initially, the setting and the central characters seemded to be a bit much, but it grew on my. i now look forward to the rest of the series. ( )

Another book ruined by the narrator ( )

So many red herrings. So many literary references. ( )

KP - great ( )

Sometimes I run across books that, in spite of obvious points of diversion from my personal taste, I can't help reading anyway. This series is a perfect example.

The premise is both wonderful and cheesy as hell. Like 70's cheesy, but still really wonderful. The series centers around Storyton village and resort; a luxury resort centered around the love of reading. Wonderful. Jane Stewart is the manager and heir of the resort, as well as the Guardian of a super-secret repository of all. the. books. Or at least all the books, scrolls. manuscripts, clay tablets, that are priceless, rare. dangerous. This part is 50/50 wonderful/cheesy. The super-secret repository comes complete with a super-secret security force that has access to all the toys, and they guard against other, evil, super-secret organisations that want access to the library. Super-cheesy.

Still, I can't resist. The author's love of books is obvious and she casually title-drops interesting sounding books throughout the narrative. This book focused on books about books too, which is my personal weakness, so several titles have been added to my lists.

The mystery around this one was ... so-so. A very old skeleton was dug up during excavations on site and the only known copy of a controversial book is found with it. Then new murders start occurring. So far, so good. Unfortunately, the author made the murderer too obvious by overdoing the hiding in plain site chestnut. And then giving him a motive that is firmly in the cheesy camp.

I'm never in a rush to buy these, but when I'm in the mood for a between books palette cleanser, these work and I get to imagine how amazing an entire resort centered around books would be. ( )

If a picture is worth 1000 words a map included in a book must be worth 10,000, because it’s not only a picture but it has words as well. It gives a sense of place and of history to any book that includes them. Tolkien’s hand drawn map in the Hobbit introduced them to me many years ago and I still am inclined to give a book with a map an extra chance to draw me into it’s world.

I’ve enjoyed this series in the past having read the first 3 books a few years ago but it has an essential difference from other cozy small town mysteries. It almost seems like a fantasy spy series with the secret societies and the very nature of the Storyton Hall secrets. Most cozy novels are set in very mundane albeit sometimes exotic locations. At first I thought that action included in the series was a detriment but now I actually consider it to a positive.

I liked to see Jane spring into action to retrieve her kids after they have been kidnapped, and look forward to the next book in the series where it appears that Jane will travel to a Templar location to try and find out what’s happened to her lover and her best friends brother Edwin. ( )

Murder in the Locked Library is book #4 in the Book Retreat Mysteries. This is also the first book I have read in the series & by Ellery Adams. While I was able to read as a stand alone book without feeling lost, there were a few terms/etc that would have been of benefit from reading from the start of the series. I will be reading the other books in this series. ( )

3.5 stars (Rating shown may vary depending on whether the site allows half star ratings)

When you see the title "Murder in the Locked Library" you're probably thinking that a murder happens in a locked room and the investigators have to figure out how the killer got in or how the killer set up the murder--that's not really how the murder happens in this book though.

This is one of the cozy mysteries that I picked up at the library book sale--and it was actually one I was looking forward to reading. I have read at least one book from this series before, though I don't remember which one.

The idea reminds me a bit of The Librarian movies and The Librarians tv show but without the magic. In this case the "librarian" is called a Guardian and his/her goal (a her in this case) is to protect a secret library. And those in the role of what The Librarian series calls guardian are called Fins.

So, if Guardians have owl tattoos, does that mean Fins and/or Templars also have identifying tattoos? It seems a little careless that Jane would wear an outfit that could reveal her "secret identity" to anyone in the know, even if it was because a man dipped her at the end of a dance.

I like the literary theme(s) of the Book Retreat Mysteries and Storyton. It's nice to see a group of women (the Cover Girls) who enjoy books and book discussions as well as other book related activities. I like that this book discussed things about books (talepieces, how to set type, etc.) and the game at the conference sounds like it would be fun both to come up with a costume and to try to decipher what the costumes meant.

I think the author did a decent job of having several characters that could have had a motive. I wasn't very successful at solving the murder but that is usually the case for me, so your experience may differ. ( )

Jane Steward is the owner of Storyton Hall, and guardian of its secrets. The Hall is a retreat for the bookish crowd...professors, book collectors, experts and those who love to read. To make the experience even more sublime for guests, construction is starting on a spa. Guests will be pampered and spoiled. Plans come to a halt suddenly, however, when old bones are found by the construction crew excavating the new building site. And with the old bones is a small box containing a very damaged old book. The book is so damaged it's impossible to tell what it once was. Luckily a group of rare book experts are coming to Storyton Hall for a conference. Jane plans to show them the ruined book and ask if they can ascertain what title it was and why someone might have been buried on the grounds with it. When a guest at the conference drops dead just after revealing facts about the book, Jane realizes there might be more to the story than just a century old murder and a damaged book.

