Murder in the Book Lover's Loft Mass market paperbound - 2023

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft by Ellery Adams is a delight to read. We journey back to Storyton Hall in Virginia where Jane Steward is getting ready to go on a vacation with her betrothed, Edwin. I would love to visit Storyton Hall. It is a resort for bibliophiles and writers (for anyone who loves and appreciates books). I thought Murder in the Book Lover's Loft was well-written with a great cast of characters. I have enjoyed getting to know Jane, Edwin, the twins, Aunt Octavia, Uncle Aloysius, the staff at Storyton Hall, and the Cover Girls. I like that the author tied this story in with her A Books by the Bay Mysteries which features Olivia Limoges and her canine companion, Captain Haviland (a black standard poodle). Jane and Edwin travel to Oyster Bay, North Carolina for a vacation and end up embroiled in a mystery. It is a well-plotted mystery. There are several suspects because the victim who is author Justin St. James was not a nice man. I had a good time following Jane as she questioned people and searched for clues. The costumed All Hallows' Ball was a great place to catch a killer. The Fins and the Cover Girls as well Sheriff Evans (loved his costume) and his deputies were there to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. I loved the ball with everyone in costume. It made for an entertaining and lively reveal. I like how all the various elements tied together. The last chapter will delight fans of the series. I finished Murder in the Book Lover's Loft with a smile on my face. I was sad that Jane felt the need to dispose of the treasures in the secret room (she has been doing this in the last couple of books). I can understand being afraid of people breaking in to get their hands on the special items hidden at Storyton Hall, but I do not if I could have let go of such unique items. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. I like that the author included Olivia Limoges and gave us a conclusion to her story. The woman certainly deserves to have a happy ending. Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the ninth A Book Retreat Mystery. It can be read as a standalone. However, I have enjoyed following Jane Steward on her journey since the beginning. It has allowed me to get to know her as well as the other characters and the secret of Storyton Hall. Murder in the Book Lover's Loft has friendships, family, books, murder, furbabies, food, romance, and fun. I sincerely hope that this is not the last book in A Book Retreat Mysteries because I will miss my yearly visits to Storyton Hall. Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is an entertaining tale with an odd death, a beach retreat, murdered author, playful puppies, fishy suspects, bookish costumes, and a startling reveal.