing on the mirror of the bathroom. It had belonged to the author, Justin St. James who stayed there before them.

They were meeting their friend, Olivia Limoges who lives there as well as having dinner at her old restaurant now owned by Michel. They see a poster for Olivia's book store, Bayside Books for a Triple Thrills Event staring three authors, Justin St. James, Heather O'Grady and Winston Hall are giving a talk.

The next day after having dinner Edwin and Jane go to spend the day on Olivia's beach. While there with Olivia and Jane find a body in the dunes. It is Justin St, James. At the same time, Edwin is in the water swimming and calls for help. He has stepped on two stingrays and was having a reaction from their sting. She calls 911 and Edwin is taken to the hospital. In the meantime, Olivia calls the police about Justin St, James. She also tells Jane that while waiting for the police she finds a key chain from her resort buried in the sand near the body. Jane calls Butterworth.

This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of finding out who killed Justin and later, the body of Rachel who works at the Admiral Inn. There is so much going on in this story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy. There are two endings to this story. Who killed Justin St. James, Rachael Wilcox an employee at the Admiral Inn and Alex Hoyt, the man in their woods. The second ending is the wedding of Jane and Edwin. There were only the finns, the ladies from her book club, the Cover Girls and the story ends with their wonderful reception.

I look forward to the next book in the series and all that is ahead for Jane, Edwin and all the people living in the town and Storyton.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.

This cozy mystery is intriguing and suspenseful. This talented author has written a novel that is difficult to put down. Likable characters and red herrings work together to make a great book. I liked the setting as much as the characters. Wish it could be a real place. This book was sent to me electronically for review by Netgalley. Thanks to the publisher and the author.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy! I love that friendships between the characters; it made the book a lot better! The mystery was nice and cozy. An enjoyable read!