This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series that I have read. Murder in the Locked Library is the 4th book in the series. It wasn't necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy the story, but I would have understood the characters and the back story of Storyton Hall a bit better if I had read the earlier books first. The background story of the Hall is so creative and intriguing. I have definitely moved the series up on my tbr list to start reading ASAP. This book has a bit of the Indiana Jones/Librarians sort of feel to it (cozy mystery style, of course).

I liked Jane Steward as a main character. Her twin sons add some shenannigans and the other supporting characters are quirky and interesting in a way befitting the background theme. I think when I go back and start reading from the start of the series I will understand her and the other characters a bit better. I like the idea of Jane being guardian of the Hall and its secret book collection. It's a very unique premise for a cozy series. I liked the front cover art for this book. I could definitely sink into one of those chairs and relax with a book!

The story unfolded at a good pace with lots of suspects and interesting clues. The story definitely kept my interest the entire time! I am definitely backtracking to read the entire series, and am anxiously waiting new books in the series! I'm really never disappointed by any book by Ellery Adams. Her mystery novels are always great! Adams also writes the Books by the Bay and the Charmed Pie Shoppe series, plus The Secret Book & Scone Society.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

This is a series that had a grounded character to base a rather fantastical set-up around. Storeyton Hall is hosting both a wedding and a antiquarian book society this time around. This makes the finding of bones on the site of the new spa a bit inconvenient, but the book they discover with it, one that gets the book lovers involved, makes for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting, until someone ends up dead. Add Templers (yes, I'm serious), a Hall with secrets, and a kidnapping makes this a very full story. It could fly away without single mother and resort manager Jane to ground it all ( )

The fourth in the Book Retreat Mystery Series, a very old grave is uncovered on Storyton Hall grounds while a rare book conference is taking place there. Amazingly a book is found in a metal box along with the human remains. Is there a tie between that book and the murder of one of the rare book experts that examined the book?

The books in this series grow stronger as the series progresses and the author's book knowledge makes pleasurable reading for likeminded readers. ( )

It is pure delight to return to the setting of Storyton Hall in Virginia and especially with characters like Resort Manager and "Guardian" Jane Steward, Head Chef Mrs. Hubbard, and Muffet Cat to name only a few. The names of Jane's twins, the names of the stores in Storyton Village and the names of the rooms within Storyton Hall all add a special charm to this series. I also can't help but wish that I could step between the pages to view and taste Mrs. Hubbard's delicacies not only at daily tea time but especially at dessert time for the Pre-Raphaelite dinner dance and the transformation of the Madame Bovary Dining Room into a Victorian banquet hall.

It's also very exciting when the writing captures your interest to the degree that you feel like you're reading a page-turning thriller within the cozy mystery genre. With the preparations and then arrival of Rare Book Conference attendees, this mystery is filled with twists and turns. There were multiple developments that I tried to guess the outcome and all my guesses were incorrect. Disappointing to a mystery reader in one aspect but in some ways the intricate developments are then even more intriguing to the crescendo as Jane Steward and her fins solve the mysteries. ( )

Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams is the 4th book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. I have not read any and when I began to read this one, I realized that it is important to read the others in the series first. I was able to figure out what was going on but I have so many questions.

The protagonist, Jane is the guardian of a Secret Book Library. She is assisted in protecting this library by a group of people called Fins. (at this point I am not sure who they are). She is a single mother with twins. She runs a resort called Storyton Hall that is a retreat for book lovers. They hold teas, balls, conferences and give book lovers the opportunity of a lifetime. All the rooms, including the group rooms are literary themes. The mystery in this book involves a skeleton found during the digging for a new spa, a mystery book buried with the skeleton, the death of a rich book collector as well as repairing books for others, a hit and run and more.

The characters seem to be well known and developed, but as I have not read the other books, again, I feel I have missed a lot. The plot of this story had me turning pages to see how it would end and it was well-paced. Although there were many guests attending the conference, there were only a few suspects that were investigated. There were a lot of clues, although many I missed until the end of the story. There were also many twists and turns. I had no idea who the real culprit was. The reveal was climatic and leaves the reader with a lingering question that I hope will be solved in the next book. This was a well written cozy with a very different theme from others I have read. I will go back and read the first three books in the series and I recommend that you start and read these books in order. I am sure I would have given it a higher rating if I has done so. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Jane Steward of Storyton Hall is finally seeing one of the items that has been on her "wish list" get underway. The Walt Whitman Spa has finally broken ground, however, there is a complication - bones have been found in the ground and so construction is halted while an investigation is put in place. Archaeologists come to the "dig" and must determine if this is an old death or something that the police should look into.

In the meantime the retreat is hosting the Robert Harley Rare Book Society led by a man with severe superstitions but Jane has managed to keep him on an even keel, however, the construction issues throw a damper all around, things only get worse. Somehow the society leader is murdered in the locked library while Jane is sitting right next to him.

Fascinating writing, great mystery and wonderful how it all comes together in the end! Can't wait for the next one! ( )

Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams is the fourth tale in A Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane Steward is excited that the construction is beginning on the Walt Whitman Spa. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the next evening. After the digging begins, it looks like the festivities will have to be postponed. Bones were uncovered by the excavator along with a padlocked box and a farthing. Inside the box is the remains of a badly deteriorated book. It so happens that the Robert Harley Rare Book Society is attending a conference at the Storyton Hall and they are happy to help discern the books title. Bart Baylor identifies the book and then expires in the Henry James library. Jane, with the aid of her trusted, employees delves into the lives of the members of the Rare Book Society to pinpoint the culprit before the conference ends. How does the skeleton relate to Bart’s death? Jane is also worried about Edwin Alcott. There has been limited communication and the recent postcards people have been receiving seem unusually chatty (for Edwin). As the investigation into Bart’s murder heats up, her concerns about Edwin will have to take a backseat. Time is of the essence. They need to work quickly or something very precious could be lost.

I love the concept for A Book Retreat Mystery series. As a booklover, I would love to visit (let’s face it—live at) Storyton Hall. If you are new to the series, I suggest starting with Murder in the Mystery Suite. There is more to Storyton Hall than a beautiful book themed inn. Jane is the latest Guardian who safeguards a hidden library filled with priceless (and rare) books and manuscripts. Jane’s role and that of her staff (the Fins) is explained in the first book. Murder in the Locked Library is well-written, but it does have a slower pace. I did not mind the pace because the story drew me in from the very beginning. Storyton Hall with its beautiful book themed rooms were brought to life for me courtesy of the author’s descriptions. The characters are established and engaging. There is a cast of regular characters that include Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Butterworth, Hem and Fitz (Jane’s twin boys), and the Cover Girls (Jane’s friends which make up the female book club). I like the boys are portrayed as mischievous and curious. Jane loves them dearly, but she does get frustrated with them at times (which is realistic). I like how the three storylines come together in the end. The mystery was compelling and complex. I do wish, though, that it had been harder to identify the guilty party. Two little pieces of information gave it away to me (this is the only weak part of the book). The why did not become apparent until much later in the book. I am glad that the sheriff works with Jane and her group on the investigation. They have resources that are not available to the local police. At the end of Murder in the Locked Library, we get a glimpse of what will be happening in the next A Book Retreat Mystery (which I am eager to read). My rating for Murder in the Locked Library is 4.5 out of 5 stars. ( )

Murder In The Locked Library is the fourth book in the A Book Retreat Mystery series.

I love this series and have been a fan of Ellery Adams writing for a number of years. I am very happy that this series has found a new publisher and hope that there will be many more to come. I would say that this is best one in this series so far. Truly, a series for book lovers, what with all the different libraries at Storyton Hall and the very knowledgeable staff who are eager to serve their guests.

The one the thing that Jane Stewart has felt that Storyton Hall has needed is about to come to fruition, that being a spa, which will be named the Walt Whitman Spa. Heavy equipment is in place and excavation is about to begin and Jane’s twin sons, Hem and Fitz couldn’t be happier. They have front row seats to watch the earth mover jockey into position, lower its claw begin the excavation work. After just a few buckets or dirt are removed, Fitz and Hem get the equipment operators attention to stop digging as they have spotted a skull and some bones fall from the last load. Sheriff Evans shuts down the site and is able to get an anthropologist, Dr. Celia Wallace, to come and collect the remains of the unknown victim. Also found with the bones was a box containing a mysterious book that appeared to be a cookbook. From the book and a couple coins that were also found, Wallace feels that the body had been buried since the 1800’s.

The Robert Harley Rare Book Society is having their annual meeting at Storyton Hall, as the bones are being discovered. Jane enlists the help of Bart Baylor, leader of the society, to find more of the history of the book and hoping that it might provide information about the person whose bones had been found. When Baylor returns his finding, he is able to relay that it is indeed a cookbook whose recipes had tainted foods used that caused many deaths. He also reports that there had been a fire at the publisher and all the books had burned, but the author had received 5 copies. Baylor proceeds to put on a pair of latex gloves to tell more of the history of the book, he experiences severe breathing difficulties. Thinking that he was having a reaction to the gloves they administer an epi-pen, but to no avail.

Jane and her staff, Sinclair, Sterling, and Lachman must sort through what information they have learned who was buried at Storyton Hall and who wanted Baylor dead. When there is another death they are sure that these recent deaths are indeed related to the bones that had been dug up.

Ellery Adams is a wonderful storyteller and this is a well-plotted story with a believable cast of well-developed characters. I would love to live in the village of Storyton and be able to visit with the residents all the time.

I can’t wait for the next book in this exciting series. ( )